You are 25 but look 35. Blame it on your skin! The skin is the largest organ in the body, and the most exposed. Pollution, ultraviolet rays in the Sun’s light, stress, lack of essential vitamins, all contribute to wear and tear your skin.

Most people don’t take proper care of their skin - either due to hectic work or due to pure ignorance. Lack of proper skin care can result in more skin-related diseases and allergies. Proper skin care is important for avoiding cold sores, spots, and skin cancer. Beauty therapies and skin care lotions are only effective up to a point when it comes to keeping your skin soft and smooth.

Exposure to sunlight causes loss of water in our body which leads to dryness of the skin. This results in the skin losing its elasticity and ’sagging.’ This loss of elasticity normally happens with ageing. However, changing climatic conditions and atmospheric conditions such as ozone depletion cause the harmful ultraviolet B rays to cause more damage to our skin. This is where nutrition comes in.

In order to get the right skin, it is important to look at the part played by nutrition in skin care. That translates as getting more nutritional food into your diet. Lack of proper nutrition may result in the loss of natural oils present in your skin. Fresh vegetables, fruits, fresh juice, cereals, etc. contain vitamins essential for a healthy skin.

Vitamin E is said to be a skin-care vitamin. Apart from vitamin E, vitamins such as A and C are also essential for a healthy skin. These vitamins contain antioxidants which help the skin to maintain its natural oils. These antioxidants help to reduce the tendency of the skin to age. Ultimately they help fight the punishing effect that the climatic changes have on our skins.

But where do you get the vitamins and nutrients necessary for your skin’s health? Not from your daily diet. For various reasons, people cannot get the right quantity of vitamins and other nutrients into the body through their normal diet. And synthetic vitamins are out.

Enter glyconutrients. Eight essential sugars have been discovered to be the essential building blocks for our body cells recently. There is a lot of research going on about these essential sugars and the larger group of saccharides of which they are a part, called glyconutrients. These eight simple sugars are responsible for cell-to-cell communication necessary for keeping the body’s glands and organs, including the skin, healthy.

Skin care ointments and lotions containing glyconutrients are the best alternative to any beauty therapy. The intake glyconutrients is equally important for health care as well as skin care.

Consult your doctor or dietician, exercise, and drink a lot of water. And give your skin its daily dose of glyconutrients!

Lisa Hyde-Barrett, a registered nurse and wellness advocate, knows the value of good nutrition and its relationship with good health. She’s become passionate about the new research behind sugars, specifically glyconutritional products. Find out more about the best skin care products containing glyconutrients.

Tips For Healing Cold Sores

That tingling you feel just above your upper lip is unmistakable. You know that it’s the start of another cold sore. You’ve gone through this routine before. First it gets red, then that itchy tingly area puffs out into a big embarrassing cold sore.For some reason you can’t stop checking yourself out in the mirror. Why, you wonder, does it have to happen to me ?

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. It’s likely that some relative of yours infected you when you were a child by kissing you at a time when their herpes simplex was infectious. The virus went right into your mouth and sought a hospitable host cell that would let the virus move right in. The virus then "ordered" the DNA in its host cell to make lots more viruses exactly like it.

For most of the time, these viruses are homebodies. They stay put, but from time to time the virus family likes to take a little trip down the nerve highways until it reaches the skin surface. When this happens, you start to feel that awful tingling sensation that signals the start of another cold sore.

What can you do about it ?..

Keep The Cold Sore Clean And Dry.
If the cold sore isn’t really bothersome, just leave it alone. Make sure to keep the sore clean and dry. If it become pussy - and this rarely happens - seek medical attention to make sure the bacterial infection is properly treated.

Replace Your Toothbrush.
Your trusty toothbrush can hold the herpes virus for days, reinfecting you after the present cold sore heals. Get rid of your toothbrush as soon as you start with a cold sore, and after your cold sore has gone, replace your toothbrush for a second time just in case. Don’t take any chances.

Don’t Keep Your Toothbrush In The Bathroom.
A nice wet toothbrush in a moist environment like your bathroom is a cosy home for the herpes simplex virus. The moisture helps prolong the life of the herpes virus on your toothbrush, that’s why it should be stored in a dry place.

Use Small Tubes Of Toothpaste
Toothpaste can transmit disease too, so if you use smaller tubes, you’ll be replacing your toothpaste more often.

Protect With Petroleum Jelly.
Cover your cold sore with petroleum jelly. Be sure not to dip back into the jelly with the same finger you used to touch your sore. It would be better to use fresh cotton buds.

Zap It With Zinc.
Several studies have shown that a water-based zinc solution applied the minute you feel that tingling, will help speed the healing time. The zinc irons crosslink with the DNA molecule of the herpes virus and prevent the double helix from splitting, this means the virus can’t get the DNA to help it replicate. Zinc gluconate, available at health food stores, is kinder to the skin than zinc sulphate.

Identify The Pattern
What was going on in your life just before you got your last cold sore ? What about the cold sore prior to that ? If you do some investigating, you just might figure out what triggers a cold sore for you. If you can find a trigger, you’ll know when to take the most care.

Soften It With An OTC
There are numerous products that claim to heal cold sores. In general, they contain some emollient to reduce cracking and soften scabs, and a numbing agent like phenol or camphor. Phenol may have some antiviral properties, and it’s possible that it could kill the virus.

Block That Sun (Or Wind)
Protecting your lips from trauma like sunburn or wind exposure is thought be one of the keys to preventing cold sores.

Avoid Arginine-Rich Foods.
The herpes virus needs arginine as an essential amino acid for its metabolism, so cut out foods such as chocolate, cola, peas, grain cereals, peanuts, gelatine, cashews and beer.

Correct Your Perception.
No one likes getting a cold sore. But you’ve got one, so focusing on it and worrying about how you look can make it worse. Cut out your negative thoughts. Tell yourself that it’s just like a pimple and it won’t interfere in your life in any way !

Author - John Moore - Please use my link.
http://www.acne-information-guide.com

Author - John Moore - Please use my link

Due to the constraint of our knowledge at the current time about rubidium, a rubidium daily value has not yet been established. The 37th element in the periodic table, a rubidium daily recommended value for nutrition has not yet been determined.

Rubidium exists in the earths crust, in our seawater, and in our own human bodies. While there are many nutrients that don’t have a daily recommended value, it is especially important to maintain a dosage of rubidium, considering that it is a trace element that is needed in very small amounts. Trace minerals are necessary building blocks for many different processes in our bodies.

In studies with mice, mice given rubidium supplements saw decreased tumor growth, by replacing potassium in cell membranes with itself. Many people tend to agree that a mineral supplement is necessary these days, considering that we used to get most of the minerals we needed from the soil. The essential minerals found in our earth have now been largely stripped due to the rigors of industrial farming. A soft, silvery-white alkali metal, rubidium has been rumored to help aid depression. This is a highly likely scenario, considering it is an element our bodies are begging for more of. It has even been shown that goats with a rubidium deficiency actually featured depressed growth and decreased life expectancy!

All the minerals you need to keep your body in tip top shape are usually available in a single supplement, considering the fact that you would have to take minor amounts of the trace elements, so you can fit many into one easy-to-swallow supplement. Now that you know more about the trace mineral known as rubidium, you can more accurately see why your body needs this crucial element. Do your body a favor, and start a mineral supplement today!

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

The Reishi mushroom, used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb, has many therapeutic and medicinal properties. Used mostly in the far East of China and Japan, there are many uses for this supplement. Some of the more important functions include boosting your immune function, reducing your stress while helping to increase relaxation, fighting fatigue in the body while boosting energy and vitality levels, and helping to fight off chronic fatigue. It’s also beneficial to those with asthma and bronchitis, due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the Reishi mushroom. In addition, it acts as an anti-coagulant, to help thin blood. Fighting allergies is also one of the functions of the Reishi mushroom.

Many experts also look to the Reishi mushroom for helping to lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and help increase the beauty and vitality of skin. While the studies still need to be conducted, some believe the Reishi mushroom to be an anti-cancer agent, as well. The Reishi mushroom contains polysaccharides, a substance that has fought cancerous tumors in mice. Polysaccharides also help to enhance the immune system.

Triterpenes in the mushroom are what is believed to assist in lowering blood pressure. The side effects experienced by eating the Reishi mushroom are generally rare, but they can include dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, skin rashes, and nosebleeds in a small amount of the population. If any of these symptoms arise in you, you should reduce your dosage or discontinue your use of the Reishi mushroom. Guidelines as far as dosage go as follows:

General health supplement: 500mg twice per day Heart disease: 1500mg per day Immune system enhancement: 500mg three times per day Bronchitis: 1500mg per day while the condition persists

Reishi mushrooms can be found in supplements, capsules, powders, teas, and coffees, providing numerous ways to get your dose.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Psyllium husk - - what is it? Psyllium husk is an herbal supplement taken by many to get the fiber they need for their diet. Psyllium husks are the coating around the seed of the psyllium plant. While the seeds are used for their own herbal values, the husks are usually harvested and placed into capsules to be taken in supplement form.

A dietary intake of certain fibers has been shown through studies to alleviate the risks of colon cancer, and the fibers are also known to help ease constipation. Psyllium plays a role in promoting colon health since poor waste elimination by the body can result in a buildup of waste byproducts in the body. The waste byproducts can then lead to bacteria and viruses attacking your colon, compromising your immune system and creating sickness in the body. For this reason, regular normal bowel movements can be crucial to maintaining proper health. Other benefits of regular bowel movements can be their promotion of weight loss, and a chance at lowering low density lipoproteins, the "bad’ type of cholesterol.

There are many ways for you to get the fiber your body needs, however, psyllium husks are a particularly rich source. In India, psyllium has been used for thousands of years for the therapeutic qualities we’ve discussed. Western medicine has finally begun catching on to the importance of fiber, and the demand for psyllium husks has gone through the roof.

Psyllium husks are composed primarily of complex carbohydrates. Other uses of these carbohydrates include their helping of diarrhea, since it has binding properties that may help restore normal movements. Also, these compounds may help alleviate hemorrhoids and counter Cystitis. In addition, psyllium husks harbor anti-inflammatory properties and does not cause the irritation that can be found when taking insoluble fibers. Also, blood sugar levels of those with diabetes may improve with use of the husk.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Omega 3 capsules are a veritable horn-of-plenty when it comes to positive health effects. One of the most researched and effective supplements available, omega 3 fatty acids have been linked to reducing the risk of coronary disease, helping type 2 diabetes patients utilize the natural insulin occurring in their bodies, preventing on the onset of type 2 diabetes, ease the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, as well as a host of other beneficial effects. It’s been known to improve the functioning of memory, help prevent strokes, and improve overall general health.

A tragic problem with the traditional western diet would be its lack of omega 3 fatty acids. An essential fatty acid discovered in the 1970s, omega 3 helps your body build healthy cells by assisting the construction of healthy cell walls. However, our bodies cannot naturally produce the omega 3 acid. We must get it from an outside source, and tragically, modern farming methods and changes in the traditional American diet have made it hard to get your daily dose of omega 3. For this reason, many people have gone to taking omega 3 capsules or omega 3 pills to meet their daily need. Supplements, however, are not a magical answer to your lack of omega 3. There are three different kinds of omega 3 acids – alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, eicosapentaeonic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Before your body can use ALA, it must convert it to EPA and DHA. The body sometimes has trouble doing this, especially in the elderly. For that reason, it’s definitely important to know that you’ll be getting the full effect of the omega 3 by purchasing a supplement that contains EPA and DHA rather then the unprocessed ALA.

Since our oceans are getting polluted and its now tough to get the omega-3 acids we need from cold water fish due to mercury levels, it would be silly to not get your hands on some omega 3 capsules.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

For those who are interested in keeping up their health by taking vitamins, it is important to know that the naturally occurring vitamins found in organic sources far outweigh the potency of synthetically designed vitamins. As an example, beta carotene, an important plant form of Vitamin A, and one of the best natural sources for vitamins, has proven time and time again in clinical trials to be superior to its synthetic alternative. One trial of note which included the effect of Vitamin A on tumors resulted in the natural beta carotene’s result far outweighing that of the synthetic. While the tumor disappeared in the natural beta carotene-tested subject, the synthetic version had little to no result.

This is surefire proof that the natural forms of vitamins can be vastly more effective. While getting your vitamins from a healthy diet seems like the best idea, it can be tougher than it sounds. For one, in the western world, our fast paced lives have often resulted in poor diets with vitamin negligent foods. In addition, the modern farming methods in place and poor soil nutrition have resulted in many of the foods we eat losing their nutritional value. One case in point has to be the detriment of the potato’s nutritional content. In the past 50 years, the potato has lost 100% of its Vitamin A content, 57% of its Vitamin C and iron content, 28% of its calcium content, 50% of its riboflavin content, and 18% of its thiamine content. Of seven nutrients tested, the only one in which the potato had risen in levels was niacin. Ways to solve this problem include eating the best organic fruit money can buy.

These organic goods cost a little more, but are well worth their nutritional value. In addition, a supplement that contains natural sources for vitamins can be a godsend to your health.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

If you are thinking about taking Licorice Root, it is important to know all the possible Licorice Root side effects before you begin a regimen. This is a must with any supplement you may take, and here we’ll help describe the side effects featured by this natural remedy.

One problem with Licorice Root is that it can raise your blood pressure. Few people know that even a lot of licorice candy can raise your blood pressure! If you are afflicted with hypertension, or disease of the heart, liver, or kidney, Licorice Root may not be the supplement for you. Pregnant and nursing women should not try to harness the benefits of the Licorice Root, for it is unknown what kind of effects this supplement can have with regards to the child.

Another important thing to note, as with any supplements, is that you should never exceed the recommended dose. These are placed for a reason and over-killing a supplement can actually be detrimental to your health. These precautions regarding Licorice Root side effects apply to all sources of the remedy, including capsules, lozenges, tablets, tinctures, dried herbs, or teas. If none of these side-effects apply to you, then check out what Licorice Root has to offer:

One of the longest used herbal remedies, Licorice Root has been useful time and time again to help to alleviate coughing and ease an upset stomach. Chinese believe Licorice Root can help to extend your lifespan, although this is not proven. In addition to these features, Licorice Root has anti-inflammatory effects, immune system boosters, and many other wonderful features. For instance, containing antioxidants and flavonoids, the root can have estrogen-like effects, helping to ease PMS and menstrual problems.

Now that you know the benefits and shortcomings of Licorice Root, you can make a more informed decision on whether this herb is right for you.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Horse chestnut extract is a less-talked about herbal supplement that can be very beneficial to your health. Coming from the horse chestnut herb, it has shown a wide variety of applications as a supplement. It harbors anti-inflammatory properties which act as anti oxidants and help to protect your body from the harmful effects that free radicals can have by breaking down your body’s cell walls. Because of its anti inflammatory properties, it has been used to treat hemorrhoids.

Its landmark feature, however, has to do with your veins. Horse chestnut extract has been shown to help improve vein health by eliminating such symptoms as pain, lethargy, and heaviness in the legs that come with poor vein health. Many people take horse chestnut extract for its ability to help varicose veins, the unsightly condition caused by fragile blood vessels and poor circulation. A compound known as aescin is found in horse chestnut extract, which appears to ‘patch up’ tiny leaks in blood vessels and capillaries, improving their health, strength, and elasticity. If you are beginning to think about taking horse chestnut extract yourself, it’s important to start on the right path. Make sure you buy only pharmaceutical grade horse chestnut extract, which should contain somewhere between 15 and 20 percent aescin. A commonly used dosage for the extract is 50mg per supplement.

As always, remember to ask a doctor if you are taking any medications that the horse chestnut extract may interfere with. For instance, horse chestnut extract has been shown to be detrimental to the effect of blood thinners, which can cause serious complications if taken in tandem. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing, you’d be best avoiding the horse chestnut extract as to not test the waters with the young one. We hope you’ve learned all you want to know about horse chestnut extract!

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Many people on the hunt for nutritional supplements are concerned about what kind of herbal medicine for cold sicknesses are offered. From the period of November until March, cold season sets in and it can really ruin your day. While there isn’t too much of a clear determinant about how to cure a cold, your best bet is to try to ward it off before it even strikes you.

Once you already have the flu, there are herbal remedies, supplements, and vitamins that can help to curb the effects of the bug or hasten its departure, but there’s no surefire cure for the common cold. One of the best ways to avoid getting the flu would be to keep the healthiest immune system you possibly can. The stronger your immune system is, the better chance your body will merely brush off pesky bugs. This can be accomplished through the use of many different substances.

Vitamin C is one solution commonly referred to when colds abound. Also, Echinacea has seen much popularity as a cold aid. Beta Glucan is one herbal remedy that helps to boost your immune system to superhuman levels. Beta Glucan stimulates macrophages, which your body uses as a ‘first line of defense’ against bodily invaders. Beta Glucan is naturally found in grains and oats. Maitaki mushroom extract is another substance that has seen some popularity. It is rumored to raise your white blood cell count, which can be enormously helpful in fighting off foreign bodies. Black Cumin extract is yet another solution, which has many healing and anti-viral properties. It helps to protect healthy cells and produces an enzyme called interferon which fights infections.

Last, but not least, is Aloe Vera. Certain sources of it can be powerful in boosting immune function. Liquid Aloe Vera doesn’t offer anywhere near the effects of the concentrated, solid form. Of all of these natural remedies, all are classified as herbs with the exception of Beta Glucan.

Take your choice of these (although a combination has been proven more effective) to help ward off the next flu that comes your way.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.