healthy diet

For a healthy diet, replace unhealthy and fattening foods with healthier alternatives, such as fresh fruits and vegetables

Weight Management

Definition

Weight management means keeping your body weight at a healthy level.

Information

Regular exercise and a healthy diet are crucial when it comes to controlling your weight. A weight management plan depends on whether you are overweight or underweight.

An easy way to determine your own desirable body weight is to use the following formula:

• Women: 100 pounds for the first 5 feet of height plus 5 pounds for each additional inch.
• Men: 106 pounds of body weight for the first 5 feet of height plus 6 pounds for each additional inch.
• For a small body frame, 10% should be subtracted. For a large frame, 10% should be added.

Body fat and body mass measurements are used to determine whether a person is under- or overweight. A registered dietitian or exercise physiologist can help you calculate your body fat. The recommended amount of body fat differs for men and women.

For women:

• The recommended amount of body fat is 20 - 21%.
• The average American woman has approximately 22 - 25% body fat.
• A woman with more than 30% body fat is considered obese.

For men:

• The recommended amount of body fat is 13 - 17%.
• The average American man has approximately 17 - 19% body fat.
• A man with 25% body fat or higher is considered obese.

Body mass index (BMI) is an indirect measurement of your body composition. It takes into consideration both your weight and height. BMI helps determine your risk for certain diseases, including diabetes and hypertension.

It is important to note that the terms "overweight" and "obesity" do NOT mean the same thing.

Weight management for people who have been overweight involves continued physical activity and monitoring the amount of food eaten.

UNDERWEIGHT

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are eating disorders associated with a negative body image. Anorexia nervosa is a disorder in which people extremely limit their food intake. This results in dangerously quick weight loss, to the point of starvation. This disorder is most commonly found in adolescent females, but may also occur in males, children, and adults.

Bulimia is binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting. It's often associated with anorexia nervosa. Many people with bulimia don't lose a lot of weight, and may not get medical attention until they seek help.

Excessive intentional weight loss can cause a person to be dangerously underweight. To maintain their weight, people with eating disorders must eat enough food to prevent them from losing the weight they have gained.

CALORIES FOR WEIGHT MAINTENANCE

To maintain your weight, you can use the following formula:

• 10 calories per pound of desirable body weight if you are sedentary or very obese
• 13 calories per pound of desirable body weight if your activity level is low, or if you are over age 55
• 15 calories per pound of desirable body weight if you regularly do moderate activity
• 18 calories per pound of desirable body weight if you regularly do strenuous activity

Activity levels:

• Low activity: No planned, regular physical activity; occasional weekend or weekly activity (such as golf or recreational tennis) is the only type of physical activity
• Moderate activity: Participating in physical activities such as swimming, jogging, or fast walking for 30 - 60 minutes at a time
• Strenuous activity: Participating in vigorous physical activity for 60 minutes or more at least 4 - 5 days per week

A BALANCED DIET

• Do not eat meat more than once a day. Eat fish and poultry more often than red or processed meats because they are less fattening.
• Avoid frying food. Fried food absorbs the fats from the cooking oils, increasing your dietary fat intake. Instead, bake or broil food. If you do fry, use polyunsaturated oils, such as corn oil.
• Cut down on your salt intake. Limit table salt, or flavor intensifiers that contain salt, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
• Include adequate fiber in your diet. Fiber is found in green leafy vegetables, fruit, beans, bran flakes, nuts, root vegetables, and whole-grain foods.
• Do not eat more than 4 eggs per week. Although they are a good source of protein, and they're low in saturated fat, eggs are very high in cholesterol.
• Choose fresh fruit for dessert, rather than cookies, cake, or pudding.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Too much of anything -- calories or a particular type of food -- has its drawbacks.
• Follow the recommendations of the food guide pyramid.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

To successfully manage your weight, follow these basic guidelines:

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Balance physical activity with diet to maintain your desired weight. Aerobic exercise will help increase muscle tissue and burn calories.
• Gradually adjust your eating habits to encourage a permanent lifestyle change. You may need counseling and behavior modification to change your diet.
• Avoid alcohol, or drink in moderation.

RESOURCES

A registered dietitian is an excellent resource for individualized weight management. The registered dietitian can provide information on classes and programs available in your community.

The Federal Trade Commission offers consumer brochures that evaluate commercial weight management programs.

Note: 1 calorie equals 1000 calories or 1 kilocalorie.

allergic reactions

Definition

Allergic reactions are sensitivities to substances, called allergens, that are contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed, or injected

Considerations

Allergic reactions are common. The immune response that causes an allergic reaction is similar to the response that causes hay fever. Most reactions happen soon after contact with an allergen.

Many allergic reactions are mild, while others can be severe and life-threatening. They occur more often in people with a family history of allergies.

Substances that don't bother most people (such as venom from bee stings and certain foods, medications, and pollens) can trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

While first-time exposure may only produce a mild reaction, repeated exposures may lead to more serious reactions. Once a person has had an allergic reaction (is sensitized), even a very limited exposure to a very small amount of allergen can trigger a severe reaction.

Allergic reactions can be mild or serious. They can be confined to a small area of the body or may affect the entire body.

Most severe allergic reactions occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to the allergen. However, some reactions can occur after several hours, particularly if the allergen causes a reaction after it has been ingested. In very rare cases, reactions develop after 24 hours.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure. Immediate medical attention is needed for this condition. It can get worse very, very fast and lead to death within 15 minutes if treatment is not received.

Causes

Common allergens include:

• Animal dander
• Bee stings or stings from other insects
• Foods, especially nuts, fish, and shellfish
• Insect bites
• Medications
• Plants
• Pollens

When should one consult a doctor?

One should consult a health-care provider if he or she develops the symptoms associated with lung cancer, in particular, if they have

• a new persistent cough or worsening of an existing chronic cough
,


• blood in the sputum,



• persistent bronchitis or repeated respiratory infections
,


• chest pain
,


• unexplained weight loss and/or fatigue
,


• breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath or wheezing.

What are the types of lung cancer?

Lung cancers, also known as bronchogenic carcinomas, are broadly classified into two types: small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). This classification is based upon the microscopic appearance of the tumor cells themselves. These two types of cancers grow and spread in different ways and may have different treatment options, so a distinction between these two types is important.

SCLC comprise about 20% of lung cancers and are the most aggressive and rapidly growing of all lung cancers. SCLC are strongly related to cigarette smoking, with only 1% of these tumors occurring in nonsmokers. SCLC metastasize rapidly to many sites within the body and are most often discovered after they have spread extensively. Referring to a specific cell appearance often seen when examining samples of SCLC under the microscope, these cancers are sometimes called oat cell carcinomas.

NSCLC are the most common lung cancers, accounting for about 80% of all lung cancers. NSCLC can be divided into three main types that are named based upon the type of cells found in the tumor:

• Adenocarcinomas are the most commonly seen type of NSCLC in the U.S. and comprise up to 50% of NSCLC. While adenocarcinomas are associated with smoking, like other lung cancers, this type is observed as well in nonsmokers who develop lung cancer. Most adenocarcinomas arise in the outer, or peripheral, areas of the lungs. Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is a subtype of adenocarcinoma that frequently develops at multiple sites in the lungs and spreads along the preexisting alveolar walls.



• Squamous cell carcinomas were formerly more common than adenocarcinomas; at present, they account for about 30% of NSCLC. Also known as epidermoid carcinomas, squamous cell cancers arise most frequently in the central chest area in the bronchi.



• Large cell carcinomas, sometimes referred to as undifferentiated carcinomas, are the least common type of NSCLC.



• Mixtures of different types of NSCLC are also seen.

Air pollution

Air pollution from vehicles, industry, and power plants can raise the likelihood of developing lung cancer in exposed individuals. Up to 1% of lung cancer deaths are attributable to breathing polluted air, and experts believe that prolonged exposure to highly polluted air can carry a risk for the development of lung cancer similar to that of passive smoking.

Prior history of lung cancer

Survivors of lung cancer have a greater risk of developing a second lung cancer than the general population has of developing a first lung cancer. Survivors of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs, see below) have an additive risk of 1%-2% per year for developing a second lung cancer. In survivors of small cell lung cancers (SCLCs, see below), the risk for development of second lung cancers approaches 6% per year.

Lung diseases

The presence of certain diseases of the lung, notably chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is associated with an increased risk (four- to sixfold the risk of a nonsmoker) for the development of lung cancer even after the effects of concomitant cigarette smoking are excluded.

Familial predisposition

While the majority of lung cancers are associated with tobacco smoking, the fact that not all smokers eventually develop lung cancer suggests that other factors, such as individual genetic susceptibility, may play a role in the causation of lung cancer. Numerous studies have shown that lung cancer is more likely to occur in both smoking and non-smoking relatives of those who have had lung cancer than in the general population. Recently, the largest genetic study of lung cancer ever conducted, involving over 10,000 people from 18 countries and led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), identified a small region in the genome (DNA) that contains genes that appear to confer an increased susceptibility to lung cancer in smokers. The specific genes, located the q arm of chromosome 15, code for proteins that interact with nicotineand other tobacco toxins (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes).

Radon gas

Radon gas is a natural, chemically inert gas that is a natural decay product of uranium. Uranium decays to form products, including radon, that emit a type of ionizing radiation. Radon gas is a known cause of lung cancer, with an estimated 12% of lung-cancer deaths attributable to radon gas, or about 20,000 lung-cancer-related deaths annually in the U.S., making radon the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. As with asbestos exposure, concomitant smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer with radon exposure. Radon gas can travel up through soil and enter homes through gaps in the foundation, pipes, drains, or other openings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one out of every 15 homes in the U.S. contains dangerous levels of radon gas. Radon gas is invisible and odorless, but it can be detected with simple test kits.

Asbestos fibers

Asbestos fibers are silicate fibers that can persist for a lifetime in lung tissue following exposure to asbestos. The workplace is a common source of exposure to asbestos fibers, as asbestos was widely used in the past as both thermal and acoustic insulation. Today, asbestos use is limited or banned in many countries, including the U.S. Both lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura of the lung as well as of the lining of the abdominal cavity called the peritoneum) are associated with exposure to asbestos. Cigarette smoking drastically increases the chance of developing an asbestos-related lung cancer in workers exposed to asbestos. Asbestos workers who do not smoke have a fivefold greater risk of developing lung cancer than nonsmokers, but asbestos workers who smoke have a risk that is 50- to 90-fold greater than nonsmokers.

Passive smoking

Passive smoking or the inhalation of tobacco smoke by nonsmokers who share living or working quarters with smokers, also is an established risk factor for the development of lung cancer. Research has shown that nonsmokers who reside with a smoker have a 24% increase in risk for developing lung cancer when compared with nonsmokers who do not reside with a smoker. An estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths that occur each year in the U.S. are attributable to passive smoking.

What causes lung cancer?

Smoking

The incidence of lung cancer is strongly correlated with cigarette smoking, with about 90% of lung cancers arising as a result of tobacco use. The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the time over which smoking has occurred; doctors refer to this risk in terms of pack-years of smoking history (the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoked). For example, a person who has smoked two packs of cigarettes per day for 10 years has a 20 pack-year smoking history. While the risk of lung cancer is increased with even a 10-pack-year smoking history, those with 30-pack-year histories or more are considered to have the greatest risk for the development of lung cancer. Among those who smoke two or more packs of cigarettes per day, one in seven will die of lung cancer.

Pipe and cigar smoking also can cause lung cancer, although the risk is not as high as with cigarette smoking. Thus, while someone who smokes one pack of cigarettes per day has a risk for the development of lung cancer that is 25 times higher than a nonsmoker, pipe and cigar smokers have a risk of lung cancer that is about five times that of a nonsmoker.

Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemical compounds, many of which have been shown to be cancer-causing or carcinogenic. The two primary carcinogens in tobacco smoke are chemicals known as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The risk of developing lung cancer decreases each year following smoking cessation as normal cells grow and replace damaged cells in the lung. In former smokers, the risk of developing lung cancer begins to approach that of a nonsmoker about 15 years after cessation of smoking.

How common is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is the most common cause of death due to cancer in both men and women throughout the world. The American Cancer Society estimates that 219,440 new cases of lung cancer in the U.S. will be diagnosed and 159,390 deaths due to lung cancer will occur in 2009. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, approximately one out of every 14 men and women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer of the lung at some point in their lifetime.

Lung cancer is predominantly a disease of the elderly; almost 70% of people diagnosed with lung cancer are over 65 years of age, while less than 3% of lung cancers occur in people under 45 years of age.

Lung cancer was not common prior to the 1930s but increased dramatically over the following decades as tobacco smokingincreased. In many developing countries, the incidence of lung cancer is beginning to fall following public education about the dangers of cigarette smoking and the introduction of effective smoking-cessation programs. Nevertheless, lung cancer remains among the most common types of cancers in both men and women worldwide. In the U.S., lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women.

What is lung cancer?

Cancer of the lung, like all cancers, results from an abnormality in the body's basic unit of life, the cell. Normally, the body maintains a system of checks and balances on cell growth so that cells divide to produce new cells only when new cells are needed. Disruption of this system of checks and balances on cell growth results in an uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells that eventually forms a mass known as a tumor.

Tumors can be benign or malignant; when we speak of "cancer," we are referring to those tumors that are malignant. Benign tumors usually can be removed and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow aggressively and invade other tissues of the body, allowing entry of tumor cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system and then to other sites in the body. This process of spread is termedmetastasis; the areas of tumor growth at these distant sites are calledmetastases. Since lung cancer tends to spread or metastasize very early after it forms, it is a very life-threatening cancer and one of the most difficult cancers to treat. While lung cancer can spread to any organ in the body, certain organs -- particularly the adrenal glands, liver, brain, andbone -- are the most common sites for lung cancer metastasis.

The lung also is a very common site for metastasis from tumors in other parts of the body. Tumor metastases are made up of the same type of cells as the original (primary) tumor. For example, if prostate cancer spreads via the bloodstream to the lungs, it is metastatic prostate cancer in the lung and is not lung cancer.

Diode Laser: Before and After

Diode laser therapy may require several sessions to maximize results. In this image, acne has improved significantly six months after a series of five diode laser treatments.

Thermage: Before and After – Eyelids

Droopy eyelids respond particularly well to Thermage. The results won't appear until four to six months after the procedure, but the difference can be dramatic.

Botox: Before and After

Botox injections usually take three to seven days to reach their full effect. The result is smoother skin in the treated area. As the muscles slowly regain the ability to contract, lines and wrinkles reappear. To maintain the desired effect, injections must be repeated every four to six months.

Mirror, Mirror, Say It Ain't So

At some point, the mirror betrays you. It shakes your sense of youth with vivid signs of aging – little wrinkles around the eyes or lips, age spots, maybe some sagging skin. There used to be few options for turning back the clock without going under the knife. But today, you can soften the signs of aging with a wide range of non-surgical procedures for the face. Learn how these techniques work – and see before-and-after photos.

skin cancer

Uncommon types of skin cancer include Kaposi's sarcoma, mainly seen in people with weakened immune systems; Merkel cell carcinoma, which is usually found on sun-exposed areas on the head, neck, arms and legs but often spreads to other parts of the body; and sebaceous gland carcinoma, an aggressive cancer originating in the oil glands in the skin.

skin problem

The black widow spider produces a protein venom that affects the victim's nervous system. Some people are slightly affected by the venom, but others may have a severe response. The first symptom is acute pain at the site of the bite though there may only be a minimal local reaction.

The local pain may be followed by localized or generalized severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, weakness, and tremor. In severe cases, nausea, vomiting, faintness, dizziness, chest pain, and respiratory difficulties may follow.

The severity of the reaction can depend on the age and physical condition of the person bitten. Children and the elderly are more seriously affected than young adults. Read more about the symptoms and treatments for black widow spider bites.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels, that result from defects in insulin secretion, or action, or both. Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes (as it will be in this article) was first identified as a disease associated with "sweet urine," and excessive muscle loss in the ancient world. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) lead to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the term sweet urine.

Normally, blood glucose levels are tightly controlled by insulin, a hormoneproduced by the pancreas. Insulin lowers the blood glucose level. When the blood glucose elevates (for example, after eating food), insulin is released from the pancreas to normalize the glucose level. In patients with diabetes, the absence or insufficient production of insulin causes hyperglycemia. Diabetes is a chronic medical condition, meaning that although it can be controlled, it lasts a lifetime.

chronic pain pic

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are cells that have the potential to develop into many different or specialized cell types. Stem cells can be thought of as primitive, "unspecialized" cells that are able to divide and become specialized cells of the body such as liver cells, muscle cells, blood cells, and other cells with specific functions. Stem cells are referred to as "undifferentiated" cells because they have not yet committed to a developmental path that will form a specific tissue or organ. The process of changing into a specific cell type is known as differentiation. In some areas of the body, stem cells divide regularly to renew and repair the existing tissue. The bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract are examples areas in which stem cells function to renew and repair tissue.

Testing for Colon Cancer

In the new study, Kraus and colleagues first measured levels of the CD24 protein in 63 people with colon cancer, 19 people with adenomas, or precancerous colon growths, and 68 healthy people.

"CD24 was [dramatically] elevated in colon cancer and adenoma patients, compared with healthy subjects," Kraus says.

Then, they further tested the accuracy of the CD24 blood test in 73 people: 11 had colon cancer, 24 had adenomas, and 38 showed no signs of colon cancer.

The researchers found that the test accurately detected colorectal cancer in 92% of cases; only 8% of colon cancers were missed. It gave false-positive results to 8% of people who didn't have the cancer.

As for adenomas, the test accurately caught 84% of growths. The false-positive rate was 11%.

The next step is to validate the findings in studies of larger groups of people, Kraus says.

The test is expected to cost less than $50, she says.

This isn't the first time researchers have reported they're a step closer to developing a blood test for colon cancer. Just last year, two teams of European investigators said they had developed tests that look for genetic fingerprints of tumor growth and spread in the blood, for example.

Which tests will eventually make it out of the lab and into the clinic is still anyone's guess, doctors concede.

"People are putting a lot of thought into developing blood tests that are highly accurate and can detect colon cancer at an early stage," says Robert P. Sticca, MD, of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences and moderator of a news briefing.

Liver Health

The liver is the body's second largest organ and certainly the busiest, performing 500 separate tasks in the body. Its primary job-the everyday process of neutralizing toxins-produces an extraordinary number of free radicals, which can occasionally damage its own tissues. It is for this reason that the liver possesses the remarkable ability to regenerate itself. Despite its size -weighing in at about three pounds with the approximate volume of a football - we would never know it was there unless something went wrong with it.

But how do you know if your liver is sick? Look for signs like fatigue, 'overnight' allergies and chemical sensitivities, discomfort in the right-side of your abdomen, weight gain, poor skin, intolerance to alcohol and darkish urine.

In the US, 25,000,000 people are afflicted with liver disease or gallbladder disease (the galibladder stores bile produced by the liver). Every year, 43,000 people die from liver-related disorders.

HepatoGen (found in this section) has been designed to benefit anyone with hepatitis, cirrhosis or elevated liver enzymes from any cause. HepatoGen contains factors that have been shown in clinical research to have significant regenerative effects on the liver.

The most common cause of liver disease is excess alcohol. B 1, C and N-Acetyl Cysteine helps detoxify the breakdown products of alcohol. Intox Rx is an effective liver formula as well, with its principle ingredient, Kudzu Extract, known to help detoxify alcohol and prevent the desire for alcohol in alcoholics.

Mercury poisoning and mercury toxicity is becoming increasingly recognized as a serious problem - from mercury amalgams in our teeth, to mercury in immunizations, and in fish. For those desiring complete and thorough mercury detoxification, DMSA (dimercapto succinic acid) is a very specific and effective chelator for mercury.

Infection & Bacteria

By 1939, as penicillin and other antibiotic drugs began to replace silver colloids, the American Medical Association recognized at least 96 different proprietary silver-based products in clinical use at the time. Even today, silver suifadiazine is considered by most medical experts to be the topical antiseptic of choice for patients with extensive burns. Mild Silver Protein is known to inhibit the growth of nearly all pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including some species that are resistant to antibiotics. These silver formulas represent a revolutionary form of stabilized colloidal silver atoms that kills virtually any germ with which it comes into contact, has no known side effects, and does not lead to the development of resistant organisms. Also included are some other natural antibiotics that can kill a variety of different pathogens. There are no better anti-infective formulas on the market.

Immune System

With age our immune system weakens, leaving us vulnerable to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and infectious illnesses. With a strong, healthy immune response, not only are we resistant to the yearly onslaught of colds, flu, allergies and other 'bugs,' but life becomes more enjoyable. We have greater reserves of energy, we sleep better at night, our hair and skin looks more healthy and resilient, and we are more content and happy. The old maxim, "At least, I have my health," rings true.

The immune system is the body's first line of defense in maintaining health, preventing illness and hastening recovery. Research has shown that supplementing the immune system can help us resist some illnesses. Worldwidehealthcenter.net offers formulas that play vital roles in the healthy functioning of the immune system.

Heavy Metal Detox

Heavy or toxic metals is a real concern in the toxic world that we live in. These toxic metals can cause a myriad of health problems ranging from autism, ADD, mental problems, chronic fatigue, MS, bowel disorders, migraines and even cancer.

There are a number of natural chelation agents that do not have the side-effects of drugs - these products are included here, along with a self-test for mercury that can help you determine how mercury-toxic you and your loved ones really are!

Heart & Vascular

Cardiovascular diseases, especially myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke, kill at least 12 million people each year throughout the world. In the United States, cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause in about half of all deaths.

Elevated serum cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) have long held center stage as the predominant risk factor for developing coronary heart disease. However, there have been newly discovered risk factors, which threaten cholesterol's claim to being number one on cardiologists' "most wanted" list.

Elevated blood levels of fibrinogen a protein found in blood, have recently been identified in a number of studies to be a major risk factor for coronary heart disease (heart attacks) and cerebrovascular disease (strokes).

Elevated fibrinogen levels have also been associated with a number of other diseases, including cancer, diabetes and hypertension (Welin, 1987; Kannel, 1987). Turmeric extract appears to be an extremely safe, highly effective means of reversing elevated blood levels of fibrinogen.

A high level of homocysteine, an amino acid formed from the metabolism of another amino acid, methionine, is now widely recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Taking supplemental B6, B12, folic acid, and trimethylglycine (Methyl Caps) quickly and effectively restores homocysteine to safe levels.

Another indicator ot heart disease is the presence of metastatic calcium. Natural chelators in Oral ChelatoRx remove metastatic calcium found in the arteries the, joints, and even in the brain where it causes the pineal gland to become calcified. Oral ChelatoRx not only contains EDTA, a synthetic amino acid that binds with toxic heavy metals like aluminum, mercury, lead, and cadmium for excretion through the urine, but also contains other chelating agents that act synergistically with the EDTA.

other formulas in this section work to improve heart health via standardized botanical extracts and select polyphenols.

Hair Health

About 90 percent of the hair on a person's scalp is growing at any one time. The growth phase lasts between two and six years. Ten percent of the hair is in a resting phase that lasts two to three months. At the end of its resting stage, the hair is shed. When a hair is shed, a new hair from the same follicle replaces it and the growing cycle starts again.

Scalp hair grows about one-half inch a month. As people age, their rate of hair growth slows. Natural blondes typically have more hair (140,000 hairs) than brunettes (105,000 hairs) or redheads (90,000 hairs). Most hair shedding is due to the normal hair cycle, and losing 50-to-100 hairs per day is no cause for alarm. However, if you are experiencing excessive hair loss or dramatic thinning, other factors may be at work.

Hereditary balding or thinning is the most common cause of hair loss. The tendency can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family. Women with this trait develop thinning hair, but do not become completely bald.

Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a metabolite of testoterone that causes excessive hair loss. DHT on the scalp and within the hair follicles can eventually cause follicles to 'miniaturize,' and atrophy, eventually choking off any new hair growth. Worldwide Health Center offers a new hair rejuvenation formula that limits the formation of DHT on the scalp as well as the time tested efficacy of Polysorbate 80.

Did you know?
• Hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body, second only to bone marrow.
• Each hair grows for about five years and then falls out.
• Smokers are more likely to have grey hair than nonsmokers.
• If you have dry or brittle hair, it could be the result of a zinc deficientcy.
• 35 meters of hair fibre is produced every day on the average adult scalp.

Growth Hormones

Growth hormone is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that is secreted by the pituitary, the master gland of the body's endocrine system. Growth hormone stimulates bone growth, and induces immune-cell function and bacteria-fighting capacity. It stimulates amino acid uptake, protein synthesis, and muscle glucose uptake, as well as increases the mobilization of fat from adipose tissue. It also plays a key role in maintaining good cardiovascular health. Secretion of growth hormone is increased during exercise, extreme stress, trauma, and injury, as well as during certain phases of the menstrual cycle. Its release is reduced with the consumption of high-fat meals. 

Historically, growth hormone has been used to stimulate growth in growth-retarded children. Growth retardation can occur for a variety of reasons, including malnutrition, genetics, resistance to the precursors of growth hormone, or certain medical conditions such as chronic renal failure (CRF). CRF is often characterized by reduced growth hormone levels, or resistance to its metabolic products. Normal nutritional therapies usually fail to improve growth in these conditions; however, treatment with growth hormone results in resumption of normal growth and improved bone density.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids can be divided into two types basically:

1. Omega 3 - these are essential to health and are normally found mostly in fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel and other fatty, cold water fish. Some Omega 3 is also found in walnuts and flaxseed oil.

2. Omega 6 - these fatty acids are also essential to health and are found in borage oil or the Evening Primrose.

Eyes & Vision

Royal Air Force doctors and flight surgeons in World War II discovered that bomber pilots' night vision improved after they ate European blueberries. Clinical research sparked by this discovery found that other natural substances also improved other aspects of sight. Lutein (LOO-teen), a carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits, is associated with reduced incidence of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Together with zeaxanthin, lutein may protect the macula from potentially damaging forms of light. Researchers have found a 57% decrease in risk of macular degeneration in adults with intake of lutein. Based on clinical research, a number of formulas have been developed that provide the nutrients necessary for optimal vision health and optimum eye health.

Energy Enhancers

One of the most common reasons people go to the doctor is fatigue and lack of energy. Stress and fatigue can further deplete energy reserves while suppressing immune response, and even accelerating your rate of aging.

If you've experienced the symptoms of coffee overload following a stressful four-or-five cup day, the jitteriness and irritability you feel are signs that you're running on "empty." In reality, that is exactly what is happening, at least in regard to epinephrine and norepinephrine, the brain's primary stimulatory neurotransmitters which comprise the dopaminergic system. When your dopaminergic system is functioning at peak level, awareness is heightened and you're primed to handle heavy stress, danger, or excitement.

The amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine are nutritional precursors of these neurotransmitters. Phenylalanine and tyrosine are among the few amino acids that readily cross the blood-brain barrier and can directly affect brain chemistry. These amino acids convert directly into dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine in the brain, important neurotransmitters involved in mood, sex drive, memory, alertness, and learning. Tyrosine is also used by the thyroid gland to produce thyroxin. Thyroxin is important for immune function, metabolic rate, and other vital functions.

Human experiments on soldiers undergoing various forms of stress found that soldiers receiving tyrosine performed better on a variety of tests than those who did not. They were more efficient, more alert, and had fewer complaints. Clinical studies have shown that tyrosine can be helpful in reducing the irritation, tiredness and depression of PMS sufferers, as well as being an effective antidepressant in some more major forms of depression. One of our most popular formulas is appropriately named Blast Off, which provides these energy-making factors in capsule form.

We also have formulas that help the body produce another form of energy - cellular energy - produced by tiny intracellular powerhouses called mitochondria. Diseases due to mitochondrial dysfunction include chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and Parkinson's.

Digestion & Stomach

A healthy digestive system is absolutely essential to obtain maximum nutritional value from the foods eaten, to decrease incidence of digestion-related diseases, and to maintain a strong immune system. Three of the most important aspects of the digestive system are: (1) efficient movement of food through the system, (2) complete digestion of food, and (3) proper maintenance of friendly bacteria. 
We offer several Natural formulas for enhancing and supporting the digestive system, including substances that can heal stomach ulcers, improve stomach and gut digestion and alleviate bowel distension, bloating and flatulence.

Detoxification

Detoxification is the process of clearing toxins from the body or neutralizing or transforming them, and clearing excess mucus and congestion. Many of these toxins come from our diet, drug use, and environmental exposure, both acute and chronic. Internally, fats, especially oxidized fats and cholesterol, free radicals, and other irritating molecules act as toxins. Functionally, poor digestion, colon sluggishness and dysfunction, reduced liver function, and poor elimination through the kidneys, respiratory tract, and skin all add to increased toxicity.

Detoxification involves dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce intake of toxins and improve elimination. Avoidance of chemicals, from food or other sources, refined food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and many drugs helps minimize the toxin load. Drinking extra water (purified) and increasing fiber by including more fruits and vegetables in the diet are steps in the detoxification process. Moving from a more to a less congesting diet, and the us of the accompanying natural detox aids, will help us to move along the detox road. 

Many authorities claim the detox process helps clear wastes and old or dead cells and revitalizes the body's natural functions and healing capacities. Thousands of people have used cleansing programs and the vast majority have experienced positive and incredible results.

Depression

It seems probable that the more severe forms of depressive illness are associated with chemical changes in certain parts or pathways of the brain. These changes may he different in the various forms of depression. Whether or not these chemical changes are the cause of depression, rather than one of its consequences, is not known.

In unipolar depression, the changes may include alterations in the number or sensitivity of nerve cell receptors for particular neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) - in particular receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, also known as serotonin), noradrenaline and dopamine. 5-HT is involved in the regulation of impulses, and has a role in maintaining normal patterns of appetite, sleep and sexual activity: abnormalities in 5-HT pathways might lead to the disturbance of sleep, increased anxiety and irritability and loss of sexual interest that are seen in many people with depression. Noradrenaline is involved in regulating mood and energy, and possibly has a role in social interactions : changes in noradrenaline may lead to the tiredness, loss of enthusiasm and social withdrawal, often seen in depression. Finally, dopamine probably has a role in gaining pleasure, and changes here could lead to the sense of being unable to get enjoyment from usually pleasurable activities. Abnormalities in dopamine may be especially important in patients with bipolar depression.

In people with more severe forms of depression, changes in all three of these neurotransmitters may be important. It seems likely that other messengers are also involved. Also there is some evidence that changes within the brain are linked to changes in the levels of some hormones in the bloodstream.

Special combinations of nutrients can actually improve and elevate your mood. Worldwid Health Center is pleased to provide natural discoveries in Nature that can enhance mood, fight stress and improve your outlook on the day. There's no smater way to put a smile on your face.

Colds, Flu & Allergy

With age our immune system weakens, leaving us vulnerable to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and infectious illnesses. With a strong, healthy immune response, not only are we resistant to the yearly onslaught of colds, flu, allergies and other 'bugs,' but life becomes more enjoyable. We have greater reserves of energy, we sleep better at night, our hair and skin looks more healthy and resilient, and we are more content and happy. The old maxim, "At least, I have my health," rings true.

The average cold lasts for approximately nine days, or for as long as it takes the infected person's immune system to kill enough viruses to stop the symptoms. The stronger your immune system, the faster you recover. Due to the large number of cold viruses - 100 or more - people do not develop immunity to colds as they do to many other viral diseases. Exposure to one strain does not offer protection from others. This simple fact explains why it's been so difficult for researchers to devise a cold vaccine. To date, the best defense is a strong immune system.

Today, alternative medical professionals seek to strengthen immune response and restore the body's ability to fight back by supplementing with natural extracts, unique polypepfides that guard against immune suppression, and specialized formulas that function like natural antibiotics.

Worldwide Health Center offers a number of immune-boosting formulas. We have liquid and encapsulated forms of colostrums, time-honored immune stimulants in formulas containing specialized herbal extracts and medicinal mushrooms, or unique combinations of proteolytic enzymes used clinically to treat inflammatory allergic conditions as well as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The immune system is the first line of defense in maintaining health, preventing illness and hastening recovery. Research has shown that supplementing the immune system can help us resist some illnesses. We offer several products to help you defend against colds, flus and allergies and that play vital roles in the healthy functioning of the immune system.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells. It's normal to have cholesterol. It's an important part of a healthy body because it's used to form cell membranes, some hormones and serve other needed bodily functions. But too high a level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack. It's also a risk factor for stroke. 

You get cholesterol in two ways. Your body makes some of it, and the rest comes from cholesterol in animal products that you eat, such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and whole milk. Food from plants like fruits, vegetables and cereals doesn't have cholesterol. Some foods that don't contain animal products may contain trans-fats, which cause your body to make more cholesterol. Foods with saturated fats also cause the body to make more cholesterol.

Cholesterol and other fats can't dissolve in the blood. They have to be transported to and from the cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. There are two kinds that you need to be concerned with. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as the "bad" cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol can clog your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as the "good" cholesterol. Your body makes HDL cholesterol for your protection. It travels away from your arteries. Studies suggest that high levels of HDL cholesterol reduce your risk of heart attack.

Cancer

This is a detoxification package that has been scientifically formulated to work effectively with heavy metal toxicity in sensitive individuals such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, MS and other neurological disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Candida and more. All these disorders should use such a detox package as it contains the following:

• HMD HEAVY METAL DETOX - this has been thoroughly tested and shown to eliminate most toxic metals from the body, as well as other toxic chemicals


• ORGANIC LAVAGE - an organic herbal product that helps open-up elimination channels, therefore facilitating drainage (Lavage is the French for "Drainage"). Helps the liver, kidneys, lymphatics, cleans the blood and is a natural anti-inflammatory.


• CHLORELLA - this is an organic, non-toxic Chlorella pyrenoidosa that helps mop up toxic metals after they are released by the HMD Heavy Metal Detox.

Blood Sugar

One of the most predictable age-related physiological changes is the loss of glucose tolerance, i.e., the tendency for the development of diabetes and sub-clinical “prediabetes.” These changes are largely due to a progressive age-related resistance of the hypothalamus and peripheral tissues (i.e., muscles) to the effects of insulin (insulin resistance). Insulin resistance often results in hypertension, atherosclerosis, non-insulin dependent diabetes (Type II diabetes), obesity, and other degenerative illnesses. Normalizing insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels ameliorate these conditions. The formulas in this section support healthy blood sugar levels.

Age-Related Loss of Insulin Sensitivity
One of the most universal changes with age is a progressive loss of glucose tolerance. When this loss of glucose tolerance becomes pronounced, it is diagnosed as diabetes. The diagnostic criteria for older people are much less strict than the criteria for younger people. If the same criteria were used for older people as are used for younger people, nearly every senior citizen would be diagnosed as diabetic. The most likely cause of this loss of glucose tolerance with age is a progressive loss of insulin sensitivity — i.e., a loss of sensitivity to insulin by hypothalamic receptors, and a decreased response to glucose and insulin by the peripheral tissues. The NATURAL formulas below support blood sugar levels and diabetes.

COPPER ULTRA

Cardiovascular health and circulation
Copper plays a role in the elastic properties of blood vessels and the skin, and is involved in the structural integrity of the bones, cartilage, and tendons. It promotes normal cardiovascular health, normal circulation and inhibits free radicals.

sulfur ultra

Nature’s Beauty Mineral
Sulfur is a necessary nutrient for collagen formation, and is involved in the synthesis of protein. Sulfur helps promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. It also plays a role in a number of enzymatic reactions, it plays an important role in energy metabolism, insulin production and hormone synthesis.

boron ultra

Healthy bones & joints
Boron is needed for normal bone metabolism and calcium absorption. It may be helpful in maintaining healthy bone and joint function. Boron promotes healthy brain function and helps regulate hormones, especially estrogen and testostrone.

Arthritis & Joints

Osteoarthritis is a condition that begins with the breakdown of cartilage in joints, resulting in joint pain and stiffness. It is the most common form of arthritis in the United States, affecting more than 20 million Americans. Healthy joints need healthy cartilage, a substance made of water and collagen that covers and cushions bones, creating a firm, slippery coating within the joint for flexibility and easy movement. Cartilage can, and does, break down with age.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves inflammation of the lining of many different joints in your body. In some people, RA can also affect other parts of the body, includinq the blood, the lungs, and the heart. The affected joint may also lose its shape, resulting in loss of normal movement. RA affects about 2.1 million Americans, or about 1% of the adult population in the United States. This disease is two to three times more common in women than in men, and generally affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. However, young children can develop a form of RA called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

We have a number of formulas to help you enjoy optimal bone and joint health. To restore and repair damaged joints, we offer Nutri-Joint. Nutri-Joint Cream has high concentrations of MSM and emu oil, both of which have been demonstrated to alleviate the inflammation and pain of arthritis. You'll also find formulas for pain cessation and increasing flexibility.

vein support formula

Improve venous tone & structural integrity
This formula contains a blend of herbs and nutrients demonstrated to improve venous tone and structural integrity. As studies have shown, constipation/straining may worsen varicose veins. Therefore, this products effectiveness may be enhanced by consumption of high-fiber meals and/or products like Fiber-Rite.

opti-mag

Optimal absorption & utilization Magnesium is important for healthy blood vessels, producing energy, and for maintaining healthy nerve and muscle function. Magnesium is a key micromineral, and many Americans simply do not get enough magnesium through diet. Opti-Mag is not just a regular magnesium supplement; it is a blend of four forms of magnesium, designed for optimal absorption and utilization.

cardiocare

SAVE 15% $49.95 For January only! Enhance the performance of your heart & blood vessels Enhance the performance of your heart and blood vessels with a precise combination of synergistic-acting factors. Hawthorn berry extract and forskolin support healthy blood pressure. CoQ10 promotes cardiovascular energy while the other ingredients work synergistically to support healthy coronary circulation and healthy cholesterol levels. CardioCare formula was designed to help prevent (or benefit pre-existing) atherosclerotic conditions of all kinds, particularly coronary artery disease.

vitamin b3

Has many unique functional benefits
While the niacinamide form of vitamin B3 doesnt reduce cholesterol levels or cause the red flush of the skin like its B3 cousin, niacin does, it still has many unique functional benefits. Its required for hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body. It is vital nutritional support for those with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, stress and stroke. Possibly the most exciting benefit of niacinamide is its anti-aging effects.

sodium ultra

The electrolyte mineral
Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte. It has been shown to help maintain and improve endurance. It helps maintain water balance and blood pH in the body

Blood Pressure

It is estimated that high blood pressure (hypertension) directly kills more than 50,000 people in the United States each year and contributes to another 200,000+ deaths a year. Suffice it to say, high blood pressure is something that needs to be taken very seriously. 

In addition to contributing to more than 75 percent of all strokes and heart attacks, high blood pressure is also a factor in many cases of kidney failure, sexual dysfunction, and mental deterioration in the elderly. Although high blood pressure is a serious disease, it is often a silent one. In fact, most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms. 

One of the biggest problems many doctors face is that the popular drug treatments tend to make their high blood pressure patients feel worse because of side effects. Fortunately, there are safe and effective natural products useful in helping to lower blood pressure.

How is food allergy treated?

Dietary avoidance: Avoiding the offending allergen in the diet is the primary treatment of food allergy. Once a food to which the patient is sensitive has been identified, the food must be removed from the diet. To do this, affected people need to read lengthy, detailed lists of ingredients on the label for each food they consider eating. Many allergy-producing foods such as peanuts, eggs, and milk appear in foods that are not ordinarily associated with them. For example, peanuts often are used as protein supplements, eggs are found in some salad dressings, and milk is in bakery products. The FDA requires that the ingredients in a food be listed on its label. People can avoid most of the foods to which they are sensitive if they carefully read the labels on foods and, when in restaurants, avoid ordering foods that might contain ingredients to which they are allergic.

Treating an anaphylactic reaction: People with severe food allergies must be prepared to treat an anaphylactic reaction. Even those who know a lot about their own allergies can either make an error or be served food that does not comply with their instructions. To protect themselves, people who have had anaphylactic reactions to a food should wear medical alert bracelets or necklaces stating that they have a food allergy and that they are subject to severe reactions. These individuals also always should carry a syringe of adrenaline (epinephrine [Epipen]), obtained by prescription from their doctors, and be prepared to self-administer it if they think they are developing an allergic reaction. They then should immediately seek medical help by either calling the rescue squad or having themselves transported to an emergency room.

Treating other symptoms of food allergy: Several medications are available for treating the other symptoms of food allergy. For example, antihistamines can relieve gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, sneezing, and a runny nose. Bronchodilators can relieve the symptoms of asthma. These medications are taken after a person inadvertently has ingested a food to which he is allergic. They are not effective, however, in preventing an allergic reaction when taken prior to eating the food. In fact, no medication in any form is available to reliably prevent an allergic reaction to a certain food before eating that food.