FOODS THAT FIGHT AFTERNOON SLUMPS

When the afternoon blahs leave us slumped over our desks like an unwatered houseplant, instead of reaching for a supersized vat of coffee and/or a calorie-packed sugar snack, try some much better options to keep you going for hours:

WATER: Sometimes what feels like fatigue is just dehydration (often made worse by too much coffee). Drink 8 ounces of water, take a quick walk around the block or the parking lot (fresh air is an energy booster, too), and then down another 8 ounces when you get back.

WATERMELON: Like cookies and candy, watermelon is high in sugar, which metabolizes quickly, which gives you a rush. But watermelon's way healthier: Instead of guilt, you get fiber, a hit of vitamins A and C, plus all that fresh, juicy flavor for almost no calories (fewer than 50 a cup). To make your new zip last longer, eat it with some protein and a little fat -- as in low-fat cottage cheese or a fistful of sunflower seeds.

BRAZIL NUTS: They're off the charts in mood-lifting selenium and strong in fatigue-fighting magnesium. Just six of these nuts give you 4 grams of protein and some healthy plant fats, a combo that will keep you going far longer than you'd think.

A MEXICAN BAKED POTATO: Spuds are high on the glycemic index -- that is, they give blood sugar a quick boost -- which is bad for people with diabetes but good in moderate doses for other people in need of an energy surge. Heap on some salsa and top with a dollop of low-fat sour cream to enhance the effect. Spicy foods are stimulating, and hot peppers wake up more than your taste buds.

A FEW DRIED DATES: They were traditionally used in the Sahara to provide quick energy to camels. Like potatoes, dates are a high glycemic snack, but rich in minerals, too -- especially potassium. Split the dates and fill with a tad of low-fat cream cheese to slow the sugar absorption.

PB&J ON WHOLE GRAIN: The all-American sandwich is also an all-around pick-me-up, thanks to its amazingly complete mix of carbs, good fats, protein, and whole-grain fiber. Just make it a one-slice fold-over to cut the calories down to about 200.

RealAge - June 2008

Another great alternative for an amazing boost of energy:

LIFTOFF NATURAL ENERGY DRINK: It is available at Dolkar Wellness.

WHAT YOUR MOUTH SAYS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

Here's one way to check your health: Open wide and say ahh.

Yup. Your mouth, more than any outward part of your body, speaks volumes about your well-being. Here’s what the state of your teeth and tongue can tell you.

Beyond Cavities: The Tale of the TongueTraditional Chinese medicine uses the tongue for most diagnoses. If it looks quite fat, you could have an overactive thyroid. A beefy, red tongue may point to anemia. Bumps that look like small hairs? Better work on your dental hygiene. Blisters? Might be a drug reaction)

And the Story Behind Unhealthy GumsRed, swollen, bleeding gums signal gingivitis, an early form of periodontal disease. And gum disease has been linked to a host of other health problems, from heart attacks to erectile dysfunction. Here’s why: Gum-invading bacteria may trigger an immune response that promotes body-wide inflammation and arterial hardening, which restricts blood flow.

A way to keep your gums healthy: YOGURT (containing live cultures) or a good Probiotic! Flossing and brushing your teeth daily can make your general health as well as make you look much younger.

- Real Age June, 2008

THE BEST KIND OF STALKER

There is one food that is especially effective in lowering blood pressure.....Celery!

Doctors at the University of Chicago studying the Oriental custom of using celery to lower hypertension discovered that celery contains the chemical 3-n-butyl phthalide. This smoothes the muscels lining blood vessels, which increases vessel diameter and allows for easier blood flow at lower pressures.

Using the recommended Oriental dosages to lower mild cases of high blood pressure, one would eat about four ounces of celery daily (4 stalks). Their blood pressure was reduced by an average of 13 % and cholesterol level by 7%.

When you eat celery, don't peel the strings off. They act as a scrubbing brush that stimulates the bowels and removes excess waste material. Sodium in celery is also good for people who suffer from stiffness in the joints.

Contact Dolkar Wellness for supplements that can ease joint issues.