Coping With Emotions

Emotions control every aspect of our physical and mental being. Negative emotions cause chemical reactions in the body, just as positive emotions do, but if suppressed, these negative emotions create all sorts of harm and problems and can lead to serious illnesses Share your problems with a close friend. Feelings of loneliness, isolation, lack of confidence, unattractiveness, feeling unfulfilled, trapped... so many possibilities for a crisis. If you can't share these with your partner or a close friend, speak to your health practitioner and you may also benefit from a self-help group, trained counsellor, bereavement counselling, etc. This can give you the opportunity for exploration and personal growth Resolve to finish unresolved jobs or conflicts. Keep a pad of paper and pen by the bed and /or in your main living area. Write things down then look at them at the appropriate time - not in the middle of the night! This helps to take the problem out of the worry cycle in your mind. Try to let go of old hurts, practising love and forgiveness, because the only person who really suffers is the one that holds on to the past. And the only person who can change what you feel is you! Express yourself! An emotion loses its power once it is expressed and bottling things up corrodes the psyche. Expressing sadness, anger, jealousy and negative thoughts helps to dispel them, while bottling them up increases their intensity. Would you ever think of holding back feelings of joy or happiness? Feelings repressed over many years end up making us ill. Simple ways to express yourself include screaming as loud as you can - in an empty room or alone in your car so as not to scare the neighbours! Scream your fears down the toilet bowl and flush it away. For the more physical person, punch your pillow or a cushion. Or, write about your anger and pain and keep a regular journal to record your feelings. These forms of expression take the emotion out of 'you' and dissipate it in a physical action. Power is always in the present, so don't waste time fretting over the past, over things we cannot change. The past only exists in our minds and in the way we choose to look at it in our minds. This is the moment we are living and experiencing. We can't do it yesterday. We can only do it today, NOW. Helpful therapies Homeopathy is a gentle, effective and safe system of medicine which assists the natural ability of the body to heal itself. It addresses the cause of the problem rather than merely removing symptoms and the homeopathic practitioner recognises that mental, emotional and physical problems may be connected and takes all these factors into account when prescribing. In this way homeopathy treats the whole person and is therefore highly individual. If you are undergoing homeopathic treatment, check with your practitioner first before trying other therapies, as some of these can affect the efficacy of your homeopathic treatment. Cranial osteopathy can treat musculo-skeletal problems and tension in muscles and soft tissues. By employing a very specific, skilled, light pressure it can assist the natural ability of the body to release stresses and tensions. Consider also counsellors trained in Creative Arts, Life Coaching and in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) as one of these may be specifically helpful for you. The 'touching' therapies can help stress levels; massage, reflexology and aromatherapy can all be very healing, soothing and beneficial. Reiki is a very simple but effective therapy promoting deep relaxation and well-being. Some of these therapies can reach levels others cannot. Research your local practitioners for more information. At http://www.naturaltopia.net, we are committed to informing you of the best deals worldwide in natural healthcare products, and alternative therapies that support our ethos. If you're looking to enhance your well-being and overall health, at naturaltopia you will find articles and news on natural health and alternative therapies. And the benefits, both short term and long term, of using natural products and therapies. We will be writing regular reviews on the products that we recommend and why we believe these are great for your natural health and well-being.

Benefits Of Having Good Flexibility As We Age

As we age there are many changes that happen to our bodies we become a little short sited, less agile, a little hard of hearing, we don't heal or recover as quickly as we previously did, however although we cannot hold back the tide of time, we can stem it somewhat by keeping being fit and healthy and taking care of ourselves. Being fit and healthy as we age definitely helps us stay active, however many of us tend not to notice how unfit we have become until it seems like it's too late. In fact it's never too late to become fit and active again and one great way of building our fitness up is by partaking in low impact, user controlled activities like stretching. Stretching offers us a myriad of benefits not the least of which is flexibility. Being able to bend over to pick up something you have dropped or reaching the shelves in the cupboards, all the little things we take for granted when we are younger. Additionally stretching helps muscle tone and range of motion, both important to being able to carry out day to day activities. So if you are a bit out of shape, and a little older than you would like to admit, the best way to start stretching is by using some kind of stretching equipment. The benefits of using stretching equipment is two-fold, firstly as a motivator - it will come with instructions and flexibility exercises, and secondly it allows you to control the stretches yourself, push yourself a little and you don't need assistance from someone else. Now if the word 'equipment' sounds like some bulky machine you would find in a gym, never fear, you'll find that some of the flexibility aids are similar to an elastic band - they are designed to be light, easy to carry around and even easier to use. This means if you don't have adequate space inside your home, or it's simply a beautiful day and you want it get out and enjoy it then you can pop the stretching device into your bag and head to the nearest park. Flexibility equipment like this allows you to stretch at your own pace, and as you feel your muscles toning and strengthening, your range of motion increasing, and improved circulation you'll be able to push yourself to stretch a little farther, all the while maintaining control the entire time. Don't let old age slow you down, start stretching today and regain some of your youth.

5 Simple Home Treatments for Dandruff

Are you suffering from itchy scalp? Scared of wearing black outfits because of the noticeable flakes on your collar? Dandruff can be a really big problem. It is a common term used for a skin disorder of the scalp, where white-colored flakes are visible and can form a thin layer on the scalp or other hairy parts that causes itching. Seborrheic Dermatitis is the mouthful term for dandruff; it is neither life-threatening nor contagious, but it can be very annoying. Good thing, there are ways to prevent, control or treat dandruff with some home remedies. Here are 5 Simple Home Treatments for Dandruff: • Aloe Vera - this plant has been used topically in centuries for various types of treatments in skin infections, wounds, burns and more. This is also a good home treatment for dandruff. You can apply and massage aloe vera gel on your scalp, leave it on for about thirty minutes to an hour, shampoo your hair then rinse well. Repeat this three or four times a week to get rid of dandruff. • Salt - ordinary table salt is not just useful for adding taste to food, but also an effective remedy for dandruff. The natural texture of table salt works well in scrubbing dandruff out before shampooing. Pour a solution of one cup warm water with three teaspoons of salt into your hair, and massage into your scalp. Rinse it well afterwards until all the saline solution is gone. • Aspirin - another treatment for dandruff available inside your medicine kit is aspirin. Just crush a couple of aspirin into a fine powder, and add it to your shampoo bottle. Use the infusion when washing your hair, leave it on your scalp for 20 minutes, rinse well then wash it again with plain shampoo. • Apple Cider Vinegar - mix one cup of cold water to ¼ cup of regular apple cider vinegar. Pour this mixture before each shampoo, massage thoroughly, leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse well. This should be repeated daily for a week to fully brush-off the dandruff. • Olive Oil - this is another home treatment for dandruff. Every night, place 3 drops of olive oil into your palm, rub your hands together then massage your scalp gently with the oil. Rinse it and wash away the oil with your regular shampoo. The treatment for dandruff should be applied regularly for best results. Dandruff might not be life-threatening, but it can turn severe which clings to your scalp and might cause hair loss. And if the problem persist, it is always best to consult your dermatologist.

Sauna Suits In A Nutshell

In a nutshell, sauna suits are special kind of suits that are used by professional athletes to help them to lose weight or maintain their body shapes. However, they are not constricted to professional athletes only because amateurs and enthusiasts can take advantage of the same benefits. These suits are usually made of rubberized vinyl; a material that has the capacity to withstand a lot of stress and tension. Therefore, if you are wearing such a suit, you need not worry about it getting torn up while engaging in a vigorous activity like wrestling. There is a huge misconception that the only and sure way that an individual can lose weight is by burning more calories than he or she is consuming. After this, the body will start burning the fats that are already stored in it thus making him or her slimmer. Although this could be true, there is another hypothesis; one that the suits uses. First of all, these suits help you lose weight by making you sweat. The more you sweat the more water you lose from your body. This helps the body to get rid of toxins. The fat as well as the foods that were used to get rid of this water will not be recovered and thus you will have killed two birds with one stone. In essence, you can lose up to 500 calories in a single sauna session. Furthermore, you need not worry about the lost water as you can simply get this back by drinking more water. The best sauna suits are those that allow you to start sweating easily and keep sweating for prolonged periods of time. This is because it is this sweating that means you are losing weight by burning the extra fats and calories. This is just like being in an ordinary sauna. There are some sauna suits that absorb most of the sweat. These are not good as they make you sweat less than the less absorbent sauna suits. One thing that you need to observe when using these suits is to keep yourself dehydrated at all times. The main misconception that many people have about this is that the thirstier you feel, then the more fat you burn. This is not true. You may end up making yourself dehydrated and this will harm some of your body functions. Therefore, make sure that you dehydrate yourself often. Ensure that you carry a bottle of water with you when wearing your suit. Finally, these suits can also be used outdoors especially during the cold season. Its material is known to preserve the heat hence keeping you warm. Another great feature that comes with these suits is that you can choose the design that suits your needs. Normally, most sauna suits are full length, which means they cover your entire arms and legs, leaving your feet, hand and from neck up. Lastly, whenever you are going out to shop for a suit, ensure that you are not allergic to the material used in manufacture.

Breast Augmentation - Improving Shape, Appearance, and Self-Esteem

If you think a breast augmentation procedure might be right for you to address your problem areas, seek the help of an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon. With the use of breast implants, you can achieve a more proportional, firmer shape, which can significantly improve your self-esteem. During your procedure, your plastic surgeon will insert a saline-filled or silicone gel breast implant behind your breasts, which will increase the size of each breast by one or more cup sizes. Both the saline and silicone implants are safe and produce breasts that feel and look natural. There are several methods that your plastic surgeon can use during your breast enhancement procedure. During your consultation, your surgeon will work with you to determine which technique will provide you with the best outcome while also minimizing scars. During your consultation with the plastic surgeon, you will discover if you are a good candidate for a breast augmentation procedure. Some indicators that you may be a good candidate for this procedure include: - You are embarrassed or self-conscious of wearing form fitting and revealing clothing, such as swimsuits. - Your breasts have lost some of their firmness and have become smaller after giving birth. - Your breasts have changed significantly due to weight loss. - You are unhappy with the size of your small breasts. - One of your breasts is a different size than the other. During your breast augmentation consultation, your plastic surgeon will inquire about the size you would like your breasts to be and ask additional questions that relate to the appearance of your breasts. This information will give your doctor an understanding of your expectation of the outcome of the procedure in order to decide if it your expectations are realistic. It is best to arrive to the consultation prepared to talk about your medical history. This means that you will provide your plastic surgeon with your medical background information, which can include drug allergies, previous surgeries, medical conditions, and more. You will be asked for any relevant information, such as the results of past mammograms and if there is a family history breast cancer. If you want additional information on a breast augmentation procedure, schedule a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the risks, side effects, and realistic outcomes of the procedure. You will be informed of all the relevant information concerning your procedure so you can determine if a breast enhancement procedure is right for you.

Tired Of Fighting Restless Leg Syndrome

Many people suffer from lower leg pain without even realizing what the real cause of the pain may be. It is normal to perceive any lower leg pain as signs of stress on the muscles or temporary fatigue. However, if your lower leg pain or restless legs seems to be erratic and it prevents you from getting sound sleep at night then it is not merely a case of physical stress. There are countless cases where people suffer from lower leg pain and that disrupt their sleeping schedule. In such cases, you may have developed the RLS or may be suffering from difficult condition that need addressing. What Is Restless Leg Syndrome? Restless leg syndrome (RLS) which is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations. It most commonly affects the legs, but can affect the arms, torso, and even phantom limbs. Moving the affected body part modulates the sensations, providing temporary relief. Causes Of Restless Legs RLS may be caused by one or more of these reasons - chronic kidney disease, diabetes, iron deficiency, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, pregnancy, use of certain medications such as caffeine, calcium channel blockers, lithium, or narcoleptics or withdrawal from sedatives. The RLS condition is also commonly passed down in families. This may be a factor when symptoms start at a younger age. Treatment Of RLS The biggest problem in treating jumpy legs (RLS) is that most doctors and even people suffering from it do not get to the root cause. While several health factors can trigger restless legs or restless legs syndrome, it in reality may be an implication of underlying venous disease. Depending on the intensity of the problem of RLS you have been observing, you can try out a few modes of treatment. Getting diagnosed is always the better way to go about but if one wishes to treat the jumpy legs on their own then some further research would be very important. This condition can get pretty severe and disrupt normal life by preventing even the minimum sleep requirements for an adult. Even if you have the slightest indication of struggling with the difficult and server condition, consulting a doctor would be a wise move. You can always get in touch with your family physician to discuss everything prior to consuming pain relief pills or buying some ointments.

Pharmacy Reviews and The Web Pharmacy Industry

An online drugstore is an expedient option for those who have to replenish prescriptions but don't have the spare time to go to a local drugstore. However, there are actually circumstances when pharmacy sites prove to be bogus or illegal. Consumers must take actions to safeguard themselves from these types of online resources. There can be a lot of issues that a potential buyer should certainly consider before making a purchase, like critiques of the site and operating permits. Pharmacy reviews are beneficial because they will give a client a reliable understanding of the condition of an online drugstore. An excellent review will not only know a website's products, but also many crucial details. These include the range of prices of the medicinal drugs available for purchase, the simplicity of navigation on the web page, and the existence of any security assurances, like a privacy policy. Some reviews are thorough enough to consist of information about the shipping time, the physical condition of the merchandise upon arrival, and perhaps even the condition of the customer service. Even so, pharmacy reviews are not the sole method of obtaining trustworthy, adequate information. Those that buy medication online will surely have substantially distinct experiences, which means these kinds of critiques can contrast. Though there is some facts in these reviews, they might confuse a few folks. In these instances, there are some other details that a consumer should certainly verify. One aspect is whether the online drugstore has a license to operate. When such sites are based in the United States or Canada, there will always be some local government agency that grants them a license to do business. In the U.S., it is the local government, while it is the provincial authorities in Canada. Unlike pharmacy reviews, these necessary licenses do not display how well the web site will do what it promises to do, but they do show that it is a reputable web site that has gone through assessment by the government. It also means that the online pharmacy may be held liable by the Food and Drug Administration in case it markets bogus or controlled substances. This makes sure that buyers are protected from these items. A reputable online drugstore also prominently shows several seals from various important verification experts. These do not display what the best online pharmacy is, but they do specify ones that follow certain requirements enforced by industry associates. These involve seals by IMPAC, CIPA, VIPPS, MIPA, and the NCPA. You'll find pharmacies that flaunt these seals without having been subject to certification, but their position could be verified by consulting the data of the regulating systems. Pharmacy reviews may possibly also have details concerning the legitimacy of these types of sites. Finally, any reputable online pharmacy in America usually requires that a buyer present proof of a prescription before being allowed to buy. In some cases, a genuine site also expects the medical doctor's contact information to check details before a purchase is accomplished. Online drugstore reviews are quite useful in providing customers a good look at what exactly is offered on the internet and which online pharmacy offers the very best service on top of the prescription drugs that it offers. The best online pharmacy reviews will direct you to very good locations to buy medication online.

Ways To Grow Taller - Increase Your Height And Be More Attractive

It is a fact that height attracts people. Men with a taller build have more chances of becoming popular to girls. If you want to grow taller and attract the members of the opposite sex, there are several things that you need to do. Here are some of these things. First, you need to understand that height is generally determined by your genes. If the people in your family are not that tall, then you may probably shove off the plan to be very tall. It can be quite impossible and frustrating in the end. It is very important that you understand the limits. Of course, you can add some centimeters to your height but never expect too much if it is not in your genes. Second, you need to avoid things that could inhibit your growth. There are certain foods and things that can mess up with your growth even at the early stage. For instance, you should avoid drinking alcohol and other drugs. It is said that the substances in them inhibit the growth of the bones therefore you cannot achieve your maximum height potential. Nutrient deficiency also plays a big role in inhibiting the growth of your bones. You need to make sure that you are eating healthy and that you calcium intake is stable to keep the bones strong. Aside from your diet, your posture can also affect your height. Always maintain a proper posture in order for your bones to grow steadily. Slouching is not good for you. Third, you need to sleep right. Sleep is very important as it helps in making your body to regenerate and to produce new cells better. During deep sleep, the body renews damaged cells and produces new ones. This includes the bone cells as well. Therefore, it is very important to maintain a good quality of sleep. You can do this by making sure that your sleeping environment is good. For instance, you can sleep in a dim and sound proof room in order to not be disturbed by lights or by noises around you. Drinking milk or calming tea before bedtime will also help you in getting a good sleep. Fourth, improve your diet. The food you eat can affect the development of your body, including your bones. In order to grow taller, you need to make sure that you are providing your body the necessary vitamins and minerals for a healthy lifestyle. Of course, you need to eat foods that are rich in calcium such as milk and other dairy products. You can also get calcium from vegetables. This will help in making your bones stronger and will also keep you away from bone problems such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D from fishes or from the sun is also important especially for children. This vitamin improves the health of the muscles as well as the bones. Protein is also important in making sure that your body is growing healthily and steadily. Each meal that you take should be complete. This means that the 3 food groups should be present - go, glow and grow.

Benefits of Getting a Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement surgery is a procedure which is hugely widespread, done to improve the hip joints which have been damaged or worn out due to injuries or medical conditions. If not corrected, it will bring pain and loss of mobility to the patient. There are many reasons as to why someone may opt to undergo total hip replacement surgery. Some of the common reasons are suffering from severe pain, loss of mobility in hips resulting in difficulty moving, tumors in the bone, bone fracture, severe pain and arthritis. Total hip replacement surgery is often the last resort. Doctors will often prescribe anti-inflammatory medication; recommend physical therapy and modification of daily activities and intensity. Walking aids such as cane will also be recommended. If all these fail, total hip replacement is then the only resort left. There are many benefits of total hip replacement surgery. Benefits include: Pain free A hip surgery replaces the damaged articulating surfaces with artificial ones that are smooth. Thus, it eliminates pain. Increased mobility Prior to surgery, the damaged hip joint is stiff, causing loss of mobility. As the replacement joints are smooth, it increases mobility and range of motion. Better quality of life With lesser pain and improved mobility after surgery, easy daily tasks can now be performed without much problems faced, leading to a better life that is more active and independent. Increased muscular strength Patients with total hip replacement have higher abductor muscle strength that may be due to the sutures at the surgery site. Suture increases the stability of the hip joints and central bearing, resulting in greater muscular strength. Pain free sleep at night With a pain free life after surgery, the patient is able to sleep throughout the night without any pain and interruptions. Getting rid of medications After surgery, pain relief medication that was prescribed previously can now be discarded. Long lasting prosthesis The most commonly used material is polymethylmethacrylate which is long lasting and durable and can usually last between 10 to 15 years on average. Ability to engage in sporting activities With a new hip in place, patients are able to engage in their favorite sporting activities without any limitations. Surgery is not a pleasant procedure and is often dreaded by many. But for people suffering from medical conditions, it may be the only way to let them lead a normal life. Total hip replacement allows the patient to restore original functions and roles to the injured joints and relieving pain.

The Many Benefits Of Resistance Training

Resistance training is that which takes place when the muscles apply force to an external resistance. This can involve free weights, machines, cables, bands, your own body weight, gravity and muscular tension. It is also referred to as strength training or weight training.

Here are just some of the benefits of incorporating resistance training into your program:

Faster metabolism
Your BMR or basal metabolic rate is the rate at which you burn calories at rest. One major factor influencing this rate is the amount of muscle your body has. Unlike fat, muscle is active tissue and as such requires a continuous supply of energy. Therefore replacing fat with lean tissue will increase your overall energy expenditure making it far easier for you to maintain a healthy weight and favourable body composition.

Reduced risk of injury
Resistance training contributes to a stronger core enabling you to maintain better balance. It also helps develop strong ligaments and tendons which support the joints, improving stability and minimising the risk of injury and falls. This is obviously particularly important as we age. Lack of lumbar strength has been associated with the development of low back pain and dysfunction so strengthening this area is crucial. Lower back pain is likely to affect over 80% of western society due to our sedentary desk-bound lifestyles.

Better sports performance
Increased muscle tone improves speed, co-ordination and agility. An optimal sports specific training program will include a strength component to enhance performance in speed, power and agility.

Better posture
Poor posture can stem from weak back muscles, preventing your body from standing tall. Strengthening these muscles can vastly improve your posture, often reducing muscular pain and allowing you to exude more confidence.

Increased confidence and self-esteem
Strength training as with other types of activity can have a powerful psychological effect. The process of setting and achieving goals gives a boost to self esteem. Being fitter and stronger, means you are better equipped to deal with day to day challenges giving greater feelings of empowerment. And of course there's no denying that looking and feeling more attractive boosts confidence levels.

Reduced risk of coronary heart disease

    Reduced cholesterol - A study in Beaumont Hospital, Michigan demonstrated that strength training has been shown to improve your good cholesterol (HDL) and decrease bad cholesterol (LDL).

    Reduction in Hypertension - Cardiovascular training is the best way to reduce your resting blood pressure, but weight training has also been shown to have a positive effect on dialstolic readings (the lower number), placing less strain on the heart.

    Blood health - Weight training can lower serum lipids and blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. High levels can damage the lining of your blood vessels over time and increases your risk of developing coronary heart disease and blood clots.

Reduced risk of type-II diabetes
Studies have shown that weight training may improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, which decreases the chances of diabetes. Research indicates that weight training can increase glucose utilization in the body by 23% in four months. A decrease in insulin release was significantly correlated with an increase in lean body mass.

Reduced risk of osteporosis
As we age, we become more prone to bone density issues such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. This is especially true of women where it affects 1 in 4 in the post menopause phase when oestrogen levels are greatly reduced and the bones lose their density. Porous bones are weaker, have increased susceptibility to fractures and can reduce mobility. Strength training has been shown to not only stop the loss of bone density but it can actually increase bone density. Compressive, weight bearing exercises provide the stimulus from which bones can adapt and strengthen. The earlier you start training with weights, the better.

Aids management of arthritis
Exercise is an essential tool in managing arthritis. It helps to reduce joint pain and stiffness by increasing muscular strength around the joints. Flexibility and endurance also improve with weight bearing impact having a positive effect in controlling the condition.

Improved digestion
A recent study by the Research Director of the YMCA in Massachusetts showed a 56% decrease in gastrointestinal transit time after three months of strength training. This is significant because delayed digestion puts you at a higher risk for colon cancer.

Exploding the myths surrounding resistance training

You may have heard the saying, 'muscle weighs more than fat'. Obviously that's not true. 1lb of muscle weighs 1lb, as does 1lb of fat. However, muscle tissue is denser than fat and therefore 1lb has a lower volume and takes up less space. So yes, through strength training you may gain a little weight, but it's lean, active tissue that burns calories and is smaller in size. Your shape will change for the better. Ignore the scales and instead see how your clothes fit.

Women often worry that training with weights will lead them to 'bulk up' developing large muscles. This is almost impossible to do. Muscle growth is largely dependent on testosterone and females simply do not have enough of the hormone within their bodies for their muscles to become very large. You will tone your muscles and have definition, without the 'bulk'.

It is impossible to turn fat into muscle, or muscle into fat. Your body can utilise fat as an energy source to enable an increase in muscle tissue, but it does not magically change its cellular structure. Each is unique.

Correct technique

For strength training, correct technique is extremely important. Some people feel daunted by the prospect of learning new skills. The best way to learn good form is to ask a professional who will not only guide you through correct technique, but will design a program to include the specific training protocol to enable you to fulfill your own aims, whether that be endurance, muscle mass, optimal strength or power. You will quickly acquire new motor skills that you will be able to incorporate into your daily life.

Amazing Benefits of Fiber

I was first exposed to supplemental fiber in my youth with Metamucil from my Mother. I suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome as did my mother and sisters. It regulated my bowels and I no longer suffered from abdominal pains. But I found an additional benefit when I went for a physical with my physician. It involved a full blood workup and he commented on my excellent cholesterol levels which were better than normal. After reviewing the supplements I listed as taking he confirmed it was because of the fiber from Metamucil. He stated that fiber has been proven to lower cholesterol levels. So as I reached middle age and started having problems with cholesterol I remembered this and decided to incorporate fiber as a treatment for this. I went around with my doctor who wanted to put me on the statin Lipitor. I was concerned with the potential for liver damage over the long term. After much research I decided to take 20 grams of fiber a day in divided doses along with Niacin (Flush Free). I purchased a blood testing kit to check my cholesterol & triglycerides. I was going to monitor closely so I could be sure it was being controlled. After about a month my results were below the normal level. This was several years ago I'm soon to be 53 years old & my cholesterol is still good. Controlled naturally with fiber, niacin, and healthy eating. I take my fiber supplements in the form of fiber gummies (like the taste). Fiber has long been promoted as a preventative measure for a healthy digestive system as well as a defense against colon cancer.Diets high in fat and low in fiber are associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. According to the Harvard Men's Health Watch, eating the RDA of fiber can reduce the risk of colon cancer by as much as 40 percent. Another study by Harvard cited that men who ate an average of 28.9 grams of fiber a day had 41 percent fewer heart attacks than men who ate the least amount. Increase your daily intake of dietary fiber to incorporate into your healthy lifestyle. Benefits of Fiber: Maintains bowel integrity Controls blood sugar levels Lowers cholesterol levels Normalizes bowel movements Lowers risk of colorectal cancer Aids in weight loss Help reduce blood pressure Natural fiber sources are nuts and seeds, beans, peas, legumes, fruits, vegetables, grains. As a recommendation include fruits with every meal.