Personal Collection By Christinchen (Online Seller)

More and more people these days are making dietary and lifestyle changes to improve their health and help ensure their good health in the future.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Americans usually take in more calories than they need and still not meeting the recommended intakes for a number of nutrients.



Thus people need to choose meals and snacks that are high in nutrients, but low to moderate in calories. Americans seem to be catching on; according to a reliable survey, 73 percent of consumers are buying more nutritious and wholesome foods and beverages-such as yogurt-than in the past. Thanks too for the recommendation of health experts and the promotion of popular health buffs in the movie industry.
Yogurt is the basic ingredient in smoothies - which is popularized by weight watchers and health -conscious people. There are plenty of healthy and yummy smoothie recipes to choose from with consideration for every dietary need of each individual with Type A diabetes, hypertension, for instance. Yogurt is also said to be a quick cure for yeast infection in women.

From calcium and protein to active cultures and nutrients for growth, these seven benefits give the body an advantage today for tomorrow. Eating yogurt daily helps consumers:

1. Be Fit: Yogurt contains calcium, which can help with weight management.

2. Be Vital: Yogurt is a good source of protein for muscle maintenance.

3. Be Comfortable: Yogurt has active cultures that help milk digestion.

4. Be Strong: Yogurt has calcium, essential for strong bones.

5. Be Nourished: Yogurt contains important nutrients for children’s growth.

6. Be Proactive: Yogurt provides friendly bacteria for your digestive tract.

7. Be Happy: Yogurt is a great-tasting and satisfying part of your healthy diet.

Each day, it’s possible to enjoy all of these benefits by eating yogurt. Look for the label that says "with live cultures" So get into the healthy habit of consuming yogurt daily.

There are times your your body shows some signs that you have built up toxins. These toxins can affect your whole body fitness and health. Also, you feel sluggish and feel stressful. Your body may experience continuous aching, diarrhea, constipation, and feeling of clumsiness. Rapid weight gain and the incapacity to lose the excess weight can also be signs of having toxins in the body.

Moreover, the toxins found in the body are found and stored on your fat cells. For most people who are taking the usual American diet of processed foods and quick meals, a person may consume 70 trillion garbage cans for each cell. In detoxing your body and cleaning that unwanted garbage in your cells, you should pay attention on your elimination organs.

There are particular organs in your body that deal on cell waste management. These organs play a major role in the detoxing process for a fit and healthy body.


1. Your liver is the organ that recycles the unwanted chemicals in the body. It sorts out the toxins and places them to the organ for elimination during the process of circulation. The principal elimination organs will back up the liver on where these toxins will be stored and then eliminated.

2. The lymph glands also play an important role in eliminating the toxins. A network of tubing brings out the excess waste of the cells from the body and to the final eliminating organs. The appendix, thymus, tonsil, and spleens are major lymphatic glands that help the major organs of the body in cleansing and detoxing.

3. The kidneys help in the water management of the body. They are the ones that keep the good chemistry of the blood alkaline by eliminating the dissolved acid waste. You can help your kidney to function very well by drinking plenty of water. It is much better if you drink fresh alkaline juices and purified water. You may take ½ ounce of alkaline everyday to see positive results on your body weight.

4. The lungs are the organs that keep the blood air purified. They allow the oxygen to go directly to the bloodstream. It is also responsible in removing waste gases that are found in every cell of the body. Deep breathing and fresh air is very helpful in keeping the lungs healthy and free from toxins. If you are in the urban area, it is recommended that you find an oxygen rich area where you can perform deep breathing.

5. The colon is a solid waste management organ in your body. Medical practitioners have found many people that may have an 80-pound mucus and rubber like solid waste that are found on the walls of the colon. Detoxing and cleaning the colon can be a real tough thing to do. However, having a free waste colon can certainly provide you good benefits of having a clean and healthy body.

If you are experiencing some signs of detoxification, you may try doing a regular walking exercise. Exercise is a good key in having a fit and healthy body. Many diet doctors also suggest that you drink plenty of lemon water. This is an effective way of maintaining a very good circulation and can increase the rate of detoxification inside the body.

After a hectic day - which my friends usually call "toxic" - it takes me a long time to relax especially at the end of the day. It may seem that most of the hours on that day has kept my mind and body working under pressure with all the appointments and errands, if you could imagine that. So towards the evening, to help me calm down, I tune in to my mp3 player and listen to sounds of nature - sounds of a nearby stream, birds chirping, ocean waves and like this one below, sounds of the Amazon Rainforest.

Have a blessed evening, friends ;)

Turmeric is one of the best natural ingredients for skin care because of its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-aging qualities. But do you know how to use turmeric for skin care at home? Read on further to learn turmeric home remedies for exclusive skin care.



How turmeric works on skin

A recent study by British Journal of Dermatology has revealed that curcurmin gel is one of the prime ingredients of turmeric and it can help in resolving red, scaly skin associated with psoriasis. According to the research done by George Mateljan Foundation, turmeric contains skin friendly minerals like potassium, iron, and magnesium. In addition to its curcumin antioxidant and mineral rich content, turmeric contains vitamin B6, C, E, and K, which is the source of turmeric power for skin care.

Turmeric Remedies For Skin Care
Use of turmeric paste on skin works as antiseptic and antibacterial agent it heals cuts and wounds. It initiates faster healing of damaged skin.
Turmeric is effective for acne treatment. Simple use turmeric paste and lemon juice mix on pimples and acne.

Although eczema is a stubborn disease and cannot be completely cured. Use of turmeric remedy on skin patches controls its replace and itchy irritation.
Turmeric paste, if applied on skin scar, brings a quick healing. Turmeric paste is equally beneficial for treatment of stretch marks in post pregnancy period. If applied on surgical scar, turmeric paste often brings good result however, before treating a wound with turmeric remedy you must seek permission from doctor.
If you are suffering from skin pigmentation problem, you may try turmeric remedy. Antioxidant power of turmeric can eliminate age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines and restores usual skin glow.
You may use turmeric care to increase skin elasticity and natural softness.

How To Use Turmeric For Skin Care
You can use turmeric paste with yogurt, lemon juice, or honey.
For facial skin care turmeric and honey works well.
For treatment of sunburn, turmeric paste and lemon juice brings best result
For treatment of scabies, rosacea, eczema rash turmeric and garlic paste works best
For acne and pimple treatment, turmeric paste should be mixed with rose water and lemon juice
For treatment of age spots, turmeric paste should be mixed with sandalwood paste and orange oil.

Source: Group Email of PhilVentures :Agriculture

I personally tried this home remedy for high blood pressure in 2005 when I was too scared to develop eclampsia. My fears were based on my 30 plus years and my erratic blood pressure readings. Since celery also reduced depressive symptoms, all the more I adhered to it's cure.



What is the basis of this theory? The narrower the arteries are, the more the pressure will be that's exerted against artery walls. Celery is rich in a yellow crystalline chemical called apigenin. Studies have shown apigenin causes blood vessels to dilate.
And the unmistakable smell and taste of celery? The cause is a chemical called "3nb," said Dr. Michael T. Murray in an article . That chemical, Murray said, makes blood vessels more elastic, which can lead to lower blood pressure. 3nB has also been linked to reducing vascular stress.

According to Murray, researchers at the University of Chicago said their findings showed that when some people with high blood pressure ate a quarter pound of celery per day for one week, their blood pressure returned to normal.

Note: please consult your doctor if you are taking any drugs, which may contraindicate with celery or it's chemical components, before trying this remedy

When you have a pimple on your face it is certain that this will attract remarks from friends and foes. The only snag is the comments can be derisive, rather than complimentary. One of my sons experienced the same thing in high school, when his biggest priority then was finding the best way to clear up acne. Let's face it; no one likes a face full of pimples, because they have a way of lowering your self esteem. But fortunately, there are several methods available for getting rid of this skin condition.

I can bet not many people know of any method that can guarantee a total clear up acne. And the reason for this has to do with our skin types. Again, I can wager my monthly pay that most folks don't know their skin types either. I got to know mine when I was 29 years old, that I have combination skin.



But a fact that is both glaring and disturbing is that males have oilier skins than females, which can only indicate one thing: males are more susceptible to acne. Regarding your skin type, consulting a skin physician will help clarify this, and this doctor can also suggest ways to clear up acne, and prevent its re-occurrence. Acne are caused by the blockage of skin pores by dirt’s and oils, so the best way to prevent this skin blemish is to free the skin from the causative agents.

If you find the subject of how to clear up acne confusing, you can turn to the Internet for assistance, of course using your computer or Mac. You can find one of the numerous products that really clear up acne very quick. One good product I recommend is Proactive Solution, but your physician can also prescribe an effective cream or pill.

Other factors that can aid the process of removing skin blemishes is by following a healthy diet regimen and drinking plenty of water. Also the right amount of sleep can go a long way in keeping your body rejuvenated. Generally, you can clear up acne by living straight and adhering to the appropriate treatments for your skin blemishes.

"The Way to Wellness" It's time to start a Healthy life: your 7 days program

How many times have you gone to sleep at night, swearing you'll go to the gym in the morning, and then changing your mind just eight hours later because when you get up, you don't feel like exercising?



While this can happen to the best of us, it doesn't mean you should drop the ball altogether when it comes to staying fit. What people need to realize is that staying active and eating right are critical for long-term health and wellness -- and that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The more you know about how your body responds to your lifestyle choices, the better you can customize a nutrition and exercise plan that is right for you. When you eat well, increase your level of physical activity, and exercise at the proper intensity, you are informing your body that you want to burn a substantial amount of fuel. This translates to burning fat more efficiently for energy.
In other words, proper eating habits plus exercise equals fast metabolism, which, in turn gives you more energy throughout the day and allows you to do more physical work with less effort.

The true purpose of exercise is to send a repetitive message to the body asking for improvement in metabolism, strength, aerobic capacity and overall fitness and health. Each time you exercise, your body responds by upgrading its capabilities to burn fat throughout the day and night, Exercise doesn't have to be intense to work for you, but it does need to be consistent.

I recommend engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise four times per week for 20 to 30 minutes per session, and resistance training four times per week for 20 to 25 minutes per session. This balanced approach provides a one-two punch, incorporating aerobic exercise to burn fat and deliver more oxygen, and resistance training to increase lean body mass and burn more calories around the block.

Here's a sample exercise program that may work for you:

* Warm Up -- seven to eight minutes of light aerobic activity intended to increase blood flow and lubricate and warm-up your tendons and joints.

* Resistance Training -- Train all major muscle groups. One to two sets of each exercise. Rest 45 seconds between sets.

* Aerobic Exercise -- Pick two favorite activities, they could be jogging, rowing, biking or cross-country skiing, whatever fits your lifestyle. Perform 12 to 15 minutes of the first activity and continue with 10 minutes of the second activity. Cool down during the last five minutes.

* Stretching -- Wrap up your exercise session by stretching, breathing deeply, relaxing and meditating.

When starting an exercise program, it is important to have realistic expectations. Depending on your initial fitness level, you should expect the following changes early on.

* From one to eight weeks -- Feel better and have more energy.

* From two to six months -- Lose size and inches while becoming leaner. Clothes begin to fit more loosely. You are gaining muscle and losing fat.

* After six months -- Start losing weight quite rapidly.

Once you make the commitment to exercise several times a week, don't stop there. You should also change your diet and/or eating habits,' says Zwiefel. Counting calories or calculating grams and percentages for certain nutrients is impractical. Instead, I suggest these easy-to-follow guidelines:

* Eat several small meals (optimally four) and a couple of small snacks throughout the day
* Make sure every meal is balanced -- incorporate palm-sized proteins like lean meats, fish, egg whites and dairy products, fist-sized portions of complex carbohydrates like whole-wheat bread and pasta, wild rice, multigrain cereal and potatoes, and fist-sized portions of vegetable and fruits
* Limit your fat intake to only what's necessary for adequate flavor
* Drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water throughout the day
* I also recommend that you take a multi-vitamin each day to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

I suppose that's all I can think of for now. I should extend my thanks to a doctor friend of mine. Without him, I wouldn't be able to write this article, or keep my sanity.

Enjoy life, we all deserve it!

I've heard so much about the amazing results of using baking soda to treat tooth decay and bad breath, that we've given it a try at home. We have been brushing with baking soda for over 6 months now and personally,our teeth got stronger!

From what I've experienced due to vigorous toothbrushing, I've lost a bit of tooth enamel that led me to seek a dentist. You could imagine the agony and the
pain of the dental drill and the cost of dental fees. So we've finally tried a different approach by using baking soda treatment for the teeth. Truth is, baking
soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an antibacterial agent that destroys bacteria upon contact.

First, rinse your mouth with water before applying baking soda to your teeth. To get baking soda onto your toothbrush, avoid dipping a wet tooth brush into your baking soda container so as to maintain the freshness of the baking soda. However, since baking soda is also a disinfectant so it's unlikely to be contaminated.

Cavities not only restored, teeth fully strengthened within 2 weeks. My gums were sensitive to cold and sometimes hot water. My dentist confirmed that my gums were damaged with the symptom of bleeding gums. Bleeding and sensitivity went away after 4 days of usage. I noticed my teeth strengthened everyday, and now I feel my teeth getting so much better. Because no one should have to endure the agonizing pain of cavities, I share the idea to my friends and family who are still on their own observation as to the overwhelming success of baking soda.

So there's my motherly advice on treating your teeth after all the Halloween trick-or-treat candy marathon!

Every once in a while, when there are too many things to look forward to - such as this long holiday in the Philippines from October 31 Halloween to All Soul's Day - and we go on a long much-needed vacation to de-stress yet end up all the more tired, then I suppose it is time to try this 7-days program to stress management!

They say there's more than one way to skin a cat. The same goes when you start tearing your hair out with all the frustration, grief, anxiety, and yes, stress. It's a state of mental conditioning that is like taking that bitter pill down your throat, causing you to lose your sense of self, and worse your sanity. Just thinking about it can drive anyone off the edge.

And they say that the proactive ones are already living off the edge.

As one stressed-out person to another, I know how it feels, and believe me there are many guises when it comes to stress. Coping with life, and carrying the problems that may or may not belong to you can scratch away the little joy and happiness that you can carry once you head out that door. You can't blame them for being like that; they have their own reasons, so much like we have our reasons to allow stress to weigh us down. They say that stress is all in the mind, well, what's bugging you anyway?

There are several ways to manage stress, and eventually remove it out of your life one of these days. So now, we'll try to divide it into a seven-day course for you and promise it's not going to be too taxing on the body, as well as on the mind.

1. Acknowledge stress is good
Make stress your friend! Based on the body's natural "fight or flight" response, that burst of energy will enhance your performance at the right moment. I've yet to see a top sportsman totally relaxed before a big competition. Use stress wisely to push yourself that little bit harder when it counts most.

2. Avoid stress sneezers
Stressed people sneeze stress germs indiscriminately and before you know it, you are infected too!

Protect yourself by recognizing stress in others and limiting your contact with them. Or if you've got the inclination, play stress doctor and teach them how to better manage themselves.

3. Learn from the best
When people around are losing their head, who keeps calm? What are they doing differently? What is their attitude? What language do they use? Are they trained and experienced?
Figure it out from afar or sit them down for a chat. Learn from the best stress managers and copy what they do.

4. Practice socially acceptable heavy breathing
This is something I've learned from a gym instructor: You can trick your body into relaxing by using heavy breathing. Breathe in slowly for a count of 7 then breathe out for a count of 11. Repeat the 7-11 breathing until your heart rate slows down, your sweaty palms dry off and things start to feel more normal.

5. Give stress thoughts the red light
It is possible to tangle yourself up in a stress knot all by yourself. "If this happens, then that might happen and then we're all up the creek!" Most of these things never happen, so why waste all that energy worrying needlessly?

Give stress thought-trains the red light and stop them in their tracks. Okay so it might go wrong - how likely is that, and what can you do to prevent it?

6. Know your trigger points and hot spots
Presentations, interviews, meetings, giving difficult feedback, tight deadlines…. My heart rate is cranking up just writing these down!

Make your own list of stress trigger points or hot spots. Be specific. Is it only presentations to a certain audience that get you worked up? Does one project cause more stress than another? Did you drink too much coffee?

Knowing what causes you stress is powerful information, as you can take action to make it less stressful. Do you need to learn some new skills? Do you need extra resources? Do you need to switch to decaf?

7. Burn the candle at one end
Lack of sleep, poor diet and no exercise wreaks havoc on our body and mind. Kind of obvious, but worth mentioning as it's often ignored as a stress management technique. Listen to your mother and don't burn the candle at both ends!

So having stress can be a total drag, but that should not hinder us to find the inner peace of mind that we have wanted for a long time. In any case, one could always go to the beach and bask under the sun.