Is Niacin Right for You? Weight Loss & Lower LDL...

For those seeking to lose those extra pounds consider the introduction of Niacin supplements. Niacin will improve the rate of food digestion and speed the metabolism of carbohydrates. As an added extra bonus, dieters on a low carbohydrate diet, may negate the affects of the “listlessness” or “blues " associated with the low carbohydrate diet while simultaneously working to improve metabolism and burn off calories while taking this supplement.

Niacin is a water soluble B3 vitamin and it is important for converting calories from protein, fat and carbohydrates into energy. But it also helps the digestive system function and promotes a normal appetite and healthy skin and nerves. Found naturally in sources of protein such as red meat, poultry, fish and nuts. Even potatoes, pasta and yeast extract also contain this vitamin. Some foods such as bread and breakfast cereals are also fortified with niacin. The body is also able to make niacin from an amino acid (protein building block) called tryptophan. This means foods that are a good source of tryptophan such as eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt, can contribute to recommended intakes of niacin.

Niacin can be taken in a tablet form as a supplement to your standard or low carb diet. In combination with other B vitamins, Niacin works to release energy from ingested carbohydrates while adding the additional B the body requires on a daily basis. Additionally, within the bloodstream, Niacin works to decrease the level of cholesterol and fat in the bloodstream as well. This combination, mixed with a low carbohydrate diet, can lead to significant weight loss. Niacin has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol the 'bad' cholesterol that clogs the heart's arteries and triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol (the 'good' cholesterol that prevents hardening of the artery walls).

However, Niacin is not for everyone. Consult with your doctor prior to taking Niacin supplements, especially if you are taking any medications for high blood pressure. The Niacin could make your blood pressure drop way too low. And if you have Diabetes, Niacin could raise your Blood sugar level too high. If you are suffering from Gout, Niacin could raise your uric acid levels and cause an attack so please consult with a physician prior to taking this supplement as you must work with your doctor to have your cholesterol and liver functions checked often. If you have liver disease or ulcers, Niacin could exasperate the condition.

Noticeable side effect from taking Niacin is what they call the “Niacin flush”, for 15 to 30 minutes the face and neck get red, hot and itchy. However, it eventually wears off. I do take Niacin supplements and take one in the morning on a full stomach prior to my morning shower, this way, when the flush hits me, I’m covered in cool water and barely notice the effects.

So, think that you have a difficiency? A deficiency of Niacin is rare. Keep your eyes open for things like: skin problems, weakness, fatigue and a loss of appetite. In extreme cases, a condition called pellagra develops, which is mainly seen in third world countries. This is characterized by weight loss, skin problems, diarrhea, depression and in severe cases, dementia. Anorexics are often deficient in Niacin and suffer many of the above mentioned side effects.

The Best Simple Kidney Cleanse - Watermelon Seed Tea

Kidney cleansing is a procedure which is used to dissolve Kidney stones. Symptoms of kidney stones are pain in the lower and middle back (kidney area or spine) however, some people may feel the pain in different parts of their body.

Watermelon Seed Tea
Watermelon seed tea is a diuretic recommended to cleanse and purify the kidneys and bladder it also stimulates under-active kidneys.

Directions:
At least once a day, three days a week, take watermelon seed tea prepared by pouring a pint of boiling water over a tablespoonful of watermelon seed (ground or cut) and allowing it to steep. Let it cool, then strain and drink. If practical the tea should be made fresh for each use.

DIY Brown Sugar Body Polish

Body scrubs have become all the rage in the last few years. Then can help slough of dead skin and help with circulation and just plain smell yummy. Here is a do-it-yourself body polish recipe that's sure to please.

Not only can you make this special treat for yourself but you can personally label it and give it to a friend as a gift during the holidays if you put it in a tightly sealed glass jar.

All you need is:
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 Tablespoon of Jojoba Oil
1 Tablespoon of Almond oil
2 Tablespoons of Honey
5-7 drops of your favorite essential oil (for example: Lemon, rose or lavender etc.)

Mix all the ingredients in a glass blow and when you are in the shower, gently scrub all over your body paying special attention to rough patches on feet, knees and elbows.

Then rinse.

Certo for Arthritis?

Certo is available in any supermarket, these products are used for thickening
jam.

Some claim that Certo type remedies are helpful at reducing painful joints.
Many people who have suffered  from various types of arthritis were at the end
of their ropes with traditional medicine, including prescription drugs, had been
ineffective in relieving their discomfort. As a last resort, they tried Certo —
and it worked.  I do in fact take Certo Myself and have noticed remarkably less
paint in my joints.  I am an avid runner and I am very hard on my joints and
since beginning this regime, my discomfort is a distant memory.

This has personally worked for me.  The funny thing is that my
Veterinarian had prescribed this for my dog who was suffering from joint pain
as well. I would sprinkle a small amount over his food and he appeared to be
more mobile afterwards...but you'll have to take my word for it.

In any case, some people have added a tablespoonful (or a packet) to coffee,
tea, protein shakes or orange juice once or twice a day (with good results),
most people indicated that they achieved maximum benefit by mixing one to
three tablespoons of Certo in a glass of unsweetened grape juice once or
twice a day. (The amount can be varied according to the severity of
symptoms.)

Within a week, most arthritis sufferers experienced significant relief of pain.
They then either reduced the dose or discontinued Certo altogether until they
had another flare-up of pain. 

The Best Darned Vegetarian Chili Ever!

Since the weather is starting to cool in some corners of the earth, nothing beats a great bowl of spicy chili! This is my favorite "meatless" chili and can even fool some of the most carnivorous of the bunch due to the TVP (Texurized Vegetable Protein). Enjoy!

*If possible, try to purchase all organic products and pay special attention to the sodium content.

1 can kidney beans

1 can Garbanzo (chick peas) beans

250-ml. of diced canned tomatoes

1 Jar (750 ml) of Tomato sauce or pasta sauce

½ cup of tomato juice

TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein, looks like ground beef, available at supermarket, try Yves brand)

3 medium sized Spanish onions diced or 2 large Spanish onions

1 green pepper diced

2 tablespoons of chopped garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 or 2 teaspoons of chili powder (to taste)

Toasted ground cumin 2 teaspoons

½ teaspoon cayenne

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

In a small frying pan with no oil, add the ground cumin and toast it for about 1 minute at med. to high heat - until the scent begins to be released and then remove from heat and set aside.

Then in a separate large wok sized frying pan, sauté the onion, green pepper and garlic in olive oil for about 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to slightly soften. Then add the spices, including the toasted cumin and continue to sauté for 3 minutes.

Add the tomato products, beans and TVP (textured vegetable protein). Simmer 30 minutes.

Then serve.

Makes a large serving for 4-6 people.

Probiotics "The Good Bacteria"

Probiotics are live microorganisms with potentially therapeutic and clinically documented health benefits. They can dramatically increase overall nutrition and enhance rapid cellular growth and development. Probiotics strengthen the immune system, due to the support to the immune system, they have been used in alleviating allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome and systemic candida. They produce huge pools of extra anti-bodies, ready to protect and defend against infection. Probiotic bacteria work in symbiosis with tissue and organ cells to metabolize proteins and help eliminate toxic wastes from the body.

Constipation is quickly relieved by probiotics and the bowel movements become normalized, which means diarrhea is also reduced. Yeast and fungal infections are prevented and sometimes eliminated with supplements of probiotics. Probiotics can help reduce intestinal inflammation and hypersensitivity reactions in infants with food allergies and those suffering from atopic eczema. They also may help to prevent liver damage caused by excessive alcohol intake. Not all bacteria are harmful, however, just think of the ‘good bugs’ that are used to bake bread and make wine and beer. Hmmm…now that I think of it, I’m going to get some right now! Probiotics that is!

Cure for Bad Breath?

Besides going to the dentist for regular cleanings and check ups, sometimes that's not enough. Of course if you diet consists of cabbage and garlic, I could solve your problem in 2 seconds flat but it's not so simple. However, here are a few natural tried and true methods to help you with some of those embarrassing little issues that no one seems to want to tell you about. Bad breath! I'll cut to the chase...give this home-made oral rinse a try:
Mouthwash
Ingredients: Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
Pinch of Baking Soda
Pinch of Salt
Water (Preferably Purified)
Essential peppermint oil (optional)
Tongue Scraper

Instructions:
Mix one part water with one part peroxide. You can find peroxide in every pharmacy. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of baking soda so that it is not very salty but you can still taste the salt. This is your mouth wash. You can add some essential oil or peppermint for taste but it's not necessary. Scrape your tongue with the tongue scraper or brush it with a tooth brush. Then proceed to swish and gargle regularly for a couple of minutes. Repeat twice per day or as needed. Don't forget to floss too!

If you find that this is not effective, chances are you have a few more serious issues. Nothing to worry about just yet. However give this a try:

Flora Balance "The Good Bacteria"
Flora Balance is a good bacteria, otherwise known as a probiotic bacteria. Probiotics dramatically increase overall nutrition and enhance rapid cellular growth and development, sounds good so far, right? Probiotics strengthen the immune system, due to the support to the immune system, they have been used in alleviating allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome and systemic candida. Probiotic bacteria work in symbiosis with tissue and organ cells to metabolize proteins and help eliminate toxic wastes from the body, sounds dreamy!

So this leads us into how it can alleviate bad breath. Well, hydrocarbons are broken down by probiotic bacteria which means the food is being split into its most basic elements. Since probiotics clean the colon, bad breath and body odor are greatly reduced. This is because the lungs and skin will be utilized by the body to help eliminate toxins when the intestinal tract is clogged and functioning poorly. I have personally tried this and I have to say that it worked for me. Even if you don't have bad breath, there are many other benefits to using probiotics and I will discuss them in a separate post.