Although it is obviously not possible to turn the clock back entirely, we can take many steps now to ensure that not only do we slow down the aging process, but we can also reverse many of the signs of aging that we may presently be experiencing.

The biggest key in the fight against aging is of course our diet and nutrition. The old adage, “you are what you eat” is absolutely true! It is impossible to expect to be healthy and vital if we are not eating the nutrients we need to keep our bodies performing at its best.

I truly believe that the increase in lifestyle diseases that we are presently seeing is in great part due to poor diets and junk food. It is very important to try to increase the amount of whole foods that we eat and decrease the amount of processed foods that we eat.

Processed foods have almost no nutrients left in them … they are considered “empty calories”. But even worse than that, the preservatives, additives and chemicals that are in these processed foods interfere with many bodily functions including hormones. These chemical toxins are called “xenoestrogens” and they often trigger a condition called “Estrogen Dominance”.

What is Estrogen Dominance? Simply explained, it is when the ratio of Estrogen and Progesterone get out of whack and you have higher levels of estrogen, compared to progesterone. There are many things in our modern society that contribute to this imbalance including birth control pills, caffeine, alcohol and xenoestrogens (which are caused by external toxins and pollutants like detergents, pesticides, plastics etc.), as well as impaired liver function and even stress!

The hormonal imbalances caused by Estrogen Dominance have many negative effects on the body and can make you feel a lot older by triggering many symptoms like poor memory, “foggy brain”, weight gain and difficulty losing weight, increased facial hair, decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness, darkened skin pigmentation, water retention and much, much more. Estrogen Dominance also increases the risk of many lifestyle diseases like cancer, fibrocystic breasts, breast cancer, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and much more.

Estrogen Dominance is much more common than people think, thanks to the world we live in. And it is happening to women at younger and younger ages, even to women in their twenties or thirties! So how do you combat estrogen dominance? One of the most important changes you can make is losing weight if you are overweight, since this triggers a vicious cycle of hormonal imbalances and weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.

But of course, how you lose weight is just as important, if not more, than just losing weight. If you lose weight following unhealthy weight loss diets, you could be unbalancing your hormones even more. The better method is to lose weight in a slow, steady fashion by eating healthy, nutritious food and NOT starving yourself.

If instead of following an unhealthy diet, you follow a healthy eating program you will not only lose weight, but will have many health benefits as well. Check out these little-known, powerful anti-aging benefits you get from eating a healthy, balanced diet:

- Eating a healthy diet decreases free radical production through proper nutrition, which is a powerful anti-aging technique, as well as decreasing the risk of developing different types of cancer

- Eating healthy also helps to promote anti-aging by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides to healthy levels

When you follow a healthy diet and do not skip meals or starve yourself, you actually speed up your metabolism and increase fat burning capabilities. Dieting is one of the best ways of slowing down your metabolism, which of course makes losing weight very difficult. Yo-yo dieting is a good example of this. Each time you lose weight and gain it back, you are slowing down your metabolism so that each subsequent diet gets harder and harder to lose weight.

- It is also possible to make a few simple changes to your diet so that the food you eat stabilises your blood sugar levels and reduces insulin and improves insulin resistance … ultimately decreasing the risk of Diabetes. And did you know that Insulin is a major culprit in weight gain?

- And here is a very powerful anti-aging secret: eating a healthy, balanced diet supports your liver! If your liver works better, your body detoxifies more efficiently, which improves all areas of your health (including cellulite reduction the natural way), as well as supporting your immune system which is of course very important for good health

And not only do unhealthy diets unbalance your hormones, one thing that many people don’t think about when they decide to lose weight following unhealthy fast weight loss diets: the faster you lose weight, the bigger the chances that you will be left with loose, sagging skin! A healthy eating program decreases the chances of having loose, sagging skin, because you lose weight in a slow, steady way, which gives your body a chance to firm up your skin. There are also many foods you can eat that promote healthy, firm skin tone. (The “Diet Free … At Last!” Weight Loss Program teaches which foods promote anti-aging and also which foods you can eat to help to improve skin tone and prevent loose, sagging skin.)

About the author

Geri Richard is the owner of the “Diet Free … At Last!” Weight Loss Program website. This program teaches you how to lose weight the healthy way, without hunger, food cravings or starving yourself on endless diets. It even includes a free e-book that focuses on how to reverse aging and improve your health and quality of life. Visit the website at weightloss-dietfree.com weightloss-dietfree.com to see how you can get this free e-book.

You are welcome to reproduce this article on your website or newsletter provided it is reproduced in its entirety, including the author information and a live hyperlink to our website.

Tags: anti-aging, cholesterol, diet, Hair, lose weight, quality of life, weight Loss

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Osteoporosis is a disease that no one seems to be aware of until it’s too late. Sure you’ve heard the term “Osteoporosis” but are you aware of how quickly it could end your independent living and forever change your quality of life? The devastating health effects of Osteoporosis may be just as debilitating as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected.

It is a disease that affects 1 in every 2 women! Unfortunately — many women do not even realize they are suffering from the disease until a sudden strain, fall or bump results in a collapsed vertebrae or broken bone. (Note: A sudden loss of height, severe back pain, or stooped posture are all signs of a collapsed vertebra.)

Bones, like muscle, are highly complex living tissue, they are not just hard and lifeless structures. They are dependent on proper diet and exercise just as any other organ in your body.

Your bones provide the structural support for your muscles and vital organs. They help make the foundation in which you exist, and how well you take care of your bones will determine how long they will support you.

As part of the aging process — your bones will eventually reach a point where they will break down faster than they can repair themselves - this generally starts to occur around 35 years of age.

To make matters worse the deterioration of bone occurs at a faster rate once you have transitioned through menopause. In fact, women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years following menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis. Which is why 50% of all women after the age of 50 develop the disease, and most are not even aware of it.

The best way to determine whether or not you are at risk of Osteoporosis is with a bone mineral density (BMD) test. This test can measure bone density in various sites of the body and will be help you determine the following:

Identify osteoporosis before a fracture occurs

Forecast your risk of a potential fracture in the future

Determine rate of bone loss when the test is performed at least once a year.

In the United States today it is estimated that some 10 million individuals already have osteoporosis and 18 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for this disease. There are some known risk factors that may help you determine whether or not you should ask your doctor about a (BMD) test.

Some risk factors noted by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) are:

An inactive lifestyle

Low estrogen as a result of menopause.

Having a small frame and/or excessive thinness.

Being Female

Personal history of fracture after the age of 50.

A lifetime of low calcium intake.

Excessive use of alcohol and cigarette smoking.

History of fracture in an immediate relative

Advanced age

A family history of osteoporosis

Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)

Anorexia nervosa

Vitamin D deficiency

Use of certain medications (corticosteroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants and others)

The statistics for osteoporosis related fractures is downright scary - according to the NOF, A woman’s risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. And 24 percent of hip fracture patients aged 50 and over DIE in the year following their fracture.

A broken bone is not something most people even consider will bring an end to their independent living - yet it happens. 1 out of every 5 hip fractures will end up living the remainder of their years in a nursing home because they are no longer able to live independently.

Is this how you want to live out the last 30 - 40 years of your life? I don’t think so!

Fortunately - there are “proven” preventive measures you can take to help prevent osteoporosis and reduce your risk of fractures.

One Proven measure you can take is the incorporation of aerobic, weight bearing and resistance exercise! Just another reason for you to get off your chair and go for a walk during lunch.

The results of the Bone, Estrogen and Strength (BEST) study funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) demonstrated that aerobic, weight-bearing and resistance exercise improves bone mineral density (BMD) in post menopausal women whether or not they use hormone therapy. The study shows that specific strength training and resistance exercises can retard and even reverse bone loss in healthy post menopausal women, and that estrogen replacement is not necessary to gain the benefit of the exercise.

A second Proven measure is to consume a well balanced diet rich in vitamin D and calcium. As you already know calcium is vital to bone health but what you may not know is that the relationship between calcium absorption and vitamin D is similar to that of a locked door and a key. Vitamin D is the key that unlocks the door and allows calcium to leave the intestine and enter the bloodstream. Vitamin D also works in the kidneys to help resorb calcium that otherwise would be excreted.

The body’s ability to produce Vitamin D decreases with age and national surveys have shown that many women consume less than half of the daily recommended amount of calcium. So you may need to start thinking about supplementing your diet with both of these vital vitamins!

Whether you supplement your diet with Vitamin D and Calcium rich foods or a multi-vitamin it’s recommended for your bone health that you get between 400 and 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D and at least 1200mg of calcium a day.

Some other measures you can take to further reduce your risk of Osteoporosis are:

No Smoking or excessive alcohol intake.

An open discussion with your primary care provider about bone health.

Bone density testing.

By incorporating the above measures into your life you will be taking the necessary steps to provide your bones with what they need to support you throughout the rest of your life.

Jenny May and Health Thru Fitness, LLC focus on researching, developing, and implementing fitness and health strategies that women of all ages can apply to their current physical status. To learn more about the Jenny May Principles check out menopause-weight-gain.com menopause-weight-gain.com and healththrufitness.com healththrufitness.com

Tags: diet, exercises, Hair, menopause, mineral, quality of life, smoking

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Baking soda for heartburn symptoms is an effective home remedy which has helped out many a sufferer yet, it’s such a common ingredient in the home that it’s probably overlooked as a serious relief option for the uncomfortable symptoms of heartburn.

I remember baking soda being one of the products I would see first sitting on the shelf of my mom’s pantry when I raided it as a kid but it’s not until later in life when heartburn is a factor that I have really paid any attention to it.

Baking Soda Facts

Baking soda has a variety of uses. It is highly recommended as a boost for your regular washing detergent. Not only that, it has excellent deodorizing powers and is said to bring up a clothes wash smelling fresh and clean. Baking soda has an ability to neutralize odors.

Using Baking Soda For Heartburn Sensibly

One thing to remember with heartburn is if it’s at a chronic level in your life and you haven’t seen a doctor then what are you waiting for. Baking soda for heartburn is only a temporary relief option and should be treated as such. Abusing it in large amounts will get you into a lot of bother.

Basically, baking soda acts as an antacid, neutralizing stomach acids that digest food. When producing too much, the feeling of discomfort associated with heartburn and related symptoms becomes a factor. If too much acid is neutralized the body can overreact and you’ll find yourself with even more acid, and in even more pain.

The Benefits Of Baking Soda For Heartburn

It’s an amazing home product. Baking soda is used in so many applications such as absorbing unwanted odors in the fridge, the kitchen sink and floor coverings. You’re probably thinking…”Are you kidding? And you want me to take the stuff to relieve heartburn?” Sure, but there are obvious restrictions.

Baking soda is very high in sodium content and can be dangerous if used for the wrong reasons or in high amounts. For example, excess use can lead to complications especially for people with conditions such as high blood pressure. Needless to say, if you have just heard about the baking soda for heartburn treatment and are getting visions of curing your problem don’t get too carried away until you run it by your doctor.

How To Use Baking Soda For Heartburn

Check with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid taking baking soda if you are on prescription drugs or have high blood pressure. Recommended doasage is about a half teaspoon of baking soda in about a half a glass of water. Make sure the product is completely dissolved in the water or you could be asking for trouble.

Use baking soda for heartburn only in moderation and if you need to exceed more than a couple of doses in a 24 hour period then don’t, pick up the phone and visit your friendly neighborhood doctor. There may be something more sinister at play.

The Effects Of Heartburn

If you are a heartburn sufferer then you don’t need me to tell you why it’s occurring in your life. Everything from food to drink to body posture could bring on an episode of heartburn but it’s not something you need to put up with everyday. There are ways which can lead you to enjoy a heartburn free life and your doctor is best placed to guide you through the process of identifying what causes it and establishing a plan of action to avoid it. Baking soda for heartburn should only be used as a temporary relief method.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Just how effecting is heartburnandyou.com/heartburnarticles.html baking soda for heartburn as a relief option? We’ll tell you plus, improve your quality of life with the latest heartburn and reflux news and reviews at: heartburnandyou.com heartburnandyou.com

Tags: Heart, quality of life

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The Free Radical Theory of Aging is probably one of the most popular theories of aging. It’s about how oxidative stress brought on by free radicals results in aging and the development of a variety of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders and some cancers.

A free radical is an atom with an unpaired electron. The nucleus of an atom is surrounded by a ring of paired electrons. Sometimes an atom loses an electron (referred to as oxidation), leaving the atom with an unpaired electron. The atom is then a free radical and is said to be highly reactive; it sets off a chain reaction of damaging events in the search for an electron to fill its outer ring. Free radicals damage DNA, proteins, cell membranes and other structures.

The presence of too many free radicals creates a condition called “oxidative stress.” Andrew Weil, in Healthy Aging, says that “oxidative stress is simply the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism…”

Free radicals are produced in the body in a number of ways but the most common production occurs in the mitochondria (oxygen furnaces) through the electron transport chain. This is significant because this energy system is used to produce ATP (the energy currency of the cell) during aerobic metabolism. So when you spend endless hours doing aerobic exercise, you increase free radical production, oxidative stress and the likelihood of aging more quickly over time.

To reduce oxidative stress, cut back on aerobic exercise and do more anaerobic exercise, such as interval training. And, include an abundance of plant foods, which are loaded with antioxidants, in your diet. Our bodies have enzymes (antioxidants) that intercept free radicals, convert them to less harmful substances and remove them from the body. These antioxidants are derived from foods which are rich in vitamin E, beta-carotene and vitamin C.

And if you’re not currently eating an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, supplement with Vitamins E, beta-carotene, Vitamin C and the minerals zinc and selenium. The best anti-oxidation strategy is to eat an abundance of plant foods and supplement your diet.

Feel free to use this article in your publication or website. The only requirement is the inclusion of the following, after the article…

Article by Mikki Reilly, BA, MFS, of FitnessTransform. Visit her web site, fitnesstransform.com fitnesstransform.com, and her fitnesstransform.blogspot.com/ blog, for the the most up-to-date news, information and tips that will help you transform your health, fitness and overall quality of life.

Tags: antioxidant, diet, mineral, quality of life, vitamin c

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Tags: antioxidant, diet, mineral, quality of life, vitamin c