Fact or Fiction: Does Glucosamine Relieve Joint Pain?

Glucosamine is now one of the top-selling dietary supplements in the United States. It is used by many older adults at risk for or suffering from osteoarthritis, a population that is exploding as baby boomers now enter their 50s and 60s, and as our expanding waistlines put more long-term pressure on our knees and hips. Glucosamine is used to treat joint pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis. It is usually packaged by itself...

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Could Melatonin Relieve Pain?

What Is Melatonin? Melatonin is naturally produced in the brain from tryptophan but can also be found in dietary sources such as tart cherry juice, tomatoes, grape skins and the seeds from fennel, celery, poppy and sunflower. Although dietary sources may not contain the dosage similar to the synthetic version, the natural hormone may act as an antioxidant protecting against free-radical damage. Have you ever been in pain? Chances are you’re...

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Top 3 Bogus Fad Diets

Before you spend any money on a fad diet, read this first. Because your fad diet may be making you fat. It’s time to retire three bogus fad diets, which not only do not work, but can also be quite dangerous if followed for too long. Studies consistently show that the vast majority of weight lost–particularly on fad diets– is regained. Why? For one thing, to cope with an ultra-low calorie diet, your body goes into starvation mode and down-shifts...

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Slow Carb Diet Tips

Slow-carb diet is the new craze, but is it crazy? The short answer is no. If you’re a veteran of low-carb dieting who’s won the short-term weight loss battle but lost the long-term weight maintenance war, the so-called “slow carb” lifestyle may be a strategy worth considering. The slow-carb diet is based on the fact that not all carbs are created equal. Some have a low glycemic index, meaning they have a modest effect on blood sugar...

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The Psychology of Procrastination

We’re all familiar with the scenario: a deadline for a big project is looming, but rather than tackling the job head-on we procrastinate. We’ll do anything, from watching television to cleaning, to avoid starting the “big project.”  This avoidance causes other emotions such as guilt and anxiety. Procrastination is a common problem, and experts believe that there’s more to it than just laziness or a poor work ethic. It is widely believed...

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How to Choose the Best Light Therapy Box

Mother nature shuts off the lights earlier in winter and for millions of people darker days bring a bout of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you’re experiencing the blues this winter, it might be time to get a dose of sunshine from light therapy. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, between 50 and 80 percent of people using light therapy to treat SAD experience complete recovery from symptoms. Read...

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Heart Healthy Eating 101

You know that eating healthy is important for your heart, but what exactly does it mean to follow a “heart-healthy diet”?  It certainly doesn’t mean you have to compromise taste, quit your favorite foods, or starve. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) compiled some basic guidelines to help Americans improve their health and lower their risk of heart disease.  A plan entitled, the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC...

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Blood Pressure Numbers: What Do They Mean?

On a recent beautiful morning while I was taking my two-mile power walk, I was surprised when one of my companions asked, “What’s the story with those blood pressure numbers, what do they mean?” And, in fact, the other walker chimed in that it was a mystery to her as well. Those are hugely important numbers, I explained, because when they’re consistently too high (hypertension), the result can be a stroke, a heart attack, kidney failure...

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Can You Fight Cancer with Fruits and Veggies?

Most people think a diet high in fruits and vegetables will prevent them from getting cancer. However a recent review of the research indicates that there might be less of an association than previously suspected. Just because broccoli may not be the veggie version of Superman–does not mean you should skip your greens. As the professor who wrote the review indicated, it might be difficult to truly assess this relationship because of other...

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If You Can Only Eat One Thing for Gorgeous Skin, Eat This

Gorgeous skin is made from the inside out. Skin care with diet works 80% while cosmetic treatments have just 20% effect when talk of a gorgeous looking skin. Skin care with diet outperforms topical cosmetic treatments so you must invest time and money in the right direction so that you enjoy natural and long lasting results. If you are given an option to choose just one ingredient for complete skin care with diet, the only thing that has...

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