Natural Health Minute with Dr. Steve Beachum

For years now, you’ve been hearing that you need to get more omega 3’s into your diet. But do you know why? Omega 3 Fatty Acids – like those found in Fish Oil – have been shown to assist with healthy cholesterol levels and help maintain bone mass. It also helps support the level of seratonin in your body – that’s the “feel good” hormone. To achieve those goals, it’s recommended that you eat oily fish like salmon 2-3 times a week. While that’s a great idea…it’s just not going to happen for most people. That’s why i recommend supplementing your diet with fish oil capsules. They’re a convenient and easy to take way to get the proper amount of omega-3s even for those who don’t like eating fish. Be sure to check dosage amounts for your particular dietary needs.

Everybody is so busy these days with work, kids, activities… is it any wonder that we have a personal energy crisis? But what are you going to do? Clone yourself? Not likely…so let’s look into ways to get those energy levels up – naturally. My first 2 suggestions are the hardest – try to de-stress and get more sleep. Stress and a lack of sleep are absolute energy killers. Next?…don’t skip breakfast. I know you’re crunched for time, but your body – kind of like your car – needs fuel to get going. Another tip? Get a little exercise. Even a short walk can get the blood flowing again so you can tackle the rest of your day. And finally, don’t be afraid to get a little help from a natural supplement that includes protein, Vitamin B12 or natural caffeine. Give a few of these suggestions a try and you’ll soon be back to your old energetic self again.

Let’s talk about Probiotics. You’ve probably heard of these on yogurt commercials recently and wondered what exactly they are and what they can do for you. To start, everybody has bacteria, but some just aren’t healthy. Probiotics are actually known as “good for you” bacteria. In short, Probiotics help replace the bad bacteria in our intestines with the good…resulting in better digestion, less bloating and even easier weight loss. This action can even help boost your immune system. But, be sure to look for a high quality Probiotic that contains billions of bacteria and multiple strains.

Everywhere you look, you see articles and advertisements for a product called Garcinia.  It seems like everybody’s talking about it…from tv doctors to newspapers. So let’s break down just what Garcinia is and what it can do for you. Garcinia Cambogia is actually taken from a small fruit that kind of looks like a tiny pumpkin.  In the skin of the fruit is a natural supplement called Hydroxycitric acid or HCA. This is the active ingredient. Recent studies have shown that Garcinia can help with both your appetite and inhibiting fat production. Some even say it can target belly fat. Most studies were done on Garcinia with at least 50% HCA, so it’s best to stick with that amount. Remember, results may vary, but Garcinia could be another weapon in your battle of the bulge.

The holidays are here, which means lots of parties and lots of food…are you worried about overeating and adding on those extra pounds this year? It’s okay…I have a few easy ways to stay on the right track and keep those pounds off. First, try eating a healthy snack or small meal before you leave for the party. Be sure it has a good amount of protein or fiber so it will help you to feel full longer. That way you’re not starving when you get to the party. Another trick is to drink a glass of water. Not only is water good for you in general, it’s another way to feel full. Keeping your appetite under control is the key to not overeating. But if that’s still not enough, you could also try a natural appetite suppressant. Trying one or all of these tips this holiday season should let you can focus on the fun…not the food.

You’ve heard it before, but one of the best ways to jumpstart any weight loss program is to begin with a good colon cleanse. But did you know that this simple process may have more benefits? Like helping your digestive system work better, boosting your immune system and even your energy levels. You see, if waste remains in the body for too long, it becomes a breeding ground for bad bacteria and illness. Cleansing the colon – even occasionally – can help alleviate these issues before they become problems. Just be sure to pick an all-natural and gentle supplement for best results. And read all instructions carefully. You could see and feel a difference in just a very short time.