Whether you are a hard-core athlete or weekend warrior, you want to get the most out of the effort you put into your workouts. These recent studies explored how omega-3s and arginine may affect athletic performance. Nutrients improve performance in elite athletes Omega-3s boost elite cyclists In this study, 13 elite cyclists took 1,300 mg…
Author: Ramona Levacy Billingslea
I am a 50-something Texan with a feisty cat and a supportive husband of 25+ years. With a Master's degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing, I have taught creative writing at Texas Tech, won awards for my writing and been blessed to be mentored by Horn Professor and poet Dr. Walt McDonald. I earn a living by helping my husband's family run a health food store, but my avocation is writing. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my triumphs and tragedies as I continue to work on figuring out what life is all about and on growing my ability to share my writing. May your own journey be a blessed one.
Studies Reveal Important Nutrients For Men’s Health
June is the month we take to honor Dad, and part of that celebration is considering ways to keep dad healthy. Some recent studies have looked at nutrients that may improve sexual function, as well as support prostate health. Fenugreek and sexual function India and North Africa have traditionally used fenugreek to treat sexual dysfunction…
Be the Best Post-Exercise You
Krill oil and ginger helped improve health and speed recovery after exercise in these two studies. Find out more. Krill oil boosts immunity Krill oil contains the omega-3s EPA and DHA, and may alter immune function after exercise. In this study, 37 men and women, average age 26, took 2,000 mg of krill oil per…
Ease Joint Symptoms and Improve Memory
In two recent studies, researchers looked at the effects of MK-7, a form of vitamin K2, on those with rheumatoid arthritis and the benefits to memory in using the traditional, Ayurvedic herb, bacopa. Here is a summary of their results. MK-7 and rheumatoid arthritis In normal joints, the synovium is a thin, delicate lining that…
A Sleep Hormone and So Much More
You may know of melatonin as the hormone your body makes to help you regulate sleep, but new research suggests this hormone may do much more, including influencing MS symptoms and improving body composition. Note that not everyone should be supplementing with over-the-counter melatonin. Our bodies only begin declining in melatonin production as we reach…
Don’t Worry; Be Healthy
Call it what you will–stress, anxiety, burnout–a mind tied up in knots quickly leads to a body that is less than healthy. Despite the rapidity with which our technology-driven world changes, our bodies and the hormones which do the communicating between cells for us are moving at a relative snail’s pace. In short-speak, our bodies…
3 Keys To Your Bone Health
Bone density is not just a woman’s issue. According to WebMD, about 20% of people with osteoporosis, or thinning of the bone, are actually men. Diet, exercise, hormone levels and genetics all can play a role in your bone’s health. In recent studies, these nutrients proved supportive of bone health. Nutrients reduce fractures and protect…
Nutrients Help Maintain Healthy Lipids and Regulate Fat Absorption
Not too long ago, we all thought fat-free was the only way to be. Luckily, in recent years we have come to understand that good fats actually exist and are necessary to a truly healthy diet. In this research, omega-3s and cactus fiber showed promise for healthy cholesterol and fat reduction, respectively. Here’s how. Omega-3s…
Can Supplements Ease the Severity of Some Major Medical Treatments?
Those on dialysis or facing cancer treatments each face unique health needs. These recent studies looked at what nutrients may be of some benefit for these challenging conditions. Better Quality of Life on Dialysis Flaxseed Those on dialysis to cleanse the blood when the kidneys stop working often have inflammation and abnormal blood lipids, raising…
Are You Ready For A Spring Cleaning?
The beginning of Spring is a great time to think about the changes you can make to reduce stress in your everyday life, including the stress you put on your body through your diet and lifestyle choices. Stress can be physical and mental. Physical stress happens when we eat foods that are fried or otherwise…
A Surprising Use For Rhodiola
You may be used to hearing about rhodiola when it comes to energy or mood concerns, but this hearty herb has more potential up its leaves. Find out how your lungs may benefit from rhodiola in this recent study. Rhodiola improves lung function in COPD COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gradually reduces lung capacity…
Supplements Know-How: A Primer To Smarter Supplement Buying
Supplements should not be purchased in ignorance. The more you know about what to look for in a quality supplement, the more likely you will have success in choosing products for your health goals. Here are some tips for your next foray into the supplement aisle. Know what laws govern the industry FDA guidelines under…
Betsy's Health Foods: Always taking your health & your budget to heart 
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