Exercise Reduces Appetite?

A study at the University of Colorado in Denver linked exercise with the reduction of appetite. Not only will you burn more calories, you'll want to eat less! I hope this modivates you to add a little physical activity to your day.

It doesn't need to be a half hour at the gym, even a walk around the block after lunch is better than nothing. Also, the sunlight on your skin will help your body to make vitamin D.

Visit www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more info about weight loss & acupuncture.

Women May Be Able to Grow More Eggs

The journal Nature Cell Biology had a study in it which showed that mice have ovarian stem cells that can become functioning eggs. Mice in the study were able to birth young after having their ovaries removed and being implanted with ovarian stem cells.

This is great news for my patients that are suffering from infertility. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are a natural, safe, and effective way to deal with infertility. Visit www.AcuSpaWellness.com for more info.

Srouce: Women's Health Nov 2009 pg. 34

More Evidence Veggies help Fight Cancer

A study in South Korea linked diets that were high in folate (Vitamin B) with reduced rates of intestinal cancer in women. This vitamin is found in foods like spinach, lentils, chickpeas/garbanzo beans. The results contrast with previous studies which did not show this connection, but there was a key difference... previous studies used B vitamin supplements, whereas this study used actual foods. The naturally occurring form of this vitamin probably act differently within the body when compared to synthetics found in pill form.

At www.AcuSpaWellness.com, you can find info on how acupuncture can be used to promote general health. Our patients tend to be healthier than the people around them. Can you be feeling better?

The study article can be found here: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Folate-linked-to-lower-colorectal-cancer-risk-Study

Is gluten-free healthier?

Gluten intolerance is getting more and more attention as a potential problem. is a gluten-free food healthier than a regular version of the same product?

If a person knows that they are gluten intolerant, then it is very important to avoid gluten. However, if a person is not gluten intolerant, then they may not receive any additional benefit from choosing a gluten-free product vs. the same product in a conventional form. Usually a gluten free product, such as a cake or cookie, will have roughly the same amount of calories and fat. So, look at the labels and compare the products overall if you are not gluten sensitive.

Who benefits most from gluten free?

While definitely those what are diagnosed with Celiac disease benefit from a gluten-free diet, many others will also find it beneficial to east gluten-free. It often takes several weeks for the full benefit to become apparent. Some people will feel a difference within a few days, but many need to convert to a consistently gluten-free diet for 3 weeks before their body will display symptoms that show a benefit.

While it can be a bit difficult to follow such a diet, it is generally healthier, since less processed foods mean more whole grains and less empty calories.

Help with your New Year's Goals

Happy New Year! Set yourself up for success in 2010.

As for successful goal setting, good goals are SMART...

S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Attainable
R - Realistic
T - Timely

For example, to eat better I could set a goal of eating one fresh, whole fruit a day at lunchtime. I will do this beginning the first week of January (or the second, if I didn't grocery shop in anticipation of this.), and I will check in with myself in the beginning of the 3rd week of January to see if I have succeeded. If I've done well I'll congratulate myself and move on to my second resolution. If not, I'll try again that next week and check in after 7 days again.

Don't overload yourself with too many tasks at once. You can always add more goals later, after you feel good about accomplishing something small & easy.

You can email your future self a letter at www.futureme.org to check in with yourself, or set up time lines for future goals.

If you have better health goals (and who doesn't?) check out www.AcuSpaWellness.com for weight loss and fitness help with Traditional Chinese Medicine. We can also help with allergies, immune system function, diabetes prevention, and pregnancy preparation!