Dr. Oz's Top 5 Natural Health Supplements for Women over 50

Source: Dr. Oz


Earlier this week, Dr. Oz revealed his top 5 women’s health supplements for women in their 50s looking to maintain their health and vitality. While there were not any surprises on his list, it does reaffirm what we already know: health supplements are key to a preventative care regimen. On the Dr. Oz blog, readers are encouraged to send the list to all of their friends and family members "so that we can make sure everyone we care about is taking every preventative measure possible to stay healthy." 


Without further delay, here are Dr. Oz’s top 5 health supplements for women in their 50s: 


1. Coenzyme Q10: No matter what age you are, keeping up your natural energy levels is important for overall health and wellness. Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is "fundamental for energy." CoQ10 is necessary for "the basic functioning of cells," according to the Mayo Clinic. 


2. Chia Seeds: We all know that metabolism slows down as you age, often making it more difficult to maintain a healthy body weight. "Chia Seeds (the same seeds used in Chia Pets) are full of fiber and omega 3's," says Dr. Oz. Why is that important for healthy weight management? Fiber helps you feel full. 


3. Turmeric: We have written extensively on the health benefits turmeric, which is known to promote a healthy inflammatory response. But this powerful herb (which is native to Southeast Asia) also possesses antioxidant capabilities due to the high concentration of curcuminoids, which many believe help maintain cognitive function as we age. 


4. Women's Multivitamin: For women over 50, taking a multivitamin is one of the most important preventative measures they can do. It's simple: multivitamins help give your body healthy servings of natural nutrition. 


5. Calcium with Vitamin D and Magnesium: Like energy and metabolism, bone strength also tends to decrease as you age. Though maintaining bone health is important at any age, Dr. Oz notes that bone health is critical for longevity. That is why taking calcium with vitamin D and magnesium is so important for women over the age of 50.


Are you surprised by any of the supplements on this list? Are there other health supplements you use for a preventative care regimen? Please feel free to share it with us by leaving a comment. 


Disclaimer: Dr. Oz is not affiliated with nor endorses Biotropics. He also does not promote or endorse our products.

Using Herbs to Boost Your Immune System

Source: Natural News


In many countries throughout the world herbs are used as a primary healthcare tool. Much of the therapeutic aspects of modern medicine were taken from the study of ancient herbal remedies. Unfortunately, medicine has manipulated these natural plant-based properties and synthetically altered them. This process has produced toxic and often lethal side effects. The natural herbs themselves when used correctly are able to synergize with our natural systems to enhance function, coordination, and overall balance within the body.


Herbs are never meant to "treat" or "cure" an ailment. The critical philosophical understanding is that the body's internal defense and ability to heal itself is strong enough to overcome any particular illness. Sickness comes about when the body is out of balance with its environment and unable to successfully adapt. Herbs are intended to clear up any sort of imbalance allowing the body to function optimally.


[Read full article]

Keeping the Cold Out

Source: Natural Health

Cue the daily green tea drinking and popping of multi-vitamins and herbal supplements—flu season is almost upon us here in the U.S. In the most recent issue of Natural Health, writer Amy Paturel offers up five tips for boosting immunity and beating the common cold.

[Read full article] 

Spices For Energy, Health and Longevity

Source: Yahoo! Health

The colder weather is beckoning us back to our kitchens. Break out the spices and bring warmth, robust flavor, and a bounty of health benefits, including higher energy, increased immunity, and other life-enhancing surprises. 

Considered to be dried seeds, fruit, roots or bark, spices have been valued for centuries by ancient cultures for their culinary and medicinal properties. For instance, a traditional Indian beauty trick was to spread turmeric paste on the skin to beautify it and prevent pimples. Chinese doctors have used ginger since ancient times to cure aches and pains. 

Dr. Maoshing Ni recently discussed how nine specific spices can enhance health energy and longevity for Yahoo! Health.  [Read full article]

Biotropics Featured in Natural Products Marketplace

Biotropics' very own U.S. CEO Michael Moore was featured in the October 2010 issue of Natural Products Marketplace, in an article called "Fulfilling Consumers' Desires." The article covered the state of the natural sexual health products industry, and how these products can provide holistic support.


"It is likely not surprising the market for sexual enhancement products continues to grow. In fact, since the introduction of Viagra in the late 1990s, the issue of sexual dysfunction has started to come out of the closet and into mainstream debate," wrote Heather Granato. Moore agreed, stating in the article: "As a culture, we are more open to discussions about sexuality and enhancing sexual experiences than ever before. Surprisingly, this interest isn't just from older men or pre/post menopausal women, but cuts across all age groups, socio-economic strata and geographies."


Granato also writes that rising consumer interest "conjoins with the greater interest in natural products with fewer, if any, side effects." Author, botanical expert and "Medicine Hunter" Chris Kilham added: "The biggest thing that separates natural products from pharma products is the safety of the natural items."


Biotropics' sexual vitality products include TenagaXX for men and Asmara for women. You can purchase both products in the newly enhanced online store.

New Ramuan Health Online Store and Micro Sites Help Consumers Turbocharge Their Health

Here's something to be naturally energized about this holiday season: with the holidays just around the corner, Biotoprics Ramuan has completely revamped its online store to offer consumers a more pleasant, information-rich and convenient online shopping experience. 

The user-friendly online store breaks out Ramuan Health's products by categories, beginning with Men's Health, Women's Health, Overall Wellness and Spa. Shoppers can either opt to learn more about the product or quickly add products to their shopping cart. For those who want to make their favorite Ramuan Health product part of their overall health regimen, they can also opt-in for a three-month subscription of their favorite product--and they will receive a free one-month supply.  


In addition to the new online store, Biotropics also recently relaunched two micro sites: www.tenagaformen.com and www.asmaraforwomen.com. The TenagaXX Web site provides men in three age brackets--30-45, 45-60, and 60-plus--with information about how they can turbo-charge their sexual health through all-natural TenagaXX, a daily sexual vitality supplement that contains pure, patented Tongkat Ali extract (which has been found to include compounds key to sexual health at every life stage).  In contrast, the Asmara site focuses on helping women of all ages put their lives in balance naturally with the aid of four Ramuan Health products: Asmara for Women, a daily sexual vitality supplement; Women's Blend, a phytonutrient blend for overall feminine wellness; Women's Detox, which helps naturally remove stress and toxins from the body;  and Mangis, a delicious new chewable superfruit. Both sites allow users to click through to the new online store, where they can buy the product of their choice.

Women's Sex Drive Explained by Brain Activity

Source: CBS News

A new study by the Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology of Wayne State University in Detroit finds that women who have a low sex drive have different patterns of brain activity from those whose sex drive is considered normal.

So what does that mean for many couples?
CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton explained that, with women, many factors are involved in sex drive.

"This was a very small observational study (of 26 women), but (it) had very interesting findings," she said. "They compared two groups of women: women with normal sexual function and women with low libido. (Researchers) showed both groups stimulating images, then compared their brain activity with a functional MRI, and found that the groups had very different areas and levels of the brain activated. So again, very different between those two groups." 


[Read full article]

Healthy Food Helps the Environment, Study Says

Source: NPI Center

A healthy diet also benefits the environment, according to a scientific study presented in Brussels by the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition (BCFN).

The study 'Double Pyramid: Healthy Food for people, sustainable food for the planet' indicates that foods with higher recommended consumption levels are also those with lower environmental impact. Contrarily, those foods with lower recommended consumption levels are also those with higher environmental impact.

The 'Double Pyramid' model combines the well-known food pyramid with the environmental pyramid, based on an estimation of the environmental impact of each foodstuff in terms of generation of greenhouse gases (Carbon Footprint), consumption of water resources (Water Footprint) and use of territory (Ecological Footprint).

[Read full article]

Not Getting Any? Ten Possible Reasons You’re Not Having Sex

Source: Health Magazine

Not getting any? No need to fear, you’re not alone. A hiatus in feeding your libido is a common ordeal caused by a number of internal and external factors. From lacking a seductive-looking bed (you read that correctly) to confronting bodily issues or just feeling too plain exhausted to rev your engine under the sheets, the brakes on your sex life aren’t necessarily pressed by mere inability. But you can at least discover what may be triggering its absence in order to restore your sexual energy and overall vitality. Health recently compiled a list of 10 reasons you’re not having sex, and offers some good advice to help get your sexy back. 

[Read full article] 

Herb of the Month: Turmeric

In this month’s issue of Better Nutrition (aka “The Medicine Hunter”) discusses the health benefits of turmeric. “A large body of science shows that curcumin, a compound in turmeric root, possesses significant healing properties and is chiefly responsible for the herb’s overall healing powers,” writes Kilham in the article. Turmeric has a long Ramuan tradition, so we thought it would be helpful to give you a breakdown of this mystical herb.

Basics: Turmeric or kunyit in Malay, is one of the oldest and most important herb-cum-spice species. Its ancient and modern usages include being an ingredient in folk medicine, food flavoring, dye and even religious and ritual ceremonies since 600 B.C., according to Herbs of Malaysia. A perennial herb native to Southeast Asia, turmeric is currently cultivated commercially in India, China, Indonesia and Indochina. The plant grows about one meter tall and has aromatic, light green leaves with sharp, pointed tips. Turmeric is extensively used throughout the world to flavor, color and increase the quality of preserved foods.

Uses: Turmeric can be applied to the body for an array of skin and eye conditions. The essential oil of turmeric is used in perfumes, and its resin is used as a flavoring and coloring ingredient in foods. In traditional medicine, turmeric is used for a variety of stomach and digestive system conditions. Turmeric is also the main spice used in many curry dishes.

Health benefits: Medicinally, its chemicals are known for maintaining healthy inflammatory response. For these reasons, it is traditionally used in treating immune health and kidney function. Turmeric also promotes normal bile secretion, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and addresses post partum discomfort. 

Turmeric, 3 Ways:

1. Boost your sexual energy. Ukup kering—or dry herbal steam—uses freshly pounded turmeric, black seed and lime juice for strengthening and toning up vaginal and cervical muscles. Mix fair parts of each to create your own mix.
2. Settle your stomach. According to WebMD, taking 500 mg of turmeric four times daily helps soothe upset stomach.
3. Spice up your meal. An important spice in Asian cuisine, turmeric is one of the most popular ingredients in curry dishes. Don’t be afraid to get creative, either—turmeric can also be sprinkled over pasta sauce and salad dressing, or sprinkled on meats such as roasted chicken. Try this recipe.

Have you ever used turmeric to spice up a dish or taken the herb as a dietary supplement? Do you know of other turmeric health benefits? Feel free to leave us a comment! 

Stress Fighting Foods – Ramuan Style

Now that fall is officially here, an onslaught of stresses may return as quickly as they disappeared on your summer vacay. If you’re someone who turns to food in times of stress, don’t worry. You can use this to your advantage for boosting your health, and not your waistline. 

According to David Zinczenko, author of Eat This, Not That, you should eat when you’re stressed – it’s our bodies’ “natural reaction to want to store calories to face whatever challenge is causing the stress in the first place.” Inspired by one of his recent Yahoo! Health articles, we’re going to provide you with some stress fighting foods – in true Ramuan fashion, of course.

1. Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a tropical “superfruit,” native to the Malay Peninsula. Mangosteen is revered in Southeast Asia for its rare flavor, which is a cross between a passion fruit and a peach; and it is often eaten as a dessert fruit or made into jams. According to Health and Beauty from the Rainforest, Mangosteen has been found to contain potent antioxidants known as xanthones, which help support the immune system.

2. Green tea

Made with steamed tea leaves, green tea contains EGCG and has been widely studied. Green tea’s natural compounds promotes cell health, supports cardiovascular health, supports caloric burning and combats oxidative stress. How’s that for stress relief?

3. Bananas

The Malays refer to it as, “Pisang.” This popular and simple fruit contains a wonderful combination of natural sugars, magnesium (a stress relieving mineral) and potassium that supports immune health. Serotonin is a powerful natural hormone that excites the brain and makes one feel great. The natural vitamins and minerals found in bananas—which include vitamins B6, K, C and iron—also help keep the nervous system in tip-top condition, plus support immune health, vitality and general health. So when taking on your next big task, why not stock up on a few bunches to help boost your mood? 

If you're feeling stressed, how do you keep yourself from reaching for that piece of pizza or can of diet soda? Do you have any go-to healthy foods besides the three we mentioned?  (There are plenty more!) 

75 Ways to Be Your Healthiest Ever

Source: WebMD and Good Housekeeping


From its first year of publication, Good Housekeeping has urged readers to live healthfully--to take "a walk before breakfast" (1885), "eat more fish" (1932), and get "at least eight hours of sleep" (1933). The tips here, whether from the early days or fresh from the latest journals, have one thing in common: they are based on the best expertise of their time. 

In collaboration with Good Housekeeping this month, WebMD offers its "75 Ways to Be Your Healthiest Ever," which covers everything from oral hygiene and burning calories to yoga, ginger and the importance of... sweat. It's an interesting mix of health tips...but that's what Living Ramuan is all about: intelligent blending for improved health and balance. [Read full article]

Many Women Have Low Libido, But Few Seek Help

Source: USA Today

She’s just not that into …doing it. Waning interest in sex is the most common sexual health issue among women, according to an article in USA Today over the weekend. The article cites a 2006 PRESIDE (Prevalence of Female Sexual Problems Associated with Distress and Determinants of Treatment Seeking) study, which found that low libido affects 38.7 percent of females. Yet surprisingly, few are actually reaching out to get help. While no FDA-approved medication can currently treat the condition, health experts say some promising drugs are on the horizon, and alternative therapies can prove effective. But to receive treatment, women need to be willing to take the first step and talk about it in the first place—something that the majority of them aren’t really doing. USA Today delves deeper into the issue. [Read full article]

Get Empowered About Your Health

The New York Times’ "Well" blog recently featured a Q&A with Elizabeth Cohen, a longtime CNN medical correspondent and patient who wrote a new book called, “The Empowered Patient.” In the Q&A, Cohen talks about her experiences with the health care system, and answers questions such as, “Do patients really have the power to take their health into their own hands?” Becoming an “empowered patient” might mean asking difficult questions or being “a bad patient,” according to Cohen. But it could also mean insisting on a second opinion or seeking out alternative therapies or holistic remedies.

Many patients today are turning to alternative treatments, which are typically defined as “any form of therapy not taught widely in medical schools” or that “have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the U.S.,” according to WebMD. In 2007, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or CAM, reported that approximately 38 percent of adults used CAM. Last year, the American Medical Association  also reported that nearly 40 percent of adults and 12 percent of children in the U.S. use herbal supplements, meditation, chiropractic services or acupuncture. What these numbers seem to indicate is that 1) an increasing number of patients are more than willing to take charge of their health and become informed consumers of health products, and 2) people are looking for natural wellness solutions that have historical, cultural and scientific basis.

With so many alternative therapies and herbal solutions available today, how do you get empowered about your health? The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine offers several suggestions as a starting point, but there are other ways to take charge of your own healing. In what ways have you become an empowered patient this year? 

11 Warning Signs of Low Testosterone

Source: CBS News Health

Whether it's on the basketball court, golf course or at an after-work happy hour, it's rare to spend time with a group of men without hearing at least one joke about testosterone deficiency. But to the estimated five million men who are affected by male menopause, it is no laughing matter. The latest research suggests that guys without enough testosterone face a higher risk of several serious illnesses, including diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. A simple blood test can reveal whether a guy has low "T," but there are plenty of other clues that a problem exists.

In a follow-up to last Friday's post about the rise of male menopause, here are CBS News' 11 warning signs of low testosterone to help educate and encourage more men to take control of their own sexual health. [Read full article]. 

Male Menopause on the Rise

Source: CBS News Health

Think women are the only ones forced to cope with hormonal changes in midlife? Think again. Experts say more than five million men experience the effects of hypogonadism, also known as male menopause. The condition is no easy feat for them, either—on top of a waning sexual drive and erectile dysfunction, other symptoms include mood swings, fatigue and reduced muscle mass. Today, CBS News discusses the increasingly prevalent male disorder supplemented with a bit of medical insight. [Read this article]

Ramuan Celebrates National Yoga Month!

September is officially National Yoga Month, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to remind you about the many benefits of yoga. At the very least, we hope to inspire you to lead a healthier, more balanced life this month.

What’s the Ramuan Connection?

Yoga means “union” or “to join together” in Sanskrit. It is an important part of the Ayurvedic medical tradition, and has ties to Malaysian health traditions, including Ramuan.

From the earliest Indian presence on the Malay Peninsula, yoga has been an abiding presence. Much like yoga, the Malays themselves have long practiced traditional exercise that is a series of bodily movements combined with breathing techniques known as senaman asak badan. Many of the postures resemble elements from the natural world—for example, bending tree, tiger, snake, warrior and blowing flute pose. In many ways, yoga, Ayurveda and Ramuan have the same goal: the mind-body-soul balance.

What Are The Benefits?

Those who practice yoga can benefit from increased flexibility, strength and posture, but Charaka Samhita (the preeminent Ayurvedic text) also mentions yoga as being helpful in removing tension, improving digestion and integrating bodily and mental functions.

How Can You Celebrate National Yoga Month?

It’s never too late to start the practice of yoga, but perhaps you need a little incentive. For the month of September, try the One Week Free Yoga Card, redeemable at over 1,000 participating studios nationwide. Low on gear? Snag a new yoga mat by taking advantage of celebratory discounts, such as YogaDirect’s current deal for 25 percent off all eco-friendly products or this 20 percent off coupon code for Lucy merchandise. And for inspiration on the go, you can also download Women’s Health’s Hot Body Yoga iPhone app to try out new poses and techniques any time you want. Don’t be afraid to take matters into your own hands for boosting the well-being of your mind, body and spirit this month!

Ramuan’s GNC Gift Certificate Twitter Giveaway

Start fall off the healthy way—with your favorite vitamins and supplements from GNC Stores! Biotropics Ramuan has officially launched its GNC Gift Certificate Twitter Giveaway, which will run from today, September 1 to September 15, 2010. The prize? We will be awarding the winner with a shiny new gift certificate at a retail value of $50 U.S. dollars, valid at GNC Stores nationwide. Here is how to enter:

1. Follow us @RamuanHealth on Twitter.
   
2. Submit your answer to this question, “What Ramuan Health product contains a pure, patented Tongkat Ali extract to promote sexual vitality in men?” via @reply.

The selected winner will be chosen at random from all correct responses on September 15. (No purchase necessary.) Good luck!

For the official contest rules, click here.

Spice of the Month: Ginger

The Malays have an ancient saying: “Ginger a day, keeps the doctor away.” Okay, maybe it doesn’t quite go like that. But for centuries, ginger has been one of the superstars of traditional Malaysian medicine, an herb renowned for its aromatic smell and organic healing powers. But what exactly is it, and what can it do for you?

Here’s a quick rundown of the herb. But we’ve got the essentials covered below:

Basics: Ginger is a large tuberous perennial plant native to southern Asia, but is now cultivated extensively in almost all tropical and subtropical countries, especially China, India, Nigeria, Australia, Jamaica and Haiti. A natural spice, the common ginger herb root is widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes, known worldwide for its smell and pungent taste.

Uses: Ginger is widely used as a spice, with its three main products being fresh ginger, dried whole or powdered ginger and preserved ginger. Fresh ginger is prepared from immature or mature rhizomes and is often grated or pressed into a fine paste or powder, sliced or mixed with other ingredients for a cumulative effect. To ensure you get the most out of fresh ginger, try wrapping it in plastic and refrigerating it for three weeks or storing it in your freezer for up to six months. Dried ginger lasts up to a year or longer in your cupboard when dried, while fresh ginger may last only a few weeks. High quality extracts of ginger can also be found in supplements; however, make sure to discuss any supplements with your doctor before taking them.

Health Benefits: Ginger is commonly used to treat a variety of stomach ailments, including motion sickness, morning sickness, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea, etc. In traditional medicine the leaves are eaten to treat stomachaches, while the pounded leaves are used as a poultice for headaches, according to Herbs of Malaysia. In Malaysia, the rhizome is also used to treat dyspepsia, nausea, joint pain and gas, according to Health and Beauty from the Rainforest: Malaysian Traditions of Ramuan. Stocked with more than 12 types of antioxidant compounds, the herb also contains essential oils, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, vitamin C, and small amounts of vitamins B1 and B2.

Ginger, 3 Ways:

1. Mix it in soup. Although a variety of recipes with ginger abound, one of the most popular healthy options is a simple carrot ginger soup. Quick and easy recipe: Combine one bag of large carrots, two slices of fresh ginger root, and four cups of veggie broth. Cook until soft and add water as needed. Or, try Food Network’s version.

2. Concoct a homemade lotion. It’s common Malay practice to apply a lotion prepared from ginger, vinegar and coconut oil on scars, stretch marks and even post-partum effects to help restore stomach muscles to their pre-pregnancy state. Try mixing an equal part of each ingredient together for a soothing moisturizer with a pleasant aroma.

3. Spice up your tea. Peel and thinly slice one ginger root and sprinkle it solo or with some honey into your daily cup to ward off nausea, cramps and aid your digestive functions.

Got any other “healthful” ginger recipes or at-home remedies you’d like to share? Leave us a comment!