MANILA, Philippines ? Wellness is a never-ending magical tour, one that brings us closer to good health and a better sense of well-being.

Therefore, in order to feel the pulse of what?s new, we need to stay informed. While issues like the kind of water to take (whether acidic/distilled, alkaline or mineral neutral) is still debatable, or whether a dairy or no-dairy regimen is the best health approach may be the subject of deliberate discussion, it pays to understand the nuances of this exciting landscape called wellness. While we may not know everything there is to learn about health and science, keeping an open mind is a good start.

Dieting

This seems to be one of the most often asked questions and one of the most difficult of regimens to follow. But which regimen? There have been many successful diet plans. But most have been based on the principle of restriction?the very reason diets fail with most people. The idea of depriving one?s self of something somehow affects the psyche in a negative manner.

Here?s a tip: If you?re on a diet or what we can call ?a special eating plan,? it?s best to have vegetables and fish. High in protein and low in calories, a serving of fish is a mere 80 calories with one gram of fat. Carbohydrates have the same calorie value as meat/protein but are less fattening than steak. The safe serving of carbo like pasta is the size of two scoops of ice cream.

A sure-fire way to lose weight is through the use of natural pro-biotic food called kefir, a health food from the Caucasus Mountains bordering Russia and Europe. It is a milk-based, lactose-free, more-potent cousin of yoghurt.

A new homegrown pro-biotic meal replacement called K-Power by Marissa ?Marigonz? Gonzales from Bukidnon recently arrived in Manila. Packed with 65 strains of good bacteria like acidophilous, lactobacillus and leuconostos to name a few, K-Power is a delicious blend of pure kefir and natural fruit juices. Just half a cup taken 30 minutes before meals will successfully control food cravings and hunger pangs.

It increases energy, calms the nervous system, normalizes the blood sugar, boosts the immune system and controls high fever due to infection.

Call the World of Wellness at 7233878.

Libido

Sexual ability and the desire for sex is a result of physical fitness. A fit aerobic system and healthy adrenal sex hormones play a major role in healthy sexual function. Even those who have a good sexual life will find that improving on the aerobic ability of the body will give them a more positive sex life.

Making love is a workout. If one partner is always tired, it only means there is an urgent need to look into the physical condition of the body. In short, it?s time to exercise regularly. You may be carbohydrate intolerant. Eating too much carbohydrates or sweets all day will contribute to one?s lack of energy. If there is no desire for sex then the cause may be hormonal or stress-related. Excess stress and a low-fat diet can reduce estrogen in women and testosterone in men. Remember, warming up to your partner will also give him or her enough time for the hormonal system to kick in. So, the advice is: Don?t rush it.

Vitamins and minerals will help, too. The noteworthy sex nutrient for men is zinc. Did you know that the largest concentration of zinc in a man?s body is found in the prostate? It wouldn?t hurt to load up on zinc supplements as well as kefir, known to enhance blood circulation. This plus a regular exercise regimen and de-stressing techniques should guarantee a more stimulated libido.

Healthy heart

If it is true that the heart is the hardest-working organ of the body, then don?t you think it?s time to love yourself better by:

Decreasing sugar and salt consumption;

Stop smoking;

Exercising regularly;

Managing your weight;

Decreasing intake of saturated fats, hydrogenated oils and cholesterol;

Eating more garlic, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables;

Taking 1,000-mg calcium, 500 mg of magnesium daily;

Taking Pro-biotic supplements or ? cup kefir daily which rejuvenates blood cells;

Increasing Vitamin C, B6 and E;

And feeling good about yourself and life, making laughter your best medicine?

AFFIRM TODAY: ?I love life for life loves me.?

Love & light!

Reference: Earl Mindell, Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century