Lauren's Corner

Relieve Your Chronic Pain Naturally.

We have all been programed into reaching for prescription and over the counter pain relievers. These toxic pain killers might be all right for occasional quick relief, but do you really have any idea what you are actually taking and what the long term side effects will be?

Todays billion dollar drug industry is based on Homeopathic Remedies and cures that have been derived from all natural extractions of roots, berries, bark and powerful distilled oils that date back to ancient civilizations such as the Aztec Nations and Asian cultures.

Unfortunately, for the American public, facts like these are kept away from the main sources of information such as prime time television commercials, print ads and popular magazines. It seems sadly that the major prescription drug companies have brainwashed people into thinking that pain relief can only be had by taking these expensive, often habit forming toxic medications.

The good news is that you have other options in relieving your chronic pain naturally.

It is only in the last few years that we have begun to go back to simplicity when dealing with our health and wellness. We are starting to practice healing with natural herbs and spices. These powerful foods have amazing anti-inflammatory properties that produce pain relieving, permanent results, unlike prescription drugs that are chemically formulated and only mask the chronic pain problems.

One of the most powerful, natural remedies for chronic pain on the market today is Curcumin. Believe it or not, Curcumin is derived from the pungent, popular spice, Turmeric. This root extract is what turns Curry that mustard, gold color.

For those of you that do not particularly like the taste of Curry, nor have the time to prepare curry dishes with Turmeric, I am excited to let you in on the secret of taking Curcumin in a once a day supplement.

The science of natural pain relievers claim this supplement to be absolutely amazing. There have been hundreds of excellent studies that explain the long term study of this herb. Curcumin is better at maintaining healthy inflammation levels in the body than cortisone (one of the most well known powerful, unnatural steroids.)

Curcumin is more effective than Tylenol or capsules containing Acetaminophen (an unnatural drug with long term side effects to your stomach and liver) in supporting the bodies natural ability to deal with chronic pain symptoms caused by inflammation. Most importantly, Curcumin has absolutely no side effects - it is totally natural.

I have personally tried Curcumin, and was truly impressed by how I felt after one of my long workouts. All the inflammation in my joints, ankles and knees were no longer there and I remained pain free hours after my workout and into the next day.

It is not often that I get to review products with such an amazing effect on my body naturally.

For those of you who have been living with chronic pain, no matter what it may be, I urge you to try this natural product and finally free yourself of prescription and over the counter, toxic pain relievers that only mask your symptoms without naturally helping your body to eliminate inflammation.

Have A Healthy Day!

Health Benefits Of Green Tea.

Please read on...and get acquainted with the health benefits of Green Tea. Did you know that Green Tea is one of the oldest and most consumed beverages in the world, it takes a back seat only to water.

The health benefits of Green Tea have been passed down and studied by Naturalists and doctors alike for centuries. Green Tea is derived from a white flowering plant named "Camellia Sinenis."

Green Tea for Natural Weight Loss

This natural, pungent tea is best known for it's excellent source of Anti-oxidants, often used as a powerful natural weight loss supplement to a daily diet.

The main weight loss ingredient in Green Tea is all natural EGCG this works synergistically with the caffeine found in Green Tea to boost your metabolism and specifically burn fat. Statistics prove that just by replacing your daily coffee intake with Green Tea can have a profound effect on loss of body fat and people can expect at least a ten pound weight loss in just 6 weeks. (*Please Note: These statements are founded on people practicing a proper nutritional diet and moderate exercise routine.)

Green Tea for Health and Beauty

Many health and beauty products are developed with Green Tea extract. The powerful mix of anti-oxidants found in Green Tea, also called Polyphenols (Catechins) help to fight Free Radical damage. Free Radicals can cause damage to our DNA cells, the cells become weak and eventually die. the Anti-oxidant in Green Tea protect cell tissue damage from every day activities such as eating, breathing and strenuous exercise. the Anti-oxidants neutralize Free Radicals before they can do harm to the cells.

Green Tea is widely used in Make-up and skin care products. The calming effect of the tea along with its anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness around the eye area, wrinkles and large pores. Green Tea can also be used as a natural toner for your face and body, often used as a calming additive to your bath.

Green Tea Facts:

- Green Tea is always included in the Top 10 Super foods.
- EGCG (short for Epigallocatechin gallate) has 25 to 100 times the potency of Vitamin C and E.
- Japanese culture uses Green Tea as a powerful cancer preventative.
- Green Tea is effective in killing potential germs and bacteria
- Naturally lowers total cholesterol and Blood Pressure levels
- Enhances immune system
- Natural anti-aging, anti-oxidant properties in Green Tea fight off the cause and effects of aging.
- Proven to increase your metabolic rate and burn excess fat

Next time you stop for a coffee break, have a cup of Green Tea instead! You will be brewing up a cup of tea brimming with essential nutrients that will help sustain a healthy body, help boost your immune system and fight off the effects of age due to Green Teas powerful anti-oxidant benefits.

For your Tea experience, may I recommend this Green Sampler from Adagio Teas.

Have A Healthy Day!

Not All Fat Burners Are Created Equal.

Fat Burners are a great addition to your every day diet and workout routine. They increase your metabolisim by creating a thermogenic effect that effectively burns fat faster with weekly moderate to high aerobic and strength training sessions. They are most effective when sticking to a low fat, reduced calorie diet of 1,800 calories per day.

Most fat burning supplements on the market today work by stimulating your Central Nervous System. Most people claim to experience sleeplessness, jitters and a light headed, tingly feeling. Although they boost your metabolisim they also accelerate your heart rate, leaving most people with an uncomfortable feeling about using these products.

Today, there is an all natural fat burner that harnesses the power of the sea. "fücoTHIN" from Garden of Life really is an amazing fat burner. The main ingredient in fücoTHIN is all natural Seaweed - unlike all the other fat burners being sold today, it does not attack your Central Nervous System. The Natural fat burning properties of seaweed creates a thermogenic effect in your body by specifically burning the Visceral Fat around your abdominal section. It is so safe and effective it can even be taken hours before bed and you will still experience a restful nights sleep.

Discover what the Asian cultures have known for thousands of years. Seaweed is the mainstay of the Japanese diet. Scientists have studied their health and dietary patterns for years and now contribute their large consumption of seaweed to their long term health and longevity.

Garden of Life brings this secret to the world by marketing fücoTHIN, which is essentially a very concentrated dose of seaweed in a small, easy to take power packed pill.

I have used this product personally and I am excited to recommend fücoTHIN to anyone who is looking for a great, safe way of loosing belly fat and sculpting their body through natural diet, supplementation and proper exercise.

Have a Healthy Day!

Learn how to look and feel better than ever by following these simple steps.

Have you heard the new catch phrase, "Fifty is the new forty."

People today are looking younger longer. Due to scientific research and cutting edge anti-aging technology we can arm ourselves with the knowledge to stave off the inevitable aging process.

With a nation of Baby Boomers (age group 50-55) getting ready to retire and looking forward to the best years of their lives. "Life Expectancy" and "Quality of Life" has brought about a new generation eager to improve their nutrition and exercise habits. The Anti-Aging Revolution has taken us by storm.

Achieving longterm health, beauty and vitality is so much more than making an appointment for a nip and a tuck. After all true beauty is skin deep and be assured, you will only look as good as you feel!

Below is a simple Anti-Aging Guide that can be easily incorporated into any one lifestyle regardless of age.

*Note: The sooner you start the better you will feel.

1. Keep Yourself Lean. Next to not smoking, watching your weight is extremely important. Fat cells produce hormones that increase your risk of heart disease, Type II Diabetes and contribute to certain kinds of cancer.
The leaner you stay, the more energy you will have and your heart and muscles won't have to work as hard to support your body functions.

2. Daily Aerobic Exercise. Take a brisk walk daily, make sure to raise your heart rate for at least 30 minutes, 5 times per week. (Check a heart rate chart to give you your optimum heart rate between 60-80 percent of your heart's working capacity based on your current weight and age.)

3. Weight Training. Cardio Exercise is not enough! After your mid-40's muscle mass is lost by 1/4 pound per year, gaining fat in it's place. By incorporating weight training into your exercise routine just 2-3 times per week, as least 30 minutes per session you will begin to see a stronger, firmer looking physique. Not only will you enhance your sleep but you will feel a wonderful strength and vitality.

4. Take A Dynamic Duo of Supplements. Scientists agree that mitochondrial decay is a contributing factor in aging. It has been linked to such diseases as Alzheimer's and diabetes. A recommended dose of 800 mg of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and 2,000 mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine daily in these amounts will provide the boost of energy needed to power our cells.

5. Diet and Nutrition. You are what you eat. Pay attention to what you eat...it's that simple. A daily diet full of fruits and vegetables is the best way to look younger and boost your cancer prevention abilities. Aim for nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. For those of you that think that it is impossible to achieve, try this amazing Natural Green Supplement - Perfect Food by Garden of Life. Remember to eliminate all white sugar, flour and empty calories from saturated fats from your diet.

I personally keep mostly to a vegetarian diet. It is easy to get plenty of protein from fat free dairy products as well as a variety of beans. A daily smoothie including a scoop of whey protein is also a surefire way to 24 grams (or more) of pure protein in just one serving daily. For those of you that prefer to eat meat, just make sure you keep your portion size to a minimum of 4 - 6 oz. per meal. (that should be the size of the palm of your hand) Make sure you choose only the leanest cuts to eliminate as much fat as possible.

Including fish in your diet as least 3 times per week is a good source of protein. Certain types of fish such as Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel or Lake Trout contain Omega- 3 Fatty Acids, DHA and EPA. These "good" fats are Anti-Aging miracles when it comes to heart health, Alzheimer's, Macular Degeneration, Depression and a host of other age related medical conditions.

6.Watch Your waistline. The best way to stay young is measuring your waistline, not watching your bathroom scale. Visceral Fat, otherwise known as belly fat, is the culprit behind a thick waste line. Visceral Fat can wrap itself around your organs in extreme cases of obesity. If your waist measures more than 35 inches for a woman or 40 inches for a man, you are probably carrying too much fat around your mid-section. The best defense for Visceral Fat is to have a moderate Aerobic session 3 times per week for at least 30 minutes. Same goes for your weight training routine.

7. Stop and Smell the Roses. Stress is a silent killer and the number one factor to accelerated aging. Take the time to enjoy yourself. Spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Take a vacation without even leaving home. By that statement, I mean do something uplifting and peaceful for yourself. Have a massage. Take a Yoga or pottery class, learn to paint. Go for a long walk with your pet. Grab a cup of tea mid-afternoon with your favorite book or magazine. Do some window shopping, walk on the beach...get the idea!?
You will be amazed at how different you will feel!

Keep this list close as hand...

7 Quick Steps to Stay Young.

1. Get enough sleep.

2. Watch your stress level

3. Eat a healthy, well rounded diet

4. Keep a weekly exercise routine of aerobics & weight training

5. Keep a positive attitude

6. Visit your doctor annually

7. Take your vitamins & natural supplements

Most of all...Enjoy your life and keep smiling!

Have a Healthy Day!!

Fantastic Flaxseed

Have you noticed lately that flaxseed is in everything.

Flaxseed products are on the rise, but did you know that this resilient seed which has been touted as the new wonder food, has actually been around for more than 4,000 years.

Today, there are countless studies being done on the many benefits of flaxseed. Scientists are claiming that flaxseed may help the body defend against menopausal symptoms, dry eye and even breast cancer.

The great benefit of flaxseed is that it can easily be incorporated into your daily diet by using it in just about anything at anytime. It is known to be the absolute best source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. The recommended daily dosage of flaxseed equates to just one tablespoon per day. Flaxseed is readily available in most supermarkets or health food stores and can be taken in oil supplement form, cold pressed oil, whole flaxseed and ground flaxseed. (The ground flax is the most recommended since you get the benefit of all the fiber, lignans and the essential fatty acids.)

Flaxseed Facts

1. Flaxseed comes in dark, reddish brown or golden color. The nutritional value is the same, the color is up to you.

2. Flax needs to grow in a cool climate. Most flax today is grown in Canada or North Dakota.

3. Make sure your source of flaxseed is Organic.

4. Ground flax has a shelf life of 3-4 months, while whole seeds can last up to 12 months.

5. Flax should be stored in an air tight container in a cool, dry place. It is not necessary to refrigerate flaxseed although some people do.

6. Flaxseed is best known for its fiber content, which is used to produce linen. It is this type of fiber that absorbs water and acts as a natural stool softener.

Useful Hints For Incorporating Flaxseed Into Your Diet

- Add ground flax to any of your baking recipes.
- Sprinkle flaxseed into yogurt, oatmeal or salads.
- Mix ground flax into organic peanut butter or honey, then use this as a tasty spread on toast.
- Use cold pressed flaxseed oil in your salad dressing.
- Take a flaxseed supplement with your daily multi-vitamin.

There are no limits when it comes to the benefits of flax. I hope this enlightened you to the nutritional facts of this fantastic seed. If you would like to purchase a bottle of Flaxseed, please check out the Vitamin Shoppe! They offer a great selection of Flaxseed supplements.

Have a Healthy Day!