Vitamin D extends and improves life

A few minutes of sunshine a day goes a long way - literally.

Experts have recently revealed that a regular intake of vitamin D has the capability of extending your life expectancy by up to 7%. In past studies, vitamin D has been proven to prevent life-threatening illnesses such as breast cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and multiple sclerosis. Other studies have indicated that vitamin D may block cancer cell proliferation or improve blood vessel and immune system functions. In addition, vitamin D maintains the calcium and phosphorous concentrations in the body, therefore making stronger healthier bones.

On top of the physical health benefits that vitamin D provides, sunshine has also been proven to increase levels of serotonin (a chemical in the body that acts as a messenger to the brain) therefore instantly increasing and enlightening the mood. Next time you find yourself overcome with negative emotions, try taking a breather outdoors in the sunlight.

When the weather doesn't permit, or if it's during winter months, try taking vitamin D supplements. Research has found that the benefits of these supplements can be even greater than that of direct sunlight, as sunlight imposes harmful rays to the skin upon too much exposure - especially to infants. The recommended dose of vitamin D per day for an adult is 1000 international units (IU).

7 Ways to Prevent and Ease Heartburn

Despite its deceiving name, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart. In fact the stinging sensation occurs in the esophagus when acid leaves the stomach and comes into contact with the esophagus lining. Those who suffer from heartburn, or acid reflux, know how much of a pain it is and are probably constantly searching for a solution to heartburn problems. Here are 7 quick tips to help you prevent your acid reflux episodes:


1. Eat to Prevent Heartburn - The first thing that will help you ease heartburn is making sure you have a healthy diet with less acid and more fibre. Fatty foods like to sit in the stomach creating acid, whereas vegetables, fruits, and grains are easily digested with less acid production. Acidic foods like coffee, chili peppers, orange juice, tomato juice, and tomato sauce can cause heartburn. Some drugs like tetracylin, aspirin, ibuprophen, and iron supplements may cause heartburn. Other foods like garlic, onions, and chocolate may seem to promote heartburn by weakening the muscles at the bottom of the esophagus.

2. Eat slowly - Eating quickly encourages you to eat more, therefore pushing acid up into the esophagus. Keep your meal proportions moderate and avoid eating on the run - this triggers stress which in turn triggers acid production and sensitivity to the pain of acid reflux.

3. Drink Herbal tea - Herbs have been considered natural heartburn remedies for thousands of years. After eating, brew chamomile, angelica, anise, caraway, seeds, or coriander. Peppermint leaves are also soothing herbs that can be brewed into a tea.

4. Stress less - stress increases the pain of acid reflux. If you are usually prone to stress, try meditative activities like yoga, or take an hour or so each day to do something you really enjoy such as playing an instrument, reading, or pampering yourself with a bubble bath.

5. Stay Standing - When you are suffering from pain your instinct might be to lie down. Try not to lie down when you have heartburn because it will actually cause the stomach acid to overflow therefore increasing the pain.

6. Don't eat and sleep - Do not eat within 2 hours before going to bed. Lying down with a full stomach can cause heartburn and indigestion as well as increase pain.

7. Skip the tuxedo cake - Usually, chocolate has health benefits, but when it comes to heartburn, the fat and caffeine in chocolate can stimulate overproduction of stomach acid. Other foods that stimulate acid in the stomach are milk, beer, wine, and tomatoes.

6 Ways to Lose Weight Naturally

Despite what the countless infomercials and magazine ads say, you do not need hundreds of dollars worth of bizarre work out equipment or a cupboard full of worthless weight loss medicine to lose weight effectively. There are many natural medicines that will assist you in weight loss and make you feel healthy!

1. Drink more water

Water is the most important and effective weight loss remedy. By increasing your intake of water to a minimum of 8 glasses a day, your body will become more efficient in absorbing the nutrients and vitamins it needs. Drink a glass of water before you start to snack or have a meal. It may stop you from overindulging by giving you a feeling of fullness. Drinking warm water will aid in digestion.

2. Put your body to work

The number one weight loss remedy proven to be the most effective for hundreds of years is the most simple; get some exercise! There is nothing out there that will allow you to get in shape and lose weight faster than a jog on the beach or a visit to the gym. Not to mention it does wonders to the mind and will leave you feeling energized and happier.

3. Try green tea products

Green tea is an ancient remedy in China believed to be effective for many things including weight loss. A cup of green tea has the ability to increase your metabolism and fat and calorie burning abilities. Green tea also comes in different forms including capsules and extracts.

4. Almonds, peanuts and walnuts!

Eating a handful of nuts a day will provide you with protein and satisfy your appetite. According to the International Journal of Obesity, a recent study showed that eating a serving of almonds daily for 6 months can help decrease your body fat by 18%. Be careful not to eat too many, because nuts also contain healthy fat, ideal in small amounts but may cause weight gain in large amounts.

5. Eat more Raw food

Raw food is a great health option because it does not contain fatty oils like cooked food, or chemicals used in processing. Try to increase your raw food intake by eating raw vegetables, fruit, nuts and especially salads!

6. Eat Pears

Pears are said to be the best fruit to aid in weight loss because they are full of fibre which improves your digestive tract and fills you up quickly to prevent further food consumption.