Vitamin K and Antiaging

Welcome to the Antiaging Extra. This e-zine will offer extra information on antiaging including news items, product suggestions and recipes each month. Looking for more antiaging tips and tricks? Check out the articles below as well as some suggested links. Don't look your age - Look younger!

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February 2010, Issue # 17

Table of Contents

In this issue you'll find:

• Vitamin K and Antiaging
  
• Balancing Act
  
• Dry Hands
  
• In the News - Hormone Imbalance can cause bizarre behavior
  
• Romaine Salad with Beans
  

Vitamin K and Antiaging

Deficiencies in vitamin K can result from long-term antibiotic treatment and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Of course, eating a diet low in vitamin K can also be a contributing factor. Research has shown that only about half of the population get enough vitamin K.

Some good sources of vitamin K are kefir (similar to yogurt and obtainable at a health food store) and green leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, collard greens). It can also be found in foods like peanut butter, green tea, lentils and split peas.

So, add some of these antiaging foods to your diet and increase your vitamin K. Not getting enough? Check your supplements to be sure they include vitamin K.

Balancing Act

One way to increase balance is to do some balancing exercises. These can range from simply standing on one foot (with eyes open or closes) to more advanced exercises. Even doing balancing exercises on the Wii can increase your stability.

Don't assume that your balance is fine. As you age, it naturally declines. Add a few balancing exercises to your routine every few days to ensure that you don't end up on the floor.

Dry Hands

Of course, drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps the entire body keep from losing moisture. Be sure to wear gloves when going out in the cold. Even if its just for a short time, gloves will protect your hands and help with the dryness.

Finally, apply hand lotion liberally. Choose one without mineral oil or other harmful ingredients. Try to choose a hand cream with soothing ingredients like Shea Butter. My favorite is the Shea Butter Hand and Body Care Duo by Arbonne. If you decide to try it, I do get a small commission if you buy it from this link. But there are also other sources of quality hand cream. Just be sure to read the label.

In the News - Hormone Imbalance can cause bizarre behavior

The relationship between hormones and brain imbalances is still a relatively new field. One of the most common deficiencies is dopamine. Unfortunately, many of the drugs used to treat low dopamine levels are highly addictive. A better solution would be to eat healthy foods and supplements that will stimulate the brain to produce dopamine naturally. These foods include meat (including fish), beans, nuts, milk and soy.

If you do notice odd behavior in yourself of a loved one, be sure to mention it to your doctor. Many times hormone imbalances are overlooked so be sure to ask about it. And above all, eat a healthy diet to keep your brain, and your entire body, functioning smoothly.

Romaine Salad with Beans

Ingredients
6 cups chopped Romaine leaves
1 cup canned kidney beans, rinsed
1 small orange, segmented (or use a small can of Mandarin oranges)
1 scallion, sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Combine first five ingredients in a large bowl. In a blender or shaker jar, combine the remaining ingredients until well blended. Toss 1/4 cup of the dressing with the salad. Refrigerate the remaining dressing for another time.