Zu San Li - A point of a 100 Diseases on your Body

Here is what will happen if you massage it!

One Japanese legend says that, once upon a time there lived a happy man who received priceless knowledge from his father – the knowledge of the longevity point or a point of a hundred diseases

Following the advice of his father, the son massaged this point every day and he lived to see the birth and death of several emperors.

The massaging of some points is one of the oldest methods of treatment in the East, which has been used for thousands of years.

Overall, the human body has 365 points and 12 main meridians, which is the same as the number of the days and months in one year.

The effects of these massages (acupressure, finger pressure to certain points), is based on the theory of the meridians and channels that are connected to certain organs.

In Chinese medicine, the body is seen as an energy system, and therefore, the massage can affect the flow of energy and the functional activity of the organs.

The activation of the Zu San Li point causes a permanent rejuvenating and healing effect, delaying of the aging. In China, this point is known as – “the point of longevity” in Japan – “the point of a hundred diseases”.

Where is the magic point (Zu San Li) in our body?
 
The point of longevity is located below the kneecap. In order to find it, you should cover your knee with the palm of the same hand. The point is located between the ends of the little finger and ring finger, in the form of a small dent between the bones.

You can find in another way as well.
You have to sit on the floor, firmly press your feet to the floor and pull them towards you, do not raise your heels from the floor.
 
You will notice that below the knee there is a higher area. Find the highest point, put your finger on it and take a starting position.

The point at which you pressed your finger is the point – Zu San Li.
 
What is this point in our body responsible for and why do the Japanese call it – A point of a hundred diseases?

– It controls the work of the organs that are located in the lower half of the body

– It controls the work of the spinal cord in the parts that are responsible for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, digestion tract, genital organs, kidneys, adrenal glands.

By massaging the Zu San Li point you can increase the activity of the adrenal glands, the most powerful glands that act as the main defender of human health.
They excrete adrenaline, hydrocortisone and other important hormones into the blood.

If you massage “the point of longevity” every day, you can normalize the work of the adrenal glands, which perform the following functions in the organism:

– Normalization of the blood pressure
– Normalization of the glucose, the insulin
– Elimination of the inflammatory processes in the organism
– Regulation of the immune system
 
Also, by massaging the Zu San Li point, you can:
– Improve digestion
– Heal diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
– Treat the effects of a stroke

The massaging of this point will help you to increase your confidence, eliminate the stress and tension and find inner harmony.
By massaging this point, you can cure many diseases, including hiccups, constipation, gastritis, incontinence.

How can you affect the “point of longevity”?

It is better to massage the Zu San Li point in the morning, before lunch, 9 times in a circular motion in a clockwise direction on each leg (9 times on one and nine times on the other leg). You should do this for 10 minutes.

Before the beginning of the massage you should take a comfortable, relaxed position (sitting). Calm the breathing and concentrate yourselves on your feelings. Place yourselves in a state of harmony and understanding that you are beginning the healing process. This massage has a stimulating effect.

You can massage the point with your fingers or with any grain (buckwheat, oats, rice, etc …).

Also, you can stick to this point a half of a garlic clove and leave it on for 1-2 hours (until the skin turns red).

The massaging of the Zu San Li point in the evening is suitable for weight loss – they say, 400 to 500 grams per week. But do not massage it directly before bedtime, because you can cause insomnia.

You can massage the Zu San Li point every day, but the best effect is achieved during the New Moon.

– Eight days after the start of the New Moon, be sure to massage this point in the morning, alternately on each leg in the clockwise direction. This is the best time for a massage in order to strengthen the immunity, improve the work of all organs and slow the aging process.

– Before lunch, alternately on each leg, in the clockwise direction, in order to improve the overall tone, the memory, the work of the cardiovascular system and the digestive system.

– After lunch, simultaneously on both legs – against stress, nervousness and irritability, against headaches and sleep disorders.

In the evening, massage it in the counterclockwise direction, alternately on each leg, in order to improve the metabolism and help the weight loss.
Try it!

Warm Lemon Water & Turmeric

Powerful Healing Drink And Perfect Morning Elixir

If you mix warm lemon water and turmeric, you will get a powerful healing beverage and a perfect morning elixir. This drink can be as effective as turmeric milk. If you are not familiar with the positive effects of turmeric, following is a little background:

Turmeric is a yellow/orange spice from India, and it belongs to the same family as ginger. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals known as carcinogens, and it also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Turmeric is used widely in Indian cuisine, but if you do not eat Indian food every day, how can you include this wonderful spice in your diet? Simple! Spice up your warm lemon water.
To increase its beneficial effect, add a pinch of cinnamon, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can regulate blood sugar levels (which means you will eat less and feel more satisfied).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of warm (not hot) water; you can use a cup of warm milk if desired (almond, soy or regular cow’s milk)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• lemon juice (1/2 lemon)
• a pinch of cinnamon, optional
• 1/8 tsp honey

Preparation:
After you heat the water, add turmeric, lemon juice and honey. Stir well. Turmeric will settle on the bottom of the cup, so keep stirring while you drink this elixir, and you will utilize all of the benefits of turmeric. Make sure you drink it while it is still warm.

Turmeric is very inexpensive. It will give your lemon water a mild flavor, and have a positive effect on every system in your body. Adding this powerful spice to your diet is one of the best things you can do for your health.

5 Fitness Trends to Try in 2015

By Rozalynn S. Frazier

Curious about what’s going to be hot in the wellness sphere next year? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We put our sneakers to the ground to find out what fitness trends could be making their way into your gym in 2015. Happy sweating.

 

Body weight training

According to an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) survey of more than 3,000 fitness professionals worldwide, body weight training is predicted to be the next big thing. “Expect to see it continue to expand in all movement experiences including both group and personal training,” says Carol Espel, Senior Director, Group Fitness and Pilates at Equinox. “Look for the comprehensive incorporation of gymnastics, adult jungle gyms, workout spaces that are uncluttered with weight machines and open for training, greater suspension training options, primal movements, and more programming that is less focused on standard weight lifting protocols.” In other words, those tried and true exercises that don’t require equipment—like lunges, squats, push-ups, and burpees—are here to stay, so embrace them.
RELATED: 25 Exercises You Can Do Anywhere

 

High-intensity interval training (HIIT)

OK, HIIT (think P90X) did take a hit over the past year dropping from the number one spot on the 2013 ACSM survey to number two this year. But we assure you that this technique, which alternates intense bursts of exercise with short, sometimes active, recovery periods, isn’t going anywhere. The reason: It’s super effective. “People are exercising in shorter bursts and they are still seeing results,” notes Donna Cyrus, Senior Vice President of Programming at Crunch. This should be no surprise, though. After all, who wants to slave away at the gym for hours each day when you can blast fat in as little as 20 minutes? Exactly.
RELATED: 10 Exercise Cheats That Blow Your Calorie Burn

 

Treadmill training

Boutique studios that specialize in one specific fitness genre—be it underwater cycling or trampoline workouts—will continue to rise in popularity. However, within this group fitness sector, indoor group running has been steadily gaining momentum. From big gym chains like Equinox and Crunch to smaller studios like Mile High Run Club, treadmill-based training is poised to become the new “it” workout. Yes, many view this piece of machinery as a torture device (I know I’ve called it a dreadmill on more than one occasion), but these classes are truly beneficial, helping to improve your running through speed, incline, and interval-based drills.
“There is a trend in fitness to return to simplicity, and running is the oldest form of exercise,” explains Andia Winslow, a fitness expert and coach at Mile High Running Club. “With indoor treadmill training, participants are in a controlled and yet challenging environment where they can, regardless of fitness level, keep up with class while running on industry elite commercial equipment. With less strain on bones, joints and tendons, runners can focus instead on form, specialized and programmed intensity and being wholly engaged with their runs.” Even better: You will never have to worry about it being too cold or raining too hard to log those miles.
RELATED: 15 Running Tips You Need to Know

 

Recovery efforts

Don’t you just love a super intense workout? The way it pushes you to your limits, leaving behind a reminder (read: sore muscles) of all the hard work you put in. Here’s the deal, though, too much intense training can throw your body out of whack, leaving it open for potential injuries, which is why recovery is essential. “A balanced body is key, which means all of your muscles are working correctly, not just some of them,” says David Reavy, PT, owner of React Physical Therapy and creator of the Reavy Method. “Weak muscles will fatigue quickly, and you over train muscles that are already strong. The compensation and overuse of muscles and not the work brings the need for recovery.” This is why “we will continue to see the rapid expansion of group formats that include self-care protocols for self myofascial release (SMR), such as foam rolling and therapy balls, core strengthening and dynamic stretching, full recovery days and clear focus on sleep as an integral part of one’s fitness regimen,” says Espel. “And of course restorative yoga formats will continue to become a much more prevalent part of programming.”
RELATED: 3 Foam Roller Moves to Help You Recover

 

Digital engagement

In our tech-obsessed world, this one seems like a no-brainer. Just take Nike, for example: I learned at their Women’s Summit last month that 9 million women have downloaded the Nike Running app and 16 million women have downloaded the Nike Training (NTC) app. And that’s just one company—think about all of the other fitness apps and cool trackers out there that put a wealth of health info at our fingertips. The reason we’re still obsessed with these modalities is because “they provide inspiration, guidance and coaching,” explained Stefan Olander, VP of Digital Sport for Nike at the summit. Not to mention the social factor. Adds Espel: “We will continue so see an even greater level of engagement of the use of multiple devices to track and log movement, nutrition, sleep and all aspects of activity,” she says. “The challenge for all will be determining what data is pertinent and then how providers and health care experts take the most relevant information and make it continually meaningful to users.”

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December Conscious Box 2014 - Gluten-Free

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8 Health Benefits Of Pumpkin

By Sarah Klein

Pumpkin bread, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin pie, pumpkin risotto, pumpkin beer -- the options are endless, and endlessly mouthwatering. It's finally pumpkin season, and the reasons to celebrate are many.

Not only is fall's signature squash versatile enough to fit into all the above and more, it also packs some powerful healthy perks -- like keeping heart health, vision and waistlines in check, as long as you take it easy on the pie, that is.

Below, we've rounded up some of our favorite health benefits of pumpkin. Let us know what else you love about pumpkins in the comments!

• 1.Pumpkins Keep Eyesight Sharp
  
  A cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which aids vision, particularly in dim light, according to the National Institutes of Health.
  
  Pumpkins are also rich in carotenoids, the compounds that give the gourd their bright orange color, including beta-carotene, which the body converts into a form of vitamin A for additional peeper protection.
   
• 2. Pumpkins Aid Weight Loss
  
  Pumpkin is an often-overlooked source of fiber, but with three grams per one-cup serving and only 49 calories, it can keep you feeling full for longer on fewer calories.
  
  A fiber-rich diet seems to help people eat less, and thereby shed pounds. A 2009 study found that people who ate a whole apple before lunch (the fiber is in the skin) consumed fewer calories throughout the meal than people who ate applesauce or drank apple juice, WebMD reported.
   
• 3. Pumpkin Seeds Can Help Your Heart
  
  Nuts and seeds, including those of pumpkins, are naturally rich in certain plant-based chemicals called phytosterols that have been shown in studies to reduce LDL or "bad" cholesterol.
   
• 4. Pumpkins May Reduce Cancer Risk
  
  Like their orange comrades the sweet potato, the carrot and the butternut squash (to name a few), pumpkins boast the antioxidant beta-carotene, which may play a role in cancer prevention, according to the National Cancer Institute.
  Food sources of beta-carotene seem to help more than a supplement, according to the NIH -- even more reason to scoop up some pumpkin today. And the plant sterols in pumpkin seeds have also been linked to fighting off certain cancers.
   
• 5. Pumpkins Protect The Skin
  
  The same free-radical-neutralizing powers of the carotenoids in pumpkin that may keep cancer cells at bay can also help keep the skin wrinkle-free, Health magazine reported.
   
• 6. Pumpkin Seeds Can Boost Your Mood
  
  Pumpkin seeds are rich in the amino acid tryptophan, the famed ingredient in turkey that many think brings on the need for that post-Thanksgiving feast snooze. While experts agree that it's likely the overeating rather than the tryptophan lulling you to sleep, the amino acid is important in production of serotonin, one of the major players when it comes to our mood, WebMD reports. A handful of roasted pumpkin seeds may help your outlook stay bright.
   
• 7. Pumpkins Can Help After A Hard Workout
  
  Ever heard of bananas being touted as nature's energy bar? Turns out, a cup of cooked pumpkin has more of the refueling nutrient potassium, with 564 milligrams to a banana's 422.
  
  A little extra potassium helps restore the body's balance of electrolytes after a heavy workout and keeps muscles functioning at their best.
   
• 8. Pumpkins Can Boost Your Immune System
  
  Well, maybe. Whether or not vitamin C can really ward off colds is still up for debate, but pumpkins are a solid source of the essential nutrient. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains more than 11 milligrams, or nearly 20 percent of the 60 milligrams the IOM recommends women need daily. (Men should aim for around 75 milligrams.)

5 Moves to Work Your Abs From All Angles

By Jennifer Cohen

A perfectly toned tummy is reason enough to add more core moves to your workout routine. Additionally, a strong mid-section is the essential foundation you need in order to stabilize the spine and help prevent future injury. Crunches alone won’t get the job done. You need moves that will flex as well as stabilize the core. The stronger your core is, the stronger you’ll be in everything else you do.
Try these five moves to shrink and sculpt your waistline.

 

Walk the plank

The plank is the best example of an isometric exercise, where your muscles are contracting but you’re not moving the torso at all. In this position, you are working all of the muscles surrounding the core, including your rectus and transverse abdominals, internal and external obliques, and lower back. But we’re adding a challenge. Start with a traditional plank, with your legs glued together and your wrists right underneath your shoulders. By “walking” the plank, you simply come down to your forearms and then back up to your hands. Do 30 seconds on one side and then switch the direction of which arm comes down first for another 30.

Modification for beginners: Same movement but come down to a modified plank position on your knees.

RELATED: 10 New Ways to Do a Plank

 

Plank jacks

Another way to switch up your regular plank is with a plank jack, where you move your feet like a regular jumping jack. This one targets the lower half of the torso, whereas the first exercise might work the upper half more. In a traditional plank position on the hands and feet, jump your feet away from each other and then jump them back to starting position. Try to keep your upper body from moving and aim for 20 reps.

Modification for beginners: Start in a plank. Move one leg at a time away from the center of your body, without moving the upper body. Do 20 on each side.

RELATED: 24 Fat-Burning Ab Exercises (No Crunches!)

 

Slippery plank

A third modified plank exercise is the slippery plank. Start in a push-up position with a towel (or other item which will allow you to slide your feet freely) placed under the ball of each foot, legs together. Bring your right knee in towards the right elbow, squeezing your abs. Then, re-straighten your right leg and perform the same movement with your left leg. Finally, draw both knees into your chest at the same time and then slide your legs back out to full plank. That’s one rep. Do 3 sets of 15 reps.

Modification for beginners: Perform the same movements from a modified plank position, resting your weight on your forearms instead of your hands.

 

Teaser ‘toe touches’

Start lying face up, legs extended out and arms overhead. At the same time, lift both arms and legs up together and reach for your toes, balancing on your tailbone for a moment before returning your arms and legs down to their original position. (Use a mat if you have hard floors.) Do 3 sets of 15 reps.

Modification for beginners: Start with the legs at a 45-degree angle, extending the arms up overhead. Keep the legs where they are as you bring the upper body up to reach for the toes and then return the upper body down, maintaining the 45-degree angle with the legs.

RELATED: 15 Natural Back Pain Remedies

 

Corkscrew

Lie flat on your back on a mat with your arms held firmly at your sides. Squeeze your legs together tightly and bring them straight up so your toes point toward the ceiling. Inhale as you lift your legs overhead until you’re balancing in the middle of your shoulder blades. Exhale with control as you roll back down your spine, leaning your body slightly to the right. When your right glute touches the mat, circle your legs around to the left until you’ve made a full circle. Then scoop your abs in as you lift your legs and hips back up off the floor and reverse the movement, this time circling your legs to the right. Try and complete 5 each direction.

Modification for beginners: Make the circles, but without lifting your back off the mat. Once you feel strong enough, then you can try the advanced version.

To work more specific muscle groups, check out 5 Moves To Perk Up A Flat Butt.

Jennifer Cohen is a leading fitness authority, TV personality, entrepreneur and best-selling author of the new book, Strong is the New Skinny. With her signature, straight-talking approach to wellness, Jennifer was the featured trainer on The CW’s Shedding for the Wedding, mentoring the contestants’ to lose hundreds of pounds before their big day, and she appears regularly on NBC’s Today Show, Extra, The Doctors and Good Morning America. Connect with Jennifer on Facebook, Twitter, G+ and on Pinterest.

Herbs for Cancer

By Linda B. White 
Garlic: Research shows that garlic (Allium sativum) has cancer-protective effects. Garlic enhances enzymes that detoxify carcinogens, quench oxidation, inhibit proliferation of cancer cells, induce cancer cell death and boost immunity. However, heat deactivates some of garlic’s key ingredients. To maximize benefits, add raw garlic to dressings, dips, soups and sauces. You can also retain more of garlic’s anti-cancer effects when cooking by crushing it and allowing it to sit for 10 minutes (which allows time for critical enzymatic changes) before adding it to the pan.

Medicinal mushrooms: Mushrooms contain polysaccharides and other ingredients that both enhance immunity and have anti-cancer properties. Most research has been done on medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, maitake and cordyceps. However, all edible mushrooms have benefits. Even the common button mushroom enhances immune-cell functions and can fight cancer. Women who regularly eat mushrooms have a reduced risk of breast cancer. Note: Some mushrooms (reishi and cordyceps, for example) are too rare or woody to find in grocery stores. Look for supplements containing these mushrooms. 

Milk thistle: While better known for protecting the liver, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) also has cancer-protective effects. It contains an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory flavonoid complex called silymarin. Research shows that it promotes the repair of DNA, blocks angiogenesis and suppresses proliferation and metastasis in a variety of cancers. Milk thistle is available as a tincture or standardized extract. You can also use the ground seeds in tea or sprinkle them atop foods. Milk thistle’s delicious relative, the artichoke, also contains polyphenols.

Tea: Black, green and oolong tea all come from the same plant—Camellia sinensis. Studies link tea consumption with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal, pancreatic, bladder, prostate, ovarian, uterine and breast cancer. Green tea is particularly rich in a polyphenol called epigallocatechin gallate. In lab research, it has inhibited cancer cell formation, proliferation, invasiveness and metastasis, and provokes cancer cell death. Animal studies show protection against many cancers, including skin cancer. Try to drink three to five cups of green tea a day.

Turmeric: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances. Curcumin, a key chemical in turmeric, can inhibit cancer cell growth and migration, block the creation of blood vessels to the cancer and induce cancer cells to die. The optimal dose for supplemental curcumin isn’t clear, though doses up to 8 grams a day seem to be safe. Curcumin’s bioavailability—the amount the body can absorb—is low. Combining curcumin with bromelain (an enzyme in pineapple), piperine from pepper, or phosphatidylcholine, a chemical in foods like eggs, soybeans and mustard, seems to enhance absorption. In a boon for lovers of spicy foods, one of the most effective ways to consume turmeric may be in curry. Curried foods contain pepper and oil, which improve curcumin’s absorption.  

The Anti-Cancer diet

By Linda B. White 

Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale contain minerals such as calcium and magnesium that can protect against cancer. 

Orange vegetables are a good source of carotenoids, which can help protect against DNA damage.

Walnuts contain healthy fats and may help inhibit some cancers.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death and accounts for one in four deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2012, more than 1.6 million people will receive a cancer diagnosis—a number that excludes skin cancers, which are so common they’re not reported to cancer registries. The group also reports that more than 577,000 Americans will die from cancer this year, a rate of more than 1,500 people a day.

Despite these disheartening statistics, cancer is a largely preventable disease. Genetics play a significant role in only a few cancers. Scientists attribute one-third of cancers to tobacco use, one-third to diet and one-third to environmental exposures (infectious microorganisms, ultraviolet light, radiation, pollutants and other toxins). Physical inactivity, obesity, insufficient sleep and alcohol are also linked to some cancers.

Prevention of many cancer risk factors is pretty straightforward: Stay away from tobacco, restrict alcohol intake, manage your weight, move your body and get enough sleep. Those changes prevent a host of illnesses and promote healthy longevity. Although it takes patience and perseverance, changing our habits is well worth it in terms of cancer prevention.


The Anti-Cancer Diet 
Science is fairly certain that our diets play an important role in cancer prevention, but exactly how the two are linked is far from clear-cut. Most human cancer studies are observational, meaning they provide evidence for associations between various diets and cancer but don’t establish cause. In general, however, plant-based diets seem to help prevent cancer. Edible plants contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Some plant chemicals fight cancer cells directly, while others promote a healthy immune system, which helps reduce cancer risk.

A number of anti-cancer foods, spices and herbs stand out for their ability to fight this disease. Most are rich sources of flavonoids and carotenoids, which, among other functions, reduce oxidation (free radical damage) and inflammation—twin processes that promote chronic diseases, including cancer. Flavonoids belong to a broader chemical group called polyphenols, which provide multiple benefits for plants and those of us who eat them. Most foods and supplements that make health headlines—including fruits, vegetables, chocolate, tea and wine—are brimming with polyphenols.

Berries, cherries and grapes: These tasty, nutrient-dense fruits owe their deep, vibrant colors to flavonoids such as anthocyanins and proanthocyanins, which pack potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Red grapes also contain resveratrol, the same antioxidant found in red wine.

Complex carbs: Refined carbohydrates lead to spikes in blood sugar, insulin and insulin-like growth factors, which can stimulate tumor growth. But whole (unprocessed) grains, legumes and vegetables contain complex carbohydrates, which digest more slowly and contain fiber. Fiber may help bind potentially cancer-causing substances in the bowel, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream and helping to prevent colon cancer. Fiber consumption also supports healthy digestive microorganisms, which contribute to healthy immune function.

Cruciferous vegetables: This plant family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, rapini, mung beans, alfalfa sprouts and Brussels sprouts, among others, contains glucosinolates, compounds the body breaks down into anti-cancer substances. Animal and population studies link increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables with reduced cancer risk. Studies have found broccoli to be especially effective in fighting certain types of cancer.  

Dark green leafy vegetables: Kale, collards, mustard greens, bok choy, arugula, watercress and maca are natural sources of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, both of which may protect against colon cancer. Women who eat more leafy greens have a reduced risk of breast cancer. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) brim with vitamins and minerals. Preliminary research suggests they also have anti-cancer activity. Note: Nettles must be cooked, dried or blended (as in a smoothie) to remove their sting. You can also obtain anti-cancer benefits from dried nettle and dandelion greens in the form of tea. Simply add one tablespoon herb per cup hot water, steep 15 minutes, strain and drink.

Seeds and nuts: These healthful snack foods contain vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and fiber. Increased consumption correlates with a reduced risk of certain cancers, particularly colon cancer. Flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds contain lignans, which our intestinal bacteria can convert into phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Flax seeds, the richest source of lignans, may inhibit the growth of breast, colon and prostate cancer. Regular consumption of pumpkin and sunflower seeds has been linked with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Walnuts may also inhibit colon and breast cancer.

Tomatoes and tomato products are an excellent source of dietary carotenoids. They owe their red color to lycopene. Research associates regular consumption of tomatoes and tomato products with a reduced risk of prostate cancer and possibly breast cancer. Even a single serving of tomatoes or one tomato product a day may help protect DNA from damage. It’s best to obtain lycopene via your diet—whether lycopene supplements protect against cancer is controversial.

Legumes: In addition to being fiber-rich, legumes contain phytoestrogens. Soybeans contain a particularly rich source of phytoestrogens called isoflavones. While estrogen has been implicated in the development of breast and uterine cancer, phytoestrogens have much weaker stimulatory effects, and population studies link consumption of soy foods with a reduced incidence of breast, uterine, ovarian, prostate and colon cancer. Soy consumption also decreases growth factors that increase breast cancer risk.

One concern has been whether isoflavones present a risk for breast cancer survivors. Reassuringly, a large study of Chinese and American women found that soy food consumption correlated with a reduced risk of recurrence. While soy foods seem to be beneficial, some experts discourage against supplementing with soy protein or soy isoflavones.

Orange fruits and vegetables are rich in plant pigments called carotenoids, which protect against several types of cancer including prostate, breast, cervical, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal. Non-vitamin A carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, astaxanthin and zeaxanthin) protect against DNA damage. Orange vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, winter squash), orange fruits (cantaloupe, mangos, apricots, guava, goji berries) and the leafy greens mentioned earlier are all good sources of carotenoids. 

Pomegranate extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of breast, prostate, colon and lung cancers in cell cultures and animal studies. Extracts also protect against ultraviolet light-induced skin cancer. All parts of the pomegranate fruit—rind, pith and juicy seeds—have valuable chemicals and are edible. The seeds taste delicious alone, in salads and atop yogurt. However, the rind and pith, while edible, are bitter. Juice the whole fruit in a commercial juicer to benefit from the rind and pith’s active chemicals. You can also eat the pith whole or infuse water with the rind to make a tea.

10 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

By Jade Rich

Communicative diseases such as the flu and colds can quickly spread throughout your household. Because they have no known cure, you also have to let them run their course. The best way of preventing illness is to strengthen your immune system. The following 10 easy tips will help keep you on the road to better health and wellness.

Probiotic Foods 
Whether it’s viral, bacterial or fungal, a low immune system can make you more susceptible to illnesses. Natural methods such as consuming probiotic foods can allow your body to better fight disease. Since the majority of your immune system is located in your stomach, you want to keep it strong by eating probiotic foods. Kimchee, sauerkraut, yogurt and kefir are just a few options. In addition to the growing list of probiotic foods on the market today, you can also ferment your own veggies.

Eat a Healthy Diet 
In America, 280,000 People Die in the US Each Year from Obesity—heck, even 34% of our dogs are fat! It’s creating an epidemic of obesity that costs about $254 Billion USD annually. For the sake of individuals and America as a whole, it’s time to stop being the “land of plenty” when it comes to food.
Individuals who diet and fail to get the required calories per day are more vulnerable to illnesses, too. To form the right antibodies in order to keep your immune system strong, you need to consume the required calories for your body type. However, this doesn’t mean eating junk food. A balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains and low-fat milk can keep your blood sugar even throughout your busy day.

Get Some Rest 
The number of hours of sleep that your body requires each night can vary and be dependent on the person. Insufficient amounts of sleep can put your immune system in a depressed state and leave it vulnerable to illness. To get a full nights rest, you want to turn off your electronics, relax and restrict your caffeine intake right before bed.

Nourishing Glutamine
 A healthy immune system relies on an important amino acid called glutamine. If you’re not consuming enough of it, your body will take what it needs from your muscles, especially if you exercise. Beef and chicken stocks are both great sources of glutamine.

Vitamin D
 Many of the adults and children in the U.S. are at a greater risk of infection because they lack sufficient amounts of vitamin D. In order to keep a healthy body and mind, you want to expose your face to the sun each day for about 20-25 minutes. However, this can be challenging to do in the winter months. You can swap your day in the sun by consuming egg yolks, beef liver, chicken, salmon and cod liver oil.

Incorporate Mushrooms
 Mushrooms of all varieties are a great source of beta glucans. Whether you enjoy button, shitake, morel, portabella or chanterelle, incorporating the fungal delicacies has been shown to prevent infections and will boost your immune system. To gain the most benefits, you want to try consuming them in their natural and raw state.

Castor Oil 
Castor oil has been used to fight illnesses and prevent sickness since ancient times. The fatty content in castor oil is made up of ricinoleic acid. Because of its high concentration of this fatty substance, the healing properties in castor oil are far reaching. In addition to fighting infections and viruses, castor oil is also great for ailments such as skin inflammations, ring worm, acne, keratosis and fungal toe infections.

Eat Avocados 
Eating avocados are good for your adrenals. Incorporating them in your diet helps keep them in a healthy condition, which in turn keeps you immune system functioning properly. According to Dr. Oz, “Avocados contain essential amino acids, antioxidants and some healthy fats to help balance hormone production.” Aim to have about a half a cup a day to reap the benefits they have to offer.

Ditch Sugar 
If you want to boost your immune system, eliminating your consumption of sugar can prove most beneficial. Refined sugar can be toxic to the body. It can also decrease the way your immune system functions properly. Try replacing sugar with other natural-friendly sweeteners such as agave or honey.
  
Steamed Oysters
Zinc is an essential mineral that can help strengthen and support your body’s immune system. Steamed oysters are a great source of zinc. However, if you’re not fond of oysters, and are not vegetarian, you can substitute them for a buffalo or beef burger. If you are a vegetarian/vegan you can also find zinc in pumpkin seeds, wild rice, cashews, lentils and chick peas.

Your body’s immune system holds the key to your health and wellness. With the cold and flu season right around the corner, you want to do everything you can to boost its strength. The above tips are a great place to start.


List Resources
[1] 4 Steps to Heal Leaky Gut and Autoimmune Disease.
http://draxe.com/4-steps-to-heal-leaky-gut-and-autoimmune-disease/
[2] Obesity Facts.
http://interesting-facts.com/
[3] Stress.
http://www.pearsonhighered.com/donatelle1einfo/myhealth/assets/images/other/Donatelle_Ch03.pdf
[4] Ziegler TR, Benfell K, Smith RJ, et al. Safety and metabolic effects of L-glutamine administration in humans. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 1990 Jul;14 (4 Suppl):137S-46S.
[5] 12 Ways to Get Your Daily Vitamin D.
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20504538,00.html
[6] Shiitake Mushroom.
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/dietandnutrition/shiitake-mushroom
[7] Castor Oil.
http://castor-oil.com/
[8] Dr. Oz’s 14 Natural Immunity Boosters.
http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/boost-your-immunity-naturally?gallery=true&page=5
[9] Natural vs. refined sugars: What’s the difference?
http://www.cancercenter.com/discussions/blog/natural-vs-refined-sugars-whats-the-difference/
[10] How to boost your immune system.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/how-to-boost-your-immune-system.htm

11 Basic Longevity Guidelines

11 Basic Guidelines for General Health and Longevity

Many people strive to be physically, mentally, and emotionally fit so that they will live a long and happy life. But in order to reach this goal, they must get rid of unhealthy habits that do nothing for them – eating genetically engineered (GE) foods, processed foods, and fructose-loaded drinks, living a sedentary lifestyle, and not getting enough high-quality sleep are just a few examples.

The secret to longevity is living a holistic, drug- and disease-free life. This useful infographic provides you with 11 basic tenets of good health – timeless natural guidelines that will help you keep your mind and body resilient, so that you can avoid illnesses and live a long and fulfilled life. Share this information with your loved ones, and encourage them to take control of their health.

A healthy lifestyle is essential to achieving optimal wellbeing and longevity. This infographic, "11 Basic Guidelines for General Health and Longevity," gives you useful tips to help you live a long and healthy life. Use the embed code to share it on your website or visit our infographic page for the high-res version.