Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide that is found in baker's yeast in the highest concentrations. It can also be obtained from a variety of mushrooms, oats, barley, or grains. A polysaccharide is a type of carbohydrate structure that contains chemically linked sugar molecules. Beta-glucan is currently being studied for its properties as an immuno -stimulant. An immuno-stimulant is any substance that increases the ability of the body's immune system to fight infection and disease. This strengthening of the immune system enables it to be more effective in killing bacteria, viruses, or even cancer cells.

Beta-glucan actually stimulates the body's macrophages (white blood cells). Macrophages are what make the immune system work. They are created by the stem cells in your bone marrow and circulate through your bloodstream. They are basically cells that search for and destroy unknown partials and tissues in the body. They also settle in tissues, like the liver, and act as filter for the blood. Beta-glucan agitates macrophages and gets them to do their job better. Paractin® is a compound that was specifically designed to relive pain from and reduce inflammation. Used in low doses, Paractin® can stimulate responses from the immune system as well.

Paractin® reduces the production of the inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are chemical messenger proteins created by white blood cells, but they need to be kept in balance. If this balance is thrown off (too many or too few of them) then viruses in the body have a higher potential to spread. Camu camu is a fruit that has come to be known for its extremely high Vitamin C content. One camu camu fruit contains about thirty times as much Vitamin C as an orange. Vitamin C boosts the power of Beta-glucan, so most supplements that contain Beta-glucan also include some source of Vitamin C.

Vitamin Depot Online.com now offers Immune Protect With Paractin®, which is a vegetarian capsule that contains Beta-Glucan and Paractin®, both of which have been proven to enhance the body's immune system which helps it fight off unknown substances in the body more efficiently. Immune Protect also contains Vitamin C from the fruit of the camu camu plant.

Rosemary is a plant that has been used for many different things for centuries. It is most commonly used as a cooking herb, in which when burned gives off a mustard-like aroma. In cooking, rosemary also has properties that make it a good food preservative. In the realm of medicinal use, it is usually used as a natural stimulant. Rosemary has always had the reputation of being a memory enhancer. Modern medical science has proven this belief. In recent testing it has been shown that rosemary contains substances that help prevent the destruction of the brain's neurotransmitters.

Rosemary has been proven to increase blood flow under the scalp (the top of your head). This stimulates hair follicles, which makes rosemary an effective tool for preventing hair loss. This also makes it an effective way to prevent dandruff. This is the reason rosemary has been incorporated into many shampoos. Rosemary has mild pain reducing properties, which has enabled it to be used in treating many types of headaches, rheumatisms, and fever reduction.

Rosemary has been used as a natural disinfectant and has been put it certain brands of mouthwash. In Hungary, rosemary flower tops are mixed with distilled wine to make a remedy for gout. Gout is a form of arthritis that causes painful inflammation in the toe and foot joints. The pain is caused by the formation of crystal structures in these joints. Rosemary also contains carnosol and ursol. These are two acids that have anti-oxidative properties and have been used to help prevent skin cancer and stop the growth of skin tumors.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Rosmarinic Acid Extract, which is a capsule that contains a byproduct of the rosemary plant. This extract has been proven to help the detoxification process of the liver and aids in the proper functioning of the immune system.

Rosemary is a plant that has been used for many different things for centuries. It is most commonly used as a cooking herb, in which when burned gives off a mustard-like aroma. In cooking, rosemary also has properties that make it a good food preservative. In the realm of medicinal use, it is usually used as a natural stimulant. Rosemary has always had the reputation of being a memory enhancer. Modern medical science has proven this belief. In recent testing it has been shown that rosemary contains substances that help prevent the destruction of the brain's neurotransmitters.

Rosemary has been proven to increase blood flow under the scalp (the top of your head). This stimulates hair follicles, which makes rosemary an effective tool for preventing hair loss. This also makes it an effective way to prevent dandruff. This is the reason rosemary has been incorporated into many shampoos. Rosemary has mild pain reducing properties, which has enabled it to be used in treating many types of headaches, rheumatisms, and fever reduction.

Rosemary has been used as a natural disinfectant and has been put it certain brands of mouthwash. In Hungary, rosemary flower tops are mixed with distilled wine to make a remedy for gout. Gout is a form of arthritis that causes painful inflammation in the toe and foot joints. The pain is caused by the formation of crystal structures in these joints. Rosemary also contains carnosol and ursol. These are two acids that have anti-oxidative properties and have been used to help prevent skin cancer and stop the growth of skin tumors.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Rosmarinic Acid Extract, which is a capsule that contains a byproduct of the rosemary plant. This extract has been proven to help the detoxification process of the liver and aids in the proper functioning of the immune system.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are fatty acids found in cold water fish. (In other words, they are types of fish oils.) EPA and DHA are both polyunsaturated fats, because their molecular structures contain multiple bonds that are not saturated with hydrogen atoms. Unsaturated fats are called, "the good fats," because they have been proven to lower the levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is a substance that builds on your artery walls and hardens them. This blocks blood flow and can lead to serious heart complications. EPA and DHA are converted by the body into a hormone called prostaglandin, which helps regulate cell activity and is essential in keeping a healthy cardiovascular system.

DHA is one of the substances that makes up brain tissue and is used in the process of neurotransmitter development. Neurotransmitters are the brain communicators that send chemical signals between the nerve cells and the brain. DHA is also one of the substances that makes up the retina of the eye and is essential for normal eye function. DHA is present in high doses during pregnancy because it is essential in the process of fetus development. Other benefits of EPA and DHA include: lowering the body's loss of heat as an insulator, protecting body tissues and organs as a physical cushion, and acting as a natural source of energy.

Sesame lignans have been proven to increase antioxidant activity, when taken with Vitamin E (the vitamin group with the most antioxidant properties). Sesame lignans also has been proven to enhance the nutrient performance that fish oils have in the body. Olive fruit extract is a by product of olive oil that has been proven to increase the rate at which healthy cells in the body are produced. At the same time olive fruit extract also can help stop the production of cancerous cells and increase apoptosis (programmed cell death) of existing cancerous cells.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Super Omega 3 - EPA/DHA with Sesame Lignans & Olive Fruit Extract, which is a soft-gel capsule that contains the fatty acids: EPA and DHA. These fish oils are essential to the human body and begin to decrease in bodily production as you get older.

Believe it or not there is an organization that exists, called The North American Blueberry Council (NABC). The NABC is a non-profit organization who represents blueberry farmers and sellers all across the United States and Canada. Seventy percent of all the North American blueberry crops are supervised by this organization and their purpose is to make sure that their crops are of the highest quality and that the public knows about the many benefits blueberries have to offer the human body. Large amounts of research and testing have been done to find out about the benefits of the blueberry. Such benefits include: lowering cholesterol, protecting against cancer, use in the treatment of Urinary Tract Infections, lowering high blood pressure, protecting against heart disease, and use as a natural antioxidant.

One of the blueberry's most important contents is pterostilbene (a white crystal substance with antioxidant properties). Research has shown that pterostilbene is successful in lowering cholesterol; this has been especially apparent in people who have been irresponsive to other cholesterol treatments. When the term "lowering cholesterol" is used it refers to the bad type called low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This type can build in the body's arteries and harden them. This is why pterostilbene can also be used to help prevent heart disease.

The other important compound found in blueberries is anthocyanidin. This is the substance that gives blueberries their purple-blue pigment and whose anti-oxidative properites actually protect the fruit itself. These same properties has been proven to be effective in the reducing the number of cancerous cells in the body in the beginning stages of the disease. This is why blueberries can help prevent cancer. Urinary Tract Infections are caused by bacteria collecting on the inner walls of the bladder and kidneys. Anthocyanidin has been used to treat Urinary Tract Infections because it helps stop the adhesion (sticking) of bacteria to the inner walls.

Vitamin Depot Online offers Blueberry Extract, which is a supplement that made from the blueberry fruit and therefore contains the same powerful anti-oxidative properties. Blueberry Extract has also been proven to promote healthy neurological functions as well.

Green tea has been used by the Chinese for medicinal purposes for over 4,000 years. It has since been studied by many medical institutions to find out what some of these purposes are and how they work. Every type of tea comes from the same plant, known as camellia sinensis. What makes green tea so special is how the leaves are prepared. Green tea leaves are not fermented (when organic substances are broken down into simpler substances), causing their active ingredients to not be changed. This makes the green tea leaves usable as a medicinal resource.

Catechins are in the class of polyphenol (a group of substances that have antioxidant properties). Due to no fermentation, some of the ingredients that remain in green tea leaves include: natural oils, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. The ingredients of most concern are the four catechins: Epicatechin (EC), Epigallocatechin (EGC), Epicatechin Gallate (ECG), and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). The catechins make up about 90% of the green tea leaf's composition, although the most important one is EGCG.

EGCG can make up anywhere between 10% to 50% of the leaf’s catechin content, but its antioxidant properties are most important. EGCG is between 25 to 100 times more potent as an antioxidant that both Vitamin C and Vitamin E. One cup of green tea's EGCG has more antioxidant activity than any other normal food serving, such as: spinach, broccoli, strawberries, or carrots. Some of the common benefits of green tea include: lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation; kills bacteria (which reduces infections), burns fat (which help in weight loss), enhances the immune system and your skin's complexion; and reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, plaque in the teeth, and liver failure.

Green tea has no known side effects except for its caffeine content, although most supplements can be received with or without the caffeine. Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Mega Green Tea Extract (93%), which is a supplement that contains an adequate daily dose of the antioxidant EGCG. Super Green Tea Extract (95%) is also offered, which is the same supplement without the caffeine.

Cognitive Decline is simply a decrease of normal brain functions. This problem is considered to be a normal result of natural aging, so it is not classified as an actual disease. Since this is the case, doctors have theorized that cognitive decline could potentially be related to dementia (a loss of intellectual functions). The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. The most common way to tell the difference between dementia and regular cognitive decline is the speed at which the decrease of the brain function occurs. Symptoms of normal cognitive decline occur very gradually over time, while forms of dementia usually show symptoms rather rapidly.

Many people with memory problems think they have cognitive decline, when they actually do not. A mental health practitioner (physiatrist or psychologist) could tell you for sure. If you are diagnosed with it, you should consult a normal doctor to see if other physical conditions occur. Some people are more prone to develop cognitive decline than others. Certain risk factors that increase your chance of getting it include: being female (it is more common in women than men), getting older, having prior heart conditions, or having had a heart attack in the past. Symptoms of cognitive decline can include: memory loss, difficulty learning, having trouble concentrating, having low attention spans, difficulty using normal language (causing slurred speech), and having abnormal thinking patterns.

There are no actual medical cures for cognitive decline, as that it is not actually a disease, but a doctor can prescribe medications that improve certain brain functions. Other preventative measures that can be undertaken include: changes in diet, taking nutritional supplements, constant education (doing things that stimulate the mind), and trying different herbal remedies. Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Cognitex with Pregnenolone & NeuroProtection Complex, which is a soft-gel multi-nutrient supplement that was formulated to protect and enhance neurological functions.

Brain plaque is a substance that is found in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. An amyloid is a protein substance that is associated with tissue degeneration. The more common name for an amyloid is a beta-amyloid protein. Sometimes amyloids get circulated through the blood and enter the cerebrospinal fluid (a clear fluid substance that flows around and helps protect the brain and spinal tissues). When this happens the beta-amyloid proteins begin to build up in the brain and for what is called brain plaque. Increased formation of brain plaque causes many neurological problems and diseases, of which the most common is Alzheimer's disease.

Curcumin is the substance that gives the yellow pigment to the spice turmeric. Turmeric is the active ingredient in most curry powders. Although it has mostly been used in cooking, curcumin has now been tested in many clinical trials for its properties in maintaining good heath. Curcumin's antioxidant properties have been used to help kill certain types of cancer cells. Recently, the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have been used to help break up the build-ups of brain plaque in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

When ingested orally, curcumin seems to have less chance of getting to through the bloodstream to the much needed parts of brain tissue. This means that the most effective way for curcumin to enter the body, when used for brain plaque destruction, is through injection. Researchers from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) began the curcumin testing on Alzheimer's disease patients, and soon after published their findings in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. This was a great breakthrough and helped greatly in the fields of treating Alzheimer's disease and taking measures to help prevent contraction of it.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Super Curcumin w/Bioperine, which is a Turmeric capsule that contains a good source of curcumin. Although orally ingested curcumin is not as effective as injections, it still has been proven to act a strong antioxidant.

We have all heard of Chickenpox or had them as a child; but what are they? Chickenpox is an infectious illness caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). It is highly contagious (easily transferable to others) and commonly contracted by children twelve and younger. Chickenpox can only be contracted once, although those who have had it can dormantly (when a virus does not show symptoms) carry VZV within the body for many years. Have you ever heard of a "Chickenpox Party?" It is where parents group other children together with a child with Chickenpox, so they will get contract it. This is done because parents know Chickenpox is not a serious illness and can only be contracted once. Doing this to "get it over with," it is not recommended because Chickenpox can be more of a serious illness in some children.

Later on VZV can cause Shingles, another type of illness like Chickenpox. 20% of those who have had Chickenpox will develop Shingles later in life. Chickenpox can be contracted from somebody with Shingles as well. A vaccine was developed to help prevent children from getting VZV, which is usually given to babies 12-18 months old. The vaccine is 70%-100% effective so even after having it, there is still risk. Chickenpox has many symptoms, of which the most common is a red and itchy skin rash. This rash is in the form of small blisters that appear all over the body. They usually first appear on the face, back, and stomach; but unfortunately they can spread to more sensitive areas, such as: in the ears, nose, and mouth and on the genital areas.

Other symptoms of Chickenpox can include: stomach pains, headaches, a sore throat, nausea, or a fever between 100–102 degrees. More serious complications of the illness include: skin infections, trouble breathing, aching joints and bones, and even infections of the brain. Other complications include women who are pregnant. If a pregnant woman contracts Chickenpox, there is a risk of birth defects for the unborn baby. Chickenpox will go away on their own, but antibiotics can be prescribed by a doctor if the blisters become infected. The effected areas should be washed thoroughly to prevent infections.

Remedies to help relive the discomfort caused by itchiness and fever include: taking warm baths, using damp washcloths, the use of pain or itch creams, avoiding rubbing the skin, trimming fingernails, so scratching does not tear up your skin, and eating cold, soft, and non-acidic foods. Do not ever use aspirin to reduce the pain from Chickenpox because this can cause Reye Syndrome, which is a serious disease that causes failure of the liver. Contact a doctor immediately if any of the following occurs: fever over 102 degrees, difficulty breathing, severe headaches, balance problems, stiff neck, confusion, extreme fatigue, or blisters begin to relive fluid.

Breastfeeding (nursing) is the natural process of a woman feeding a newborn or toddler with the milk that comes from the breasts. The mammary gland is made up of a system of alveoli cells in the female breast that produce milk. Nearing the end of a pregnancy, swollen breasts and lactation (secreting breast milk) occur. These are the signs that the mammary gland is ready to produce milk for when your baby is born. When the mammary gland is stimulated by hormones, it contracts and pushes milk into the milk ducts. The milk ducts are tubes that carry breast milk from the alveoli cells to the nipple. The nipple is the outer part of the breast where the milk is secreted. Babies have an instinctive sucking urge when they are born. This sucking squeezes the breast milk into the baby's mouth.

There are many benefits of breastfeeding to the baby. The complete nutrition needed to help a baby develop property is contained in a mother's breast milk. This milk contains the perfect amounts of needed water, fat, sugar, and protein. This means that breast milk is more easily digested by the baby than formula. Believe it or not a study done proved that babies who are breastfed have higher IQ's than those who are not. Breast milk has been biologically engineered over millions of years; so it makes sense that breast milk could stimulate a baby's mind.

Nursing babies actually get sick less often, causing less need for doctor visits. This is due to the fact that breast milk contains natural antibodies that fight against bacteria. Babies who are breastfed have fewer problems, such as: diarrhea, breathing issues, and ear infections. Also a woman's breast is more sterile (clean) than a bottle. The infant mortality rate is 79% higher for babies who are nursed.

There are many benefits of breastfeeding to the mother as well. Breastfeeding can do any of the following: help a mother lose the weight that was gained during pregnancy, stop menstrual cycles from returning so quickly after pregnancy, reduce the risk of breast cancer, save you time and money from bothering with formula and bottles, and actually creates a better bond between you and your baby. If you choose not to breastfeed, you can still use your breast milk with the use of breast milk pumps, which are machines that force your milk to be secreted. The milk can then be stored and fed to your baby through a bottle. Breast milk should be stored in 2-4 ounce increments and can only be stored in the refrigerator for a week or the freezer for up to two weeks.

Believe it or not Acupuncture has been used in Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. It wad first discovered in the Huang Di Nei Jing (the oldest known medical textbook). Acupuncture is a medical treatment consisting of the insertion of very fine needles, into very specific points in the body's skin surface. This process is done to stimulate physiological functions in the body. Shen Nung, the father of Chinese Medicine, conceptualized the body as having an energy life-force "flowing" through it. This energy, called Qi (pronounced chee), was thought to be essential for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual activities to take place properly in the body. If an improper "flow" of Qi takes place in the body, illness may occur.

The body has fourteen Meridians that run up and down the body. A Meridian is a Qi flow channel or passageway. The places where these Meridians touch the surface of the skin make up the specific points, through which Acupuncture needles are placed. Acupuncture is done to stop blockages in the flow of Qi through Meridians. There are nine types of Acupuncture needles, six of which are commonly still used. These needles are all disposable and only used once. This is for obvious health reasons. Each type of needle has different lengths, thicknesses, and needle head (the tip) shape.

When the needle enters the skin, the feeling given to the patient is called Deqi (pronounced da-chee). Deqi is not a painful feeling and differs depending on how the needle is inserted into the skin is done with the needle. The types of needle insertions include: Thrusting, Raising, Rotation, Twirling, Plucking, Trembling, and Scraping. The last two, involve vibrations being sent through the needle. The types of needles and needle insertions are all used in correlation to what illness is being treated.

There are a few other types of Acupuncture. Electro-Acupuncture is where small electrical impulses are sent through the inserted needles. Low amperages (a type of electrical power) are used to treat aches and pains; while higher amperages are used for surgical procedures. The most common type in the United States is Ear Acupuncture, also called Sonopuncture. The ear's blood and nerve endings connect with many bodily organs and tissues, causing it to be a very popular insertion point. Moxibustion is using heat to Acupuncture points. Cupping is where a vacuum (suction done to change blood flow) is created on the Acupuncture points. Acupressure is an alternative to Acupuncture, in which pressure is applied to the Acupuncture points, instead of using needles.

Acupuncture has been proven to raise the body's production levels of hormones, white blood cells, antibodies, and endorphins. It also stimulates neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in nerve cells), the flow of blood through the circulatory system, and the body's perception of pain. Many disorders and diseases have been successfully treated with Acupuncture. Such things it has been treated for include: backaches, neck pain, headaches and migraines, arthritis, joint pains, Analgesia (general pain relief), and muscle spasms.

Acupuncture has also been used to treat many mental disorders. Such disorders include: anxiety, depression, and many drug addictions, including alcohol or tobacco. Acupuncture has been proven to work in many cases; although many people are still skeptical of it. You can ask your doctor what he or she thinks of Acupuncture and decide if it may be something that would be right for you.