More and more people are beginning to make lifestyle choices to benefit their health and are following a vegetarian weight loss diet. There are substantial positive health impacts that getting rid of meat from your diet can bring. Luckily these days there are more vegetarian options being served up in restaurants and more vegetarian products being produced and sold at supermarkets.

One of the key benefits of becoming vegetarian is enjoying a better health outcome than those who rely heavily on meat. Many diets that include meat are high in saturated fats. These animal fats can clog up the arteries and lead to obesity and contribute to the development of type II adult diabetes. Vegetarians tend to consume around 25 percent less saturated fats than people who eat meat regularly.

Since vegetarians consume less animal fats, they also tend to avoid many problems such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, angina, heart attacks and strokes. Lower cholesterol levels keep the blood circulating through the body more easily and it does not place undue pressure on the heart.

There is also irrefutable proof that eating vegetarian can prevent certain types of cancer from occurring in the body. Countless studies have shown time and time again that high consumption of fruits and vegetables and lower intake of meat can reduce cancer risk by around 50 percent. The antioxidant properties of some vegetables and especially cruciferous vegetables can protect the body from cancer causing agents.

People who have digestion problems should seriously consider changing to a vegetarian diet meal plan. Heavy and dense meat products take a long time for the body to digest, this can lead to a sluggish digestion system that is unable to fully eliminate waste. After a while, the inability to get rid of waste effectively can lead to stomach, colon or intestinal cancer. Vegetarians eat foods that are much more easily digested and therefore can avoid many digestive problems.

Eating meat can not only cause health problems for you, but it can also be detrimental to the environment. Beef and other meat production have a serious impact on the environment. For example, much of the Amazon Jungle is being cut down and destroyed to make space for cattle farms and stations. If you cut out meat, then you are reducing the total global demand for meat. Your contribution may not seem like much, but if many of us make a change we can make a real impact in a positive way.

It has been demonstrated by environmental studies that meat production is one of the worst offenders at causing environmental problems out of all the primary industries. Meat production can cause air and water pollution, land degradation and be responsible for the loss of habitats and species. This is an important reason to stop eating meat and become a vegetarian once and for all.

People who follow a vegetarian diet meal plan tend to have higher life expectancy and remain active and health for longer into their old age. There are several reasons why you should consider starting a high protein vegetarian diet or at least cutting down substantially on your meat consumption.

Anytime you need to find a doctor, it can be a truly frustrating endeavor. It does not matter if you are moving or have just decided you need to see someone new. You have to consider their area of expertise, years of experience and how trustworthy they are. Location can be a factor, as you will want someone that has an office near your home. There can me any issues with finding surgeons and doctors in Canada.

You will also want to keep any existing medial conditions in your thoughts. You have to worry about whether or not they have dealt with them before. Will they try to change a treatment you have already started? Will they approve of your current list of medications? Is it possible they will want to make you switch, when what you already have is working? It can truly be a very long, drawn out process.

Whether moving or just switching, it can help if you know other people in the area. This is a great way to get information on doctors. You can ask them what doctor they use and if they feel comfortable with them. You can easily find out how experienced the doctor is and if they are open and friendly. You can ask questions about how the doctor handles existing conditions and treatments. Friends and family can be a very vital source of information.

This is, however, not always an option. Sometimes you have no one to ask about these things. You may not know anyone in the given area. In this case you need to resort to other resources to find a good, qualified physician. Thankfully, the Internet has helped to make this process much easier. If you are looking for surgeons and doctors in Canada, there are many sites and associations available to help you. You can use their information to find the perfect physician.

A general online search will bring up many informative websites. You can use them to find information on doctors and surgeons, quickly and easily. Some will let you view ratings, showing what others have thought of that doctor. Some provide information about their expertise, experience and even the medical schools they attended. This can all be valuable information to use in making an informed decision.

There are also several sites that will help you locate more precise information. They specialize in listing the best Canadian physicians. This means you have less to comb through on your own. They can help reduce the confusion of figuring out medical and professional jargon.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons has websites relevant to each province. This makes it easy to find doctors near you and find the necessary information on them. It will also help you to narrow down which ones are in the area you live in or are moving to.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada provide country wide information. You can check out a doctor’s credentials, information according to specialty and check their practice status. Intraspec offers a website that will also allow you to locate them by province. It can be particularly useful, as it also lists the approximate wait times for appointments.

Whatever resource you decide to use, you can take the mystery out of finding surgeons and doctors in Canada. You can find one that specializes in what you need or someone of general practice. When you need to find a new doctor, it does not have to be a complicated process.

Trying to find a Calgary real estate agency? One of the criteria for purchasing a home is the location of Calgary doctors; especially for families with children. To minimize travel distance, Calgary associations must be closely located as well.

Are you debating on what is the best protein supplement for you? Whether it is egg protein, whey protein, casein protein or soy protein, you might like to learn more on which of these products are best for your needs:

Biological Value (BV)

This value is a calibration of the quantity of nitrogen absorbed by the body when protein is consumed in an empty stomach. It indicates how digestible and available the protein is for use by the body. For example, a whole egg has a 100% nitrogen absorption rating.

Net Protein Utilization (NPU)

This is the amount of amino acids converted to protein by the body compared to the amount of amino acids from protein that was consumed. A percentage value of 100 means that the body uses 100% of the protein provided. For instance, whey isolate has 100% NPU value versus tofu at 64%.

The Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER for short)

Protein efficiency ratio measures the gain in body weight divided by the weight of the protein consumed in infant laboratory rats. The FDA uses the PER to determine the recommended daily allowance of protein on food labels. Do note, however, that rats handle protein differently than humans, causing calculation errors.

The Amino Acid Score (AAS for short)

The amino acid score is a measure of the quantity of individual amino acids in a protein, relative to the need for the amino acid. This type of measure does not evaluate whether or not the protein is digestible. Values of 1 or more are proteins that carry amino acids that are required by humans. Example: Whole milk Methionine + cystine (84), threonine (94), lysine (97)

The Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS for short)

PDCAAS pattern is based on the protein requirements of preschool-age children (rather than lab rats) combined with the AAS score, thereby, correcting the shortcomings of the PER and AAS methods. A protein with a high score of 100% PDCAAS, means that the food provides about 100% of protein synthesis for the human body, such as whole egg (1.00).

The Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids

Essential amino acids are needed by the human body but cannot be made by the body; hence, these amino acids have to be added through diet.

Glutamine - non-essential

Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that is found in massive amounts in the muscles of the body. Because it easily passes through the blood-brain barrier, it is also known as a brain fuel. Glutamine can be converted to glucose and used for energy rather than blood sugar. Glutamine also increases growth hormone levels thereby increasing muscle cell volume as well.

Arginine - a non-essential amino acid

A non-essential amino acid that thwarts both physical and mental fatigue, arginine stimulates the pituitary glands to secrete human growth hormone. It has the ability to produce nitric oxide, hence, increasing blood flow and delivering more nutrients to the muscles for muscle development. Arginne has been found to improve immune system responses to bacteria. Studies indicate arginine supplements show promising results in increasing lipid metabolism.

When absorbed into the human body through diet, the twenty-one standard amino acids are either oxidized to urea and carbon dioxide as a source of energy or used to synthesize proteins and other biomolecules. About ten of these are essential, and therefore, must be included in the diet.

In some situations, such as puberty or early development, pregnancy or lactation, injury or simply building muscle, a diet that contains adequate amounts of amino acids (especially the essential ones) is particularly important. If you are considering protein supplements for muscle building, choose one that scores high in several of the standards mentioned above. It is also important to consume lean meats, low-fat dairy products and plants rich in proteins for a complete source of amino acids.

Fitness Centers of Rochester, Rochester Group Fitness Programs and Weight Loss Centers of Rochester provide health and fitness consultation to its members.

Allergies can sometimes be simple to control, but that does not mean that the patient has mild symptoms. There are many over the counter remedies that are known to help patients treat seasonal allergies, one of the most common types of the condition. Another allergy that is increasing in numbers is the gluten allergy. With proper tests, it is fairly easy to diagnose and the symptoms are sometimes easy to recognize.

There are many signs of gluten reactions. Stomach ailments are one of the most common effects reported by those that have experienced the condition. The symptoms can be quite painful and cause a lot of anguish.

Every patient varies in symptoms when they develop an allergic reaction to gluten. Extreme fatigue is next on the list after stomach ailments. The patients that are allergic to gluten often run out of energy before they normally did. This is often a sign of other conditions and diseases so just because the patient is tired, does not mean they are having an allergic reaction.

Along with the stomach ailments comes weight lose. Bloating and constipation is also common indicators that someone may be having an allergic reaction to gluten. In order to verify this, a doctor will do allergy tests. Treatment will for the symptoms will begin after the tests have come back and the doctor has talked to the patient about a treatment plan.

When the doctor finds out what is causing the symptoms, the treatment will begin. In the cases of gluten allergies, a diet change will be directed by the doctor. Medication may also play a part in the patient’s daily treatment.

Some of the symptoms of gluten allergies are often the same signs of other health conditions. The doctor is the only one that can diagnose and treat the allergies; so many tests may be in order before the doctor can narrow down the cause of the patient’s symptoms.

Many people across the globe suffer from allergies and suffer from to learn how to keep them in check. There are few symptoms that pinpoint to a gluten allergy and if the gluten allergy symptoms are noticed, they should be tested.

Red wine is a drink that many people enjoy around the world. Making red wine is a process that has evolved over hundreds and hundreds of years. There are numerous health benefits of red wine. Many doctors suggest a person drink one glass of red wine per day to help cardiovascular system keep healthy.[youtube:SShlhXQiFA8;[link:Benefits Of Red Wine];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SShlhXQiFA8&feature=related]

Winemaking is a process that many people enjoy doing. Fresh grapes are picked when they ripen. They go through the fermentation process with their skins on. Many people do not know that the color of the wine is made from the grape skins. While the grapes are being fermented in a big barrel, yeast is placed on top and mixed in. The color deepens the longer the fermentation process goes.

Once fermentation is completed, the grapes are pressed. Any skins or other matter is removed and the wine matures. Once the wine has matured in the barrel as long as the person wants, it is then bottled and ready to enjoy.

There are quite a number of health benefits for the person who consumes red wine. Researchers have found that antioxidants are within the grape skins. The antioxidants found are called resveratrol and there are other polyphenols. These properties help the body fight and stay disease free.

Another health benefit from drinking red wine is the cardiovascular assistance. A study found that red wine stopped the synthesis of a protein called endothelin-1. This protein can lead to the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a build up of fatty material along the arterial walls. Another study found that red wine drinkers had a sixty eight percent reduction in the incident of colorectal cancers and abnormal growths.

It appears quite clearly that consuming red wine will increase one.. ’s health in the positive. Properties in the wine assist in maintaining proper cardiovascular health as well as antioxidants which keep disease at bay. The benefits of drinking one glass of red wine per day appear to outweigh the negatives. [I:http://lbf.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/ThomasSinclair2.png]

Thomas Sinclair has been in the field of natural medicine for a long time and maintains a website about Benefits Of Red Wine where you can get answers to the rest of your questions.

The sores that occur in your mouth from time to time are called canker sores. Canker sores can be quite painful depending on how big it is.

Canker sores usually last several days. No definitive reasons have been found about what causes canker sores.

Even before the canker sores become mature, you can stop it before that happens. Many types of toothpaste contain sodium lauryl sulfate. SLS is an ingredient that can dry out your mouth which can cause canker sores.

Make sure you get a good amount of sleep. Lack of sleep causes stress which can cause canker sores.

If you do not get enough vitamin B, that can lead to canker sores. Buy some vitamin B if you feel you are lacking.

Wash your mouth with antibacterial mouth wash after you brush your teeth. Antibacterial rinse can get rid of the bacteria that could linger near your canker sores. You can also rinse with salt water or hydrogen peroxide.

Put baking soda paste on your canker sore. This can soothe and help the healing of the sore faster. Avoid spicy food which will irritate the canker sore more. Also avoid eating sharp foods which could cause trauma to the canker sores.

Get some yogurt to treat your canker sores. Yogurt has the ingredient called acidophilus which can boost your immune system. By boosting your immune system it could heal the canker sores faster.

You can also buy over-the-counter canker sore drugs at the pharmacy. These drugs can help soothe the sore. You can get either a spray or topical medication.

Right when you feel you are about to get canker sores, start taking measures to prevent the sores from getting worse. By being proactive you can avoid having to suffer canker sores for several days.

Ned has written several books on how to cure a wide variety of health problems. For more information on how to get rid of canker sores, please check out his website.

Being an informed patient is an empowering concept.1 In the modern healthcare marketplace, the doctor-patient relationship has become a two-way street. It is no longer a situation in which the doctor tells the patient what to do. Today, patients can be full partners in managing their care and well-being.2

What does it take to be an informed patient, one who will participate in a meaningful way and not be merely the passive recipient of the doctor’s instructions and recommendations?

The first key is to identify a doctor, a chiropractor or family physician, depending on the circumstances, in whom you have confidence. Here are a few essential points to consider:

The doctor has spent enough time with you on the first visit. The doctor has focused on you, and hasn’t been distracted by all the other things happening in the office. The doctor has satisfactorily answered all your questions. The doctor’s recommendations are clear, and you understand what the next steps are going to be.

The questions you ask are not just to keep talking and capture more of the doctor’s time spent with you. An informed patient does some preparation - some homework - before the actual office visit. The Internet offers a lot of valuable information on both chiropractic and medical treatment. And, it is important to remember that not all information is accurate and authoritative - consider the source of the “information”.

You should consider the author’s background and affiliations. Consider the potential for bias. Is the site itself up-to-date - for example, are there “dead links” on the site.

Do your best to evaluate the doctor’s recommendations. First, what are the expected results? How quickly will you begin to feel better? Are there potential side-effects of the recommended treatment? What are the alternatives?

Alternatives may include other forms of therapy within the doctor’s office and may also include consultation with another specialist. The main point is not to be left with a confusing array of choices, but to have enough information to go forward with a treatment plan that makes the most sense, both to your doctor and to you.

If a prescription is involved, make sure you write down the exact spelling of the medication and the exact dosage and frequency. Prescriptions are usually scribbled, and both doctors and pharmacists can make a mistake. Don’t let your doctor simply hand you an illegible piece of paper. Insist on ensuring that you understand what is being prescribed, and be sure to ask your doctor about potential side effects, risks, and interactions with any other medicines you may be taking.

As in all your relationships, the doctor-patient relationship is based on clear communication and mutual trust and understanding. You can help your doctor help you by being informed and participating in the decision-making process.

1Informed Consent. “Ethics in Medicine”. University of Washington School of Medicine. http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/consent.html#ques1 2″Be an active healthcare consumer”. Agency for Healthcard Research and Quality. http://www.ahrq.gov/path/beactive.htm

For additional information on health please contactDr. Jason Fowler www.lakestlouisdc.com

If you’re scared of the VLCD or very low calorie diet…don’t be embarrassed. It’s definitely scary. Dieters the world over are terrified of this particular method. Although the more you learn about it the less terrified you’ll be.

The VLCD is absolutely a tough diet. There’s no way anyone will ever say it’s easy, but it doesn’t have to be so scary. For instance, if you’re navigating the VLCD or very low calorie diet with HCG Diet Direct’s homeopathic HCG weight loss formula you’ll find you are definitely ahead of the game.

This particular combination offers almost miraculous weight loss results averaging 1 to 2 pounds of weight loss per day. This particular combination also depends upon strict adherence to a VLCD or very low calorie diet that limits dieters to 500 calories on a day to day basis. That’s pretty a pretty rough regimen. There are no cheats. There are no exceptions. There are no free days.

BUT…it also offers immediate results. Most dieters who follow the program accurately begin losing weight within the first week. It also comes with the benefit of knowing that the program is only a few weeks long. You can do anything for a “few weeks,” right? And don’t forget the special ramifications that come with proper HCG use for weight loss.

The HCG part of this little partnership means that you’ve got a few really great things on your side that help you lose weight and keep it off. It keeps dieters from having hunger pains for one thing. (And that is a HUGE bonus considering that these particular dieters are only getting 1/3 or 1/4 of the normal daily intake).

Another amazing benefit of the HCG for VLCD or very low calorie diet participants is the adjustment of the way the body handles fat cells. Instead of hanging onto the fat cells after they’ve been emptied by strict dieting, the body is able to absorb the empty fat cells. This makes it much more probable that weight loss while on the diet will stay off after diet completion.

HCG Diet Direct offers a homeopathic HCG weight loss formula for online purchase. Order it online and have it delivered (conveniently) to your own front door. In addition to the availability of the HCG you also have access to plenty of free information that will enable you to get a better idea of the possibilities you’re tapping by partnering the VLCD or very low calorie diet with the homeopathic HCG weight loss formula. It’s a killer combination for drastic, immediate weight loss.

Amelia Handley studied exercise science at university with a minor in Nutrition. Yet she still found herself veering from diet to diet in order to control her weight. With HCG Diet Direct she’s found a program that allows her to combine her desire to control her own body weight with her education and not feel off balance.

If you’re wondering if the above mention of HCG Diet Direct’s 500 calorie diet is a misprint you aren’t alone. Many people question the validity of a 500 calorie diet program because they just don’t think anyone can actually limit themselves to that amount of food and still function. So just to keep you interested let’s point out that if you were able to stick to a 500 calorie diet…you’d lose A LOT of weight. Do you imagine yourself swimming daily, but have never been able to get yourself to buy a swimsuit? Do you dream of participating in a marathon, but struggle to get your tennis shoes tied because you just can’t reach? Do you wish that you could just cuddle up and watch a movie with your legs in the chair with you, but can’t quite get yourself arranged?

Those are the very things you need to think of when you consider…possibly…taking on a 500 calorie diet. So I hope you are now thinking about tackling the prospect seriously! And I’ll tell you what a lot of people don’t know. You can absolutely do it! Everyone is capable of completing the requirements of a 500 calorie diet; they just need to approach it with the right tools in hand so you can control how your body handles the calorie restriction.

Some think they can do it on their own. They just stop eating. Or they just decide to abruptly eat a WHOLE lot less food. This very rarely works. People that try this method end up feeling as if they are starving constantly.

That’s why the HCG Diet Direct’s homeopathic HCG weight loss formula is such a vital aspect of this type of diet. Tackling a 500 calorie diet on your own is suicide. You’ll have severe hunger pains all day. You won’t be able to concentrate on your day to day business. You won’t be able to stand not filling your stomach. And honestly, your body will be confused. It will most likely respond as if you actually were starving and you won’t even lose the weight.

All the drama and discomfort and downright hunger and no weight loss. That’s the story of people who attempt the very low calorie diet without the aid of an appropriate weight loss formula like the one offered by HCG Diet Direct. Don’t torture yourself like that. But if you approach the 500 calorie diet with the help of the homeopathic HCG weight loss formula from HCG Diet Direct you are making a very good move. You’ll find that you aren’t even hungry. Your body won’t treat your intake as if it’s the last you’ll have in a while. You’ll begin to lose weight immediately.

Isn’t it beautiful? The all natural, homeopathic weight loss formula from HCG Diet Direct interacts with the body enabling it to do a couple of really fabulous things. It stimulates the eating and drinking part of the brain (through the hypothalamus) so you don’t feel hungry. And it also interacts with the body to stimulate appropriate action when fat cells are emptied. Normally they just hang around empty until there’s available fat to refill them (making it really hard to keep weight off), but with the formula the body absorbs empty fat cells. YEAH! Right? So…get moving. You can order it delivered to your door. Don’t sit around and think about how fabulous that would be if you actually did it. Just do it!

Amelia Handley majored in exercise science in college with a minor in Nutrition. Yet she still found herself veering from diet to diet in order to control her weight. With HCG Diet Direct she’s found a program that allows her to combine her desire to control her own body weight with her education and not feel off balance.

Along with the shorter days and falling leaves come the colds and flu, however, not for everyone! Survival of the fittest ” the fittest immunity that is. We know to wash our hands frequently, dress warmly, get plenty of rest, and of course incorporate daily exercise into our routine, but can the foods we eat really make a difference in our efforts to fight off colds and the flu? In my experience, there is no question that a well-nourished individual is more immunologically competent and better able to cope with illness/infection challenges than those with nutrient-poor diets. So where to start?

Your Foundation Diet

This is what I characterize as your day-to-day intake of the essential nutrients. Its not what you eat Friday nights after hockey or for the occasional birthday gathering, its what your food choice tendency is day-to-day over months and years that really impacts your overall resilience to create a body of health, vitality and strength. Your immune system is what protects you from viral infections, and the foods you eat have a major impact on your immune systems ability to fight off colds and flu. Balance, variety and moderation are three key areas to keep in check.

Balance Balance your meals and snacks by including at least 3 out of 4 food groups in each meal and 2 out of 4 for snacks. In general aim for lean/low fat proteins, unprocessed carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Examples: 1. Breakfast (all four food groups!) a. Grains: choose whole grain cereals high in fiber and low in sugar b. Fruits & Vegetables: sweeten by topping with berries or a sliced banana c. Meat or Alternatives: chopped almonds or walnuts add good fats and protein to your cereal bowl d. Dairy or Soy: Low fat milk or soy milk ” a generous amount for a good blast of calcium and vitamin D.

2. Snack (two food groups) carrots sticks and a container of low-fat yogurt

Variety Escape routine and try new foods (plant derived) as often as possible. Phyto -(Greek for plant) chemicals are important nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and even chocolate and wine! Each plant derived food hosts its own profile of these powerful antioxidants ” the more variety you eat the more of these antioxidants your body can utilize to fight disease and boost immunity.

Moderation Limited or moderate intake of unhealthy food is important too. Stay away from excess sugar and unhealthy fats, such as saturated fat and especially trans fats, which have been shown to suppress immune function. Watch alcohol intake as well, which can impair your ability to fight off pathogens.

Adequate intakes of vitamins (A, B, C, D, E) and trace elements (Selenium, Zinc) are required for the immune system to function efficiently, however there is limited evidence of any benefits unless you are deficient (however in the case of vitamin D many of us might be). Taking a multivitamin/mineral a few times a week is a good safeguard for falling short, but supplements continue to prove their inferiority to a nutrient-rich diet. A variety of Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains, Nuts, Seeds, Lean Protein and Essential Fats are your key to optimal immune function.

Vitamin C Supplements

You need vitamin C for a healthy immune system, however you should get it from the fruits and vegetables you eat so that you also get other important nutrients, fiber and other phytochemicals and antioxidants that you won’t get from dietary supplements. There is no current scientific evidence to support the idea that taking large doses of vitamin C will prevent or reduce the symptoms of colds or flu, however you can take dietary supplements to assure that you get enough vitamin C on the days you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. In addition, your immune system requires a constant influx of vitamin C when it’s working hard to fight invaders, so drinking 100% juice or eating oranges every 2-3 hours at the onset and during a cold may shorten its duration.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D has made news headlines numerous times over the past couple of years, and growing evidence suggest we need to at least triple our intakes, especially during winter months (unless you’re lucky enough to live in the tropics!). Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, and foods that are fortified with vitamin D (fluid milk/soy) are often inadequate to satisfy an adult’s vitamin D requirement. Vitamin D deficiency, aside from poor bone health, has also been associated with increased risk of common cancers, autoimmune diseases, hypertension, and infectious diseases. This is a supplement you may want to consider at 800-1000IU daily.

Zinc Supplements

Zinc is a mineral that is needed for a healthy immune system and is safe to take when ingested through food sources such as seafood, nuts and yogurt but more is not better although it’s often sold as an over-the-counter natural treatment for colds. Zinc is necessary for optimal health but most studies show little or no benefit when studying zinc supplements. Zinc sold in a nasal gel form has been shown by several studies to cause a loss of the sense of smell in some patients and should be used with caution. Zinc is often sold as ingredient in lozenges that may help to sooth a sore throat in some. But supplementing with higher doses of zinc, particularly long term, can be toxic.

Echinacea

This herb is available as a dietary supplement and is used to prevent or decrease the duration of the common cold. Most studies show mixed results, however a meta-analysis of several studies reports that taking echinacea supplements may actually be beneficial, and the most effective preparation seems to be the pressed juice of the Echinacea purpura species

Probiotics

These “friendly or good bacteria” help to keep your digestive tract healthy and appear to have some beneficial effect on your whole-body immune system. Probiotics may be found in dietary supplements or as a nutritional ingredient in yogurt (be sure “active” or “live” cultures is in the ingredient list), yogurt drinks (Bio-K) and other foods. Some research does support the use of probiotics for reducing the symptoms and duration of the common cold.

Food First — the foods listed here will give your immunity a boost, naturally!

For Vitamin C Citrus fruits and juices Apple juice Kiwi fruit Strawberries Broccoli Brussels sprouts Red/green/yellow Sweet potatoes Potatoes Tomatoes

For Vitamin E Vegetable oils Wheat germ Nuts Peanut butter Sunflower seeds Papayas Avocadoes Peppers

For Selenium Brazil nuts Grain products Wheat germ Wheat bran Oat bran Fish, shellfish Meat, poultry Eggs Beans

For Carotenoids Carrots Cantaloupe Sweet potatoes Pumpkin Broccoli Pink grapefruit Tomatoes/tomato products Dark green leafy Veggies

For Zinc Oysters and other seafood Red meat Poultry Fortified breakfast cereal Whole grains Beans Nuts

Chris & Steve Parker are the founding members of http://www.farparker.com your complete online recreational hockey resource destination. Find out more about your favorite hockey team in our forum section, we also have the best articles, blogs and games room on the net. If you like hockey, you will love FarParker “Life is Short, Park Wisely, Play Hard