althealth

Vitamin C is one of the best known vitamins. Parents have been giving their kids Vitamin C since they discovered just how good it is for you and could be packed into a supplement. Sailors would eat oranges and lemons on long voyages for the prevention of scurvy. They didn’t realize that it was the Vitamin C at work in their systems.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. It is also known as asorbic acid.  It is an antioxidant. An antioxidants slows or prevents the oxidation of other molecules. Vitamin C also has been shown to boost the immune system. It does this by increasing the white blood cell count. These are the cells that fight infections and viruses. Vitamin C also raises HDL levels, that is the good cholesterol, and lowers blood pressure.

We see that Vitamin C is good for you. The FDA’s RDI (Recommended Daily Intakes) for Vitamin C is 6omg. Some people recommend that you take more than that to increase your immune system. But most doctors say that 200mg is the sufficent amount.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. It needs to be replenished in your body continuously. Many fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin C. It is best to get these naturally. If you do take supplements it is recommended not to take the chewable ones. Remember that Vitamin C is also known as asorbic acid. Taking large doses of chewable vitamin C can cause tooth issues.

Take your Vitamin C this winter, but don’t stop there. It is a vitamin to take all year long. See? Your parents were right!

It’s not to early to start thinking about those grand New Year’s Resolutions. Here is one that should be on everyone’s list.

Do you drink your 8 to 10 glasses of water a day? Most people don’t. Water is essential to our bodies in so many ways.

Water helps flush your system. Getting your daily amount will help flush out toxins and “things” in your system that need to go. If you don’t have enough water in your system it has to work harder to get rid of these.

Water makes your skin glow. Unknowingly most people have skin that is dieing for moisture. From the inside. Getting that RDA of water will help your skin maintain that youthful glow and help put off those wrinkles and lines.

Water is great for dieters as well. Often times when you feel hungry, what your body is actually craving is water. If a dieter drinks ther RDA of water many reach those weight loss goals. They eat less and their digestive system works more efficiently.

So make it your New Year’s Resolution to get those 8 to 10 glasses of water a day!

For coffee drinkers, remember for every cup of coffee you should drink 2 glasses of water to rehydrate!!!

Let’s face it, its that time of year. There are cookies, candies, fancy pies and cakes that surround us. Every place we go they are offering us something to eat. Usually that something is far from good for us. Most of the time it is loaded down with sugar and who knows what else. You know those evil things that will clog your arteries, fatten your thighs and slow down your metabolism.

But guess what? There are some healthy choices out there. No really, I am not kidding you. You just have to look for them.

Most parties and gatherings offer the simple things in life. Think crackers. Now not those little goldfish we like swimming in our tomato soup, but triskets, mulitgrain and the wide variety of designer crackers available.

These little crackers serve a number of purposes. For starters they will fill you up. A great benefit of whole grains. You don’t need so many of them.

Next is whole grain is good for you. It is good for your heart health. It has been shown to combat diabetes. It can even assist you in your weight loss goals.

So pass up that cookie platter and meander over to the cracker plate. Find something that is good for you to munch on!

Here in the US tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  A day, in this house at least, of too much food, loud family and the occasional plate snatch. Yes, before you ask, the rumor is true. My oldest son did walk away with his God Sister full plate of Thanksgiving food. Picked it up and ran he did. Those silly kids of mine!

Keep in mind that it is a day to be thankful. I am thankful that I have a wonderful family. I am thankful for my wonderful friends.

I am also thankful that I am allowed to study  aromatherapy and alternate medicine. There was a time when it was frowned upon. Ok so there are still a lot of people who think I am crazy. They may be right, but I am not looked at as strangely as I used to be.

We have a lot to be thankful for this year. Remember that even the small things are a reason to give thanks.

And remember this little tidbit too, Peppermint tea is great for that overfull stomach that we all get after Thanksgiving dinner!

The holiday season has begun. In many places the decorations are up and the holiday sales are in full swing. This brings on holiday stress. To many things to do and not enough time to get them all done.Learn to deal with your holiday stress the natural way without drugs from your doctor can be simple and easy.

A simple cup of chamomile tea can help take the edge off of an otherwise stressful day. Sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow at night to help you get a good nights sleep. A good night sleep is one of the key factors to dealing with stress. A well rested body is better able to cope.

Like to soak in the tub? Take a few drops of lavender and chamomile essential oils and drop them in the tub. Both of these essential oils are known for their stress relief ability.

Another great stress buster during this holiday season is exercise. You don’t have to go to the gym and spend an hour on the stairmaster either. A simple 20 min walk can help you better deal with stress.

Stress comes along with the holidays. Learning to deal with it can be an essential life skill. Holidays are a time meant to be spent with family and friends. Enjoy them!