4 Secrets to A Flat Stomach

Do you want a flat stomach? I don't know a person who doesn't!
People spend millions, if not billions of dollars, each year in the quest for a flat stomach. Right now there are about 200 or more ab exercise devices out there. There's the ab do-it, the ab rock-it, the ab roller, the ab dolly, and so many more. You would think that with all of these amazing new products that most people would be walking around with that nice, lean mid-section they've always wanted. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
Most, if not all of these products, will do little or nothing to flatten your stomach. And that's because these exercise contraptions cannot eliminate the layer of fat that lies on top of your abs.
In order to be successful at thinning your waistline you must have a basic under standing of how the ab muscles function and how your body burns fat. The first thing that needs to be understood is the difference between fat and muscle. Fat is excess calories and is primarily stored in layers on top of muscle tissue. Muscle is made up of fibers that contract or shorten to produce movement. Fat cannot turn into muscle and muscle cannot turn into fat! However, you can lose muscle and you can gain fat. That's what happens to most people.
So if your goal is to thin your waist line and have a nice flat stomach, the first thing you need to do is decrease / eliminate the layers of fat that are on top of your abs. We all have a flat stomach; it's just some of oar's are covered by excess fat.
The most effective way of flattening your stomach is a combination of strength training (with a extra focus on mid-section), cardiovascular exercise (short, hard workouts), and stable blood sugar (keeps you from adding additional fat and makes it easier for the body to use body fat for fuel).
1. You must do some form of progressive strength training
The primary function of the ab muscle is to flex your torso forward. However, there are also muscles that flex your torso to the side and muscles that rotate your torso. Often times you see people on their ab roller every day doing hundreds of crunches or sit-ups.
If you want to effectively strengthen your stomach you need to incorporate the following types of exercises:
• 1-2 forward flexion exercises (crunch, sit-up, etc.)
• 1-2 side flexion exercises (side bends, side crunches, etc.)
• 1-2 rotational exercises (trunk rotations, standing twists, etc.)
The abs, are muscles just like any other and should be worked at most 3 times per week. You also want to make sure you are training them progressively, working them harder each time.
2. Use short, hard cardio workouts to increase metabolism
Cardio workouts are important because they CAN, if done correctly, increase your metabolism for 4-24 hours or more! This means you are less likely to store any excess calories as body fat because they are more likely to be used by your elevated metabolism. Plus, you are more likely to burn off some excess body fat.
Below is a sample interval workout that can be done with just about any activity (walking, bicycling, swimming, stair climbing, etc.).
Warm up at easy pace 2-5 minutes а Perform 30 seconds of hard work (almost as hard as possible) а perform 1 minute of moderate work (recovery time-catch breath)а Repeat this process 6-10 times а Cool down at an easy pace for 2-5 minutes
3. Stable blood sugar is the key
And most importantly, you must stabilize your blood sugar! This is by far the most important factor when it comes to burning away that excess body fat and keeping it off! To effectively stabilize your blood sugar you must feed your body frequently; like every 2-3 hours. The key is to give your body only what it needs at that time. Your body burns calories 24 hours a day, so, why would you only feed it once or twice a day? Give your body the fuel it needs: vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, whole grains, and lean proteins (chicken, fish, lean beef, eggs, etc.).
Many people are too hung up on how much fat is in food, or how healthy of a choice it is. Calories are calories and it doesn't matter where they come from. If there's extra… where's it going? Yup, you guessed it… body fat!
This is not to say that what you eat is not important because it is, it just doesn't have that much of an affect when it comes to fat loss. Try to make healthy choices whenever possible, but don't feel like if you eat a cheeseburger it is guaranteed to be stored as fat.
4. Get the help of a professional
Unfortunately, most people don't know enough about the human body, nutrition, or effective exercise to meet their health and fitness goals. Ask yourself this one question, "Am I happy with my current progress or condition?" If you're not, you should consider getting the help of a qualified personal fitness professional. Don't depend on the information you get from magazines or from your local gym/ health club. A qualified fitness professional can help you achieve your health and fitness goals, and in less time than you would imagine.
If you are serious about your health and fitness goals, and you are ready for that flat stomach, I recommend you start implementing the 4 strategies listed in this article. These 4 strategies can help you take control of your metabolism and burn off that excess body fat and having you looking and feeling great! If you would like to receive more information on how to lose those love handles please call me at 240-731-3724 or e-mail me at jesse@achieve-fitness.com

Take Control of Your Metabolism: Quick Tips for Increased Muscle Tone, Faster Fat Burning, and Energy Levels Like a 9 Year Old!

So many people are talking about how slow their metabolism is and why they need to start taking the latest diet supplement scam yet they don't even understand how the human metabolism works. So before I even go into how to speed yours up, I want to first go over some of the basics.
What is metabolism?
Although there are many scientific ways for me explain it, and I could make it seem really confusing like most of the so-called experts do, but I won't. I'm going to give you my extremely simple and easy to understand definition... metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories to sustain life
I should also note that your body, yes yours, burns calories 24 hours a day, everyday – regardless of whether or not you workout. Remember that your body needs energy all the time, even while you're asleep and that is why skipping meals is the absolute worst thing you can do if your goal is to lose weight (body fat).
Before we go any further let's talk about what affects metabolism...
What affects metabolism?
What do you think has the biggest impact on your metabolism? Activity levels? Your Thyroid? Age?
WRONG! WRONG! and WRONG! Activity levels, Thyroid function, and age do affect metabolism but not nearly as much as...
Any idea? It's muscle tissue! The more muscle you have the more calories you burn regardless of how active you are, how old you are, etc. It's live tissue and it's there working for you and burning calories 24 hours a day – each and every day!
Here's a list of some of the factors affecting metabolism in order of greatest impact to least: muscle tissue (you already know why this is on the top of the list) meal frequency (the longer you go between meals the more your metabolism slows down to conserve energy) activity level (important but doesn't make any difference if you don't match your eating to your expenditure) food choices (ex. low-fat diets tend to result in poor hormone production which leads to a slower metabolism) hydration (over 70% of bodily functions take place in water – not enough water causes all your systems to slow down and unnecessary stress) genetics (some people have higher metabolisms than others – you can't change genetics but you can still win the battle!) hormone production and function (think you have a slow thyroid? it's not likely – before you go blame it on the thyroid first stabilize your blood sugar and throw in some progressive exercise 2-3 times each week) stress (stress also can slow metabolism by placing extra stress and strain on numerous systems. plus, many people tend to overeat when "stressed out")
Why does it slow down?
How many times have you heard someone say, "as soon as you hit 30 your metabolism slows down"? Maybe you've said it. I know I hear it all the time and I got tired of hearing it so I did a little research and found that the metabolism does NOT slow down significantly due to aging but DOES due to a lack of muscle. And, you don't lose muscle quickly due to aging either but due to a decrease or lack of physical stress.
So, the major cause of a slowing metabolism is three fold... you lose muscle due to the lack of physical stress your body cannibalizes muscle when it needs energy but you won't supply any because you are "dieting" and skipping meals your activity levels tend to decrease as you get older
So now that we know the problem... what's the solution? Address those 3 issues! I've found through years of experience helping hundreds of people, that increasing your metabolism and getting rid of that excess body fat can often times be quite easy! Yet you'll hear of all these experts telling you how hard it is and why you need to buy their new diet program, supplement, or fitness contraption.
It's not that hard, it doesn't have to be confusing, and you don't need any of that crap! All you need is an understanding of how your body works and the willingness to make some small changes.
Here's my basic formula for jump starting your metabolism:
Step 1 - Stop the storage of new fat
It doesn't make any sense to start an exercise program if you just end up adding new fat later that day. This is a problem that is very common among people who start an exercise in an attempt to lose weight.
See the problem is this...
We don't get fat due to a lack of exercise – we get fat because we supply the body with more calories than it needs at a given time. So the solution has nothing to do with exercise – it's all about your eating! And I'm not saying you have to eat low-fat, super clean and healthy diet consisting of salad and tofu only. You can still eat the foods you like IF you can give the body just the amount it needs.
The key is to give the body the energy it needs, but just that amount and not a bunch extra because extra is extra is extra, it doesn't matter what it's from. Salad can be stored as fat, celery can be stored as fat – if it results in extra it can be stored as fat. I should also note that not all extra energy is stored in the fat cells and I will touch on that later.
So forget about trying to burn off any fat unless you can first stop storing new fat! Again, you do that by matching your eating to your activity level. This means small, balanced meals or snacks every 2-3 hours and the amount of calories in each feeding should depend on how active you are at that time of day.
Step 2 – Attack the existing fat
This requires a combination approach consisting of stable blood sugar/energy levels, and progressive cardiovascular/aerobic exercise and strength training.
We already talked about how important stable blood sugar and energy levels are and how to match your eating to your activity level so now I'd like to cover the exercise part of the equation.
In order for the exercise to even be worth your time you must be sure it's progressive. Just because you run on the treadmill for 30 minutes three times a week, that doesn't mean your body has to burn off that unwanted body fat! You have to force the body to make changes and improvements and the ONLY way to do that is to consistently provide a stimulus or stress that is greater than what the body is used to.
Here are some general guidelines on how you can make your exercise progressive and productive:
Strength training Change exercises frequently (every 2-4 weeks) Increase resistance Perform more reps Slower reps Advanced techniques
Cardiovascular training Increase speed/resistance Perform intervals Increase distance traveled Cross train by performing numerous activities
For more specific techniques please check out the all the great articles on metabolism and fitness in the free resources section of my website here: http://www.achieve-fitness.com/free_resources.htm
I should also say that it is extremely important that you have a well thought out and detailed plan to follow. You can't just say "ok, now I know what to do" and then try a little of this here and little of that there. You need a roadmap. If you are serious about achieving your weight loss and fitness goals I highly recommend you get the help of a professional. Whether that means one on one, personal fitness training or just a do-it-yourself fitness plan – your chances of success are much greater.
In closing, please remember, it doesn't have to be confusing. Hopefully this information has shown you how easy it can be if you know what you are doing. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how you can guarantee your fitness success, please visit my website http://www.achieve-fitness.com or you can give me a call at 240-731-3724. While your'e at my website be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter, Fitness Success News – it's full of great articles, tips, healthy recipes, contests, and more!

Forget All About That Calorie Counting Crap And Learn How To Lose Some Weight!

That's a pretty "in your face" statement, but really it's frustrating for me to see and hear all the different admonitions coming at me from sources I am not absolutely convinced have this whole thing nailed down tight.
For example, when I'm in the dressing room at the pool, I'll hear discussed all kinds of complicated systems involving a myriad of vitamins and health foods. Well, I guess some do have merit but, from what I hear, you'd need to be walking around with a calculator and a calorie counter; it's just so time consuming and so fussy, who can sustain that kind of diligence in checking everything they eat? And then I get to the checkout at the supermarket and just about every magazine front page shouts out the answer to all your diet problems. Somebody very good is taking those Oprah cover shots and picking the clothes "oh so carefully"!!
Anyway, that's my rant over; so what do I have to offer that's so much better? Well you can "chuck" the calorie counter and forget the calculator and get back to just applying some common sense. Now let's be honest here, do you really think you are going to benefit from eating French fries, potato chips, nachos, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, cheese burgers, etc.? (and what does "etc." mean, well just about any of the processed foods that are fried in their production).
In fact if we avoided pretty much ALL the processed foods, you wouldn't be far off a very good start to an effective diet plan that would yield lasting results.
But, and here's the bad news, you have to put in some exercise. It can be any activity that gets your body moving and your system turning over, but you have to do something more than just watch what you eat. So find something you will probably like doing because you want to feel inclined to do it more and more, not dread, or have to drag yourself to whatever it is. For example, if you like the golf idea go for that, and bear in mind that it seems to be true that when we get better at something we like to do it more, so if you fancy golf but are not yet very good, be patient and keep at it because as soon as you get better, it gets awfully easy to show up and play.
Naturally, for me, swimming is a great choice and just getting in there and swimming laps sets the slimming and slenderizing process in motion. I don't know anyone who has "thickened-up" by swimming. Ladies, want slimmer ankles? Get on down to the pool and do a little legs-only with the kickboard. It works!
So, as I said, try to find an activity that is going to lead to an increase in your participation. Heaven forbid, you might actually enjoy it!

What's In Your Dog Food?

According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be around 25 to 30 years, yet the average dog generally lives no longer than about 13 to 14 years.
She says that this deficit is due largely to poor nutrition.
For example, canned food is about 75 to 78 percent moisture, which leaves very little room for nutrition.
In addition to containing what is generally considered the bottom of the barrel ingredients in terms of nutritional density, most conventional dog food products contain especially large amounts of sodium to make them palatable, as well as
dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives, artificial colors and other potentially harmful ingredients. The carbohydrate ratio is too high in some dog food brands as well, eventually leading to obesity, which is increasingly becoming a serious problem with dogs.
In fact, obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing our dogs; it can cause unnecessary suffering and a shortened lifespan
Renowned research scientist Dr. Barry Sears believes that dog food should have about the same 30-30-40 ratio as the human Zone diet. This means a relatively small amount of carbohydrates. Not only do many dog food brands have a particulary large amount of carbohydrates, they are mostly grain based, which are exactly the ones the Zone diet tries to minimize.
Another problem, according to the USDA Agricultural service, is that mites often get into dog food pellets, which can cause a number of problems such as disease. They recommend keeping dog food cool and dry, and vacuuming in the places where the food is stored the food is stored a least once a week. In addition keep the are around the dish where the dog food is served clean.
Also, do not leave any dog food in your pet's bowl on warm, humid days.
It should be noted that harder working dogs require more protein and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working, their energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie
food or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food.
Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the veternary profession and is the author of several books inlcluding 'Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog' and 'Dr. Jane's Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog'. She has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine Companions for independence and has served as the President of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City.
To find out more about her holistic food and other dog food nutrition facts, go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/

Why We Do Not Sell Coral Calcium

Since coral calcium is one of he hottest products on the market for the treatment of arthritis you would think that a site that is called the Arthritis Store would sell it. So why don't we sell coral calcium. It is simple we care too much for our customers. We do not sell products just because we can make money from them. We can offer coral calcium for one fifth of what it sells for on the info-mercials. But the simple truth is it is a scam.
Coral Calcium is not the best Calcium.
Coral calcium is calcium carbonate, the most common type of calcium on the market. It is no different than any other calcium carbonate. It is not more bio available. To say so is a lie. It does not work any different, it does not adjust your body's pH any differently and to say so is just a lie.
Coral Calcium cannot cure or prevent over 200 types of diseases including arthritis.
This is a flat out lie. There has never been one study to support this claim, not about this type of calcium or any type. Yes there is much research to support that calcium is good for you and everyone probably should take a calcium supplement. But there is no research anywhere that shows it can cure disease.
Coral Calcium will not keep you young
You hear the sellers say that the people in Okinawa live to be older, in fact they say that the highest percentage of people in the world over 100 live there. What they do not tell you is that the people in Okinawa do not eat coral and that researchers attribute there long lives to their mainly fruit and vegetable diets. There have been hundreds of research studies on calcium and not one has ever suggested that it will make you live or look longer.
Coral Calcium may actually be bad for you.
It is true that coral calcium contains trace elements that other forms of calcium do not carry. Some of these may be good for you. But what the sellers do not tell you is that among these trace elements are cadium, aluminum, mercury, thallium, uranium, lead and other toxic metals. It is hard for your body to cleanse itself of these types of metals and even small amounts tend to accumulate and over time can cause health problems. Maybe this is why no living sea creature eats coral.
What is Coral Calcium good for?
Coral calcium is good for one thing, lining people's pockets. That is why the title for the article on coral calcium in the Berkley Wellness Letter is "How to Sell a 5ў Supplement for $1"
How to find a Good Calcium product
This is not to say anything negative about calcium. Calcium is something that almost all doctors, nutritionist and natural health practitioners agree on. We should all take a calcium supplement. It is good for our bones and our heart. Here are a few things to consider.
Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the two most bio available forms of calcium. This means that your body is able to absorb and use them
Do not pay too much. Do not buy into hype. Calcium is calcium. Just because it cost more does not mean it is better.
Some calcium's can be high in lead and other metals especially that from coral and bone meal. Check to see if it is certified as pure.
Vitamin D helps the body process calcium. This can come from your calcium supplement or from any other source.

Losing Weight Without Being Hungry

Many people associate weight loss with being hungry all the time. They're afraid to start a weight loss plan because they want to avoid the frustrations of hunger.
And yes, a lot of times for many people it's better to be overweight than to starve. I'm no exception. I really like to eat, so there's no way I would be constantly hungry for the sake being thin. What kind of life is it if you're always feeling hungry?
Our natural instinct tells us to eat when we are hungry. Hunger is a signal telling the body that it needs to eat. It is also a signal to the body that it is in danger, that it needs food now. Our self-preservation instinct makes us scarf down everything in sight in response to feelings of starvation.
Our body doesn't care that we live in the modern world where food is plentiful. It acts the same as it would if we were living in a wild, having to hunt for our food. And it is not wise to go against the instinct that is designed to protect us from starvation death.
So, get ready for a surprise: you do not have to be hungry in order to lose weight. On the contrary, eating regular meals and keeping yourself full is what will actually help you stick to your healthy eating plan and reach your goals. Keeping your hunger in check will help you avoid overeating. It will also prevent you from feeling miserable, frustrated and out of control.
Try eating 5-6 small frequent meals as opposed to three large ones. If you wait too long for a meal, by the time the food comes, you will be starving and will not be able to control yourself. Eating smaller meals more often helps keep you full, and lets you be in control.
Never skip meals. Some people think that by skipping breakfast or lunch they will save total calories, but the opposite happens. Because they go for too long without food, they end up compensating for it and then some later in the day. In addition, skipping meals slows down your metabolism, because your body feels like it's not getting enough food. So it activates its survival instinct and burns fewer calories.
Another trick is to eat slower. It takes our body around 20 minutes to realize that it's full. If you eat too fast, you will eat unnecessary calories while your body is determining whether it is still hungry. By the time it realizes that it's full, it is too late, since you've already eaten more than you needed. If you eat slowly, your brain will start sending signals to stop eating just in time.
So don't starve yourself in pursuit of weight loss. There's absolutely no need for it. Get used to the idea that losing weight does not require being hungry.
Losing weight in a healthy way does not involve starving or deprivation. That's why it is permanent -- if you lose weight in a healthy way, you're likely to keep it off for good.

Melanie Mendelson is one of those select few people who succeeded in losing weight and keeping it off. She lost 23 lbs and got down to her ideal weight, and she reveals all her weight loss secrets in her special guide. Visit Melanie's site at http://www.practical-weight-loss.com

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How You Can Support Your Immune System

Media coverage of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has incited fear among the American public, emptied Chinatowns all over North America and stopped much of the travel between the U.S., Toronto, Canada, China, Taiwan and southeast Asia. While SARS is an urgent concern for the World Health Organization, a larger worry on the horizon for the world health agency is the flu—the long awaited influenza pandemic.
The flu pandemic has historically occurred at 25-30 year intervals and its destruction has been cataclysmic. The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, for example, killed more than 40 million people worldwide (670,000 Americans alone). The most recent flu pandemic struck 35 years ago and killed more than 4 million people. SARS, by comparison, has caused less than one thousand deaths and is much less infectious. Dr. Klaus Stohr, the head of the influenza program at the World Health Organization who is also leading the agency's fight against SARS said in a Wall Street Journal interview, "We are not prepared for the devastation of a flu pandemic… SARS will be something to smile about," he said.
Regarding the likelihood of a major flu pandemic striking in the near future, Albert Osterhaus, a Dutch scientist involved in pandemic preparedness in Europe said in the same Wall Street article, "It's not a matter of if, but when, this will happen. I am far more scared of a flu pandemic than I am of SARS." The flu, SARS and other communicable diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis are the twenty-first century's major heath challenges.
Overcrowding and global travel have increased the risk of diseases spreading unchecked. However, the real threat lies in a virus's ability to undergo small changes or mutations that evade people's natural immunities or commercial vaccinations. Similarly, the widespread use of antibiotics in poultry and meat producing industries has enabled bacteria to become stronger and more resistant. According to some critics, even our current medical practices of over-prescribing antibiotics may contribute to the rise of "super-bugs"!
When these "new" microbes strike, they move quickly and wipe out victims, leaving a wide path of destruction. The West Nile and Ebola viruses, for example, both have at least a 90% mortality rate.
Don't panic. You can prevent or minimize your chance of contracting infectious diseases both at home or while traveling. Some of my recommendations are common sense:
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid touching your face
Eat well-cooked foods
Maintain a distance from someone who is sick
Avoid crowded and poor ventilated places
Sometimes you cannot help but travel on airplanes, meet with someone who may appear to be sick, eat out at a restaurant or be in a crowded place. Therefore you must make sure that your immune system is functioning at a peak level. This involves avoiding activities that would weaken or deplete your immune system and engage in immune strengthening and supporting actions. Below I have outlined a checklist of things to avoid:
Stress and negative emotions
Sleep deprivation
Overwork and over-exhaustion
Diet high in sugar, caffeine and refined products
Under or over-exercise
Frequent use of antibiotics, steroids or immuno-suppresant drugs
Many people who were exposed to SARS, Ebola, the West Nile virus or the flu virus never came down with the infection. The reason is simple: Their immune systems are much stronger and better equipped to fend off the viruses than those who came down with the illnesses. I have outlined below actions to strengthen your immune system:
Reduce stress and maintain equanimity
Get plenty of rest and sleep
Pace yourself at work and in your life
Eat a healthy diet consisting of high fiber, low fat and at least nine servings of vegetables and fruits each day
Moderate daily exercise including cardiovascular and light weight training
Avoid drugs and chemicals whenever possible
Take herbs and vitamins that have been shown to optimizing the immune system
Extensive studies of ways to strengthen the human defenses have been carried out for centuries in China, producing a wealth of knowledge on Chinese herbal medicine and its effect on the immune system. While there is currently no cure for SARS, the Chinese Government Health Authority recently released its recommendations for preventing SARS. These recommendations consist of Chinese herbal medicine formulations as prophylactic agents against SARS. They are herbs that have been found to contain anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and have immune boosting qualities. Some are effective in increasing the white blood cell production in your body (they are your defense troops), while others increase lymphocyte activities such as killing foreign invaders, etc. Fundamental principles of Chinese medicine are, of course, "Treating disease before its occurrence", and "Strengthen the defenses to prevent sickness."
The recommendations are listed below:
Lu Gen (reed root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), Chan Yi (cicada shell), Jiang Chan (silkworm), Bo He (peppermint), Gan Cao (licorice)
Cang Zhu (Chinese atractylodes rhizome), Bai Zhu (white atractylodes rhizome), Huang Qi (astragalus root), Fang Feng (siler root), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Sha Sheng (silver beech root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Guan Zhong (dryopteris root)
Guan Zhong (dryopteris root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), Da Qing Ye (Isatis leaf), Zi Su (perilla leaf), Ge gen (Kudzu root), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Cang Zhu (Chinese atractylodes rhizome), Pei Lan (ornamental orchid), Tai Zi Sheng (pseudostellaria root)
Persons whose jobs (health workers) or relations may bring them into contact with someone with potential SARS are advised to take the following formula:
Da Huang (Chinese rhubarb root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Chai Hu (bupleuri root), Huang Qing (skullcap root), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis root), Guan Zhong (dryopteris root), Cang Shu, Yi Yi Ren (Job's tears), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Fang Feng (siler root), Gan Cao (licorice)
We cannot rely on the government or a world health body to protect us from communicable diseases, nor should we. In a world grown ever more connected and fast-paced, the risks of disease transmission are greater with each passing day. However, individuals have the ability to protect themselves and loved ones by being proactive in ensuring optimal health and immune function. As frightening as the prospects of SARS and the flu pandemic are, we are far from being helpless. With the steps that I outlined above you can take minimize weakening your immune system and increase your immune functions. You do not have to be a sitting duck waiting for the inevitable to happen.

The Truth About Losing Fat On Your Stomach

Do you know anybody who does not wish to get rid of the fat on one particular area of their body? I have not met anybody like that!
"If I could only get rid of my big belly"! "Oh, I wish my thighs were slimmer"! Does it sound familiar?
Even skinny people are often unhappy with the excess fat in some areas of their body. We've all seen those skinny men with huge bellies!
This common problem is accompanied by a widespread belief that you can lose the fat on a "problem area" by exercising that particular area. Some people do hundreds of crunches in attempts to flatten their stomachs, others buy the "miracle" ab gadgets and bulky "hip slimming" machines from TV.
Were you about to call the 800 number to buy the "latest and greatest" ab roller?
Hold on to your hard-earned money!
The belief that you can lose fat on a specific part of your body by exercising that area is a myth! Targeting the "spots" of your body for fat loss is called "spot reducing", and it simply does not work.
Exercising certain areas of your body will strengthen the muscles there, but it will not remove the fat from them. Your newly developed muscles will be hidden under the layer of fat.
What about those heavily pitched creams, wraps and rubber belts that supposedly "melt the fat away"? Those are just plainly scams.
The creams and body wraps can temporarily give your skin smoother appearance, but they will do absolutely nothing for fat loss. All kinds of weight loss belts, pants and other clothing will make you sweat, thereby causing some loss of water weight which is mistaken by most people for fat loss. But they will not help you lose even one gram of the actual fat!
There is no way to tell your body where exactly it should lose its fat.
Each person's body has its own unique shape and fat distribution pattern. The places where the fat goes first are, unfortunately, where it comes off last. So the only way to lose that fat is by losing weight in general.
The only healthy permanent way to lose weight is by making lifestyle changes to incorporate healthy eating and increased activity. When you do that, the fat will come off everywhere on your body, including those "trouble spots". And yes, you will then have that body that you always dreamed of!
Melanie Mendelson
Author of "Practical Weight Loss"
A Guaranteed Way To Lose Fat For Good
CLICK HERE => http://www.practical-weight-loss.com

STAY HEALTHY AND YOUNG

Yes, it is possible for the people of all ages to keep themselves healthy, physically fit and young looking throughout their whole lives. Just take the following three steps and enjoy a healthy, happy and a long life.
1. Eat Balanced Food
It's OK to eat for taste or for fun and eat whatever you like most but only occasionally. Remember, if you develop bad eating habits then you would have to pay its price in the shape of bad health and illness. Hope you are wise enough not to play with your health.
Eat a wide variety of foods containing a good balance of carbohydrates, vitamins, food fiber and minerals, which are essential elements of a healthy diet. Eat simple and natural foods that are easily digestable and promote good health. Fruits, vegetables, green leaves, grains, whole grain breads, fish, poultry, low fat dairy products, honey, nuts etc. are good and nourishing food. Limit you intake of full-fat milk, full-fat yogurt, cheese, chocolate, ice cream, milk shakes, cakes, eggs, all kind of fried foods, red meat, sugar and salt.
2. Exercise Regularly
A simple way of living a healthy life is to exercise regularly. Regular exercise keeps your body in good shape, physically as well as mentally. It increases your stamina, builds and tones your muscles and energize your whole body. It also reduces the chances of having heart attacks, colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Engage yourself in some kind of regular exercise of your own choice; brisk walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, dancing, cycling, skiing, climbing, aerobics or yoga. These are good exercises. Choose one or more exercises which you like most. Do it regularly. Give top priority to your health. Put it in your agenda. Make it a part of your goal.
3. Get Rid of Negativity
If you are a person with negative approach to everything then nothing will work for you. Even eating the balanced diet and taking part in regular physical activity will not show any sign of recovery in your body if it is charged with negativity. Get rid of negative feelings about yourself and others. Think positive, feel positive, be friendly with positive people, read a lot of self improvement and motivational material and charge your body with positive currents. Depression, stress, tension and anxiety are the products of negative thinking about life and thus increases your chances of having a heart attack and other diseases like colon cancer, high blood pressure, indigestion problems, gastric troubles, body pains, headaches etc. Find the reasons of depression and try to address them through positive thinking and a sensible approach to day to day problems. Learn from your mistakes and try your best not to repeat them. Get rid of negativity and enjoy a healthy life!

To Hell In A Handbasket; Men Who Crash And Burn

What's up with men? Why do we push our bodies to extremes? Why do we so often ignore our body's signals that we're doing too much, going too fast, trying too hard? Why do we indulge in excess, and constantly exceed our" envelope of tolerance"?
A lot of us, it seems, are just too tough for our own good. A neighbor I talked with recently expressed this attitude after telling me about his chronic pain, stomach symptoms, and sleeplessness, "I'm just gonna keep on truckin'," he huffed. He wasn't going to change anything about his life, his habits, or his health - not really. He was going to suck it up, maybe have a few drinks, take it on the chin, pop a few pills, and just "keep on truckin". That was his master plan.
Since losing my father, aged 55, to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, I began to be more aware that most of us guys don't know the first thing about how to live. Don't get me wrong, we think we are bad to the fuckin' bone, just ask my dad. He was a bad-ass lawyer, never lost a case, he knew his shit, everybody loved him, or did nobody love him, whatever. The point is that most guys will tell you how fuckin' great they are at one thing or another, they might even pump iron just like my dad... real fuckin' cool, healthy as all shit... then we crash and burn. So when my neighbor recently told me about his butt-load of problems and that he was just gonna keep on truckin', I thought okay go for it, but I couldn't help but wonder where his truck was headed. Actually, to tell you the truth, I know where his truck is headed... he's headed straight to hell. I don't mean hell in a religious way. I mean there are two roads, literally. The road to health and the road to suffering and disease. My dad, my neighbor, and frankly most of us (nice biceps aside) are on the road to suffering and disease.
What I can tell you, for those of us who are interested in a better way, are that the road to disease is a well marked path and there are distinct signs and symptoms along the way. If we know a few things about the signs and symptoms, the early warning signs, and we practice staying in touch with our body, instead of ignoring it while we truck on, then we can stay off the road to disease and we can practice staying on the road to health. It's a matter of understanding that the road to disease is a three stage journey. In the beginning, it is easiest to ignore the signs and symptoms. As we progress further in this stressful and unhealthy direction however, our 'adaptive power' is increasingly depleted. Eventually we are faced with a full blown health crisis and we crash and burn. Why should we keep on truckin', all manly style, if we are simply headed toward a crash? How much better to understand the process of health and disease, the big picture, and take steps early on to prevent the otherwise inevitable crisis.
THE ROAD TO DISEASE: STAGE
When a man is young, he is generally full of "adaptive energy." This means that he has the energy he needs for coping with life, with stress, obstacles, setbacks, relationships, and just about whatever life throws at him. When we're younger, our adrenal glands are still strong and capable of pumping out loads of "cortisol" and other powerful anti-stress hormones. If we eat things we shouldn't, indulge in excesses we know are not healthy, it's pretty much okay, maybe not really, but it seems like it for the time being.
During stage I, stress hormones, like cortisol, can work wonders; they kill pain and neutralize inflammation, reinforce our personality, regulate glucose levels and energy production, and prevent dehydration. In short, our body produces anti-stress hormones to help us cope with any and all types of stress. As long as our adrenal glands can produce sufficient amounts (usually EXCESS amounts) of anti-stress hormones then we can "keep on truckin'" and faintly notice that anything is amiss. We're basically good to go, even when things are very wrong.
Did you know that most of us guys, yes, the vast majority of us, have a long history of blood sugar problems, chronic stress, sports injuries, nutritional deficiencies, chronic dehydration, sleep deprivation, accumulated toxins, even touch deprivation. Our nervous systems are shot, our muscles are too tight, our bones and joints are compressed and torqued, and most of us are holding huge amounts of tension and repressed pain from head to toe? We're so accustom to these things that we're actually IDENTIFIED with them, even defensive about letting it go. We've been this way so long, we don't know WHO we would be without it. This is how and who we are. Lucky for us the adrenal glands have always been there, pumping out (excess) cortisol, so in spite of our chronic problems, we can, like our neighbors and co-workers, keep on truckin.
THE ROAD TO DISEASE: STAGE II
Now for the bad news. The adrenal glands do get tired, and when they do, all hell breaks loose. If our life has been chronically stressful, and our body/mind has suffered a lot of neglect and abuse, our adrenals begin to falter. At this point, the tuff guy, who has always been, more or less "just fine," begins to experience symptoms he has never felt before. The neck and shoulder pain becomes worse, inflammations of all kinds (from the intestines to the skin) begin surfacing. We begin to lose energy and our personality weakens. The enthusiasm of youth that we remember having turns to depression, frustration, pain, violent and even suicidal thoughts. What happened to the guy who was once practically invulnerable? What happened to just enjoying life? We muster every ounce of energy we have left, but it's getting harder and harder to deny it - we're not what we used to be, we're crumbling and falling to pieces. We're more prone to infections. We feel old and tired and stiff. We throw our hands in the air, or pull the sheets over our head, or increase our self-medication. We wonder if anyone else can see through the remains of our persona.
A SINKING SHIP
When we were eighteen, if we hurt or stressed our body in one way or another, our adrenal glands would cover for us, recovery was quick, and we were back in the saddle again. This creates the impression that we are strong as an ox and pretty damn resilient. Pride enters the picture. Guys tell me that they used to be able to eat anything, a "cast iron stomach" or whatever. Now, one bite of the wrong thing and they have pain, indigestion, bloating and various reactions. There's a million variations on this theme. The common denominator though is that the adrenal glands and the body's adaptive reserves are becoming depleted. In the past, the same food, stress, or indulgence was definitely a problem, we just didn't feel the problem because all that wonderful cortisol would kill the pain, quall the inflammation, and life went on undisturbed. (Ah, the good ole' days.)
So why are millions of dudes going down the tubes? You might think that more of us would have wised-up by now, and some of us have. But, most of us are still pretty clueless, and our sad state of physical and mental health proves it. After too many years of unhealthy habits and chronic stress, our adrenals have been worked to the bone, and then, what seems like all of the sudden, they just can't cover our asses for us anymore with all that powerful anti-stress cortisol. Pretty soon it's the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back, and down we go, a sinking ship. Just like the Titanic, preventable as it was, we didn't even see it coming.
HYPERCORTISOLEMIA: CHRONIC STRESS
Did you know that if you run your system chronically dehydrated, cortisol can save your life? That's it's job. When you are not drinking enough water, cortisol makes your body retain salt and fluid so you don't die. Thanks to cortisol, we can be chronically dehydrated and not even feel thirsty. If I was stranded in the middle of a blazing hot desert with an empty canteen, I know I wouldn't want it any other way. And it's the same story with blood sugar. If our blood sugar is falling too low, cortisol raises it for us so we don't drift off into a coma behind the wheel of our new Hummer. This is cortisol's top priority, to save us from pain and death. Stranded in any survival situation without fuel, water, shelter, and a life threatening situation on our hands, it would be cortisol to the rescue. Whew!
Unfortunately, there is a catch. Millions and millions of men are "hypercortisolemic". This means that our daily lives are generally sufficiently stressful to keep our adrenal glands in chronic survival mode. And as powerful as cortisol is for helping us face the stress of life, cortisol is a "catabolic" hormone, and too much of it is a very bad thing.
Ever wonder why it's hard to build and keep muscle mass? Why your metabolism isn't where you'd like it? Why fat seems to accumulate around your waist? Why your immune system just isn't up to par? Why your skin and hair aren't looking so great either? Chalk it up to cortisol. This stuff is powerful. Just to keep you "truckin'" it will basically eat you alive, destroying muscles, bones, nerves, skin, immunity and whatever else it can get it hands on. Cortisol slows our metabolism so that we conserve energy, so we store energy as fat. So guess what? The truck is consuming itself just to keep on keeping on! This is where you should say, "Holy shit!" or at least swallow hard.
THE ROAD TO DISEASE: STAGE III
Doctor Ward Coleman, N.D.. Director of Men's Health at Four Mountains, Inc., says, "There's an epidemic of adrenal depletion among men today. The increased stress of life we have been experiencing since 9/11 is nothing less than a war on health. Guys are dropping like flies. They're losing their minds, their vigor and vitality. Even young men, teenagers, are manifesting symptoms typically associated with old age. We're really seeing an accelerated rate of wear and tear in all the body's systems. To turn this around, lifestyle intervention is critical. We need to get men thinking about and practicing a Wellness Lifestyle."
Even so, most of us guys don't want any health help, or feel that we don't need any, that is, until stage III, when our adrenals are finally exhausted. Until this point, we actually don't know the extent of our problem. The cortisol has kept us at least partially numb. We didn't pay attention to the early, subtle signs and symptoms of stage I. We did our best to deny and medicate the signs and symptoms of stage II. After all, we're not pussies, right? It's under control. We've got it together. There's no problem, got it! Well, yeah, I guess. However, one morning when cortisol levels don't climb as high as they used to (cortisol follows a circadian solar cycle) we have reached a depleted, exhausted condition. We're beat to hell, and all the symptoms come rushing home to Papa. This is the end of the road, man.
Finally, after years of screwing around and crossing the line, the chances may improve that a man will seek help. It's too bad we're not more keen on prevention, early intervention and general lifestyle modification sooner rather than later. But hey, we thought we were fine the way we were. We didn't even know we were beating our adrenals to death. We just didn't see the big picture, or understand "metabolic fitness." Maybe we took some crappy vitamins here and there, tried to avoid Big Macs and whatnot. But metabolic fitness? What the hell is that? Anyhow, now it's too late, our adrenals are toast, our body is atrophying, our mind is a gloomy place (albeit arrogant), and we don't sleep very well. We're basically fucked.
"Hold on partner! Don't write me off completely just yet. If you ask me, I'm not doin' that bad," he insists one last time. But seriously, the denial isn't quite as impenetrable as it used to be. In fact, if you catch him at a particularly painful or honest moment, he will go ahead and tell you that he is falling apart and he's maybe thinking about killing himself. He may even oscillate between saying he's great to being suicidal from one day to the next. But, he just can't cope with anything anymore. He's done. This is symptomatic of physiological exhaustion, stage III. This is also when the doctor offers up hid expert "hate to tell you buddy" diagnosis – heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, dementia or whatever, and/or some auto-immune disease. Impossible! The Titanic was supposed to be unsinkable! (Now do you take the big light orange one or the little whitish red one with the blue dot for this?)
SEEK HELP: FREE ONLINE HEALTH EDUCATION
So let's get to some good news for a change! It doesn't have to go down this way. It's not even that difficult of a situation to fix. So let's fix it! Just steer a little to the left, a little to the right, and sail straight past that huge iceberg. To do this, Coleman encourages men to start on a Wellness Program today, "We'd love to see all men on a good Wellness Program that addresses the key issues like hormone performance, prostate health, heart health, stress management, immune enhancement, and so forth. Our Male Renewal and Anti-Stress Program were designed to do this, and we've always had great success." Ask Coleman if a Wellness Program is really necessary for most men and you'll get a thundering yes, "If they want to be well they sure do! That's the point, men need to care about prevention sooner rather than later. It couldn't be simpler, order one of our Wellness Programs, or sign up for our FREE ONLINE HEALTH EDUCATION. You'll learn how to prevent illness and optimize aging."
According to Four Mountains, what most men need is a total lifestyle overhaul. So they've launched a FREE ONLINE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM that you can sign-up for by E-mailing fourmountains@earthlink.net and mentioning FREE HEALTH EDUCATION in the subject. "The education we provide men who sign up for our program is extensive, covering every area of body/mind and lifestyle. It's designed as a step-by-step educational process. Once a month men receive a Wellness Tool in their Inbox that teaches specific principles for optimizing health, stress reduction techniques, and tips for taking care of their organs, mental health, and advice for balancing their whole lifestyle," Coleman explains.
In the FREE ONLINE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM from Four Mountains, men receive lessons in things like "Pacing', "Your Liquid Foundation", "Dr. Sunshine & Nurse Darkness", "Inward Calm", "Slow Deep Breathing", "Space of the Heart", "Glycemic Regulation", Soft Eyes Half Smile", and many others. The entire e-mail curriculum encompasses more than 85 unique lessons and focus on teaching all the most important key principles of health and disease prevention. "If men will take these free lessons and begin to practice these techniques, and hopefully teach the information to their families, we would see a tremendous impact in our national wellbeing."
Coleman says they developed the FREE ONLINE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM because, to put it bluntly, he thinks men don't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting healthy or staying healthy without this information. "Stress kills," he says, "Pumping iron and taking vitamins willy-nilly won't cut it. This is a new day. It's not the eighties anymore. Men need to evolve their bodies, minds, and lifestyle. This is a holistic project, an evolution of health project. And it's really not optional, men need to be open to learning and growing. Join in or get left behind," is Coleman's attitude.
The point he makes is that the time has come for all men to be more receptive to so-called alternative health. Anyway, what alternative do we really have?

About The Author

FOUR MOUNTAINS, INC.
Clinical & Research Laboratory
Calabasas, CA
800/736-0904
fourmountains@earthlink.net

Four Mountains, Inc. was founded in 1992 as a clinical and research organization dedicated to synthesizing all available data in the fields of alternative medicine, disease prevention, wholistic mind/body health, and anti-aging technology. Their detailed study of the world's diverse healing traditions and extensive interdisciplinary research has yielded many unique insights and significant breakthroughs. Based on findings from the fields of Nutrition, Herbology, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Yoga, Psychology, Iridology, Chinese Medicine, Cosmetology and Spirituality. Four Mountains has pioneered new and comprehensive models of health, human potential and disease prevention.

Their contribution to human health and healing has been to continue and extend the work of many who have gone before, including: Albert Einstein, Neils Bohr, Dr. Hans Seyle, Dr. Royal Lee, Dr. Weston Price,

Dr. Robert Moore, Yogi Bhajan, Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr. Bernard Jensen, Dr. Paavo Airola, Dr. V.G. Rocine, Dr. Dick Versendaal, Dr. Carl Jung, Dr. Alfred Adler, Dr. Heinz Kohut, Theodore Milan, Dr. John Upledger, Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral, Dr. Mircea Eliade, Dr. Norman Sheldrake and many others to whom humanity is indebted.

Cross-referencing and synthesizing interdisciplinary sciences with their own clinical and laboratory studies, Four Mountains, has been able to formulate advanced systems and new models of human health, foremost of which are their phenomenal Wellness Programs™, and the innovation of their Wellness Tools™, the Wheel of Healing™, Telesomatics™ and Oshun SkinCare™.

Based on their expansive interdisciplinary research, breakthrough evolutionary discoveries, clinical successes and innovative contributions, Four Mountains, Inc. has established itself as a leader in their field.

Fish Oil and Possible Disease Prevention

Researchers working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center state that DPA and DHA, primary components of fish oil, provide substantial protection against coronary heart disease. This study involved more tha six thousand middle-aged men who had samples of their blood taken between 1973 and 1976. During the next seven years, 94 of these men had a heart attack or died suddenly due to heart disease. The 94 men were matched with 94 healthy men and the fatty acid profile of their blood samples compared. The researchers discovered that the 94 men with heart disease tended to have a higher serum level of the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid and stated that a high level of this acid increases the risk of CHD by 68 percent. Palmitic acid is the main saturated fatty acid in most diets. This acid is known to cause an increase in both total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol levels; the researchers, however, found that the detrimental effect of a high intake of palmitic acid persisted even after allowing for its cholesterol- increasing effect. The researchers also determined that men with a higher blood level of the Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid had an almost 50 percent lower risk of developing heart disease than did men with lower levels. Furthermore, the researchers found that men with CHD tended to have a higher serum level of Omega-6 fatty acids derived from linoleic acid. Fish oil seems to restore the balance.
Fish Oil may reduce heart attack fatalities by balancing certain electrical rhythms in the heart, thus preventing blood clots from forming. George Billman, professor of physiology at the Ohio State Univ., says that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil make the tissues in the muscles of the heart less susceptible to damage caused by a lack of blood flow. "It looks like omega-3 fatty acids protect against the changes induced by ischemia," said Billman. Billman, along with researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University Medical School, published the results of the study in a recent issue of the journal 'Circulation'. The omega-3 fatty acids in the study seemed to do the work of anti-arrhythmic drugs. This work was funded by the American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Barry Sears, a leading authority in the field of fish oil, drug delivery systems and dietary control of hormonal response, states that Research is increasingly emphasizing the broad benefits of high-grade fish oil.

Treating Chronic Mutational Hepatitis B with Chinese Medicine Vitalliver (Vigconic Suppositories)

Treating chronic mutational hepatitis B with Chinese medicine Vitalliver (Vigconic suppositories)
ZHANG GUAN HUA, LIANG CHAO, ZHENG WAN PIN
Chengdu University of TCM, Hepatitis Laboratory in the attached hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan, China
Research Method:
Quantitative determination by contrasting HBV-DNA of cases before and after the treatment.
Number of cases: 25 (n)
Case Selection: Between the age of 16 and 65, in accordance with the diagnosis standards pf chronic Hepatitis B, with negative e antigen and positive e antibody, HBV-DNA > 1Ч104 cp/mL.
Detection Method: All the blood samples are detected by Sichuan Clinical Detection Center; PCR-ELISA quantitative determination is used within detection range of 1Ч104 - 1Ч107-8, HBV-DNA, unit of measurement is cp/mL.
Direction Plan: one suppository provided by Vigconic (International) Ltd. Bid. The course of treatment is six months, the tracing observation after withdrawal lasts six months.
Observation index: HBV-DNA response after the treatment. Lasting HBV-DNA response (six months after withdrawal).
Criterion of Therapeutic Effect: If HBV-DNA volume 1Ч104 cp/mL: 4/25 (16%) Lasting response:
HBV-DNA volume 1Ч104 cp/mL: 2/25 (8%)
Among the results of lasting response, 16 blood serum samples are detected through fluorimetric quantitative determination PCR by the instruments of PE.USD, H-7700 in the second attached hospital of Guangzhou Medical College. The result is in accordance with that in Sichuan Clinical Testing Center. (8 cases among it < 1Ч102 cp/mL). The testing range of this testing method is 1Ч102 - 1Ч107-8 cp/mL.
Conclusion
The reason for the repeatedly abnormal liver function of Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) patients lies in the repeatedly duplication of HBV after infection, which leads to fibrosis of liver, then cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is commonly accepted that if CHB shows the transformation of HBeAg/Anti-HBe, HBV-DNA becoming negative, liver function returning to normal state, the disease is relieved. However, parts of patients with the transformation of HBeAg/Anti-HBe still remain positive in HBV-DNA and the pathological change in the liver continues. Because HBV-DNA occurs promoter mutation in the anterior C section (1896 necleoside G-A variation) or in the C section (1762 nucleoside T variation, 1764 G-A variation), HBeAg cannot come into being. Therefore, the HBeAg in the patient's blood cannot be detected, while the virus can keep on duplicating and fixing itself. Through sequential assay of nucleic acid, it proves that promoter mutation appears in 30%-60% of HBeAg negative Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) in the anterior C section or in the C section. In some provinces and cities of the People of China, the percentage of promoter mutation appears in HBeAg negative Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) in the anterior C section or in the C section is from 17.6% to 78.9%. Eight out of the 25 cases of our observation go through the sequential assay of nucleic acid carried out by the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong. It all proves to have HBV-DNA mutation. The chronic mutational Hepatitis B is infectious and apt to cause cirrhosis and liver cancer since the present medicines of antivirus and immuno-modulator do not produce the expected therapeutic effects.
Vitalliver suppository is made up from a formula of Chinese herbs, including Ginseng, Deer Horn, Cordyceps, Radix Astragali, Frudctus Cnidii, Semen Cuscutae, etc. The formula is mainly for strengthening the body resistant and primarily for reinforcing Kidney Qi, which produces good therapeutic effects in treating chronic mutational Hepatitis B. The mechanism is probably that through the regulating of immune system, the duplication of virus is inhibited and meanwhile the liver is protected, so it can produce a lasting therapeutic effect. No adverse reaction and severe accident happens during clinical observation, so it is safe for using. Vitalliver is bringing hopes to the treatment of chronic mutational Hepatitis B.
* The second stage of clinical trial would be carrying out by the Microbiology Department of the University of Hong Kong and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
For more information, please visit: http://www.vigconic.com
Or, contact:
William Yip cs@vigconic.com
5/F, Cheung Wah Building, Sheung Heung Rd,
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: 852-27656200
Fax: 852-27645314

Vitamins and Minerals Good or Bad

Hello again
Unfortunately, this is long email - probably the longest we have ever done, but after the critical report regarding vitamins and minerals from the Food Standards Agency that was printed in The Times, the newspaper has been doing a debate on the issue, as they were inundated with letters.
From our own point of view, a letter that was sent in by a Doctor really puts things into perspective and felt a need to share this and other points with you..
"As the senior partner in an NHS general practise, I am very disturbed at the recent publicising of information purporting to show the dangers of nutritional supplements.
I would like to point out that nutritional supplements are generally a great deal safer than prescribed drugs. Their dangers have been grossly and, I fear, wilfully exaggerated for commercial reasons.
There is overwhelming evidence that our current Western diet does not give us adequate nutrition and that we need to take active steps to protect ourselves from the damaging effects of environmental toxins.
Both of these major health problems can be significantly reduced by appropriate use of nutritional supplements, including minerals, vitamins and antioxidants."
- Dr Stephen Brooke, Swindon, Wiltshire
Well, we definitely agree with that, and let's face it, there were so many flaws with the report, that if like us, you read into things, we are sure you will agree that there does seem to be a hidden agenda for the large pharmaceuticals. But, if we are taking care of our own health, surely it would be better for the NHS?? Yet of course, they wouldn't earn as much in the drugs being prescribed - we know!
However, we thought you may like to see just a few (yes! Only some) research points and quotes on different nutrients that we have come across.
Evidence is constantly being provided by ongoing research, that Antioxidants may have an important role in the prevention of some of the most degenerative diseases in the world today, for example, arthritis, heart disease and cancer.
References: A Good Health Guide "The Antioxidants", R A Passwater, PhD, 1985. A Good Health Guide "The New Superantioxidant - Plus", R A Passwater, PhD, 1992. Getting To The Heart Of It, Bill Davison, G W P Davison Pty Ltd, Australia, 1987. Heart Disease, Stroke, Oral and Intravenous Chelation Therapy, Dr K W Donsbach, 1993.
"patients with Angina and those at risk of heart disease, should be given supplementary vitamin E at a level, far higher than what we get from our dietary intake." - Professor Morris Brown, Cambridge University, England
"we now have substantial evidence implicating Beta Carotene with low rates of breast and lung cancer as well as heart disease." - Dr Meyskens, Clinical Cancer Centre, University of California. Annual Conference of the Nutritional Society of Australia.
A clinical trial was conducted on men aged between 20-30 who smoked at least one pack of cigarettes per day. They were either given a placebo, or a vitamin c supplement in the form of ascorbic acid. After only one week there was a decrease of 81% in the blood-lead levels for those taking the nutritional supplement.
"in order to obtain identical results as supplements, one would have to consume up to 1.2kg of carrots per day. The reason for this, is that Beta Carotene is not always efficiently or consistently absorbed from food." - Dr Phillip Gaffney, Research conducted by Brisbane Hospital, Australia.
"In the future, we will not be able to rely any more on our premise that the consumption of a varied balanced diet will provide all the essential trace elements, because such a diet will be very difficult to obtain for millions of people." - As told to Congress in 1977 by Dr W Mertz, US Department of Agriculture.
"It is bad news to learn from our leading authorities that 99 percent of the American people are deficient in minerals, and that a marked deficiency in any one of the more important minerals actually results in disease. Any upset of the balance, any considerable lack of one or another element, no matter how microscopic the body requirement may be, and we sicken, suffer, and shorten our lives." - Sentate Document No.264 of the United States Congress, 2nd session, 1936.
An examination of data (from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by J Simon and E Hudes) which enrolled 4,213 children aged 6-16 and 15,365 adults aged 17 and over from 1988 to 1994, found a correlation between low serum vitamin C levels and elevated blood lead levels. These authors concluded that high vitamin C intake may reduce blood lead levels.
"Also the fact that many diseases can be cured by mineral intake, in itself demonstrates that mineral deficiency is a reality in a nutritious conscious world where disease is escalating out of control. The only "good diet" in reality, is one that "includes food supplements." - R R Barefoot & C J Reich, M.D., Authors of The Calcium Factor.
Breakthrough Antioxidant Research
"Vitamin E reduces heart attack risk by up to 75%." - Adelaide Sunday Mail, p144, 31 March 1996
"We know that vitamins are complex chemical substances which are indespensable to nutrition, and that each of them is of importance for the normal function of some special structure of the body. Disorder and disease result from any vitamin deficiency.
It is not commonly realised, however, that vitamins control the body's appropriation of minerals, and in the absence of minerals they have no function to perform. Lacking vitamins, the system can make some use of minerals; but lacking minerals, vitamins are useless." - Senate Document, No.264, 1936
"Vitamin E offers protection against diabetes". A new study published recently found that Vitamin E might protect against the development of type II diabetes.
"As an anti-inflammatory compound for arthritis, curcumin rivals cortisone. Long-term treatment of synthetic cortisone can be dangerous, with some of the side effects being: puffy face, fat redistribution from the limbs of the body, weight gain and insomnia." - Indian Journal of Medical Research, 1972, vol.60.
According to Duane Weed Vitamin E helps to increase the fluidity of the blood and is necessary for structural and functional maintenance of the skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle membranes. It also helps maintain Vitamin A and increase its storage in the body, and does the same for the mineral iron.
Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine, is necessary for protein metabolism. If you have an increased dietary intake of protein, then you require an increased intake of Vitamin B6. - Gillian Martlew ND
Exposure to chromium as a pollutant in the air and cigarette smoke appears to be more toxic than ingestion from food or supplements. - Shelly Silver, Biological sciences learning laboratory, NYC.
Anyway, enough of these. But you can no doubt understand why we are so against the proposed legislation's and would never be without these exceptional supplements that have changed our family's lives.
But even more importantly, we will be on the march in London on 15 June, to help ensure that we all still have the freedom to choose what supplements we wish to take. So if you can get there, please give your support. More Information at:
http://www.healthfreedommovement.com/
Diagnosed With High Grade Breast Cancer
We have also just received a story from a person that suffered breast cancer and could not resist including this, as this is just one of the many people who would not wish to be without alternative treatments rather than the conventional.
My name is Pam Mooney My story is very personal but I feel I must tell it to try and help others. I was diagnosed with high-grade breast cancer in January 2002 I need immediate surgery it was all ready in the adult stage
The dreaded letter came through my door the day after new years day I had to ring the breast clinic. We went the next day I thought every thing would be explained. But I was then on a fair ground ride I could not get off Three hours latter I came terrified devastated.
All I wanted then was a NHS waiting list to get my head around this nightmare but there never is one when you need it most, every thing was moving to fast. I could not get the answers to my questions with conventional medicine. I was told if they did not operate in the next few days it would be to late
I told the Drs I was looking at other routes like The Metabolic Therapy I was then given a map were I was going over the next 6 months by May I would be in palliative care and June my life would be over. I asked if I went down the conventional route would I live and my cancer gone I was told there were no guaranties but conventional medicine was the right way to go. My surgery was already being arranged
My husband and I went to see Dr Rex Johnson who was already treating me for osteoarthrtis which I had suffered for a number of years I needed new hip and toe joints my spine had a lot for degenerative disc problem, Rex had told me it would take 18 months to get right we were already into 9 months and I could see a big difference. I could walk a lot further with out pain.
Rex told us about The Metabolic Therapy gave lots of books to read which I did I research all I could, he recommended I saw the surgeon
Philip Day was talking in Bournemouth the following evening, we went along everything he said made sense. I was already on the Metabolic Therapy the day I saw Rex we had already rang and ordered it i wasted no time.
After the meeting with the surgeon my mind was made up I was staying on The Metabolic Therapy
How did I get in this mess well the years leading up to the diagnose of the cancer I was very acidic in and out of hospital 4 times with a ulcerated oesophagus and urinary tract infections spend the pervious two years on antibiotics.
HRT yes after a long battle with my Dr, being a horse lover I was against HRT but when told my degenerative bone disease would get worse if I did not go on it I agreed to the patch which I was told did not come from the urine of pregnant mares. I was never tested to see if I needed it I developed sever asthma and weight gain and eventually I had brown staining on my skin the HRT add ruin my liver, I was taken off it immediately. When attending both hospitals I was asked if on HRT I ask them why they wanted to know the reply " if you are you must b stop it immediate" I asked why" I did not get a answer.
Tamoxifen although my liver was in a bad state I would of been put on tamoxifen to control my oestrogen's levels as my cancer was oestrogen's fed.
Who was telling the truth about which was the best road to go down the Drs were telling the only way they know, I new there was another way I new how governments lied. I work for the Milk Marketing Broad Before BSE was given a name. I heard the farmers pleading to cull all the cattle affected; I listen to the ministry vets pleading for the destroyed cattle to be burned. But I know these cattle were milked, the milk going into the tank when these poor animals could hardly stand they were sent for slaughter and in the human food change. Credence seems to be the only people to be telling the truth and I was staying with The Metabolic Therapy.
An important factor: my cancer ran along were the wire of the bra was I was told it was a difficult place to treat but a common place to have it, why aren't women told this information.
Stress my middle name I had to learn to deal with this Rex was my coach.
My career a very busy Hairdresser pouring Sodium laruly Sulphate on my skin 13 times a day, surveys in four counties have found hairdresser come top of the list for breast cancer.
Negative people I could not cope with these so I put them behind a wall until I was strong enough to cope with them. I hurt some of these people I am sorry but it was the only way I could handle them.
Diet I put on a lot of weight with HRT Dairy products our very own Vicky Millward found my son's and myself were allergy to them years ago. Meat I was bought up by my grand parents who had a butcher shop and slaughterhouse, I thought animals look much nicer in the field than on my plate. I do now juice and grow and eat seeds
I have found one important factor in all this you must research every thing you are told and whichever road you take to address your cancer, you MUST step out of the world that caused it.
You have a wonder full company like Neways run by a family who focus on the latest medical technology and then blend with the very best of nature and then produces products that are safe.
It is now April 2003 I have just had some blood test done they are all clear.
I wish my dear friend Selma was a live, she had exactly the same cancer as me had the operation and all the nastiest. Selma died but well holding her hand near her end she said " There must be another way: her words have rang a bell in my head ever since. Inside of me all through this I have felt a present some one willing me down the holistic route I know it was Selma. Her route was awful a lot of pain and no quantity of life and leaving a 12-year-old son to grow up with out a mother
Yes there is another way I have proved it unfortunately the governments try to keep It hidden.
I after a lot of research I took the right route for me, I hope you ever have to choose
There are 884 cancer-causing chemicals out there in our every-day personal care products. I had no idea, but as soon as I was told I changed.
I have two very special people to thank.
The first Dr Rex Johnson he was my coach through all this my mind was a terrible mess there were trees to be fell things to face. I could not have the rich commodity of a negative mind. Thanks to Rex I have come out of this a much stronger person.
My husband always there for me though the angry moods the tears the depression and supporting me all the way, and of course the financial side I now am a rich commodity.
It's now May 2003 My blood and bone test are all clear I feel healthy now that I have felt for years.
My career now is full time with Neways building a business and helping others
I am so grateful we have Neways without they're wonderful products I would never have reach this stage with my health.
Also credence for their research and the metabolic therapy.
http://www.credence.org/
Neways provided me with the following to keep my immune system up Maximal Revenal Cascading Revanol Noni Cassie Tea Omega Three EFA Vitacell Prafree program Portectver
And of course a chemical free Bathroom products and the safe household products to clean my home. I just love the makeup and skin care range everyone comments on my skin I know it the products; I am a product of the products.
I thought cancer was going to be the biggest battle of my life, but trying to keep the vitamins and minerals l need to control my cancer have prove to be a nightmare. I have saved the NHS thousands of pounds in money in not going the conventional route. They have rewarded me by banning most of the vitamins and minerals I need. I have constantly been writing to Tony Blair and the health Minster who tell you nothing is banned yet. They obviously have now idea what is going on in there own country.
EU MP very sympathetic but he is only a figurehead with out any powers So this battle I cannot win without the help of all of you So I appeal to all of you please give up one Sunday of the year and march on the 15 June 2003. Lobby the Prime Minister because with out these minerals and vitamins my live will soon be over Cancer is a silent disease it does not show it self until is dangerous.
Thank-you for listening to my story..
Pam Mooney
Bere Regis
Well, we did say it was a long email, and sorry, but felt this had to be done, and please, please do pass this on to anyone you know and care about.
After all, whether it is someone suffering now, or maybe in the future, everyone should still have the right to choose for their future and that of their future generations. The nutrient situation is never going to get any better, only worse, as the soils get even more depleted over the years and we end up plagued by more and more chemicals - need we say any more?
Yes! Just remember the petition on 15 June in London. Support it if you can. The more people that rally, the better for all of mankind. But if you want more information on this go to: http://www.healthfreedommovement.com/
Take care.
Martin and Barbra
anewlife.co.uk

Great Summer Workouts: Just Add Water

With warm weather season now in full gear, exercisers want to take their workouts outside and breakout of their indoor fitness ruts. But, when temperatures reach record highs and humidity levels soar, traditional outdoor workouts become less appealing. So how can you stay cool while still enjoying outdoor physical activity? One word – water. Water exercises are the perfect way to workout under the sun without overheating. You can get a total body workout without even breaking a sweat!
And don't worry if you aren't a veteran swimmer. Aquatic workouts aren't limited to just swimming. There are many other forms of pool exercises. You don't even have to be a regular exerciser to try aquatic fitness. One of the great things about working out in the water is that even fitness novices can easily perform many of the moves.
It's also an excellent fitness choice for all ages, from the very young to seniors. Water exercise is a very good way to burn calories, improve your strength and flexibility, tone-up, improve your cardiovascular system, and just get more fit overall. And, the types of workouts are practically endless. Most land exercises can be modified and re-created in water. Other benefits include: lower injury risk less sweating works your entire body challenges your body in a very different way then it is accustom to refreshing way to workout water provides natural resistance so no equipment is needed can increase/decrease intensity (difficulty) simply by alternating between shallow and deep areas good low-impact exercise choice for pregnant women reduces joint compression and downward gravity pull (in other words – easier on the joints) even people who can't exercise on land can often exercise in the water excellent rehabilitation exercise for people recovering from an injury less stress on bones and muscles great option for people with arthritis
Plus, water workouts also provide a fun and more socially interactive exercise option. For example, parents can enjoy time at the pool with their children while also fitting in some of their weekly workout sessions. Aquatic aerobic classes also provide a social, group-setting alternative.
Still not convinced that an aquatic workout will challenge your body as well as some of the more common workouts like walking or jogging. Well, try some of the sample exercise below and you'll probably quickly change your mind. But, don't judge the workout solely on how high your heart rate gets. Keep in mind that swimmers generate a slightly lower heart rate when compared to cyclists and runners. This does not imply that they aren't working as hard. Experts equate the lower heart rate partially to the effect of immersion in a relatively cool environment. So, keep this in mind when determining your target heart rate, which may be 10 beats per minute lower when in the water. Also, don't make the mistake of assuming you are well hydrated just because your body is submerged in water. You still need to drink about Ѕ a cup of water about every 20 minutes of exercise.
Swim/Walk interval laps: Swim 1-2 laps (use any swim form you prefer: crawl, backstroke, etc). Walk 1-2 laps in the pool. Repeat sequence 4-6 times.
Water Squats: Stand in the water with feet about hip-width apart. Bend your knees slightly as you push your hips back as if you are sitting on a chair. Keep your knees behind your toes. Return to start position and repeat. The water provides extra resistance and makes this move more challenging.
Wave Jumps (for those with access to the ocean or a wave-simulator): Stand in knee-deep or less water. Each time a wave comes attempt to jump over it. Note: this is a more advanced move that requires good balance and strong swimming skills. Do not attempt this move unless you have experience swimming in waves.
Water Jogging: Can be done with the use of flotation devices where your feet don't touch the ground or the traditional way of actually jogging in the water.
For a more comprehensive list of water workouts and more detailed instructions for the above exercises, visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com/water.htm
Remember, you should always consult your physician before trying any new exercise programs.

Rejuvenation and the Protein Revolution

Rejuvenation and the Protein Revolution in Your Kitchen©2003 Marilyn Diamond
If you're like me, you want to see some serious rejuvenation when you look in the mirror. But you're not interested in Botox, chemical peels, micro-dermabrasion, lypo-suction, jaw and cheek implants and all the other pricey, temporary, somewhat invasive "solutions."
If you're like me, I'm sure you spend at least a few minutes everyday making sure you're getting your protein. Who isn't focused on protein these days?
There's a protein revolution going on. It's happening in the chic restaurants in Santa Monica, California, where diet revolutions take birth. Hollywood stars with the prettiest skin and most slender, taut-muscled bodies are into it. Celebrity chefs are racing to master it. And web commerce businesses that push it are thriving.
It's the rage in Boston, the buzz in Miami, and it's spreading like wildfire from San Diego to Wichita to Philadelphia, PA.
You may as well jump on the bandwagon. It's going to overtake everything else in the diet world in the months and years to come. Why wait?
Why not be the first in your group to look like you just came from one of those $25,000 health spa experiences that took twenty-five pounds and twenty-five years off your life?
If you're worn out from the struggle to lose those annoying bulges, this is your kind of revolution. If you want to go to the jean size you wore when you know you looked your best, now's the time.
All you have to do is eat sprouts for protein.
Sprouts for protein? Who ever heard of that?
It's not a fad, really. Before we had fire, we knew the value of sprouting grains, legumes and seeds. We knew instinctively that Nature had created them as potent nutritional bundles of health and energy. Without science at our disposal to tell us what we needed, we automatically germinated and sprouted these concentrated natural sources of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. We built our bodies on them.
Hung up on protein?
Amino acids are proteins in their most digestible form. Pound for pound, lentils and other sprouted beans give you as much protein as red meat, chicken or fish, with none of the fat, cholesterol, hormones, anti-biotics, and dangerous rendered feed residues found in animal proteins today.
Not to mention the cost.
The lentils and other beans you sprout in your kitchen cost just pennies per pound. Think about this next time you pull $10.00 out your wallet for a small package of skinless, boneless chicken breasts or fish fillets.
Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to rejuvenate?
Just this month, try something different. Grow fresh protein in your kitchen.
Simply purchase a pound of red or green lentils or mung beans. You'll find them in packages in your supermarket or in bulk in your favorite natural food store.
Measure out about a cup and soak them overnight in a covered container. Drain them in your colander and rinse them well to be sure you washed off all the natural inhibitors that keep them from sprouting until you need them to sprout. Now leave them right in the colander, on your kitchen counter, spreading them out a little so they don't clump together.
And watch what happens.
In only a few hours to just about a day, lentils and mung beans will start to grow little tails. As they begin to sprout, rinse them occasionally, and you'll see a miniature, kitchen garden of tiny, power-packed, living plants. When the tails are just barely visible, place the sprouts in an airtight container and store them in your fridge. They'll continue to sprout more slowly.
If rejuvenating weight loss is your goal, this is the clean, fat-free, practically instantly-absorbed protein you want for a beautiful body.
Now once, or twice a day, if you're motivated, add your sprouts to your salad. I say twice a day, because, like me, you may love this revolutionary high-protein, power-packed meal so much, you'll occasionally want it that often.
Not only for the slenderizing protein, but also for the abundance of vitamins and minerals, in readily available, economical form.
Here's how I make one of my REVOLUTIONARY HIGH PROTEIN SALADS:
I mix my dressing directly into a large salad bowl, using twice as much fine quality olive oil as lemon juice, and adding some coarse Celtic sea salt, whisking this mixture into a creamy slenderizing dressing.
Now I add plenty of ripe, sliced tomatoes and some chopped basil, mint and thyme. The tomatoes and herbs macerate while I prepare the rest of the salad. I finely chop my favorite greens – baby spinach, mesclun, baby lettuces, romaine, butter or Boston lettuce, so they absorb lots of the dressing. I thin-slice unpeeled cucumbers and radishes. They add the silicon and sulfur I need for healthy hair, skin and nails. Sometimes, I toss in lots of oil cured olives, high in protein and fatty acids, and low in salt.
Time to add the sprouts from my kitchen harvest, about Ѕ to one cup per person.
Time to toss and toss to insure my REVOLUTIONARY HIGH PROTEIN SALAD is really well blended and combined. It should be like a live chop suey. I serve an ample portion, and eat it slowly, chewing well to appreciate the textures and flavors of living protein for my living body.
Are you sick and tired of how the years take their toll on your health? Are you bored and frustrated with all the confusing and contradictory diet fads and trends? Would you enjoy having so much energy you practically never run out? How about having the confidence to know each time you sit down to the dinner table that you're preventing, rather than causing disease?
You can watch the pounds and decades literally melt from your body.
You can take a vacation from high fat and high cholesterol foods for protein, and avoid the dangerous microbes these contaminated food sources carry.
You can do it.
Thousands of people are already experiencing these results and benefits. The revolution is happening all around you.
Why wait to be a part of this positive, growing trend?

Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil -- Why Is It Different?

A flood of scientific evidence about fish oil points to a startling conclusion that taking high-dose fish oils, which are very rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, helps support a healthy heart, a healthy brain, a healthy immune system, healthy joint movement, healthy kidneys and much more.
Each grade of fish oil is distinguished from the other by its purity and concentration of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Crude fish oils are the least expensive and most will likely contain some levels of contaminants including PCBs, DDT and organic mercury.
When choosing a high dose fish oil remember that knowledge is power and not all fish oils are manufactured the same. Some fish oils may even be dangerous when taken in high doses.
With many choices of fish oil available, and with so many pro and con opinions written about each, it is easy to become confused. So when it comes time for you to choose a fish oil make sure you do your homework and choose wisely – your health depends on it.
When choosing a fish oil that you will be ingesting in high doses it is crucial that you choose one that is pure and free of contaminants, toxins, and mercury. How can you, the consumer, tell the difference?
Currently there are three grades of fish oil available on the market today: Cod Liver Oil Health-food grade fish oil, and Pharmaceutical-grade fish oil
Cod Liver Oil
Cod Liver Oil is the lowest quality fish oil and like the name implies it is manufactured from the livers of Cod fish. It has the lowest concentration of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and contains the highest levels of contaminants such as organic mercury, PCB's, and DDT. Cod Liver Oil may also contain a high level of Vitamin A.
Cod Liver Oil is not recommended for high dose consumption. A typical serving of Cod Liver Oil contains 500 mg. of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Health-food Grade Fish Oils
Most health-food grade fish oils are manufactured from fish body oils. Fish oils can be manufactured from a single fish species or from several fish species.
Fish size and their relative rank in the food chain can help us understand the level of contaminants that may be found in health-food grade fish oils. Small fish, such as sardines and anchovies, don’t live long so are less prone to accumulate environmental pollutants. Larger fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are predatory species that live longer so they could contain higher levels of pollutants. If the label says it comes from a particular species of fish, such as salmon, then you can be sure that it probably is health-food grade fish oil.
A slightly more purified type of health-food grade fish oil is available which includes oils that have been subjected to a limited amount of molecular distillation to remove some of the cholesterol. These types of fish oils are usually labeled as "cholesterol-free".
"Fish Oil Concentrate" is yet another type of health-food grade fish oil. Fish oil concentrates consist of ethyl esters of the fish oil that have been subjected to fractional cooling. The solidified saturated fats are removed leaving behind a more concentrated solution of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. A typical one-gram capsule of thermally fractionated health-food grade fish oil contains up to 500 mg. of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Typical health-food grade fish oils may contain varying amounts of contaminants. In addition, the fractional cooling method does not necessarily remove all the PCB’s or the long-chain monoene fatty acids that may give rise to gastric distress. Due to the varying amounts of contaminants that could still be contained in health-food grade, it is questionable as to whether it is safe at high levels. A typical one-gram capsule of health-food grade fish oil contains approximately 300 mg. of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Pharmaceutical-grade Fish Oil -- the newest generation of fish oil.
Pharmaceutical-grade fish oils start with thermally fractionated health-food grade fish oils. These oils are then distilled, using a highly complex refining technology, into fractions rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. According to manufacturers, it typically takes about 100 gallons of health-food grade fish oil to make one gallon of pharmaceutical-grade fish oil.
Individual fractions are then combined to provide a 2:1 ratio of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) for the finished fish oil product. Scientific studies conducted with pharmaceutical-grade fish oils that used a 2:1 ratio of EPA and DHA reported significant clinical benefits.
Pharmaceutical-grade fish oils are exceptionally low in long-chain monoenes, PCB's and other pollutants. Pharmaceutical-grade fish oils are believed to be the safest to take in high doses. A typical one-gram capsule of pharmaceutical-grade fish oil will have a minimum of 600 mg. of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Pharmaceutical-grade fish oils are a fairly new product and a good-quality source may be difficult to find. In addition, pharmaceutical-grade fish oils definitely cost more – sometimes twice as much. This increased cost is an outcome of the complex process used to remove impurities. Each step in the refining process adds additional production costs.
For instance, OmegaRx developed by Dr. Barry Sears and recommended in his book, The OmegaRx Zone – The Miracle of the New High Dose Fish Oil, starts with health food grade fish oil which then goes through nine additional steps to make it pharmaceutical grade quality. Pharmaceutical-grade fish oils generally taste better and the amount of long-chain monoenes, which cause gastric distress, are dramatically reduced.
For more information about where to purchase Dr. Barry Sears' OmegaRx Fish Oil Supplement, please visit http://www.fishoilzone.biz or http://www.omega3zone.biz or call To Your Health at 503-244-5941.

Signs That Rage Has Turned Into An Addiction

All addictions have symptoms, which allow us to recognize these problems as addictive diseases. The signs of addictive diseases are self-stimulation, compulsion, obsession, denial, withdrawal and craving syndrome, and unpredictable behavior. Like alcoholism or drug use, anger meets many of the criteria.
Self-Stimulation
For those who are rageaholics, expressing anger is self- stimulating. It triggers the compulsion for more anger. For example, let's pretend that we are going to provide treatment for alcoholics. On the way to the treatment center we stop and buy a case of beer. When we get to the meeting, we tell the alcoholics in therapy that they just need to do a lot of drinking to get it out of their system once and for all. This is similar to when therapist tell men with rage problems, "You just need to express yourself and get it out of your system." It is just as absurd. The more alcoholics drink, the more they want. The more ragers rage, the more they want to rage.
Compulsion
Anger addiction or "rageaholism" is the compulsive pursuit of a mood change by repeatedly engaging in episodes of rage despite adverse consequences. Rageaholics continue to rage compulsively without regard to the negative consequences. Compulsion or loss of control is the inability to stop expressing anger once we have begun. The inability to control angry words is a certain sign of rageaholism. Loss of control--that is addiction.
Obsession
Rageaholics are frequently preoccupied with resentment and fantasies of revenge. Those thoughts sometimes rise powerfully and allow no other thoughts to enter. The force of anger is sometimes irresistible and followed by action. Therefore, the preoccupation with the "wrongs" of others and revenge continually leads to rage. Progressively, these thoughts crowd out all others until our life becomes chronically revenge-oriented. At that point, anger controls our thoughts.
Denial
Denial keeps anger addicts trapped. It is the mental process by which we conclude that the addiction is not the problem; it's "them." Ignorance of addiction and the inability to examine ourselves, work together to keep rageaholics stuck. Knowing no other way to live, we deny that there is anything wrong with us. This system of denial ensures that the process of rage and righteous indignation will continue. Righteous indignation keeps our focus off of ourselves. This is why ragers seldom are able to say, "I am wrong."
Withdrawal and Craving
As with any addiction, anger has a detoxification period. Craving is high during this time. Those who abstain from name-calling, profanity and yelling during this period report more depression than usual for the first three months. Typically, during the first 90 days of abstinence, ragers feel vulnerable and spend a lot of time thinking and hoping for a situation that will allow us to use violence for some heroic purpose. Afterward, however, if we have achieved complete abstinence and maintained it for 90 days, we find we no longer think in profane or disparaging terms. It may even become shocking when we hear others do it.
Unpredictable Behavior
Another definition of alcoholism is that when an alcoholic drinks, there is no way to predict his or her behavior. He may drink appropriately from time to time, just as the rageaholic may express anger appropriately from time to time. However, when the alcoholic starts to drink alcohol, all bets are off. No one knows what is going to happen. When rageaholics start to express anger, no one knows where it is going to go. The most likely think is that they will explode, rant and rave. Rageaholics would like to learn how to express our anger appropriately just like alcoholics would like to learn how to drink appropriately. While there are some exceptions, I encourage those with rage problems to abstain from the expression of anger for one year.
This plan is only for that small percent of the population who have rage or violence problems. The approach described here is not for everyone; but for those addicted to rage, it won't work to express your anger.