Over the past decade, the popularity of bottled water has increased substantially in North America(1). Sales of bottled waters have increased by 400%, and 1 in 5 households now use bottled drinking water (2). Annual per capita consumption has risen from less than 8 gallons in 1991 (1,2) to 12.7 gallons in 1997 (Arthur von Wiesenberger, personal communication). Since bottled water is beginning to assume a prominent place in the North American diet, its health effects require evaluation.
It is more important to remove any harmful pollutants from your water than to save beneficial minerals in it.
Drinking water produced by distillation alone is not free of all potential pollutants, regardless of the brand of distiller; drinking water produced by the combination of any distiller plus an adequate filter will insure the purest drinking water but without minerals. Also because of the lack of minerals the pH of this water will drop and become more acidic on standing.
Ultra Pure water produced by Reverse osmosis sytems that have a UV light added are good and have a few electrolites in it. The pH will drop as this water has no buffering capacity also.
The drinking water most conducive to good health is that which contains a moderate to high mineral content.
The acidic Distilled water and Ultra Pure Reverse Osmosis can leach pollutants from its containers, so the choice of storage containers is important. Glass is best and seamless stainless steel and inert plastics are next best. Don't store distilled or ultra pure reverse osmosis water in soft plastic bottles.
When your water has a pH below 6.5 it is considered acidic. When this occurs, water can actually start to eat away at pipes and stain silverware, imagine what happens elsewhere. Since this is happening, you will need to neutralize your water.
Where distilled water or reverse osmosis water is the drinking water of choice, the consumer should pay attention to insuring a plentiful source of minerals from food and/or supplements.
With the CRL-pH+ remineralization filter developed at HealthSmart Nutrition placed after the RO system or distiller this problem with the pH drop is lessened. The water is adjusted to a mild alkaline pH for a smoother taste and a healthier water.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
4 Ways to Prevent the Most Common Women's Health Problem
What disease kills more American women than any other?
If you answered anything except heart disease then you must read this article. According to the American Heart Association heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of women. They are two of the many cardiovascular diseases that kill nearly 500,000 women each year. That’s more than the next seven causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
1. Get your cholesterol tested every year. Many women don’t know they have high cholesterol. They assume that heart disease is a man’s problem. Even many doctors don’t realize the risk that women have of heart disease so they fail to suggest testing.
2. Increase your weekly exercise. We now know that as little as 10 minutes of exercise three times a week can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk the dog a little bit longer each day. Get your heart pumping by dancing to your favorite music while you clean the house. Walk during your lunch hour instead of eating at your desk.
3. Eat more fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables are low in fat and high in fiber. They contain heart healthy nutrients. Leafy greens are particularly healthy. Orange juice is high in folic acid, a nutrient known to protect the heart and prevent birth defects. Add one vegetable or fruit to every meal and you will likely double your current intake. You can make it easier by keeping prepared vegetables in the refrigerator to throw into a salad or munch on for snacks.
4. Learn about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS affects as many as 5-10% of all women. It is one of the most common endocrine disorders and is one of the most common causes of infertility. PCOS is a cluster of symptoms that can include: unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, depression or mood swings, painful or irregular periods, absent periods,
acne, hair loss, unexpected hair growth (face, arms, stomach, etc.), infertility, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and more. Untreated PCOS can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer. Protecting your heart is easier than you might think and it will reward you every moment of every day. Take care of yourself. You are worth it!
Julie Lenz is a life coach who helps professional women cope with the effects of chronic illness. She writes the weekly e-newsletter "PCOS Success!" She is also the author of "A PCOS Daybook: Daily Meditations for Coping With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome" to be released May 2004.
If you answered anything except heart disease then you must read this article. According to the American Heart Association heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of women. They are two of the many cardiovascular diseases that kill nearly 500,000 women each year. That’s more than the next seven causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
1. Get your cholesterol tested every year. Many women don’t know they have high cholesterol. They assume that heart disease is a man’s problem. Even many doctors don’t realize the risk that women have of heart disease so they fail to suggest testing.
2. Increase your weekly exercise. We now know that as little as 10 minutes of exercise three times a week can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk the dog a little bit longer each day. Get your heart pumping by dancing to your favorite music while you clean the house. Walk during your lunch hour instead of eating at your desk.
3. Eat more fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables are low in fat and high in fiber. They contain heart healthy nutrients. Leafy greens are particularly healthy. Orange juice is high in folic acid, a nutrient known to protect the heart and prevent birth defects. Add one vegetable or fruit to every meal and you will likely double your current intake. You can make it easier by keeping prepared vegetables in the refrigerator to throw into a salad or munch on for snacks.
4. Learn about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS affects as many as 5-10% of all women. It is one of the most common endocrine disorders and is one of the most common causes of infertility. PCOS is a cluster of symptoms that can include: unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, depression or mood swings, painful or irregular periods, absent periods,
acne, hair loss, unexpected hair growth (face, arms, stomach, etc.), infertility, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and more. Untreated PCOS can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer. Protecting your heart is easier than you might think and it will reward you every moment of every day. Take care of yourself. You are worth it!
Julie Lenz is a life coach who helps professional women cope with the effects of chronic illness. She writes the weekly e-newsletter "PCOS Success!" She is also the author of "A PCOS Daybook: Daily Meditations for Coping With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome" to be released May 2004.
3 "Healthy" Foods NOT to Eat
There are three foods that are labeled "healthy," but for the reasons I'll outline below, you should stay away from.
Food #1: Fruit Juices like Orange Juice and Apple Juice
Sure they contain vitamin C and may come from real fruit, but the fact of the matter is, they are loaded with sugar! Yes, it's natural sugar, but it's still sugar- and we all know sugar turns to fat. They now have fruit juices with half the sugar- give them a try instead- they actually taste pretty good.
Food #2: Energy/Protein/Meal bars like Balance Bars
Some claim to have the perfect ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates- and they do. Some just claim to be a good meal replacement bar because they contain fat and protein, and vitamins and minerals- and they do. But if you take a look at the label of most bars, you'll see high fructose corn syrup, sugar and in some bars fractionated oils. It's so self-defeating, it blows my mind. Go with bars that have healthy ingredients such as Clif bars, Luna Bars and Odwalla bars.
Food #3: Most Breakfast Cereals
The reason I say most breakfast cereals is because there are some that you should eat and I'll mention those in a bit. Most cereals claim to have whole grains, vitamins and minerals- and they do- but they also contain tons of sugar and processed, unhealthy ingredients. Reading the ingredients label will tell you all you need to know. Kashi cereal is what I recommend.
They have a line of about 10 different cereals and they are all made of healthy ingredients. And yes, they taste pretty good.
Food #1: Fruit Juices like Orange Juice and Apple Juice
Sure they contain vitamin C and may come from real fruit, but the fact of the matter is, they are loaded with sugar! Yes, it's natural sugar, but it's still sugar- and we all know sugar turns to fat. They now have fruit juices with half the sugar- give them a try instead- they actually taste pretty good.
Food #2: Energy/Protein/Meal bars like Balance Bars
Some claim to have the perfect ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates- and they do. Some just claim to be a good meal replacement bar because they contain fat and protein, and vitamins and minerals- and they do. But if you take a look at the label of most bars, you'll see high fructose corn syrup, sugar and in some bars fractionated oils. It's so self-defeating, it blows my mind. Go with bars that have healthy ingredients such as Clif bars, Luna Bars and Odwalla bars.
Food #3: Most Breakfast Cereals
The reason I say most breakfast cereals is because there are some that you should eat and I'll mention those in a bit. Most cereals claim to have whole grains, vitamins and minerals- and they do- but they also contain tons of sugar and processed, unhealthy ingredients. Reading the ingredients label will tell you all you need to know. Kashi cereal is what I recommend.
They have a line of about 10 different cereals and they are all made of healthy ingredients. And yes, they taste pretty good.
3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy
There are plenty of articles out there about what to do to make your skin look young again. But what if you still have it? How do young women keep their skin looking the way it is now well into the future? The following five easy tips can help you keep your youthful glow.
1. Use Sunscreen, Never Tan. It's hard for young women to resist the warm glow that a few hours of tanning can bring. But the damage that it does beneath the surface accumulates over time--ultimately leaving the skin dull and thin. By the time premature aging becomes evident, significant amounts of damage has taken place below the surface. Rather than a week of beauty, think of long-term beauty. If you really want to give your skin an added glow, try shimmering lotions and makeups. Or, for a darker look, try artificial tanners (but be careful, they can sometimes leave you looking more orange than tan). Don't forget that you can experience the damaging effects of the sun even if you aren't deliberately trying to tan. Make applying sunscreen part of your daily routine. Purchasing moisturizers with sunscreen already in them can help. Remember, only 15 minutes of sun exposure each day provides you with the vitamin D you need to stay healthy.
2. Eat the Right Foods. You've always heard the phrase "You are what you eat" and that is exactly right when talking about your skin! What you eat is not just relevant to your weight. It also affects the health of your skin. Clinical studies have shown that eating diets rich in fatty acids and antioxidants can help skin retain its youthful appearance. Foods good for your skin include fish, vegetables, whole grains and fruits including all kinds of berries. Antioxidants in the diet may help reduce the appearance of age
spots. Fatty acids are one of the components of metabolic processes within the body that are also integral to the maintenance of healthy skin. Making these foods a part of your daily diet can benefit you for years to come.
3. Clean and Moisturize! Don't neglect your skin. For normal skin, a gentle daily cleanser is all you need. Using a washcloth needlessly pulls and tears at the skin. Cleanse your skin with your fingers using gentle, circular motions, paying particular attention not to stretch the delicate eye area. Moisturizing the skin is also important to protect it from the effects of the elements including wind, pollution, and sun (if it is a sunscreen moisturizure). Not only does it protect the skin from the outside, but also helps it to retain its natural moisture from the inside. Keep in mind that spending a lot of money is not necessary. If your skin is oily or you have a problem with acne, use products designed specifically for your skin type. You may want to consult a dermatologist to seek prescription treatments. Never attempt to pop your pimples. This will increase the size of your pores and possibly cause scaring.
Essentially, if your skin is young, value it! Taking simple precautionary steps can help keep it that way. Think of the benefits of having healthy skin in the future. Use sunscreen, eat healthy, and following a daily skin regimine. You don't need alot of money to keep your skin healthy. All it takes is common sense and good lifestyles choices.
1. Use Sunscreen, Never Tan. It's hard for young women to resist the warm glow that a few hours of tanning can bring. But the damage that it does beneath the surface accumulates over time--ultimately leaving the skin dull and thin. By the time premature aging becomes evident, significant amounts of damage has taken place below the surface. Rather than a week of beauty, think of long-term beauty. If you really want to give your skin an added glow, try shimmering lotions and makeups. Or, for a darker look, try artificial tanners (but be careful, they can sometimes leave you looking more orange than tan). Don't forget that you can experience the damaging effects of the sun even if you aren't deliberately trying to tan. Make applying sunscreen part of your daily routine. Purchasing moisturizers with sunscreen already in them can help. Remember, only 15 minutes of sun exposure each day provides you with the vitamin D you need to stay healthy.
2. Eat the Right Foods. You've always heard the phrase "You are what you eat" and that is exactly right when talking about your skin! What you eat is not just relevant to your weight. It also affects the health of your skin. Clinical studies have shown that eating diets rich in fatty acids and antioxidants can help skin retain its youthful appearance. Foods good for your skin include fish, vegetables, whole grains and fruits including all kinds of berries. Antioxidants in the diet may help reduce the appearance of age
spots. Fatty acids are one of the components of metabolic processes within the body that are also integral to the maintenance of healthy skin. Making these foods a part of your daily diet can benefit you for years to come.
3. Clean and Moisturize! Don't neglect your skin. For normal skin, a gentle daily cleanser is all you need. Using a washcloth needlessly pulls and tears at the skin. Cleanse your skin with your fingers using gentle, circular motions, paying particular attention not to stretch the delicate eye area. Moisturizing the skin is also important to protect it from the effects of the elements including wind, pollution, and sun (if it is a sunscreen moisturizure). Not only does it protect the skin from the outside, but also helps it to retain its natural moisture from the inside. Keep in mind that spending a lot of money is not necessary. If your skin is oily or you have a problem with acne, use products designed specifically for your skin type. You may want to consult a dermatologist to seek prescription treatments. Never attempt to pop your pimples. This will increase the size of your pores and possibly cause scaring.
Essentially, if your skin is young, value it! Taking simple precautionary steps can help keep it that way. Think of the benefits of having healthy skin in the future. Use sunscreen, eat healthy, and following a daily skin regimine. You don't need alot of money to keep your skin healthy. All it takes is common sense and good lifestyles choices.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Essential tips for better eye sight
=================
Essential Tip #1:
=================
Throughout the day, think of your glasses as a tool and use
them that way -- when you need them.
Put a piece of masking tape with a reminder on the base of your
computer screen. Write a reminder on your bookmark.
=================
Essential Tip #2:
=================
If you can't see the computer screen without glasses, try
enlarging the font on your internet browser.
To do this, hold the CTRL key down while scrolling your
mouse wheel away from you (the small wheel on top of the mouse
that scrolls the page up and down.)
Each scroll forward will increase the page and font size by
one. To reduce the font size simply continue to hold the CTRL key
and scroll the opposite direction (towards you).
These small steps will go a long way in preserving your vision
for years to come.
To your vision -- for life,
Essential Tip #1:
=================
Throughout the day, think of your glasses as a tool and use
them that way -- when you need them.
Put a piece of masking tape with a reminder on the base of your
computer screen. Write a reminder on your bookmark.
=================
Essential Tip #2:
=================
If you can't see the computer screen without glasses, try
enlarging the font on your internet browser.
To do this, hold the CTRL key down while scrolling your
mouse wheel away from you (the small wheel on top of the mouse
that scrolls the page up and down.)
Each scroll forward will increase the page and font size by
one. To reduce the font size simply continue to hold the CTRL key
and scroll the opposite direction (towards you).
These small steps will go a long way in preserving your vision
for years to come.
To your vision -- for life,
Are Glasses Really Good for Vision ?
Despite the fact that many people, after their eye exams, go
out and buy glasses or contacts, there are things the general
population hasn't been told.
You see, no matter what your current condition, the continued
use of corrective lenses can actually contribute to the
deterioration of your vision. This is because corrective lenses
are a crutch that your eyes are trained to rely upon.
As a result, it is difficult to strengthen your eyes if
you are constantly supporting them by external means (i.e.,
glasses or contacts). Actually, research shows that glasses
and contacts can rapidly *worsen* your vision.
These facts are supported by the studies of two respected eye
doctors. Here's what they have to say about the use of
corrective lenses.
* Dr. M. H. Birnbaum states in the Review of Optometry,
"Single-vision minus lenses for full-time use produce
accommodative insufficiency associated with additional
symptoms until the patient gets used to the lens. This
is usually accompanied by a further increase in myopia
and the cycle begins anew."
* Dr. Samuel Druker writes in the Optical Journal Review,
"From a clinical point of view, the conclusion would
seem inescapable that minus lenses are an important
factor among the causes of progressive myopia."
In other words, glasses and contacts can actually make your
vision worse over time. Is that something you want to risk with
your eyesight?
Think about it...
Have you ever gone in for an eye exam and heard the doctor
say, "Great news! Your vision's improved another 2.0 diopters
-- those glasses are really helping!"
I didn't think so!
Glasses are a "prescription," and, like a prescription drug,
they can be abused.
So what can you do?
Pay close attention...
You need to learn how to use your glasses so that they don't
contribute to further vision loss. And here's how...
Let's say, for example, that you're nearsighted (unable to see
distant objects clearly) and you are reading this e-mail with
your glasses on. Do you really need them, or did you just forget
about them being on your face?
By wearing your glasses you could be doubling the effects of
"near-point stress."
The American Optometric Association hails near-point stress as
one of the major causes of nearsightedness and its further
progression. And by wearing your glasses, you're doubling the
effects of it -- ouch!
out and buy glasses or contacts, there are things the general
population hasn't been told.
You see, no matter what your current condition, the continued
use of corrective lenses can actually contribute to the
deterioration of your vision. This is because corrective lenses
are a crutch that your eyes are trained to rely upon.
As a result, it is difficult to strengthen your eyes if
you are constantly supporting them by external means (i.e.,
glasses or contacts). Actually, research shows that glasses
and contacts can rapidly *worsen* your vision.
These facts are supported by the studies of two respected eye
doctors. Here's what they have to say about the use of
corrective lenses.
* Dr. M. H. Birnbaum states in the Review of Optometry,
"Single-vision minus lenses for full-time use produce
accommodative insufficiency associated with additional
symptoms until the patient gets used to the lens. This
is usually accompanied by a further increase in myopia
and the cycle begins anew."
* Dr. Samuel Druker writes in the Optical Journal Review,
"From a clinical point of view, the conclusion would
seem inescapable that minus lenses are an important
factor among the causes of progressive myopia."
In other words, glasses and contacts can actually make your
vision worse over time. Is that something you want to risk with
your eyesight?
Think about it...
Have you ever gone in for an eye exam and heard the doctor
say, "Great news! Your vision's improved another 2.0 diopters
-- those glasses are really helping!"
I didn't think so!
Glasses are a "prescription," and, like a prescription drug,
they can be abused.
So what can you do?
Pay close attention...
You need to learn how to use your glasses so that they don't
contribute to further vision loss. And here's how...
Let's say, for example, that you're nearsighted (unable to see
distant objects clearly) and you are reading this e-mail with
your glasses on. Do you really need them, or did you just forget
about them being on your face?
By wearing your glasses you could be doubling the effects of
"near-point stress."
The American Optometric Association hails near-point stress as
one of the major causes of nearsightedness and its further
progression. And by wearing your glasses, you're doubling the
effects of it -- ouch!
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