Natural Remedies Weight Loss

Just Say “No” to Age Spot Treatments

Wednesday, February 2, 2011 by Kimberly Day

When it comes to treating age spots, it’s difficult to find a natural anti aging skin care plan. Case

in point: most physicians recommend a cosmetic bleaching cream for treating age spots, but many of these creams contain either monobenzone, an agent that inhibits melanin, or hydroquinone, a white crystalline substance that is also used in film-developing chemicals.

While these substances may be effective at bleaching the surface of the skin, they actually can damage deeper layers of skin and even cause white spots.

There are a few vitamin creams on the market that do change the appearance of the surface of the skin to some degree. However, they have not been shown to have an effect on the deeper layers of skin.

Other medical approaches include laser surgery, burning with electricity, freezing, or Retin A-induced peeling—none of which are great options. Rather, your best bet is to treat age spots from the inside and work out.

Try these natural remedies:

Combat free radical damage that can lead to age spots by eating a diet high in the antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, especially foods rich in beta-carotene, such as kale, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, mangoes, cantaloupe, apricots, carrots, and cabbage.
Stop smoking. It hastens the aging of your skin and contributes to free-radical damage throughout your body.
Use sunscreen, at least SPF 15, whenever you go outside.

For more great advice on natural anti aging skin care, visit Dr. Lark’s Web site.

Exciting New Natural Remedies for Weight Loss

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 by Susan Lark

In my most recent newsletter issue, I shared some exciting new discoveries in the world of natural weightloss. I'd like to share some of them with you this week. Let's start with a vitamin I have discussed many times in conjunction with bone health, immunity, and even female hormone balance, that now also has been shown to play a critical role in maintaining a healthy weight--vitamin D!

In one very recent study, overweight or obese individuals in a diet and exercise weight-loss program, who concomitantly took supplemental vitamin D, lost significantly more weight than those who were not taking vitamin D. Here’s the twist: Those who had ample blood levels of vitamin D at the start of the weight-loss program did not benefit weight-loss wise from those ample levels. It was when vitamin D levels in the blood increased over the first six months of the two-year study that their weight-loss success blossomed.

I recommend taking 1,000 to 4,000 IU vitamin D3 daily (D3 is more effective than D2). This dose will get your serum levels increasing towards that target level and give your natural weight loss plan a boost.

For more tips on improving your natural weigtloss efforts, visit my Web site.

Green Tea and Ovary Health

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 by Susan Lark

I love green tea. It is one of the best natural remedies for weight loss, and it's a great natural anti aging skin care gem, thanks to its high levels of antioxidants that help prevent ultraviolet light-induced inflammation, dryness, and damage to your skin.

And now, green tea's benefits extend to your ovarian health. A recent Australian study of nearly 3,000 women has confirmed that drinking tea reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer. And, based on the cancer-fighting compounds in green vs. black tea, investigators estimate that one cup or more of green tea per day reduces that risk by 40 percent.

It is important not to use water that’s too hot when brewing green tea. Boiling water not only accentuates tea bitterness, it destroys the protective catechins in the tea. For the best green tea, both for good taste and good health, pour the boiling water into your cup or tea pot and let the vessel absorb the heat until the water is no hotter than 185º F. Then, add the tea leaves, brew for two minutes, and enjoy—with gratitude for the protection the tea gives to your ovaries, and the benefits it provides in your natural weightloss efforts and anti-agin skin care regimen!

To learn more about natural weightloss and women's health, visit my Web site.

Vitamin D for Breast Cancer Prevention

Wednesday, October 13, 2010 by Susan Lark

The "sunshine vitamin"--vitamin D--is also a great breast cancer preventive. Unfortunately, our modern environment literally pales in comparison to the sunny, tropical, unsheltered world in which our ancestors evolved.

Researchers now widely agree that the minimum blood levels of vitamin D recommended for healthy bones (32 ng/mL) isn’t enough to protect against breast cancer. They are now finding that blood levels at 52 ng/mL give the best breast protection: a 50 percent reduction in the incidence of breast cancer.

Therefore, for breast cancer protection, I recommend that you take up to 4,000 IU daily of supplemental vitamin D3 (not D2, which is much less effective) to keep your levels in the 50 ng/mL range.

To learn more about keeping your breasts healthy, visit my Web site. You will also find natural remedies for weight loss, wrinke free skin care tips, and so much more.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Dangers

Friday, August 6, 2010 by Kimberly Day

Reports on the risks associated with conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have

filled medical journals for more than 20 years. There was clear evidence that conventional HRT use increased a woman’s risk for heart disease and breast cancer. And yet, many physicians were still insisting on prescribing conventional hormone replacement therapy. And many women were still taking it. But the summer of 2002 forever removed the curtain of doubt surrounding the dangers of HRT.

On July 17, 2002, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported on the findings from one part of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), an 8.5 year project funded by the National Institutes of Health. The WHI involved 161,809 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79, and outlined the benefits and risks of a variety of treatments designed to lower the incidences of several diseases, including heart disease, breast and colon cancer, and fractures in postmenopausal women. Of this group, 16,608 women who were healthy and had an intact uterus participated in one part of the WHI, which tested the effectiveness of estrogen/progestin therapy.

According to the findings, women taking estrogen/progestin for five years or more had an increased risk for blood clots, coronary heart disease (CHD), strokes, and breast cancer. The researchers concluded, "The results indicate that this regimen should not be initiated or continued for primary prevention of CHD."

The data indicated that if 10,000 women took the drugs for a year and 10,000 did not, women in the first group would have eight more cases of invasive breast cancer, seven more heart attacks, eight more strokes, and 18 more instances of blood clots.

In fact, researchers felt so strongly about the negative implications of long-term combined hormone replacement therapy, especially the unacceptably high risk for breast cancer, that they ended the study three years early! Participants were contacted and instructed to stop taking the drug—immediately.

The Research is Clear

The research leaves no room for doubt about conventional hormone replacement therapy and its negative effects on women’s health.

It does not reduce a woman's risk of heart disease. While it can improve HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, these improvements are not associated with fewer heart attacks or other heart problems.
It increases a woman’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
It does not reverse pre-existing heart disease.
It raises levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation that is a strong predictor of a future heart attack.
It increases the risk of invasive breast cancer.
It increases the likelihood of an abnormal mammogram after just one year of use.
It increases risk of gallbladder disease by 40 percent.

Where Do We Go From Here?

While many physicians and researchers are still hoarding the "fool's gold" known as hormone replacement therapy, complementary medicine is busily mining the mother lode of real gold—and women are taking notice.

Large numbers of American women are either abandoning their hormone replacement therapy or deciding to never start taking it. Many are rejecting physicians unfamiliar with or unsympathetic to natural health supports. They are also realizing the power and wisdom of using natural medicines and herbal remedies for easing menopausal discomforts, and are very interested in natural solutions for heart disease and osteoporosis.

Before changing your hormone replacement therapy regimen, be sure to discuss your plans with your physician. Chances are, you will be able to eliminate your conventional hormone replacement therapy or dramatically reduce the dose you require for symptomatic relief. Either way, you win: Recent research indicates that breast cancer risk returns to normal within a few years of stopping HRT, and it's likely that lower-dose HRT has less of an adverse impact on estrogen-positive breast cancer risk.

For more information about hormone replacement therapy and for a variety of natural hormone replacement therapy options, visit Dr. Lark's Web site.

My Natural Weight Loss Plan: Supplement #3 for Weight Loss

Monday, June 7, 2010 by Lauren Kent

The third (and final) supplement I've incorporated into my natural weight loss plan is Metabo-X. Why this formula? For one thing, the Svetol (green coffee extract) has some impressive research behind it to help support natural weightloss. In one study, overweight subjects were given 400 mg of Svetol over a two-month period. On average, lost about 10 pounds and their BMI improved. Metabo-X has the same dosage as the weight loss study.

The other ingredients in Metabo-X: chromium and Sensoril (Ashwagandha), which have been shown to support normal blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. While I do not currently have issues in these areas, there is family history with each, so I feel like I'm helping to ward those issues off as well.

So there you have it. Three natural remedies for weight loss that have, to date, helped me lose over 27 pounds: Daily Answer, Silhouette, and Metabo-X.

My Natural Weight Loss Plan: Supplement #2 for Weight Loss

Friday, May 21, 2010 by Lauren Kent

The second of the weight loss remedies I've incorporated into my natural weight loss plan is Dr. Lark's Daily Balance Silhouette formula. If you read my post "Dr. Lark's 3 Natural Remedies for Weight Loss," you know that this formula helps reduce water weight and bloating.

Why do I take this formula? Well, as much as I would fancy myself a cook, the bottom line is that I do rely on some frozen entrees in my natural weightloss efforts. And, many frozen entrees contain sodium that can lead to water retention. I want to make sure that sodium doesn't sabotage my natural weightloss efforts, and add pounds to the scale.

Unfortunately, Silhouette is no longer available.

My Natural Weight Loss Plan: Supplement #1 for Weight Loss

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 by Lauren Kent

There are certainly no lack of natural remedies for weight loss on the market today. As part of my own weightloss efforts, I've incorporated several that I'll be sharing over the next few weeks.

The first is Daily Answer, Dr. Lark's multinutrient. Not many people think of a multi as a weight loss supplement. But, for me, I think it's critical. With Daily Answer, I not only get a great foundation of vitamins and minerals, but also digestive enzymes. These digestive enzymes help me process the additional vegetables I've been eating as part of my natural weightloss plan, so I don't have the gas and bloating that certain vegetables can cause. Daily Answer also provides b vitamins for the energy boost I need to get moving and exercise.

If you're losing weight and not taking a multinutrient, I encourage you to add one to your daily routine. From digestion to energy it can really boost your natural weightloss efforts.

Top Nutrients for Natural Weight Loss and Natural Appetite Control

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 by Susan Lark

As spring and summer fast approach and tank top and bathing suit season are in sight, you may be wondering what you can do to ramp up your natural weight loss plan and lose those extra five or ten pounds. Today and in the next few days to come, I will tell you about some of the best natural remedies for weight loss.

One of the most important nutrients you can take for natural weightloss is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

CLA is mixture of omega-6 fatty acids that are special because of double bonds in their chemical structure. Studies show that CLA supplementation reduces fat tissue mass, without reducing lean muscle. Animal products such as beef, turkey, lamb, and milk are the best food sources of CLA—although I generally recommend that most postmenopausal women avoid these acidic foods. Fortunately, there are vegetable sources, including soy and safflower oil. However, since postmenopausal women tend to gain weight and lose muscle tissue at the same time, more concentrated and consistent CLA supplementation is important. Take 3,000 mg daily, in divided doses and with meals. Two good brands are Tonalin 1000 CLA and Jarrow Formulas Formulas CLA 750.

Losing the Baby Weight After 35 - My Natural Weight Loss Plan

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by Lauren Kent

I have a confession to make. I never lost the weight I gained from my two pregnancies. People always said "Oh, it will just come off as you breastfeed." It didn't.

I had lost weight in the past, and it seemed to come off pretty easily. But, now that I had crossed the 35-year barrier, it seemed to be increasingly difficult to take the weight off.

About a month ago, I had had enough. I didn't want to be heavy anymore. I wanted to be able to wear my wedding and engagement rings again. Most of all, I wanted a picture of me and my girls that I wasn't ashamed or embarrassed of. So, I started a natural weight loss plan.

What do I consider "natural" weightloss? It doesn't involve surgery or pills with false promises. It's losing weight the old fashioned way: eating a healthy diet and exercising. I have also incorporated some of Dr. Lark's natural remedies for weight loss.

How am I doing? I'm 5 weeks into this plan and I've lost 12 pounds. I still have a long way to go. But, I'm pleased with the start.

Over the next few months I'll be sharing this journey with you. My highs. My lows. (Hopefully, more highs than lows.) Maybe my story will inspire some of you. Maybe you'll share your own stories and inspire me. Let's get started!

Chakra Imbalance and Weight Gain

Thursday, February 4, 2010 by Kimberly Day

When your chakras are out of balance, the areas that are most commonly affected seem to be the upper abdominal or solar plexus region, the lower abdominal and pelvic area, hips, thighs, chin, breasts, and upper chest. These are often the areas of your body where you tend to accumulate excessive amounts of energy or focus your emotions and life experiences too strongly.

If you tend to gain weight in your hips and/or thighs, your first chakra is being affected. That is associated with stability and security.

If you tend to gain weight in your belly, below your belly button, your second chakra is being affected. That is associated with sexuality and creativity.

If you gain weight in your abdominal area above your belly button, that is your third chakra. That is closely associated with self-esteem.

If you gain weight in your breasts, that is your fourth chakra and it is associated with love and nurturing. Finally, if you gain weight in your face (think double chin), you are talking about the fifth chakra. That is associated with self-expression.

This always rings true for me. I know when I need to start a natural weight loss plan when I notice that my pants are fitting a little too snugly and my face is looking full. And, more often than not, I am also dealing with issues of stifled creativity and self-expression.

Think about those areas that you tend to hold weight and ask yourself if you are experiencing any of the emotions tied to that chakra. You can then take steps not only to implement a few natural remedies for weight loss, but also some tools to address the emotional issues you are experiencing.

Natural Weight Loss Plan Stifled by Fast Food

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by Kimberly Day

I was recently pulling nutritional information regarding fast food restaurants for another project. While I was intrigued to see that there are, in fact, several items that you can find at several different fast food restaurants, I was mortified by the number of calories, fat grams, and sugar in the majority of the choices available on their menus.

Of course, this shouldn't be all THAT shocking...I mean, we ARE talking fast food. However, what appalled me the most was the kids menu for Burger King. With the exception of the BK Fresh Apple Fries, everything for kids contained wheat and red meat and/or dairy.

That aside, the most offensive thing was a double cheeseburger...on the KIDS menu? What child needs to eat a double cheeseburger?

And when you break down the nutritional information, the numbers are shocking! It contains 770 calories; 51 grams fat; 2.5 grams trans fat; 1,480 grams sodium; and 30 grams carbs. An adult would do well to avoid these numbers, let alone a growing child.

No wonder we have an obesity problem in this country. If we are feeding this type of food to our children, what are we feeding ourselves?

If you are looking for natural remedies for weight loss, you would do well to start with smart choices. If you must rely on fast food for some of your or your families meals, then go in prepared. If possible, choose Starbucks or Subway...those are your best bets with the greatest variety of choices to support natural weightloss.

If McDonalds or Burger King are more realistic options for you, then order salads and apple slices for dessert. Choose water over juice or soda. These types of meals will fit into any natural weight loss plan.

The key here is to instill healthy food choices in your children by leading by example. Let them know fast food is okay on occasion and help them choose those foods that are good for them...and their waistline.

Dr. Lark's 3 Natural Remedies for Weight Loss

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by Lauren Kent

Over the last year Dr. Lark introduced her readers to 3 different natural weightloss solutions--Metabo-X, Daily Balance Silhouette, and Slim Select. Each of these solutions contains studied ingredients that have been shown to help weight loss efforts, as part of a natural weight loss plan that includes a healthy diet and exercise program.

Recently, I've received some customer emails asking for help in deciding which solution was best for them. So, I asked Dr. Lark to write about this in her free Women's Health Update e-letter.

If you don't already subscribe, you can read the full text of Dr. Lark's e-letter on weight loss here. You can also sign-up to receive future Women's Health Update emails here.

What's Your Favorite Natural Skin Care Product?

Friday, October 2, 2009 by Lauren Kent

As General Manager of Daily Balance I get to receive lots of customer feedback regarding our products. This is great because it gives me a sense how our products are received in the marketplace.

In the last year we've introduced a number of exciting formulas--both supplements and beauty products. Trilane, our olive-based squalane formula, has been especially well received for its wrinkle reducing and firming benefits.

We've also introduced a couple of natural remedies for weight loss that have been flying off the shelves. Daily Balance Silhouette helps reduce 'false fat' (water retention and bloating), while TonaLean tackles true body fat and can help you lose up to 30 pounds in 90 days. Both formulas would be a great addition to anyone looking for a natural weight loss plan.

If you're taking one of our supplements, or using one of our beauty products, I want to hear from you! What do you love? Is something not meeting your expectations?

Also, we're always looking for new solutions and natural beauty product to offer our customers. Have a great product to reduce cellulite? Is there a cleanser that you can't live without? Let me know about it! I'd love to hear from you.

Alli is No Weight Loss Friend

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 by Lauren Kent

Last week the FDA announced that is was reviewing new safety information regarding reports of liver-related adverse events in patients taking the weight loss formula, orlistat. Orlistat is marketed in the United States as a prescription product, Xenical, and as the over-the-counter (OTC) product, Alli.

32 reports of serious liver injury, including 6 cases of liver failure, in patients using orlistat were submitted to FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System. The most commonly reported adverse events described in the 32 reports of serious liver injury were jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), weakness, and abdominal pain. Hospitalization was reported in 27 of the 32 cases.

But what's most disturbing is the FDA announcement is that they're not recommending consumers stop taking the product.

I understand that women are looking for help with their weight loss plans, especially women over 40. During this time weight often begins to creep up as estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and female hormones become unbalanced.

But the liver issue, coupled with the unpleasant side effects of Alli, make it clear that this is no friendly weight loss remedy. Just go to the Alli web site and you can read all about it:

You may get:

gas with oily spotting
loose stools
more frequent stools that may be hard to control

So, you may lose some weight, but you have to stick close to home, just in case you experience an "episode".

Dr. Lark advocates a far safer approach, with with a natural weight loss plan that incorporates a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Click here to read about Dr. Lark's latest natural weight loss recommendations.

DHEA for Healthy Weight Loss

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Kimberly Day

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is one of the primary female hormones that is very important marker of aging. Research studies suggest that it is a veritable “fountain of youth” when DHEA levels are balanced and healthy in the body.

DHEA works at many levels in your body, supporting physical as well as mental and emotional functions. For example, it has been shown to lessen menopause symptoms, as well as reduce body fat.

One of the ways DHEA helps support a natural healthy weight loss is that it can influence the changes in weight and body composition that occur over time. Some researchers suggest that DHEA may decrease body fat by blocking the synthesis of fatty acids, which eventually become body fat. Others have noted that DHEA can act as an appetite suppressant and dampen the desire for fatty foods. As the DHEA story unfolds, dieters may someday find that DHEA can be an integral part of a natural weight loss plan.

In fact, in one study published in the International Journal of Obesity, 19 dogs were given increasing doses of DHEA daily. Over the six months of the study, 68 percent of these animals lost an average of three percent of their total body weight each month, without any reduction in food intake. This suggests that DHEA may affect metabolism, the process by which food is turned into energy, causing more calories to be used.

Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism monitored 10 men for body fat. The men, in their early 20’s and matched for weight, were divided into two groups. One group was treated with DHEA, a 400 mg dosage four times a day for 28 days, and the other group was left untreated. The men reported no changes in their regular activities or diet. At the end of the treatment period, it was found that among the five men receiving DHEA, their average percentage of body fat dropped 31 percent. However, there was no drop in weight, suggesting that while there was a decline in fat, muscle mass increased. No change in these measurements occurred in the untreated men.

Supplementing With DHEA

While DHEA is certainly an effective natural remedy for weight loos, it is not for everyone. According to Dr. Lark, DHEA supplementation may be most beneficial for women after menopause. Beginning dosages should range from 5–15 mg a day, then be increased by 5–10 mg a day, as needed. DHEA dosages in women should not exceed 25 mg per day.

Conversely, there is no reason for women who are in premenopause or early menopause to consider taking DHEA replacement therapy. Similarly, women with normal menstrual cycles have no need for supplementing with DHEA since their bodies are making sufficient amounts of this hormone.

If you are in the later stages of menopause and decide to try DHEA, take with food. You should also take DHEA in the morning, to reflect your body’s own production of the hormone by the adrenal glands. Plus, if you take it later in the day, it can have a stimulating effect and sometimes causes insomnia.

Note: DHEA is best used under a doctor’s care. If you elect to use DHEA without a physician’s guidance, buy the lowest-dose products available in your health food store or pharmacy, begin to use it cautiously, and do not go above 25 mg without the guidance and oversight of a physician.

Natural Weight Loss Options

Friday, July 31, 2009 by Susan Lark

I just read about some findings at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Weight of the Nation” conference that is being held this week in Washington, D.C. Experts now report that obesity costs our nation $147 billion per year in medical costs—and obese people spend almost $1,500 more on health care each year than people of average weight.

Clearly obesity has been a serious problem for many years, but what’s so disconcerting is that it’s only getting worse, as is evident by this report. Admittedly, losing weight isn’t always easy, especially as you reach midlife and beyond. It takes commitment and dedication to follow a natural weight loss plan—but it can be done. I recommend taking the following supplements, some of which provide natural appetite control and others that help boost your metabolism and help your body burn fat.

L-carnitine is an amino acid found primarily in meat (especially beef and lamb) and dairy products, with smaller amounts also present in grains, fruits, and vegetables. Several studies have been conducted on L-carnitine and weight loss. One study in particular found that individuals who took supplemental L-carnitine every day, in addition to eating a well-balanced diet and engaging in moderate exercise, lost an average of ten pounds in three months -- a 25 percent greater weight reduction than patients who did not take L-carnitine. Additionally, participants taking the supplement reduced their body mass index by 1.5 points, and reduced their low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels as well as their blood sugar and blood pressure levels. I recommend taking 1,000 mg of L-carnitine per day, in divided doses.
Green tea contains polyphenols, remarkable compounds with a host of therapeutic actions. Polyphenols appear to block the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, a brain chemical that regulates your metabolism. The higher your levels of norepinephrine, the faster your metabolism, which in turn allows you to burn calories even more efficiently. I recommend 300 to 400 mg of green tea extract a day.
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is an extract of Garcinia cambogia, a small, pumpkin-shaped fruit from India that’s traditionally used as a culinary spice in curry dishes and in traditional folk remedies for a number of ailments. It appears to direct calories away from storing fat and, instead, toward building muscle. In addition, HCA inhibits an enzyme called citrate lyase, which plays a role in turning carbohydrates into fat. By blocking this enzymatic process, HCA is believed to boost the body’s tendency to burn, rather than store, excess carbs. HCA can be found in a variety of diet supplements that are available at most health food stores and vitamin retailers. Some good brands include Life Extension HCA Citrimax (available at www.iherb.com) and Natural Max Super CitriMax (available atwww.nutraceutical.com).

And remember, you simply cannot lose weight and keep it off without engaging in a regular exercise program that combines aerobic and strength training, and following a healthy, mostly organic, vegetarian-emphasis diet.

Healthy Fat Promotes Weight Loss

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 by Michele Raynor

Another study has recently come out on a natural remedy for weight loss, showing the importance of healthy fats in the diet of postmenopausal women. This trial involved a daily supplement of a specific type of fat called CLA, or conjugated linoleic acid. CLA is in the omega 6 fatty acid family, and has the same chemical formula as linoleic acid but with the atoms arranged in a different formation. CLA used to be abundant in the diet when beef, lamb and full fat dairy products were consumed regularly. Also, the animals that produced it ate a diet composed mostly of grass.

Today's beef and dairy sources are typically lacking this important fat because they are no longer grass fed. This is likely one of the reasons these sources are more inflammatory, and less healthy than their low fat counterparts.

In the study, researchers gave 75 healthy postmenopausal women either 5.5 grams of CLA or a placebo supplement daily for 16 weeks. All women had a BMI of less than 35, so they were considered overweight or mildly obese. What they found at the end of the trial was that taking the CLA supplement reduced BMI by 4 percent. While this is a modest weight loss, the exciting part is that most of the weight loss was in the lower body, where women tend to hold their excess weight. Those taking the placebo saw no change in their BMI. And keep in mind that the trial lasted only about 4 months, so presumably, fat loss would continue as has been found in other studies examining CLA.

Healthy fats are an important part of a well rounded diet, yet many women eat very little beef, lamb or full fat dairy--especially the organic forms which are the best. Taking a simple natural supplement of CLA could help women bring more of this healthy fat into the diet to help ease the creeping effect of weight that occurs especially during and after menopause.

Take the Heat Out of Menopause Hot Flashes

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 by Susan Lark

Many women call them “their own personal summer”—and for good reason. Menopause hot flashes—sudden, intense episodes of warmth and heat—are one of the most uncomfortable symptoms that menopausal women complain about. While the frequency, intensity, and duration of hot flashes vary greatly, they usually involve sweating—mild in some women and profuse in others. These episodes are the result of increased blood flow to the brain and other organs.

Menopause hot flashes are physically draining since the body loses fluids and minerals in the process of perspiring. When they take the form of night sweats, hot flashes may disrupt sleep, soak sheets, and leave a woman exhausted and cranky. If they occur at work or during a social function, they can be embarrassing.

There are several natural remedies for menopause hot flashes, including:

• 80–160 mg of a standardized extract of black cohosh twice a day. This dose should contain 2 to 4 mg of the active components (triterpenes, calculated as 27-deoxyacteine);
• 400–1,000 IU vitamin E; and
• 50–100 mg of soy isoflavones daily.

These nutrients are available in most health food stores, nutrition centers, and some pharmacies.

Solving Insomnia

Monday, June 30, 2008 by Susan Lark

Tired?

You’re not alone! I can’t even begin to tell you how common insomnia can be during menopause. And menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats are some of the major reasons for insomnia, as well as stress, anxiety, and thyroid disorder, just to name a few.

If you are menopausal, I urge you to use a natural form of hormone replacement therapy to treat your symptoms. Acupressure is also a great remedy. The two acupressure points traditionally used to relieve insomnia are the Spirit Gate and the Inner Gate. The Inner Gate is located in the middle of the inner side of the forearm, two and one-half finger widths from your wrist. The Spirit Gate is located on the inside of the wrist crease, in line with the little finger. To promote sleep, apply pressure to one point and then the other. You’ll soon learn whether you get the most benefit from pressing both points or one in particular.