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By HealthWatch, November 3, 2010

Sleep, one of the most beautiful words in any language – it conjures images of darkness, dreams, and a feeling of utter relaxation and well-being when you wake up: that is, if you are one of the lucky who is able to consistently find refreshment from a night of slumber. It is known that humans will sleep nearly half of their life away, which can be a disconcerting thought for some, but those moments of sleep is when our bodies recharge for the upcoming day. Anybody can remember a day; multiple even, when they slept badly the night before for any number of reasons, and how badly they felt the next day and how it affected their day-to-day functions.

But for many, sleep can be a harrowing ordeal of tossing, turning, insomnia, and the inability to delve into REM sleep ( the most relaxing state of sleep, which is where dreams are able to occur). And the lingering question in those sufferers minds is, “How can I use healthier sleeping practices to ensure I wake fresh and wide-eyed for the day instead of the dreary, groggy, mental state I usually find myself in?”

There are many ways to contribute to healthier sleeping practices, so it is with great pleasure that I am allowed to share some of these practices with anyone who suffers from horrid nights of sleep.

One of the main things that people forget is that you must dedicate at least eight hours of sleep a day; every day. Your body needs to be fully refreshed for the day to come, and trying to skirt by on four or five hours for weeks on end can be very unhealthy for not only your physical, but mental state as well.

Some sufferers will visit their physician and obtain prescription sleep medication – and it works, truly; but there are a myriad of side effects of such medication. Natural supplements of melatonin and Valerian root have consistently helped men and women alike receive deep, refreshing sleep without the need to use a potentially addictive medication.

These are just a few healthier sleeping practices, there are many more, but even following these two; you may find the restful sleep you have always craved.

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By HealthWatch, October 7, 2010

Chronic inflammation can make you look old before your time and cause many other aliments. However, changing your diet can help prevent or even reverse the process. As well, the body is able to make its own anti-inflammatory compounds as long as we eat the right foods.

An anti-inflammatory diet contains foods such as: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries, sour cherries, red grapes, red and yellow onions, garlic, broccoli, and apples. As well as: carrots and orange winter squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach and kale.

The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s provide significant benefit to patients with chronic inflammatory diseases also. The most potent omega-3s are found in seafood, especially coldwater fish like salmon (preferably wild), tuna, and mackerel. Vegetarian sources of omega-3s include flaxseed oil, dark greens, and walnuts.

An anti-inflammatory diet suggests olive oil, which contains oleic acid, for everyday cooking. If you prefer safflower or sunflower oil may be used and is always a better health choice than refined oils. Canola oil, however, is a refined oil that contains a good amount of omega-3s and oleic acid.

Spices for an anti-inflammatory diet include: turmeric, which is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in nature, and ginger and rosemary.

Ask your doctor before beginning any diet.

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By HealthWatch, March 11, 2010

It’s a proven fact that the older you get, the more water your body needs in order to perform it’s daily functions. Just because you’re not feeling thirsty doesn’t mean that your body couldn’t use a refill! As an adult we’re made up of 43 to 45 liters of water. These waters need to be filtered, eliminated and then replenished daily. If
they are not, the rivers, streams and oceans of our body become polluted with digestive, respiratory and metabolic acids. We experience what we consider ‘dehydration’ when these acid levels start to build up. The older you are the faster that will happen, including the faster dehydration can turn into a more threatening problem.

It is important to understand that because of a gradually failing thirst sensation, our body becomes chronically and increasingly dehydrated from an early adult age. With aging, the water content of the cells of the body decreases. The ratio of the volume of body water inside the cells to that outside the cells changes from a 1.1 to almost 0.8. This is a very drastic change and causes one to lose their desire for hydration.

It is the loss of water volume held inside the cells of the body which causes a reduction in the thirst sensation! As a result, chronic dehydration sets in which causes symptoms that equal disease when the variety of emergency signals of dehydration are not understood.

75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (This probably applies to half world population)
* In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.
* Even MILD dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism as much as 3%.
* One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the University
of Washington dieters studied.
* Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
* Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back
and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
* A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic
math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.
* Drinking just 5 glasses of water daily:
– decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%,
– slashes the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and
– 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer

Keep in mind that when we are born our bodies are about 90% water and 10% matter. As an aging adult the body begins losing water, dehydration sets in and hydration falls to about 70% water and 30% matter. Upon death the body is only 50% water. In reality, we die of dehydration. So does our skin over the years.

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By HealthWatch, February 24, 2010

Are you using anti aging products and treatments that may harm your skin? Look at this list of harmful ingredients and make sure to avoid them. They are not only risky but also useless for anti aging, so avoiding them is a win-win deal.

1. Acrylamide

This is an ingredient found in many products like face creams and hand creams. While the evidence is not yet conclusive, the studies say it may cause breast tumors.

2. DEA, MEA, TEA

These are often used to adjust the PH of skin care products, but they are actually restricted in Europe because of their known carcinogenic effects. TEA can cause dryness, allergic reactions and can be toxic if absorbed into the body regularly.

3. Dioxane

This is a widely used synthetic derivative of coconut, which often contains high amounts of 1,4-dioxane – which is easily absorbed into the skin. 1,4-dioxane is toxic and considered by the state of California to cause cancer.

4. Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances should not be in your anti aging products and treatments because you never know what they are made of. There are more than 4000 different ingredients it can be made of, many of which are toxic or carcinogenic.

This is not healthy to rub into your skin so instead look for a fragrance-free product or one with natural essential oil scent.

5. Petroleum By-Products

Ingredients like mineral oil, liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and petrolatum are all from the same source as the petrol for your car. They clog your pores which may cause irritation and acne, and they strip your skin of its natural oils causing premature aging.

6. Parabens

There is no conclusive proof that parabens are a health threat, but recent scientific studies say they may cause cancer. A lot of people avoid this unnecessary risk by choosing paraben-free skin care.

The easiest way to avoid all of them at once is to choose completely natural anti aging products and treatments. Natural products with proven effective ingredients are some of the most effective ways to get smoother and healthier skin.

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By HealthWatch, February 21, 2010

It’s pronounced “coo-pwah-sue” and is the latest super antioxidant to come out of the Brazilian Rainforest known for it’s strong anti-aging benefits. Best of all is they’re right now currently running an Exclusive 14 Day Trial which means you’re free to see for yourself just how well this works (you only pay the S&H).

Features:
Cupuacu Vital supplement comes in the form of capsules. It is made from the extracts of Cupuacu fruits. These fruits grow in rainforest regions and they are known for their anti aging powers. The treatment works internally and reduces multiple aging signs.

Advantages:.
Cupuacu Vital is created out of a natural substance, hence it categorized as a natural product. Consequently, there has been no record of unlikely side effects whatsoever. As Cupuacu is the all-inclusive fruit used in this medication it is free from supplementary anti aging chemicals.

It slows the age-generated mutation in human cells by way of anti-oxidation brought forth by the theograndins. Theograndins are polyphenols which is an important part of Cupuacu fruit extract. Due to its theograndins concentration Cupuacu boasts about high antioxidant levels.

Primarily it is the antioxidant that attacks the most obvious signs of premature and mature aging. The medication shows its immediate results by way of a younger looking skin. Hence, you don’t need any anti aging topical application if you are on Cupuacu Vital treatment.

Besides reducing the wrinkling and lining process, Cupuacu extract contains essential nutrients and vitamins that nourish the skin from inside. Its regular use makes leaves the skin looking generally healthier.

The best advantage of Cupuacu Vital is that it is a complete anti-aging solution for all your age related issues. Its anti aging effect is not merely limited to your skin. It concentrates on protecting your hair from getting grey. It also considerably reduces the hair fall by making the cuticles thicker and smoother.

Cupuacu fruits are considered as a rich source several essential nutrients. These nutrients have proved beneficial for overall growth and development of our body. Thus Cupuacu Vital acts as a great energy supplement which can keep you active for longer hours. It works on your body to eliminate the age associated fatigue symptoms.

Cupuacu is proven source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C in abundance. Thus Cupuacu Vital capsules can make up for your vitamin deficiency. These vital vitamins protect your body by increasing your immunity power and basic resistance to diseases. Vitamin A naturally replenishes the skin cells and increases the redevelopment power of your skin.

Disadvantages:
Cupuacu Vital is an oral medication. Hence, if you are undergoing treatment for any chronic or acute illness, you might need to get approval of your physician before starting with your first course of Cupuacu Vital supplement.

Conclusion:
Cupuacu Vital supplement is a natural product and its usage has not exhibited any significant side effect among its users. This anti aging medication reportedly brings quick results in certain case; however, the time taken for the drug to bring its full effect varies depending on the metabolic rate, health and activity levels of the user.

If you feel younger than you look, check out the trial: