The adrenal glands look like small snow caps on the top of each kidney, and are quite small in comparison to the kidney itself. However, their size should in no way be considered as an indication of their functions. These two small glands are quite busy, and play a role in several of the body’s working systems, they also have a HUGE impact on your energy level. If the adrenal glands are sluggish and un-healthy than you will no doubt feel drained, and seriously fatigued. However, all this exhaustion doesn’t mean that will sleep well, you may find that come night fall you can’t sleep, but when the sun rises you are so tired you can’t form a single thought.

All this extreme confusion and anxiety going on in your body is caused by an unregulated, un-supported adrenal system. The adrenal glands are so very important in the body because of their crucial role in hormone production, release, and regulation. If this gland that is in charge of hormone regulation and production is not functioning properly it will throw the whole body off, and make for a very sick host. Since the adrenal glands have control over so many hormones it is impossible to pin point one key symptom that the person will feel. Although, the majority of women experiencing adrenal problems, because of under supported adrenal glands, experience the extreme fatigue and menstrual disruption.

If the adrenal glands continue on this path of un-healthiness it can lead to permanent damage, to the glands their self, or to the organs directly affected by their malfunctioning production. A damaged adrenal gland can lead to all sorts of serious chronic problems. When the adrenal glands fail to produce the adequate amount of hormones needed to maintain a healthy active body the condition is called Addison’s disease; this is a very serious disease that if not treated properly can result in organ failure and death. When the adrenal glands get over active and produce too much cortisol, or too many hormones, the condition is called Cushing’s syndrome. This disease like Addison’s can be very dangerous if left untreated.

It is thought that keeping the adrenal glands healthy and regulated can help prevent these rare conditions, and common problems listed above. While adrenal supporting herbs cannot reverse the damage that has already been done, it may be possible to prevent further damage, and crises, by taking these helpful supplements… if you have one of these rare conditions. If your body is just in slump and you feel that your hormones are out of whack due to stress and other daily struggles, taking an adrenal supporting supplement is a great way to boost the body and prevent any damage to these very vital glands.

Garlic is known for its great taste and rich aroma. But, did you know that garlic is a great supplement to take to lower your chances of developing several diseases and common conditions? It is true; garlic has been used for thousands of years as a healing herb as well as a great tasting additive to food. Long ago they used garlic for everything, mostly because of its wide availability and great taste; ancient records have documented its use in everything from the common cold to the plague! Cure the plague it may not, but having a positive effect on the cardiovascular system it does. Doctors have become quite accustom to suggesting this particular supplement to their patients as a natural way to lower their chances of heart attack, stroke, or developing a blood clot, as well as lowering high cholesterol.

Garlic’s rich aroma is caused by a compound called allicin, this compound is also what gives garlic its healing abilities…the stronger the garlic smells the more powerful the healing powers will be. However, eating a ton of raw garlic is probably not a great idea because of its strong odor, and it can, when eaten raw and in large quantities, irritate the esophagus. This is why taking a garlic supplement is the best option; you can avoid all the strong smelling garlic breath as well as get the recommended therapeutic dosage without burning up your esophagus and stomach.

Until recently researchers were speechless about how, or why, garlic was such an amazing healing herb. As a matter of fact many of the garlic skeptics were skeptical about the herb because they didn’t have a scientific explanation as to why it worked. But, recently a brilliant chemist named Derek Pratt discovered an amazing fact about the herb; garlic destroys free radicals faster than any other antioxidant known to man… natural or synthetic. This breakthrough answers many questions that have been asked by researchers and scientists, and has also swayed the opinion of many skeptics who now have a scientific explanation for garlic’s amazing health effects.

Taking a garlic supplement is a great way to fight these free radicals and prevent damage to our cells. Preventing this damage can help avoid many of the complications of aging, as well as some serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Garlic may not be the answer to all your prayers, but it is a good start. Prevention is the number one goal with any condition and taking a garlic supplement can help prevent a vast array of these conditions.

Glucoactive is a supplement that combines several proven glucose lowering herbs and elements, such as cinnamon and chromium, to come up with a one of a kind formula that is a diabetics dream come true. Cinnamon alone has shown positive effects on blood glucose in clinical studies, when combined with these other blood sugar stabilizing herbs it is a virtual diabetes wonder supplement. Don’t misunderstand I am not suggesting that this supplement will completely cure your diabetes, everyone responds differently to treatment. While some have been able to completely discontinue their oral insulin medication, others may not respond as well. What the supplement will do for almost everyone that takes it is stabilize and help regulate your blood sugar…hopefully back into the normal range.

Let’s discuss the proprietary blend in detail:

The first ingredient is Cinnulin PF, this is simply a cinnamon bark extract. Cinnamon is great for the body on a number of levels. However, cinnamons effects really shine when used as a glucose stabilizer. In a number of clinical trials cinnamon has proven effective at lowering blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and also promoting a natural production of insulin. Cinnamon taken by itself is a great option, for anyone, but if you have diabetes I would strongly suggest taking a cinnamon supplement or a combination supplement that contains the sweet smelling spice.

The next is Fenugreek, this herb is sometimes called the oldest medical herb, and for good reason. Fenugreek seeds are rich in protein; they possess an extremely unique amino acid called 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-OH-Ile). This particular amino acid is one of the key players in blood glucose control.

Grape Seed Extract is a wonderful all around supplement, and it is sometimes, when bought separately, quite expensive. Not only does grape seed extract help lower blood glucose levels, but it also helps to support skin and tissue health, which is a major concern for diabetics. Not to mention the fact that it also helps prevent heart disease and vascular problems…another great concern for diabetics. In general taking a grape seed supplement is a perfect way to lower your blood glucose, and prevent some common diabetic complications.

Chromium and Vanadium these two trace elements in the body have long been linked to blood glucose stabilization. Researchers are now beginning to understand that these two elements are very important to the metabolism of glucose/sugar. This in turn leads to the regulation and stabilization of over all glucose levels.

Any of these ingredients would be a great addition to a diabetic’s daily supplementation. However, when combined and packaged as an all in one formula Glucoactive is, in my opinion, the best over all diabetes supplement on the market. This supplement covers all bases of the condition from glucose control to skin health.

Detoxifying your body is no new fad, it is a ritual that has been carried out for centuries, and there is no one specific ritual that is any better than another. I say this because there are a plethora of different rituals, and many of them are religious. One specific detox ritual that is performed in almost every single religious writing…throughout all religions, is fasting. This fasting ritual is the oldest form of detoxing, and has been performed through out the world for centuries.

While these religious detoxifying rituals were performed for spiritual purposes, the underlying purpose was the same as it is today, to flush the body of toxins. Further evidence of ancient text, is the Indian Ayurveda; it focuses on detoxifying as a way to prevent certain illnesses and diseases by regularly flushing the body of toxins.

All religious rituals aside, in our modern day and age we come in contact with so many toxins, in the form of chemicals, pollutants, or genetically and chemically altered food. If we don’t detoxify these harmful toxins can and will build up in our body and cause major problems. Almost everything we use in our daily life has some sort of toxin in it; believe it or not even our food sources can leave us full of nasty toxins that can have a negative impact on our systems. Our body does its very best to rid itself of these nasty toxins; however, it needs help because it simply cannot keep up with our daily interaction of these harmful substances.

Performing a detoxifying ritual is a great, natural way to help your body flush these harmful toxins from your system, and restore a sense of balance. There are several ways to go about a detoxifying ritual. If you are very religious a good time to completely detoxify your body is during this time of fasting with the help of certain herbs and natural juices; being careful of course to say well within the guidelines of your religion. If however, you don’t have these strict religious guidelines to abide by there are several options open to you, everything from a week of internal cleansing supplements to a 48 hour juice diet.

No matter how you decide to detoxify your body, the important thing is to do it, and help your body rid itself of these harmful toxins that get built up in our body from daily contact. If the ancient civilizations of the world felt that detoxification was important when their diets consisted of only organic foods, and their bodies were only subjected to clean un-polluted air, imagine how important it is for you to detox in this age of chemical substances.

Narrowing down one specific mineral for the human body is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. In other words it can’t be done. The human body is reliant on a number of minerals, and each and every mineral has its own action that it must carry out, such as acting as a reactor to a certain vitamin or nutrient, or maintaining a harmonious balance within the body itself. Without minerals our body would not be able to process the majority of essential vitamins that we ingest, and these vitamins require several different reactors/minerals. Although our body depends on a number of minerals, there are some that play a larger role in our body than others.

Here are some examples of vital minerals and their actions in the body.

Calcium: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and it is extremely important. First of all calcium is essential to the development of strong bones and healthy teeth, but everyone knows that! What most people don’t know is that calcium is also a vital mineral to muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, and the secretion of hormones and enzymes, as well as playing a key role in nervous system message transmission. On top of all that calcium is needed to react with Vitamin C to aid absorption.

Iron Everyone knows that Iron is a key component to blood oxygenation. Iron allows the oxygen molecule to bind with the blood cell and transport it to the rest of the body. While iron is plentiful and readily accessible in our food, iron deficiency remains the number one mineral deficiency in the world. Iron also acts as a supporting mineral to many enzymes in the body.

Iodine Iodine is essential to the function of the thyroid gland which in turn helps to regulate and support metabolic balance. Iodine is also extremely important to the body’s connective tissues.

Magnesium Is a very busy mineral inside the body, it is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions. This little mineral plays a role in almost every vital bodily function. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

Zinc Zinc is an absolute necessity to the proper function of the immune system, as well as cell division, growth, wound healing, and carbohydrate break down. Zinc is also necessary to aid in the absorption of vitamin A. Recently researchers have made a link between the development of prostate cancer and zinc deficiency.

These are simply the top five on a long list of minerals that the body needs to function properly. Luckily, there is an all in one formula available that ensures your body receives all of these minerals, not just these five, but a complete list of 12 essential minerals. Making sure that your body has all the minerals it needs will ensure you get the most out of your vitamins and nutrients, as minerals are needed to absorb a great number of them properly. You can find this all in one Balanced Minerals DailyFoods

Cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement derived from the liver of cod fish, and it is chalked full of omega 3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, D, and E. Long ago the needs for such supplements were not necessary because people lived off of the land and actually ate whole foods that were extremely beneficial to the body. The meat they ate was usually wild, such as fish caught fresh from a river or some sort of red meat grazing free on a range. Now days, our food is full of preservatives, and so chemically altered that the goodness has long disappeared. We now eat for survival and filling, and we must supplement for health because our food is basically left worthless in this area.

Obviously, from the name you can tell that fish are considered the number one source of Omega fatty acids. However, in our modern society many people are steering clear of fish due to the mercury and pollutants that are thought to be in the meat. There are still hundreds of thousands of people that do eat fish, the problem is that these fish are raised on large commercial fish farms and lack the fatty acids, because of poor diets and over crowding. Fatty acids are completely essential to the body, yet they are not manufactured in our bodies, so we must eat them, to get them. It is estimated that 90-95% of the population is deficient, and this may be the explanation for our high numbers of disease and sickness.

So why not just take a fish oil supplement??

This is an easy question to answer, the difference between cod liver oil and regular fish oil are vitamins. Cod liver oil is a great source of vitamins A, D, and E while regular fish oil is not. You can think of cod liver oil as fish oil with benefits, and many people switch between regular fish oil in the summer and cod liver oil in the fall and winter. This switching is a great option for people who get plenty of sun exposure during the summer and not much in the winter. However, if you are restricted from the sunlight, for whatever reason, sticking to a cod liver oil supplement throughout the year is best.

Everyone can benefit from a daily cod liver oil supplement this is because, cod liver oil is one of those all around good for you supplements, that benefit everyone from your kids to your grandma and everybody in between. It so easy to take a supplement there is really no reason to not take one, most defiantly one that possesses as many health benefits as this!

A very good indication of someone’s general health can be told by judging the appearance of their hair, skin, and nails. Many old doctors use to actually take this into account when diagnosing a patient’s condition, now however we have many standardized blood tests and laboratory scans to diagnose illnesses. But, believe it or not your doctor is still paying very close attention to these things because poor hair and nails can indicate a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals, as well as many medical conditions. Many women that have taken a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy have commented on how gorgeous their hair and nails were during their pregnancy, and this is because of the potency of the prenatal vitamins, not the pregnancy itself.

There are certain vitamins and minerals that your hair and nails need to grow and thrive, ensuring that you get these vitamins and minerals will definitely improve the condition of your hair and nails. It is not just one specific vitamin that makes your hair and nails grow and look great, it is a whole range of them that must work together to promote growth, and push all the old out. There are a whole range of products that specifically focus on strengthening the hair and nails. However, one must approach them cautiously as there are many products that are designed for topical application, such as specialty shampoos and nail polishes. These products are okay, but the real problem is internal, and no external source can fix that.

To treat the problem at the source, and completely heal the body within, you must “fix” the problem, which is usually a deficiency of some kind. Taking a specific hair and nail support supplement is a great way to do this. Some specific vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are essential to the health of your hair and nails are:

Collagen : Collagen is completely essential to the health and suppleness of your hair, skin, and nails. Ensuring that your body has enough collagen will not only help your hair and nails, but it may help to prevent premature wrinkling.

Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E : This is easy enough to remember if you know your ABC’s. These five vitamins are an absolute necessity to the health of many functioning systems in the body, and supporting hair, skin, and nail health just happens to be one of them.

Biotin: Also known as Vitamin H is a completely essential vitamin to the formation of hair and nails. This vitamin has also shown effectiveness in treating baldness.

Many of these hair and nail health supplements contain several, if not all of these ingredients, but let’s not forget there are several herbs that have shown promise in this area such as Nettle, Kelp, Horsetail and Oatstraw…just to name a few. To find out more on these great supplements please visit the Nutrition101 blog

In the course of the last year I have heard this question so many times I can repeat the answer in my sleep. As long as you have a realistic expectation of the supplement it works fantastically. If you are going to take the supplement at 50, and expect it to make you look and feel 21 again, I am afraid you will be sorely disappointed. What it will do, if taken correctly, is prolong the inevitable aging process and keep you looking and feeling younger than your body actually is.

How does it do this??

An anti-aging supplement is designed to restore order to a chaotic aging body. You see when we are young our bodies are balanced and full of defenses, when we age we lose this perfect balance and our defenses against the known causes of aging become weak and depleted. Some scientists have suggested that this depletion is due to the stress of adulthood, while others have stated that we simply use up our reserve and our bodies can’t keep up. What ever the cause these defense mechanisms are what keep us young and prevent certain diseases and age appropriate features from appearing.

What are these defenses??

Free radicals on our skin and in our body cause us to age. Internally these free radicals are a by product of oxygen and they are every where. When we are young we have these free radicals in our body, but the difference is we have a large army of anti-oxidants, the natural destroyer of free radicals. When we age, for some reason, our body no longer has this large army, and the free radicals take over destroying our cells and wreaking havoc inside our body, even causing some very serious diseases.

How do I build my “army” back up?

We do receive some, very few, but some anti-oxidants from the food we eat. There are certain foods that are very rich in anti-oxidants such as the acai berry, blueberries, and pomegranates. But, no one can eat these all day everyday so supplementation is the best option.

So why not just take an anti-oxidant supplement?

While anti-oxidants are a great way to defend the body from the aging process, there are several other factors to take in to account as well, like skin health, and hormone balancing. Hormones play a large role in the aging process as well; aging causes a steep decline in certain hormones and this can leave us with a feeling of tiredness, sluggishness, and fatigue. Not to mention the fact that hormonal imbalances play a large role in the development of certain cancers and leads to skin issues…such as wrinkles and dryness.

Taking an anti-aging supplement will address all issues of aging, free radicals, hormonal imbalances, skin health, and much more. However, as with everything else prevention is key, so it is best to start an anti-aging supplement young before the damage has set in. In other words, if you start the supplement at 27, you will look 27 well into your 40’s rather than waiting until the aging process has already started damaging your body and skin. The key to an anti-aging supplement is healthiness, we all want to look younger but the real gift is feeling younger! To find out more about anti-aging supplements please visit N101.com.