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.

Feed Your Follicles

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Posted on 19th November 2011 by shearpointe in attitude

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One of our longtime stylists passed me a magazine article the other day that got me thinking.  While yur hair may not actually be alive, the follicles from which it grows most certainly are. Hair health is often seen as a barometer of overall health. So if you want great looking hair, eat a healthy diet!  (It will help with other areas of your general well-being as well).

Foods rich in B vitamins, vitamin E, folate, biotin, inositol and protein will help keep your hair at peak health. Whole grains, wheat germ, spinach, tuna, cauliflower, peppers and oily fish such as salmon are great sources of B vitamins. For folate, look to Brussels sprouts, corn, baked beans, avocados, peanuts, bananas and strawberries. Oats, carrots, walnuts and brown rice offer stores of biotin and inositol is abundant in citrus fruits, peanuts and cabbage. And protein can come from meats, beans, nuts and dairy products.

So here’s the perfect excuse for me to share with you one of my favorite morning drinks — something fast and tasty to get your day started the right way.

Morning Sunshine Smoothie

  • 1 banana
  • 1-1/4 c. frozen strawberries
  • 10 whole raw almonds
  • 2 T orange juice
  • 1/2 cup ice cubes
  • 3 T chocolate flavored protein powder

Place fruit, almonds and orange juice in a bender and pulse to mix. Add ice cubes and puree until smooth. Add protein powder and blend until combined.

HINT: soak almonds overnight in water and drain; this makes the nuts blend smoother and actually increases their usable nutrition.

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.