The Sunshine Vitamin

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Posted on 24th April 2012 by shearpointe in DHT Sensor |hair care products |hair loss prevention |hair loss produts |Nutrition

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Vitamin D is an essential vitamin to assist in your body’s functioning. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that 7.6 million children were vitamin D deficient and 50.8 million were vitamin D insufficient. Juhi Kumar, M.D., M.P.H., a fellow in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital and Academic Medical Center for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, stated, “we expected the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency would be high, but the magnitude of the problem nationwide was shocking.” Given these jarring statistics, it is clear that we need to be proactive in ensuring that we provide our body with the vitamins necessary for it to succeed.

Why is it Vitamin D Important?

Vitamin D for humans is obtained from exposure to sunlight, food, and dietary supplements. There are a number of benefits associated with Vitamin D, which is sometimes referred to as the “sunshine vitamin.” According to the National Institute of Health, an important job of vitamin D is to regulate calcium levels in the body. People who are exposed to normal quantities of sunlight do not need vitamin D supplements because sunlight promotes sufficient vitamin D synthesis in the skin.

Vitamin D also helps the body stay immune to the common cold. By regulating calcium in the body, Vitamin D helps bones to grow and to stay healthy. According to Dr. Sahelian and other physicians around the globe, Vitamin D helps to keep away depression symptoms. Furthermore, it is an agent that facilitates weight loss. Usage of Vitamin D in moderate or recommended quantities by your doctor may help keep away small illnesses like the common cold and other more serious health issues. Consider visiting your doctor to see if your vitamin D levels are acceptable.

Healthy Bones, Proteins, and Immune System

We all know the important role that bones play in the human body. Not only do we need them but also they’ve got to be strong. According to the National Institute of Health, vitamin D helps your bones maintain the right nutrition levels essential to a healthy life style. Vitamin D may become especially important for older adults whose bones are likely more brittle and fragile. Vitamin D also helps the body to keep proteins and salt levels on track. This allows your body parts to receive the desired level of nutrition.

The American Cancer Society reports that studies suggest that risk of developing some types of cancer is lower for people who have higher levels of vitamin D in the body. Proper vitamin D intake may improve the immune system and reduce the probability of falling victim to many common and uncommon viruses.

Major Vitamin D Sources

Major sources of Vitamin D include milk, dairy products, cereals, eggs, cod liver oil, some sea food products, and others. The most important and easily accessible source of vitamin D is taken for granted: sunlight. Exposure to the sun is a natural, moderate way is an ideal way for you to get your fix of vitamin D. However, the American Cancer Society reminds us that prolonged exposure to sunlight can place you at risk for skin cancer. Therefore, make sure you use sunscreen along with appropriate clothing when heading out to catch some rays.

Staying Healthy During Flu Season

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Posted on 21st March 2012 by shearpointe in attitude |Nutrition

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According to WebMD, the best way to protect yourself during Flu season is to build a strong immune system either by healthy living, adequate diet or vaccination. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take much to keep yourself healthy and happy. However, in order to keep your immune system strong you have to take a few conscientious steps. If healthy habits are accompanied by appropriate diet, going through the flu season without getting sick is certainly possible. There are a few simple lifestyle changes that you can make to help keep the flu away from you and your family.

Getting the Right Nutrition

According to the National Institute of Health, what we eat is very important for building our immune system. A diet comprised of seasonal fruits and vegetables can help keep a person healthy. Nature does not work in random ways; the fruits and vegetables that are in season can be part of your daily meals and snacks. Try to cut down on processed foods in order to help you have well-rounded meals.

Fluids are for You

The Center for Disease Control suggests drinking plenty of water when you have the flu. However, your diligent water drinking doesn’t have to start when you get a nasty bug. If you drink water everyday, your chances of getting the flu are less than if you are dehydrated. Carry around a water bottle and make sure you’re filling it up throughout your day. If you work in an office that tends to be warm, freeze your water the night before and drink cool, refreshing water all day long.

Exercise

Exercise is always recommended because it keeps your body strong and active. A strong and active body usually includes a strong immune system. Recent medical findings suggest that a moderate amount of daily exercise will lead to a sustained body response in the face of illness. Therefore, if you’re not already hitting the gym, now might be the perfect time to start. If you’re not sure where to start, consider purchasing a membership to a gym, starting a home exercise program (there are plenty of DVDs out there), or talking a short walk outside. Remember to consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen.

Okay, I’ve Resolved to Exercise in 2012: Now What?

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Posted on 23rd February 2012 by shearpointe in attitude |hair loss |hair loss causes |Nutrition |thinning hair

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Did you make a New Years resolution to exercise and get in shape? If so, congratulations! Speaking your hope into existence is the first step into making it a reality. There are many different ways to fulfill your New Years resolution without freezing your nose off walking in the cold or paying hefty fees to belong to a posh gym. Shirley Archer, the 2008 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year and author of The Strength & Toning Deck, says, “exercise should fit the person, not vice versa. And the same goes for exercise facilities and equipment. It’s all about finding the right fit. Working out takes time, effort and commitment.” There are ways to get in shape that work for you, your budget, and your lifestyle.

The Gym. Joining a gym is the most common response that people have when they want to lose weight or get into shape. Gyms are a perfect option for many people. They offer a variety of machines, a place to shower and change, and a plethora of classes. However, exercising at the gym doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re extremely busy with limited free time or financial resources, joining a gym may not a great choice for you. However, if you’re highly motivated to exercise and can make space in your daily schedule to get to the gym, a full gym membership may be the perfect choice.

Depending on where you live and how upscale your local gym is, memberships can be as high as $100 per month and as low as $10 per month. Make sure you do your homework before you commit to a gym membership. Understand the fine print of the contract and make sure that you know what you are signing. Talk to people who belong to the gym and ask them about the culture of the gym, cleanliness, and rapport between gym staff and clients. Ask for a complete tour of the facilities, including the locker room and shower facilities.

Home Workouts. For the busy person with limited time or odd working hours, home workouts couldn’t be a better fit. Don’t get off work till 2am? No worries! You can arrive home and workout before you shower and get some rest. Are you self-conscious about your body and prefer to workout alone? Pop in a workout DVD and you have a personal trainer walking you through every step of an exercise routine. There are many different options for home workout DVD’s. Browse around the net and check out video samples of at-home workout regimens online. You have your choice of intensity, length, instructor, and music. You can customize the perfect workout routine in your own home. If you like the versatility of working out at the gym but prefer the comfort of your own home, consider building an at-home gym. Building an at-home gym takes commitment, education, and money. Shop around and ask for guidance from professionals before buying an at-home gym.

A large part of keeping your New Years resolution to exercise is to properly plan before you begin. If you hate exercising outdoors but don’t have enough money for the gym, find an option that works for you. If you love the outdoors and thrive on fresh air, don’t spend a fortune on a set of indoor workout DVDs. You know yourself best. Planning to transform your life for the New Year is exciting, but it also takes precision and strategy. Set yourself up for success and build an exercise program that will help you stick to it and meet your goals. And then be sure to throw away that kaftan. You won’t be needing it this summer after all.

Hair Loss Causes: Factors that Lead to Hair Loss

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Posted on 13th May 2011 by shearpointe in female hair loss |hair loss |hair loss causes |Nutrition

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Nutrition and Vitamins

Female hair loss is a growing issue in the United States and elsewhere. Three recent studies discussing the prevalence of female pattern baldness show an increase from 3% to 6% in women aged 30 and under and 29-42% in women aged 70 and over. There are many different theories that seek to answer the question: what causes unexplained hair loss in women?

Female Hair Loss Causes.  There is an abundance of literature that discusses the genetic and biological factors associated with hair loss. There is another growing body of literature that discusses the psychological and social factors that may contribute to hair loss. A smaller area of focus for some researchers is to understand the nutrients and vitamins that may in certain instances contribute to hair loss. If you’re working to understand the “why” behind your own hair loss, read below to understand the science behind nutrition, vitamins, and hair loss.  

Nutrition

Aside from research on starvation, eating disorders, and malnutrition, very little is known about the relationship between nutrition and hair loss in women. Dr. Rushton, researcher at the University of Portsmouth in the U.K., reports that the majority of women presenting to the doctor for hair loss do not meet the criteria for a medical condition; in other words, their hair loss is not medically related. Therefore, much of the information that is known is not helpful to women without a diagnosed medical condition. With that being said, Dr. Rushton explains the importance of maintaining an “adequate and balanced nutritional intake” to support healthy scalp and hair. Given the importance of diet on maintaining overall health as well as the integrity of healthy scalp, you may wish to review your diet with a doctor and a dietician.

Zinc

The relationship between zinc and hair loss has been grossly misrepresented in public forums, especially on internet websites. There is a prevalent belief that zinc deficiency causes hair loss. There is absolutely no evidence of that relationship in the scientific literature. Studies demonstrate that zinc cannot be reliably shown to contribute as a cause of female pattern hair loss or female hair shedding.

Iron

A significant body of literature, beginning with Cunningham in 1932, supports the relationship between iron deficiency and hair loss in women. According to a recent review article by Dr. Rushton of the scientific literature, iron is the most frequent nutrient that presents as abnormal in women who complain of increased hair shedding. A 1990 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that 72% of women who presented with complaints of hair shedding and no scalp complications had below optimal amounts of iron in their blood. Although the evidence to support this correlation is strong, there is still debate about this relationship in the field since many women with low iron do not present with hair loss.

Although nutrition, zinc, and iron are only a small piece of the very large puzzle of hair loss, they are important to understand as you seek to be an informed consumer. You will likely read a lot about the impact of nutrition on hair loss. Above all, it’s important that you are informed by information that has scientific backing.

References

Rushton, D.H. (2002). Nutritional factors and hair loss. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 27, 400–408

Nutrition Tips from BreastCancer.org

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Posted on 19th August 2010 by shearpointe in chemotherapy hair loss |Nutrition

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Nutrition — giving your body the nutrients it needs — is important for everyone. When combined with exercising and maintaining a healthy weight, eating well is an excellent way to help your body stay strong and healthy.

If you’re currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer or have been treated for breast cancer in the past, eating well is particularly important for you. In this section, you can read about healthy eating and what and how to eat during and after treatment.

Read entire article.