We all need cholesterol for our bodies to function properly. But some of us produce too much cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Though dietary changes are certainly one approach to help lower cholesterol levels, more intervention may be...
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Digestive ills eased with peppermint oil
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract— at least one in five North Americans suffers from it. IBS may be brought on by food intolerance, excessive stress or a sensitive colon, and may result in frequent bouts of constipation,...
Vitamin C lowers blood pressure
The Canada Food Guide suggests that adults eat between five and 10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Packed with antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene and lycopene, fruits and veggies promote good health and protect us from disease. But...
Revitalize your liver naturally
Liver disease ranks as the fourth leading cause of death—a sign that we’re being subjected to more toxins than our livers are meant to handle. As the body’s main detoxification system, the liver needs all the help in can get to do its job efficiently. Here are three...
Creatine aids muscle rehabilitation
Creatine has been the subject of over 400 research studies in the past decade, focusing primarily on muscle performance and size in athletes and in individuals with neuromuscular diseases. A new study suggests that creatine may also have a use in muscle rehabilitation...
Antioxidant creams smooth skin: study
Pycnogenol, an antioxidant derived from the bark of pine trees, is reputed to help protect skin cells from the damage of UV rays as well as support collagen and elastin production in the skin. Vitamin E, both used internally and topically, is believed to help heal...
B-vitamins critical for heart health
With the buzz about B-vitamins, most people now know that they are essential for stress-management and disease prevention—especially heart disease. Vitamin B-6, B-12 and folic acid help convert the amino acid homocysteine into harmless byproducts. Without sufficient...
Valerian helps in 80% of insomnia cases
Nearly one-third of all Canadians suffers from some type of sleep problem, so it’s no surprise that the herb valerian has enjoyed growing popularity for its sleep-inducing and anti-anxiety properties. Valerian works much the same as a mild sedative, binding weakly to...
Fish oil fights asthma: two new studies
Asthma is a bronchial disease that hits younger Canadians hard, affecting 13% of all children aged 5 to 19. Though asthma has no cure, its symptoms—wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath—can be managed with medication and nutrition. According to many recent...
Weight loss options that work!
Let’s face it—losing weight is not easy. That’s especially true for markedly obese people. Successful, healthy weight loss requires that lifestyle, exercise, attitude and dietary choices be in just the right balance. Yet the equation underlying these choices is quite...