Vitamin B and Folic Acid Supplements Prevent Migraines

I hope you enjoy the article below about vitamin B supplements and migraines. If you need a great vitamin b supplement you can visit www.azaloe.com to order and get more information. Here is the article

Vitamin B and Folic Acid Supplements Prevent Migraines

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 by: David Gutierrez, staff writer
Key concepts: Migraine, Folic acid and Vitamin B
View on NaturalPedia: Migraine, Folic acid and Vitamin B

Increased intake of folic acid and other B vitamins may reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Genomics Research Center at Australia's Griffith University.

Migraine attacks are characterized by severe headaches, often accompanied by sensitivity to lights, sounds or smells; nausea; vomiting; and pins and needles sensations. Eighty percent of migraine patients suffer from at least one attack per month. Attacks can last up to 72 hours, and may be so debilitating that patients become unable to function.

Currently, migraines are treated with potent painkillers or anti-nausea drugs, with mixed results. Other treatments include antidepressants and beta-blockers, both of which carry the potential for severe and even dangerous side effects.

In the current study, researchers gave 50 migraine patients supplements of folic acid and vitamin B. According to researcher Lyn Griffiths, they observed "a drastic improvement in headache frequency, pain severity and associated disability for those treated."

The researchers suspected that B vitamins would prove effective because they are known to help regulate levels of the amino homocysteine. Genetic research has shown that a mutation or malfunction of the gene MTHFR results both in elevated homocysteine levels and an increase risk of migraine. High levels of homocysteine have also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The Griffith University team is now preparing to carry out a larger study to find out what doses work best for individual migraine patients, also taking into account any genetic predisposition to migraine that they might have.

Migraine is the most common neurological condition in the world, with approximately 6 to 15 percent of adult men suffering at least one attack per year and 14 to 35 percent of adult women. Between 12 and 28 percent of people will suffer at least one attack in their lifetime.

Sources for this story include: www.telegraph.co.uk.

Have a great day

Mike
www.azaloe.com

Fish Oil Supplements Boost Memory

Great article see www.azaloe.com for the best fish oil supplement on the market. Ask me for a free sample.

Fish Oil Supplements Boost Memory
DHA Supplements Help Stave Off 'Senior Moments'
By Charlene Laino
WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MDJuly 13, 2009 (Vienna, Austria) -- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may boost memory in healthy aging adults.

In a new study, people 55 and older with age-related memory complaints who took the fatty acid supplements for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory skills, compared with those who took a placebo.

"The benefit is roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger," says researcher Karin Yurko-Mauro, PhD, associate director of clinical research at Martek Biosciences Corporation.

But the supplements do not appear to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in people who already have mild to moderate symptoms of the disorder, a second study shows.

Both studies were presented at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.

DHA Boosts Memory
Previous studies have shown that people who eat a lot of fatty fish score better on memory tests and are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Animal research credited docosahexanoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that's abundant in fatty fish and algae.

But most people don't eat enough fish to reap DHA's benefits, Yurko-Mauro says. So she and colleagues put DHA supplements derived from algae to the test, pitting them against a placebo in 485 healthy people with an average age of 70.

Participants had mild memory complaints that often occur with age, such as forgetting names or appointments. They were randomly assigned to take supplements containing either 900 milligrams of DHA or placebo, once a day for six months.

At the start and end of the study, participants were given a memory test in which they were asked to look at patterns on a computer screen and later recall where each pattern was on the screen.

It's almost like playing a video game, Yurko-Mauro says. Everyone improves over time, as they become more familiar with the technique. But people who took DHA improved more.

At the start of the study, people in both groups made an average of about 13 out of 30 possible errors on the test. Afterward, those given the placebo made an average of 2.4 fewer errors. In contrast, those given DHA supplements made an average of 4.5 fewer errors.

Blood levels of DHA doubled over the course of the study in people taking the supplements, and the higher a person's DHA level, the better the score on the test.

The supplements didn't cause any serious side effects.

William Thies, PhD, chief medical and scientific officer at the Alzheimer's Association, says that pending future research confirming the findings, the Alzheimer's Association isn't ready to recommend that people take supplements to fend off age-related memory loss.

"But DHA is available, and people will make their own decisions," he tells WebMD

Easy Things You Can Do To Improve Your Health and Live Longer

Here is a great article about things you can do to improve your health and live longer. Many of the suggestions we can help you with since our products are the best antioxidants and health products on the market. Visit us at www.azaloe.com

Easy Things You Can Do To Improve Your Health and Live Longer
By Dr. Melanie Beingessner
By Sep 24 2007 - 5:15am

"The next century will be dominated by the concerns of the elderly" affirms Ken Minaker, MD., Chief of Geriatric Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School. By the year 2050, our average life expectancy is projected to be 82.6 years (up from today's average life expectancy of 72.1 years for men and 78.8 years for women.) The census bureau predicts that 3 million baby boomers will live to be 100 years old or more!

Statistically speaking, we are going to live longer than our grandparents did, but the key factor in is that those who are in good health will be able to enjoy those extra years. Here are a few suggestions on how to improve health and live longer.

1. EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN

Mental activity produces lasting changes in the brain – it creates more synapses or connections, which can help make the brain more resilient to stress. Activities such as crossword puzzles, bridge, chess and other card games can help to sharpen mental acuity.

2. EXERCISE YOUR BODY

Those who exercise more, live longer. A thorough exercise program includes the following:

Aerobic activity. A study of 19,000 participants showed that death rates fell in direct proportion to the number of calories that the participants burned each week. Aerobic physical fitness can be as easy as walking for 30 minutes, 4 times per week. Weight-bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, and gentle aerobics help to strengthen bones and to improve cardiovascular fitness.

Stretching. Stretching helps to maintain limber joints and muscles. One relatively easy way to improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength is T'ai Chi. T'ai Chi helps to improve strength, muscle tone, range of motion, flexibility, balance and coordination. In clinical trials, it has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and heart rate. T'ai Chi is for people of all ages and introductory classes are usually offered at community and recreation centres.

Muscle Strength. Your local gym is not just a place for body builders. A study done by Dr. Maria Fiatarone asked 10 chronically ill nursing home residents to lift weights 3 times a week over a 2-month period. The results were surprising: the participants' average walking speed nearly tripled and their balance improved by half. A weight lifting regime does not have to be complicated. A qualified weight lifting instructor could design a fitness regime to suit people of any age or activity level.

3. VISIT YOUR LOCAL CHIROPRACTOR

Chiropractic adjustments help to keep the spine flexible and the nervous system functioning at its highest potential. When vertebrae become fixed, they can put pressure on the nerves as they exit from the spine. Chiropractic adjustments help to relieve that pressure, which improves the communication between the brain and the body. With a better functioning nervous system, and a movable spine, chiropractic patients enjoy more vitality and energy. Adjustments are safe, and they feel great!

4. MAKE YOUR CALORIES COUNT

As we get older, our appetites tend to decrease. A diet based on low fat and high quality foods can help to reverse the effects of aging and to reduce high blood pressure. Try to include many fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet. Avoid processed and packaged foods as they contain more fat, more salt and less potassium than our bodies need.

One of the best ways to improve your energy level is to eat hemp hearts in the morning. Hemp hearts are shelled hemp seeds and they contain all of the essential protein and essential fats (the good kind!) that you need in a day. People who eat them with breakfast notice that they have much more energy and that they feel fabulous!

5. DRINK MORE WATER

It is important to drink eight glasses of water each day. This goal can be difficult for seniors to achieve because as we age, our thirst centres become slower to respond to the needs of the body. Seniors might not feel the urge to drink, even if their body is dehydrated. To remedy this, add an extra glass of water to your day, and SLOWLY (over a period of weeks) work up to at least three extra glasses of water per day.

If drinking water is difficult for you, try using a straw to reduce any gas or bloating that you might experience. You might try adding fresh lemon pieces to your water to improve the taste.

6. TAKE ANTIOXIDANTS

Jan Vijg is currently studying the affects of oxygen toxicity and aging. The oxygen that we breathe is a highly reactive element that can bond to almost anything. We can see the effects of oxidation in rusty metal parts, and just like with rusty metal, oxygen can have a detrimental effect inside our bodies. Oxygen toxicity can deactivate enzymes, change body proteins and compromise our DNA. Oxidative damage may be one of the major causes of the aging process, and it might cause cells to mutate, which can lead to cancer.

A study of Italian centenarians (people who are 100 years old or more) showed that they had elevated blood levels of antioxidants. An easy way to lower the risk of major diseases is to take a modest supplementation of antioxidants such as: vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium and grape seed extract. Be sure to consult a medical doctor or a chiropractor about what dosage is right for you.

7. DRINK GREEN TEA INSTEAD OF BLACK TEA

There are compounds in Japanese or Chinese Green Tea that help to fight cancer and to strengthen the immune system. It can be found in health food or grocery stores.

8. MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

The way that we adapt to the stresses in our lives can determine how long we live. People who manage their life stresses usually have a better functioning immune system, and are better able to cope in today's society. One way to help to relieve stress is to surround yourself with family and friends. A study of elderly heart attack patients found that people who had 2 or more close friends had twice the one-year survival rate of those who were alone.

Indeed, a person's collection of friends and family is as important as mental and physical fitness. A study by Lisa Berkman showed that people who have no close ties to family or friends are 3 times more likely to die over a nine-year period than people who have at least 1 source of social support. To increase your sense of well-being, call your friends and family, get out for a coffee and a chat, volunteer, or take a class at your local recreation centre.

9. GIVE BLOOD REGULARLY

By giving blood, we reduce the number of red blood cells in our bodies, and a reduction of the amount of iron in the body can reduce the amount of oxygen toxicity in the blood.4 Red blood cells contain iron, which carry oxygen to our cells and tissues. The problem is that we are not able to eliminate excess iron in our bodies. Pre-menopausal women do not have this problem because of their menstrual cycles. Men and post-menopausal women can retain too much iron in their bodies. By donating blood, the body is able to rid itself of excess iron and to make new and fresh red blood cells.

These nine suggestions are a way for anyone to maximize their health and longevity. By taking good care of our bodies, we all have a much greater chance of living a long and healthy life.

Author's Bio
Dr. Melanie Beingessner is a chiropractor, a breastfeeding counsellor, a certified infant massage instructor and the mother of three fabulous kids. She is the author of The Calm Baby Cookbook, written to help breastfeeding moms calm their fussy babies by changing their diets.

Dr. Melanie's website provides information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, ADD/ADHD, chiropractic, health and wellness at drmelaniebee.org

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Source URL: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Easy_Things_You_Can_Do_To_Improve_Your_Health_and_Live_Longer.html

Hope you enjoyed the article

www.azaloe.com

Mike

For Good Health: Take a Hike!

www.azaloe.com

This article was forwarded to me by Harry, my father in law. His website is www.aloeaz.com.

I decided to add it to the healingtouchaloe.blogspot.com blog.

A summary of the benefits from hiking mentioned in the article include

- Reducing bad LDL cholesterol
- Uphill hiking reduced triglyceride levels.
- Improved mental/emotional health, moods and self esteem
- Reducing depression
- Removing blood sugars
- Improving glucose tolerance.

I'm planning on doing hikes on Wednesday mornings at 5 AM for those of you interested in Phoenix area hikes go ahead and send me an e-mail at mike@azaloe.com

Bring water and an apple or banana to enjoy at the top. Also some FLP products that you might find handy on your hike are Fast Break bars, Aloe2Go, Aloe Sunscreen and Aloe Lips Chapstick.

You can get these at:
http://distrib.foreverliving.com/retail/EntryServlet?langID=en&storeID=USA&distribID=001002331898&categoryName=Drinks+R

Wholesale pricing is also available for those interested just ask me about it.

Here is the full article

For Good Health: Take a Hike!
Written By:John McKinney
http://www.miller-mccune.com/health/for-good-health-take-a-hike-796

From William Wordsworth's poetry to the Boy Scout hiking merit badge pamphlet, tramping through the countryside has long been considered a tonic for good health.

"Walk out the door and find good health. There is no fever that a 10-mile hike can't cure," suggests Garrison Keillor, the wry host of National Public Radio's Prairie Home Companion.

Millions of Americans who like to hike believe that hiking contributes to good physical and mental health. And yet, until recently, nearly all evidence offered for the benefits of taking a hike was anecdotal, and very little hiking-specific scientific research supported that belief.

In 2004, Austrian researchers announced the results of an intriguing study demonstrating that different types of hiking have different influences on the fats and sugars in the blood. For the study, one group hiked up a ski resort mountain in the Alps and descended by cable car, while the other group rode the cable car up and hiked down. After two months of hiking, the groups switched hiking programs and repeated the experiment.

As expected, hiking uphill proved to be a great workout and provided measurable health benefits. Unexpectedly, researchers from the Vorarlberg Institute for Vascular Investigation and Treatment discovered that hiking downhill also has unique benefits.

Both uphill and downhill hiking reduced LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Only hiking uphill reduced triglyceride levels. The study's surprise finding was that hiking downhill was nearly twice as effective as uphill hiking at removing blood sugars and improving glucose tolerance. A second study of uphill/downhill hiking was conducted this summer, but results have yet to be announced.

A study commissioned by Mind, a leading British mental health charity, suggests hiking contributes to improved mental and emotional health. Focusing on people affected by depression, researchers from the University of Essex compared the benefits of hiking a trail through the woods and around a lake in a nature park to walking in an indoor shopping center. The researchers found that the hikers realized far greater benefits than the mall walkers.

In fact, they found that taking a hike in the countryside reduces depression, whereas walking in a shopping center increases depression. Results from the 2007 study showed that 71 percent reported decreased levels of depression after hiking, while 22 percent of the participants felt their depression increased after walking through an indoor shopping center. Ninety percent reported their self-esteem increased after the nature hike, while 44 percent reported decreased self-esteem after walking around the shopping center. Eighty-eight percent of people reported improved mood after hiking, while 44.5 percent reported feeling in a worse mood after the shopping-center walk.

The American Hiking Society, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that promotes hiking, produces a widely circulated fact sheet, "Health Benefits of Hiking," that relies on studies, mostly of walking, made by the American Diabetes, American Heart and American Lung associations to make the case. Hiking-specific research is likely to be of more value in linking hiking and good health than the general "Exercise is Good for You" studies long used by AHS and other advocacy groups.

"Hiking for health is what we're all about, so we're glad the benefits are getting quantified," declared Tracy Roseboom, senior national campaign manager for Hike For Discovery, a program of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that offers its supporters in chapters nationwide an opportunity to take a hike while raising money for cancer research.

Participants train and take practice hikes in their home locales for 14 to 16 weeks before embarking on a marquee hike in a natural wonderland, such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite or Maui. Most hikers look at the training as a way to get fit for the once-in-a-lifetime hike, as well as for better overall health and fitness. Roseboom said the health benefits of hiking have been a key selling point for the program since it began in 2006.

Whether or not the latest research is influencing public opinion, hiking for health appears to be an idea whose time has come. The message is on cereal boxes and granola bar wrappers and a popular subject in Prevention, as well as women's and health magazines. Glamour.com and Self.com even feature a hiking-activities calculator. Enter your weight, duration of your hike, the kind of hiking you're doing (backpacking, climbing hills, etc.) and learn how many calories you blast on the trail. (There's also a good calculator here that also factors in weight, distance and elevation change for a better picture of the burn.)

And from the Devon Hiking Spa in Tucson, Ariz., to the New Life Hiking Spa in Killington, Vt., hiking spas are very popular these days with those who find combining hiking with all the usual health-resort activities makes for a stress-reducing, fitness-building holiday.

Roseboom said she's pleased by the new data that suggests hiking has health benefits beyond those of walking around the neighborhood, but the research doesn't surprise her. "I see hikers routinely make the connections between nature, themselves and good health," she said. "I'm glad the researchers are making the same connections."

Take Care

Mike
www.azaloe.com

More on Chia, great for diabetics, Omega 3's, complete protein

More on Chia

• Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) contain oil amounts varying between 32-39%, with the oil offering the highest known natural percentage of alpha-linolenic fatty acid (60-63%). Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid acting in the human body as a substratum for the transformation into EPA and DHA through the action of desaturation and elongation enzymes. The seeds also contain some omega-6 essential fatty acids and exhibit a favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of 3:2. Modern diets contain too few omega-3 fatty acids.

• The seeds possess 19-23% protein and the amino acids of chia protein have no limiting factors in the adult diet (i.e., they are a complete protein source having all of the essential amino acids in an appropriate balance). Chia seeds are also a good source of B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron, and copper. They also have demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. The most important antioxidants they provide are chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and flavanol glycosides. Since oxidation is significantly delayed, chia has great potential within the food industry when compared to other alpha-linolenic acid sources, such as flax seeds, which exhibit rapid decomposition due to a lack of antioxidants.

• The human body easily digests chia seeds. The seed's outer layer is rich in mucilloid soluble fiber (chia possesses 5% soluble fiber) and absorbs more than seven times its weight in water. When mixed with water or stomach juices, the seeds form a gel that creates a physical barrier between the carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down. The carbohydrates thereby are digested and converted into glucose (blood sugar) at a slow, uniform rate. There is no insulin surge or spike needed to lower the blood sugar level. The water-retaining capacity of the gel also maintains bodily hydration (i.e., helping level out water intake) and electrolyte balance.

Get some
http://distrib.foreverliving.com/retail/EntryServlet?langID=en&storeID=USA&distribID=001002326793&categoryName=Nutrition+R

And FLP adds Ginseng to give you an extra boost of energy.

Take Care, Mike
www.azaloe.com

Home made hand sanitizer recipe

www.azaloe.com

100% pure aloe vera gel 1 cup, 2 teaspoons witch hazel, 3 to 4 drops each Tea Tree and Peppermint Oil, mix and enjoy

If you have FLP products on hand then the MSM Gel has the Tea Tree Oil in it and you could use that in place of the aloe vera gel, since the primary ingredient in the MSM Gel is pure stabilized Aloe Vera.

If you don't have FLP products on hand then visit my website at www.azaloe.com and get some. The Aloe first spray is also a great addition to help soothe, sanitize and nourish your skin.

Take care and Bee (bzzz) well

Mike

Multi Maca - A Good boost

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Forever Living products has many clever youtube videos out there. One of the most funny ones is the Multi Maca video. Go to youtube.com and type Forever Multi Maca and you will see what I mean.

The results from the video are for real. I have used the product with great results.

Here is more information on Multi Maca

• Known as the sex herb of the Incas
• May promote libido, stamina and energy

Maca, also known as Lepidium Meyenii, is an annual plant that is cultivated in the Peruvian central highlands. The edible root, which resembles a radish, is a staple food for the local population.

Maca has been highly revered for over 2,000 years in Peru. According to legend, the Incan warriors ate Maca for strength and endurance before going to battle. The Spanish Conquistadors called it the "sex herb of the Incas." Today it is known as Peruvian Ginseng. Modern studies suggest that Maca may promote libido, sexual potency and energy.

Women in South America have also used Maca for thousands of years to help maintain their stamina, prevent fatigue and reduce the effects of stress on their body. Peruvian women begin using Maca at age 3, and remain strong, fertile and productive, and have immense stamina well into their later life. Maca may increase a woman's libido, and should be taken daily for best results.

The nutritional value of dried Maca root is high, similar to cereal grains such as rice and wheat. It contains 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% fiber, and 2.2% lipids. Maca's reported beneficial effects for sexual function could be due to its high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients. Much of Maca's protein content is in the form of amino acids, which are required for many functions in the body, including sexual and fertility functions. They also are required in the manufacturing of substances that transmit signals in the nervous system and play a major role in the process of sexual arousal and physical performance during sex. The main amino acids that these substances require include phenylalanine, tyrosine, and histidine – all three of which are found in significant amounts in Maca. Maca also contains another amino acid, arginine, which may play a role in supporting male fertility and activity.

Forever Multi-Maca combines legendary Peruvian Maca with other powerful herbs and select ingredients, to create one of the finest supplements of its kind!

Take care and bee (buzz) well
Mike

www.azaloe.com