Six Strategies for Staying Young Longer

Like it or not, we begin to age the moment we are born. But considering that our bodies are designed to be productive past the age of one hundred, this should not be an issue. And although we are living longer, we are not aging better. There was a time when even doctors thought that a bent spine, painful joints, melancholy, and mental confusion were just a normal part of getting old. Today, we know these to be symptoms of disease - osteoporosis, arthritis, depression, and dementia or others - and we are trying to prevent and treat them.

Although aging is still not completely understood, most scientists define it as the accumulation of random damage to the building blocks of life -- especially to DNA, and to certain proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Free radicals cause some of the damage. Our lifestyle and the mix of genes we inherit also influence the amount and the results of damage. The body's self-repair mechanisms fix some of the damage, but not all. Our lifestyle also helps repair some of the damage. But as we grow older, the repair mechanisms don't work quite as well, leaving cells, tissues, and organs to become impaired and exposing us to diseases. Among the discomforts that are NOT necessarily part of normal aging are: Hypertension, congestive heart disease, arterial sclerosis, stroke, dementia, arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cancer, osteoporosis, menopause, graying and hair loss, wrinkled skin, fatigue, weakness, loss of muscle and tone, diminishing vision, smell, and hearing; overweight; digestive problems and loss of appetite.

Average life expectancy today is 77 years. The oldest recorded human died in 1997 at 122 years old. Can this life span be extended? Even more importantly - can a person's "health span" - a term which means, "living longer, healthier, and more active lives" - be extended?

In the absence of a magic pill, here are six disease-prevention and anti-aging strategies - things you can do now to stay young and prolong your life.

1. Eat More Fruits and Veggies. The secret to a longer life could be hiding in your refrigerator. Specific chemicals in the foods you eat affect your genes. For example, Sulforaphane, a phytochemical in broccoli, works with your genes to build up your body's self-repair mechanisms, helping to inactivate toxins and free radicals before they can do the damage that leads to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and even premature aging.

By eating more of the foods that contain nutrients that support the body's defense systems, you can prevent or repair the damage before it leads to disease. Scientists studied the diet of the world's longest-lived people - the men and women of Okinawa, Japan. During 25 years of study, researchers have found that Okinawans have healthier arteries, lower risks for breast and prostrate cancer, stronger bones, sharper minds, lean, fit bodies, and excellent emotional health. The Okinawan diet consists mainly of high-carbohydrate, low-calorie, plant-based foods.

So the advice to eat more fruits and vegetables is based on real-life research. As a matter of fact, the USDA recommendation of at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables is not enough. Eating 9 to 15 daily servings decreases your risk for heart disease, cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, and obesity. For example, Lycopene, the pigment that makes tomatoes red, also appears to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people 55 and older. While fresh tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, the most absorbable forms are found in cooked tomato products, such as spaghetti sauce and soup. Pink grapefruit, guava, red bell pepper, and watermelon also contain Lycopene.

Sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, and other orange fruits and vegetables boost your intake of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, essential for healthy skin and eyes, and which may also reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Lutein and Lycopene are also found in orange foods.

Blueberries, red grapes, plums (fresh or dried), purple grape juice, blackberries, and red cabbage contain Anthocyanins, the chemicals that give these fruits their deep purplish color, are absorbed into the brain's membranes and can improve memory and cognition.
Broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower contain Sulforaphane, which increases the production of enzymes that clear toxins from the body.

2. Manage your weight. Restricting calories is a proven way to prolong life and vitality. Calorie restriction is the most studied anti-aging method. It is a diet high in nutrients and very low in calories (about 30- 40 percent lower than a maintenance level of calories). By eating fewer calories, your body will create fewer free radicals and improve glucose efficiency.

You don't have to do ultra-strict calorie restriction, but following a diet such as the Okinawa program above, in which plant-based foods comprise two-thirds of your diet; you'll be on your way to a healthier longer life.

3. Increase your activity. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, add some regular activity to your routine, such as walking or biking at least 4 days weekly for at least 45 minutes. Please speak with you doctor, if you have any diagnosed medical condition before starting any exercise program. Regular exercise is one prescription that can immediately enhance the quality and length of your life.

4. Get regular check-ups. If you catch problems early, by having basic screening exams such as mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopy, bone-mineral density scans, and any blood tests you should have, you increase your chances of early detection and recovery.

5. Don't smoke. But you already know this.

6. Drink fresh water. You need to adequately hydrate the body. You don't necessarily have to follow the eight-glasses-a-day recommendation. Drink enough so that your urine is clear.

Health Tips For Men and Women

Here are some health tips you might find useful. I myself have survived a serious health problem and not just survived it but emerged from it at the age of 58 in the best health I have ever enjoyed.

DAILY EXERCISE:
Lots of walking/running/cycling. Bodies like to be worked so work yours. Just bear in mind a gradient approach and don't over-tax it.

STRESS:
Human beings are tough creatures so I'm not over-keen to play the "stress" card. A busy, active, responsible life with a few thrills and spills is recommended. But get sufficient rest and sleep and give yourself some down time. Take a walk and get yourself some space. As well as ensuring you get sufficient rest, get sufficient WHOLESOME food food and liquids. These common-sense measures can go a long way to preventing high cholesterol and blood pressure weight gain, insomnia, headaches, acne, and even hair loss. The body will work fine until its is impeded from so doing: so much of what ails us comes about because, quite simply, we poison or damage ourselves

QUIT CAFFEINE AND TOBACCO:
This maybe easier said than done but the health benefits if you can pull it off are tremendous. Believe me, I've been there! And if I can kick these habits so, my friend, can you!

AVOID DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
These are poisons. The pharmaceutical industry works hard to convince us to drug ourselves on every pretext - and the drugs touted are very often catastrophic to health. In a great many instances good nutrition is a better solution or indeed prevention and as a technology nutrition has left the pharmaceutical approach back in the stone age.

Drug companies however cannot make money out of getting us to eat properly or take vitamins. Indeed they cannot make money out of our being well.

GET REGULAR CHECKUPS:
I recommend two things: a standard blood test by which you can monitor cholesterol levels and so forth and periodic visits to a kinesiologist.

Kinesiology is a highly advanced piece of technology and in the hands of an expert practitioner it is a wonderful and very accurate diagnostic tool.

With it one can establish whether any organs are not working properly and not only establish the specific herbal/nutritional remedy that will resolve the matter but the amounts of that remedy one needs to take. My kinesiologist has been able to detect and resolve issues early before they became life-threatening that mainstream medicine never would have been able to detect.

I have been greatly impressed and helped by Kinesiology and highly recommend it.

SUPER FOOD
They are calling it a super food and a "nutrient power house." In my view this natural, organic whole food deserves such accolades. It nourishes at a deep cellular level. Since I have been using it I have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence of my vitality and overall wellness. Throughout my body everything simply started working properly. I have been so impressed by this fantastic product that I am about to publish a free book that will tell you all about it:: what it is, what it does and why its results are so miraculous. I am giving it away to anyone who wants a copy. Including YOU, dear reader.

Vital Health Tips For Everyone

When you talk about the list of priorities of people around the world, you may encounter big differences among different cultures. Some people in other parts of the world value family ties more than anything else. Other people cherish and give utmost importance to career and personal development. Others believe that above all, religion must be the number one priority. Still others believe that love and relationships should be at the top of everybody's list. Despite some clear differences among people in different parts of the world, there is one thing that everyone does consider as very important - if not THE most important aspect of all. While it may be true that different people have different priorities in life, it is also true that they all value their health. Thus, to make things easier for every one of us, here are a few health Tips that might come in handy. Read on to learn more about these tips.

The most vital of all health Tips is to quit smoking and drinking. These are two of the biggest killers among both men and women. Another tip is to keep moving as much as possible. If you can walk to your work or school, then skip your car and the city taxis. Another tip is to avoid eating fat that is beyond the daily requirement. Fat is important for our daily nutrition. However, too much of it will also hurt us.

Without good health, people cannot do the things they want. They cannot take care of their career, family, practice their faith, and everything else that life can offer. Take care of your health beginning today. It is never too late.

Sexual Health of Men

The sexual health of men is not as complicated as that of women. Show a man a certain type of image and if his brain and nervous system are working properly to produce nitric oxide, then a response will usually occur. That's not to discount any mental, emotional, and spiritual components but it is the physical component that has the greatest impact on man's sexual health. This article will focus on what men can do to improve the physical component of their sexual health. The side benefit is that these suggestions can also positively impact your overall wellness and how you age.

In all the information I gathered to prepare for this article, two overriding issues kept surfacing. These two health issues were consistently present. The first is hormone levels. The second is cardiovascular health. Most men would understand how hormone levels could apply but few ever consider cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular Health!

Your cardiovascular health is as important to your sexual health as it is to your overall health. The reason why centers on the health of the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels of your body. The creation of nitric oxide occurs in these endothelial cells. Nitric oxide researchers believe that nitric oxide can correct up to 90% of all penile dysfunction. When the endothelial cells are damaged by high blood pressure, high sugar levels, cholesterol, and smoking this decreases nitric oxide production. Endothelial cells and their ability to produce nitric oxide are critical to the sexual health of men.

Hormone Levels!

At its simplest level, sex is just a hormone driven function designed to perpetuate the species. With that said, the sexual health of American men is in trouble. Testosterone levels have been decreasing over the last 20 years. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It plays an important role in maintaining bone and muscle mass. Low levels of testosterone have been linked to lowered libido and diabetes. Diabetes can affect the endothelial cells of the blood vessels compounding the problem of lower testosterone levels.

Over the past two decades, the level of testosterone in American males has decreased by 16 percent. Researchers don't know why. But there are some clues. The recent Nurses' Health Study revealed some important truths as they apply to women. Some of those truths also apply to the sexual health of men because they affect both hormonal levels and cardiovascular health.

Additionally, as testosterone levels have decreased this has resulted in reduced muscle mass and tone, reduced metabolism and energy and an increase in body fat. Not a sexy combination! You can accept it and do nothing about it. Or, you can begin to live life by making healthier eating and exercise choices. Choices that will help your body actually be younger physically than your chronological age.

You Have Control Over the Process!

Every day you replace approximately 1% of your cells. That means that 1% of your body is new today, 1% is new tomorrow, and 1% is new each and every day of your life. You choose whether those new cells will be nourished properly or poorly. You choose whether you will have healthy and vibrant cells that act young. Or, sickly and sedentary cells that act old.

The sexual health of your body will be affected by the choices you make. I call it "The 1% Solution!" and it will positively affect the cardiovascular and sexual health of your body.

Choices Affecting Sexual Health!

The Nurses' Health Study highlighted five critical lifestyle and diet behaviors. They are:

o Carbohydrates - Slow verses Fast!

o Fats - Natural verses Artificial!

o Protein - Animal or Plant!

o Body Weight - Your BMI!

o Exercise - Is It Important?

If you look at this list, three critical components emerge: Diet, Weight, and Exercise! Now you might think that this only applies to women. It doesn't! Each of these factors will affect your cardiovascular health and hormonal balance. Each of these factors also affects the health of your endothelial cells and their ability to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide production is the most important component to the sexual health of men. Let's look at how all of these factors impact your sexual health.

The Diet Component!

You are what you eat and drink. The sexual health of your body and the cardiovascular health of your circulatory system will be greatly determined by your food and drink choices. These choices will also impact the potential for disease and how you age.

Your first choice is in the area of carbohydrates. Are you choosing foods and drinks that are high in fast carbs (simple sugars)? If you are, then you need to understand that:

o Fast carbs disrupt hormone levels.

o Fast carbs create the potential for high blood sugar that can lead to diabetes.

o High blood sugar can damage the endothelial cells of your blood vessels reducing the production of nitric oxide which is critical for good sexual and cardiovascular health.

Learn to consume foods that are high in slow carbs (complex carbohydrates). Slow carbs will help to keep your blood sugar levels normal and your hormonal levels balanced. Drink water instead of sugary drinks and diet sodas. Drinking water hydrates your system, helps you balance your hormone levels, and aids in weight management.

Your second choice is in the area of fats. Eliminate all trans fats from your diet and replace them with natural, heart-health fats. The Nurses' Health Study clearly showed how disruptive trans fats are to fertility in women. As little as four grams of trans fat (the equivalent of two tablespoons of stick margarine, one medium order of French fries or one doughnut) began to disrupt their hormonal balance.

How much of your diet consists of trans fats from fast food restaurants? How many orders of French fries and doughnuts have you consumed at work? Although I can't give you any hard research on men, it makes sense that we can be as affected by trans fats as women are. It's time that you incorporate foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as wild, cold-water fish, walnuts, and flax seeds) since essential fats help to balance hormone levels and promote healthy cell function.

Your third choice is in the area of protein. According to the Nurses' Health Study, women who got their protein from plant sources rather then from animals took a big step toward improved fertility. Animal protein can adversely affect your sexual health. It also has a direct influence on cancer!

If you're not willing to give up your beef, pork or chicken, then invest the time, energy and extra cost to make sure that these sources of protein are hormone free. This also applies to your dairy products. Much of the industry still relies on hormonal injections into their livestock to help increase food production. Eating meat from these animals and their byproducts will affect your hormonal levels. If you're not willing to switch to plant-based protein sources, then make sure your meat and dairy sources are hormone free.

The Weight Component!

Like it or not weight impacts the sexual health of your body. Why? Because fat interferes with your hormonal balance! Fat also stresses your cardiovascular system. This additional stress on your cardiovascular system will compromise the sexual health of your body. Currently, 66% of Americans are overweight with at least a third being obese. Diets are not the answer. America has been dieting for the last 50 years. It has had no real impact on slowing down overweight and obesity rates.

You need a paradigm shift from "dieting" to "healthy eating". Make food choices based on how it will improve your health and wellness, not on how it will impact your weight. Most people who do this see their weight stabilize or decrease.

The Exercise Component!

Exercise is important for both sexual and cardiovascular health. Inactivity saps the body of its ability to respond to insulin and makes you less efficient in absorbing blood sugar. A study from the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality highlighted that people who exercised on a regular basis:

o Feel better about themselves.

o Think they are more sexually desirable.

o Experience greater levels of satisfaction.

It's always important to check with your physician or health care provider before you start an exercise program. Once you have their OK, than strive to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, biking, and swimming are important and seem to increase circulation to the pelvis and the reproductive organs. But don't forget about strength training exercises. Strength training exercises will help you maintain bone health and density. Additionally, strength training exercises will increase your spatial awareness. This is a very positive feeling that improves your overall well being.

The Nitric Oxide Component!

You cannot live without nitric oxide. Your cardiovascular system could not function properly without nitric oxide. The sexual health of your body revolves around the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide production is dependant upon the health of the endothelial cells of your blood vessels, and adequate supplies of the essential amino acid L-arginine.

High blood pressure, high sugar levels, high cholesterol levels and smoking all affect your endothelial cells in a negative way. Damage to these endothelial cells will reduce nitric oxide production. This can compromise the blood flow to the sexual organ resulting in reduced sensitivity and/or erectile dysfunction.

Since nitric oxide is synthesized from the essential amino acid L-arginine, your diet needs to include protein sources and/or supplements that contain this amino acid. It needs to be emphasized that L-arginine is not a hormone and it is not testosterone. However, when properly brought into the body it can cross the blood-brain barrier to signal the hypothalamus to naturally trigger the pituitary gland to produce growth hormone. This is the key to eliminating any negative side effects typically associated with hormone supplements like DHEA and HGH.

Please note that L-arginine has a dark side and can cause some serious side effects. Read my article, "L-arginine, Nitric Oxide and Sexual Health!" for more information on this essential amino acid.

Conclusion!


If you continue a life of inactively, animal protein intake, sugary drinks, foods made from refined grains, increased body fat, and inadequate nitric oxide production, then you will become part of the new reality for America. This new reality includes epidemic increases in diabetes, continued high levels of cardiovascular disease and stroke, continued high levels of cancer, and poor sexual health especially for those over the age of 40. As Aristotle said, "We Are What We Repeatedly Do!"

By taking the necessary steps to improve your diet, manage your weight, exercise properly and increase your body's ability to produce nitric oxide you will experience positive changes in the sexual health of your body. If you repeatedly take these positive steps you will also improve your wellness and slow down your aging.

One Final Thought!

Although the hormonal balance between men and women are different, the process of change is the same. Many of the steps that improve the sexual health of men will also help improve the sexual health of women. Encourage your spouse or partner to implement these changes with you. If you both take the steps to improve your health, then you will both be reward in the bedroom, and in living your life to its fullest.

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Vitamin D3 - What It Does For Your Body

While vitamin D is good for your health, very few people are aware of its two different forms and their effect on the body.

Vitamin D is often known as the sunshine vitamin and most people do not know that it has two forms, D2 and D3, of which only vitamin D3 is produced through the natural synthesis of sunlight on the skin. Plants and fungi on the other hand produce Vitamin D2. You can find vitamin D2 more commonly, as milk, cereals and juices are fortified with it. The two forms are commonly known as ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).

What are The Differences Between Vitamin D2 and D3?

The biggest difference between the two forms of vitamin D is the way it is produced. Plants produce the D2 form while D3 is a byproduct of synthesis of ultra violet B rays from sunlight penetrating the body's surface. It can be found on the skin or surface of animals and is commonly found in the wool of sheep.

Of the two forms, D3 is considered beneficial to the body as it controls the level of calcium and phosphorous in the blood, which is vital for bone development and growth. It can be stored in the body tissue until it is required. D2 on the other hand is not a natural form in the human body as plants and other invertebrates synthesize it. It is not as easily absorbed by the receptors in the body and as a result does not have the same effect as D3. Both versions of the vitamin are available as supplements in pill or liquid form. D3 has the longer shelf life of the two. Because the supplements are made from animal sources, many vegetarians do not use them and opt for vitamin D2 supplements instead.

The Function of Vitamin D3

Although it is classified as a vitamin, vitamin D3 is a hormone. When sunlight falls on the body's surface - the skin in our case - it synthesizes to form vitamin D3, which is circulated in the blood stream to help in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous that is received from digested food sources. The calcium is used for building and strengthening teeth and bone mass. In addition, calcium also has a role to play in the production of hormones in the body by transmitting nerve impulses to the brain. Almost 99% of your vitamin D supply is used for regulating the calcium in the body; the remaining part is utilized for strengthening the immune system and maintaining muscle strength.

Benefits of Vitamin D D3

While excess vitamin D3 can be stored away in the fat cells for future use, deficiency of vitamin D in the body can have adverse effects on the health of an individual.

Getting the right amount of vitamin D can have numerous benefits on the body. It is responsible for strengthening teeth and bones, improving bone density and prevents weakening of the muscles as it promotes absorption of calcium in the blood. Older people with sufficient amounts of vitamin D3 are less prone to ailments such as arthritis, osteoporosis and osteomalacia. In children and infants, it can help in bone growth and development and prevent diseases such as Rickets.

Vitamin D3 also reduces the risk of certain types of cancer in men and women such as prostrate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. It can reduce the risks associated with certain pregnancy related infections including bacterial vaginosis that poses a threat of premature labor and fetal death. It prevents or improves other conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. It can also lower the risk of heart disease, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It gives a boost to the body's immune system and can help prevent influenza and seasonal allergies.

Due to the role that vitamin d plays in influencing the production of hormones in the body, it can also improve certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and vitiligo, besides controlling moods. In countries that experience low sunlight conditions during a few months of the year, the body is unable to get its adequate share of vitamin D through natural synthesis. During this period, vitamin D3 supplements can help in reducing the symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder.

So remember, for healthy teeth and bones, as well as good health, you need to get the right dose of vitamin D3. The best source is sunlight. However, you need direct sunlight as the UVB rays cannot penetrate glass. The further away you are from the equator, the longer you need to be out in the sun to produce the right amount of vitamin D. Darker skinned people require a longer period of exposure compared to lighter skinned people. Sunscreens can also limit the amount of UVB rays that are absorbed by the skin. If you can't do this, then I recommend vitamin D3 supplementation to keep your body healthy.

Top 5 Things That Will Save Your Life

Staying physically fit and active is an absolute must but for most, our body starts to protest at some stage and pain and injuries can appear. Aching muscles & joints, ligament & tendon damage, electrolyte imbalances causing cramps and hydration problems are all common complaints. Most of these symptoms can be prevented though, especially with the correct use of protein, as well as a few specific nutritional supplements.

Amino acids are the building blocks from which proteins are made. So far 22 have been identified and they can be linked together to form more than 50,000 different proteins. The body continuously breaks down the proteins eaten into amino-acid complexes and free amino acids, which it then recombines to form whatever proteins it needs to maintain itself. Amino acids supply the raw materials for maintaining the genetic code (DNA), repairing damaged muscle tissue, for cell division, making enzymes, building new connective tissue and making hormones and neurotransmitters.

Not all protein foods contain the same balance of amino acids. As a reminder, protein is anything that comes from an animal - so meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, as well as nuts and seeds and soy products. Some other foods do contain protein too. Protein foods of animal origin are regarded as "complete" protein because they contain all the amino acids in an approximately ideal balance. Eggs in particular provide protein that is biologically complete. Vegetable sources vary in their balance of amino acids.

Try to include a serving of protein at every meal and snack. A cupped palmful at main meals and a level palmful at snacks. Also, if protein is eaten within 8 minutes after resistance training, this will be utilized for the repair of tissue, helping to prevent muscle pain and fatigue.

Taking a Glucosamine supplement is a must, to provide building blocks to help repair cartilage, ligament and tendon damage. This natural ingredient, mainly derived from crustacean shells, was trialed in Europe in the 1980's and was found to be effective in reducing joint pain, joint tenderness and joint swelling. Joint function and physical performance always improved with its use. Findings were observed after 4 to 10 weeks of Glucosamine administration. In these studies, 1500 mg per day was used. The results were so convincing that Glucosamine has become a first line treatment for osteoarthritis in several European countries.

Look after your digestion. You may think your digestion is good, but is it really? Can you honestly say that you feel energized after eating food? Do you experience gas, belching, acid reflux, constipation or diarrhoea? Having good digestion is really the key to good health. Your digestive system is involved with the breaking down and then absorption and utilization of nutrients from the food you eat and drink. If it's not functioning optimally, or if the foods or fuel you consume are not ideal, then your body will struggle to carry out its normal day to day functions and fatigue and illness can be the result.

Remember that what goes in, must come out; ideally within around 12 hours after consuming it. If this process is not efficient and/or if the transit time for waste matter to be eliminated is too slow, a toxic environment is produced in the intestinal tract. Our intestine is where we absorb nutrients from the food eaten. If there is accumulated waste matter built up in here, not only will you absorb the nutrients from the food eaten, but you will also absorb the toxicity created by this retention of waste matter. Yuck!

Just like the car enthusiast who keeps his vehicle finely tuned; using only the best fuel and oil, knowing this is the only way to ensure it continues to run optimally, we need to make the same choices when it comes to our body (our vehicle!). A regular tune up and "service" is vital to ensure everything continues to function as well as it can. Start the New Year off by completing a detox. There are many well structured detox packs available, that require little or no life style changes; except drinking more water. If this isn't for you, then increase your daily water intake and eat fresh raw fruits and/or vegetables at each meal. Those from the brassica family are some of the best for helping with better detoxification in the body, so a stir-fry and coleslaw are good additions to the diet. Remember that you will benefit from any improvement, so don't make excuses.

Hormones and glandular health. Stress, alcohol and recreational drugs can negatively affect sexual performance, hormonal levels and balance. As well as this, many common foods eaten on a daily basis contain residues of hormones, which enhanced the growth of that food. When we ingest this, it has a direct impact on our own hormones, mainly by increasing estrogen levels. A high estrogen level in men is not good and can shut down or affect the normal production of testosterone in the body. High serum levels of estrogen trick the brain into thinking that enough testosterone is being produced, thereby slowing the natural production of testosterone.

Another problem is high levels of an enzyme called Aromataze. Aromataze enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen in the body. Inhibiting the Aromataze enzyme results in a significant decline in estrogen levels, while often boosting free testosterone levels. Therefore, taking an agent designated as an "Aromataze inhibitor" may be beneficial for men who have excess estrogen.

One of the easiest ways to determine your existing hormonal levels is to have a hormone test. Armed with the results from this, you will be able to target any hormone specifically, whether high or low, to correct any imbalance that it showed.

Having a good mate to talk to is a must for all people, but definitely men. Statistics in New Zealand show that men aged between 25-45 have been identified as one of the groups most at risk of experiencing depression; as they are less likely to seek help, have less contact with their GPs than women, and are not likely to talk openly about issues they are experiencing because of the stigma of not coping. Symptoms of depression include finding it hard to get enthusiastic about things, emotional sadness, low self confidence and social withdrawal. Statistics show that New Zealand men who are aged between 25-45 have the highest rate of suicide by life stage, than any other group. What ever the problem, help is at hand. Look in the Personal help services of the local directory or online using a New Zealand search engine.

Many people experiencing depression may be suffering with a serotonin deficiency. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger involved with a number of major regulatory processes in the body. These include sleep, mood, libido (sexual interest) & body temperature.

Serotonin is a word often associated with the use of substances like E, P & BZP, as taking these depletes this vital brain chemical. Prolonged stress, as well as a high protein, very low carb diet will also contribute to low brain levels. In the winter months many people suffer with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called the winter blues, which is linked to light deprivation. Studies show that the seasonal variations in natural light alter levels of the hormone melatonin, which subsequently causes reduced levels of serotonin. Working in enclosed spaces without natural light can cause the same kind of problem, with all of these creating a wide range of serotonin deficiency symptoms.

The most common symptoms relating to low serotonin are depression, carbohydrate craving & binging, sleeping problems & insomnia, compulsive obsessive disorders, anxiety & appetite changes.

Consider taking 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan), an extract from a plant seed called Griffonia, which is converted to serotonin in the brain. If your serotonin level is low, taking 5 HTP will top it up quickly. Going out side in the sunlight for 20 minutes a day will also help, as this is also needed for efficient serotonin production.

Remember depression is a symptom of something else happening in the body. The cause of this needs to be isolated, so the problem can be dealt with effectively, once and for all.

Had a good nights sleep lately? Some sleep specialists estimate that fifty percent or more of the US population suffer from sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation is more about lack of quality sleep rather than lack of hours of sleep. This distinction explains why some people wake rested and refreshed after six hours while others are still weary and bleary eyed after nine hours.

The human body carries out many vital processes while sleeping. These include the production of growth hormones and other chemicals, the regeneration and/or repair of damaged tissues, recharging and strengthening of the immune system, preparing the body's energy stores for the next day and the removal of toxins in the body.

There are many things that need to be looked at if quality of sleep is an issue for you. These include the amount of stimulants you consume (tea, coffee & chocolate based products), when and how much of what foods you eat during the day, your nutritional stasis, your stress levels, your hormonal balance.... the list goes on.

If you have a problem with getting to sleep, consider taking a supplement high in magnesium, with co factors such as calcium and zinc. These minerals help to soothe and calm nerves and muscles, helping to promote relaxation in the body. Common deficiency symptoms of these include muscular cramps and twitches, jumping at sudden sounds and being unable to switch your brain off at night time to fall asleep.

We all consume far too many stimulants. Keep tea and coffee to no more than 2 cups a day and don't consume them past 2pm. Consider caffeine free alternatives such as caro, ecco or inka, herbal teas such as chamomile, lemon balm or rooibos (not green tea, which contains 2/3 the amount of caffeine as found in a cup of coffee).