Eight Key Nutrients to Help Prevent Breast Cancer -- and Where to Find Them
By Brian Vaszily

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, accounting for one in three of all women cancer cases diagnosed. In 2005 alone, more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease, according to the American Cancer Society, along with nearly 1,700 men.

It's estimated that over 40,000 women will die of breast cancer this year, surpassed only by lung cancer deaths. Another 460 men will also die from the disease.

While age (over 65) and family history are unchangeable factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, there are other factors you can control. Lifestyle factors, including drinking two or more drinks a day and not exercising, along with being obese, all increase the risk. Along these lines, eating a healthy diet that includes the foods and nutrients noted below may help to reduce your risk and prevent you from becoming one of the one in seven U.S. women (or smaller number of U.S. men) who has, or will develop, breast cancer during her lifetime.

1. Vitamin D3
This vitamin helps control cellular growth and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. According to holistic healing and natural health author Donald R. Yance Jr., "Vitamin D3 may also inhibit the activity of hormones such as estrogen in breast cancer, thereby decreasing its spread." A University of Birmingham study also found that vitamin D3 encourages healthy breast cell growth while making cells more resistant to toxins. One way to get vitamin D3 is through sun exposure--one study found that safely exposing your skin to the sun reduced the risk of breast cancer by 30 to 40 percent. If that is not possible, you can get vitamin D3 in the foods below. Found in These Foods: Salmon, tuna, cod fish, cod liver oil, egg yolks, shrimp and some wild mushrooms

2. Monoterpenes
These substances, found in citrus fruits, appear to help sweep carcinogens out of the body while helping to inhibit the spread of breast cancer cells. In a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, the authors wrote, ""These compounds have been shown to exert chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities in mammary tumor [cells] and represent a new class of breast cancer therapeutic agents."
Found in These Foods: Citrus fruits, including grapefruits, oranges and tangerines

3. Indole-3-carbinol
This is a phytochemcial that belongs to the glucosinolate family. It's formed when certain vegetables are crushed or cooked. Research has found that it deactivates an estrogen metabolite that promotes tumor growth, particularly in breast cells. It's also been found to keep cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. Found in These Foods: Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, kale, bok choy, arugula, horseradish, radishes, watercress, daikon, kohlrabi, mustard greens and rutabaga

4. Calcium d-glucarate
This substance has been found to inhibit beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme that, when elevated, is associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly hormone-dependent varieties like breast, prostate and colon cancers. Studies in rats have shown that this substance reduces breast cancer by as much as 70 percent. It also has detoxifying properties that may help the body excrete potentially toxic compounds.
Found in These Foods: Oranges, apples, grapefruits and cruciferous vegetables

5. Lignan
This phytoestrogen inhibits estrogen production, which may stop the growth of breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Found in These Foods: Flaxseed, pumpkin, sunflower and poppy seeds, whole grains (rye, oats, barley), fruits (especially berries) and vegetables

6. Epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG)
This phytochemical has been found to strongly inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells while leaving normal cells alone. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that Asian-American women who drank about three ounces of green tea (which contains EGCG) a day had a 47 percent lower risk of breast cancer than those who did not drink green tea, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. Further, a meta-analysis in the June 2005 issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies found that evidence to date suggests drinking five or more cups of green tea a day shows a non-statistically significant trend toward preventing breast cancer.
Found in These Foods: Green tea and green tea extract

7. Lycopene
This antioxidant is a member of the carotenoid family. Studies have found that consuming lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. In one study in rats, those given lycopene-enriched tomato developed fewer tumors and had smaller tumor volume than the control rats. Lycopene also attacks free radicals in the body that may trigger cancer.
Found in These Foods: Tomatoes (particularly cooked varieties such as tomato sauces, paste and ketchup), watermelons, carrots, red peppers, apricots, papaya, pink grapefruit and guava

8. Oleic Acid
A Northwestern University study, published in the journal Annals of Oncology, found that oleic acid inhibited activity levels of the Her-2/neu gene. This gene is thought to trigger breast cancer and is found in over one-fifth of breast cancer patients. The gene is associated with highly aggressive tumors and poor prognosis.
Found in These Foods: Olive oil, avocados, almond oil, peanut, pecan, cashew and macadamia oils

Home Remedies that Treat Acne
By Robert Kokoska

Acne, which is a skin disorder most common in teenagers at puberty when their hormones are starting to develop. Acne which is often the blight of adolescence is known to follow some people into adulthood.

Eating a healthy diet can be an acne cure for many people but it is definitely a natural acne treatment for everyone. Home remedies are among some of the best treatments for acne. Prescription acne medication can scar if not used appropriately.

When it comes to wearing makeup the natural look is always refreshing. Cosmetic products with sulfates, harsh red dyes, heavy oils are hard on the skin blocking the pores and contributing to an outbreak.

Cleansing creams with chlorides, oils and alcohol used to treat acne can be damaging to the skin because they are sometimes too harsh. It is very important to read the labels carefully before purchasing these products to see just what you are using. Also cleansing your face at least 3 times a day so there is minimal opportunity for pore blockage is one of the best remedies for keeping outbreaks to a minimum.

There are several natural home remedies for acne that you either have in your own kitchen or you can get from the health food store inexpensively. Just because these home remedies are considered natural treatments for acne, does not mean that you should be less cautious than you would be with prescription acne medications or over-the-counter acne products.

You should always check with a doctor before undertaking any home remedy. Some home remedies for acne turn out to be the best treatments for acne in the end simply because they are not as hard on the skin. Home remedies used to treat acne should not only take care of any acne problems that you are having but also moisten and rejuvenate your skin.

GARLIC: Garlic is one of natures strongest antibiotics and used externally by cutting open a clove of garlic and rubbing it on the problem area. People told me that it doesn't burn but it did. What did work better for me was to crush the garlic clove and mix it with half a cup of hot water in a pan. Soak a clean wash cloth in the solution and then apply to the affected areas only. This should within a few days unclog infected pores. It is smelly and should be done before bed so you can wash it off the next morning.

LEMON: There are several things that you can do with fresh lemon. Slice a lemon in half and rub it on the effected area and leave it over night and rinse your face in the morning or squeeze the juice and mix it with rose water and apply to the effected areas.

TEATREE OIL: Teatree oil usually costs about $9-$12 for an 8 to 12 oz bottle and it works wonders on the skin leaving a very refreshing feeling behind because you can actually feel it working by cleaning the pores of your skin. I recommend that you dilute it with water first before attempting to use it at full strength. The idea is to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin as anything that leaves extreme discomfort is not good for your skin.

CUCUMBER: This is one of the most gentle and refreshing treatments that I have ever used and not only does it help treat acne but also refreshes the skin and leaves your skin looking and feeling younger. What you should do is blend the cucumber into a paste and apply. You can leave it on the skin for 30 to 45 minutes and then wash it off.

ICE: One of the most simple and least expensive remedies of all is good old fashioned ice that you make daily. You can use this at any time and it will reduce any swelling that you have caused by acne but should be used at the onset of a breakout.

There are so many home remedies that I could not even begin to list them all and since everyone's skin is different you will have to find remedies that work well for you. It is important to know to be careful with your skin.

Many times out of aggravation we burst a pimple when a simple remedy can be the best solution, and don't leave a scar like poking at a pimple normally does. Your skin is an indication of your health and when you have healthy skin then you are a more confident person.

For Healthy Skin - A Simple Guide
By John Gibb

In this day and age, many people are concerned with not only their health, but their looks as well. In the aesthetics-worshipping twenty first century, healthy skin is a definite desire among a large cross-section of the population. What few people know is that nutrition for healthy skin is the basis for achieving this desire. Healthy skin and good nutrition generally go hand in hand. While it is impossible to prevent the process of aging skin, healthy eating can lead you to a more glowing and healthy complexion.

One recommendation that plenty of doctors recommend would be to get enough water on a daily basis. Also, your health can be promoted by eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and fish. Another way to aid your skin and general well-being would be through the use of supplements. There are plenty of supplements out there, and while some do not necessarily do what they promise, there are more than enough that will help your health.

Vitamin A is one key ingredient to healthy skin. Used in many acne treatment oils, supplements of Vitamin A have been shown to help prevent acne and skin cancer. However, you must be careful not to overdose on this supplement as it can result in liver problems. Scientific studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, yogurt, eggs, vegetable oils, whole grains, tea, and water results in less photo-aging and skin wrinkling then those who consume foods such as red meat, whole milk, butter, sugary products and potatoes.

Antioxidants can also be very helpful with regards to nutrition for healthy skin. Antioxidants can prevent damage done to cells by free radicals, which damage cell membranes. This can help to naturally protect your skin against the harmful effects of the sun. Basically, your best bet is to have a low-fat, healthy diet, while regularly taking healthy supplements and drinking plenty of water.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-suplement-guides.com
The site dedicated to nutrition.

Types Of Hair Loss Treatment Available To Sufferers
By Richard Mitchell

The hair loss treatments outlined here cannot provide definitive cures for all hair loss conditions, but they do represent regimes that many sufferers have found useful. In other words, they are examples of potential solutions that many patients have chosen after honestly assessing the causes of their hair loss together with their expectations.

This article will focus on four basic approaches:
1. A drugs based approach for those who don't mind taking strong medications.
2. A commercial product approach for those who prefer a non-drug solution but who still want a treatment that has a track record.
3. A natural remedy approach for those who prefer to follow the natural route.
4. A nutritional approach for those who wish to adopt a more holistic perspective.

It remains a fact that only two hair loss treatments have been approved by the FDA and both can be classed as strong drug-based medications. Propecia (finasteride) is the treatment of choice for many men with good reason - it tends to work! It is a powerful drug that inhibits the formation of DHT in the system, eventually to a level that is sufficiently low to encourage a normal growth cycle. Rogaine (minoxidil) acts differently in that it stimulates hair growth in both men and women by overriding the prevailing hair loss symptoms. These drugs can be used either on their own or in combination. Women should seek professional medical advice before using Propecia.

The world of commercial hair loss products is much less clear cut and it is here that many scamsters ply their trade to rip-off unsuspecting customers. The best advice I can give here is research, research, and more research! Many useful products are available on the market but none have been approved by the FDA. Probably the best, and certainly most popular, commercially available products are those containing natural ingredients that have been shown in field trials to reduce hair loss and encourage regrowth. You can find out more about these products by visiting the site listed at the end of this article.

Increasingly, people are turning to natural hair loss remedies as they seek to combat thinning hair. This has an obvious appeal for many sufferers and there is growing evidence to support the view that some natural remedies may be effective in curtailing hair loss. The most popular ingredients of natural hair loss treatments include ginko biloba, green tea, he shou wu, pygeum, saw palmetto and stinging nettle. Each of these is described in more detail in an supplementary article entitled "Herbal Remedies That Offer Hope".

It is becoming increasingly evident that poor nutrition and modern lifestyles can have a negative impact on health, and hair loss is no exception. At the most basic level, improved nutrition can minimize shedding and support other treatments that encourage regrowth. This can be achieved by:

- eating adequate amounts of protein.
- eating appropriate levels of useful carbohydrates.
- achieving a healthy balance of dietary fats.

Richard Mitchell has developed several hair loss resources including the Hair Loss Natural website that provides information and guidance to people suffering from premature hair loss.

The Truth About Cellulite Cream
By Emillie Loh

Many women cringe on finding the right treatment to get rid of cellulite. But by far, how many of them have successfully found the right solution to eliminate this unsightly orange-peel skin altogether? Almost 90% of women in America and the UK suffer from cellulite. Some can be quite visible to the eyes and some are hidden beneath the skin. Regardless, it is the truth that women are the ultimate victims of cellulite for many years.

There are many over-the-counter cellulite creams and lotions that claim to help remove cellulite completely. However, with the abundance of cellulite creams available in the market today, it can be quite confusing when it comes to choosing the best cellulite creams to treat your cellulite condition. Do note that cellulite creams may not be an effective method to remove cellulite. It is indeed used as a temporary method to reduce the appearance of cellulite. When cellulite cream is massaged on skin, it helps to plump up the skin, thereby, creating a smoother skin texture.

Here are some pointers to help you understand some of the key ingredients used in many cellulite creams. Retinol is one of the common ingredients used in wrinkle creams. It is used for treating skin texture by improving the thickness of the skin epidermis and circulation.

It is said that aminophylline works by breaking down fat cells into fatty acids. Therefore, it helps to reduce the orange-peel effect of cellulite.

There have been increasing number of cellulite creams that make used of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) such as lactic acid and glycolic acid to treat cellulite. AHA helps accelerate the removal of the superficial layer of dead cells.

Herbal-based cellulite creams help to improve skin texture in cellulite areas. Some examples of herbal-based active ingredients used in cellulite cream are citric, tartaric and phytic acids from fruits and plans.

There have been reports that some of these ingredients actually work in treating cellulite. However, due to the limited evidence to justify the effectiveness of these creams, it is all depends on us to whether or not to take this resort as an option to get rid of this ugly, dimpling effect on our body.


Emillie Loh is the owner of a cellulite-related website. Visit Cellulite for more information on cellulite and various types of treatment methods.