Vitamin supplements not only provide nutritional needs, but also avoids the signs of aging. Several types of nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D, is not only useful for maintaining health, but also makes us stay young. What are the recommended supplements to maximize health and to keep us young?

Vitamin D
According to Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD, a professor from Boston University School of Medicine, you can reduce your risk of colon cancer, breast and esophagus by 50 percent if you get enough vitamin D.

Vitamin D will inhibit the growth of cancer cells and activate the immune system to fight infection. The best source of vitamin D are egg yolk, fish, and foods that are fortified, such as milk and cereal. Sun exposure is also good for increasing vitamin D levels in the body.

Calcium
This mineral is essential to maintain bone strength and is required for muscle and nerve function. Lack of calcium will cause bone damage occurs more quickly than construction. In addition to bones, research shows calcium supplementation can reduce the risk of polyp formation of colon cancer.

Magnesium
Studies show magnesium deficiency is more common in older people than young people. This happens because for the older people, the body’s ability to absorb magnesium from food is reduced. In addition, medicines such as antibiotics and diuretic medicines also have the same affect. In addition to preventing diabetes, magnesium may also lower blood pressure.

Vitamin B
Several studies have shown, stroke and heart disease could be prevented if we get enough vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid.  Enough of B vitamins can also help us avoid typical elder diseases, like dementia.

Breastfeeding does not just have benefits for the baby to be healthier and gives some very useful antibodies. Breastfeeding also helps the mothers stay slim until the next few years.

Researchers find more benefits that can be obtained by a woman who gives milk to her child. A recent study showed that women who breast-feeds can help reduce abdominal fat she owns, even for several decades into the future.

Research results have been reported in the medical conference of the American Heart Association in San Francisco shows, middle-aged women who breastfeed their children consistently have a waist circumference of an average 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) smaller than women who never breast-feeds.

“Fat in the stomach is the most unhealthy spot to store fat for women and breastfeeding can be really useful to eliminate these bad fats,” said Candace McClure, PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, as quoted from MSNNews, Sunday (7 / 3 / 2010).

Recent research shows that women who breastfeed their children have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Experts have suspected that breastfeeding not only helps spending excess calories, but also help women to get rid of abdominal fat faster. Because excess fat in the abdomen can also be a risk factor for heart disease.

To see the long-term effects, McClure and colleagues analyzed 351 women who joined in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation Heart.

This study took place since the year 2001-2003. Participants are divided into 29 percent of women who never breast-feeds, 29 percent are not consistent 42 percent of breast-feeding and breast-feeding her child consistently.

It was found that women who never breast-feeds has a 28 percent of excess abdominal fat than women who never breast-feeds. While the non-consistent breast-feeders has a belly fat 2.6 inch (6.6 cm) and larger waist-hip ratio of 4.7 per cent higher than the consistent breastfeeding women.

“This is very interesting, because in addition to making women stay slim, breastfeeding can also protect women from heart disease. But of course it should be supported with a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives,” said Dr. Nieca Goldberg, director of the Women’s Heart Program at New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City.

Therefore, women who breastfeed their children consistently not only does something good for the baby but also for herself.

Lots of people suffer from acid reflux and have tried to over the counter antacids and medications with little or no relief. Doctors are just going to give us prescriptions for expensive medications, which might work but they are costly and some people just can’t afford them, so they continue to suffer. The good news is that the cure could be as close as making some simple changes to your diet. There are foods that cause acid reflux, and if you are eating these foods on a regular basis, then avoiding them may be all that’s needed to take care of your acid reflux.

Below you could find a list of usual foods that cause acid reflux symptoms in some people. Take a look at this list and see if there are foods on it that you eat on a regular basis and try some alternatives to see if these help reduce your acid reflux symptoms.

High Fat Foods
Dairy foods that are high in fat such as whole milks, cottage cheeses, and many other high fat cheeses can be an almost instant trigger for acid reflux. Try using non fat milk and low fat cottage cheese. Some processed cheese foods are low in fat and taste almost as good as their real cheese counterparts. Check the labels.

High fat meats like marbled steaks and other cuts of beef, ground beef, dark chicken and turkey meat and their skins can all be foods that cause acid reflux in you. Alternatively, you can find cuts of beef that are less marbled and closely trimmed, ground sirloin is typically lower in fat, and boneless, skinless chicken and turkey breasts are a wonderful and healthy alternative.

Fried foods, especially those found at any fast food restaurant, are also foods that cause acid reflux in most people. Try finding foods that are fried in lower fat oils like peanut oil. They still may cause some discomfort, but it is possible that they won’t cause as much discomfort as the others.

Fruits and Veggies
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits and their juices can irritate the esophagus and cause symptoms of acid reflux. Try fruits like apples and apple juice, which have been known to actually relieve heartburn.

Onions have been known to cause acid reflux, especially when eaten raw. If you love the taste of onion but they cause you pain, try using onion powder as an alternative.

Tomatoes are full of acid and should be avoided. This also includes products made from tomatoes like sauces, salsa, and condiments. There really is no alternative for tomatoes, but some other condiments and vegetables could replace them and still be satisfying.

Beverages
Coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, can trigger acid reflux in many people and should be avoided. Try a cold glass of apple cider and 20 minutes on the treadmill for a morning pick-me-up.
Sodas and other carbonated drinks can cause symptoms of acid reflux. Water is the best alternative to soda, especially on hot summer days.

Alcohol, especially beer, can be damaging to the esophagus and cause acid reflux. This is where a lifestyle change may be necessary. When you go out volunteer to be the designated driver and have fun watching everybody else act like drunken idiots. You’re likely to win at darts more often this way, too.

There are other foods that cause acid reflux symptoms, too. The best way to figure out what is causing your acid reflux is to keep a journal and then avoid the foods that you find are your triggers. If this doesn’t help, then a trip to the doctor to discuss your acid reflux is recommended.

Protein has been garnering extra attention as the health conscious realize the benefits of including protein in their diets. Protein is needed to help rebuild the body’s tissue, which is important to athletes and bodybuilders. In fact, the body is in need of a continual supply of protein in order to repair and rebuild its tissue. Protein is also essential for producing antibodies, hormones, new muscle tissue, and blood hemoglobin. All protein that is lost within the body must be replaced and protein must be present in order to construct the new tissue.

While athletes swear by the ability of animal protein to build muscles, researchers are concerned about the potential effects of animal protein on the liver and the kidneys, as well as the link between animal protein and osteoporosis. As a result, many are turning toward soy protein and whey protein instead. But, what are the benefits, drawbacks, and differences between these different forms of protein? And, how much should you include in your diet in order to garner the benefits you are looking for?

Soy Protein
Soybeans contain high quantities of protein (considered to be of equal quality as animal protein) and also contain substantial amounts of amino acids. In addition, soy has been observed to lower cholesterol. Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated 25 grams of soy protein per day can reduce the chances of developing heart disease.

Soy protein has also been found to reduce the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, and to help prevent a number of diseases related to hormonal issues. These include endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Soy protein has also been shown to speed up the metabolism of the thyroid, which can help with obtaining a leaner body. If you are intolerant to soy, however, its specific protein can actually have the opposite effect.

A number of soy protein products can be found at health food stores, including food bars, soy burgers, and even soy-based beverages. Those products containing soy protein isolate generally have the highest saturation. Other products containing soy protein include soy flour, whole soybeans, and tofu. Be sure to check the product label in order to determine the amount of soy protein the product contains.

Remember, however, soy isoflavones, which are sold as supplements in health food stores, are not the same substance as pure soy protein. Nonetheless, soy isoflavones possess a number of beneficial effects, such as improving kidney function and preventing bone loss.

If you are not allergic to soy, there are very few side effects to including soy in your diet. In some people, however, consuming soy on a routine basis can lead to an upset stomach and may even cause diarrhea or constipation.

Whey Protein
Like soy protein, whey protein has been shown to provide a number of benefits. For example, clinical studies have shown whey protein can:

* Act as a natural antibacterial or anti-viral
* Assist in maintaining the proper weight
* Reduce the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
* Reduce liver damage
* Improve the function of the immune system
* Improve blood pressure
* Improve athletic performance
* Improve the function of the digestive system
* Reduce gastric mucosal injury

Whey protein is very high in biological value (BV), which is highly sought by athletes. In short, BV is the amount of protein your body can replace with 100 grams of consumed diet. The only other foods containing high levels of BV are whole eggs and egg whites. Unlike eggs, however, whey protein does not contain high levels of fat.

While soy protein is derived from soybeans, whey protein is derived from milk as a diluted byproduct of the cheese-making process. Fresh liquid whey protein contains only about 1% protein because it is mostly comprised of lactose and water. For this reason, it takes about 229 liters of milk to produce just one kilogram of high quality whey protein isolate.

While in its original form, whey protein affects the digestive tract in much the same way as yogurt. Therefore, it is considered to be a natural remedy for many intestinal issues. In fact, it is often used in Sweden to help prevent bowel problems, gas, and constipation. Nonetheless, it can have the opposite effect and actually lead to constipation for some individuals.

The amount of whey protein recommended in a person’s diet depends on his or her weight, gender, age, level of activity, and overall health. Including both soy and whey protein in your diet can be very beneficial to your health; but, since both can lead to constipation, be sure to follow a high fiber diet to help keep your bowel movements regular. Try one or both of these all-natural health supplements and discover the results for yourself!

Breastfeeding is the act of naturally feeding an infant with milk produced in the mother’s breast. This has unlimited amounts of benefits for the baby not only breast milk is healthier but the action of feeding the child is a moment of love in which the baby learns to bond, smell and caress with the mother as she gives nourishment and affection. Without a doubt breast milk is the best food for a newborn, nothing comes even closer to provide all the nutrients that the baby will need later in life. Breast milk is much easier to digest then any formula in the market, at the same time it provides protection against infections, prevents future food allergies, helps the growth of healthy teeth, and most important it improves brain development. Studies had shown that breastfed babies are more intelligent than formula fed babies.

However, many mothers stop breastfeeding after the third or fourth month switching to formula and later to cow’s milk, this certainly robs the baby of the special qualities that breast milk offers. Infants that stop nursing before the forth month are at risk of developing asthma, food and respiratory allergies, intestinal bacteria, and oral weaknesses (poor teeth development).

Sometimes a mother can not breastfed her baby due to a number of reasons, such as, low quality of milk, breast pain, infection, etc. That’s when herbs come into play, many midwifes have used them for years to improve quality and quantity of milk, to fight infection and much more, take a look at the following conditions and the natural ways to treat them.

Low quality or quantity of milk

Low quality of milk can be cause by medications or a poor diet, many antibiotics contaminate the milk and a diet high in caffeine may cause colics and sleeping problems for the baby it is very important the the mother keeps eating a well balance diet after giving birth, and preferably foods with no traces of pesticides these poisons become highly concentrated in the milk.

The use of a breast pump may inhibit the production of milk, lowering the amount available to the baby, this gives the false idea that the infant should be change to formula in order for him to be satisfied, when in fact the problem is the quantity of milk that the mother is producing.

Herbs can help with both of these common problems.

We recommend

- Eat alfalfa or take it in capsules, it stimulates lactation, improves quality and quantity of milk.

- Chaste tree Increases flow of milk, by affecting pituitary’s prolactin secretion.

- Chinese use an herb called codonopsis to increase lactation and strengthen the blood.

- Goat’s rue this herb is been used by midwifes for hundreds of years to improve breast milk production by as much as 50 %.

- Vervain encourages milk secretion and flow, it also increases absorption of nutrients from food and helps with postpartum depression.

- Milk thistle promotes production of milk and decreases pesticide residues in breast and milk.

TIP: Did you know that tight bras may stop the milk production and cause plugged ducts?.

- Cumin helps increase milk production.

- Caraway, aniseed, dill, and fennel promote flow of best milk. It can be taken in form of teas or infusion.

- If you are prone to chills while breastfeeding and have poor quality of milk use calcarea.

Engorgement

Breast engorgement is a very common problem that start affecting the mother in the first two or three weeks after delivery and is more annoying to women with poor skin elasticity. Engorgement is due to milk excessively filling the breast together with blood and fluid retention in the same area.

Usually the breast feels full, hard, tight, tender, painful, the breast feels hot to the touch and a fever may develop, the baby may have a hard time to latch on and suck.

We recommend

- Take a handful of Confrey leaves and steam them for a few minutes wrapped in a gauze and placed on the breast are very helpful relieving engorgement.

- Take the homeopathic remedy Belladonna 6X.

- Soak a towel in hot water and place it on the breast ten minutes before feeding.

- Poke root reduces swollen breast and pain. Use under doctor supervision.

- Elder is used to reduce swelling of engorged breast.

- Chamomile help control inflamed breast.

- Give your baby frequent feeds on both breast 10 to 15 minutes each.

- Use a pump to extract milk between feedings to control engorgement.

- Massage the breast while feeding to help milk flow easily.

- Mix 2 quarts of boiling water.

- tsp. of vitex berries. 2 tsp. of blessed thistle leaves. 1 tsp. of nettle leaves. 1/2 tsp. fenugreek seed. 1/2 tsp. anise seed. Let it steep for 30 minutes, strain and drink 2 cups a day.

- Bryonia reduces swollen and hard breasts.

- Pulsatilla and calcarea is very helpful reducing the size and hardness of engorged breasts.

- When the production of milk is excessive and produces engorgement a cold compress using peppermint oil should be used.

- A compress of marshmallow and slippery elm often reduces engorgement.

Plugged duct

This is a problem that occurs when the baby does not empty the breast completely on each feeding, the milk remaining in the duct hardens and blocks the duct eventually plugging it. Tight bras can cause plugged ducts as well. If the breast feels sore
it might be a sign of plugged ducts. A plugged duct should be taking care of as soon as possible, if not so it can develop into Mastitis.

We recommend

- Castor oil helps with inflammation and pain.

- Elder is used to reduce swelling of plugged breast ducts.

- Queen’s delight Clears congestion of lymphatic vessels, stimulates white blood cells to react to infection.

- Check your nipples everyday, if you see dry milk on them or dark dots remove them with a cotton and warm water and feed your child as soon a s possible from that breast.

- Place the baby in different positions every time, this will ensure that all ducts are being used.

- Place hot towels on the breast or run hot water over them in the shower.

- Massage the breast in the direction of the nipple to try to get the milk to come out. Mastitis

Mastitis is a condition that results when a plugged duct becomes infected, the breast swells due to a bacteria that enters through tinny cracks on the nipples. The breast infected with mastitis becomes red and painful with pus secretion other symptoms are fever, fatigue, vomiting or nausea.

We recommend

- Take poke root this helps mastitis. Use under doctor supervision.

- Queen’s delight Clears congestion of lymphatic vessels, stimulates white blood cells to react to infection.

- Place hot towels on the breast or run hot water over them in the shower.

- Elder is used to reduce swelling of breast infected with mastitis.

- Rest as much as you can.

- Drink lots of water or alfalfa juice.

- Coat your nipples with breast milk after feeding.

- There are antibiotics that are safe for nursing mothers and their babies, see your doctor if your case is very severe. However we recommend that you try to avoid antibiotic as much as you can.

- Wash your hands before and after feeding, to prevent bacteria contamination.

- Dandelion is very helpful and popular herb to treat mastitis.

- The chinese use gentian to cure mastitis.

- Madder root is useful in relieving mastitis.

Cracked nipples

Cracked nipples can develop when the baby is being position wrongly or by using damp breast pads. The nipple becomes irritated, redBusiness Management Articles, and painful in some cases bleeding may develop.

- Calendula cream will soothe and encourage the healing of cracked nipples and is safe for the baby to swallow.

- The homeopathic remedy called chamomilla helps heal cracked nipples.

- The homeopathic remedy called pulsatilla helps heal cracked nipples.

- Sulfur is also helpful for cracked nipples.

- Apply vitamin E to sore and cracked nipples.