Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance Below are symptoms of this imbalance. These can occur anytime:

• Abdominal bloating • Abdominal cramping • Accident proneness, coordination difficulties • Acne, hives • Aggression, rage, anger • Anxiety, irritability, suicidal thoughts • Asthma • Back pain • Breast swelling and pain • Bruising • Confusion • Depression, withdrawal from others, emotional liability • Edema • Exacerbation of preexisting conditions (lupus, arthritis, ulcers, herpes, etc.) • Excessive sleep patterns, fatigue, lethargy • Fainting • Food binges, salt cravings, sweet cravings • Headache, migraine • Heart palpitations • Insomnia • Joint swelling and pain • Nausea • Seizures • Sinus problems • Sore throat • Urinary difficulties

What Can Be Done Progesterone can greatly improve overall hormone balance. Natural progesterone is safe and non-toxic. It’s a natural hormone to body with no undesirable side effects, when used as directed. It can be bought over counter, so no prescription is needed. Progesterone helps to balance effects of hormone imbalances, and has a calming effect on nervous system. Some teens notice a leveling off of their emotions when they get their progesterone levels up to where they should be. Many of symptoms listed above disappear quickly within first couple of weeks of use.

At Oasis Advanced Wellness we offer hormone saliva testing kits that allow you to test yourself within comfort of your own home. With test results, you can determine your need for natural HRT. The use of natural progesterone in combination with lifestyle changes often improves symptoms and general health and well being. Be sure to work with your healthcare professional in determining dosages. For more information go to: www.menopause-pms-progesterone and www.oasisserene.com

It’s never too early to learn how to take care of your body. Education allows you to understand and take control of your health. Prevention is always best way.

Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP is a Doctor of Naturopath, Clinical Nutritionist and Holistic Health Practitioner in the Houston, TX area and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Dr. Lanphier is Editor of the worldwide E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. www.oasisadvancedwellness.com Be sure and visit our hormonal balancing site at www.menopause-pms-progesterone.org and www.oasisserene.com

The evidence of last twenty years, is showing us that just choosing a low-fat version of a food is not helping us lose weight. In fact, we need to question, processes that go on to make certain foods "low fat".

Many blame a high amount of refined carbohydrates (white flours, sugars) as having an impact on our weight problem.

Why Are We So Fat?

More and more evidence is showing that we eat too much, and exercise too little. Our lifestyles are very sedentary, and portion size has increased. The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) has concluded that "we eat a lot – a whole lot more than we used to, and most of increase comes from refined carbohydrates (sugar)."

In 1970's average person ate 136 pounds of flour and cereal products per year and now it's up to 200 pounds. The increase is almost all from processed, white flour, high sugar foods. In addition, everything has been super-sized. Example: 1955 McDonald's French fries – 2.4 ounces, 210 calories. 2004 Super size Fries – 7 ounces, 610 calories.

What's The Answer?

Don't get too hung up complex nutrient ratios told to you by latest diet book. You need to find what works for you and your body. It's a process of trial and error. Start with a diet, then keep working at it until you find what is best for you and your health.

Try to eat whole unprocessed food where possible, and eat little and often to regulate your energy levels. Go easy on all refined foods - it's hard - because everywhere you go - most of food is made from cheap refined flours and base products.

Also try to get out and stretch your legs more often.

www.freedieting.com is a resource for everything concerning losing weight. Independent reviews of popular diets, free diet plans, and articles taking a serious look at the causes and solution of weight problems.