The first day of autumn is only a couple weeks away but you should waste no time to get your immune system ready for one of the most sensitive times of the year. Many people suffer from allergies in the autumn months as the allergy triggers are generally caused by mold, ragweed and dust mites.

Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. This yellow-flowering weed typically begins pollinating in August, affecting people as its pollen can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind. Mold allergies are also common as its spores can easily get airborne. Mold thrives in damp areas such as piles of leaves in yards and streets, and basements and bathrooms at home. Dust mites are a common indoor allergen and continue to make their way into your nose during the fall, triggering sneezes, wheezes, and runny noses.

The symptoms of autumn allergies are the same as the spring allergies: runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. Allergies are caused when foreign invaders enter the nose and the immune system mistakenly releases antibodies, which attack the allergens, leading to the release of chemicals called histamines, and triggering runny nose and itchy eyes.

Supplements for immune health are one of the best ways to fight off allergies this fall. Choose the right immune supplements to strengthen the body’s defenses. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria and not the common cold or flu. Since the common cold is caused by a virus and not a bacterial infection, antibiotics may not be effective and can significantly wipe out the good bacteria from your system, creating immune deficiency.

There are no known cures for cold and flu, but prevention is highly recommended at this time of the year. Wash your hands frequently, drink lots of fluids, get proper sleep, and, if needed, try an immune system supplement.

 2 Comments, latest by Johnny Jefferson

	Amazing Grass – Kidz SuperFood Powder Wild Berry – 6.5 oz.
	Kyolic – Moducare Daily Immune System Health Grape – 120 Chewable Tablets
	Pure Essence Labs – AllerFree Enzymes For Allergies – 45 Vegetarian Capsules
	American Health – Ester-C Advanced Antioxidant Formula 1000 mg. – 90 Vegetarian Tablets

Have you ever fallen asleep while driving? Have you ever felt drowsy behind the wheel?

Most people will answer “yes” to both questions, particularly the second one. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs gets all the attention of the media and the authorities. However, many people don’t realize that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous.

A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety confirms that drowsy drivers threaten road safety in many ways. According to researchers, two out of every five drivers say they’ve fallen asleep behind the wheel at some point, and more than a quarter of drivers responding to a survey admit being so sleepy that they’ve had trouble keeping their eyes open while driving in the previous month. In addition, researchers found that one in 10 people reported falling asleep while driving within the past year.

People can “lose their sleep” over these scary numbers but yet, none or little action is taken to to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving.

It’s time to start acting to prevent more accidents. Drowsy drivers are putting themselves at risk but also putting other people at risk as well. Crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) between 1999 and 2008 estimate that drowsy driving was involved in about one in six, or 16.5 percent, of fatal crashes and about one in eight, or 13 percent, of accidents requiring hospitalization, whether on the highway or on other roads.

Coffee, energy shots and drinks can help to keep you awake but if you are tired and can’t keep your eyes open, it’s time to get off the road and get some rest.

Rest stops and gas stations can be used for a nap or a break before you are ready to safely hit the road again.

Photo source: http://americanindian.net

 Leave a Comment

	NVE Pharmaceuticals – Stacker 2 6 Hour Power Energy Shot Lemon-Lime – 2 oz.
	NVE Pharmaceuticals – Stacker 2 6 Hour Power Energy Shot Grape – 2 oz.
	Atlas Imports Tweaker – Extreme Sports Shot Berry – 2 oz.

A recent request by New York’s Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg wants to ban the use of food stamps to buy soda or other sugared drinks. The request, made to the United States Department of Agriculture, is part of an aggressive anti-obesity campaign by the mayor of New York City which includes aggressive ads against sugary drinks, has banned trans fats in restaurants, and requires food establishments to post calorie counts.

That is a great idea for many reasons. First, food stamps should be used to buy food or drinks that provide real nourishment such as vitamins and minerals. Americans drink too much soda instead of water or natural juices. The ban would affect beverages with more than 10 calories per 8 ounces, and would exclude fruit juices without added sugar, milk products and milk substitutes. A 12-ounce soda has 150 calories and the equivalent of 10 packets of sugar, according to the health department. Drinking 12 ounces of soda a day can make a person gain 15 pounds a year.

Additionally, alarming city statistics released last month showed that nearly 40 percent of public-school children in kindergarten through eighth grade were overweight or obese, and that obesity rates were substantially higher in poor neighborhoods. NYC studies show that consumption of sugared beverages is consistently higher in those neighborhoods.

However, NYC is not the only city facing this health concern. The consumption of soda and other sugary beverages in the United States has more than doubled, paralleling the rise in obesity, and leading to rising rate of diabetes.

Finally, every single action to reduce obesity should be fully supported. Everyone drinking soda on a daily basis should try to reduce or replace it with water or natural juices, much better products for your health.

 3 Comments, latest by greasedupdeafguy

	Dynamic Health – Acai Gold 100% Pure Organic Juice – 32 oz.
	Dynamic Health – Juice Concentrate 100% Pure Pomegranate – 8 oz.
	Mix1 – All-Natural Protein & Antioxidant Drink Mango – 11 oz.

Lucky Vitamin is proud to introduce Alternative Baking cookies, a great choice of healthy treats for you and your family.

Alternative Baking Company is a California corporation formed in 1995 and dedicated to helping make the dairy and meat industries obsolete by providing gourmet quality, vegan alternatives to traditional baked goods.

Alternative Baking cookies are delicious and taste like the very best traditionally made cookies. The advantage? They contain no dairy, no eggs, no trans fats, no hydrogenated oils, no cholesterol, no animal ingredients, no artificial ingredients, and no refined sugar.

Alternative Baking uses only organic flour and organic sugar as well as other premium, natural ingredients. All cookies are made in small, handmade batches and the result is a soft and chewy cookie that is both decadently good and good for you.

Lucky Vitamin is now offering the entire line of classic cookies made with organic wheat flour and non-hydrogenated margarine (no trans fats) featuring flavors such as Colossal Chocolate Chip, Explosive Espresso Chocolate Chip, Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed, Peanut Butter Persuasion, Phenomenal Pumpkin Spice, Outrageous Oatmeal Raisin with Walnuts, Coconut Macaroon, Double Chocolate Decadence, Cranberry Orange Muffin, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.

Additionally, Lucky is offering the wheat-free cookies, Snicker Doodle and Mac the Chip, made with organic barley flour. Each cookie is entirely vegan and contains no dairy, eggs, hydrogenated oils, or artificial ingredients.

 Leave a Comment

	Alternative Baking Company – Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie – 4.25 oz.
	Alternative Baking Company – Outrageous Oatmeal Raisin Cookie with Walnuts – 4.25 oz.
	Alternative Baking Company – Cranberry Orange Muffin Cookie – 4.25 oz.

If you never heard of male menopause, you are not alone. Many men are not familiar with andropause, the term for a menopause-like condition in aging man, but the facts of this natural condition are very interesting.

Andropause is a slow but steady reduction of the production of the hormone testosterone in middle-aged men. Unlike women, men’s reproductive systems do not cease to work completely in mid-life as some men continue to father children late into their lives. Menopause is a complete cessation of reproductive ability caused by the shutting down of the female reproductive system.

Andropause is usually caused by a very gradual testosterone deficiency and an increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) that occurs from age 35 onwards. By contrast, women have a sudden onset of menopause around age 50. Testosterone declines about 1% per year after age 30 and about 30% of men in their 50’s experience andropause symptoms.

What are the symptoms of andropause?

The drop in testosterone levels generally leads to loss of energy, depression, and mood swings. In addition, some men may experience loss of libido and potency, nervousness, impaired memory, the inability to concentrate, fatigue, insomnia, hot flushes, and sweating. All these conditions may be linked to low levels of testosterone.

Some researchers prefer the term ADAM, androgen deficiency of the aging male, to more accurately reflect the fact that the loss of testosterone production is gradual and asymptotic, and in contrast to the more abrupt change associated with menopause.

 2 Comments, latest by gh

	NOW Foods – ADAM Superior Men’s Multi – 90 Vegetarian Capsules
	NOW Foods – Adam Superior Men’s Multi – 60 Tablets
	Garden of Life – Vitamin Code RAW 50 & Wiser Men’s Multi Formula – 120 Vegetarian Capsules

Perfumes, colognes and body sprays can add wonderful moments in our lives. Many people can identify a loved one or a specific person by a certain fragrance. People may have different perfumes for different uses, one for daily use, one for work, one for special occasions, and so on.

However, we should be more careful when purchasing perfume or cologne. A recent study shows that top perfumes have hazardous chemicals and may be harmful to public health.

The 43-page study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group commissioned laboratory analysis of 17 big-selling fragrance products. Those tests showed the products together contained 38 unlisted chemicals. The findings were released under the heading “Not So Sexy: The Health Risk of Secret Chemicals in Fragrances,”

According to the report, chemicals were found in lab test but not listed on product labels in several famous top-selling products including American Eagle Seventy Seven, Chanel Coco, Britney Spears Curious, Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio, Calvin Klein Eternity, Hale, Hannah Montana Secret Celebrity, Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Wish and many more.

Those unlisted compounds can trigger allergic reactions and some may be considered hormone disrupters, raising the question: is it legal to hide ingredients?

Failing to name the chemicals in a fragrance is legal under the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973. Perhaps it’s time for an update, right? Though that law requires companies to list cosmetics ingredients on product labels, it explicitly exempts requiring breaking out the specific components of a perfume or cologne. Instead, when a consumer reads the ingredients of those products, she finds only the generic category of “fragrances.”

So, what are the options if you would like continue to “smell good” but do not want to take a chance on dangerous chemicals? Try natural perfumes, fragrances or colognes. Most products use only natural ingredients or pure essential oils, a safe alternative for your body.

 2 Comments, latest by Lorinda Achziger

	Herban Cowboy – Dusk Cologne – 1.7 oz.
	Ecco Bella – Eau De Parfum Ambrosia – 1 oz.
	Ecco Bella – Eau De Parfum Lavender – 1 oz.

Who said coffee isn’t healthy? In a recent study, Harvard researchers concluded that coffee offers several health benefits and may reduce disease risk: “the overall balance of risks and benefits of coffee consumption are on the side of benefits”.

Some people may find it surprising but the famous beverage has been historically associated to health benefits, including lowering risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and colon cancer. Coffee’s negative health effects are often blamed on its high caffeine content but caffeine has also been associated with its ability to act as an antidepressant. Additionally, the presence of antioxidants in coffee has been shown to prevent free radicals from causing cell damage.

Coffee is a natural beverage and brewed from roasted seeds (commonly called coffee beans) of the coffee plant. Coffee berries are produced by several species of small evergreen bush of the genus Coffea. Once ripe, the berries are picked, processed, and dried. The seeds are then roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor, and they are then ground and brewed to create coffee.

Coffee can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways. However, the quality of coffee and method of preparation are essential to determine whether coffee consumption is beneficial or harmful. Coffee prepared using paper filters removes dangerous oily components called diterpenes, present in unfiltered coffee brewing.

In addition, pure coffee, popular known as “black coffee”, is the healthiest way to enjoy a cup of coffee. Most people add sugar, cream or milk to coffee, creating a better tasting beverage but reducing the benefits. As always, moderation is a good advice. Don’t add too much sugar or too much cream and your coffee is still “healthy”.

 4 Comments, latest by Jason

	Teeccino – Maya Herbal Coffee Chocolate Dark Roast Organic – 11 oz.
	Beyond Gourmet – Unbleached Coffee Filters Basket Style – 100 Filter(s)
	Harold Import – Drip Coffee Pot Porcelain White – 16 oz.

Lowering your cholesterol may be one of the healthiest New Year resolutions. If you have high cholesterol, 2010 might be the year to finally bring your cholesterol to healthy levels.

The main causes of high cholesterol can be divided in two groups: the causes you cannot control such as genetics or family history, and the causes you can control such as weight, diet, stress, alcohol and smoking.

There are many ways to control your cholesterol levels and stay off medication. Diet plays an important role in lowering your cholesterol and some foods can significantly help this battle and protect your heart. Try to replace foods high in saturated fats, such as cheese, meat and croutons, in your salad with nuts, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Walnuts and almonds can reduce blood cholesterol, as studies have shown that nuts help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Most nuts appear to have a similar effect including hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts and pistachios.

In addition, fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and is highly recommended to reduce cholesterol levels. Most doctors recommend two to three servings of fish per week. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and sardines have the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish oil supplements can also support healthy cholesterol levels. Many people have successfully reduced cholesterol levels simply taking a fish oil in addition to red yeast rice, another natural supplement to fight cholesterol.

 1 Comment, latest by Sizzlechest

	NOW Foods – Omega-3 Cholesterol Free – 180 Softgels
	High Performance Formulas – Cholestene Red Yeast Rice – 120 Capsules
	Bluebonnet Nutrition – CholesteRice Red Yeast Rice Complex – 90 Vegetarian Capsules

New Year, new life. The idea is very simple. Many people like to, at least, give it at try at the start of a new year.

The end of the year is generally a good time to reflect on one’s virtues and faults. It’s time to think about general things in life, perhaps a radical change for the New Year, or just a minor adjustment.

Many people start the New Year with a resolution but it’s quite interesting to check if people actually achieve their goals and maintain their resolutions. You can find a lot of ideas for resolutions on the Internet, magazines or television programs.

Quit smoking is one of the most popular New Year Resolutions. If you decided that 2010 would be the year you finally stop this unhealthy habit, make it happen!

Five days into 2010 and some people might have had “quit” their resolution, or may have had a slip. A slip is normally something people can easily recover from. A relapse is when you go back to smoking. If you could not resist and smoke one cigarette, it does not mean you should stop trying.

The difference between a slip and a relapse is within your control. A slip is a one-time mistake that is quickly corrected. You can use the slip as an excuse to go back to smoking, or you can look at what went wrong and renew your commitment to staying away from smoking for good. Quit smoking is difficult and a little help wouldn’t hurt.

Natural smoking deterrents may help to quit smoking. Most products are safe to be taken on a daily basis and have no side effects.

 1 Comment, latest by Guadalupe Parhan

	Natra-Bio – Smoking Withdrawal – 60 Tablets
	Herbs Etc – Smoke Free Spray Professional Strength – 1 oz.
	ReNew Life – Smokers Cleanse 30-Day Program

Winter is here and so are the health complications. Cold and flu are common problems but strep throat may also be an issue around this time of the year.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tissues in the back of the throat and the tonsils or adenoids. The tissues become irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat.

The most common symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat with fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, pain and difficulty swallowing, white spots on the throat and tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. In some cases, strep throat may also cause body aches, headache, stomachache, nausea or vomiting. Strep throat usually does not occur with cold symptoms, such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, or cough.

Even though strep throat usually goes away on its own in a few days, you have many ways to treat and prevent it.

Several natural products can help prevent strep throat as well as throat related infections. You may use a throat spray to promote pain relief but some people prefer throat syrup or pastilles. Teas may also provide mild relief for sore throat. Lozenges and throat drops can reduce pain and irritation and support throat health.

Strep throat is spread by direct contact with an infected person. It’s important to get a new toothbrush after the infection is over to ensure the problem does not reoccur.

 5 Comments, latest by EagarM

	Zand – Elderberry Zinc Herbal Lozenges – 15 Lozenges
	Yogi Tea – Throat Comfort Organic Caffeine Free Licorice – 16 Tea Bags

Thanksgiving Day is this Thursday in the United States and just like every year, we can’t wait for the traditional meal and the gathering of family and friends.

Turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, sweet corn and squash are traditionally served at Thanksgiving meals. Pie is the usual dessert. Pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan and apple are generally the options and everyone has their favorite pie.

Unfortunately, indigestion is often associated with the celebration of Thanksgiving. Why do we eat too much? Why do we fall asleep?

The traditional Thanksgiving meal has plenty of foods with high amounts of carbohydrates, which is likely the reason we feel stuffed.

In addition, turkey meat contains high levels of tryptophan, which may cause drowsiness. But don’t blame it all on turkey. High amounts of fats and alcohol are likely the reason for post-meal sleepiness. In fact, the white meat of turkey is generally considered healthier than dark meat because of its lower fat content.

Natural digestive enzymes may relief symptoms of indigestion such as gas and bloating. Plant-based enzymes have been used for many years to soothe the gastrointestinal tract and promote optimal digestion. Most formulas contain a special enzyme complex including lipases, amylases, proteases and cellulases, which provide powerful digestion of protein, fat, carbohydrates, milk lactose and vegetable cellulose.

Digestive enzymes with probiotics may promote even quicker relief. Don’t eat too much this year, but if you do, try digestive enzymes for naturally relief.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 1 Comment, latest by R Latkany

	Garden of Life – Omega Zyme Digestive Enzyme Blend – 180 Vegetarian Caplet(s)
	Doctor’s Best – Best Digestive Enzymes All Vegetarian – 90 Vegetarian Capsules
	Res-Q – All Essential Enzymes Digestive Blend – 30 Capsules

Food poisoning is a common problem that can be easily treated. Each year, an estimated 76 million people in the United States become ill from the food they eat, and about 5,000 of them die according to the CDCP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Beef and poultry are generally the main causes of food-borne illness, but a number of other foods also pose a risk. A recent article shows the top 10 riskiest poisoning foods based on the number of outbreaks and cases.

Surprisingly, some healthy foods are considered high-risk for poisoning outbreaks.

Leafy greens are on the top of list, most likely due to poor handling practices and contaminated washing equipment.

Eggs have the second highest number of outbreaks, with most of them caused by salmonella. Half of all cases of egg-related illness are in restaurants.

Tuna rounds up the top three as fresh fish can decay soon after being caught, leading to poisoning.

Oysters, potatoes, cheese, ice cream, tomatoes, sprouts and berries complete the top 10 list.

Food poisoning is cause by harmful bacteria, with symptoms ranging from upset stomach to fever and severe vomiting.

Probiotic supplements are one of the best ways to treat food poisoning. Also known as “good bacteria” or “healthy bacteria”, probiotics can assist the body’s naturally occurring gut flora and are able to convert sugars and other carbohydrates into lactic acid, which can prevent gastrointestinal infections.

Probiotics supplements are safe, reliable and have become one of the top selling products in health food stores and websites.

 3 Comments, latest by Solai Luke

	American Health – Probiotic Acidophilus Natural Banana Flavor – 16 oz.
	Enzymatic Therapy – Acidophilus Pearls Active Cultures – 90 Capsules
	New Chapter – Organics Probiotic All Flora – 120 Vegetarian Capsules

Millions of Americans suffer from joint pain. A variety of products are available on the market but many people struggle to accomplish results. Let’s try to understand the process of inflammation before you purchase a pain relief product.

Inflammation is the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue.

It’s important to know that pain comes from inflammation, the way in which the body reacts to infection, irritation or injury. It may affect not only joints but the entire body. An abscess on the skin, swelling and redness are also characteristic body responses to inflammation.

Supplements for joint health should be geared toward promoting a healthy inflammation response. As strange as it sounds, the human body needs inflammation. In the absence of inflammation, wounds and infections would never heal and progressive destruction of the tissue would compromise the survival of the organism.

However, an unhealthy inflammation may lead to a host of diseases, such as hay fever and rheumatoid arthritis. It is for that reason that inflammation needs to be properly regulated by the body.

Supplements to promote healthy inflammation can help accomplish this difficult but important goal. A variety of products offer herbal combinations including ingredients such as bromelain, papain, rosemary, turmeric and ginger. These formulations of herbs have the ability to promote a safe and natural response to inflammation.

Photo Credit: www.arthritis.org

 1 Comment, latest by edgeralgacy

	Gaia Herbs – SystemSupport Infla-Profen – 60 Liquid-Filled Capsules
	Vitol – Time Released Joint Inflammation – 60 Capsules

A recent report shows a few interesting tips you can try to help you get more sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, half of all adults experience insomnia on occasion, and one in ten battle insomnia on a regular basis.

Most people know the general rules for a good night of sleep. Don’t drink too much caffeine late in the day, keep your bedroom at a cool comfortable temperature and ensure your bed is comfortable.

The additional tips are very interesting and some may help if you are struggling to fall asleep. Try to relax 20 minutes prior bedtime doing something quiet. For example, read a book, listen to relaxing music or try crosswords. These activities may help you power-down before falling asleep.

Getting up a half-hour earlier is another helpful tip. It resets your body clock and you are likely to feel tired earlier in the evening than your normally do.

Some people have the ability to control their sleep but most people suffering from chronic insomnia tend to force themselves to go to bed. If it does not work, going to bed when you are tired may prevent tossing and turning. If it’s getting late and you are still “not tired”, once again, do something relaxing but don’t stay in bed if you can’t fall sleep.

Some teas may help to promote relaxation in your body. Herbals teas are the best choice because they are generally caffeine free. Try one or two cups of tea one hour before bedtime.

In addition, some natural sleeping aid supplements may you to fall asleep faster and to have a longer night of sleep. Valerian, Kava Kava and Melatonin are the most efficient ingredients and are normally safe to be taken.

 1 Comment, latest by Batwing

	Traditional Medicinals – Organic Nighty Night Tea – 16 Tea Bags
	Yogi Tea – Rest and Relax Sampler – 16 Tea Bags
	Scivation – Knockout Sleep Aid – 90 Tablets Contains Jujube and Magnolia Bark

Eating disorders are something everyone should worry about. The problem is increasing dramatically in recent years.

Teenagers are generally the age group with the highest number of eating disorders. However, recent reports show that this self-destructive habit has become an issue at any age.

Eating disorders can be classified in two different ways: starvation and overeating. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia lead to severe weight loss. People, generally women, starve themselves, abusing laxatives and fat burners or exercising to dangerous extremes. On the other side, binge eating can lead to obesity and several health problems.

It creates opposite results but the main problem is the same: lack of self-control and inability to eat properly.

What can be done if a new eating disorder is affecting you, a family member or a friend?

First, identify it. Understanding the problem is the most important part of the plan. Significant weight loss/gain is the first sign. Compulsive eating, snacking frequently, skipping meals and refusing to eat are common signs of a problematic diet.

Second, plan it. Come up with new ideas; for example, organize a “meal schedule”. Read about it. Be aware of problems and consequences of eating disorders.

Finally take action. Don’t let the problem reach an extreme level. The longer you wait to take action, the slower the recovery process will be.

Shakes and nutritional bars can be useful to enhance appetite. Anorexia is often a psychological problem and help may be needed to prevent depression and anger. Overeating can be prevented with appetite suppressants and healthy snacks. Exercise in moderation may help as well.

 4 Comments, latest by denise

	King Bio – Homeopathic Natural Medicine Appetite Enhancer – 2 oz.
	Vita Logic – Hoodia-24 Sustained Release 24 Hour Appetite Control 1000 mg. – 90 Tablets