Sometimes we need a little extra help, and here is where the right nutrients can make a difference. A young cell is characterized by its energy production, just like a young body. As we age, our physical output decreases. To this end, I have looked for methods to increase energy, naturally and safely, at the cellular level. This has led me to a number of nutrients that work in a special way to enhance the loss of body fat, preserve muscle mass and regulate levels of blood sugar and insulin -- key attributes of a healthy, young body, regardless of chronological age. They will also promote beautiful, healthy, youthful-looking skin. Here are ten of my favorites:

1. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha lipoic acid, often referred to as 'the universal antioxidant," is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory found naturally inside of the energy producing portion of the cell known as the mitochondria. Alpha lipoic acid enhances our ability to metabolize food into energy. ALA is a unique antioxidant because it is both fat and water soluble. This means it can go to all parts of the cell, including the lipid (fat) portions such as the cell plasma membrane, as well as the interior of the cell (known as the cytoplasm) where water soluble chemicals reside.

This past summer I was fortunate enough to travel for three months. I spent a month in Newport, Rhode Island and two months in Austria and Italy. I had a fabulous trip eating and drinking my way through these cities and countries. I was doing what the Romans do, especially in Italy. My trip through Italy went well for about two weeks, until I started suffering from hypoglycemia. I wasn’t used to the diet in Italy, and I was getting sicker and weaker after eating meals and drinking coffee and wine. I couldn't even hike after awhile—one of my great passions. When I left Italy for Austria, I met a waitress at my hotel, and she recommended a local ayurvedic resort to help me get my health back. I was so desperate that I went and checked in later that day.

In the past generation we’ve seen the amount of sugar we consume grow exponentially. Until recently, we had been eating sugar mainly found naturally in foods. It was used as a treat or in small quantities and was never a problem. But today, over a third of the calories we consume come from sugar or white flour, which is highly refined and acts just like sugar in our system. Our bodies cannot cope with such an enormous load. Sugar gives you an initial high, then you crash, then you crave more, so you consume more sugar. It’s this series of highs and lows that provoke unnecessary stress on your adrenals. You get anxious, moody (sugar is a mood-altering drug) and eventually you feel exhausted.

Sugar is also associated with many chronic problems that include decreased immunity, some chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, diabetes, pain syndromes, irritable bowel syndrome, ADD, chronic fatigue, and candida. Research suggests that one of the main causes for decreased immunity is that sugars inhibit the entrance of Vitamin C into white blood cells, which then inhibits immunity. The more sugar, the less productive your white blood cells are and thus, the less immune you are. Furthermore, sugars stimulate insulin secretion in the pancreas, which in turn stimulates the liver’s triglyceride production. Triglycerides are linked to stroke, heart disease and obesity. The list goes on and on. This week, Dr. Frank Lipman provides us with all the info on how to curb a sugar addiction.

Love,
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I recently became involved in a fascinating discussion on a beauty forum site. This particular part of the discussion was on the term “natural.” I stated that talc was not natural and was a dangerous toxin and carcinogen. In fact, talc is closely related to asbestos and has even been found in ovarian tumors. Someone replied that talc was in fact, natural, e.g., found in nature. Well I stand corrected. I never claimed I knew it all! This person made an excellent point. Talc is found in nature yet is highly toxic to individuals. This leads one to believe that natural isn’t always good for you. When you say natural you tend to believe it is safe and pure. Yet a substance like talc is found in nature and causes cancer! So everything found in nature is not necessarily safe or good for you nor is artificial ingredients, synthetics, or petrochemicals.

So what’s the difference between natural and organic beauty products? This is a question many people have. I am here clear this up for you. I read about a poll where people trusted products labeled “natural” more than they trusted products labeled “organic!” Products labeled as “natural” are not regulated. Your best bet to determine if this product is safe is to read the ingredients. Know your ingredients! The lesser, the better. Be sure you’re able to identify all the contents.

While attending a music festival, I was browsing among the wares they had for sale. I came across a booth, where there were containers filled with a thick-looking yellowish substance. The yellow stuff was shea butter and when I investigated further by speaking to the woman from the booth, I found out that it was 100% natural shea butter from Africa. She had a large block of it available for people to try, so I scraped off a bit and rubbed it on my arm. It immediately melted in my hand as I massaged it into my arm. My arm felt so soft and smooth! The container was about the size of a extra large tub of butter. And the price for pure shea butter was $5.00. What a deal! I immediately purchased some. What is shea butter and why is it so effective for natural skin care?

Shea butter is made from the nut of the African Shea Tree. It contains essential fatty acids, making it far superior to cocoa butter or other nut butters. Shea butter can rejuvenate and moisturize the skin and even protect it from wind and sun. It even help wounds heal faster! Shea butter is also excellent for anti-aging. It stimulates skin at the cellular level, repairing rough, dry skin. Shea butter is quite a versatile, healing moisturizer.

Did you ever think about creating your own homemade beauty products? Natural beauty recipes contain such wholesome ingredients as milk, fruit, vegetables, and more. With what is called "DIY" (do it yourself) skin care, you don't need to worry about toxic, harmful ingredients because you are the creator and know exactly what you are putting into your skin. I've made my own face scrub with oatmeal, milk, and honey and my skin felt so soft and smooth. Sometimes you don't even need to go to the store and can use the stuff you already have in your fridge right now! These at home concoctions can moisturize, cleanse, soften, and even revitalize skin. There are some terrific ebooks available as well for skin rejuvenating recipes that can actually make you look younger! Not only is it fun to do, but kinda tasty too! Give it a try sometime and let us know what your results were.

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