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The story broke in the international press on October 4th, 2004. Scientists in Japan announced that laboratory rats lost large amounts of organ fat, and increased muscle strength, when a portion of their diet was replaced by a new fruit extract.

Could this new discovery be "exercise in a Pill?"

These unexpected results left the researchers puzzled. No drug or food had ever shown the ability to target and dramatically decrease dangerous organ fat, also known as visceral, or "belly" fat. In fact, only one thing is proven to reduce it... exercise.

The New American Epidemic- obesity.

And the unsightly bulge of stubborn belly fat isn't the only problem. Controlling this fat is important, say researchers at duke University medical Center, because increased levels have been associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and the alarming rise in obesity rates in the United States, where presently two out of three adults are overweight or obese. Visceral fat is located around the organs inside the belly and is deeper in the body than ordinary fat, and much harder to get rid of.

In the Japanese study, conducted at the Nippon Sport Science university graduate school, lab rats were fed a chemical extract from apples as 5% of their diet. The animals lost an average of 27% of organ fat in only 3 weeks. Even more baffling to researchers was a 16% increase in muscle strength observed in the test animals.

Proven health Results from Apple Chemicals

Chemical extracts from apples have been extensively studied for years for their health benefits in cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Recently, apple extracts have been shown to protect the brain against nerve damage associated with Alzheimer's disease. But this is the first evidence that these phytochemicals- termed apple polyphenols- have been shown to reduce belly fat deposits.

The Japanese researchers have now turned their attention to confirming these results in human subjects, and one Japanese company announced plans to market health drinks containing the extract in the U.S. later this year.

Too Early to Tell?

Although it will likely be some time before human weight loss trials are reported, some consumers aren't willing to wait. Since November, a small group of people in the U.S. have had access to these apple chemicals in pill form. You can track their intriguing results, which are now being reported on our web site, where you can also follow the latest news and research about apple polyphenols.

David Kern is a health researcher and publisher of New health & Longevity, a newsletter devoted to the latest advances in nutritional science. Contact him through http://www.applepoly.com/bellyfat/ . You can find a link there for current medical studies and breaking news on apple phytochemicals.

# posted by 78867 @ 4:38 PM 0 comments

Since the total truth came out about HRT, the medical community has been in turmoil and somewhat divided as to what should be recommended to women who are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance. In the meantime millions of women are confused about what to do to relieve their symptoms and at the same time not cause health problems down the road.

Natural progesterone cream, when used correctly, seems to help many women through the symptoms of hormonal imbalance with many added benefits. Natural progesterone, has the same molecular structure as the progesterone produced by the body. It is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. It can help your body keep estrogen and progesterone levels in balance, resulting in maintained sense of equilibrium.

As beneficial as natural progesterone cream is, we must be aware that we are dealing with a very delicate system - the endocrine system. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola: "The problem relates to the fact that progesterone is highly fat soluble and once applied to the skin will store itself in a woman's fat tissue. When one first uses the cream, there is no problem here as the fat stores are very low. But as time goes on, the cream accumulates and contributes to disruptions in the adrenal hormones such as DHEA, cortisol, and testosterone. I have learned that although progesterone cream is an enormously useful tool, it needs to be used very cautiously."

It is advised that women test their progesterone levels yearly. Although progesterone over-dose is not something that causes great harm, initially-sleepiness is a clue-the solution that we are after is balance of all hormones. Anytime there is an over-balance of a hormone, even progesterone, the system will suffer and symptoms will appear.

Along with progesterone, balancing the adrenals is very important, but something that is often over-looked in hormonal balancing. There are many useful herbs that can help accomplish this along with the following: Diet, Stress and Sleep.

A totally balanced diet like the one offered in my E-Book, Balancing Your Hormones Without DrugsYou Can Feel Good Again, is imperative. I am convinced that about 85% of all hormonal symptoms can be relieved with a healthy, balanced diet. Along with diet, drinking half your body weight in clean, pure water is also essential.

Hidden stress can be the underlying cause of why some women do not experience symptom relief of hormonal imbalance. Stress is often a "silent symptom" in that we have usually learned to consider it as being a normal part of life. Some suggestions in dealing with stress include: meditation, prayer, yoga, EFT, exercise (especially walking), deep breathing and learning how to remove yourself from difficult situations. In order to alleviate stress these must be practiced very daily.

It is said that over of the population is sleep deprived. The importance of being in bed before 10:00 p.m. so that the body's biorhythms are not disturbed has been taught by natural medicine doctors for many years. The body does most of its repair and healing between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. If you are awake during these hours your body definitely looses. There is no such thing as "catching up on your sleep". Once it is lost, it cannot be regained. Weekend "sleep warriors" are actually doing more harm to their Circadian rhythms than they may realize.

Like most things in life, we must always proceed with caution. There is no magic bullet when it comes to getting the body balanced and healthy. Natural progesterone is the most natural and safest way to assist women with the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, but we must remember that our goal is "balance" in every area.

The following table shows the benefits of natural progesterone compared to estrogen. As you can see, the effects of progesterone are many-we would do well to use it wisely.

Estrogen effects: Stimulates breasts cysts; Increases body fat storage; Salt and fluid retention; Depression and headaches; Interferes with thyroid hormone; Increases blood clotting and risk of stroke; Decreases libido (sex drive);

Impairs blood sugar control; Loss of zinc and retention of copper; Reduced oxygen level in all cells; Increased risk of endometrial cancer; Increased risk of breast cancer;

Helps decrease bone loss slightly.

Progesterone effects: protects against breast cysts; Helps use fat for energy and keep it off hips; Natural diuretic (water pill); Natural anti-depressant; Facilitates thyroid hormone action; Normalizes blood clotting;Increases libido;

Normalizes blood sugar levels; Normalizes zinc and copper levels; Restores proper cell oxygen levels; Prevents endometrial cancer; Helps prevent breast cancer; Increases bone building.

About The Author

Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath, Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in the houston, TX area and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. A teacher, educator and seminar speaker, she counsels Oasis Advanced Wellness clients on the aspects of getting the body healthy and keeping the body healthy and also develops customized health programs to help clients get healthy. As a cancer survivor, she is able to relate extensively, both as a patient and a practitioner, to clients suffering from disease. She is also involved in researching new alternative disease treatments and products. Dr. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide E-newsletter Advanced health & Wellness. To receive a free subscription go to: www.oasisadvancedwellness.com. Be sure and visit our bio identical hormonal balancing site at www.menopause-pms-progesterone.org and www.oasisserene.com. We would love to become your partner in health.

staff@oasisadvancedwellness.com

# posted by 78867 @ 10:15 AM 0 comments