Sneak More Nutrition Into Your Meals
by: Robert D. Franklin

This is a great way to "sneak" more nutrition into certain types of dinners. This can also help you get leaner, because higher nutrient density in your meals means lower appetite and controlled cravings for later.

There are green veggies such as kale, mustard greens, bok choy, swiss chard, and the like, that are absolutely the most nutrient dense vegetables on earth.

However, sometimes it's hard to think of ways to use them in mealtime cooking. Of course you can always get lots of lettuce and spinach in salads, but the greens like kale, bok choy, mustard greens, and swiss chard are WAY more nutrient-dense than lettuce and spinach.

So here's some ways to sneak these lovelies into your meals.

I'm sure there are numerous other recipes you can use this for, but it could be wonderful using them in soups and Italian tomato sauces.

Take a good amount of bok choy, kale, mustard greens, and/or swiss chard and throw them whole (not chopped) into tomato sauce or a large batch of soup broth. You could also throw in some chunks of onion and maybe some zucchini into the pot.

Then, after having that simmer for a while and having them softened up, take out the whole portions of the greens and the onion/zucchini and throw everything into a big blender. Blend the greens smooth with the onion and pour the mixture back into the simmering tomato sauce or soup. Of course, tomato sauce meals usually also have some grass-fed beef sausage, but that would be optional.

Pureed and blended into the sauce or soup actually makes a pretty delicious mixture and also adds TONS of nutrient density to meals that helps satisfy your appetite and, in turn, get leaner.

Another benefit using the blender method after being softened is that you actually absorb more vitamins and minerals, as the pureed greens are easier for your body to fully digest compared to just chewing them normally.

And this idea is a home run if you have kids... as this is truly a way for you to "sneak" more greens into your kids meals without them even knowing you added them to the soup or sauce (as long as you did a good job with seasonings and recipe).


About The Author

- Robert D. Franklin

Fitness Adviser and Health Specialist

For more delicious tips and fitness insights, please remember to visit http://www.myfitlife.info. We'd love to hear your success story, too. Drop us an email. Take care and live well!

Enzyme Detoxification

A question that we often get asked by customers (or potential customers) is "are there any side effects to taking enzymes?"  It's a perfectly legitimate question, especially when you consider all the commercials you see for prescription drugs on tv that have a laundry list of side effects that could leave you feeling even worse than the health condition that you're taking the medicine for!  So, it's easy to understand why the first question so many people ask has to do with any effects they might experience while taking a certain supplement.  The answer to this question is a bit of a 'yes' and 'no' answer.  Yes, there is a chance you will experience some type of effect from taking an enzyme formula, but no, it is not to be confused with a side effect (in the negative sense) that are associated with a lot of the prescription medicines available today.  With enzymes, it is referred to as detoxification, and is a GOOD thing!

Systemic enzymes, like Vitalzym, Exclzyme or Neprinol, may help rid the body of toxins by emulsifying and releasing dead, dying and toxic materials.  Some users will experience a detoxification reaction to the enzymes, including short-term fatigue, nausea, fogginess, or headache.  Though uncomfortable, this detoxification is beneficial to the body and may take several days to completely cleanse the body of unwanted debris.  If at any point you start to feel ill, you may be detoxifying too quickly.  Increasing your water intake can assist in the process, or reducing your enzyme dosage will allow for a more gradual and comfortable detoxification.  Enzyme detoxification is only temporary, usually a week or two at most...if symptoms persist, you should contact your healthcare professional.

Acupuncture and Eye Health By Dr. Jeffery Averill L.Ac.
5808 E. Naples Plaza
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-856-9294
jefferyaverillacupuncture.com

Your eyes are a reflection of your overall health. Illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be revealed in the eyes. Conditions such as glaucoma, optic neuritis or vision loss are often associated with systemic health problems. It is this interconnection between your eyes and your health that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can tap into and utilize to treat eye and vision problems. Eye conditions respond well to acupuncture and it has been used successfully to treat a wide range of eye problems for centuries.

How Eye Disorders are Treated with Acupuncture

Oriental medicine pays close attention to the relationship between tissues and organs. Sometimes an imbalance within the body can manifest as an eye problem, just as the health of the eyes is often a reflection of an imbalance or health problem elsewhere in the body.

When you are treated for an eye condition with acupuncture, any underlying imbalances that are attributing to your symptoms will be addressed. The eye problems will also be treated directly by promoting circulation of Qi (life force) and blood around the eyes.

Common eye problems treated with acupuncture include:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Chronic Dry Eyes
• Macular Degeneration
• Optic Neuritis
• Optic Atrophy

Acupuncture Points Around the Eye

There are several powerful acupuncture points around the eyes that promote eye health. These points bring Qi and blood to the eyes to nourish the tissue and improve the condition of the eyes.

Jingming (UB-1) - When translated, Jingming means Bright eyes. This point is located in the inner corner of the eye. It is one of the primary points to bring Qi and blood to the eyes and is used for eye problems of all kinds including early-stage cataracts, glaucoma, night blindness, conjunctivitis and blurred vision.

Zanzhu (UB-2) - This point lies in the depression at the inner end of the eyebrow. Like Jingming, it is a primary point for the eyes and is used for all types of eye problems. Some of the indications to use this point include headache, blurring or failing of vision, pain in the supraorbital region, excessive tearing, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, twitching of the eyelids and glaucoma.

Yuyao - In the hollow at the midpoint of the eyebrow, directly above the pupil. It is used for eye strain, pain in the supraorbital region, twitching of the eyelids, ptosis, cloudiness of the cornea, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes.

Sizhukong (SJ 23) - In the hollow at the outside end of the eyebrow. This point is used for eye and facial problems including headaches, redness and pain of the eye, blurring of vision, twitching of the eyelids, toothache and facial paralysis.

Tongziliao (GB 1) - Located on the outside corner of the eye. This point is used to brighten the eyes as well as for headaches, redness and pain of the eyes, failing or blurring of vision, photophobia, dry, itchy eyes, early-stage cataracts and conjunctivitis.

Qiuhou - Below the eye, midway between St-1 and GB-1 along the orbit of the eye. Used for all types of eye disease.

Chengqi (St 1) - With the eyes looking straight forward, this point is directly below the pupil, between the eyeball and the eye socket. This is a main point for all eye problems, conjunctivitis, night blindness, facial paralysis and excessive tearing.

In addition to acupuncture, there are several things you can do each day to maintain eye health and avoid problems. Drink eight to ten glasses of water to keep your body and eyes hydrated. Stop smoking. Exercise to improve overall circulation. Make a conscious effort to stop periodically to rest and blink frequently especially when reading, working on a computer or watching television. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Always remember to always protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV light and glare with protective lenses.

Chrysanthemums: More Than Meets the Eye

Chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua) are boiled to make a popular cooling tea to drink or use topically on the eye. Chrysanthemum tea has many medicinal uses. Used for at least 2,000 years, this herb was first listed by the physician Shen Nong who suggested that continued use would "slow aging and prolong life".

The boiled flowers or tea bags may be kept in the fridge and used as eye masks to ease tired eyes, reduce heavy eye bags and get rid of redness, pain or dryness of the eyes.

Cold Chrysanthemum Tea

Ingredients

* 60 - 80 White Chrysanthemum Flowers
* 3 teaspoons of Jasmine Green Tea
* Rock sugar or honey
* 4 liters (1 Gallon) of water

Instructions:

1. Wash the chrysanthemums.
2. Put chrysanthemum and tea into a cooking pot.
3. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add rock sugar or honey.
6. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
7. Strain and put into the refrigerator.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy!


Make an Appointment Today!  Call Jeffery at 562-856-9294
Remember, Perfect Health is not just the absence of disease, but also an evolved state of physical and emotional ease and awareness. Check out my website jefferyaverillacupuncture.com for a description of all the treatments available for you, such as:Traditional, Esoteric , and Cosmetic Acupuncture, Biofeedback, Meditation Instruction and Qi Gong. And download my free e-book! BE WELL, Jeffery

*This article was given permission by the author to use on the Southwest Nutraceuticals Blog

Enzymes and Their Affect on Animals

We've discussed how enzymes can work in the human body to relieve many of the conditions that plague our overall health.  Now, we will show you how these same enzymes affect animals, ranging from horses to household pets, like cats and dogs.

Enzymes circulate throughout the blood stream scouring for EBP's that can cause pain and delayed onset muscle soreness caused by inflammation.  These enzymes are activated at just a few degrees above normal body temperature.  Injured and inflamed areas produce heat during the healing process, activating these enzymes at precisely the point of injury. 

For some time now, Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been touted as the next best thing to prescription medications for joint problems.  While these products may increase mobility, they do little to nothing for blocking pain.  In fact, their only function is to provide the "building blocks" necessary to facilitate lubrication between connective joints.  Lubricating inflamed joints can provide some pain relief, but limited relief at best.  Neprofin AVF, an enzyme feed supplement from Arthur Andrew Medical, takes an entirely different physiological path in the healing process, by alleviating joint inflammation altogether.  Its unique blend of highly concentrated systemic enzymes is an excellent choice for animal suffering from joint pain, inflammation and ideal for decreasing injury recovery times.  It is also effective for active, athletic animals to ensure a prompt recovery from soreness and inflammation due to over-activity.

This type of treatment also offers an alternative remedy for equine (horse) injuries previously treated with Bute.  Bute is one of the most common pain relievers administered to horses.  However, it has been observed to be very destructive to the liver and kidneys while negatively impacting white blood cell counts.  Gastrointestinal problems, ulcers, and aplastic anemia are also quite common with continued use of the drug.  Unlike Bite, Neprofin does not block Cox enzymes to suppress inflammation and pain.  It can also decrease pain by inhibiting the release of bradykinin and other factors from inflamed or damaged tissue.  It should also be noted that Neprofin is considered safe and can be used without the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

For more information about enzymes or Neprofin AVF, please visit www.swnutra.com, or call 1-800-959-8872.
 

Menopause and Women's Health
by: Cathy Taylor

Creating a “quality” menopause transition requires following certain guidelines to minimize its effects on women's health. You probably know that this condition wrecks havoc on female anatomy creating chemical imbalances and overall discomfort for a period of time (both short and long).

Bouts of anxiety, physical symptoms such as hot flashes and vibrations ripping through the body, vaginal discomfort, relationship issues, and the realization that women are stepping into the next phase of their lives are critical changes one must face. Menopause and exercising proper women's health can easily go hand in hand with a little extra effort. In order to lessen the severity of symptoms, women need to be informed about proper nutrition including vitamin and other supplement consumption. Let's look into some vitamins that can help.

Some of the physical symptoms of menopause include night sweats, itchy, crawly vibrations throughout the body, and general discomfort. An excellent vitamin to take is Vitamin E. Taken in a dose of 800 IU daily, it helps prevent these conditions from happening. Make sure you take one pill with each of your meals, as capsules are best activated in the body when consumed with food.

A good vitamin to aid depression and hot flashes during sleep is magnesium as well (taken in a dose of 1,000 mg. daily). Another one of the ¨letter¨ vitamins that is great for menopausal symptoms and immune system building is Vitamin B-6. It is a diuretic, which means it flushes out any excess liquid in the body that can cause discomfort. It also aids in processing protein and fights against disease. Women suffering under this condition also experience depressive symptoms, something Vitamin B-6 can combat. Regular Vitamin B can ease anxiety and fight stress as well.

Did you know menopause can cause weak bones? In a condition known as osteoporosis, bones start to become brittle and can break with ease performing the simplest tasks, such as opening a car door or turning suddenly. A quality vitamin such as calcium can help. However, make sure you also take calcium with magnesium and Vitamin D together because they help absorb calcium into the blood stream. Hormones are also impacted by this wonderful vitamin, as it acts as its ¨engine¨ in being spread out throughout the body.

Remember, if you don't want to consume pills and capsules, you can eat foods and drink liquids rich in vitamins such as orange juice, peanuts, soybeans, broccoli, bananas, and milk (calcium loaded). Most doctors would recommend a daily multi-vitamin and antioxidant.

Taking the hormone known as DHEA can also do wonders to battle the effects of menopause. One of the few over the counter pills that also serves as a hormone, it actually produces sex hormones in both men and women. DHEA promotes the functioning of enzymes that speed up bodily processes, block fat cells, and fights disease. DHEA is actually produced by the body in the adrenal glands, but declines in amount as we get older. That's why it's crucial to keep taking DHEA to keep the body in optimum health and fight this condition.

Pound for pound, the most critical thing women can do to lessen the severity of menopause is to follow a clean and healthy lifestyle including exercise and listen to their doctor. Avoid eating McDonalds, drinking sodas, and consuming other foods packed with sugars and preservatives. Make it a habit to drink water and provide yourself with a solid social network of friends that will provide support to you when you're down and need someone to talk to. Overall, keep your body in line and in shape against menopause by acquainting yourself with proper nutrition and necessary vitamins.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.  For more information and products that help with the symptoms of menopause, please visit Southwest Nutraceuticals, or call 1-800-959-8872.

About The Author

Cathy writes frequently on mid-life issues for women and men particularly menopause, and a copy of her book can be found at http://www.howtoconquermenopause.com.

To read a sample of this book go to http://www.everythingmenopause.com/currentissue.html

What is Fibrin?

Fibrin is a protein formed in the human body that can significantly impact our health and general well-being.  Fibrin is documented to be responsible for scar tissue, thrombus formation and inflammation along with its associated pain. 

Systemic enzyme formulas, like Neprinol AFD by Arthur Andrew Medical, contain a blend of enzymes that specifically address fibrin levels in the body.  The inherent fibrin removal process is accomplished by naturally occurring enzymes in the body, principally plasmin.  Plasmin is an important enzyme, present in the blood, that degrades many blood plasma proteins, most notably fibrin clots.  The degradation of fibrin is termed fibrinolysis.  Plasmin is also our own natural blood thinner responsible for maintaining normal blood solvency by removing unnecessary accumulated protein. The normal process of fibrinolysis can be enhanced by introducing fibrinolytic (fibrin lysing) enzymes.

Serrapeptase is an exceptional fibrinolytic enzyme, able to digest and liquefy large amounts of fibrotic scar tissue.  This dissolved tissue may accumulate over time, thickening the blood, making it necessary to include the potent enzyme Nattokinase.  This enzyme, produced by bacillus Natto, is actually much more potent than plasmin itself and will help modulate blood viscosity by dissolving these lysed tissue cells. 

For more information about fibrin and beneficial enzyme formulas, please contact Southwest Nutraceuticals at 1-800-959-8872, or visit www.swnutra.com.

How to Choose an Enzyme Blend

Not all enzyme blends are created equal.  There are only a handful of enzyme formulations that actually work.Enzyme potency is measured by activity levels.  A systemic enzyme formula, such as Neprinol, is measured by "FUs" or Fibrinolytic Units.  With most enzyme blends, a typical serving size is 1-2 capsules, providing an average of 1,000-2,000 FUs...however, some of the higher-end enzyme blends can provide up to 15,000 FUs per capsule, yielding much higher activity levels. 

Simply adding more milligrams of an enzyme does not necessarily increase the product's potency.  When choosing an enzyme blend, look carefully for the activity rating rather than the milligrams per serving, which only indicates the individual components of the blend by their weight as opposed to their strength.

No serious or adverse side effects have been reported from taking systemic enzymes.  Clinical studies have shown that even extremely large doses of these enzymes are not toxic.  Even after prolonged use at high dosages, enzymes are more easily tolerated in the body than other dietary supplements like Vitamin C or E.  If you are taking prescription blood-thinning medication, you should consult your physician before taking a systemic enzyme formula.

For more information about enzymes, please call Southwest Nutraceuticals at 1-800-959-8872 or visit us at www.swnutra.com.

Why Do I Need Enzymes?

As we age, the need for enzymes increases significantly, while our body's own natural enzyme production steadily declines.  Enzymes are essential to maintain a strong immune system, healthy joints, good circulation and overall balanced reaction to injury.  This natural decline of enzyme production often leads to enzyme deficiencies, which can increase the potential of developing many health risks.  Enzymes derived for all-vegetarian sources are biochemically more effective than those produced by the human body.  Supplementation of a systemic enzyme formula can replace these valuable enzymes, and combined with proper diet and exercise can drastically reduce vulnerability to a wide range of health concerns.

Enzymes are too often categorized into the narrow spectrum of digestion.  Systemic enzyme formulations differ from digestive enzyme formulations in that they are meant to bypass the gastrointestinal tract intact and enter into the bloodstream.  Enzymes are completely universal, in that they react differently depending on how they are introduced into the body.  Taking these enzymes away from meals insures that they will become active only after they have had a chance to enter the bloodstream, allowing these enzymes to work "systemically" or throughout the entire body.

For more information about enzymes and systemic enzyme formulas, please contact Southwest Nutraceuticals at 1-800-959-8872 or visit www.swnutra.com.  

Probiotics Vs. Antibiotics

Traditionally in America, we make a visit to the doctor when we feel sick, and spend oodles of money for their diagnosis and eventual prescription of some form of antibiotic to destroy the bacteria that infested our body and made us feel that way.  I say 'in America', because many other (healthier) countries take the time to understand, and open their minds up to alternative treatments as a way to proactively take control of their personal health.  One thing about Americans is that we are very 'reactive' when it comes to most things, and personal health is certainly one of them.

Our bodies are filled with millions of bacteria, some of which are essential to life, while others cause disease and illness.  The human digestive tract carries over 400 distinct microorganisms, making it possible to digest food, absorb nutrients, and fight off infections and disease.  The number of microorganisms in the body far exceeds the number of tissue cells, making up nearly four pounds of body weight. 

Too often, antibiotics are over-prescribed to patients who visit the doctor feeling ill.  Antibiotics, while sometimes life-saving, can have negative attributes as well.  Antibiotics do not target specific infectious bacterial strains, thus they also destroy essential strains of 'good' bacteria needed for proper immune function and digestion.  Overuse of prescription antibiotics,as well as diets high in sugar and other carbohydrates, can cause more problematic conditions like candida yeast build-up, and Leaky Gut Syndrome or LGS.  After taking antibiotics, our bodies must work overtime to regenerate the good bacteria that are so important for optimal health.

Commercially-raised animals for meat and dairy products are exposed to some 30 different antibiotics during their lifespan, all approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  These antibiotics are as detrimental to good bacteria as they are to the bad.  The western diet, which contains high levels of processed flours, sugars, preservatives, and chlorinated water, is just one factor that can lead to an improper balance of intestinal flora.  Giving antibiotics to the animals from which we get our dairy products is also another negative in the balance of good vs. bad bacteria.  Now more than ever is there a need to replenish the beneficial flora missing from our diets.

Probiotics is a term referred to as a group of 'friendly bacteria' or 'microflora'.  Without microflora, our entire digestive system would collapse after eating a piece of fruit that hadn't been properly washed.  Intestinal microflora make it possible to fight off toxic bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, and pass waste matter efficiently throughout the body, and ultimately regulate a healthy immune system.  Without sufficient microflora available, the nutrients we consume would virtually pass right through us, leaving us starving.

For more information on intestinal health and probiotic formulas, you can visit Southwest Nutraceuticals at www.swnutra.com, or call 1-800-959-8872. 

  

Are You Lactose Intolerant?

A healthy body produces enzymes in sufficient quantities to ensure proper digestion of most foods.  However, some people do not produce sufficient quantities of these enzymes, and often get the common symptoms of indigestion such as gas, bloating, heartburn and constipation.  In such cases, supplementing the natural enzymes secreted by our body promotes optimal digestion and can relieve many of the symptoms of indigestion. 

People who are lactose intolerant can typically experience stomach bloating, gas, cramps and diarrhea after ingesting dairy products.  Symptoms usually appear 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating, and vary by individual and the type/quantity of dairy foods consumed.  Devacor, by Arthur Andrew Medical, contains a highly potent lactase enzyme to assist the body with digesting these foods.  When taking lactase-digesting enzymes like those in Devacor, you should take it with the first bite of the dairy product for maximum effectiveness.  Taking it too soon or too far after consuming dairy reduces the product's ability to interact with the dairy products in the digestive tract.

For more information about Devacor or digestive health, please contact Southwest Nutraceuticals at 1-800-959-8872, or visit www.swnutra.com.