Featured in this month's issue:

1. HEALTH BYTES: Facts and Tips for Better Living!

2. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

3. FEATURED ARTICLE: "Super Weight Loss Tips"

4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH: Aspargus-Mushroom Bowl

5. PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH: SlenderLean - New! Dieter's Choice for Safe Weight Loss
Increases Metabolism, Burns Calories, Boosts Energy; Ephedra-Free

6. PAST SPECIAL EDITIONS

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1. HEALTH BYTES - * Facts and Tips for Better Living

NO PAIN, NO GAIN? -- Many incorrectly assume that exercise must hurt to be beneficial, when in fact, exercising to the point of pain can do more harm than good. A sensible exercise program might be uncomfortable, but should not be painful. It should put a reasonable demand on the cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal systems to improve their function, without significantly increasing the risk of injury.

MICROWAVE WARNING -- Never microwave in plastic or aluminum dishes or use as covers or bags of these materials. Plasticizers, solvents, and heat susceptor metals vaporize at microwave temperatures, migrate to the food, and are toxic with chemicals such as Dioxin. Avoid plastic containers as much as it is reasonably possible when buying products.

A NATURAL CLEANER -- Baking soda is a commonly available substance full of many cleaning attributes. Baking soda is made from soda ash, and is slightly alkaline (its pH is around 8.1; 7 is neutral). It neutralizes acid-based odors in water, and adsorbs odors from the air. Sprinkled on a damp sponge or cloth, baking soda can be used as a gentle nonabrasive cleanser for kitchen counter tops, sinks, bathtubs, ovens, and fiberglass. It will eliminate perspiration odors and even neutralize the smell of many chemicals if you add up to a cup per load to the laundry. It is a useful air freshener, and a fine carpet deodorizer.

IF YOU SMOKE, CONSIDER THIS -- You should know that arsenic is listed as the most hazardous and poisonous chemical. Many tobacco growers in the United States used arsenic for over 200 years to control bugs that ate tobacco leaves. Arsenic may stay active in the soil for over one hundred years. It appears in most tobacco and is a carcinogen. It possibly is one of the main causes of cancer. Over 4000 natural and man-made chemicals have been found in tobacco. Many are endocrine interruptors and interfere with sexual function as well as masculine and feminine traits. Nicotine is also known as a pesticide and will kill many small organisms. So, what's it doing to your lungs?

NATURAL MOLD KILLERS AND DISINFECTANTS -- For a substance to be registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a disinfectant, it must go through extensive and expensive tests. The EPA recommends simple soap to use as a disinfectant. There are many essential oils, such as lavender, clove, and tea tree oil (an excellent natural fungicide), that are very antiseptic, as is grapefruit seed extract, even though they are not registered as such. Use one teaspoon of essential oil to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle (make sure to avoid eyes). A grapefruit seed extract spray can be made by adding 20 drops of extract to a quart of water. Caution: make sure you keep all home-made formulas well-labeled, and out of the reach of children.

TEENS MISINFORMED ABOUT ACNE -- Teenagers do not understand what really causes acne, doctors report. "Teenagers think they have acne because they do not wash enough, but usually they are washing too often with harsh scrubs that make their symptoms worse," said researchers at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Although some physicians still seem to recommend staying away from chocolate and soft drinks, hormones are a major culprit that causes pimples. Most meat contains an inceased amount of hormones and that could be a factor that adds to the diet induced skin issues. Up to 90 percent of teens develop some level of acne and 30 percent seek medical treatment. Most cases can be treated. Those who do not respond well to change in diet or a change in their health regimen may find help with other established therapies or can enroll in clinical trials for alternative procedures. It is advisable to seek care to avoid or correct long-term physicaleffects from acne such as scarring.

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2. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

** Q & A #1: I am a runner and would like to know whether it is possible to drink too much water?

Yes, there is a condition known as "water intoxication." It is usually associated with long distance events like running and cycling. And it is not an unusual problem. For example, water intoxication was reported in 18% of marathon runners and in 29% of the finishers in a Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon in studies published recently in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" and in "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise" respectively. What happens is that as the athlete consumes large amounts of water over the course of the event, blood plasma (the liquid part of blood) increases. As this takes place, the salt content of the blood is diluted. At the same time, the athlete is losing salt by sweating. Consequently, the amount of salt available to the body tissues decreases over time to a point where the loss interferes with brain, heart, and muscle function. The official name for this condition is hyponatremia. The symptoms generally mirror those of dehydration (apathy, confusion, nausea, and fatigue), although some individuals show no symptoms at all. If untreated, hyponatremia can lead to coma and even death! Enough, but not too much. The fluid requirement for the majority of endurance athletes, under most conditions, is about 8 to 16 ounces per hour. There is considerable variation here, of course, due to individual sweating rates, body size and weight, heat and humidity, and running speed, and other factors. Still, much more than this amount of fluid is, in most instances, probably physiologically excessive as well as uncomfortable, as liquid sloshes around in the gut during the activity. One final note, water intoxication is a problem not only among athletes. For instance, it has become one of the most common causes of serious heat illness in the Grand Canyon. Some people hiking the canyon drink large amounts of water and do not eat enough food to provide for electrolyte (salt, potassium) replacement and energy. Fears of dehydration has led to a mistaken belief that the safe thing to do is to drink as much and as often as possible. But even with drinking water, there can be too much of a good thing.

** Q & A #2: Should I bandage a common wound or let it "breathe?"

Bandage it. Airing a cut used to be the option of choice, but experts now agree that a sensible bandage permits adequate air to the wound - after all, the blood carries oxygen to the affected area. Actually, experiments have shown a bandaged cut, scrape, or burn heals twice as fast. A bandage on a wound also prevents it from drying out and getting stiff and hard. Circulation can occur more easily, which will speed healing. Still, keeping the area clean is a must, as bacteria thrive in moist, warm areas.

** Q & A #3: What are phytosterols and are they good for you?

Sterols make up a wide-spread group of compounds in nature. Chemists classify them as "poly-cyclic." Cholesterol is the most well-known sterol and only occurs in animals. Even though it has been given a bad name in recent years, it is essential to life because it is the basis for the body's ability to make critically needed hormones. Vitamin D is a sterol and has cholesterol as part of its makeup. Phytosterols are simply sterols from plants - "phyto" meaning from plants. Researchers are learning more and more about the nutritional values of phytosterols. Some foods containing them are the oils from sesame, corn, sunflower, and canola. Many herbs also contain phytosterols.

** Q & A #4: Should I be concerned about calluses on my feet?

Calluses result from pressure. You can notice callused areas on the hands of people who do manual labor, on the areas they use most to carry things or from using the same tools over and over. Your body uses this mechanism for protection. The built up extra "toughened" skin protects the tissues below. This happens when your feet experience extra pressure from shoes that do not fit properly. As the callus develops, more pressure is experienced because of the closed space caused by the shoe. The more the callus grows, the more pressure, the more it grows. To break the cycle, the callus must be removed or the shoes discarded. Otherwise, it could lead to more serious problems like bone spurs and bunions. Surgery can be very helpful. The application of oils and creams can help with temporary relief, but until the pressure is relieved, you will still have the problem.

** Q & A #5: Is there any truth to the claim that chocolate is good for your heart?

It seems that everything you like is not good for you. We are bombarded daily about the importance of eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products. But what about that irresistible craving when you simply must have CHOCOLATE. You know that nothing else will satisfy the craving, yet you know it is not good for you. Well, you are wrong. You have probably already heard about antioxidants like phenols, which are found in grape juice and red wine. Antioxidants may help reduce the damage "free radicals" can do to our systems, and so may possibly decrease the chances of cancer, heart disease, and other disease. The good news is that cocoa beans contain phenols. Bittersweet chocolate contains the greatest amount of cocoa beans and is the best for your heart. White chocolate, unfortunately, does not contain cocoa beans and does not have any heart benefit. So, when you are feeling the need to eat CHOCOLATE, go for the good stuff - the darker the better. Just remember, it is better for some people to eat it early in the day because they don't rest well at night after eating chocolate.

** Q & A #6: Can you provide me with some information about lupus and its symptoms?

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that occurs most frequently in women 15 to 44 years of age. This disorder causes the immune system to kick into overdrive, producing antibodies against healthy tissue. These antibodies cause swelling, redness, and pain. There are three forms of lupus: 1. Systemic (SLE), which may affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, joints, and skin; 2. Cutaneous, which affects mainly the skin; 3. Drug-induced, which is caused by certain prescription medications. This resembles SLE, but is less serious. The signs of lupus are often hard to distinguish from other disorders and can be confused with Lyme Disease. Just like Lyme Disease, lupus has the characteristics of a "great imitator." A red rash or color change on the face (may look like a butterfly across the bridge of the nose), joint pain and swelling, kidney inflammation, fever without a cause, hair loss, chest pain, sun-sensitivity, and purple/pale toes or fingers are a few of the common signs of lupus. In some women, lupus may be triggered after exposure to sunlight, certain medications, or from an infection. If you experience any of the above symptoms without known cause, see your health care professional. There is no known cure for lupus, but the symptoms can be treated.
More on LYME

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3. FEATURED ARTICLE - * "Super Weight Loss Tips"

To lose weight in a healthy way, we must control caloric intake and increase the amount of calories burned with some form of exercise. (Also, be sure to read the "Product-of-the-Month" section below, which is about an outstanding weight loss supplement called SlenderLean). Regardless of the eating plan component of your weight-loss program, the following tips will help you accomplish your goals of healthy weight-loss and weight maintenance:

1. Drink two or three quarts of water each day. This helps control your appetite. Sometimes a feeling of hunger is actually thirst. Additionally, water is necessary to carry away the breakdown byproducts of fat. However, try not to overdo it on the water - too much can actually disturb your body's electrolyte balance.

2. Carry a little sport bottle at all times. If you feel hungry, take a drink. This works great, for example, when you are at your desk or computer as it helps to curb your appetite.

3. Use small plates and eating utensils. You will feel that you have eaten more, because the portions will look bigger. This will reinforce your mental perception of eating a "full plate."

4. Slow down your eating pace every way you can. For instance, if you are right-handed, eat with your left and vice versa. Put your fork down after each bite and do not pick it up until you have completely swallowed the last bite.

5. Chew every bite at least thirty times. Your food will taste better and you will be much more satisfied. Do not swallow until all the flavor is gone from of each bite.

6. Brush your teeth after every meal. You will be less tempted to eat if you do. Brush and floss after your evening meal; many people agree this helps avoid late-night cravings for snacks.

7. Both sodas and juices are loaded with calories that are simple carbohydrates. These trigger insulin production and hunger and are pretty much "empty calories," lacking other important nutrients such as protein. Drink water instead.

8. Pay attention to when and what you are eating. Ask yourself: "Do I really want to eat this?" Never eat on the run - wait until you arrive. Otherwise, your body will not even realize that you have eaten.

9. Do not keep junk food snacks around the house. Eat healthy snacks like carrots or celery. Reasonable amounts of fruits are ok as well. Just avoid eating lots of it since it is high in carbohydrates.

10. Eat lots of fiber. Fiber is great for helping you feel full as well as helping to cleanse your digestive track. The natural cleansing helps improve both your energy level and overall feeling of wellness.

11. Before going to a restaurant or party, think about what you will eat. When you get there, remember your plan. Alcoholic beverages can add lots of calories. Drink a glass of skim milk or some healthy snacks before you leave.

12. Do not get discouraged when you plateau. Realize this up front. Plateauing is healthy and necessary. During these times, focus on drinking more water and a little extra walking each day. Remember the three laws of success in dieting: "Consistency, consistency, and consistency."

13. Picture yourself as you would like to be and help to maintain your goal by focusing on "how it will be". Find an old photo that you like of yourself when you were thinner. Have copies made and put one in your purse or wallet, on the refrigerator door, at your desk, on the bathroom mirror and anywhere you can think of to help you aspire to your new, thinner self.

14. Above all - WRITE IT DOWN. Keep an eating diary. Carry a piece of paper folded up or an index card in your pocket, purse or wallet and write down everything you eat during the day. Look up the foods in a reference book at home in the evening and add up the calories actually consumed. This is a great learning tool. You do not have to do this all the time, but it is good to do during the early stages and when you plateau.

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4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH
Asparagus-Mushroom Bowl - Cold Greek style dish for summer days - Healthy Recipe page

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5. PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH

* SLENDERLEAN -- ** New! ** Dieter's Choice for Safe Weight Loss
Increases Metabolism, Burns Calories, Boosts Energy and is Ephedra-Free!

SLENDERLEAN from Life Plus is a special and effective weight loss formulation that contains 400mg of the proprietary Xanalean™ complex plus 100mcg of Chromium per tablet. Xanalean™ is a scientific blend of Theobromine, Arctic Rose Root extract, Cinnamon Bark, and Dutch Cocoa. SLENDERLEAN helps your body to thermogenically burn more calories by safely boosting metabolism and energy levels. This completely unique and patent-pending product is the culmination of many years of research, which have resulted in a proprietary botanical blend that can never be duplicated. Although many weight loss supplements claim that they work to cause weight loss without diet or exercise, only potentially dangerous ones are actually capable of that. SLENDERLEAN is truly a breakthrough product that facilitates adherence to your weight loss regimen. Use it daily for the nutritional support of healthy moods, energy, appetite (helps fight food cravings), and weight management, as part of a complete wellness program. Take advantage of the latest research in weight management with SLENDERLEAN.

For additional information about SLENDERLEAN, please visit: SlenderLean Page

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6. PAST SPECIAL EDITIONS:

We have several Special Editions that we issued on particular Health Issues or on Complimentary/Alternative Botanicals. You can view them from the following index: News Index

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Be Healthy!

The Culbreths

Home Page	Supplements	Water filters	Health Books	Questions?

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The information in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any products mentioned in this newsletter will cure or treat disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.