Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disorder, causing your immune system to attack the joints, causing a painful inflammation. Unlike other forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis, RA also attacks the organs like the heart, eyes and lungs. Of the 100+ forms of arthritis, this is one of the most debilitating varieties.

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects 1 out of 100 North Americans, or 2.1 million people, and women are three times more likely to get the disease than men. The cause of RA is unknown, but a popular theory points to the disease being infectious as those who have close friends or family with the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves. Susceptibility to the disease may also be an inherited trait as well.

Early detection is vital in treating RA because the most damage is done within the first two years, with 75% of the damage occurring within the first five years. While there is no cure or preventative measure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are a number of treatments to alleviate symptoms. Each type of drug includes its own side effects- make sure that you are informed about the medication you are taking, and report any side effects to your doctor.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, reduce the pain and swelling of the joints. Many can be had without a prescription, like acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen. In more severe cases your doctor can prescribe a stronger NSAID. Omega-3, found in fatty fish, also works to shorten the period of stiffness in the morning, one of the major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Add salmon or albacore tuna to your diet, or try an Omega-3 supplement like Omega Daily.

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs, known as DMARDs, are slow-acting and may take weeks to take effect. While NSAIDs are effective in relieving pain short term, DMARDs are a long term treatment meant to reduce damage to the joint and bone. Methotrexate is the most widely used DMARD.

Biologic Response Modifiers are a third medication for RA sufferers, although it is extremely cost prohibitive, costing upwards of $25,000 a year and is rarely covered by insurance. Biologic Response Modifiers, called Biologics for short, work by decreasing inflammation. They are usually paired with other medication.

There are a number of things you can do yourself to make living with the disease easier. While it is tempting to put as little exertion on your sore joints as possible, keeping active is essential to enjoying life with rheumatoid arthritis. This is for a number of reasons. The first is that regular exercise strengthens the muscles around the joint and increases flexibility. Try low-impact activities, like swimming. Try not to partake in any activities that involve too much exertion, which causes more harm than good. Use heat and cold to your advantage, easing pain. Heat should be applied only when the joint is not inflamed, and preferably in the form of a bath or hot shower. Use cold packs on the inflamed joint directly or after strenuous use of the joint.

Zits. The mere mention of the word brings terror to teenagers and grown-ups alike. They have a knack for appearing when you least like them to — a day before prom night, hours before a blind date, and minutes before your center stage performance. This dreadful skin problem has neither mercy nor respect for anyone — whether you’re a hot celebrity or a regular teenager, getting a big, fat, pus-filled bump can happen to you. But instead of freaking out whenever you see one of these monsters creeping up your face, you should do something about it.

The bad news about acne is that there are about a dozen of reasons why they just pop almost out of nowhere. According to the skin care specialists at Healthypores.com, acne occurs when a pore breaks down and blocks the oil within which causes the inflammation that results in acne.

Some of the well-known culprits of acne include improper diet, stress, overactive hormones, bacteria, vitamin deficiency, evolutionary biology, or a combination of all. The good news is that there are also about a gazillion things that can help you fight off acne and other unwanted skin problems. Since acne starts in the pores, keeping the pores clean is one of the best ways to keep acne from plaguing your skin.

Why do you need to keep your skin clean?

First and foremost, the skin is the outermost layer of the body and is essentially its first line of defense against various elements. It covers approximately 19 square feet, so it’s more or less the largest organ of your body. What’s more, the skin (particularly that on the face) is the first thing people see when they look at you, so it’s really important that you keep it clean, smooth, and acne-free. The only way you can do that is if you follow a good skin regimen.

The truth is that there is only one good skin regimen and it includes three (sometimes four) steps: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. These three skin care steps are the basics, and they should be done everyday if you really want to maintain your beautiful skin. Experts at Healthypores.com even recommend that you do this skin regimen twice a day, right after you wake up and right before you sleep.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Cleansing

1. Remove your makeup before washing your face.

Most cleansers work better and more efficiently if your face is thoroughly wet. Removing your makeup ensures that the oils in the cosmetics would not repel water and allow the cleanser to reach a good lather. You can do this by using baby oil or makeup remover on cotton balls and rubbing the makeup lightly off your face.

2. Wash your face thoroughly using lukewarm or room-temperature water.

Never wash your face with water that is too hot or too cold. Extreme temperatures can break capillaries, dehydrate skin, or even aggravate pimples. Studies also show that there is a marked improvement between the effectiveness of cleansers used with water of the right temperature over those that were applied with hot or cold water.

3. Use a gentle anti-acne cleanser specially formulated for your skin type.

If you have hypersensitive skin, you should choose a product that is mild and hypoallergenic. Meanwhile, if you have very oily skin, you might want to choose something that’s slightly stronger than your regular cleanser. If you’re uncertain about what kind of product to use, you should consult your dermatologist first or just go for one of those dermatologist-tested products that are good for any skin type like the Healthy Pores acne system.

4. Apply a small amount of cleanser on your face.

Pour a pea-sized amount of cleanser on your wet palms and lather it before applying on your face. Since most cleansers are concentrated, they can dehydrate your face and strip it of necessary moisture. Diluting it with water activates its ingredients and allows it to be spread evenly on your face.

Cleansers like Healthy Pores have microbeads loaded with antibacterial agents that act like scrubs so let it work for you. Most people think that the more they scrub, the more dirt they can get off their faces. This is wrong. Not only do they risk breaking capillaries, but scrubbing can also aggravate acne by pushing dirt and bacteria deeper into the pores. What you should do is massage the lather or foam onto your face in a gentle circular motion. This facilitates the blood flow in your face which improves your complexion while allowing the ingredients of your cleanser to penetrate deep in your skin.

5. Rinse your face completely and pat it dry.

Rinse your face with lukewarm running water thoroughly. Although trusted cleansers like Healthy Pores have easy-rinse formulations, it is best to ensure that you thoroughly wash your face of any trace of foam or lather. Not doing so might leave residues behind that can block your pores and aggravate your acne. After rinsing the cleanser off, use a soft, clean towel to dry your face. Never rub the towel on your face as though you are removing stubborn dirt. Just pat it dry with a non-abrasive towel.

If you are using a skin care system like Healthy Pores, you could follow this cleansing ritual with a special toner and moisturizer. Remember that when choosing a toner and a moisturizer, you should go for the ones that are compatible with your cleanser and your skin. However, if you are using a skin care system such as Healthy Pores, product incompatibility should not be a problem.

Now that you know how to properly cleanse your face, acne would surely become the least of your worries. Always keep in mind that a clean skin is a beautiful skin.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). Cholesterol is a lipid found in the cell membranes of all tissues, and it is transported in the blood plasma of all animals. Because cholesterol is synthesized by all eukaryotes, trace amounts of cholesterol are also found in membranes of plants and fungi. The name originates from the Greek chole- (bile) and stereos (solid), and the chemical suffix -ol for an alcohol, as researchers first identified cholesterol in solid form in gallstones by François Poulletier de la Salle in 1769. However, it is only in 1815 that chemist Eugène Chevreul named the compound “cholesterine”.[2]Most of the cholesterol is synthesized by the body and some has dietary origin. Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either synthesize more or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain. It plays a central role in many biochemical processes, such as the composition of cell membranes and the synthesis of steroid hormones. 

Cholesterol is insoluble in blood, but is transported in the circulatory system bound to one of the varieties of lipoprotein, spherical particles which have an exterior composed mainly of water-soluble proteins. The main types, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carry cholesterol from and to the liver.According to the lipid hypothesis, abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) and abnormal proportions of LDL and HDL are associated with cardiovascular disease by promoting atheroma development in arteries (atherosclerosis). This disease process leads to myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke and peripheral vascular disease. As high LDL contributes to this process, it is termed “bad cholesterol”, while high levels of HDL (”good cholesterol”) offer a degree of protection. The balance can be redressed with exercise, a healthy diet, and sometimes medication.

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The Calcium Cholesterol Connection

If you think taking supplemental calcium is only good for bone health, think again. Calcium is a multifaceted nutrient. It happens to be the most abundant mineral in our bodies. Aside from its well-known role in promoting bone health, calcium is important for maximizing enzyme activity, facilitating nerve function, and helping to regulate heart rhythm and muscle contraction. Low calcium intake has not only been associated with poor bone health, but may also contribute to poor blood pressure and even abnormal cell growth. The benefit of calcium now appears to extend to a completely new arena, which is cholesterol metabolism. 

In a recent study published in the American Journal of Medicine, 223 women were randomly assigned to take either 1 gram (1,000 mg) of calcium daily in the form of calcium citrate or an inactive placebo for one year1. Investigators measured levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol at the onset of study, and then again periodically over the 12-month period. At the end of the trial, both HDL cholesterol and HDL-to-LDL ratios had increased more for women taking the calcium supplement compared to those taking placebo. On average, women taking calcium saw an increase in HDL cholesterol levels of about 7%. Authors indicated that this is another reason to encourage postmenopausal women to take calcium. 

Further studies are suggested to see if similar benefits are obtained with men, and whether or not calcium supplementation may affect cardiovascular health. The Right Form of Calcium is CriticalWhen taking calcium it’s important to use the right form. Studies show that calcium carbonate has variable absorption, depending on stomach pH. Calcium citrate malate is believed to be most efficiently absorbed in the stomach and intestines. There may actually be as much as a 1000% increase in absorption rates with calcium citrate malate compared to other forms of calcium. Evidence supporting the incredible benefits of calcium citrate malate was published on September 4, 1997 in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine2. Several hundred elderly patients were studied. 

Half were given 500 mg elemental calcium citrate malate with 700 IU vitamin D, and the other half was given placebo. The results were excellent. Calcium/vitamin D supplements improved bone health and appeared to reduce fracture rates by more than 50%. In addition, certain forms of calcium other than calcium citrate malate may contain toxic heavy metals. The worst offenders are carbonate (especially oyster shells, a common form). It’s very important to take magnesium in addition to calcium supplements. Most people consume only about half of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)/Daily Values (DV) of magnesium in their diets. Low levels of magnesium may lead to poor bone and cardiovascular health.

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Malic Acid for High Blood Pressure

Malic acid is a naturally occurring compound that plays a role in the complex process of deriving adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the energy currency that runs the body) from food.

Where is it found? Malic acid is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but the richest source is apples, which is why malic acid is sometimes referred to as “apple acid.” Malic acid has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information): Science Ratings Health Concerns Fibromyalgia.

Who is likely to be deficient?

A deficiency in humans is unlikely, since the body can produce malic acid. How much is usually taken? Healthy people do not need to take malic acid as a supplement. Research has been conducted with 1,200–2,400 mg of malic acid in combination with 300–600 mg of elemental magnesium. 

Are there any side effects or interactions? 

Current research does not indicate any adverse effects from the use of malic acid in moderate amounts. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with malic acid.

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Magnesium and your health

Your body only contains 4-5 teaspoons of magnesium, but it is extremely vital to every cell and your body as a whole. Magnesium works to support your bones, helps in the production of cholesterol, helps to activate many vitamins, aids in relaxing muscles, and is an essential factor in protein synthesis. About 60-65% of the magnesium in your body in contained in the bones. Your bones hold on to magnesium pretty tightly. Even when the rest of your body has a deficiency, your bones will keep most of their magnesium.  Only in situations of extreme deficiency will your bones give up their magnesium.  Without magnesium, your bones would becomes spongy and could not support the weight of your body.  Cholesterol cannot be synthesized without magnesium. Bile, which helps your body digest fats, cannot be produced without cholesterol. Cholesterol is also a vital component of many hormones.

Aldosterone is one such hormone, and helps to control the balance of minerals, one of them being magnesium. Aldosterone needs magnesium to be produced and it also regulates magnesium’s balance. Cholesterol is also needed in the production of sex hormones, to keep your reproductive system working correctly. The stress coping hormones produced by your adrenal glands also require cholesterol for their synthesis. Cholesterol, along with lecithin and fatty acids (both require magnesium for their formation), are the main components of the myelin lining on the nerves. Myelin protects the nerves from “cross wiring”, and helps the nerve impulses to travel faster. Without adequate magnesium to produce these three lipids, your nerves can become ragged and worn out before their time. Magnesium has a calming effect on your nervous system. In fact, when taken in large enough doses, magnesium can have an anesthetizing effect.

Magnesium also has a calming effect on your muscles. Calcium stimulates the muscles to flex, and magnesium relaxes them. Without this relaxing effect, your muscles would cramp up. You may also experience muscle spasms and even convulsions, if you don’t get enough magnesium. Remember that your heart is a muscle, and the last thing you want is for it to spasm. Magnesium can prevent painful contractions at the end of pregnancy. It also helps to avoid eclampsia, which is convulsions and coma experienced by the mother after some deliveries. Magnesium activates vitamins C and E. Therefore, if you don’t get enough magnesium, the vitamin C and E that you eat cannot be used, and your body would suffer symptoms of deficiency for those vitamins as well. Magnesium is vital to the production of parathormone, which regulates vitamin D synthesis from cholesterol compounds in your skin. The B complex also requires magnesium for their proper functioning.Amino acids are the smallest component of protein. Magnesium is needed to properly produce and combine amino acids to make the specific proteins your body needs. Many of the body’s hormones, enzymes, and tissues are made of protein. Your body has to produce a lot of each to keep your body running smoothly. The constant repair of your body requires massive amounts of protein to be produced. Without magnesium, your body could not heal itself on the outside or inside.

Thousands and thousands of cells in your skin die every day. Much protein is needed to keep it looking firm and beautiful. Your blood is dependent on magnesium to supply it with new proteins, some of which help to kill infectious bacteria and viruses.DNA is also protein. Without DNA, life would be impossible; it is the instruction book of your cells. We are constantly reproducing DNA in the replication of cells. If we could not produce DNA, we would die in a few days, if not a matter of hours. The replication of DNA allows us to have offspring. Without magnesium, we could not reproduce. Magnesium helps to digest the DNA from the cells in plant or meat foods that we eat.

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Glycine for Blood Pressure

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid found naturally in beans, brewer’s yeast, dairy products, meat, seafood, nuts and whole grains. It’s involved in the production of glucose in the liver. Glycine is plays an important role in supporting healthybloodin your body. It is involved in the manufacture of nitrogen to process many other amino acids, and usefulin the processing of hemoglobin, glutathione, DNA, and RNA. It helps with brain function, and is important for a healthy prostate gland. Glycine is a naturally occurring substance with no known side effects.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Beta Glucan 1, 3 D Glucan

Q.  What is beta 1, 3 d glucan?

A.  Beta 1, 3 d glucan is the sole active ingredient in beta glucan. It is derived from the cell walls of baker’s yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae).  Beta glucan is known by immunologists for its amazing immune enhancing properties.

Q. How does beta 1, 3 d glucan work?

A.  It fully activates macrophages in your body which are one of the primary defenses of the immune system.  Macrophages act like Pac Men in your body.  They trap and consume foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses and parasites.  Taking beta 1, 3 d glucan every day is like having a mechanic tweak your classic model T automobile for peak performance every morning.  Beta glucan will help to give you the maximum appropriate immune response.  It, also, carefully regulates this response, avoiding (and helping your body to control) any auto-immune challenges you may have. 

Q. Why do you recommend Transfer Point’s beta 1, 3 d glucan product?  

A. After researching the popular immune strengthening supplements, I was impressed with the overwhelming scientific data and customer testimonies for Transfer Point’s beta 1, 3-d glucan.  I don’t believe there is a comparable beta glucan supplement on the market today.

Q. I am allergic to yeast . . . will taking beta 1, 3 d glucan cause an allergic reaction?

A. No.  Yeast proteins cause your allergic reactions to yeast products.  Although beta glucan are derived from baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces ceravisiae), beta 1, 3 d glucan is a pure isolate and does not contain enough yeast proteins to cause an allergic reaction..  

Q. I am concerned about over-stimulating my immune system . . . is this a possibility with beta 1, 3 d glucan?

A. No . . . only the presence of non-self (virus, bacteria, fungi cancer, parasites, etc.) cause the macrophage to become alert.  

Q. Will beta 1, 3 d glucan cause or increase an autoimmune condition?

A. Beta 1, 3 d glucan does not pose a danger for people with autoimmune problems. Considerable peer reviewed data indicates that it actually helps people’s immune systems to lessen the effects of autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, psoriasis, etc.   

Q. Is beta 1, 3 d glucan safe . . . can I suffer any adverse reactions?

A. Baker’s yeast extracts have been given a G.R.A.S. Rating (Generally Regarded As Safe) Rating by the FDA.  To achieve this rating . . . a substance must have no known adversity or toxicity.  

Q. Who should take beta 1, 3 d glucan?

A. People with impaired immunity. People who are exposed to radiation from external sources such as UV or electromagnetic fields. People with poor nutrition or who consume food preservatives. People under physical or emotional stress. Athletes and those who work out extensively. People with high risk of cardiovascular disease. Animals! To help them overcome illness, stay healthy and live longer. Basically any person who wants to protect their immune system.

Q. Are there any drug reactions that occur when taken with beta 1, 3 d glucan?

A. There are no adverse effects known when beta 1, 3 d glucan is taken in conjunction with pharmacological drugs. Beta 1, 3 d glucan enhances the effect of many anti-infective drugs, cholesterol reducing drugs and chemotherapeutic agents.  Please advise your health practioner of this benefit so that your drugs can be reduced as needed.

Q. If beta 1, 3 d glucan is so wonderful . . . why haven’t I heard about it before?

A. For nearly three decades, beta 1, 3 d glucan was available only in laboratories and medical schools. To purchase 1 (one) 100-mg sample of beta 1, 3 d glucan, cost was close to $200.00 ! ! !  Unfortunately, it could not be afforded by the general public. 

Q. Are glucan from barley, oats, or other grains as effective as the beta glucan derived from bakers yeast?

A.  They have been shown to be ineffective as an immune modulator.  Only beta 1, 3 d glucan from the cell wall of baker’s yeast has been shown to have a potent effect on the immune system . . .  in an economical manner.

 Q. How much beta glucan should I take?

A.  According to the FDA, I can’t prescribe dosages.  However, after researching the benefits of high dosage beta glucans . . . I personally decided to take one 500 mg capsule for every 50 lbs of my body weight.  

Q.  How do I know that beta 1, 3 d glucan will work for me?

A.  The only way you will know is by trying beta 1, 3 d glucan for yourself. Within 3 days of consistently taking beta 1, 3 d glucan, your immune system should be enhanced and you should begin noticing the benefits.  We offer a 30 day money back guarantee which will allow you to experience these benefits for yourself with no risk. 

Q. Why should I purchase from AboutBetaGlucan.com? 

A. Superior customer service is our goal.  We are here to provide you with articles and information that will help you make informed decisions about your own health choices.  Plus we offer a low price guarantee AND allow you to try the product for yourself to see if it is effective for you with our 30 day money back guarantee.  Until you are delighted with your purchase, we aren’t delighted. Our president, Dave Perkins, gained his health knowledge after facing a terminal illness where he was assessed by the medical profession as having no hope for recovery.  Facing this death sentence, every health product and supplement that he chose came from extensive research to determine the best way to invest limited time and financial resources for complete recovery.  We believe the products that we are providing on this site will enhance your health because they have proven beneficial to us.

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Citric Acid for Blood Pressure

Citric acid, although acid in its fresh form (lemon and limes) transforms during metabolism into alkali. This is helpful to your blood. Our American diet tends to be overly acidic from coffee, sodas, alcohol, and certain proteins. An acidic condition tends to be more inflammatory.Citric acid is essential to the Krebs cycle, Citric acid, together with malic acid, are involved with complex chemical actions, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide, and its removal from the cells. Citric acid is also used as a natural preservative to maintain freshness of many products, and serves this role, as well, in the Hypercet BPF. Citric Acid is a naturally occurring substance with no known side effects.

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Chromium as a Cholesterol Supplement

Chromium is an essential trace mineral first discovered in 1955. Although our bodies contain only a few milligrams, even this tiny amount is critical for regulating insulin and blood sugar levels, as well as activating enzymes essential for energy production. We get chromium through food, primarily yeast, grains, nuts, prunes, potatoes, and seafood. But we don’t get enough overall; many Americans are deficient in chromium. One reason is that diets high in refined sugar leach chromium right out of us. Recent studies find that supplementing with chromium may not only lower cholesterol but also help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Thus, it may be particularly beneficial to people with metabolic syndrome or diabetes. What the research shows: In one small study of 28 people, those taking 200 micrograms of chromium daily for 42 days had significant decreases in both total cholesterol and LDL, decreases that didn’t occur when they took a placebo. At least eight other studies have found that chromium supplementation improved cholesterol. And numerous studies found supplementing with at least 400 micrograms of chromium improved fasting glucose levels, a sign of improved insulin sensitivity. Be aware that chromium may take several weeks or even months to yield results.

Who should take it: People with metabolic syndrome or diabetes, as well as anyone susceptible to chromium deficiency (including athletes, the elderly, and people who follow diets high in refined sugar). Recommended dose: 200 to 400 micrograms a day in divided doses for people with insulin resistance; 400 to 1,000 micrograms a day in divided doses for people with diabetes. Use chromium picolinate as your source. For everyone else the amount in a multivitamin should be sufficient. Warnings/contraindications: If you have diabetes, check with your doctor; taking chromium may alter your requirements for insulin or other diabetes medication. Source: Readers Digest.

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