If you’re always tired, maybe it’s time for you to consider the following tips on how to stay sharp and ready to face the daily grind.

Contrary to popular belief, sugar should not be considered a main source of energy. In fact, sugar is mostly converted to fat if it is unused through physical activity or exercise. High-sugar, high-calorie food and beverages like softdrinks, chocolate bars, candies, and desserts should be avoided or consumed in moderation. The ìlowî that comes after the ìhighî of a ìsugar rushî can actually make a person feel more tired.

When excessive fatigue hits, many people would grab a cup of coffee for a quick ‘pick-me-up’ fix. But a recent study showed that excessive coffee drinking can lead to exhaustion. The temporary boost simply masks the fatigue instead of relieving a person suffering from it. In addition, just a little too much caffeine can leave you feeling overstimulated and shaky. The first step to eliminate our exhaustion is to lessen your coffee crutch. You can make the transition by kicking your habit of taking coffee over the weekends, or by limiting your coffee intake to only two cups a day. I have a friend in the Cell phone accessories who needs to drink a cup of coffee after every meal and I thought that was very unhealthy!

Like it or not, a good sleep is a natural health remedy to many illnesses and health conditions. Getting quality sleep is very important. If you are still tired after a full night’s sleep, chances are, something is bothering you so much that you lose sleep over it. Furthermore, if you are trying to sleep and often resort to the use of sleeping pills or alcohol, you may be in for a surprise. Abusing these products can just make your sleeplessness worse in the long run because you may become prone to over-dependence.

Did you know that your furniture and fixings are all giving of dust and gasses as you use them? Take your sitting room for starters. Did you know that your sofa is adding to pollution by producing dust from the break down of the fibers in it? Your bed is also doing the same, the repeated use of the bedding weakens the fibres and they break down to a small enough size for us to breath them in. Weíre also constantly breathing in house dust which can be made up of skin cells, moulds, bacteria, animal dander, viruses and pollen every day. So what can we do about it? Even the smell of some detergents or even indoor tanning lotions can release scents that may not be beneficial for you.

Firstly make sure you house has good ventilation, because some of our homes are so well insulated nowadays, the air doesnít get replaced enough. (Years ago people didnít have to worry about this as they had a lot of drafts and openings for the outside air to enter.) Try to open your windows daily to allow some fresh air in to dilute the pollutants. Try not to use air fresheners if you canít open your windows as these only mask the smells and you end up breathing that in too which can just make things worse.

I have read that preventing back ache begins by encouraging strong core muscles. By ensuring the muscles supporting the spine are strong we reduce the risk of injury from activities such as lifting and bending. Natural health remedies such as stretches and pilates are beneficial for the back. For me, I think my posture has a big part to play and I’m working on correcting that. Thus, I’m shopping for some new ergonomic furniture for our new home office and a new mattress for the bedroom. With our move happening in less than three months time, I’ll be spending much time on my back packing and reorganizing stuff. I need to make sure all the plaques in the house and all the fragile items be packed properly to avoid breakage.

It is not surprising that back pain is something that often comes with ageing. Not only do our core muscles weaken, but gravity is constantly compressing our spine, making the disc smaller and reducing the space for nerves between the vertebrae. Studies have shown that being safely and comfortably inverted on an inversion table results in a stretch that elongates the whole back and increases the distance between the vertebrae which in turn reduces the pressure on the nerves and discs in the spine. This reduction in pressure can result in a reduction of back pain.

When I was younger, I never bothered to read the ingredients in the beauty products I purchased. But as I began more aware of natural health matters, I started to pay more attention to the ingredients that were used in my eye creams, moisturiser and even cleanser. In the last ten years or more, I made it a point to avoid skincare products that contain parabens. And if you are like me, saying ‘no-no’ to parabens or fillers, than check out this new online store known as Mango Madness Skin Care.

The online store carries a wide range of quality and dermatologist tested skincare products from anti-aging creams, under eye creams, luxury handmade soaps, shea body butters and makeup. What I like about the site is that you can read the list of ingredients used in the products and the products are free of parabens, estrogen, drying alcohol, fillers and extenders.

So the next time you reach out for that jar of cream or the tube of gel, be sure to read what’s found in the product you are dabbing on your face. For better skin health, stick to what’s natural and unpolluted for the long term good of your health.

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It is only in 2004 that I heard about propolis and discovered its wonders. It became especially meaningful to me when I read that propolis is a natural antibiotic. Bee propolis, often called Nature’s penicillin, has historically been used to treat TB, ulcers, mitosis, colitis and to boost immunity. Research and studies have shown that it has the ability to destroy bacteria, viruses, fungus and even penicillin-resistant bacteria (staphylococcus). It contains bioflavonoids, one of which (galangin) is a natural antibiotic and can assist in boosting immune functioning, specifically by increasing the activity of phagocytes (killer cells). Bee Propolis also inhibits prostaglandin production, thereby stopping inflammation.

Propolis is a resin collected from plants by bees and used in the construction of hives. Bees adopted sterilization habits long before humans. The most sterile place in nature is the bee hive. Propolis is the natural substance responsible for neutralizing any bacteria, fungi or virus which enters the hive. One of the most powerful foods found in nature, Propolis is a highly complex mixture of waxes, resins, balsams, oils and a small amount of pollen.

As a supplement, Bee Propolis is an excellent aid against bacterial infections. Stimulates ‘phagocytosis’; helps white blood cells to destroy bacteria. Good results against inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and the throat, dry cough, halitosis, tonsillitis, ulcers, and acne.

Get Your PROPOLIS HERE. Buy Propolis Supplements, Manuka Honey and Organic Health Products Here.

Propolis can be purchased from most natural health stores and with thanks to online technology, you can now purchase it online if you can’t find it in your location. I am a keen online shopper for most of my natural and organic health products. I love the wide variety and product diversity in the online stores and you can often find sale products for any season.

If you can’t get propolis supplements where you live, check out The Health Store for a good collection of New Zealand propolis, manuka honey, royal jelly and a huge range of organic and natural health products. Free worldwide delivery is available for purchases above $100. Click on the banner below to find out more.