What is Fish Oil | The Many Health Benefits of Fish Oil

What is Fish Oil Used For? - Health Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements

As you know, optimal health starts with exercise and a healthy diet. However, supplements are also vital to your body since it can’t acquire certain nutrients via exercise and diet alone. There’s been a lot of talk about fish oil being a good source of nutrients. Whether a healthcare practitioner has recommended you take a fish oil supplement and you’re looking for more information, or you’ve found yourself asking “what is fish oil?”, one thing is certain: there are several fish oil health benefits you should be aware of.

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil actually comes from the fatty tissues of fish including tuna, mackerel, lake trout, salmon and sardines. Many types of fish don’t produce the oil. Instead, the fish acquires the oil as they consume other fish like prey fish. The fish which do produce the oil such as albacore tuna and swordfish also accumulate toxic substances too, which isn’t good for humans and is why taking a high-quality fish oil supplement is important.

5 Ways to Fight Fatigue

Many of us are beginning to feel the negative effects of a stressful, busy, and hectic lifestyle. Demanding work projects prevent us from sticking to only 40 hours a week, parties and gatherings seem to have crawled up and may even be the source of our frustration. Our families and social lives are dependent on a low stress, focused version of ourselves. Imagine how fun a holiday party might be if you're thinking about work deadlines the entire time? Your new friend may become the punch bowl.

Enhance Libido Naturally

You've seen the commercials with the couple sitting side by side in matching claw-foot bathtubs, watching the sunset outdoors as they bask in the glow and wondered what parallel advertising universe they're living in. Of course, there's also the announcer who's running down a list of side effects, including the one about "if your erection lasts more than four hours," which usually elicits the comment from your partner to go notify the Guinness Book of World Records' committee. 

Why Bone Health is Dependent on Vitamin D3

This week, I received a DEXA scan over my entire body. The procedure itself was simple: relax on a bed without moving for 6 minutes, while a hook shaped apparatus reaching across the table scanned my body. I felt like a piece of 8.5x11" paper getting printed on.

Natural Acne Remedies

If you have a teenager or pre-teen in your house, you most likely have lost use of one bathroom while they're in there preening, shaving and plucking.

What You Can Do For Kidney Disease

According to the National Kidney Foundation, the two primary risk factors for kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes.

What Is CoQ10?

You may have heard, seen or read a lot about CoQ10 and wondered what all the hype is about.

Probiotics for Overall Health

Stomach pain and digestive issues are no joke: a majority of the population experiences chronic and uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms daily.

Natural Remedies for the Common Cold

The last thing you need in your busy life is a stubborn head cold and sinus congestion.

Suki skin care: An Organic Approach to Beauty

The All-Natural Phenomenon

“Beauty is only skin deep.” This may have been the only guideline for cosmetics throughout history.

Natural Alzheimer's Treatments

We all experience "senior moments" as we age, and we may wonder when we should start worrying about them.

Healing the Gut with Alternative Medicine

Voltaire said, "the art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease."

Healing the Gut with Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Gastrointestinal Illness is Everywhere This is true: over 10% of Americans have suffered from at least one stomach ulcer in their lives.

What Can I Do about Tinnitus?

If you've suddenly developed a ringing or buzzing in your ears and you're not at a Phillip Glass concert, you most likely have tinnitus.

Add Iron To Your Diet

If you're a regular blood donor, you are one of the unsung heroes in the world that can make the difference in many people's lives so give yourself a pat on the back. As a regular blood donor, you most likely don't have a problem with low iron levels and know the importance of incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet. On the other hand, if you've been deferred by the intake nurse because your hematocrit (iron level) was too low, you most likely were handed a flyer with a listing of all the foods you should be eating, with liver in the number-one spot on the list.

Not everyone is a fan of iron. Luckily, there are other iron-rich dietary sources you may not be aware of. Consider black-strap molasses, for instance, which tastes great in cookie form. Or any green leafy vegetable that can be cooked, such as spinach or Swiss chard, makes a delicious side dish to a meal. Many cereal manufacturers enrich their products with iron so check the label. Mollusks, such as clams, oysters and scallops, are also high in iron. 

Even if you're not a blood donor, maintaining sufficient levels of iron in your blood is important; otherwise, you risk developing anemia, the most obvious symptoms of which are fatigue and lack of energy. Very active women are especially prone to anemia when, indeed, they're the ones who need iron the most since it's crucial to red blood cell production and an optimum cardiovascular system.

If you find it hard to get sufficient iron through diet alone, consider a nutritional supplement, such as Integrative Therapeutics' Energizing Iron softgels. The trademarked formula from Integrative Therapeutics contains heme iron made from Argentinian bovine sources that were given a diet free of antibiotics. Integrative Therapeutics also offers their Iron Complex softgels that have another trademarked technology, which allows for the greatest absorption of liver and increased production of red blood cells. If you follow a vegetarian diet and need an iron supplement, consider the Iron Plus C formula from Vital Nutrients.
 

Boost Your Immune System for Spring

Spring is arriving.
Rising temperatures after a long and freezing Winter can bring a sense of relief to many people. However, the changes occurring aren't always revitalizing: over 20% of Americans get sick with the change of seasons every year. Why does this happen? Some speculate the pressure related to rapid temperature changes are to blame; others claim that there are more "bugs" floating around and making us ill. Even alternative medicine claims it has to do with the change in daylight hours. Whichever reason makes sense for you, getting sick is never fun and can easily be remedied. Your immune system responds efficiently and quickly if you know which supplements and treatments are effective and healing on the body.

What vitamins and minerals do I need?

Echinacea:
If you've ever seen the echinacea flower, you'll notice it has the most vibrant magenta petals and truly epitomizes spring time. It also is capable of preventing colds, flus, and other warmer weather illnesses. Fossilized remains have shown that echinacea has been used among villages over 400 years ago! Many studies have shown its effectiveness in treating sickness, but it's real abilities lie in preventative medicine. Symptoms of illness such as headache, stuffy head, fever, sore throat, and chest pain benefit from the supplementation of echinacea at the first sign of a cold or flu.
As Winter turns to Spring, add in echinacea to keep any nasty bug from causing you infection and those inconvenient "sick days." Enjoy the beautiful rising temperatures instead!

Rose Hips:
Rose hips grow from roses as soft, bright red berry-like structures that resemble cherry tomatoes with outward reaching tails. The hips can be used in teas, jams, syrups, and even alcohol. Their real talent is preventing cold and flu sickness! They may resemble tomatoes because they also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that can powerfully eradicate free radicals that may cause infection. Their high vitamin C content also allows the body to repair and strengthen cells which continuously fight the foreign invader cells that enter your body every day. Rose hips have incredible anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate the painful symptoms often associated with the flu.

Elderberry:
The elderberry flower is a beautiful off-white colored, star shaped blossom that produces hard, dark blue berries that look like blueberries. Elderberries contain high amounts of vitamin C, another flu fighting, immune system-loving compound. They are also made up of immune-boosting flavonoids that are commonly found in plants and trees. Like echinacea, elderberries are most powerful when taken at the first symptom of being sick. A very famous 1980 scientific study tested the effects of elderberry on an Israeli population sick with a flu outbreak. The entire population was given an elderberry treatment for their symptoms. Within one day, 20% felt significantly better. After 2 days, 73% recovered and by the third day, 90% of those treated with elderberry felt completely healed and recovered. Since this incredible herb promotes natural detoxifying sweating, fevers are significantly reduced with the intake of elderberry.

Vitamin D:
One of the theories of why we get Spring time sickness is that our bodies have been deprived of sunlight, vitamin D, for months. Inside our houses, the microorganisms are familiar with our bodies and we are tolerant of them. Once the temperature rises, the sun shines, and we are outside more often, new germs and bacteria invade our systems. We are low on this reparative vitamin, and as a result of these new interactions we contract infections much more easily than we would have if vitamin D was consumed daily, regardless of the weather.
DaVinci Labs Immuno-DMG chewable tablets contain a high amount of vitamin D to push any infection to the wayside and keep you feeling as healthy as Spring!

Vitamin C:
Our antioxidant friend, vitamin C, is the most popular form of illness defense in the world. It is available as lozenges, syrups, chewable vitamins, capsules, and even from Mother Nature-- in citrus fruits. The compounds in vitamin C promote cell repair and defense, which contributes to preventative health just like our herbal supplements. Allergy Research Group had this in mind when they created their Citrus Pectin Powder for immune system health. It can be taken continuously, because it also aids in rapid recovery after contracting a virus or catching a cold. Because free radicals are destroyed by vitamin C, it may even prevent future colds or flus from affecting your immune system, and strengthen your body over time of continuous supplementation.

DaVinci Labs has created a vegetarian immune supplement, Cell Support, that contains many of these powerful protective compounds against illness and regulating minerals for a healthy immune system.
Wholly Immune by Allergy Research Group is whole-foods based supplement that fights colds and flus with minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamins D and C.

Lifestyle choices that minimize immune dysfunction.

Get active!
The comfortable temperatures and nicer weather can only mean one thing: another reason to get out and enjoy it! Staying moderately active can significantly cut your risk of infection, because your cells are strengthened and become more resilient to foreign invader cells. Bicycling around the neighborhood, going for a walk after dinner, and even playing out in the yard can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick.

Enjoy the sunlight.
We now know vitamin D plays a role in healthy immune function. Supplements can definitely fulfill your new requirements for this valuable vitamin, and spending time soaking up the sun's rays will compound your capacity to store and utilize vitamin D. This means a healthier, functioning body!

Incorporate fresh produce into your diet.
The next time you go grocery shopping, find the most colorful fruits and vegetables to eat. These bright colors are a signal that the produce contains high levels of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Many genetic forces will control how effective your supplements are. Incorporating fresh, whole foods into your diet will ensure that you reach the optimum levels of the most important nutrients your body needs. Fruits like oranges and grapefruits, vegetables like spinach, kale, and bell peppers all contain protective nutrients that help fight illness during seasonal changes.

Spice up your life!
Spicy foods like jalapenos and other spicy peppers, cayenne, and chiles help to break down thick mucous that often accompanies sinus-related illness in the Spring and may help to reduce symptoms of allergies! Bring the heat and fight your spring time symptoms with a red-hot meal.

The Best Prenatal Vitamins for a Healthy Pregnancy

You're Pregnant! Congratulations!

Pregnancy offers a completely new perspective on life and health. Being a mother is an incredible experience with amazing benefits and challenging obstacles with rewarding results.

Increase Energy Levels Naturally

Keeping your energy levels up throughout your busy day can be a problem if getting enough sleep and exercise tends to fall at the bottom of your to-do list. Although tempting, try not to slip into the pattern of eating sugary snacks to get that much needed energy boost or having another cup of coffee to get through that afternoon energy slump. They may work for the short term but will adversely affect your health if diet and weight loss are your long term goals.

Nutritional supplements are the way to go if you want to avoid fatigue and that crash and burn from sugar or caffeine. The proliferation of quick fix remedies, such as energy drinks or shots, is a symptom of our busy lives and fitting too many obligations into a task-filled day. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get at least eight hours of sleep at night and fit in 20 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week into your routine. Consider treating yourself to a cup of chamomile tea at bedtime to soothe yourself to sleep and getting outside to walk the dog or jog with the kids as easy ways to keep your healthy lifestyle on track.

If you experience that mid-morning or afternoon slump at work, consider trying Douglas Laboratories' Brain Energy capsules to improve your concentration and focus when you need it the most. Brain Energy by Douglas Labs contains tyrosine, an amino acid known to enhance alertness and improve neurotransmitter responses in the brain. Vital Nutrients also offers their Energy Plus capsules that contain ginseng and the Chinese herb fo-ti, renowned in Eastern medicine as a longevity tonic.

If you lead a very physical life and want to keep your performance and activity levels up, you may want to consider a scientifically formulated supplement. Although many sports drinks have high-profile endorsements and tout their benefits through marketing brochures, they're also full of sugar and may end up dropping your energy levels to zero. Athletes need to replenish electrolytes lost through physical exertion, and Pure Encapsulations offers their Electrolyte/Energy Formula in a great-tasting, lemon-lime flavor that you can mix with water and drink right before a workout.

For additional ways to keep your energy levels up the natural way, check out our extensive selection of nutritional energy supplements available on our website CAMFormulas.com or click the links below to buy the products mentioned in this article!

All Natural OCD Treatments

OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is when a behavior becomes a ritual, whether pointed out by others or recognized by the individual as something that takes over and controls your actions. We've all caught ourselves doing this, such as worrying about if we've left the oven on, locked the front door or washed our hands; but if these thoughts begin to dominate our lives and lead to actions which we need to perform repetitively, this type of ritualized behavior becomes the hallmark of OCD.

Notice that the thoughts that lead to OCD behavior are always from a source of anxiety. You may worry about burning the house down if the stove is left on, a break-in if the door is unlocked or disease if you've touched something that could be contaminated. According to Steven Phillipson, PhD, these threats lead to a response, or spike, which is the perceived solution to the problem. For example, a student may constantly count the number of books in his backpack to avoid paying a fine for losing one of them or say, "I love you" three times before leaving for school in the morning to deal with separation anxiety.

 OCD is a fascinating subject and can take the form of many behaviors, from hoarding worthless objects just in case they're needed to placing items in a certain order to maintain control over their immediate environment. According to a German study published in 2010, many of these behaviors begin in childhood and adolescence and could be a reaction to trauma or just a way to cope with the world around them and their changing place in it. Recognizing the condition and seeking help from a cognitive behavioral therapist is generally the first course of action; if this fails, there are prescription drug treatments available, the most popular being Prozac. However, if you or a loved one would prefer a more natural solution, consider some herbal supplements that may help with this condition.

St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, has been recognized since Hippocrates' time as a remedy for anxiety; even the National Institutes for Health note its likely effectiveness for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Enzymatic Therapy offers their tablet form of St. John's Wort Extract that has undergone clinical trials to confirm its efficacy when it comes to regulating mood and emotional health. For a vegetarian OCD treatment alternative, consider NOW's Mood Support with a full range of B vitamins, as well as valerian, noted for its calming effect on the nervous system. Herb Pharm also offers their St. John's Wort in a liquid extract that can be mixed with water and taken up to five times a day to achieve a healthy emotional balance.

Passionflower, or passiflora incarnata, is noted for its beautiful showy blooms with a cross in the middle, symbolizing the crucifixion. The flower is also the most prevalent ingredient in herbal sedatives marketed in England and is typically used in German homeopathic treatments as a tranquilizer. Gaia Herbs offers their Passionflower Liquid Phyto-Caps in a vegetarian formula. All ingredients can be traced back to where they were harvested so you're guaranteed the safest product. If you prefer a Liquid Passionflower Extract, you should check out the offering from Herb Pharm, which is hand-harvested to ensure quality control from the outset and is never fumigated or irradiated. Gaia Herbs also markets an Organic Passionflower Extract harvested from the flowering vines that can be taken up to three times daily between meals.

For more healthy OCD treatment alternatives, check out the many offerings available from CAM Formulas with free standard shipping.

5 Vitamins and Minerals Caffeine Affects

Many of us are on comprehensive, complicated vitamin and mineral regimes to maximize our health and flood our organs with beneficial nutrients. You've done your research, discovered what you should be taking, and are feeling a little better than you were before. Maybe you've still got some symptoms that just won't leave, or a fatigue that hits you like clockwork at mid-afternoon. What gives? Why aren't the supplements giving you the vibrance and energy that everyone else seems to have?
You may be sabotaging your own results. How?

Caffeine. Coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and even medications contain caffeine. We love it, no doubt: more than 45 million pounds of the odorless powder is taken by Americans per year. It gets us going, lifts our mood, lowers blood pressure, and may even boost a workout by lending our bodies extra energy. However, numerous studies are illustrating that caffeine robs our body of the nutrients within the food and supplements we consume. Imagine taking 4 vitamin capsules per cup of drip coffee you drink to put your health in perspective: this only ensures you receive half of the vitamin content that is stated on the label.
It is imperative to not only recognize which nutrients you need most to maintain a healthy mind and body, but to also be aware of how these nutrients are being used after you take them. Are they simply flushed out with your morning latte, or are they absorbed with your dinner? Should you take your vitamins at night, in the morning, or during lunch? Which vitamins are affected by caffeine, and which ones are not?

Here are the 5 most common vitamins and minerals that are negatively impacted by caffeine:

B Vitamins
All B vitamins contain mood lifting and metabolism boosting benefits for your body. Unfortunately, they are used up quickly and are water-soluble. This means that they travel through the water in your cells, which is why they are so efficient and give you noticeable results rapidly. Caffeine is a diuretic, and it flushes out water in your body much faster than what you normally operate on. Many people who take B complex supplements like Tri-B-100 notice that they have brightly colored urine. The bright color is due to the presence of B vitamins. Naturally, the caffeine inhibits your maximum absorption of B vitamins, so it is important to recognize if your B complex supplements are just being flushed down the toilet (literally).

Iron
Iron contributes to blood health and is one of the most important minerals for circulatory health and wellness. Many anemia sufferers do not even realize that their coffee and tea consumption is hindering any iron absorption. Vegetarians understand the importance of iron intake as well and supplement through outside sources or liquid supplements. Caffeine latches onto iron and prevents the body from utilizing it. If your coffee and tea habits are preventing mineral absorption, then it is imperative that supplements like Energizing Iron are taken an hour before or after consuming caffeine.

Zinc
Just like iron, zinc is another mineral that is negatively impacted by the presence of caffeine in the body. When caffeine is floating through the bloodstream, it latches onto zinc (just like it does with iron) and makes it much more difficult for the body to use it. The polyphenols, tannins, in caffeine are the culprit here. They are promoted as an antioxidant, which eliminates the effects of free radicals and stress on the body. This is great for protection against disease and degenerative issues, however it may prevent you from utilizing important minerals like zinc for necessary biochemical processes.

Vitamin D
Caffeine intake and bone loss are related: because caffeine robs the body of beneficial minerals, the bones are unable to use them. Over time, daily caffeine consumption can lead to brittle and weak bones. Osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and fractures have been medically linked with caffeine consumption and inadequate mineral intake. Taking an abundance of vitamin D supplements to proactively diminish the effects of caffeine on the skeleton is a smart idea. Jarrow's D3 5000 contains a high amount of the bone-strengthening vitamin.

Calcium
Calcium acts as the sidekick to vitamin D and bone production. Caffeine limits and negates any calcium you consume by rapidly excreting it through urine. Just like vitamin D and bone disease are connected, calcium is another aspect of this issue. Caffeine consumption has been associated with low calcium in the diet, so it is important to monitor calcium intake to prevent losses that develop into bone disease.

What can I do to prevent vitamin and mineral loss?
Take vitamins with a meal: Many people can easily remedy their vitamin loss by taking supplements with a larger meal like lunch or dinner. Since coffee and other caffeine-containing beverages are most commonly drank before 3 P.M., keeping your vitamins in a pill case to take with lunch will ensure that all of the benefits you're paying for are available for your body to use efficiently.

Limit caffeine consumption or add replacements: Being without adequate nutrients can place your body under high stress to produce enough energy each and every day. One of the best ways to immediately repair any losses your body may have been operating under is to lower your caffeine intake. If you drink 3 cups of coffee before noon, try to drink just one and see how you feel. It's just as warm and comforting to steep a rich and spicy herbal tea, such as chai tea, which contains no caffeine and still boasts the rich depth and earthy flavor coffee has. Reducing the amount of caffeine you take in each day is easy. Over time, your body will naturally produce energy from the vitamins and minerals it is able to utilize that can get you through any day!

Drink, eat, repeat: If you just can't kick the cup of joe, take a supplement that requires 2 or 3 capsules daily to ensure that you're absorbing throughout your day. Even if your first supplement is significantly hindered, the second or third capsule will likely be taken with a meal and more contents will be absorbed in the bloodstream. By taking a vitamin or mineral that is needed a few times a day, you are actually changing how often your body receives nutrients. This ends up giving the body more to work with at once, and nourishes internal systems. Just like you need an intake of food throughout the day to keep you going, your organs need the same kind of attention as well.

By becoming aware of what may be impacting your wellness journey and taking the right steps to avoid these issues, you take charge of your health. These tips are only one aspect of your nutrient knowledge; learn more and explore what vitamins and minerals you may be missing out on-- caffeine or not!

Drug Free ADHD Strategies

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, was recognized as far back as 1845 when German physician Heinrich Hoffman observed children who exhibited fidgety behavior; he even wrote a book to entertain them.

Nutritional Supplements for Kids

 Moms are always looking out for their kids' well-being, but sometimes life can get in the way of sticking to a healthy meal plan, especially if your kids are on the go and busy with their after school programs. Using the fast food drive-through to get your kids fed and in bed at a decent hour isn't an option that most moms will admit to, but we all have treated our kids to one of these meals, especially on road trips and vacations. While all national fast food outlets offer healthy alternatives, such as apple slices and vegetarian burgers (Burger King has veggie burgers, but you will have to ask to order them as they're typically not listed on the menu), your kids will most likely want French fries and chicken nuggets. Consider carrying along some nutritional supplements on your next cross country excursion or school break to make sure your kids get a well balanced diet on the way.

Kids love treats and won't say no to vitamins if they're delicious. Consider Carlson Labs' Chewable Vitamins and Minerals For Kids in a yummy blue raspberry flavor. The entire family will enjoy these pleasant-tasting chewable supplements for children, with the full range of vitamins A through E, as well as K, calcium and iron. DaVinci Labs offers their Kids Mighty Vites in a fruit-flavored wafer form that can be used by children as young as three to get their maximum daily allowance of vitamins A through E. Active kids need potassium, and many processed foods are low in this vital mineral; Kids Mighty Vites ensure your kids get enough potassium for optimal heart and kidney function. 

The mind of a kid is an amazing thing: a three-year-old's brain is twice as active as an adult's in terms of processing information and making neural connections. And the brain will keep on developing and making new connections well into early adulthood, as seen in a research study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, which noted that brain wiring in the frontal lobe, responsible for higher level thinking, continued to make connections in adults past the age of 20. Omega-3 fatty acids, known for their cardio-protecting abilities, are also critical for brain development and vision, especially DHA, docosahexaenoic acid. Carlson Labs offers their Carlson/Kids Chewable DHA Softgels for ages four and up. Your kids will enjoy the bursting orange flavor of the Kids Chewable, and you'll like the fact that you're sneaking the recommended level of fish oil into their diet without getting an "Euww, mommm!" in response. For kids as young as one, consider Integrative Therapeutics' Eskimo Kids, in a delicious tutti-frutti liquid form. A teaspoon-full is all it takes to protect your kids from cardiovascular disease, and the company guarantees Eskimo Kids is tested for contaminants, such as DDT and PCBs, two known carcinogens.

For more great ways to keep your kids healthy and well, check out these other nutritional supplements available on CAMFormulas.com.

5 Reasons You Need Evening Primrose

What is evening primrose? 
Evening primrose-- a delicate, pale yellow flower with gentle petals and bright structure. They grow mostly in North America and the United States. The seeds from evening primrose flowers are extracted and pressed, resulting in one of the most powerful and sacred health treatments. For the past 80 years, evening primrose has been used for numerous medical issues as a natural and herbal treatment.

Here are 5 reasons to integrate this sunny oil into your life:

1. It really loves the ladies.
Evening primrose oil has been shown in numerous studies to significantly reduce premenstrual symptoms such as moodiness, lethargy, and cramps. Women who are suffering with endometriosis also benefit from evening primrose supplements. Menopausual symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and headaches are reduced with the intake of this oil as well. The GLA present in evening primrose oil may be the reason for such powerful effects.

2. It's anti-inflammatory.
GLA, gamma linolenic acid, is an essential fatty acid that has a unique structure. It is an omega-6 fatty acid, which typically promotes inflammation. However, GLA is a potent and special omega-6 that actively repairs and reduces inflammation within the body. By supplementing with evening primrose, your ability to heal and prevent inflammation in the body is bolstered by the GLA. This can boost your immune, endocrine, and even nervous system health.

3. Shiny, healthy, blemish free skin.
One of the side effects of supplementing with GLA-packed evening primrose is improved skin health. The rich oils lubricate your body's systems and hydrate your cells. This translates as softer, smoother skin. Your skin is your body's largest and most exposed organ, so it requires as many nutrients as possible.
Acne sufferers may finally have found the natural solution to clearer skin. By balancing the endocrine system and preventing the overproduction of oil with evening primrose, the GLA directly assists in the healing process of skin cells and prevents blemishes.
Eczema is another skin issue that has been improved by intake of evening primrose by reducing itching, flaking of the skin, and minimizing redness.

4. It can relieve chronic and acute pain.
Evening primrose has been scientifically tested as an alternative therapy for pain relief with positive results. Arthritis is a severely painful disease-- supplementing with evening primrose is shown to reduce the physical pain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Headaches have also been proven to significantly lessen with intake of evening primrose.

5. It's an animal-free, natural alternative.
Many vegans and vegetarians are unable to raise their intake of essential fatty acids, which are vital for a healthy body and metabolism. If your metabolism is weakened, this negatively affects all of the processes your body operates on multiple times a day. Evening primrose is a plant-based, low processed source of rich fatty acids and reparative compounds. Barlean's Organic softgels contain the most potent and raw evening primrose oils for a high-quality supplement.

How much do I need?
There is no recommended daily amount standard for evening primrose yet. Most people are recommended to intake 3-8 grams of evening primrose daily. Start with a smaller dosage and work up to larger amounts over time, such as Allergy Research Group's animal-free softgels.

Get Smart About Omega-3s: EPA and DHA

What are EPA and DHA?
EPA and DHA are both Omega-3 fatty acids. They are essential, meaning that the body cannot create or synthesize these fatty acids on its own. Making sure that you are consuming enough of these two is vital for proper overall health and wellness. They also regulate a strong metabolism.
Traditionally, omega-3s are consumed through fatty fish and oils. However, our modern world has dramatically reduced the intake of omega-3s and our health is reflecting this change. Cardiovascular disease, degenerative brain disease, depression, and many other complications are a result of an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.
EPA and DHA work together to cohesively balance a healthy body. However, they are two very different fatty acids that have specific functions within the body.



What is EPA? 
Eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, is the anti-inflammatory fatty acid. Studies have shown its ability to affect cognitive health-- including EPA consumption causing significant inflammation reduction, thinning of the blood to increase bloodflow to the brain and strengthened connectivity within neural messengers that operate functions within the body. This also benefits the communication between the organs and the brain to boost memory, mood, and comprehension. Eicosanoids, compounds that cause inflammation, are halted by EPA. Talk about brain food!



What is DHA?
Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, is the most plentiful fatty acid within the body. It is found not only in the brain, but also in the retina of your eye. It is also synthesized from ALA consumption, so it does not need to be directly consumed. However, it is wise to supplement with DHA if ALA levels are not high enough.
Pregnancy and DHA have been linked, showing that breast milk contains DHA and is essential for a healthy baby's growth and development. It may achieve this healthy balance because it is a part of the transportation of taurine, choline, and glycine which benefit overall health and energy to build cells. DHA deficiency has been repeatedly linked to depressive states.
Algae create DHA which is used in vegetarian omega-3 supplements. Vegetarians can get their essential fatty acids too!



Why are they beneficial?
Omega-3s have been shown to improve brain health and heart health. Many mood disorders are directly linked with low omega-3 consumption-- especially depression. The science is just as impressive: a recent study has correlated intake of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, with greater cognitive function and slowed decline of brain health over time. Your brain is almost 70% fatty tissue, so these findings are not surprising. Nonetheless, we are not getting enough of this powerful nutrient. Fuel your mind and benefit your health throughout your life with these two essential fatty acids.



How much do I need?
The amount of omega-3 fatty acids per day is always dependent on your diet, activity level, genetics, and age. There is no standard daily requirement of omega-3 fatty acids, however, most experts agree that no more than 3 grams a day should be consumed. There is little evidence showing that higher amounts per day are harmful to human health. In order to reach this optimum level of healthy fats, the equivalent of 4 ounces of fish must be consumed on each day of the week. You can save money and reduce exposure to toxins by looking into an omega-3 supplement to maximize the anti-inflammatory health benefits of DHA and EPA.



Why a supplement? The dangers of fish consumption.
Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally found in fish and can be consumed through the diet this way. However, many fish are recommended to only be eaten in moderation. Because of the global climate change that is occurring, toxins are being found in oceans and lakes all over the world. They are called polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. The biggest fish that are consuming smaller fish within their ecosystems are polluted with the same toxins we have been disposing of for decades. This is because the tiniest organisms at the bottom of the food chain are polluted, which are eaten by slightly larger organisms who become more polluted, and the pollutants become more significant as you go higher up the food chain. These toxins inevitably exist in the fish you eat in very high amounts, especially larger fish like tuna and salmon.
Unfortunately, even though PCBs were banned in 1976, they are still found in our waters and the air today. For this reason, taking a supplement that contains EPA and DHA is a safer decision. While the oils may still be extracted from the fish, you are significantly reducing the impact of the toxins that exist within the entire fish.
Taking a supplement, especially a liquid gel or capsulated form, allows your body to rapidly absorb and utilize the omega-3 fatty acids and immediately heal internal inflammation. Pure Encapsulations EPA Ultimate Softgels are produced with your health in mind: they are eco-friendly and contain high quality EPA fish oil as well as DHA and vitamin E.

Vegetarian? You still have options: Pure Encapsulations entire line of omega-3 products contain non-animal sources too! See their entire collection here.

Deficiency states and statistics.
Brain health and omega-3 consumption are directly linked. Any symptoms related to brain function, such as depression, loss of concentration, and fatigue, can be remedied through the supplementation of these essential fatty acids.
In addition, inflammation and pain are found to be reduced with the intake of DHA and EPA. This is likely due to the anti-inflammatory benefits they have on the body. Heart health and omega-3s are connected too. In a scientific study, the risk of cardiac arrest was reduced by 35 percent when about a gram of omega-3 fatty acids were consumed each day.

Nurturing your brain with DHA and EPA will cause a chain reaction that benefits all of the processes within your body. Your heart will also be conditioned to resist damage and disease with the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids. In today's world of high stress and busy schedules, taking the extra step to preserve your most powerful organs within the body can extend your life for decades. At CAMFormulas, we understand the need for uncomplicated solutions, and are here to support you on your journey to vibrant health.

Work and Life Balance

Keeping it all together, when it comes to balancing your family responsibilities with work-related ones, can be a daunting task. Busy moms need all the help they can get, from supportive family members and friends to following the right diet and getting enough exercise, along with some much needed down time to decompress and rejuvenate. Use some tried and true strategies, as well as some nutritional supplements, to keep your home and work life at a manageable level.

Use all the resources out there to make your life easier. If you have relatives living nearby, enlist them in your plan. A college age cousin most likely would love some extra income and gets along well with the kids: have them pick up the kids one day a week after school and let them entertain the little ones for some pocket money. If they need a project to do, have them clear out your over-stuffed garage or the kids' old clothes and toys then throw a family-wide yard sale. If you depend on your mom for babysitting, make sure she feels appreciated with a home-cooked meal on the weekend or put a nice roast and some root veggies in a crock pot before you leave for work, then you can all sit down to a hearty meal when you walk in the door after five.

Use technology to make your social life easier and more fun for some much-needed decompression after work. Join up for email alerts from discount websites, such as LivingSocial and GroupOn, which offer fun and unique packages for families and singles alike. From mommy and me exercise sessions to ceramics classes, you can find fun activities at deep discounts. These offers can even be given as gifts to helpful neighbors or friends; just watch the expiration date on them. Moms are generally called upon to answer the eternal question, "What are we doing this weekend?" after a busy week at work, and having several of these offers on tap will make the answer a lot easier.

After the age of 35, calcium levels begin to drop in women, and bone loss becomes a risk factor over time, leading to osteoporosis, especially in Caucasian and Asian women. Unfortunately, the closest some working women get to eating a diet high in calcium is fitting a non-fat mocha into their day. If this is you, consider a dietary supplement, such as Carlson Labs' Chewable Calcium Tablets in yummy vanilla. Each pleasant-tasting tablet gives you 250 milligrams of calcium and can be taken four times a day to get the 1,000-mg. recommended daily allowance of calcium for pre-menopausal women.  The calcium needs of older women rise to prevent bone loss; these ladies need a daily allowance of 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams. Consider Progressive Labs' Coral Calcium Capsules, which offer 1,400 milligrams of this necessary mineral in a vegetarian form made from fossilized coral imported from Okinawa and harvested above sea level to be environmentally sustainable. Whether you're running after your teens or your grandkids, knowing you're getting sufficient amounts of calcium in your diet takes the stress out of all the other things you have to think about in your busy day. 

You may have never heard of the flowering herb, vitex; but if premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating and mood swings, get in the way of keeping your life flowing like a well-oiled machine, you might want to check it out. Since the ancient Greeks, this Mediterranean native plant has been valued for its medicinal properties, and in Germany, it's still used by homeopaths to treat PMS issues. Consider Nature's Way Vitex Capsules that contain 400 milligrams of the vitus agnus castus, or chaste tree. This herbal supplement builds up slowly in your system, so the suggested dosage is two to three capsules for the first eight to 12 weeks then once daily thereafter for best results. 

For more great ways to keep your health and wellness goals part of your busy life, check out these other nutritional supplements.

Why Is Fish Oil Good For You?

You may have heard a lot about the benefits of adding fish oil to your diet and wondered what all the hoopla was about. Studies done of the Inuit peoples in Greenland over a 24-year period showed that the incidence of heart disease was half that of Westerners, despite the fact that significant amounts of high-fat foods, such as whale and seal blubber, were consumed. Not unlike the later French paradox, where researchers noted a reduced rate of cardiovascular disease in those who ate a diet high in saturated fats, scientists have narrowed down Omega-3 essential fatty acids, most notably docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), that protect the heart against bad cholesterol (LDL) while raising the good type (HDL).

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), fish oil, whether added to the diet by eating trout, halibut, tuna, sardines or salmon, or from nutritional supplements, can reduce your chances of a heart attack, arrhythmia, athlerosclerosis and stroke. Moreover, fish oil can reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which have been shown as factors in Alzheimer's disease. Omega-3 fatty acids also have shown to offer immunity against the common cold and flu and reduce inflammation in patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and intestinal disorders. Fish oil has even been shown effective in children who suffer from ADHD and dyslexia by improving brain function. So these are some of the many reasons for fish oil's popularity. 

Believe it or not, your grandmother and her grandmother knew the benefits of fish oil in the form of cod liver oil. Although this dietary supplement has gotten a bad rap over the years for its taste, it's now available in a much more palatable form, including orange, lemon and berry flavors. Just like Mary Poppins said, "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down," but these formulas use natural essential oils for a pleasant tasting formula. Consider Pharmax's Finest Pure Fish Oil flavored with orange essential oil, which can be taken by kids and adults alike. You'll get the recommended dose of DHA and EPA in this all-natural formula, made from anchovies and sardines, without the unpleasant, fishy aftertaste.

Pharmax also their High EPA Finest Pure Fish Oil, also flavored with essential orange oil in an extra virgin olive oil base. The AHA recommends that a heart-healthy diet should include two servings of fish per week, but recent studies have shown that some fish, including tuna steaks and farmed salmon, should be avoided due to high levels of mercury and other carcinogens. The fish oil contained in Pharmax's formulation is guaranteed to be free of measurable levels of mercury, heavy metals and PCBs, so you know you're getting all the health benefits of fish oil with none of the risks.

Check out the other heart-healthy fish oil supplements from CAM Formulas, in both liquid and powder form, to keep you and your family's nutritional goals on the right track in the fight against heart disease. 

Coping with Depression

Everyone gets depressed at some point in their life; even the most happy go lucky individuals can experience moments of sadness and despondency that seem insurmountable and hard to define. Whether it's a gray gloomy day that matches your mood, a relationship that seems to be going nowhere or aches and pains that bring you down, the sources of depression may be complex and threaten your well-being and sense of purpose. With the right coping strategies and keeping your goals and health concerns in mind, conquering depression is well within your reach and can be achieved with a concentrated plan of attack. 

Reach out to others and get that sense of community that gives us all a feeling of belonging and inner peace. Know that we're all put here on this planet for a purpose and, although you may not have grasped its meaning, your presence here has one. Depression is an intensely lonely experience, and all those interior monologues re-played over and over in your mind will become self-fulfilling prophecies unless you shut them off. Talk to a close friend, a religious advisor or your family doctor to get some insight into what's bugging you. Reaching outside yourself is key to gaining the inner strength to change your negative outlook; you just may discover that what you thought was an isolated problem is common, and there are resources out there and steps to take to get your life back on track.

Find something to do in your spare time that is constructive, fulfilling and outwardly directed. If your depression has resulted in weight gain, look for a boot camp class in your area or join a gym that offers classes for a sense of community and purpose. Volunteering is a way to contribute and achieve a sense of belonging; go to your local United Way agency and find out where your skills could be best utilized. Depression is the worst kind of pity party imaginable, and depressed people are typically self-absorbed. Getting outside yourself and making others' lives easier will uplift your own. 

Since the introduction of Prozac in the late 1980s, antidepressant medications have been touted by psychiatrists as a way to alter the brain's chemistry. Serotonin is the chemical responsible for regulating mood, and you can promote its production naturally by taking 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxy L-tryptophan, an amino acid. Metabolic Response Modifier offers their 5-HTP Capsules in a vegetarian formula derived from griffonia seeds, a plant native to Africa. Another vegan-friendly supplement is from Protocol For Life Balance and their 5-HTP Capsules, which can be taken up to three times a day for acute symptoms. 

Another way to treat depression naturally is with SAM-e, or S-adenosylmethionine, a synthetically-derived compound that increases the production of serotonin and dopamine to enhance and regulate mood. PhysioLogics offers their SAM-e Tablets, which also contain vitamins B-2 and C to improve mood as well as restore healthy joint function. Jarrow Formulas has a pharmaceutical-grade formula with their SAM-e Tablets that do double duty as a mood regulator as well as a liver detoxifier, all with vegan-friendly ingredients.

St John's wort has been used as far back as the ancient Greeks as a painkiller and mood enhancer, and it is frequently prescribed by German apothecaries as a treatment for depression. In fact, in a 2005 report published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, the herb was shown to be more effective than Prozac in the treatment of depression. Enzymatic Therapy offers their St. John's Wort Extract Tablets made under the rigorous standards of the German Commission E, the recognized global authority on herbal medications. The herb is also available in liquid form in Herb Pharm's St. John's Wort Extract derived from the freshly-cut tops of the flowering buds. Consider this all-natural alternative to enhance your mood, gain mental clarity and achieve that sense of well-being that can be within your reach once again. 

5 Tips and 5 Products for Detoxing

Detox is a bit of a buzz word in the health and wellness media world. "In order for our bodies to heal, we must detoxify it," or the all too familiar "after holiday detox" that for some of us may consist of eating nothing but fruits and vegetables for two weeks in January. No matter how expansive your knowledge on detoxification may be, the definition of it is always changing.
Historically, detoxification was used for spiritual enlightenment and transcending in order to connect with a higher being. Today, we often relate a detox with environmental issues, emotional disruptions, and our health. It has become a way to be lighter, brighter, and more vibrant. Most of the time a detox is successful if we "haven't felt this good in years!" In some ways, spiritual enlightenment or religion gives us that same feeling, so the history behind detoxification has followed it to present day. Nonetheless, detoxification can be a very important routine in a healthy lifestyle when it is done correctly and appropriately. You may be asking yourself when you should begin a rejuvenating detox.

Who Needs to Start a Detox?
Are you feeling emotionally burdened? How are your stress levels? Has your weight been increasing and you are not quite sure why? Maybe your weight is creeping up because your stress has risen and so you've eaten poorly: a classic and common chain reaction. Consider a detoxification strategy to jump start or refresh your body and mind. It is the most powerful source of empowerment, because you rely on your own body to heal yourself. In realizing that you possess this capability, magical revelations about yourself and the world can occur.
In some cases, severe symptoms like rashes, swelling, hives, and pain are associated with much more serious health complications that a detox may or may not resolve. Please be considerate of your body and use caution with any new health routine.

Two Types of Detox
Not only are there different reasons for starting a detox, there are multiple types of detoxes to do. Do you prefer to integrate powerful natural herbs to flush out toxins from your body? Look into starting a whole body detoxification to assist your body in healing. Many more serious symptoms benefit from herbal supplementation. Would you like your organs to do the work with additional vitamins and minerals? Introduce a vitamin cleanse and support your body's natural systems.

Whole Body Detoxification
In the most simple explanation, a whole body detox utilizes your organs to push out toxic substances and give you a sense of renewal. Many people begin with a fast. It is important to note that the type of fast is not limited to just abstaining from food: giving up sugar, caffeine, and alcohol are powerful fasts on their own. Especially if you regularly consume them, the benefits of staving off of chemicals and processed foods are a great start to a detox. Your body will begin to repair itself from years of damaging lifestyle habits. Some forms of whole body detox require that meat and dairy be excluded from the diet to normalize digestion. This offers the intestines a break from having to digest complex foods. Making these monumental decisions about your detox approach can completely transform your results.

2 Ways to Ensure a Fast Lasts
During the fasting phase, fatigue and lethargy can set in. This is the point where it is easy to lose focus and let go of the fast entirely. Stay strong, and take a B vitamin supplement to boost your body's natural energy makers. Integrative Therapeutics End Fatigue is a daily B complex that is designed for natural energy production.
You may also benefit from drinking additional green tea for its protective antioxidants and low caffeine amount. However, taking green tea in capsule form may be more beneficial for those who have a busy schedule or cannot drink 6-8 cups of tea. Vitanica's supplement packs 470mg of green tea-- a great sidekick to have during a fast.

Once you have begun your fasting period, the organs in the body can benefit from natural herbal supplementation. They have been used for hundreds of years, and for this reason are one of the best additions to strengthen your results. By targeting the organs that detoxify the body everyday--your kidneys, liver, and intestines-- herbs bolster their activity and lend strength. Especially during a fast, your organs will need the support.
Gaia Herbs Cleanse & Detox Tea contains multiple toxin-flushing herbs like burdock, fennel, and licorice. It's a great way to support your body during a fast and is very flavorful with lemon and peppermint to soothe the intestines.

Vitamin Cleanse
You may be asking, "how does a vitamin cleanse my body? Aren't I just adding more nutrients into it?" And the answer is "yes." However, because you supply your body with larger amounts of vitamins and minerals, the body is able to operate more efficiently and get more done. Consider vitamins and minerals as important as good night's sleep; how much more revitalized and energetic do you feel after a rest? By supplementing with the right vitamins in the right amounts, you can give this same benefit to your body. Your cells will be stronger and live longer with additional nutrients to take in.

Vitamin C is strongly linked to cell repair processes within the body, and can quickly heal any toxic environment that may be in your body. Any physical symptoms related to rashes or blemishes greatly benefit from vitamin C supplements due to its healing power.
The best form of vitamin C supplementation during detox is powdered. Directly consuming the vitamin in this way allows the body to utilize it quickly. Nature's Way produces a high-potency, organic powdered C. Need lower acidity for a sensitive stomach? Try Metabolic Maintenance's powdered C.
Remember that it is not the vitamin that is doing the work, but your cells that are now being fed vitamin C which promotes healthy cell growth.

The True Power of a Multivitamin
Never underestimate the value of taking your multivitamin daily. Do take detoxifying vitamins for an extra benefit, but don't forget about the essentials! Since a detox can be extremely depleting for the body, all other daily vitamins and minerals need to be available for your cells to utilize. Many of the vitamins that assist your organs in removing toxins are also water-soluble. You need to make sure you are consuming these vitamins multiple times daily. Supplement with a liquid multivitamin twice a day to give yourself plenty of additional nutrients. Pharmax makes a fantastic liquid multivitamin for any fast or detox.

The "Glue" of Detox Components
If there is one all important tool that you can use for any detox or fast, it is to drink more water. Water has been a natural way to detoxify the body for hundreds of years. By simply providing your cells with enough moisture, their performance can greatly improve. This means more energetic and healthy days for you. Even a short duration of dehydration can place stress on the kidneys and liver-- your detoxifying organs.
Did you know that sweating is an evolutionary trait we have acquired which expels toxins from the body? Beads of sweat are carriers that flush toxins away. Thus, the more water you have available in your body, the ability you have of naturally detoxifying is greater.

The 5 most important tips when starting a detox are to:

Think mindfully and set intentions: If you are goal-oriented and have an accomplishment to achieve with a detox, you will have more drive and determination to reach it. Secondly, if you have clear reasons for starting a detox make sure you stay inspired by reminding yourself of them.

Vitamins are your friend: Remember the power that vitamins have in supporting your organs. The B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals are the most important to consume often.

Drink more water: When all else fails, supply your cells with instant nourishment! Even a 1% decrease in hydration leads to reduced concentration.

Make time for sleep: Depleting your body of toxins can cause exhaustion. The level of dependence your body had on caffeine, sugar, or any other toxin needs time to establish the new habits you are making without the stimulants.

Establish a support system: It may seem difficult, but many of your friends or family members can readily lend you a supportive hand in any detox you take on. Even making a phone call to a good friend can alleviate stress or fear during the process.

The 5 beneficial detoxification products mentioned in this article are:
Integrative Therapeutics End Fatigue  Vitanica's Green Tea Supplement 
Nature's Way Organic Powdered Vitamin C  (or Metabolic Maintenance's Low Acid Vitamin C)
Gaia Herbs Cleanse & Detox Tea
Pharmax Liquid Multivitamin and Mineral

Staying Active and Healthy With Your Children

All busy moms often must pick their battles when it comes to their parenting responsibilities balanced with their work and personal needs. Sometimes you may look around your messy house and wonder how you could've let it get this way; then you look down at your kids' smiling, makeup-smeared faces (your makeup) and know that it's all worth it. Of course, making sure you're healthy, calm and on top of your game can make a stress-filled situation (and what mom's life isn't a little hectic?) a little less so in terms of how you deal with it.

Use your kids to keep your exercise and healthy diet resolutions. They need exercise even more than you do, and most kids get into the trap of playing video games and surfing the Web rather than getting outside and playing. Motivate them with a bike ride or a walk around a local park then treat all of you to frozen yogurt afterward. Make weekend chores around the house a chance to burn off some extra calories and steam. Send one of the kids around the house with a broom to sweep cobwebs off the ceiling, vents and in corners while another thins out their toy chest or clothes closet for donation items. Send them outside to weed the garden and if they're older, hand them a pair of pruning shears. Washing the car is another great way to keep them busy and out of your hair while you get some things done around the house. Reward them with a movie, a trip to the roller rink or a dinner night out with a half-off coupon, and always heap praise on them since that can be the best reward of all.

To keep up with your kids you need all the energy you can get, and this is where vitamin and dietary supplements come into play. B-complex vitamins are critical to proper metabolic function and a healthy immune system. If you're following a vegetarian diet, you need more amounts of B-12, which is used to produce red blood cells. Consider Enzymatic Therapy's Daily Energy B Complex Capsules, which promote a good night's sleep along with increased vitality. Another concern of an active mom may be anemia, which is an issue in vegan women who exercise, even if it's just running down the street chasing after a kid. Unless you and the kids enjoy eating a lot of Swiss chard or liver, you may not be getting sufficient iron in your diet. Check out Nature Way's Alive! Whole Food Energizer Multivitamin made with lemon grass and blue-green algae, along with a blend of Japanese mushrooms known for their restorative properties. 

As we age, our bones decrease in density; studies have shown that, in particular, Asian and Caucasian women have twice the chance of developing osteoporosis than any other demographic, and women who drank diet soda in their youth are at greatest risk due to the phosphorous content, which eats away at calcium. So after getting rid of sodas from your diet and limiting your kids' intake, you should consider calcium supplements, such as Douglas Laboratories' Osteo-Guard Plus Vitamin D Tablets made with collagen to shore up the connective tissue lost in your bones. For an easy to take calcium supplement, try a spoonful of Enzymatic Therapy's Liquid Calcium Magnesium in delicious vanilla. Chasing after your kids is also good for your bones, as it's considered a weight-bearing activity, so enjoy your workout! 

Time Management Tips For New Mothers

Caring for a newborn at any age can be a stressful situation and particularly so if you're an older mom. You may have forgotten how often you'll be up and down at night for feedings and diaper changes, or you may have waited to have kids and had no idea how hard it would be to stand up, unassisted, while holding onto an infant. Moreover, there's a new demographic, called the sandwich generation, who must care for their own children as well as their elderly parents, which suddenly takes the grandparents out of the equation when it comes to helping out with child care and babysitting. This presents a myriad of problems to the older parent of a newborn who may need some coping strategies, along with some nutritional supplements, to make her parenting responsibilities less burdensome so that she can enjoy those precious first 12 months of baby's life.

If you've traded your work wardrobe for sweats and spit-up rags, you will soon discover that time management is just as important, when dealing with a newborn, as it is with bosses and deadlines. Use any available downtime you have throughout the day to "git 'er done." If the baby was up all night with colic and decides to sleep in, you should too. You'll be able to function better and address your baby's needs if you're well-rested. All new parents soon discover that the expression "sleeping like a baby" was invented by someone who never had kids; however, if you're lucky enough to have one that sticks to a fairly regular schedule, use this to your advantage. Do the laundry, change the cat litter and strip the bedding when you have this rare opportunity. If your kid falls asleep in his car seat, bring it into the house with you and let him sleep in it. The jury is still out about letting your baby cry himself to sleep, otherwise known as the Ferber method; as a new mom, you will start to recognize when your baby is fussy, cries briefly then goes back to sleep, or is screaming for food and/or a diaper change. Let your significant other know when you've had a hard day and anticipate needing some help at night. Or you may decide just to hand him the baby as soon as he walks in the door. Once the baby gets on your schedule, you may not know what to do with all your new free time.

 Babies need stimulation, whether a homemade rattle made from a dried gourd or an electronic set of play car keys to a simple game of peek-a-boo, and you will likely find that you become your baby's favorite plaything. Try to mix up chores with playtime so both of you get what you need. The bottom compartment in your stroller can easily carry a bag of groceries so make a field trip to the store one of the highlights of your day.  If you want a real challenge, take a hike around a nature preserve or park; just make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, an extra bottle and a hat. Join a mother's club in your community to meet up with other moms with similar-aged kids. Here you can compare parenting styles, figure out who's getting a full night's sleep and who's not and vent about challenges and situations your partner might not otherwise understand. Also, look into joining a mommy and me exercise program or baby gym, where you and your child can get a workout without having to leave the ground.

As an older new mom, you need to protect the cartilage around your joints, which break down and lose their cushioning properties as we age. Glucosamine, made from, not surprisingly, glucose and glutamine, an amino acid, is used to repair damaged cartilage naturally and is often combined with chondroitin, another molecule-level cartilage supplement. Consider adding a supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin in your new mom's dietary supplement arsenal when it comes to staying healthy and keeping your joints from snap, crackle and popping when you get up and down on the floor with a crawling newborn. Nature Way has their FlexMax Glucosamine Chondroitin Tablets derived from the chitin, or shell material, found in lobster, shrimp and crabs. If you're allergic to shellfish, consider another option, which also contains vitamins B-6 and C, available from NOW's Glucosamine & Chondroitin Tablets made from bovine cartilage.

To keep your energy levels high to keep up with your newborn and his activity spurts, consider vitamin B12, long known for its energizing properties. For an easy to take dietary supplement, try NOW's B12 Instant Energy Packets in a refreshing, vegetarian-friendly citrus flavor or Enzymatic Therapy's Fatigued to Fantastic Energy Revitalization System in berry splash or citrus flavors with the addition of energy-enhancing taurine. Two more options to increase your energy and stamina include Amazing Grass' Green Super Food Lemon-Lime Energy Powder made from spirulina, wheat grass and yerba mate or NewChapter's Perfect Energy Tablets with vitamins A, C, D, E and K, along with ginseng root and bioflavonoids, known for their antioxidant properties.