Natural Health Expos

Attending Health Expos in the summer is a favorite pastime of health enthusiasts world wide. They provide an opportunity to enrich your natural health education and network with other like-minded people. Whether you are a holistic practitioner or just interested in maintaining your own health naturally, attend a natural health expo or convention. Health expos are generally held throughout all 50 states and internationally. There is probably natural health fair right in your local community, right in your very own backyard! Plan to attend a natural health expo today.


A great site that lists information on natural health expos is:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

They include expo listings in their event calendar.


For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

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High Blood Pressure and Minerals

Three minerals have been shown to be particularly helpful in easing high blood pressure and heart disease. These minerals are calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Here's how they help:

Calcium: Builds and maintains bone strength, which prevents stress fractures. Builds and maintains teeth, Regulates and relaxes heart function, Assists in muscle growth and contraction. Induces sound sleep. High calcium intake has been linked to lower blood pressure.

Magnesium: Aids in the body's energy production, Combats stress. Assists in bone growth. Helps regulate body temperature. Helps the metabolism of vitamin C and other minerals. A Japanese study found that daily magnesium nutritional supplements dropped blood pressure.

Potassium: Aids in the conversion of glucose to glycogen. Nourishes the muscles. Stimulates the kidney to get rid of body wastes - balances body fluids. Calms the nerves. Insufficient dietary potassium levels have been linked to high blood pressure.

Often many vitamin supplements include minerals as well. To maintain a healthy, holistic lifestyle, make sure your diet contains these key nutrients or add them with nutritional supplements. Be sure to incorporate only organic supplements or those that are readily bio-available and easily absorbed.


For natural health solutions for high blood pressure and heart disease:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

Technorati tags : nutrition, minerals, holistic, high blood pressure, metabolism, certified natural health professionals, blood pressure, alternative medicine, health, fat, calcium, magnesium, diet, nutritional supplements, muscles, stress

Essential Fatty Acids and Nutrition

What are Essential Fatty Acids? Essential Fatty Acids are fats that must be obtained from our diet. They are called "essential" because our bodies cannot create them. Essential fatty acids are necessary for almost every bodily function.

In terms of the types of fats that we need to include in our diet, essential fatty acids top the list. Because essential fatty acids assist in controlling cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure, they play a major role in reducing the overall risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attacks.


Additionally, essential fatty acids help fight inflammation, arthritis, infection, auto-immune disorders, diabetes and depression. Furthermore, they have been shown to be beneficial in relieving symptoms associated with vision problems, PMS, and hair / skin disorders.



For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : essential fatty acids, cholesterol, heart, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, holistic, nutrition, herbal, herbal remedies, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, inflammation, nutritional supplements, arthritis, blood pressure, diabetes, PMS

Heart Disease Risks

Do you know the primary risks of heart disease? Heart disease can come from two sets of factors.

Hereditary Factors for Heart Disease

• Age
• Family History
• Gender

Non-hereditary Factors for Heart Disease

• High Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• High Homocysteine Level
• Smoking or inhaling passive smoke
• Stress

The hereditary factors for heart disease are pre-determined and can not be avoided. However, the non-hereditary factors are completely in your control. Take care of our heart and it will take care of you.

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : cholesterol, heart, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, holistic, nutrition, herbal, herbal remedies, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, inflammation, nutritional supplements

Heart Disease, Inflammation, and Cholesterol

Inflammation is considered a risk and potential indicator for heart disease. Inflammation is considered an even greater indicator of heart disease than cholesterol.

Here are the facts. Roughly 40 million baby boomers have high inflammation levels, but at the same time have normal cholesterol levels. They actually have twice the risk of heart attack as people with what's considered to be high cholesterol. However for those suffering from both, high cholesterol and high inflammation levels - the news is not so good. Their risk level of having a heart attack increases by a factor of nine.

What's the heart disease connection?
Inflammation aggravates and deteriorates arterial plaque. This enables it to become fragile and increases the potential of it breaking off and causing a blood clot or blockage. This leads to heart attacks and strokes. Inflammation additionally allows free radials to thrive which oxidize LDL or bad cholesterol and make it more toxic.

Please check back for additional blog posts in this series to find holistic methods to combat inflammation.

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : cholesterol, heart, heart disease, heart attack, cardiovascular disease, holistic, nutrition, herbal, herbal remedies, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, inflammation, nutritional supplements

Holistic Heart Month

Whether it's the color red or Valentines' day, February is designated as heart month. Throughout the month, you will see articles and ads about heart health and heart disease. It's no wonder. Cardiovascular disease kills roughly 500,000 Americans each year. Furthermore, it causes disability and pain for another 17 million.

On this blog, Holistic Health Nutrition Facts, we are declaring February to be Holistic Heart Month. Throughout February, we will present articles on improving your heart health and incorporating alternative, holistic behaviors into your lifestyle. Whether it is improving your cholesterol level, blood pressure, or preventing heart attacks, knowing how to protect yourself is key. Remember knowledge is power. Heart disease is a silent killer. Stay informed and stay ahead of the disease.

For natural health solutions for health health and heart disease:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

Technorati tags : holistic, cholesterol, heart, blood pressure, nutrition, herbal, herbal remedies, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, heart disease, herbs, heart attack, cardiovascular disease

Mineral Nutrition Facts

Why Minerals for good health and nutrition? They assist with metabolism and body function. The major minerals required by the body are calcium, chloride, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfur. Important trace minerals include copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc.

Here's how they help:

Calcium: Builds and maintains bone strength, which prevents stress fractures. Builds and maintains teeth, Regulates and relaxes heart function, Assists in muscle growth and contraction. Induces sound sleep.

Iodine: Controls metabolism. Needed for proper thyroid, brain, and nerve function.

Iron: Along with protein, helps form hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs through the blood to the body tissues, which includes the muscles.

Magnesium: Aids in the body's energy production, Combats stress. Assists in bone growth. Helps regulate body temperature. Helps the metabolism of vitamin C and other minerals.

Phosphorus: Helps in almost every chemical reaction in the body, assists in the use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy. Stimulates heart and muscle contractions. Prevents tooth decay.

Potassium: Aids in the conversion of glucose to glycogen. Nourishes the muscles. Stimulates the kidney to get rid of body wastes - balances body fluids. Calms the nerves.

Selenium: Powerful antioxidant. Boosts your immune system and helps protect your body from cancer.

Sodium: Protects nerves. With water, helps retain fluids that counteract dehydration. Helps our bodies produce a thirst sensation so we'll drink more fluids.

Zinc: Helps remove carbon dioxide from exercising muscles. Aids in healing. Boost the immune system. Protects against pollution.


Often may vitamin supplements include minerals as well. To maintain a healthy, holistic lifestyle, make sure your diet contains these key nutrients or add them with nutritional supplements.

For natural health solutions for health health and heart disease:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

Technorati tags : nutrition, minerals, holistic, metabolism, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, health, fat, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, diet, nutritional supplements, muscles, stress

Weight Loss Caution

When establishing a goal for weight loss, people sometimes really don't take the time to really analyze what is really entailed. To be sure, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Fad diets, starvation... these are the wrong ways to go about weight loss and can really do more harm than good. The ultimate goal for weight loss is to lose fat.

For example, if you do not incorporate strength or weight training, you lose muscle mass. This ultimately leads to weight gain due to a slower metabolism. Lack of exercise can also cause loss of bone mass. While this would result in a loss of weight, your overall health would decline due to a weakened skeletal structure.

When you starve yourself, in addition to not having the necessary calories for optimal body function, you lose water weight. This is due to the burn off of glycogen. But this is only a false positive. This loss of glycogen makes you overeat to replace it, which restores the perceived weight loss and you are back to where you started. Or worse still, you've gained more weight by over-eating.

Be targeted and specific in your weight loss and exercise program. Do it the right way, the holistic way, through proper diet and exercise. Have fat loss as your goal, not just weight loss.

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : nutrition, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, herbal, diet, weight loss, weight training, exercise program, fat loss, burn fat, strength training, weight loss program, permanent weight loss, holistic nutrition, fat

Herbal Echinacea - Winter's Remedy

Echinacea has been known for centuries as an immune booster. In the winter, millions of people count on the curative powers of echinacea for relief from cold and flu and traditionally also for bacterial infections. Echinacea works by activating some of the body's immune cells. Studies have shown that echinacea can bolster resistance to colds and the flu, especially if taken with the onset of symptoms.

Common names for the herb echinacea include Purple or Prairie Coneflower, Black Sampson, or Rudbeckia. Echinacea angustifolia is the official species of which the dried root is used in herbal preparations. Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida are other common types but are considered weaker in action than Echinacea angustifolia.

There is a "gotcha" however with echinacea. The immune-enhancing effects generally take several weeks to build up. However, you should generally not take echinacea for more than 8 consecutive weeks. Your body needs to have a rest period. It is not to be used for daily immune system support. It should be used only when needed. As it does affect the immune system, those with auto-immune disorders such as AIDS or lupus should probably avoid it all together or take only under a physician's supervision.

Echinacea can be purchased as a nutritional supplement or harvested. The fresh or dried roots of 3-year old plants are used in herbal medicine.

For natural health solutions for healthy immune systems:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

Technorati tags : echinacea, infections, cold, flu, nutrition, herbal, herbal remedies, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, immune system, herbs, herbal medicine, nutritional supplement

Cloned Meat - Informed Choices

This week, the FDA deemed clone meat safe and that no specific labeling will be required when it is placed on store shelves. Please take our poll. What's your perspective on the safety of this new food source as either a certified natural health professionals or as a holistic or alternative medicine enthusiast.

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

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Weight Training for Fat Loss

To provide permanent weight loss, you need to incorporate weight training into your exercise routine. Building or adding lean muscle mass increases your metabolism and burns excess calories. These extra muscles burn fat and calories each day even when you are resting.

Studies have shown that if you just add an extra ten pounds of muscle tissue, you will lose an average of an extra two pounds of fat per month even without making any other changes.

Conversely, if your diet and weight loss plan does not include weight training, then the weight you lose will be from loss of muscle tissue. This will slow down your metabolism and cause you to regain the weight you had lost, plus gain back even more. This is due to your body storing fat as it thinks you are starving. The body's natural impulse is self-preservation and it will fight against what it thinks is harm such as perceived starvation.

Recommendation: To accelerate your weight loss goal, include at least 3 days of strength training with weights into your weekly exercise program. For even more dramatic results, strength train every other day and practice holistic nutrition daily for permanent weight loss.

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : nutrition, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, herbal, diet, weight loss, weight training, exercise program, fat loss, burn fat, strength training, weight loss program, permanent weight loss, holistic nutrition, fat

Bring in the New Year with Alternative Health Resolutions

In the new year, it is typical to make new years resolutions. Start off this year resolving to be healthy, happy, and wise. Use the nutrition and holistic facts that you have learned throughout the year to improve and maintain your holistic health. Resolve to improve your diet and overall state of mind in 2008. Happy New Year!


For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : nutrition, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, herbal, diet, nutritional supplements, herbs

Happy Holistic Holidays

Seasons Greetings from sc-cnhp.org! Holidays can be holistic days as well. As you enjoy your family and friends this holiday season, be sure to include healthy eating in your meal planning. This is not the time to short-cut your nutrition or commitment to a natural health lifestyle.

Remember to get plenty of rest, exercise, and water during this time. The holidays can be hectic, but with planning and resolve, you can maintain your holistic goals. Merry Christmas!

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : nutrition, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, herbal, diet, nutritional supplements, herbs

Lower Blood Pressure with Minerals

Over 50 million Americans suffer with high blood pressure or hypertension. However, alternative medicine and holistic approaches exist to ease symptoms and lower blood pressure. Mineral supplementation can help. Most notable are Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium. Eating a diet that contains bountiful, daily servings of leafy, green vegetables is extremely beneficial as leafy greens contain each of these minerals.

In addition to the fiber boost, one can lower their blood pressure by changing their diet.

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : nutrition, blood pressure, holistic, hypertension, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, minerals, herbal, diet, nutritional supplements, heart disease, herbs

Fruit for Heart Health

An apple a day will keep the doctor away or more precisely the cardiologist. Research published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that eating fruit is particularly effective at lowering the risk of heart disease. A 20-year study published in 2002 showed that the risk of stroke and heart attack was significantly reduced in people who ate at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Additional research has shown that apples and grapes specifically have certain antioxidants that reduce susceptibility to heart disease by reducing inflammation linked to blockage of the arteries. You can supercharge the overall holistic effect by consuming organic fruits and vegetables.

For natural health solutions for health health and heart disease:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

Technorati tags : antioxidant, heart, fruit, nutrition, herbal, herbal remedies, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, heart disease, herbs, organic, heart attack

Cholesterol free vegans?

Cholesterol is only found in foods of animal origin. As such, there is no cholesterol in plants. Therefore, you will find no cholesterol in vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts or beans. Vegetarians may be on to something when it comes to cholesterol management.



For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : nutrition, cholesterol, holistic, vegan, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, herbal, herbs, vegetarian

Happy Holistic Holidays

As we celebrate Thanksgivings this week, remember that you can still incorporate healthy eating in your holiday feasts. From free-range turkey and free-range eggs to organic fruits and vegetables, holistic choices abound. You can even opt for fresh herbs to add extra zest to your meal. The herbs will also boost your health as well. Share herbal teas with your guests. This can be a great way to introduce herbal medicine to them. Green tea would make an excellent starter tea. Another ideas is to instead of lounging on the couch after the big meal, get the whole family out for a walk. Practice whole breathing together as you stroll.

These are just a few ideas on how you can stay healthy and incorporate the alternative, holistic lifestyle into your holiday planning. For other tips on how to stay healthy the holistic way, be sure to check back with this blog, Holistic Health Nutrition Facts.

For even more information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:
SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

Technorati tags : organic, free range eggs, nutrition, herbal, herbal remedies, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, herbal medicine, herbs, holistic lifestyle, green tea, herbs, herbal teas, free range turkey

Evening Primrose herb for Arthritis

Evening Primrose is a very popular botanical used in herbal medicine. This beautiful wildflower grows throughout most of North America. However, due to its medicinal qualities, it has been used traditionally for a host of conditions. Evening Primrose is very high in essential fatty acids.


Evening Primrose is believed to be great for inflammation. As such it is used for arthritis. For centuries, women have turned to evening primrose to relieve the discomfort of PMS. In the past, Native American women chewed the seeds to ease PMS symptoms. Not only does evening primrose reputedly help with PMS, it soothes the breast pain that often accompanies it.


Research has shown that evening primrose oil may be helpful in treating other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis. Both of these conditions are believed to be associated with an imbalance or shortage of essential fatty acids in one's system. In the UK, evening primrose oil is prescribed for the treatment of eczema.


There is one cautionary note however for evening primrose. Evening primrose oil should not be used if you are taking any drug for treatment of epilepsy. Harmful interactions could occur.

If you suffer from inflammatory conditions, consider the herb evening primrose as a holistic health alternative.


For natural health solutions for arthritis and PMS:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

Technorati tags : evening primrose, essential fatty acids, PMS, arthritis, nutrition, herbal, herbal medicine, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, evening primrose oil

Holistic Health Tip - Smoking and Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are associated with causing cancer in the body and accelerating aging. As a holistic health tip, don't smoke and avoid areas where smoking is taking place. Each puff of cigarette smoke contains 100 trillion free radicals! If you can't avoid smoky environments, be sure to take an antioxidant-rich herbal or nutritional supplement daily and include plenty of colorful, organic fruits and vegetables in your diet.


For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

For nutritional and herbal support while trying to quit smoking:

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

Technorati tags : antioxidants, herbs, free radicals, smoking, cancer, nutrition, herbal, herbal remedies, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, naturopathic medicine, aging, organic, nutritional supplements

Garlic for Heart Health

Garlic. This delightful, pungent herb not only fights certain cancers, diabetes, and infections; it also helps in the fight against cardiovascular disease. Garlic is excellent for heart health. Garlic's cholesterol fighting abilities have led to its longstanding reputation as a heart healthy herb.


In laboratory tests, garlic has decreased cholesterol production by liver cells by as much as 40 to 60 percent. For those suffering from high cholesterol, garlic has been reported to be able to reduce it by as much as 10 percent. Garlic lowers triglyceride levels and minimizes or prevents blood clots by preventing blood platelets from sticking together. Furthermore, garlic inhibits damage to the endothelial cells in our blood vessels due to oxidized LDL, the "bad cholesterol". Previous European studies suggest that garlic works much like our HDL, the "good cholesterol", in that it dissolves newly formed arteriosclerotic plaque at the molecular level. Other US studies suggest that saponins in garlic interfere with cholesterol absorption in the intestines, preventing it from going back into the blood stream.

Increase your intake of garlic to improve your overall health. Use fresh garlic in cooking or take it as a nutritional supplement. Taking just 600mg of garlic daily in tablet form can lower both your blood pressure and your cholesterol level in only a few weeks.

For natural health solutions for health health and heart disease:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

Technorati tags : garlic, heart, cholesterol, LDL, cancer, nutrition, herbal, herbal remedies, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, heart disease, herbs, diabetes, nutritional supplements