Raspberry ketone is a natural phenolic compound that is responsible for the heavenly aroma of red raspberries. And according to this Planta Medica study, it’s also a potent fat burner.

Tested on a group of portly lab mice, it was discovered that raspberry ketone increased both the expression and secretion of adiponectin. This is important because adiponectinis a protein hormone which modulates a number of metabolic processes, including glucose regulation and fatty acid catabolism. Past research into adiponectin has shown that your levels of adiponectin are inversely correlated with your body fat percentage

• Higher adiponectin = lower levels of body fat.

During this latest study, this theory was re-affirmed as the formerly fat lab mice melted off a ton of body-fat. And if weight loss isn’t enough, higher levels of adiponection have been shown to control the metabolic derangements that may result in type 2 diabetes,obesity, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome.

As a result of all of this, the researchers concluded that Raspberry Ketone “holds great promise as an fat-burning, health-improving herbal medicine.

Conclusion

Expect to see Raspberry Ketones included in more & more fat burner supplements. .
By healthhabits

News alert: There are many cures for tinnitus, despite those who may have told you that there are none. In reality, it’s all just schematics, as the word “cure” can be a tricky one to really gain clarity on. So let this article give it to you straight. There are cures for tinnitus, though there is no one single cure. First, I will explain what I mean by this, and then I will actually present a nice, big list of potential tinnitus cures with you.

Cures for Tinnitus: Why There Are “Cures” But No “Cure”

Tinnitus is a tricky condition in that it is actually classified as a symptom with many potential causes. If you’re suffering from tinnitus, it may be a side effect of a particular medication you’re on, the result of earwax buildup or hearing loss, a nerve problem initiated by some kind of head trauma, or any number of countless potential causes.

As such, you can cure your tinnitus by simply addressing the problem which has led to it. But what you can’t do is head down to your local drug store and pick up a bottle of “tinnitus cure,” none that are legitimate, anyway.

This is simply because no amount of magic potion is going to remove earwax from your ear canals, if that’s your problem… or counteract a bad drug reaction… or repair damaged nerves. Do you see my point? But there are many specific treatment options for ALL of these causes, which is why I assert that there are many tinnitus cures out there. Again, schematics.

But the bottom line here is that diagnosis is everything. Determining what it is, precisely, that is causing the potentially unbearable noises in your ears is all-important. Without identifying the actual root cause, you will just be shooting in the dark, without a logical plan of attack in hand.

Moreover, the problem that’s causing your tinnitus may be a very serious one, such as head or neck tumors. So please, get yourself checked out immediately if tinnitus is affecting you. That said, here is a list of possible tinnitus cures for you to consider…

Possible Cures for Tinnitus:

* Earwax removal
* Change in medication or dosage
* Blood pressure medication
* Cholesterol and/or atherosclerosis medication
* Antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medications
* Body Detoxification
* Alkaline Therapy
* Maskers (for relief)
* Hearing aids (for relief)
* Tinnitus Retraining
* NLP
* Relaxation treatments
* Stress management
* Vitamin therapy
* Other natural, holistic treatments
* Surgery (worst-case scenario)

I may have left some out, but this is a pretty solid list all the same.

By: Lee Murray Jr.

You are what you eat. What you eat affects your well being and long life. The heart is what keeps one going and as long as the heart is healthy and lively, the chances of death are comparatively lower. Some foods are known for their ability to promote the health of the heart. A healthy diet is one that has the five essential nutrients that promote heart health. The five nutrients for a healthy heart are: 

1. Omega -3 fatty acids: Omega -3 fatty acids are capable of preventing heart disease. There are three omega -3 acids. The most important among these for a healthy heart is DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). They lower the level of fats in the blood, such as triglycerides and raise the level of good cholesterol in the blood. It regulates the rate of heart best and lowers the blood pressure to improve the flow of blood through the arteries. Salmon are an excellent source of DHA.

2. Soluble fiber: There are various types of fibers. The vegetables found in whole wheat and in vegetables are insoluble fibers. These insoluble fibers keep colon cancer at bay and make you regular at work. The soluble fibers are those that work to lower the risk of heart disease. The soluble fibers are found in oats, fruits and legumes and they are known to lower the cholesterol levels in the blood, including the bad cholesterol levels. The bad cholesterols are responsible for degeneration of heart tissue.

3. Folate: The Vitamin B- complex, especially folate, is effective in reducing the heart disease risk. They do so by reducing the levels of homocysteine, which irritates the walls of blood vessels and causes increased inflammation associated to atherosclerosis in the blood stream. Even though your blood cholesterol levels may be low, high levels of homocysteine increases the risk of heart disease. Folate is present in green leafy vegetables, legumes, orange juice. The intake of folate reduces the level of homocysteine to reduce the risks.

4. Antioxidants: In the body, there are small fragments of oxygen called free radicals that damage the walls of the arteries, contributing to atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. Antioxidants reduce the damage by free radicals by reacting with the free radicals to stabilize them, thus preventing them from acting on the artery walls. Therefore, by taking in antioxidants, the damage due to oxidants can be reduced greatly. This keeps the arteries clear and free to allow free flow of blood. Fruits, vegetables and juices are the primary sources of antioxidants. Vitamin C and beta-carotene are a few examples of anti- oxidants.

5. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for the heart to stay healthy. Deficiency of Vitamin D can cause heart disease, metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure. The rate of death due to heart disease is lower in those with an adequate level of Vitamin D in their body.

Having regular exercise is good to keep heart healthy, but you also need proper nutrients to protect it against heart disease.

By: James S Pendergraft

Research has shown that 5 HTP provides effective help for depression. 5 HTP now is increasingly being used by those seeking a natural and effective alternative to prescription antidepressants, and here are three reasons why.

5 HTP provides help for depression by playing a vital role in serotonin production. Because it is a naturally occurring amino acid used by the body to make the neurotransmitter serotonin, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5 HTP, plays a big role in normal nerve and brain function. Mood, sleeping patterns and the perception of pain are all regulated in large part by serotonin, and low serotonin levels have been associated with depression, as well as fibromyalgia, insomnia, and anxiety in numerous clinical studies. 5 HTP provides help for depression sufferers by supplying the brain with more of what it uses naturally to produce serotonin.

5 HTP is all natural. Commercial 5 HTP is in most cases derived from the West African Griffonia simplicifolia plant’s seeds. To feel maximum 5 HTP benefits, taking a dietary supplement is recommended, but small amounts of 5 HTP can be found naturally occurring in foods such as eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds. Because it is a normal part of the body’s metabolic process, 5 HTP users tend to report very few side effects. The most common of which are very mild gastric complaints which tend to subside after the body acclimates to the supplement, usually within a few days.

This is in sharp contrast to anti-depressant medications such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which reduce the rate at which the brain uses available serotonin, potentially increasing serotonin levels. They are 100 percent laboratory synthesized, and the actions of these medications occur nowhere in the natural world. Not only do they not cause an actual increase in serotonin production, but they are also associated with a plethora of negative side effects, not limited to nausea and vomiting, inability to orgasm, weight gain, dry mouth, diarrhea, insomnia, heart palpitations, tremors, and agitation.

5 HTP provides help for depression with no prescription necessary. Because many users find it so effective, 5 HTP is fast becoming a very popular dietary supplement. It’s been reported to have an impact on depression symptoms in as little as a day, and usually takes no more than 1-2 weeks to start having a noticeable effect. It’s widely available, and can be purchased from most health food stores and pharmacies as well as online at very reasonable prices.

When considering treating depression symptoms with prescription antidepressants, the first step is to consult a doctor or psychiatrist, which can be an expensive and time-consuming proposition in itself. If the medical professional believes than an antidepressant medication should be dispensed, filling the prescription can be costly, especially for those with no prescription insurance coverage. On average, these prescription medications begin to work 3-4 weeks after treatment begins, which can mean enduring 3-4 more weeks of depression symptoms before any improvement occurs.

Most people taking 5 HTP for depression take between 50 and 300 mg daily. Some obtain better results while taking a lower dose, so it’s advisable to start with 50 mg and add more over time if appropriate. For maximum absorption, 5 HTP should be taken with or shortly before a meal, with a full glass of water. You should avoid taking more than 200 mg of 5 HTP at once. 5 HTP may not be medically indicated for everyone, and should not be taken by those using anti-Parkinson’s or prescription antidepressant medications. As with any dietary supplement, consulting a health care professional before beginning a 5 HTP regimen is advised.

If you found this article helpful, check out my posts on a variety of other health topics, including all natural depression supplements and a treatment for anxiety and depression which is safe, effective, and drug free.

By: Virginia Butters

Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease and is described as being a persistent inflammatory skin condition. It takes place when the immune system sends out incorrect signals mistaking skin cells as pathogens and speeding up the cycle of skin cells. This skin disease isn’t infectious. 

Physically this skin condition develops red, dry plaques of thickened skin. These dry flakes and skin scales are thought to be a consequence of the rapid proliferation of skin cells which is caused by abnormal lymphocytes in the blood.

Approximately 7.5 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with this particular disorder. It can be seen in almost any area of the body and it’s been connected with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and depression.

There are 5 varieties of psoriasis:

1. Vulgaris

Vulgaris is the most common form of the five kinds. About 80 to 90 percent of individuals have this variety. The symptoms of this condition are raised, inflamed, red skin lesions coated by a silvery white scaly skin. These areas are usually referred to as plaques. Moreover, it is usually seen around the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.

2. Guttate

Guttate typically starts out in childhood or young adulthood. It can be identified by quite a few smaller, scaly, pinkish individual teardrop spots on the skin. These spots usually show up around the scalp, trunk and arms and legs.

3. Inverse

Inverse could be found in the abdomen, armpits, beneath or just below the breasts, and also in other skin folds. This particular condition is known to show up as bright red lesions that are smooth and shiny. It’s often aggravated by rubbing and perspiring as a consequence of its location around skin folds and tender areas. Furthermore, it is prone to fungal infections.

4. Pustular

Pustular is often found in adults. It is identified by white blisters of noninfectious pustules which consist of white blood cells and it is surrounded by red and sensitive skin. This particular condition might be localized to the feet or hands. However, it may also be generalized with extensive patches developing randomly on any area of the body.

5. Erythrodermic

Erythrodermic is a particularly inflammatory variety of this disorder that affects nearly all of the body surface. Its symptoms are periodic, widespread inflammation, and also the scales shed in sheets instead of smaller flakes. The erythrodermic variety is characterized by reddening and shedding of the skin which is often itchy, swelling and discomfort, increase in heart rate, and varying body temperature.

This skin condition will get better or worse spontaneously and may have periodic remissions. As a result, there may be instances when there won’t be any sign of the disease.

At present there’s no recognized cause of psoriasis, so there has been virtually no cure found at this point. Furthermore, researchers have proven that the condition can be inherited. Despite this fact, prescription medication is employed that can help manage the disorder.

Are you looking for information on pustular psoriasis? Be sure to visit Psoriasis Gone for detailed information on psoriasis arthritis.

By: Sandy Rutherforde

In a few short moments from now you will have discovered some of the problems that go hand in hand with menopause and will have a number of solutions to alleviate these symptoms.

Menopause has a number of annoying symptoms that make the lives of many women quite difficult to live. One of these symptoms is mood swings that seem to effect about 45 percent of women in the Western world. These mood swings are quite hard to fathom, with feelings of depression one moment, anxiety another or feeling sad, then happy in the a very short space of time. Nevertheless, these mood swings do not need to disable you and make your life difficult to live, there are ways of getting your life back and so you feel you are returning to your old self.

These mood swings, anxiety feelings, sadness, happiness, and depression are often down to a hormone imbalance.

There is no apparant medical explanation of why or how hormones effect your mood, but this does not mean they do not have a great impact on our feelings from day to day, and worse from hour to hour. We do know that estrogen, testosterone and androgen are homones that have a stimulating effect on our nervous system while cortisol and progesterone can act as depressants. These hormones are closely connected to and even control the levels of serotonin in the body and this has a direct connection to your mood. So imbalances in the hormones controlling the serotonin can directly alter the level of this chemical in your brain and your moods will start to swing, because of the imbalance.

While hormone imbalances can add to feelings of depression and inadequacy, there may be other factors adding to the problem. Going through menopause can be exhausting which will naturally leave you tired and grouchy. The hot flushes, sleeping problems and the stress of irregular periods, weight gain and hair loss, to name a few, can add to the anxiety that can turn into depression. On a good day these symptoms can make you irritable, but if you add hormone imbalances to the problem…wow! Disaster in the making.

And how can you control these mood swings? Is is acceptable to just say, “Oh it’s just menopause!” Of course not. Lets look a little at how you can possibly control these mood swings.

If you suffer from lack of sleep, or as some people call it, menopause insomnia, then this can lead to anxiety, irritability and depression. So the first place to start is to try improving your sleep. Sleep is often disturbed by night sweats and hot flushes. These can often be symptoms of low progesterone levels. Eating foods high in progesterone, like yams and soya beans can help these symptom and there are cremes that have progesterone that is extracted from natural sources, which you rub into the skin.

If you think your sleeping pattern is ok then your mood swings may be coming from something else, like stress. Then maybe it is time to take a little care of you and take some time out everyday to improve your mind and spirit. This could mean spending a few minutes on your own to breathe or you could even start meditating. Meditation is a natural instinct we have in us to heal our bodies, but many of us have lost this ability, although it is easy to learn it again. You can also look at how you spend your day. If you are feeling stressed and have too much to do then it is a good idea to do some more of the things you enjoy, even simple things like taking a walk in the park, or round the block. Exersise is a great way of increasing the happy hormones in your body.

There are also a number of natural remedies available to help your mood swings. There are several herbs and vitamins that can help you by calming your nerves and stress. Vitamin B’s are especially important because they keep the nervous system healthy. And they effect the levels of neurotransmitters that control your mood. Vitamin B6 is essential for converting tryptophan to serotonin. St John’s Wort and liqorice are also both powerful anti depressants. Clinical studies show that treatment with just one of the active compounds in St. John’s Wort, hypericin, results in significant improvement in anxiety, depression and feelings of worthlessness.

There is no reason to just lay back and accept the discomfort of menopause. There are plenty of natural remedies to help you feel your natural self again.

By: Kat Drew

It’s understandable really; if stressful life experiences can trigger depression then the fall out from the economic recession was bound to have an effect on people’s mental health and this is what the research has found. According to a recent study, it seems that job insecurity, job losses and increased financial strain, have taken their toll on our mental health.
The study was conducted by Roehampton University and the children’s charity Elizabeth Finn Care and what the researchers found was that the number of people suffering from stress, anxiety and depression has increased dramatically perhaps fourfold or even fivefold in recent times.

The report also revealed that of those that lost their jobs in the past 12 months, 71 percent have suffered symptoms of depression. Those who were most likely to suffer symptoms from depression came from the middle socio-economic group and those between the ages of 18 and 30. Around half of those who had to take a drop in pay said they had experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress.

Depression is a major problem in our society today and if it isn’t treated it can have a devastating effect on an individual’s life and will also negatively impact on the lives of family and friends too.

Many people ignore the symptoms of depression believing that it will pass and will try to deal with it on their own, either because they are unaware of what’s going on or because of fear of what others might think or say if they admit to suffering from a mental health problem. The fact is mental health problems are extremely common and can affect anyone.

It’s vital that you seek help if you think that you or someone close to you might be suffering from depression. So what do you have to look out for?

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

- Low moods and sadness which persists for more than a couple of week
- Changes in appetite which can involve overeating or not eating enough
- Unwilling or unable to get out of bed in the morning
- Changes in sleep patterns which can involve sleeping too much or spending hours lying awake
- Emotional outbursts that are out of character
- Anger
- Feelings of guilt and self blame
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Feeling anxious and worried
- Lack of interest in activities that were once pleasurable
- Loss of libido
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Spending a lot of time staring into space

This list of symptoms is not exhaustive and just because you have one or more of these signs and symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you are depressed, but they are indications that depression is a possibility. Speak to your doctor for advice.

The positive thing is that depression can be treated and the earlier treatment is started the sooner the individual regains control of their lives and gets back to their former self.

By: David McEvoy

Grape seeds contain the most powerful antioxidants known to science. Comes mainly from grape seeds, grape seed extract, therefore, act as a powerful antioxidant. It is believed to help protect and treat various conditions.

The primary grape seed extract benefit, the one that has been studied the most, is to treat and prevent circulatory and vascular disorders. It may be beneficial for those that suffer from varicose veins and atherosclerosis.

Early on this was attributed to high-caliber antioxidant mechanisms that guarded against plaque accumulation in the walls of your arteries. Wellness Resource states that grape seed extract can strengthen arteries and capillaries, offer antioxidant protection for the heart and prevent the formation of plaque. The website also credits grape seed extracts with helping to produce the beneficial, or “friendly,” nitric oxide needed to relax the circulatory system and balance blood pressure.

n one study rats were exposed to lead, with one group getting lead and grape seed extract. While the grape seed extract did not detoxify the lead, it protected the rats from cardiovascular damage. Lead-exposed rats with no grape seed extract protection developed significantly high blood pressure and elevated heart rate, whereas grape seed extract protected rats not develop these cardiovascular problems when exposed to lead.

Grape seed extract may improve a variety of circulatory disorders, including a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency — a condition in which the pumping mechanism by which the veins bring blood back to the heart is impaired, according to Integrative Medical Communications’ “Quick Access to Integrative Information.”

The flavonoid found in grape seed extract is proanthocyanidin. It is believed to support the body’s vascular endothelial growth factor, the process by which the body rebuilds blood vessels to bypass blocked ones, or following injury or exercise.

Clinical studies using 150 to 350mg of supplements containing procyanidins showed improved vein functionality in patients with vein-related circulation problems after several weeks. The supplements also significantly reduced the symptoms of pain, nighttime cramps, and edema that are associated with poor circulation.

It has the same benefits as purple grape juice or red wine: inhibition of LDL-cholesterol oxidation; anti-platelet activity; protection of the blood vessels by blocking enzymes that break down the lining of the capillaries and supportive tissues that give the blood vessels strength and elasticity; and relaxation of the blood vessels to allow ease of blood flow. Grape seed extract has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders.

The grape seed extract is a top supplement. Get to know grape seed extract and grape
seed extract suppliers so as to improve your health.

By: Della Jiang

We’ve all heard that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is bad for us, but a lot of us stil don’t understand why. Or, if it’s even true.

To add to the confusion, we’ve also seen the Corn Refiners Association’s $30 million campaign that features commercials in which actors make light of consumers’ concerns. Commercials that try to persuade us that nothing is wrong with HFCS.

That it’s natural and our bodies process it exactly the same as table sugar.

The corn industry even changed the term “high-fructose corn syrup” to “corn sugar,” in
hopes that people who are concerned with eating products that contain HFCS will
keep buying them.

SO WHAT IS HFCS ANYWAY?

HFCS is an extremely cheap & highly-processed, concentrated form of
fructose. It’s in just about every processed food you can find in your
supermarket, including salad dressings. If it’s in a can, jar or package, HFCS
is probably in it.

It’s also in fast foods. It’s just about everywhere.

That’s a big part of the problem. Because HFCS is so concentrated and so prevalent, the typical American (especially our children) are eating and drinking it in massive doses.

IS IT REALLY DANGEROUS?

Yes. It’s definitely a sweetener that you and your family want to avoid whenever possible.

HFCS has been associated with:

1. Overeating (leptin, the hormone which usually tells your body that it’s full, is impaired when HFCS is in your system)

2. Weight Gain (probably because you’re overeating)

3. Obesity (definitely because you’re overeating)

4. Premature Aging

5. Metabolic Syndrome

6. Insulin resistance

7. Depletion of vitamins and minerals

8. Elevated blood pressure

9. Elevated triglycerides and elevated LDL

10. Cardiovascular disease

11. Liver disease

12. Cancer

13. Arthritis

3 WAYS TO AVOID HFCS

The good news is that HFCS can be avoided.

Here are three tips that will go a long way in helping you reduce your consumption of HFCS:

1. Avoid the inner aisles of your supermarket. Most of these foods are highly processed and offer very little nutrition. Instead, structure your family’s menus to consist mainly of
nutritious plant foods and–if you eat meat–a variety of organic, lean meats.

2. Prepare more food at home. I know this isn’t convenient, but with a little practice and a few tips & tricks, it doesn’t have to be very time-consuming. When you prepare foods from scratch you control what goes into them–and your ingredients are usually much
fresher.

3. When buying pre-packaged foods, read your labels carefully. If it says high-fructose corn syrup or corn sugar, don’t buy it.

By: Jennifer Minar
Author of NEVER SMILE AT STRANGERS. She writes at www.ProjectJennifer.com and www.WritersBreak.com.
Email: jminar@writersbreak.com