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The Controversy of Flavonoids and Bioflavonoids - Can they Help?

I did some exhaustive research on the use of BioFlavonoids
(in my quest for better health and youth) and did not find anything that
prevented me from trying them. Bioflavonoids are referred to as Vitamin P
and Flavonoids. The only side effects of Flavonoids or Bioflavonoids that
I could find are:

• Catechin, which can occasionally cause fever, anemia from breakdown of red
  blood cells, and hives.


• Allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and the information in this blog is my
personal opinion. It is not meant to cure, treat etc...

• Swanson Coupons for Flavonoids / BioFlavonoids


• Great variety of BioFlavonoids at Life Extension

Bioflavonoids and Flavanoids (the terms are actually redundant) are reported to have numerous health benefits.

Flavnoids are the natural pigments in fruits and vegetables. Although there are
few studies that have produced firm reports about the benefits of Flavornoids,
they are still widely accepted as beneficial. Researchers have reported a few
thousand different bioflavonoids. Most of these are the yellow pigments found in citrus fruit
and vegetables.

Foods that are high in bioflavonoids include apricots, blackberries, black currants, broccoli, cantaloupes, cherries, grapefruits, grapes, oranges and lemons.

Here are some benefits (some are proven, some are not) that I found:

• Nearly all flavonoids enhance the functionality of vitamin C, itself a powerful antioxidant.


• Bioflavonoids help maintain capillaries.


• Flavonoids prevent the cellular damage caused by free radicals


• Bioflavonoids, in recent studies have been shown to help the blood clot


• Bioflavonoids are used as food preservatives to prevent fats from oxidation


• Bioflavonoids stop or slow the growth of malignant cells, they also help protect against cancer-causing substances.

I learned so much on these nutrients that I am going to follow up on this Blog Post!

Labels: aging, Bioflavonoids, Flavonoids, menopause

My threat came true - My suggestions for Menopausal Relief

Soy .. Soy .. Soy.

Did you know that Starbucks Coffee offers you the opportunity to use Soy Milk in all thier drinks? No kidding. Sippin' on a Caramel Latte made with Soy Milk right now. Not only is it better for a woman's bones and prevents bone thinning - it is lower in overall calories, from what I understand.

More importantly, the soy drinks taste better than the non-fat ones.

So, let's say that you are not a Starbucks fan, but you ARE in your late 40s or early 50s and starting to enter "the change".

Get your soy! It not only is vitally needed at this stage in your life ... it will relief symptoms that are uncomfortable like hot flashes.

Here is the absolute, bar-none, best deal for soy on the net: DrSoy Soy Products. Use the link and you will see any current coupons. They have a 10 item "variety pack" for around $18 that allows you to determine which products you like (soy nuts, soy bars, soy trail mixes) etc...

Here is another product I found: Changes For Women - Menopause Nutritional Supplement

Haven't tried it yet .. but if anyone has - let us know.

Continued later: Menopause Treatment

Labels: aging, drsoy, menopause, soy products

More on looking younger and Anti-aging

(Watch out - because my next blog post is going to be on menopause .. just warning you)

Four years ago, Civant Skin Care embarked on a business plan to develop their most powerful skin lightening product. Not only was this formula meant to be effective, but also safe for normal use.

From what I can determine - they succeeded. About a month ago, I learned about Meladerm (probably from another blogger) and decided to try it. I wouldn't necessarily say that I have age spots - but I WAS suffering from a number of darkened areas on my face that just made me look a bit older.

After about 2 weeks, I was wonderfully pleased with the results.

Give it a try: Meladerm Skin Lightener at Civant Skincare

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin problem which can take on many different forms. Essentially, any dark colored area of the skin can be considered hyperpigmentation – age spots, acne scars, melasma, uneven skin tone, sun damage, etc. Meladerm can help with any of these types of hyperpigmentation.

The Meladerm formulation combines many of the most effective skin lightening ingredients into one cream. Some of the key actives include Kojic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, licorice extract and lactic acid just to name a few.

That's enough of a sales job :) - it worked for me and they give you a money back guarantee of some sort. Be sure to read that.

Good luck and stay tuned for the menopause article !!

Labels: age spots, aging, meladerm, skin lightener

High levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss.

You may or may not have heard the above claim if you are suffering from AMD. Lutein and Zinc seem to really help with declining vision as we get older. Don't accept blurred vision as part of growing old - but be careful.

Why careful? If you have EVER smoked habitually, be careful about what types of antioxidants you take. It has been shown that taking Beta Carotene in high doses (even after you have quit smoking) can increase your risk of lung cancer.

Recent studies have shown that smoking and taking Beta Carotene supplements do not go together. Beta Carotene is an antioxidant, which means that it inactivates free radicals in the body. In the process it oxidizes and can become a kind of pro-oxidant or form oxidized by-products.

If you are a smoker you should by no means try to avoid Beta Carotene in your diet - just DON'T TAKE SUPPLEMENTS!

That's my words of wisdom for today!

Labels: aging, eye vitamins, senior nutrition

Anti-Aging Skincare Routines and Reducing or Eliminating Wrinkles

Speaking of Aging - Give us your opinion on Wrinkle or Anti-aging products

This subject is near and dear to my heart, because each morning, I awake and
look in the mirror only to see more wrinkles than the day before.

I have been researching some wrinkle products on the market - but I want your
opinion. Here are my favorite in order:

1. Dermitage
   Wrinkle Reduction (Free Trial)
2. Meladerm Skin Lightener (Civant)
3. Clarisonic Skincare Treatment (not a cream)
4. Hydroderm - 30 Day Free (by far the most publicized)
5. Dremu Anti-Aging

Many of the latest skin-care products are trying to mimic the effects of expensive treatments like Botox. But can they really deliver on that level?
What is your opinion?

Want to plump up your crow's-feet for up to a day? Try: Dermitage

Did you know:

Human skin is involved in protecting, excreting, secreting, absorbing, thermo-regulating etc, but all these functions can be affected by the structural changes due to aging and excessive sun exposure. Mechanical properties, such as elasticity, are controlled by the density and geometry of the network of collagen and elastic fibres.

If damaged, they lose their contractile properties, resulting in skin wrinkling and roughness. Old or unhealthy skin acquires sags, stretch marks, bumps, bruises or wrinkles, is thinner, and has reduced ability to make vitamin D.

Finally: The demand for anti-aging cosmetics will increase 8.1% a year to $6.4 billion by 2010, according to a study by The Freedonia Group, Cleveland, OH. Gains will be propelled by a stream of new and technologically advanced product introductions offering age-defying and other appearance-enhancing benefits for an aging population.

I guess that I am right there with the rest of the population!

Labels: aging, senior citizen, skin care, wrinkles

Signs an Aging Loved One May Need Help

My parents are getting older and my heart is breaking. I did a bit of research on the signs that your parent may need additional help and here they are:

The following are signs that your aging loved one may need help:

• Decreased attention to personal hygiene. Fear of falling while in the bath tub or shower can lead to a lack of bathing. If you notice your parent is repeatedly wearing the same clothing, doing laundry may have become physically challenging.
• Increased isolation. Declining invitations to go out, refusing to see family and friends and a general loss of interest in activities may be signs the aging parent needs assistance. Repeated phone calls at odd hours may be a sign of memory loss, a cry for help and a sign of depression or isolation.
• Change in housekeeping habits. A cluttered and unkempt house can be especially troubling when the parent has always been neat and orderly.
• Change in bill management and financial trouble. If mail and bills are left to pile up, the simple act of opening and filing mail may have become overwhelming. This can lead to unpaid bills if managing a checking account has become too much for the parent to handle.
• Change in sleep patterns. Episodes of narcolepsy or, conversely, sleeping the majority of the time, can be warning signs.
• Change in eating patterns. Significant weight loss or gain can be signs an aging parent is suffering nutritionally – eating just enough to get by or eating lots of high-in-fat food that is easy or fast to prepare. Food in the refrigerator that is uneaten or spoiled may show that shopping, cooking and cleaning have become too much trouble.
• Increased forgetfulness, repeating self, confusion and crying. Forgetting to take medication is a sign of short-term memory loss or depression that isn’t just a quality of life issue, but a real risk factor. A smaller example of a sign of memory loss can be scorching on the bottom of pots and pans. This can be a dangerous indication that a parent is forgetting about pots left on the stove, causing a fire hazard and threatening both the individual’s and the surrounding neighbors’ safety. Missed doctor appointments may simply be a product of not having transportation, but not knowing how to access ride options can be a sign of a larger issue like memory loss.
• Onset of combativeness or excessive aggressive behavior. Inappropriate behavior and speech in everyday situations or when questioned about memory lapses can be an indication of needing assistance.
• Change in physical status and ability. Incontinence, unsteady gait, increased falling and vision problems are all signs an aging parent may need help.
• Thoughts of suicide, preoccupation with death and signs of depression. A frequent problem for many older people who feel isolated and alone like a prisoner in their own homes, depression causes marked changes in behavior and routine. Feelings of hopelessness and despair, lack of interest in once pleasurable activities, crying, listlessness and not wanting to get dressed can all be indications of a problem.

Got a dog that is getting older? Glucosamine & Joint Care for Dogs

Labels: aging, senior citizen, senior nutrition