Holy Station

Anti aging nutritional products are based on the knowledge that one of the basic foundation blocks of health and healthy aging is good nutrition. Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear news telling us that a poor diet can lead to overweight, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or any of a long list of other ailments. The way to good health, we are told, is to eat well and get lots of exercise. Eating well means getting lots of whole foods – fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts – and limiting animal fat, hydrogenated fats, salt, sugar, and environmental pollutants. Eating well means a healthy body, a body that is resistant to the damage and deterioration seen with age.

Paying such close attention to diet is a tall order for many people. Most of us are busy and preoccupied with other things: putting together three nutritious meals a day just isn’t an option. That’s where anti aging nutritional products come in for those of us who want to add an anti aging aspect to our healthy eating plan. Indeed, some of these products do add an extra boost to nutrition by combining a number of ingredients known to combat the aging process in one supplement.

Anti aging nutritional products often contain a high concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that mop up “free radicals” in the body, molecules produced during normal body functions that can cause cell damage and consequent aging. Knowledge about the role of free radicals in aging and disease processes, and about the protective nature of antioxidants, has blossomed in recent years. The main source of antioxidants in a normal diet has also been identified – fruits and vegetables and other plant products. Blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants. So does chocolate. A number of vitamins and minerals are antioxidants as well.

Of course, antioxidants are not the only things that anti aging nutritional products contain. As we age, our diets tend to become deficient in certain other nutrients that are important to good health, like Vitamin D, calcium, and other minerals. Lots of fiber is important as well, to aid digestion. Anything that contributes to good health contributes to an anti aging plan – the two things go hand in hand. And don’t forget to add regular exercise and activity to that anti aging plan – it’s very important to stay active. Anti aging nutritional products are only one part of a healthy lifestyle.

Adrenal fatigue syndrome is usually brought on by chronic physical, mental or emotional stress that causes the adrenal glands to overproduce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, ultimately resulting in down-regulation and exhaustion.

Misunderstood and ignored by traditional medical practitioners, adrenal fatigue was not an accepted term until Dr.Wilson wrote the book, Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, to bring this syndrome to the notice of the medical community.

Although traditional medical practitioners do not recognize it as a valid syndrome caused by chronic stress, herbal and alternative practitioners have a number of remedies to treat a range of non-specific symptoms and address the root cause of stress by helping our bodies adapt to stressful situations better.

Many of these herbs are adaptogens herbs, used to regulate endocrine hormones and the immune system and buffer the effects of stress by helping the body adapt to it better. They can down-regulate an over-functioning system or boost and stimulate an under-functioning one to help the body reach a balance. Here are some natural remedies commonly used to treat the symptoms of adrenal fatigue syndrome:

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

This herb is native to North America and known for its calming effects on the nervous and muscular-skeletal system. It was traditionally used by North American Indians as therapy for nervous tension, anxiety, convulsions, and adrenal fatigue symptoms. The flavonoids and amino acids in skullcap are thought to be responsible for its relaxant action.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

Also know as Golden Root or Roseroot, Rhodiola grows in cold regions of the world and has been used for centuries to cope with the cold climate and stressful life. It is an adaptogen and has been shown to boost physical and mental performance, and diminish fatigue.

Rhodiola is used to improve mood, alleviate depression. It works by regulating serotonin and dopamine levels and has an effect on the mood-regulating chemicals known as endorphins. In laboratory animals, it was shown to effectively prevent changes caused by stress such as those that affect appetite, physical activity, weight gain and the estrus cycle.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic practitioners in India. The root contains flavonoids and withanolides that help regulate physiological function in the hormonal and nervous system.

Ashwagandha can alleviate the effects of stress, boost memory and cognitive function as these are often impaired during adrenal fatigue and burnout. It has been used to combat fatigue, improve stamina, and enhance immune response and adrenal function.

Green tea

Green tea contains a substance known as L-theanine (gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid). This unique, neurologically-active amino acid is a relaxant and mood enhancer. It acts by creating a sense of relaxation created by the direct stimulation of alpha brain waves-a state achieved in meditation. It is also used by the body to manufacture the neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), that influences the levels of dopamine and serotonin.

Natural and herbal products that balance endocrine function and diminish the effects of stress help those recovering from adrenal burnout and fatigue. Taking a good supplement that contains a number of these herbs, and following a healthy lifestyle will help recover from adrenal fatigue and get you back on your feet again.

I’m no expert, simply someone who suffered with an injury to my rotator cuff and took a keen interest in it as a result. Understanding the injury was the first step to recovery. Having gone through this painful condition myself and made a full recovery it seemed sensible to write down my experience for others.

The rotator cuff is a band of four muscles that help to move and stabilise the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint but unlike the hip joint the socket is made up of cartilage rather than bone and the ball of the joint isn’t enclosed as it is in the hip joint but sits in a shallow socket, being held in place by the group of muscles that make up the rotator cuff.

This allows the shoulder to go through the wide range of movement that we enjoy but also leaves us open to one of the most common shoulder injuries which is rotator cuff syndrome.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome can effect any of these four muscles, either through general wear and tear as we get older or through a specific injury. In my case it was down to lifting badly and tearing one of the muscles.

Phosphorus supplement – how do you ensure that you include this humble mineral in your diet?

Phosphorus is essential for the structure and function of your body, phosphorus is also vital for communication between cells and for energy production.

It is found in most foods and deficiency is rare, but too much phosphorus can upset your mineral balance and decrease calcium levels.

How It Works

Phosphorus is needed for the production of energy from food and to activate the B-complex vitamins (also involved in energy production).

It is a component of genetic material, essential for growth and repair, and combines with calcium to form calcium phosphate, which makes teeth and bones rigid.

Phosphorus requires vitamin D and calcium in order to function and you need to have twice as much calcium as phosphorus for both to work properly.

Deficiency Symptoms

Deficiency of phosphorus will result in these symptoms:

Bone pain

Weak, soft bones

Twitching muscles

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Benefits of Phosphorus Supplements

Bone Health – Phosphorus is needed to maintain bone density, and an increased intake may shorten the time broken bones take to heal.

Energy Booster – Phosphorus is valued by athletes because it increases endurance and reduces tiredness.

Alcoholism – Phosphorus supplements are thought to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Heavy drinkers are usually deficient in phosphorus and may need to take supplement.

Kidney Stones – Kidney stones reduces the level of calcium in urine and may help to protect against the formation of kidney stones.

Phosphorus supplement is essential for the structure and efficiency of your body, phosphorus helps to boost energy levels and fight fatigue.

How to get phosphorus from your supplements?

Multimineral tablets usually include a low dose of phosphorus, despite the fact that deficiency is rare.

Antacids and alcohol may interfere with phosphorus levels, and pregnant or breastfeeding women may need slightly higher doses.

Precautions

Fizzy cola drinks may upset your calcium- phosphorus balance (they contain high amounts of phosphotic acid). Extra phosphorus should only be taken under medical supervision.

For more details about phosphorus supplement and where to get a good multimineral supplement, please visit the author’s website about best vitamin supplements and vitamin information.

Some people are allergic to horses. Depending on the type of allergy, this can result in various symptoms:

The weight loss journey can be long and hard and it can be harder when you are talking about fitness over 40. So you need a plan to help you succeed. Statistics will show you that every successful weight loss plan will include a good nutrition plan and a dedicated exercise plan. It sounds pretty simple, but if you just use those two elements weight loss will always seem to be just around the corner. Fortunately, I’ve found that there is more to it and what you need to add. Adding commitment to your plan is the underlying key to success. All of these things can be found in a good program, such as “Fit Over Forty” by Jon Benson.

Fitness over 40 is attainable with a solid plan and commitment to it. It’s a mind set, a life changing choice, and you will need motivation to change. It can be found in the Fit Over Forty program. Besides a great fitness plan you will also get motivation from people who have done amazing things. I know that one of the best ways to stay committed is to hear about great results from other people. People that you can relate to and gain confidence from by hearing and seeing that their own commitment paid off in amazing results. Now that you have a plan to start on your road to weight loss you first must pick your key elements and then a program to build around them.

Your diet and commitment to it is very important. If you are a woman over 40 you probably lead a busy life. So, start with exploring different diet and food choice options that will fit into your busy lifestyle and budget. Your diet must be able to accommodate you when you are out having fun and be easy to follow so that it is flexible enough for everyday. If you are the type of person that does not like salads, for example, then you must find a plan that does not include salad. Don’t include items you don’t really like and add more items you do to your diet plan. Eating what you enjoy will make it easier for you to stick to it.

I have found that at the end of the day the plan can be very simple, as long as you follow some basic rules. These rules must be incorporated into every plan for fitness over 40. The first rule is portion control. As the world ages portion control, quite frankly, has become out of control. Historical comparisons that look at normal food intake from the 1950′s and compare them to today, will show that on average, we all have increased our food intake and our portion sizes. The marketing concept of up-sizing at restaurants and fast food establishments may make us feel we are getting a bang for our buck, but it has put a stretch on our stomach and pounds on our hips.

Think about decreasing your portion sizes by 25% and in turn you will automatically decrease your calorie intake by 25%. If you are unsure about how to make those changes, utilize smaller plates and bowls. Use your own body to determine portion sizes, for example, when eating pasta, your portion size should be no larger than your own fist. A meat serving should be the size of your own palm. It’s not necessary to go out and purchase fancy scales. Weigh scales are helpful when you are always eating at home. But in the event that you are out, utilizing these simple eye tricks can help you in portion control.

The second basic rule is to keep a food diary. Food diaries that are done honestly will bring light to your “real” calorie intake. When I have taken a survey of dieters who have kept a journal, people time and time again are surprised at their total food intake on a daily basis. Try your own experiment and write down everything that you consume on a daily basis. Try it for 7 days and you will be guaranteed to be enlightened about your own calorie intake. Once you have a clear understanding of your intake, you will be able to row your own diet boat. It’s rowing your own boat that takes me to my next point.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. Exercise can bring us all instant thoughts of dread and defeat, I’ve heard it all: I can’t, I’m not an athlete, I don’t have time and the list goes on and on. Own your weight loss journey. To do that you need to pick a program that you can stick to and concentrate your exercise goals on such as Fit over Forty. If you have never exercised it can seem impossible to get off that couch and into a regular exercise routine. But you need to approach your exercise program the same as you would any other daily activity of living. All of us have routines that we do everyday, from washing the dishes, making our bed, or watching the evening news.

For fitness over 40 for to succeed, it needs to be the same with exercise. You MUST approach it as part of your daily routine. In order to make exercise a habit, you must make a commitment to 21 days of exercise. These days don’t have to all be in a row, but should be done fairly close together. This will make it part of your routine. It will be tough, but the pay off is well worth it. So, set up a calendar for exercise. You can even purchase stickers to help you stay focused. I know this may sound very basic, but committing to exercise should be basic and it is ofter the simple.

When I was starting on my exercise commitment I set up a regular calendar and star system. On Sundays, I would sit down with my calendar and look to the week ahead. I would pre-plan my exercise moments around my upcoming events. I would then schedule my exercise time the same way that I would set up a hair appointment. Pre-planning for the week ahead, allows you to find the time to make your exercise appointments. If you wait till that day, excuses and poor time management will push your exercise to the next day. The next day never seems to come and then you can not get to your 21 day goal. Then, every day that I fulfilled my exercise commitment, I would highlight it on my exercise calendar with a golden star. When your calendar becomes filled with those golden stars, you will have a natural high and sense of accomplishment. It is such a great feeling!

Another important thing to do is to reward yourself. In order to feel that you are not being deprived you have to do it. Whether it is with food or exercise, everyone must set up a reward system. Since I am a woman over forty myself, I rewarded myself with things that made me feel good about myself. So if you are like me, your system could be that once you have lost 5 pounds, you get a pedicure. Or, once you hit your 21 day exercise high, with your 21 golden stars, you could have a goal prize of a date night , or a new CD. You need to set your own rewards so that you can achieve and derive pleasure from them.

So by paying a lot of attention to picking the right diet plan and using the right exercise plan for who you are now, you will help yourself get to where you want to be. Using helpful little tricks along the way will ensure that you stay away from the landmines of weight loss and that you achieve the ultimate you. Start today and make your own commitment to your own plan for fitness over 40.