Health & wellness now influencing consumer choices: India

Our perception of health is changing dramatically. While in the past, health was a state of ‘no-illness’, today it is defined holistically and is a function of lifestyle, diet and fitness, physical, emotional and even spiritual well-being. The consumer is looking for the health and wellness quotient in every aspect of his/her life and it is a deciding factor influencing many consumer choices: from the food they eat, where they live to the products they use.

This preoccupation with wellness is especially witnessed within the personal care space, where health and beauty are now coming together. People are no longer satisfied with products that just make them look good or feel good, but also want them to ‘do-good’. Moreover, the do-good aspect is understood in terms of a health rather than a cosmetic benefit.

Earlier, a sunscreen was positioned as a product that prevented skin darkening, where the focus was on a cosmetic benefit. However, today sunscreens are positioned as products that protect skin from harmful UV rays, which are cancer causing. Similarly lipsticks are now packed with dual benefits- from giving you lovely looking lips to protection from UV rays!

Another trend signaling the merging of health and beauty is the emergence of herbal, natural and organic products within personal care, which are considered safe, sensitive to the skin and free of side effects by consumers.

In fact herbal supplements that treat several skin and hair problems are also becoming increasingly popular. Not so long ago, our use of supplements was limited to taking vitamins and calcium, mainly to fortify the body from within. Today, the health benefit of supplements is sought within beauty products. Consumers, at a very young age, are choosing beauty regimens that work externally and internally.

Mannatech is a global wellness solutions provider that develops innovative and proprietary nutritional supplements, topical and skin care products and weight management products that are sold through approximately 536,000 independent Associates and Members in the United States and the international markets of Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Denmark and Germany.

Five Foods to Fight Asthma

Certain foods can help lessen the symptoms of asthma by reducing inflammation, relaxing spasms and acting as natural antihistamines.

1. Salmon. This oil-rich fish is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that are well known for their ability to reduce the body's production of inflammatory compounds. Studies have shown that fish oil can improve pulmonary function in people with asthma and can protect against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Fish oil can also reduce airway narrowing and inflammation. Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include tona, mackerel, and other cold-water fish. Flax seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts and canola oil are high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which the body converts to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the form found in fish.

2. Spinach. Spinach is a great source of magnesium, which may improve symptoms of asthma. Studies have found that people with asthma tend to have lower blood and tissue levels of magnesium, and increasing magnesium intake over the long run can reduce the incidence of asthma attacks. In one study, 400mg of magnesium per day significantly decreased asthma symptoms. Researches think that magnesium works by calming asthma's characteristic spasms in the smooth muscles of the upper respiratory tract and it also appears to have a mild antihistamines effect. A diet high in salt can deplete magnesium, as can calcium supplements, soft drinks, refined carbohydrates, and stress, so you may not be getting enough. Also, spinach is high in B vitamins and may help reduce stress-related asthma attacks. Other good sources of magnesium include almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, tofu and beans.

3. Red peppers. Red peppers are rich in vitamin C, which is especially helpful in treating asthma brought on by exercise. In other studies, a diet high in vitamin C appears to reduce inflammation. Ascorbic acid may also lessen asthma symptoms by acting as an antihistamine. And it appears to inhibit production of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase, which is how common asthma drugs work. Red peppers are also rich in vitamin A, and new research shows a correlation between vitamin A deficiency and asthma attacks. Other great sources of vitamin C include peaches, papayas, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, organs and grapefruit.

4. Onions. A number of older studies have found that onions have an anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effect, inhibit the release of histamines, and reduce bronchial obstruction. Onions contain prostaglandins that relax the bronchial passageways. Onions are also high in quercetin, a type of flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties and in vitamin C. And onions contain L-cysteine, an amino acid that factors into the production of glutathione, a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body that is necessary for maintaining immunity. Glutathione production is often compromised in asthmatics. (Note: raw and picked onions may provoke asthma attacks in a small number of sensitive people.)

5. Chickpeas. Chickpeas are rich in vitamin B6, which may help decrease wheezing and asthma symptoms, especially in children. Getting additional B6 becomes especially important if you use the asthma drug theophylline, which seems to depress the liver's metabolism of B6 and can deplete the body's stores of this crucial nutrient. Vitamin B6 also appears to correct abnormalities in tryptophan metabolism, which are common in asthmatics. And since many cases of asthma are stress related, it makes sense to eat adequate amounts of this stress-relieving nutrient. Other good sources of vitamin B6 include fish, chicken, turkey, barley, brown rice, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds and peas.

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticles.net

One leading economist has predicted that the wellness industry will become the next trillion-dollar industry due to an enormous shift taking place in the healthcare industry. Mannatech has positioned itself through its nutritional discoveries and patents to play a significant role. Mannatech's record growth is a testimony to the efforts of those who have chosen to share this amazing story of hope with those so desperately looking for answers.

Types of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are found in foods in the form of vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and so on. It is easy to identify antioxidants by the colour of the foods – different coloured foods have different antioxidants so it is important to have a diet that is rich in all food colours to ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of each antioxidant.

There are over 4000 compounds that have antioxidant properties. Some of the most commonly known include:

• vitamin C – is found in citrus fruits, blackcurrants, capsicum, and berries
• vitamin E – is found in vegetable oils, avocadoes, nuts, and wholegrains
• beta carotene – is found in pumpkin, and carrots
• selenium – is found in seafood, lean meat, and wholegrains
• anthocyanins – are found in berries, eggplants, and grapes
• catechins – are found in red wine and tea
• flavenoids – are found in tea, citrus fruits, red wine, and apples
• isoflavenoids – are found in soy products, lentils, and milk
• lignans – are found in sesame seeds, bran, vegetables, and wholegrains
• lutein – is found in leafy greens and corn
• lycopene – is found in tomatoes and watermelon
• manganese – is found in lean meat, seafood, milk, and nuts
• polyphenols – are found in thyme and oregano

The foods associated with the antioxidants above are just examples of what foods the associated antioxidants can be found in. Some of the best overall sources of antioxidants are berries, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pomegranates, and ginger. In fact, you could think of these as the “superfoods” of the antioxidant world.

Glyconutrients, or plant-based "health sugars," are a key factor in Mannatech's products. They support your body's natural ability to reach optimum nutritional levels and play a role in enhancing the quality of life. Mannatech are the leaders in this industry and want to share this exciting opportunity for maintaining good health with you! Mannatech’s proprietary products redefine wellness and are designed to give you assurance of nutritional health.

Nature or nurture?

"Evidence suggests asthma may be caused by a combination of genetics and the environment," says Professor Robyn O'Hehir, director of the Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology department at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

The children of parents with asthma are more likely to be asthmatic than children of non-asthmatic parents and it's thought an inherited abnormality causes a predisposition to airway hypersensitivity.

But O'Hehir is careful not to overlook the importance of environment, which is illustrated by the incidence of asthma among different native tribes in Papua New Guinea. Australian researchers found that asthma is unknown in highland areas not previously reached by missionaries or aid agencies, but is common in villages exposed to westerners and their dust-mite infested blankets.

Another theory, supported by observations of a higher incidence of asthma in neighbouring regions of West compared with East Germany, suggests the relatively affluent West Germans may be increasing their children's sensitivity to allergens by maintaining a cleaner environment for them to grow in.

Through exposure to potential allergens, East German kids are thought to develop tougher immune systems and become desensitised to the same pollens and dust mites that might trigger an asthmatic reaction in their West German cousins.

Indeed, O'Hehir says desensitisation with small amounts of an allergen is a common method of developing tolerance to grass pollen and dust mites. But don't rush out to roll in a pollen-rich paddock before talking to your doctor first.

Mannatech is #12 in Business Week’s “Hot Growth” Companies 2007:

A report released this week by Business Week appropriately named "The Hottest Of The Hot Growth 100" lists what they foresee as the Top 100 Growth Company's for 2007 - world wide, in their words "This fascinating group of small companies is tearing up the charts...the Hot Growth Class of 2007 are an incredibly diverse group...they're determined to be faster, and better, than the next guy."
The big spin on this story, is that Mannatech is not only listed in the Top 100, they are listed as #12!

Government to launch National Complementary Medicine Institute

June 26, 2007

Blackmores welcomes the Commonwealth government’s commitment to establish a National Institute for Complementary Medicine (NICM) in recognition of the growing use of complementary medicine in Australia.

The institute will help investigate the important role of these products and therapies in the national healthcare system. It will build on the quality, relevance and extent of local research in order to improve consumer choice, access and understanding of complementary medicine.

This is a national institute that will be seeded and housed at the University of Western Sydney but will draw together leading researchers in this field in Australia, as well as help establish national research priorities and consolidate key research initiatives and outcomes.

The government has committed $4million over two years to establish the Institute. In combination with the $5million NHMRC Special Initiative Research Grants for complementary medicine that were announced last November, this represents a strong and positive government response to the public demand for complementary medicine.

Two in every three Australians use complementary medicine, there are in excess of 15 million consultations with an alternative health practitioner each year, and Australians spend considerably more of their own money on complementary medicines than on pharmaceutical drugs.

Complementary medicine plays an important role in disease prevention and may reduce the cost of public healthcare, and while the Australian regulatory system maintains high standards for products, research capabilities within Australia have been fragmented and this initiative will result in greater collaboration.

One leading economist has predicted that the wellness industry will become the next trillion-dollar industry due to an enormous shift taking place in the healthcare industry. Mannatech has positioned itself through its nutritional discoveries and patents to play a significant role. Mannatech's record growth is a testimony to the efforts of those who have chosen to share this amazing story of hope with those so desperately looking for answers.

Factors that effect skin.

The health of the skin depends on many factors – some can be controlled and some cannot:

Controllable Factors:

Sleep: During sleep your skin renews itself by building new cells. Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential for healthy skin.

Water: Water provides fluid for the body to flush impurities from the system. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day helps improve circulation and speeds cell growth.

Nutrition: Food provides the vitamins and minerals the body needs to function. There is a direct correlation between healthy skin and good nutrition.

Exercise: Regular exercise improves circulation and speeds blood to the surface of the skin to regenerate it. Exercise also helps to alleviate the negative effects of stress.

Stress: Stress can have the most dramatic effect on the skin, sometimes causing blemishes (breakouts), and loss of colour and circles under the eyes.

Toxic Substances:

• Smoking constricts facial capillaries allowing less blood, oxygen and nutrients to the surface of the skin. Smoking also wrinkles the skin around the eyes and mouth.
• Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics that can force moisture from the skin.
• Different medications can sometimes adversely effect the skin and make it more sensitive.

Hope, Health and, Opportunity: these are the three components of a successful and happy life. Mannatech helps make these goals attainable through progressive, scientifically-proven nutritional products. Mannatech’s goal is to empower you with the nutrients your body needs to stay fit, active and successful. Take control of your health and share wellness solutions with others by learning more about Mannatech's cutting-edge technologies which help provide what every body needs for optimal health.

MANNATECH CELEBRITY ALERT!

DR STEVE NUGENT TOUR ~ 13 - 25 AUGUST 2007

Globally Recognised Speaker and Educator Brought Directly to YOU!

Mannatech’s own celebrity doctor, Dr Steve Nugent is coming to Australia and New Zealand this August. His popularity among Mannatechers speaks for itself; his symposium’s are considered invaluable to those who attend for the simplicity in which he presents. The magnitude of the results of his presentations have long been unequalled and has been long awaited.

Dr Nugent’s career spans 30 years’ in complementary health care as a nutrition consultant and educator. He has since earned six degrees, graduating with honours at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

He is globally recognised among consumers and health professionals from broadcast radio, publicly sold tape and CD recordings, publications and the lecture circuit.

You are invited to see Dr Nugent in the flesh. One of the most charismatic speakers and educators you will ever have the chance to meet.

He offers true wisdom and knowledge about overall nutrition, the benefits of Mannatech products and how to leverage this knowledge in the market to support future business growth and sustainability.

During his time with Mannatech he has had a hand in the creation of some of Mannatech's leading products, including Manna C and the GlycoLean range. He is a true believer in Mannatech and is confident with their positioning compared to other dietary supplement companies around the world; “New technology is keeping Mannatech two steps ahead of other wellness companies… our technology has always moved quickly, but now it is taking great leaps forward.”

You MUST come and see this GREAT man in action. He will leave you feeling empowered and confident and to move into a future of better health and nutrition.

Good Workouts Need a Good Diet

Whether you're a recreational athlete or a competitive one, you need the right foods to fuel your physical activity.

A healthy diet and the right amount of fluid are keys to good performance. That's because food provides the energy your body needs to work. The more active you are, the more energy you need to stay active.

Calories provide that energy. Serious athletes need more calories and fluids than those who are less active.

The best diet for you depends on:

• the kind of physical activity you do (A marathon runner has different food needs than a weight lifter or weekend jogger.)
• how long and how often you work out
• your size and weight

Although the same diet won't work for everyone, there are some general guidelines useful to all. One is that you build your diet around a variety of healthy foods. No "magic" food or diet will turn you into a super-jock.

Another is that, for the active person, carbohydrates and water are the rule. In fact, about two-thirds of your calories should come from carbohydrates. Picking healthy carbs, found in fruits and whole grains, are best for your overall diet.

With all the sports nutrition advice out there, it's not uncommon for experts to disagree. But avoiding fad diets and foods, and sticking to the basic rules should keep you out of trouble.

If you have nutrition questions related to a specific sport or training routine, consider talking to a qualified trainer or sports nutrition expert. You also can find books dedicated to the sport or activity you're interested in.

Mannatech is a global wellness solutions provider that develops innovative and proprietary nutritional supplements, topical and skin care products and weight management products that are sold through approximately 536,000 independent Associates and Members in the United States and the international markets of Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Denmark and Germany.

Pesticides

More than 4 billion pounds of pesticides (including herbicides) are used annually in the United States. The prevention of unnecessary and accidental exposure through direct contact, or through water and food sources, is essential.

Several common classes of pesticides have the potential for dangerous effects on the brain: carbamates (carbaryl), organochlorines (lindane and DDT), organophosphates (malathion), and pyrethroids (permethrin). Lindane and permethrin are available by prescription for the treatment of scabies. DEET is also commonly used to prevent mosquito and tick bites, and can be toxic if not used as directed or if ingested; hand–washing after application is essential.

It is estimated that 50 percent of lifetime pesticide exposure occurs in the first five years of life. Developing fetuses and children are at high risk of pesticide toxicity due to their rapid growth and sensitive organs. Some pesticides have the potential to disrupt hormones. In addition, young children are particularly vulnerable because they spend more time outdoors and often put their hands in their mouths. For some pesticides, breast milk may contain several times the concentrations found in maternal blood samples.

Mannatech have been gifted with a technology that stands alone in the emerging wellness industry. Former U.S. patent examiner and Mannatech Independent Associate, Dr. John Rollins stated that he believes the discovery of glyconutrients was the most important discovery in health care he’d seen in his 23 years of service at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Five percent of U.S. adults report food allergy

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - More than 5 percent of U.S. adults may have food allergies, and many of them say food labels make it hard to protect themselves, according to a government study.

Using data from a national survey from 2001, researchers at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that 5.3 percent of U.S. adults said a doctor had diagnosed them with a food allergy.

Roughly half of these individuals were allergic to one or more of the eight most common food allergens: milk and other dairy foods; fish; eggs; crustaceans like lobster and shrimp; tree nuts such as walnuts; peanuts; soy; and wheat.

Others said they were allergic to some type of fruit or vegetable, chocolate, a food additive, or shellfish (which the law defines as separate from crustaceans).

When asked about any problems they had with reading food labels, 40 percent of those who regularly read labels reported some "serious" or "very serious" difficulty. Problems included manufacturers' use of vague terms, like "spice," and technical terms, such as casein instead of milk, or albumin instead of eggs.

Another issue was that food makers do not always make it clear when a new ingredient has been added to a product, though it is included on the ingredient list.

Katherine A. Vierk and her colleagues at the FDA report the findings in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Since the 2001 survey was taken, Congress passed a law requiring food makers to list, in plain English, any of the eight most common food allergens. That law, which went into effect in 2006, should address many of the concerns voiced in this survey, according to Vierk's team.

They say similar surveys can now be conducted to see whether the new label law has made managing food allergies any easier.

SOURCE: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, June 2007.

To consumers, the basic building blocks of nutrients are well known: essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. What Mannatech has discovered is a brand new category of important nutrients: glyconutrients. Following their initial breakthrough discovery, Mannatech filed patents across the globe. Ambrotose® complex has now been issued patents in 29 countries, including the United States. Securing its position of leadership, Mannatech dedicates approximately 30 employees to its science department, and continues to develop new technologies, review research, and conduct studies.

Synthetic Chemicals

Modern manufacturing and agricultural practices certainly improve our lives and provide us with increased economic benefit. But at what cost to our health? Recent studies by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggest that the price we pay is very high. On January 30, 2003, the EWG published "Body Burden-the Pollution in People," the first study to thoroughly analyze the amounts of synthetic chemicals in the human body.

In "Body Burden - the Pollution in People," the EWG found a disturbing average of 91 different chemical agents in the people they tested. Worse, they believe that our body burdens are on the rise. Where have all of these chemicals come from? They are absorbed from many different sources--the air we breathe, and the food and water we ingest. They lurk in dusts and residues from incineration of wastes, as well as in byproducts from agriculture and manufacture of thousands of different products. They are common ingredients in everyday household supplies as well as food and drinking water additives.

Synthetic chemicals abound in our modern environment-how can we avoid them? The simple answer is that we cannot, but we can actively participate in maintaining our own good health. We can select the foods we eat and question how they are grown and prepared, because pesticides are used in production of most commercial foods. We should consider the source of our drinking water, since many public water supplies contain hundreds of different chemicals, some of which are implicated in cancer and birth defects. We should minimize the use of chemical cleaning products and solvents and avoid excessively packaged foods and personal products. Such practices may reduce the convenience of our lives slightly, but they could pay huge dividends in the long run, not only for us personally, but for everyone. Remember the power of the public-if manufacturers' profits are threatened, they will be forced to change their harmful practices. Together, we can make this happen.

For consumers looking to live healthier and nutritionally enriched lives, Mannatech Inc. offer hope. Based in Coppell, Texas, Mannatech sells more than 24 proprietary and scientifically validated glyconutritional supplements and products for adults and children that address health and wellness issues, weight management and skin care.