For many people who are tired throughout the day, fighting against fatigue is an uphill battle. After ruling out fatigue-causing medical problems, some physicians will insist that low energy levels are normal. To compensate for this "normal fatigue," the energy drink industry has flourished. Unfortunately, these products typically contribute to a worsening of the cycle of fatigue. The true culprit of tiredness often lies in the adherence to an array of daily, energy-sapping habits. Thus, breaking free from these habits can pave the way to a life full of energy and vigor.

The customs guilty of sapping energy are extremely common and permeate cultures across the globe. These customs are adopted for an array of reasons, spanning fashion, convenience and immediate satisfaction. Sadly, such practices interrupt the body's natural cycle of rest and activity. Anyone wishing to reclaim his or her energy levels could benefit from beginning new traditions to break away from these three fatiguing habits:

1. Breakfast Neglect - Whether content to skip breakfast or consume foods full of sugar and carbohydrates, many people forget that food is fuel. The body needs some protein and healthy fats in the morning to prepare for a day filled with energy. Refined carbohydrates like white flour and sugar cause blood sugar levels to soar, which the body scrambles to process by producing insulin. The insulin then causes blood sugar to drop, which results in an energetic crash. With each crash, the adrenal glands produce cortisol for an energetic lift. Over time, this cycle fueled by poor food choices exhausts the adrenal glands from trying to regulate wildly fluctuating sugar levels.

· Suggestion - Break this habit by prioritizing a good breakfast with scrambled eggs on whole wheat toast, oatmeal with yogurt and seeds, an omelet with cheese, tomato and mushrooms, a smoothie with fruit, whey powder and almond milk or other protein, fiber and complex carbohydrate packed meal.

2. Feet Fashion - Without physical activity sprinkled into the day, the body becomes sluggish and drowsy. Conversely, the more the body is moved, the more energy it generates. Unfortunately, many fashion forward individuals opt for pointy-toed stilettos, high heels or other types of shoes that look great but do not encourage movement.

· Suggestion - Find a pair of comfortable shoes or sneakers to wear during the day or to change into whenever possible. With feet that feel good, it will be easier to get energized by taking the stairs, parking your car a distance from your destination and taking an energizing stroll after meals.

3. Caffeine Addiction - Even though many of us turn to caffeine for a burst of energy, coffee, soda, pep pills and so called energy drinks actually foster fatigue. First of all, caffeine doesn't instruct cells to make more energy. Instead, it activates the nervous system, which expends energy. The excessive neuron activity activated by caffeine causes your adrenal glands to produce adrenalin, which gives you a short, chemically induced burst of energy. As soon as adrenaline's effect wears off, rebound fatigue ensues. Similar to the effect of a blood sugar roller coaster, continuation of this cycle exhausts the adrenal glands - a surefire recipe for chronic fatigue.

· Suggestion - Ending a caffeine addiction requires patience and commitment. To avoid caffeine withdrawal, many choose to quit caffeine progressively. Substituting with a healthier, lower caffeinated beverage such as green tea is a good strategy. Be especially weary of combining caffeine and sugar (such as sweetened coffee, sugary colas or energy drinks) because they pose a double whammy to your adrenal glands. Substituting coffee with almonds or walnuts is a better choice, because the protein in these nuts provides a steady, long-term release of energy.

Skipping breakfast, sipping on coffee or energy drinks all day and staying deskbound because of those fabulous shoes describes the workweek of countless adults. Considering these common habits, it's no wonder that many physicians consider fatigue to be normal. If this sounds like your routine, consider the suggestions given to break these energy-sapping habits. Before you know it, your healthy breakfast, athletic kicks and protein-filled snacks will make your fatigue a thing of the past.

References:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/optimumhealthessentials/a/5_Tips_Energy.htm, 5 Ways to Boost Your Energy, Cathy Wong, Retrieved April 1, 2009, About.com, January 2007.

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2009/022009/02082009/442244/index_html?page=1, Break the Habits that Sap Your Energy, Julie Deardorff, Retrieved March 31, 2009, Chicago Tribune and The Free Lance-Star Publishing Co., February 2009.

http://www.aolhealth.com/healthy-living/longevity/foods-that-make-you-tired, Energy-Zapping Foods, Mary Kearl, Retrieved March 31, 2009, AOL LLC, 2009.

http://www.naturalnews.com/012352.html, The hidden dangers of caffeine: How coffee causes exhaustion, fatigue and addiction, Dani Veracity, Retrieved April 2, 2009, Natural News Network, 2009.

http://www.womentowomen.com/fatigueandstress/franklipman-exhaustion.aspx, Are you Spent? An interview with Frank Lipman, MD, Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, Retrieved April 1, 2009, Women to Women 2009.

People experiment with smoking cigarettes for different reasons. Unfortunate for those who continue to smoke, experts agree that living long and healthy requires kicking this habit. Because of the process of inhaling smoke into the lungs, most people consider respiratory illness to be the major risk of cigarette smoking. However, those supporting the tobacco industry must know that smoking is also one of the primary causes of cardiovascular disease.

Accounting for nearly half a million annual deaths, the American Heart Association claims that cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Cigarette smoke poses such an imminent danger to the cardiovascular system because it causes atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty substances in the arteries.

About Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other materials build up in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup is called plaque and hardens the arteries progressively with age. The progressive consequences of plaque buildup, include:

· Deterioration of an artery's lining
· Thickening of arterial walls
· Blocking the flow of blood through the artery

Atherosclerosis can cause coronary artery disease, where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become severely narrowed, decreasing the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Extra strain on the heart may result in chest pain and other symptoms. When one or more of the coronary arteries are completely blocked, a heart attack may occur.

Atherosclerosis can also cause peripheral artery disease, where the arteries carrying blood to the arms and legs have impaired circulation. Those with peripheral artery disease may experience intermittent claudication, the painful cramping of the leg muscles when walking. Additionally, peripheral artery disease greatly increases a person's risk for a stroke.

Smoking Causes Atherosclerosis
Although atherosclerosis is typically a slow, complex disease, tobacco smoke greatly worsens atherosclerosis and speeds its development. Cigarettes cause atherosclerosis for a variety of reasons:

· Cholesterol - The toxins in tobacco smoke lower a person's high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the good cholesterol) while raising levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). A higher ratio of low-density lipoproteins results in a greater fat content in the blood.

· Nicotine and Carbon Monoxide - Components of cigarette smoke, both nicotine and carbon monoxide, damage the artery's endothelium. Instead of a smooth surface for blood to glide within, a damaged endothelium attracts plaque to fasten to its sides and build up along arterial walls.

· Narrows Arteries - Smoking causes arteries already narrowed by atherosclerosis to constrict, further decreasing the amount of blood that can pass through the vessels.

· Sticky Blood - By making the blood's platelets stickier, tobacco use increases its tendency to clot, ultimately increasing the likelihood of completely blocking an artery.

Upon adding up all of the reasons that smoking causes or worsens atherosclerosis, it is clear why smokers have such a high risk of suffering from a stroke or heart attack.

As provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Heart Association, these eight facts should further encourage smokers to seek help in quitting:

1. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and the leading cause of death caused by smoking.

2. Strokes represent the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and are commonly caused by smoking.

3. The risk of stroke decreases steadily after smoking cessation, with former smokers having the same stroke risk as non-smokers after 5 to 15 years.

4. Cigarette smoking has been associated with sudden cardiac death of all types in both men and women.

5. A person's risk of heart attack greatly increases with the number of cigarettes he or she smokes and the longer he or she has smoked.

6. Smokers who quit between ages 35-39 add an average of 6-9 years to their lives.

7. Smokers who quit between ages 65-69 increase their life expectancy by 1-4 years.

8. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of repeat heart attacks and death from heart disease by at least 50 percent.

Because cigarette smoke causes atherosclerosis, it automatically puts those addicted to it at high risk for a heart attack or stroke. Nobody claims that quitting smoking is easy; in fact, it is just the opposite. However, kicking this habit is the single most important step a smoker can take to reduce his or her risk of heart disease - a commitment that has living a long and healthy life as its ultimate reward.

References:

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/smoking/smoking_hrtds.aspx, Smoking and Heart Disease, Retrieved February 19, 2009, Cleveland Clinic, 2009.

http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/heartdisease/a/atherosclerosis.htm, Smoking and Atherosclerosis, Terry Martin, Retrieved February 20, 2009, About.com, 2009.

http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/tobaccostatistics/a/heartdiseases.htm?p=1, Coronary Heart Disease Statistics, Terry Martin, Retrieved February 19, 2009, About.com, 2009.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4440, Atherosclerosis, Retrieved February 20, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/sgr_2004/highlights/3.htm, 2004 Surgeon General's Report -- The Health Consequences of Smoking, Retrieved February 19, 2009, US Department of Health and Human Services, 2009.

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec03/ch032/ch032a.html, Atherosclerosis, Retrieved February 20, 2009, Merck & Co. Inc., 2009.

A potentially lethal consequence of cardiovascular disease, a stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. The area of the brain deprived of blood suffocates from the resulting lack of oxygen and begins to die. By making a concerted effort to maintain heart and blood vessel health, individuals can reduce their risk of suffering a stroke.

An extremely complex organ, the brain controls various body functions. A stroke can impair the bodily function controlled by the affected area of the brain. However, if a large enough region of the brain is deprived of oxygen, it can be fatal. As the number three cause of death in the United States, stroke prevention is a vital component of aging healthfully.

Stroke Prevention Tips
The usual lifestyle modifications that promote general health also serve to maintain the cardiovascular system, which will invariably help prevent a stroke. However, three of the most effective approaches to make certain your brain gets a steady supply of oxygen, include:

1. Avoiding Tobacco Smoke -- Smoking is a major cause of heart disease and the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. The chemicals in tobacco smoke increase the buildup of plaque in artery walls and promote the development of blood clots that can cause strokes. Whether due to a blocked artery or bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain, those who smoke have more than twice the risk of stroke compared to non-smokers. Constant secondhand smoke exposure also increases these risks, even for non-smokers. Women smokers who use birth control pills have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than non-smokers who use them.

2. Getting Active -- The human body was made to move. Supporting this common knowledge, researchers have realized that heart disease is almost twice more likely to develop in inactive people than in those who are more active. Living a sedentary lifestyle can lead to high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and diabetes - all of which compound the risk for stroke. The American Heart Association recommends accumulating at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week.

3. Skipping Fast Food - We know that foods high in saturated fat, loaded with calories and devoid of fiber negatively affect cardiovascular health by clogging the arteries. However, this danger appears to be specific to those who frequent fast food restaurants. Research presented at the 2009 American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference found a concrete link between those who live near fast food restaurants and who have a higher stroke risk. Their findings demonstrated that residents of neighborhoods with the highest number of fast food restaurants had a 13 percent higher risk of experiencing a stroke than those in neighborhoods with the fewest such restaurants.

Modern medicine has many pharmaceutical aids to help prevent stroke. Religiously taking these drugs is necessary for many to control their blood pressure, normalize blood sugar levels and reduce high cholesterol. Although lifestyle choices do not replace prescribed medications, the contrary is also true. When it comes to stroke prevention, pills are not a substitute for healthy lifestyle choices.

Some assume that only fanatics engage in healthful lifestyle habits. However, there is nothing fanatical about wanting to live. Combining a physician's advice with healthful lifestyle choices is the best way to make it into old age with your brain's function intact. Quitting a smoking habit, avoiding secondhand smoke, making sure you fit half an hour of physical activity into each day and opting for healthy nourishment over a fast food burger, are all proven ways to support your cardiovascular system and - ultimately - help prevent a catastrophic stroke.

References:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4786, Women, Heart Disease and Stroke, Retrieved May 24, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.

http://www.cdc.gov/stroke/prevention.htm, Stroke Prevention, May 24, 2009, US Department of Health and Human Services, 2009.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29288554/, Study links fast-food restaurants to stroke, Retrieved May 24, 2009, Microsoft, February 2009.

http://www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3030066, What is Stroke?, Retrieved May 24, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.

http://www.yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu/hccpquiz.pl?lang=english&func=show&quiz=stroke&page=risk_list, Stroke, Retrieved May 24, 2009, Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, 2009.

An estimated 26 million American adults are currently living with one of the five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). While there are several different ways to prevent CKD from progressing to a more severe stage, physicians agree that diet modification is among the most effectual. Due to the kidney's physiology, restricting dietary protein is more than a suggestion for most CKD patients - it is a necessity.

About CKD
The result of physical injury or a disease that damages the kidneys like diabetes or high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease describes the permanent loss of kidney function. When the kidneys are damaged, they do not remove waste and extra water from the blood as well as they should. Thankfully, the kidneys don't typically fail all at once. For those lucky enough to detect CKD early enough, its progression can be slowed or stopped.

CKD Stages
Determined by glomerular filtration rate - a measure of how well the kidneys are cleaning the blood - there are five stages of chronic kidney disease. According to standards set by the National Kidney Foundation, each CKD stage is described below:

· Stage 1 - Signs of mild kidney disease with a glomerular filtration rate of 90 percent or more.

· Stage 2 - Mild kidney disease with a reduced glomerular filtration rate of 60 to 89 percent.

· Stage 3 - Moderate chronic kidney disease with a glomerular filtration rate of 30 to 59 percent.

· Stage 4 - Severe chronic kidney disease with a glomerular filtration rate of 15 to 29 percent.

· Stage 5 - End stage kidney disease with a glomerular filtration rate of less than 15 percent. These individuals need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

Protein and CKD
Found in almost all food, protein is needed for growth, upkeep and repair of all parts of the body. A waste byproduct of protein metabolism, the body produces urea that must be eliminated by the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning well, the urea will stay in the blood.

Eating more protein than your body needs may put an extra burden on the kidneys and cause kidney function to decline faster. Thus, decreasing the amount of dietary protein reduces the amount of urea that must be excreted. With less urea to get rid of, there is a lighter workload on the kidneys of someone with CKD.

Details on Protein Restriction
Doctors have long recommended that patients with CKD eat moderate or reduced amounts of protein. In the 1990s, a major clinical trial evaluated protein restriction for kidney patients. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study assigned groups of CKD patients to diets with different levels of daily protein intake. The study found that patients who reduced their daily protein intake by 0.2 grams for each kilogram of body weight for one year, had healthier levels of urea in their blood.

According to an interview with Emily Creamer, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietician providing nutritional counseling at a dialysis center in Chicago, having kidney disease should not automatically exclude all dietary sources of protein. Creamer cautions those with CKD against completely eliminating protein from their diet. She explains that we need protein to function, and its absence will force the body to break down its own tissues to find it - a biological compensation that can cause irreparable damage. Thus, working closely with a dietician to eat the right amount of protein is crucial for those with CKD.

In addition, Creamer says that those in stage 5 of CKD have different protein needs. This is because dialysis removes protein from the body artificially, so the body's tissues have a greater demand for protein. Hence, individuals undergoing dialysis are often placed on a high protein diet to help replace the muscle and other tissue lost from this procedure.

Unless we are under strict doctor's orders, most of us pay little attention to the amount of protein in our diet. However, those with chronic kidney disease must work with a dietician to consume the right quantity of protein. Our ability to break down protein relies on kidney function. Therefore, the amount of protein consumed can make the difference between preventing CKD from worsening and having it escalate to a more advanced stage of disease.

References:

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/chronickidneydiseases/, Chronic Kidney Disease: A Family Affair, Retrieved February 28, 2010, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2010.

http://www.davita.com/kidney-disease/the-basics/a/92, Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, Retrieved February 28, 2010, DaVita, Inc., 2010.

http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/enjoy.cfm, Enjoy Your Own Recipes Using Less Protein, Retrieved February 28, 2010, National Kidney Foundation, 2010.

http://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/, Kidney Disease, Retrieved February 28, 2010, National Kidney Foundation, 2010.

http://www.kidneytimes.com/article.php?id=20080118205153, What Can Patients Do to Delay the Progression to Complete Kidney Failure?, Dean A. Kujubu, MD, Retrieved February 28, 2010, KidneyTimes.com, 2010.

http://www.kruf.org.uk/kidney/nutrition-late-ckd.html, Nutrition for Later Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults, Retrieved February 28, 2010, Kidney Information, 2010.

http://www.igan.ca/id77.html, Stages and Symptoms of Renal Insufficiency, Retrieved February 28, 2010, Foundation for IgA Nephropathy, 2010.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002442.htm, Diet - chronic kidney disease, Retrieved February 28, 2010, National Institutes of Health, 2010.

Available in most areas year-round, bananas are deliciously sweet treats. Because of their reputation as a fruit loaded with sugar (although it is natural sugar), the fantastic health benefits of bananas are often overlooked. For anyone whose cardiovascular health is a predominant concern, bananas' high potassium and fiber content make this fruit an absolute must.

Once a rare and costly luxury item unknown outside their native tropics, bananas are believed to be the world's best-selling fruit. Perhaps because it tastes like desert, is relatively affordable or because it is prepackaged in its own biodegradable jacket, most of us are familiar with the sweet, slightly astringent, firm and creamy flesh of bananas.

A Banana's Nutrition
From a nutritional perspective, bananas have a lot to offer - especially when it comes to keeping the heart working optimally. Besides their high fiber content, bananas provide a rich source of potassium (while still being low in sodium), a combo that can help maintain normal blood pressure and heart function. The average banana contains nearly 3 g of fiber, 467 mg of potassium and only 1 mg of sodium.

· Potassium is one of the most important nutrients for keeping the heart healthy. This mineral is needed for muscle contraction (which is required for the heart to beat). A 100,000 times a day, potassium helps trigger the heart's squeeze of blood throughout the body. As a food source, bananas have one of the highest potassium contents available. The daily recommended amount of potassium is about 2,300 mg.

· Sodium is an essential nutrient, but most of us have more than we need. For a long time, health officials have been recommending that people reduce their salt (sodium) intake to combat high blood pressure and, consequently, to reduce mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke. With just 1 mg, bananas are definitely a low-sodium food.

· Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body can't digest. Diets that are high in fiber are linked to a decreased risk for coronary heart disease. One banana can contain as much as 16 percent of the dietary fiber needed in one day.

To make sure that people do not choose unproven remedies over medically necessary advice, our legal system prohibits claims that potassium can treat or prevent heart disease. However, experts believe that, in unison with a low-fat, high fiber diet and daily exercise, regular consumption of potassium-rich bananas can help maintain cardiovascular health.

More on a Banana's Heart Benefits
A deeper appreciation for bananas' cardiovascular benefits can be gleaned from the following:

· As published in Circulation, the journal for the American Heart Association, researchers tracked over 40,000 American men over eight years to determine the association between potassium intake and stroke. They found that men who consumed the most potassium had the lowest risk for a stroke.

· A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine demonstrated that eating high fiber foods, such as bananas, helps prevent heart disease. Almost 10,000 American adults participated in this study and were followed for 19 years. People eating the most fiber, 21 grams per day, had 12 percent less coronary heart disease and 11 percent less cardiovascular disease compared to those eating the least, 5 grams daily.

· As published in the journal Stroke, a study of over 9,000 Americans suggested that low dietary potassium intake is associated with an increased risk of stroke.

For many people with heart failure, getting enough potassium is especially important. Some medications (diuretics) for heart failure can cause a loss of potassium in the urine. As long as it is cleared with a physician, potassium supplements or a potassium-rich diet can replace lost potassium.

Eating a banana a day does not guarantee immunity from heart disease. However, there is enough convincing evidence to make this high-potassium, high-fiber, low-sodium fruit part of a healthy heart routine.

References:

http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/32/7/1473, Dietary Potassium Intake and Risk of Stroke in US Men and Women, Lydia A. Bazzano, PhD, et al, Retrieved January 31, 2010, Stroke, 2001.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2009080/the_health_benefits_of_bananas.html?cat=5, The Health Benefits of Bananas, Laurence N. Girard, Retrieved January 29, 2010, Associated Content, Inc., 2010.

http://www.chiquitabananas.com/, Home, Retrieved January 31, 2010, Chiquita Brands LLC, 2010.

http://www.circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/98/12/1198, Intake of Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Fiber and Risk of Stroke Among US Men, A. Ascherio, MD, DrPH, et al, Retrieved January 31, 2010, Circulation, 1998.

http://www.medicinalfoodnews.com/vol05/issue1/banana, A Banana a Day Keeps the Doctor Away, E. Farnworth, Retrieved January 29, 2010, Medicinal Food News, 2010.

http://www.pennlive.com/bodyandmind/index.ssf/2010/01/bananas_a_healthy_pick.html, Bananas: A healthy pick, Retrieved January 31, 2010, PennLive LLC, January 2010.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/potassium-and-your-heart, Potassium and Your Heart, Retrieved January 31, 2010, WebMD, LLC, 2010.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=7, Bananas, Retrieved January 31, 2010, The George Mataljan Foundation, 2010.

*This article is intended for mature adults and is for informational purposes only. Any health concerns should be discussed with a physician. This material is not intended to encourage behavior that causes anyone spiritual, personal or emotional discomfort.

Fatigue can easily drain your sex drive. A desire to have more energy is nearly universal - but when low energy levels begin to impact libido - one's quality of life can dramatically deteriorate. An evolutionary component of our genetic code, people will go to great lengths to restore their sex drive.

The first step in rekindling your sexual energy is to identify the cause of its decline. Possible physical causes of low libido include chronic illness, low testosterone levels, taking the birth control pill, breast-feeding, antidepressant use and too much alcohol. A study published in the July/August 2009 edition of Allergy and Asthma Proceedings found that, even a problem like allergic rhinitis was associated with higher than normal levels of fatigue and sexual dysfunction.
Physical origins of low libido are best addressed by a physician. Psychological causes may include depression, emotional exhaustion, addictions, and stress and relationship issues. In these cases, counseling and sex therapy are believed to be the most helpful techniques.

Once physical pathology and psychological origins have been ruled out, there are several approaches for overcoming sexual fatigue. Sexual fatigue can mean something different to each individual; here we are addressing when there is not enough energy to feel in-the-mood or to engage in sexual activity.

Long-term relationships often fall prey to sexual fatigue. This phenomena isn't surprising given that most of us are juggling a career, friends and family. Finding the time and energy to feel sexy and passionate can be a challenge. According to Val Sampson, co-author of How To Have Great Sex For The Rest Of Your Life, "Sometimes sex can feel like just another thing on our 'to do' list." In this situation, recognizing that a jam-packed schedule does not prioritize sex, is crucial. Once a commitment is made to reclaim sexual vigor, the following could revitalize this innately human need in a long-term relationship:

1. Dance - If you and your partner enjoy it, make a plan to go dancing. Because dancing often involves rhythmic movements in the pelvic area, it can be a great tool for stirring up sexual energy. The positive effect of Argentinean Tango on libido and couples' communication is a current area of research.

2. Eroticism - Because the brain is considered to be our biggest sex organ, mental involvement is necessary for sexual desire. Whether reading erotic literature, fantasizing or wearing erotic clothes gets you in the mood, engaging your mind in sexual thoughts helps generate sexual energy.

3. Herbal Aphrodisiacs - Many natural herbs are known to increase libido by boosting hormone levels, stimulating genital blood circulation, improving stamina and increasing overall energy levels. Some herbs specifically shown to improve libido include horny goat weed, ginseng, dodder seed, tribulus and deer antler velvet. For expertly designed libido formulas, consider Enhance For Her™ and Enhance For Him™.

4. Exercise - Being sedentary sucks people into a vicious cycle that always involves fatigue and low endurance. By simply doing moderate cardiovascular exercise three to four times a week (like a 20-minute brisk walk), your energy levels and libido will rise accordingly.

At least one of these four suggestions is within the reach of just about everyone. So if sexual fatigue is impacting your quality of life, consider dancing, engaging your mind in erotic thought, trying herbal aphrodisiacs and/or doing cardiovascular exercise. As long as a medical problem is not impinging on sexual health, these approaches can help a majority of individuals overcome sexual fatigue.

References:

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=21988080, The impact of allergic rhinitis on sexual activity, sleep, and fatigue, Benninger, Michael S, et al, Retrieved February 14, 2010, Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, July-August 2009.

http://kinseyconfidential.org/fatigue-day-after-sex/, Q&A: What Might Cause Fatigue The Day After Sex?, Debby Herbenick, MPH, PhD, Retrieved February 14, 2010, The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, 2010.

http://womens-sexual-health.suite101.com/article.cfm/loss_of_libido, Loss of libido, Nicci Talbot, Retrieved February 14, 2010, suite101.com, 2010.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4715220_drive-caused-adrenal-fatigue-women.html, How to Treat Low Sex Drive Caused by Adrenal Fatigue In Women, Cyn Vela, Retrieved February 14, 2010, eHow, Inc., 2010.

Most of us have heard that an aspirin a day keeps a heart attack at bay. Unfortunately, an aspirin routine can do more harm than good in many individuals. While a desire to steer clear of a heart attack or stroke could motivate you to begin aspirin therapy, the decision to take aspirin on a regular basis should only be made under the recommendation of your personal physician.

One of the oldest drugs in existence, the effects of aspirin-like substances have been helping people since the time of Hippocrates. The following timeline brings appreciation to aspirin's long history:

· 400 BC - The ancient Greeks recorded the use of willow bark (an herb that contains aspirin's primary chemical) as a fever fighter.

· 1920s - Aspirin was used for pain relief for rheumatism, lumbago & neuralgia.

· 1948 - Daily aspirin therapy was touted as a means for protecting heart health.

· 2003 - Bayer filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to broaden the professional labeling of aspirin to include heart attack prevention in specified individuals.

There are currently no directions on the label for how to use aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack or clot-related stroke. This poses several dangers, because people could:

1. Take a dose that is intended for a different purpose, which is too much for daily use.

2. Begin aspirin therapy even though they are not ideal candidates. For some individuals, the risks of taking aspirin far outweigh the benefits.

3. Combine aspirin therapy with another drug or supplement that could put their health in jeopardy.

In general, the only individuals eligible for aspirin therapy include those who:

· Have heart disease
· Have already had a heart attack or stroke
· Are at high risk for having a heart attack of stroke

If you fit these criteria, taking a low-dose aspirin each day could prevent a heart attack or stroke by making the blood less sticky - which in turn limits the formation of clots in the blood.

Unfortunately, the very reason that aspirin can help prevent cardiac events can also cause problems. Reducing the blood's ability to clot can lead to hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding inside the brain), bleeding ulcers and severe (and deadly) gastrointestinal bleeding.
Those with the following conditions are at most risk from being harmed by aspirin therapy:

· A bleeding or clotting disorder where you bleed or bruise easily
· Asthma
· Stomach ulcers
· Heart failure
· Liver damage

In addition, many medications and herbal supplements can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with aspirin. The most common ones include:

· Warfarin (Coumadin)
· Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) when taken regularly
· Corticosteroids
· Certain antidepressants (clomipramine, paroxetine, others)
· Dan Shen (Chinese herb)
· Dong Quai (also spelled Dong Gui)
· Evening primrose oil
· Ginkgo
· Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)
· Policosanol
· Willow bark

Each one of these substances can create a dangerous situation when taken with aspirin, so it is important to discuss every one of your medications and supplements with your doctor. Additional concerns with aspirin include:

· Stopping daily aspirin therapy - A rebound effect can occur from stopping a daily aspirin routine. Suddenly stopping regular aspirin intake can actually trigger a blood clot.

· Surgery - If you're taking aspirin and need a surgical or dental procedure, be sure to tell the surgeon or dentist the specifics of your aspirin regimen; otherwise you risk excessive bleeding (which could be fatal) during the procedure.

· Alcohol - The Food and Drug Administration also warns that people who regularly take aspirin should limit the amount of alcohol they drink because of its blood-thinning effects and potential to upset the stomach.

Because of the powerful effect it can have on the body, aspirin has been known as a wonder drug. Under a physician's guidance, aspirin can be wonderful when it prevents a catastrophic blood clot. However, aspirin's many risks and cautions related to bleeding make it a wonder that this drug remains over-the-counter.

The FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) has launched a public education campaign to remind consumers that aspirin is not without risk; the decision to use aspirin to prevent a heart attack and stroke is safest when made in consultation with a knowledgeable physician. So, if you are considering daily aspirin therapy to prevent blood clots from forming, make sure you thoroughly discuss it with your physician prior to stocking up on aspirin.

References:

http://view.mail.health.harvard.edu/?j=fe6b16737764067c7217&m=febb15747d630d7a&ls=fe051c747766077d75147775&l=fe57157677630c7b7217&s=fe591c797661017a7414&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe241676716c0c78741d70&r=0, Should everyone take an aspirin a day?, Retrieved March 28, 2010, Harvard University, 2010.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4456, Aspirin in Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention, Retreived March 28, 2010, American Heart Association, 2010.

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm133508.htm, Daily Aspirin Therapy, Retrieved March 28, 2010, US Food and Drug Administration, 2010.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/daily-aspirin-therapy/HB00073, Daily aspirin therapy: Understand the benefits and risks, March 28, 2010, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2010.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/aspirin-therapy, Heart Disease and Aspirin Therapy, Retrieved March 28, 2010, WebMD, LLC, 2010.

http://www.wonderdrug.com/pain/asp_history.htm, Aspirin History, Retrieved March 28, 2010, Bayer HealthCare LLC, 2010.

One of the main objectives of preventive health care is realizing when a body system is weak - and strengthening that system before a medical problem has a chance to establish itself. When it comes to the kidneys and their association with the cardiovascular and urinary systems, there are a few telltale signs that support is needed.

The kidneys have been called master chemists of the body. Some of their more important responsibilities include:

· monitoring blood quality by separating out harmful substances from beneficial ones

· maintaining a constant volume of water

· removing waste via the urinary system

· regulating blood pressure

Most of us don't even think about the health of our kidneys until there is a problem. Unfortunately, when there is a detectable problem with the kidneys, it can be quite severe.

Although many types of kidney problems do not produce symptoms until late in the course of disease, some warning signs include:

· High Blood Pressure - Unless a blood pressure reading is obtained, most people are unaware that their blood pressure is elevated. However, if blood pressure is extremely high, there may be severe headache, fatigue, confusion, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty breathing and pounding in the chest, neck or ears.

· Urine Changes - Abnormal urination can indicate a range of impending kidney problems. This includes dark (concentrated), cloudy or bloody urine, as well as painful, frequent or difficult urination.

· Water Retention - Puffiness or feeling swollen around the eyes, hands or feet could indicate the kidneys are having a problem eliminating fluid.

· High Blood Sugar Levels - Without a specific blood test, many don't know when their blood sugar levels soar. However, the hallmark indications of high blood sugar include urinating a lot and being very thirsty. In addition, there may be fatigue and weight loss without a change in eating or exercising habits.

Kidneys that have sustained repeated injury could result in the development of chronic kidney disease. Over 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and an additional 20 million are at increased risk to develop it. Those who are especially prone, include individuals with:

· Diabetes mellitus
· Hypertension (high blood pressure)
· A family history of kidney disease
· Old age
· African-American, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian or Pacific Islander descent

Luckily, preventing such kidney problems could be a matter of making several reasonable lifestyle adjustments. If signs of future kidney problems do or do not exist, most of us could benefit from consciously striving to keep our kidneys healthy. In addition to following all of your doctor's recommendations, four effective strategies for maintaining kidney health, include:

1. Do Not Smoke - Several years ago, scientists discovered that smoking worsens kidney damage in people who have medical problems that affect the kidneys (like diabetes and high blood pressure). In addition, investigators have found that smokers have poorer kidney function than non-smokers. One possible reason is that smoking causes brief increases in blood pressure every time a cigarette is smoked.

2. Exercise and Eat Right - Especially important for those who have high blood sugar and/or high blood pressure, these two lifestyle aspects are crucial to protect the kidneys. Many health experts suspect that being sedentary and consuming salty, high-fat, high-sugar, chemically-laden foods are behind our nation's outrageously high rates of hypertension and diabetes mellitus - two conditions that can easily damage the kidneys.

3. Stay Hydrated - Dehydration thickens the blood, making the kidneys task of removing waste from the blood even harder. While drinking plenty of water is one way to stay hydrated, so is minimizing consumption of alcohol, coffee and soda - substances known to be dehydrating.

4. Herbal Support - Especially for those who are at highest risk for kidney problems, some herbs can help maintain kidney health. Formulations such as UriCare® are created specifically to support normal kidney function.

Whether your health, age or background renders you more susceptible to kidney disease or you notice some of the signs associated with kidneys operating sub-par, there are strategies to strengthen your kidneys' health. By not smoking, exercising daily, eating well, staying hydrated and supplementing with kidney supportive herbs, it is possible to prevent the growing problem of kidney disease.

References:

http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=2949&channel_id=10&relation_id=3949, Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy, Retrieved February 5, 2010, MediResource Inc, 2010.

http://diabetes.about.com/od/preventingcomplications/qt/kidneysdiabetes.htm, Taking Care of Your Kidneys with Type 2 Diabetes, Debra Manzella, RN, Retrieved February 5, 2010, About.com, 2010.

http://thescooponsmoking.org/xhtml/effects/kidneyDamage.php5, Kidney Damage, Retrieved February 5, 2010, ACSH, 2010.

http://www.aakp.org/aakp-library/Warning-signs/, What are the warning signs of kidney disease?, Retrieved February 4, 2010, American Association of Kidney Patients, 2010.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/14088/how_to_take_care_of_your_kidneys.html?cat=5, How To Take Care of Your Kidneys, Retrieved February 5, 2010, Associted Content, Inc., 2010.

http://www.kidney.org/kidneyDisease/howkidneyswrk.cfm#whatare, How Your Kidneys Work, Retrieved February 4, 2010, National Kidney Foundation, 2010.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/117343.php, 10 Warning Signs You Might Have Kidney Disease, Retrieved February 4, 2010, MediLexicon International Ltd., 2010.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Kidney-infection/Pages/Symptoms.aspx, Symptoms of Kidney Infection, Retrieved February 4, 2010, National Health Service, 2010.

http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/hypertension-symptoms-high-blood-pressure, Symptoms of High Blood Pressure, Retrieved February 5, 2010, WebMD LLC, 2010.

To keep heart disease at bay, a good percentage of Americans would opt for taking a pill every day instead of adopting lifestyle changes and taking supplements. Accordingly, pharmaceutical companies are continuously battling to come out with the next best drug that keeps the cardiovascular system running without incident. To prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients with high cholesterol, physicians typically prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications. Unfortunately, these medications are no exception to the rule that all drugs have side effects. Thus, there is a growing interest in natural approaches for lowering cholesterol.

About Cholesterol
An essential ingredient for life, cholesterol helps the body build new cells, insulate nerves and produce hormones. However, too much cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Known as hyperlipidemia, excessive amounts of cholesterol in the blood causes a waxy buildup in the artery's walls. Accumulating over time, atherosclerosis is a buildup of cholesterol that hardens the arteries. This hardening can inhibit blood flow; if the blood supply to the heart is completely blocked, there is a heart attack, while a decreased blood supply to the brain may cause a stroke.

Reducing Cholesterol
Aside from cholesterol-lowering medications, there are a number of foods and supplements that have been shown to reduce cholesterol numbers. However, the impact of minimizing cholesterol, saturated fats and polyunsaturated fats in the diet are the most important aspect of regaining cardiovascular health.

In addition to limiting red meat consumption and skipping processed cupcakes, anyone considering ways to reduce his or her cholesterol must work under the guidance of his or hers physician. Cooperating with a physician is so important because:

· If someone's risk for heart attack or stroke is extremely high, he or she needs careful medical supervision.

· Some supplements can exacerbate or nullify the effects of medications currently being taken.

Make sure to speak with your doctor before starting any natural method to lower cholesterol and fully disclose all of the supplements you are taking.

Five Strategies
To support your artery's health, the following cholesterol lowering strategies may be helpful:

1. Soluble Fiber - Soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol levels in two ways; it crowds fat out of the diet and leaches damaging cholesterol from the body. A diet high in pectin, a soluble fiber found in fruits such as tart apples, citrus fruits, cranberries and sour plums can reduce high cholesterol levels. According to the American Heart Association, studies with people eating a typical American diet who took the soluble fiber supplement psyllium also had significant drops in their cholesterol levels.

2. Cold Water Fish - Research has shown that cold water fish containing omega-3 fatty acids reduces the impact of hyperlipidemia by making blood platelets less sticky, helping protect the linings of arteries and lowering blood pressure. Published in 2001 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a 14-year study found that eating fish at least twice a week versus less than once a month cut the risk of strokes in half. The Nurses' Health Study also found that eating one to three servings of fish per month cut the risk of heart disease by 20 percent, while eating at least five servings a week lowered the risk by 40 percent.

3. Vitamin B3 - Also called niacin, Vitamin B3 can lower cholesterol. Niacin is available in prescription form and as a dietary supplement. The American Heart Association cautions patients to only use the prescription form of niacin. Because of its potential side effects, niacin should only be used to lower cholesterol under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.

4. Artichoke - Artichokes contain a compound called cynarin, which is believed to increase bile production in the liver and speed the flow of bile from the gallbladder, both of which may increase cholesterol excretion. A double blind, placebo-controlled German study found that 1,800 mg of artichoke extract per day for six weeks significantly lowered total cholesterol by 18.5 percent compared to 8.6 percent in the placebo group.

5. Red Rice Yeast Extract - Red rice yeast extract, once sold in the United States under the name "Cholestin," has been shown in studies to be an effective cholesterol-lowering agent. Cholestin contains octacosanol (an alcohol found in the waxy substance seen on some fruit and their leaves) as an active ingredient, which several small studies suggest can help lower cholesterol.

While these five natural strategies for reducing cholesterol are not the only options for those seeking an alternative to pharmaceuticals, they are some of the least controversial.

Conquering high cholesterol with food or supplements is not a feat that should be attempted in isolation; it requires working together with a knowledgeable physician and a lifelong commitment to healthful nutrition practices. For those willing to make the changes that will eventually wean them off drugs and lead to a healthier cardiovascular system, the benefits of lowering cholesterol naturally are priceless.

References:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/highcholesterol/a/highcholesterol.htm, Lower High Cholesterol With Herbs and Supplements, Cathy Wong, Retrieved March 29, 2009, About.com, 2009.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA349100, A Natural Way to Lower Cholesterol?, Andrew Weil, MD, Retrieved March 29, 2009, Weil Lifestyle, LLC, 2009.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/publicsite/index.aspx?puid=3ca7887c-c6c6-4fdb-b41a-8e6a2ddd08fc&p=7&xid=nl_EverydayHealthHealthyAging_20090325, Antioxidants, Retrieved March 29, 2009, Waterfront Media Inc., 2009.

http://mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-cholesterol/DS00178, High Blood Cholesterol, Retrieved March 29, 2009, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2009.

http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/lower-cholesterol-risk, Heart Disease: Lower Cholesterol to Reduce Risk, Retrieved March 29, 2009, WebMD LLC, 2009.

One in every three Americans is affected with heart and blood vessel diseases. As our nation's leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease can be caused by a genetic predisposition, obesity, high stress levels or another health condition. Regardless of cardiovascular disease's prevalence and origin, it can be mitigated by intentionally substituting heart healthy lifestyle choices over potentially damaging ones.

Sometimes, having a grasp on a task's specific details can make all the difference in actually accomplishing it. This application is universal, whether attempting to study for an exam, start a business, develop a sound financial plan or make healthy lifestyle changes. When it comes to the latter, most of us know that living healthfully will reduce the risk of heart disease and its consequences. However, knowing where to start making such positive changes can seem overwhelming. By providing six specific details of what substitutions can point you towards a stronger heart, healthy lifestyle choices will no longer sound like an ambiguous, unconquerable task.

1. Substitute an after-dinner walk for watching the evening news - After a satisfying meal, resist going into a food coma. Being sedentary after eating does not facilitate digestion and watching the news causes many people unrealized, heart-burdening stress. Instead, going for a walk burns calories, assists blood circulation, facilitates digestion and can relieve stress - a perfect recipe for improving heart health.

2. Substitute 100 percent whole grain bread for white bread - A diet high in whole-grain foods is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. Make sure to check bread's ingredients for caramel color, because some companies add this to make bread look brown - giving the illusion of health. In the United States and Canada, only bread labeled with "whole wheat" truly uses whole wheat flour in their processing. Other wheat bread may simply use a combination of white refined flour and whole wheat flour. Make sure to look for "100 percent whole grain" on your bread's label.

3. Substitute wild salmon for steak - When deciding which protein will star in tonight's dinner, choose a heart healthy piece of wild salmon. While steak is loaded in saturated fat that can clog arteries, wild salmon has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which protect against cardiovascular disease and reduce inflammation inside your arteries.

4. Substitute sodium-free spices for salt - Although most cooking shows insist on liberally seasoning most food with salt, they don't have a vested interest in your heart health. Because salt increases blood pressure and dramatically raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, it should be limited. However, food can take on enormous flavor without the use of salt or soy sauce. Whether you like garlic, pepper, curry, chili, paprika, rosemary, vinegar or a sodium-free seasoning blend, give your heart a break by losing the salt. As a bonus, most sodium-free spices contain some kind of heart health benefit.

5. Substitute a steamer for a deep fryer - Increasing the role of vegetables in your diet is a good move for your health, but how your vegetables are prepared has a dramatic impact on your heart. Because of the artery clogging fat clinging to a fried morsel, dropping vegetables in a deep fryer practically negates produce's healthfulness. However, steaming your veggies adds no fat and retains much of their heart healthy compounds.

6. Substitute a comedy flick for worrying about your health - While aiming to improve your health is chock full of benefits, obsessing or worrying about an ailment just adds to your stress level. Choosing an activity that makes you laugh (like watching a comedy), will facilitate a release of stress-relieving endorphins. Because endorphin release lowers blood pressure, your entire cardiovascular system will profit.

Help reduce the statistic that maintains cardiovascular disease as a leading health concern. While dietary changes are monumental in reversing this trend, heart healthy lifestyle choices extend far beyond what we eat. With these six, specific examples that prioritize cardiovascular health, anyone can begin making lifestyle changes that his or her heart will love.

References:

http://www.chefability.com/cooking-for-a-healthy-heart, Cooking for a Healthy Heart, Lisa Paterson, Retrieved June 28, 2009, chefability.com, 2009.

http://www.chiff.com/a/diet-substitutions.htm, Simple Substitutions, Retrieved June 28, 2009, Chiff.com, 2009.

http://www.choosetomove.com/pdf/HeartHealthy_Tips_10605.pdf, Heart-Healthy Tips From the American Heart Association's Choose To Move Program, Retrieved June 28, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.

http://www.dietdetective.com/diet-detective/columns-archive/article.aspx?aid=65835, 10 Swaps to Make Your Heart Healthy, Charles Stuart Platkin, Retrieved June 28, 2009, Waterfront Media, Inc., 2009.

http://www.healthcastle.com/brownbread-wholegrain.shtml, Is Brown Bread equal to
Whole Grain Bread?, Gloria Tsang, RD, Retrieved June 28, 2009, Healthcastle Nutrition Inc., September 2004.

http://www.healthywomen.org/wellness/dietnutrition/loweryourcholesterolwithhearthealthychoices, Lower Your Cholesterol with Heart Healthy Choices, Retrieved June 28, 2009, healthywomen.org, 2009.

Probably the most acknowledged antioxidant, vitamin C is touted to have many health benefits. Known to bolster the immune system, help fight colds, lower cancer risk and prevent scurvy, vitamin C also exhibits the ability to protect the cardiovascular system.

As the leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease is a major problem. A person's heart health is typically assessed by determining how vulnerable one is to cardiovascular disease. As such, there are a variety of measurable factors that can determine the effectiveness of any given approach for preventing heart problems. By conducting studies that evaluate the effect of vitamin C on several of these factors, researchers have consistently found that this vitamin is a necessity for maintaining heart health.

1. Reduces Hardening of the Arteries - While atherosclerosis is a known predicator of heart disease, scientists have confirmed that thickening of the intima media carotid artery specifically enhances the risk of coronary artery disease - the most common kind of heart disease in the U.S. Published in the January 2009 edition of the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, researchers from Ulleval University Hospital in Norway reported that increasing vitamin C, fruit and berry intake is associated with less thickening of the carotid artery.

According to lead author Ingrid Ellingsen, "Increased intake of vitamin C and fruit and berries seemed to contribute to the lesser progression of the carotid intima media thickness (IMT) in elderly men who were given dietary advice. Focusing on the intake of vitamin C-rich plant foods may be an important therapeutic intervention in regard to their risk of cardiovascular disease."

2. Reduces Blood Pressure - Because of the added pressure it puts on the heart and entire cardiovascular system, hypertension (high blood pressure) greatly increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. As published in the December 2008 Nutrition Journal, University of California at Berkeley researchers found that the amount of vitamin C in a person's bloodstream is inversely related to one's blood pressure. More specifically, the study's participants in the highest one-fourth of the vitamin C blood level distribution had 4.66 mmHg lower systolic blood pressure and 6.04 mmHg lower diastolic blood pressure than those in the lowest one-fourth of the distribution.

3. Associated with Less Inflammation - A protein in the blood that signals systemic inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP) is likely to be elevated when there is a buildup of arterial fatty deposits. Some physicians test CRP levels in the blood to assess cardiovascular disease risk. As described in a November 2008 University of California, Berkeley press release, there is evidence that vitamin C supplements can lower concentrations of C-reactive protein. The same study found no benefit from daily doses of vitamin E, another antioxidant.

According to Gladys Block, UC Berkeley professor emeritus of epidemiology and public health nutrition and lead author of this study, "It has recently been suggested by some researchers that people with elevated CRP should be put on statins as a preventive measure. For people who have elevated CRP but not elevated LDL cholesterol, our data suggest that vitamin C should be investigated as an alternative to statins, or as something to be used to delay the time when statin use becomes necessary."

Each of the three factors of cardiovascular disease risk - hardening of the arteries as determined by carotid artery thickness, blood pressure and C-reactive protein levels -were found to decrease with vitamin C supplementation. A great deal more research is required to definitively place Vitamin C on a prescription pad to treat heart disease. However, enough evidence exists to advocate taking this vitamin to protect and maintain heart health.

References:

http://berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2008/11/12_vitaminc.shtmll, Vitamin C lowers levels of heart disease biomarker, finds study, adds to debate of health benefits, Sarah Yang, Retrieved March 20, 2009, UC Regents, November 2008.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4648,
Inflammation, Heart Disease and Stroke: The Role of C-Reactive Protein, Retrieved March 21, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.

http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/, Heart Disease is the Number One Cause of Death, Retrieved March 21, 2009, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12875759, Vitamin C and risk of coronary heart disease in women, Osganian SK, et al, Retrieved March 20, 2009, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, July 2003.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8546347, Intimal medial thickening of common carotid artery as indicator of coronary artery disease, Visona A, et al, Retrieved March 21, 2009, Angiology, January 1996.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Vitamin-C-linked-to-lower-stroke-risk-study, Vitamin C linked to lower stroke risk: study, Stephen Daniells, Retrieved March 20, 2009, Decision News Media SAS, January 2008.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Vitamin-C-rich-foods-may-boost-artery-health/?c=Lmuv7w61%2BUL4%2BL%2FDYdQ1iQ%3D%3D&utm_source=Newsletter_Subject&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BSubject, Vitamin C-rich foods may boost artery health, Stephen Daniells, Retrieved March 20, 2009, Decision News Media SAS, 2009.

http://www.nutritionj.com/content/7/1/35/abstract, Vitamin C in plasma is inversely related to blood pressure and change in blood pressure during the previous year in young Black and White women, Gladys Block, et al, Retrieved March 20, 2009, Nutrition Journal, December 2008.

Because it has been the leading cause of death in the United States for the past 80 years, heart disease is largely responsible for the increasingly recognized preventative medicine movement. Since it can lower total cholesterol, healthful eating practices are part of this preventative approach. Although many assume high cholesterol to be the enemy of heart health, the actual cardiovascular disease risk occurs when cholesterol is attacked. New research shows that a popular herb commonly used for liver ailments can prevent this phenomenon by keeping the cholesterol in your body safe from injury.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol in and of itself is created and used by our bodies to maintain health. A soft, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and cells, cholesterol is needed for many daily functions; including manufacturing cell membranes and hormones.

When physicians advise lowering your cholesterol, they are likely referring to your bad cholesterol; otherwise known as low density lipoproteins (LDL). The reason cholesterol levels are so carefully monitored is because excessive amounts of LDL increase a person's risk for coronary artery disease, heart attacks and stroke. However, experts believe this is because of the greater quantity of cholesterol that can potentially be oxidized (attacked).

Cholesterol Oxidation

Oxidation occurs when oxygen or disease breaks down a substance excessively creating free radicals. As negatively charged electrons no longer attached to their atoms, free radicals create a chemical instability. An unstable free radical seeks other atoms or molecules to bond with, resulting in a tissue damaging chemical reaction.

Unfortunately, the cardiovascular system is highly susceptible to free radical attack. Oxidized cholesterol poses a real danger to the heart, because it enables the cholesterol to become sticky; which irritates the arterial walls, initiates plaque build-up and subsequently blocks blood flow. Because the lining of our blood vessels only have receptors for cholesterol that is oxidized, this damaged form of cholesterol is responsible for the creation of plaques.

Oxidation Prevention

While traditional health advocates have focused their attention on restricting cholesterol intake, modern healthcare professionals are promoting ways to prevent cholesterol from oxidizing. Foods known to accelerate cholesterol oxidation include:

• High-fructose corn syrup
• Soft drinks
• Fortified white flour
• Egg powders
• Caffeine
• Imitation broths
• Corn, soy and safflower oil
• Margarine and shortening
• Hydrogenated fats

In addition to reducing your intake of these foods, antioxidants help prevent cholesterol oxidation. Found in many foods, vitamins and herbs, antioxidants reduce, neutralize and prevent the damage inflicted by free radicals.

Milk Thistle

While strengthening your diet with lots of antioxidant-filled morsels provides a modicum of insurance against cardiovascular disease, research shows that the herb milk thistle goes above and beyond the call of preventing cholesterol oxidation.

At the University of Arkansas, Sunny Wallace and co-workers found that extract of milk thistle, a potent antioxidant, protected LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. The investigators found that one of milk thistle's most active constituents, silybin (or silibinin) was capable of reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol by up to 86 percent.

Because the oxidation of LDL cholesterol is suspected to play a major role in the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease, these results have enormous implications. Referring to milk thistle, Wallace said "Thus, it is possible that the extract prepared from the fruits of an easily accessible plant could be useful to prevent the progression of atherosclerotic events."

Although decades of research is typically required for medical professionals to make any claims about an herb's use, those wishing to keep their cardiovascular systems healthy can profit from this study's conclusion. In addition to avoiding the unhealthy foods that promote cholesterol oxidation, taking a silybin supplement may offer the best heart disease prevention; by keeping blood vessels free and clear of atherosclerotic plaques.

References:

http://cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5606a2.htm, Prevalence of Heart Disease - United States, 2005, Retrieved July 6, 2008, Department of Health and Human Services, 2008.

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2008/05/20/oxidized-ldl-cholesterol-linked-to-metabolic.html, Oxidized LDL Cholesterol Linked to Metabolic Syndrome, Ed Edelson, Retrieved July 6, 2008, US News & World Report, May 2008.

http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/299/19/2287, Association Between Circulating Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein and Incidence of the Metabolic Syndrome, Paul Holvoet, PhD, et al., Retrieved July 6, 2008, Journal of the American Medical Asociation, 299(19), May 2008.

http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/2008/56/i11/abs/jf703694u.html, Milk Thistle Extracts Inhibit the Oxidation of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Subsequent Scavenger Receptor-Dependent Monocyte Adhesion, Sunny Wallace, et al., Retrieved July 6, 2008, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 56 (11), American Chemical Society, May 2008.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=512, About Cholesterol, Retrieved July 6, 2008, American Heart Association, 2008.

http://www.fitcommerce.com/Blueprint/Page.aspx?pageId=534&portalId=2&tabindex=5, Not Cholesterol, But Cholesterol Oxidation Is The Culprit, Lee Cummings, Retrieved July 6, 2008, FitCommerce.com, 2008.

http://www.full-health.com/partoneF.htm, Lower Your High LDL-Bad Cholesterol, Retrieved July 6, 2008, Full Health Nutrition, 2008.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/printNewsBis.asp?id=85874, Study hints at milk thistle's heart health benefits, Stephen Daniells, Retrieved July 6, 2008, Decision News Media SAS, June 2008.

Fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms seen in American healthcare facilities. When persistent tiredness has no other measurable physical cause, Western physicians often rely on a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Without using the CFS label, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have a markedly different approach toward categorizing and addressing chronically fatigued patients. For those fighting fatigue, combining the tools of Western medicine with the wisdom of TCM provides a greater likelihood of returning to full-strength energy levels.

About Their Differences

There are several differences in how allopathic physicians and doctors of TCM view health and disease. In general, allopathic providers evaluate illness by examining each body system separately. In contrast, Eastern medical professionals typically take a holistic perspective by stepping back to appreciate the patient's wellness in its entirety.

• West - When addressing the symptom of fatigue, most Western physicians will systematically assess each involved body system's health with a series of lab tests. If no pathology is found, a diagnosis of chronic fatigue is considered. Once a diagnosis is made, the illness is predominantly treated uniformly.

• East - Forming the foundation of Eastern medical thought, Traditional Chinese Medicine evaluates patients via pattern differentiation to detect what systems are unbalanced. Instead of checking for abnormalities identifiable under a microscope, TCM looks for weaknesses before they manifest into traditional disease markers. After determining the body's weakest link, TCM practitioners target strengthening that weakness to positively benefit all of the body systems. Consequently, making lifestyle changes or providing therapy to rebalance the body's weakest link often restores a person's energy levels.

TCM Imbalances Likely to Cause Fatigue

As defined in TCM terms, the organs and their associated body systems incorporate much more than in Western medicine. For example, when discussing the lung system, the energy and emotions associated with the lung are intimately tied to its physiology. In TCM, four of the most common weaknesses and their corresponding patterns that can result in fatigue include:

1. Lung Energy Deficiency - Often seen in the aftermath of a cold or flu, prolonged coughing can weaken the lung energy. This pattern typically involves fatigue, breathlessness, low voice, pale complexion, propensity to catch colds and depression.
2. Spleen Energy Deficiency - Considered to be at the root of most cases of chronic tiredness, spleen energy deficiency can be caused by many things including prolonged illness, excessive physical exertion, poor eating habits and excessive mental strain. This pattern typically involves fatigue, low appetite, excessive worrying, bloating, gas, easy bruising and muscular weakness. Spleen energy deficiency easily allows fluids to accumulate and causes dampness which can manifest as a feeling of heaviness, loose stools and achy joints.
3. Kidney Energy and Fluid Deficiency - This pattern may be genetic, or it can emerge from getting too little sleep, having excessive sex or using recreational drugs. The deficient kidney pattern may involve fatigue, lack of willpower, low back soreness, frequent urination, an overwhelming sense of fear, lack of sexual desire and either cold limbs or dizziness, tinnitus, dry mouth and throat, insomnia and night sweats.
4. Liver Blood Deficiency - This imbalance is common with poor nutrition, in women with menstrual irregularities or after childbirth. A liver blood deficiency often manifests with fatigue, cramps, blurred vision, being easily startled, constipation, numb or tingling limbs, scanty periods and dry skin and hair.

TCM Treatment

Instead of using blood tests and X-rays, Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the subtle indicators that separate wellness from illness. TCM practitioners will guide their patients with acupuncture, herbal therapy, sleep rituals, regular exercise and nutritional guidance to fortify the weakened system. Once strengthened, balance among all body systems and energy levels are restored. For example, a person presenting with severe fatigue that is found to have a spleen energy deficiency will be:

• given acupuncture to strengthen the energy in the spleen
• prescribed herbs to strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness
• advised to stay away from heavy, fried and fatty foods that contribute to dampness and weaken digestion further

In a sense, the wisdom of TCM can detect and correct conditions way before Western medical tools can find any physiological problems. Allopathic physicians have the means and skills to recognize and treat serious illnesses, however, TCM practitioners can figure out what body weakness is causing the vague symptom of fatigue. Bridging the two worlds of Western diagnostics' gross pathology with the Eastern analysis of pattern differentiation gives patients the most hope to abandon exhaustion in favor of strength, vigor and energy.

References:

http://oasispalisades.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/overcome-fatigue-with-chinese-medicine/, Overcome Fatigue with Chinese Medicine, Antonia Balfour, L.Ac., Retrieved March 18, 2009, Oasis Palisades Health and Wellness.

http://www.eastmeetswestmed.com.au/latestnews.html#art4, Chinese Medicine and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Ian Russell, Retrieved March 18, 2009, East Meets West, 2009.

Maciocia, Giovanni, The Practice of Chinese Medicine, Churchill Livingstone, New York, NY, 1994: 315-357.

Just about every family in the U.S. has reason to improve heart health. According to an American Heart Association 2009 update, an estimated 80 million American adults (one in three) have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. One of the most straight-forward approaches for strengthening the cardiovascular system is to consume a heart healthy diet. However, those without access to a nutritionist may find this task more involved than previously thought. Choosing carrot sticks over a candy bar is a no-brainer; but there are many aspects to heart smart food preparation. Thus, eight food preparation tips have been compiled to help guide you into a more heart healthy relationship with food.

Although a gross generalization, the types of advisable foods for heart health typically include lots of vegetables and fruit, whole grains, fatty fish and lean protein options. But picking up such items at the supermarket is not enough to gain heart healthy stature. How your food is prepared carries just as much weight as what kind of groceries you begin with.

Below are eight strategies for cooking that ensure your fare supports your heart health goals:

1. Cut the fat in your meat - Use "choice" or "select" grades of beef rather than "prime." Be sure to trim any visible fat off the edges before cooking. Because they have the least fat, use cuts of red meat and pork labeled "loin" and "round." With poultry, use the leaner light meat (breasts) instead of the fattier dark meat (legs and thighs). And don't forget to remove the skin.
2. Whiten your eggs - Make recipes or egg dishes with egg whites, instead of egg yolks. In general, two egg whites can be substituted for each egg yolk.
3. Carefully select oils - To begin with, use liquid vegetable oils or nonfat cooking sprays whenever possible. Besides using them sparingly, choose oils lowest in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol such as canola oil, corn oil, olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil. Avoid oils high in saturated fat such as coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil. 
4. Use the oven - Delicious meals can be cooked in the oven with minimal amounts of fat. When roasting or broiling, use a rack in the pan so the meat or poultry doesn't sit in its own fat drippings. Instead of basting with pan drippings, use fat-free liquids like wine, tomato juice, stock or lemon juice.  When baking, cover and add extra liquid to keep the food moist.
5. Speedy veggies - Preserve the nutrients and colors in fresh vegetables by cooking them quickly. The best cooking methods for this are steaming or stir-frying.
6. Flavor not salt - Prepared seasonings usually have a lot of sodium which increases your risk for high blood pressure. Replace salt with herbs, spices or salt-free seasoning mixes. Grind fresh herbs with a mortar and pestle for the freshest and fullest flavor. Additional ways to boost the flavor of food without adding salt include lemon juice, black pepper, citrus zest, vinegar, dry mustard or hot chilies.
7. Low-sodium broth - As long as it is low- or no-sodium - chicken, beef or vegetable broth can serve as a great heart healthy cooking tool. You can replace oil with broth in a marinade or to stir-fry or sauté in.
8. De-fat dairy - Dairy foods with lower fat content can taste just as good as the full fat version. Cook with non-fat cheeses or mix non-fat with regular cheese, replace whole milk with skim milk and skip heavy cream and sour cream in favor of evaporated skim milk, nonfat plain yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese.

When aiming for a heart healthy diet, knowing which groceries to buy only gets you halfway there. To get the maximum cardiovascular benefit out of your food, it must also be prepared in a heart healthy fashion. Heart disease prevention requires a low-fat diet and good nutrition habits. Thus, utilizing these eight food preparation tips will help improve the heart health of everyone with whom your meals are shared.

References:

http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/123783441267009Heart%20and%20Stroke%20Update.pdf, Heart Attack and Stroke Statistics: 2009 Update At-a-Glance, Retrieved April 26, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3039951, Top 10 Healthy Cooking Tips, Retrieved April 26, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3046053, Cooking, Retrieved April 26, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-health/heart-healthy-family-diet.aspx, Heart-Healthy Family Diet Tips, Karen Asp, Retrieved April 26, 2009, Waterfront Media, Inc., 2009.

http://www.myfit.ca/archives/viewanarticle.asp?table=nutrition&ID=20&subject=Heart+Smart+Part+1, Heart Smart Part 1, Sarah Marshall, HBSc, CPT, Retrieved April 26, 2009, myfit.ca, 2009.

Despite it affecting just about everyone at some time or another, fatigue can signal a potentially serious problem. Its universal prevalence often results in both fatigue sufferers and attending healthcare professionals to ignore its presence. However, familiarity with the following nine common causes of fatigue may help indicate when this symptom should be carefully analyzed.

Normal Fatigue

As the symptom most frequently complained about to family, friends, co-workers and physicians, fatigue is a feeling of tiredness, exhaustion or lack of energy. Some kinds of fatigue are considered to be normal, such as during or following:

• Pregnancy
• Physical exertion
• Lack of exercise
• Emotional stress
• Boredom
• Fighting an infection
• Receiving less than a full night's sleep

Most of the time, mild fatigue associated with a health problem will improve with home treatment and does not require a doctor visit. However, fatigue that persists beyond these parameters may have an underlying cause.

Nine Reasons to Investigate Fatigue

While exhaustion may simply be your body's request for rejuvenating sleep, it could also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. The following problems could be causing:

1. Allergies - Both seasonal allergies and food allergies are a common cause of fatigue. Since seasonal allergies can cause nasal congestion, sleep may be disrupted from an inability to breathe through the nose. Whether due to seasonal or food allergies, both will illicit a release of histamine into the bloodstream. While histamine produces "typical" allergic reactions like sneezing, hives and itchy or burning eyes, it can also cause fatigue.
2. Anemia - Anemia occurs when there is a deficiency of red blood cells, leading to insufficient amounts of oxygen being delivered from your lungs to the rest of your body. Anemia can result from heavy menstrual cycles, fibroid tumors, uterine polyps, excessive blood loss, internal bleeding, or a deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B-12. Aside from fatigue, additional symptoms of anemia can include dizziness, feeling cold and irritability.
3. Hypothyroidism - By regulating the way your body uses energy, the thyroid gland controls metabolism. Some experts estimate that 40 percent of the adult population suffers from some degree of hypothyroidism. In those suffering from hypothyroidism, fatigue is often accompanied by poor concentration, depression, mental confusion, memory disturbances, cold hands and feet, obesity, difficult weight loss, menstrual problems, dry skin and thinning hair.
4. Urinary Tract Infection - Due to a bacterial infection in the urinary tract, an undiagnosed (and thus untreated) urinary tract infection could cause severe fatigue. Although most people associate a urinary tract infection with symptoms such as burning or urgency, sometimes fatigue is the only symptom. Unfortunately, an untreated, persistent urinary tract infection can end up as a kidney infection.
5. Heart Disease - If overwhelming fatigue sets in after ordinary tasks, a problem with the heart could be the culprit. However, there are usually other indicators of a cardiac problem, such as heart palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness and shortness of breath.
6. Sleep Apnea - A sleep disorder where you momentarily stop breathing, sleep apnea awakens its victims just long enough to disrupt the sleep cycle. Sleep apnea is caused by an upper airway obstruction more common in those who are overweight or obese. Diagnosis requires a visit to a sleep lab, or to a doctor specializing in sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of stroke or heart attack.
7. Diabetes - A metabolic disorder where sugar remains in the blood rather than entering the body's cells to be used for energy, diabetes commonly causes fatigue. If fatigue is accompanied by excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss even with an increased appetite, blurry vision, irritability or skin problems, make sure to rule out diabetes with your doctor.
8. Liver Disease - Commonly described as one its most prominent symptoms, fatigue commonly results from liver disease. With a damaged liver, fatigue-causing chemicals can build-up in the bloodstream. In addition, liver disease can change the body's production of melatonin - a substance that regulates the sleep cycle. Those with liver disease typically report fatigue as soon as they wake in the morning.
9. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - One of the most debilitating forms of fatigue is chronic fatigue syndrome. To diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome, doctors must exclude other causes of fatigue and determine that the fatigue has lasted for at least six months and includes four of the following other symptoms; problems with memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle or multiple joint pain, un-refreshing sleep, post-exertional malaise or headache.

While most of the nine conditions listed above have clearly defined treatments that can eliminate fatigue fairly rapidly, others require lifestyle adjustments and product combinations to slowly chip away at fatigue. Regardless, all of these conditions have a better prognosis the earlier they are identified and addressed. Because some of the causes can cause great harm if undetected, fatigue that lies outside the norm should always be investigated by you and your physician.

References:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0826/is_6_17/ai_80897723, Tired of being tired? Hidden causes of fatigue--and how to fight them, Kelly James-Enger, Retrieved January 25, 2009, Vibrant Life, November-December 2001, CBS Interactive, Inc., 2009.

http://women.webmd.com/features/why-so-tired-7-causes-fatigue, Why Am I So Tired? 7 Causes of Fatigue, Colette Bouchez, Retrieved January 24, 2009, WebMD, LLC, 2009.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1383005/causes_of_fatigue.html?cat=5, Causes of Fatigue, Deana Lawton, Retrieved January 23, 2009, Associated Content, Inc., January 2009.

http://www.liverdisease.com/fatigue_hepatitis.html, Fatigue and the Liver, Melissa Palmer, MD, Retrieved January 25, 2009, Melissa Palmer, MD, 2009.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003088.htm, Fatigue, Retrieved January 25, 2009, US National Library of Medicine, 2009.

http://www.vrp.com/articles.aspx?ProdID=art1923&zTYPE=2, Fatigue: Five Likely Causes of a Common and Debilitating Problem, Kimberly Pryor, Retrieved January 24, 2009, Vitamin Research Products, 2009.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/weakness-and-fatigue-topic-overview, Fatigue and Weakness, Retrieved January 24, 2009, WebMD, LLC, 2009.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-symptoms, Heart Disease: Symptoms, Retrieved January 25, 2009, WebMD, LLC, 2009.