If you are like many people, your digestive health just isn’t what you want it to be. If this is also your case, then one very good treatment to consider is taking a prebiotics supplement – and Digesten-K Prebiotics supplement is regarded as likely the best available. The reason that this supplement is so effective is that it uses the kiwifruit as its prebiotics source.

Now there are a number of kiwifruit prebiotics supplements available, but most of them only use pulp extract from the fruit in processing. Digesten-K is different; it uses the whole kiwifruit, which includes the seeds and skin and not just the pulp of the fruit.

You may be thinking that if Digesten-K is a kiwifruit based supplement, then isn’t it the fruit pulp extract that is the most important ingredient in the supplement. This would make sense until you realize the importance of a prebiotics supplement containing more than prebiotics only – and besides the skin being a great source of prebiotics, it is where those additional digestive components are found. I am referring to the soluble fiber, the digestive enzymes, and the phenolics that are necessary for balancing your digestive health. Digesten-K may be called a prebiotics supplement, but it would be better to call it an entire digestive health supplement.

The inclusion of all the important nutritional components in Digesten-K is not the only thing that separates it from most other supplements; there are also key manufacturing differences. It is known that if high heats are used in processing, or chemicals and additives are included to preserve the nutrients once they are capsulized, you end up with a supplement that besides not being 100% natural, it also will have a large percentage of its effectiveness lost – yet, that is the way that many of the kiwifruit supplements are made. In contrast, Digesten-K needs to add nothing to its supplement, and maintains all of the digestive effectiveness of the supplement by using an exclusive water based processing system called AquaPure.

The Digesten-K Prebiotics supplement is a digestive health supplement that would be very beneficial for anyone to take. It is important for us to be sure that we are adding plenty of high quality prebiotics to our digestive system, because it is the prebiotics that are responsible for providing the necessary nourishment to the good bacteria in our colon, which allows that bacteria to grow and remain stronger than any harmful bacteria. As well, digestive enzymes and soluble fiber are needed to promote efficient digestion of the foods that are eaten, and phenolics work to keep any harmful bacteria from growing, which further assists in the strength of the good bacteria.

As discussed, the Digesten-K will provide all of these important components for the best digestive health, and they have done so in a way that assures the maximum health benefits and effectiveness of the supplement.

Widely acknowledged as one of the leaders in luxury bedding, Thomasville is also renowned for the variety of its product offerings. Some of the most popular ensembles are detailed in the rest of this article.

Southwestern bedding

If you are interested in Southwestern bedding, you should consider the Tahoe or Guest Cabin ensemble. Tahoe is a contemporary Southwestern woven design, featuring printed warp and chenille yarns. A coordinating snow leopard pillow gives the ensemble a hint of the exotic. Guest Cabin is rustic and dramatic, featuring a chili and black pepper comforter set. The coordinating pillows, shams and duvets, manufactured in Chenille, suede, antique, and vintage fabrics, combine to create an inviting setting.

Toile Ensembles

Thomasville's toile ensemble, Cherrington, is casual, elegant, and classic. The featured sketch is an over scaled tree of life etching that is colored in sapphire and off white. Bold stripes, brightly colored pillows in canary yellow, and an elegant off white matlesse accent the coordinating pillows, shams and duvets. The positive / negative intricately etched sheet design completes the look.

tropical motifs

Thomasville bedding ensembles in tropical motifs include Bird of Paradise and Ferngully. Bird of Paradise is a tropical and luxurious pattern featuring a sensuous palette of Raspberry, paprika, kiwi, flaxen, and straw colors, printed on a cotton duck. The bamboo bed skirt in green leaf is repeated as a trim on the tailored window valances. Add the decorative pillows to this beautiful ensemble and you will recreate the Garden of Eden in your own bedroom. Ferngully is a colorful, tropical ensemble featuring lush oversized leaves. Emerald, kiwi, and grass shades cover the yellow background and scattered red and pink hibiscus add a warm accent to this tropical paradise. The basket weave patterned bedskirt, which is colored in multiple shades of green, is a delightful complement, as are the playful sheets of tossed tropical leaves. Euro Shams and decorative pillows, done in contrasting color and texture, complete the look.

floral designs

Ferngully is a tropical floral ensemble, but Thomasville bedding is available in more traditional floral designs, also. Bloomfield is a traditional English floral bedding ensemble. Pinks, lavenders, corals and sage on a highly polished cotton sateen give this ensemble a fresh country look. The bed skirt and Euro shams are done in a pink and green stripe. A fresh approach to design is seen in the Poetry ensemble. this playful, upbeat, and carefree floral print is set on a cotton duck. The ground is buttercup, and the over scaled flowers are painted in muted tones of strawberry and apple green with white accents. The green awning stripe bed skirt adds to the fresh design, as does the bias cord around the comforter, shams, and ascot valances. Decorative pillows in dreamy silk plaid and textured cottons mesh to create an inspirational look.

Modern Styles

If you're looking for a more modern bedding ensemble, consider the Patchouli pattern, which is available in Cinnamon or Eggplant. Though these patterns are similar in their contemporary block designs, the colors in their main and sheet prints create ambiances which are strikingly different. Enjoy the coordinated European shams and decorative pillows each done in the individual colors from the main pattern.

I think that everyone is aware by now that fiber rich foods like fruits and vegetables are the most wholesome kinds of food around. The problem that most people have is determining how much to eat and which ones have the most antioxidants. Not too long ago, the USDA refreshed its recommended dietary guidelines which now suggest that we have five servings of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day. The standards also spell out that the beneficial serving size needs to be three to four ounces each.

Even though there is really no such thing as a bad fruit or vegetable, some offer more nutrient quality than others. As a matter of fact, citrus like tangerines and grapefruit are exceptionally nutritive attributed to their high antioxidant concentration of Vitamin C. Cantaloupe melon is even more rewarding because it packs a significant quantity of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Potassium. In fact, a one-quarter serving possesses a little more than half the potassium as a banana at just half of the calorie consumption. When it comes to nutrients per calorie, kiwi is hard to beat. A kiwi fruit will contain 30% more Vitamin C than a half grapefruit with significantly fewer calories.

Fibrous veggies like broccoli and red peppers have high levels of both Vitamin C and potassium. Moreover, both potatoes and tomatoes have the greatest concentration of potassium. With reference to nutrients per calorie, broccoli contains almost double the Vitamin C as an orange and as much potassium as a banana with a mere 45 calorie serving of just one medium stalk. You may be surprised to discover that a three ounce serving of shredded leaf lettuce has very high levels of both Vitamin A and potassium.

Fruits and vegetables play an important role in our diet. To get the most antioxidants from them, they should be enjoyed without cooking to avoid a reduction in the nutrient levels. Also, most fruits and vegetables that are in cans and jars have added sugars and other additives to lengthen their shelf life. Consequently, when buying canned produce, check for those that are either vacuum packed or are stored in plain water.

The fact is that approximately 75% of individuals are not eating the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. Let’s face it, health experts advise that we buy about eight pounds of raw fruits and vegetables per week to equal the five daily servings. I would be surprised if people are eating even fifty percent of the indicated portions. As a result, more people today are considering natural dietary supplements. Numerous supplements have more than enough vital nutrients in just one tablet. It’s a lot simpler to take a capsule than to constantly run to the produce market. Additionally, natural supplements normally do not contain unwanted carbs that are identified in some fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those that are in cans.

It doesn’t matter how you slice it, we can all benefit greatly from consuming an assortment of fresh fruits and veggies each day. They not only taste good, but they are good for you too. The more antioxidant-rich meals you devour, the stronger you will be. Besides, you will have the energy you demand to fulfill your daily routine.

If you’re planning to go travelling on the cheap you’ll need to consider where to stay. Finding good backpacking tents can make or break your trip in terms of levels of comfort and your ability to sleep. There are some particular things to look for when shopping for a backpacking tent.

A tent suited for a week’s camping with a van stacked full of everything but the kitchen sink has different features than one that you’ll be able to cart around for your travels. The key is to work out how important each criterion is and then use this to make your decision.

1. How compact does it need to be?

Does it need to be carried with your belongings or can you transport it separately. The lighter it is the shorter in height it will be, and it will tend to be a less durable tent. If you feel you’re going to need more room you’ll have to go for a heavier one.

2. What seasons are you travelling in?

It’s unlikely you’ll need a heavy duty all condition tent, unless you’re planning to stay in extreme conditions, including heavy snow or a very strong sun. What you will need to look at is whether the design allows for air circulation, and whether you want windows to look out of. The key is to consider what range of weather you may be exposed to when deciding upon the most suitable type of tent.

3. Is it free standing?

It definitely makes it easier to assemble if it is, and this type of structure is well suited to very stony or sandy ground. However, if you need to put it up on a slope or in windy conditions you may want to check whether you can also stake it if necessary. While we’re on this topic, think about how easy it is to put up. If you’re going it alone, you’ll want to have it up and ready for your tired bones as fast as possible.

4. How much space do you need?

You’re going to need enough room for you and your sleeping bag, plus space for personal effects. It is unlikely your pack will also be able to fit so it’s best to store them outside. You can always add on a fly to increase the space a little if you want, giving you somewhere to place your larger items. If you are travelling with one other person it might be a good idea to upgrade to a three person sized structure, especially if you’re planning to stay several days in one place. There is only so much personal space to be found in the smaller backpacking tents!

5. How much do you want to spend? Yes it can feel like you are hemorrhaging money and yes it can feel like it’s easier to buy the cheapest you can find. But you need a backpacking tent that is going to last the distance, keep you as dry as possible, and allow you to breathe easily. You want it to have material that is durable, dries easily and packs light, even if that means paying more than bargain basement prices.

Finding the right backpacking tents is all about finding the right one for your specific needs. Then you’ll be a happy camper!

Hokitika featured in Eleanor Catton’s novel “The Luminaries,” a book which earned Eleanor respect as a world-class novelist. The Luminaries is based on 1860s Hokitika, a town that at the centre of West Coast’s gold rush in 1865. Thousands of immigrants arrived in Hokitika during 1865 in search of gold. Many made their fortunes but quite a number blew their money on prodigal living. Hotels sprung up all over the place and these were a hive of activity.

Today, Hokitika’s economy is driven by dairy-farming, tourism, and craft industries. The town receives a lot of foreign traffic because Hokitika is along the well-worn tourist route that eventually leads to New Zealand’s tourist hotspot Queenstown.

Hokitika do host events that attract people to the town. Most notably the famous wildfoods festival in March which attracts up to 20,000 people into the town. The event at one stage got out of hand so the organisor’s set strict rules in place regarding alcohol to make the event more family friendly.

There is an annual horse racing meeting which takes place in the middle of January. This is part of the West Coast harness and galloping circuit which begins at Westport on Boxing day.

Hokitika also hosts an A and P Show in late January. There are also A & P Shows at Whataroa, Reefton, and Westport. Not all on the same day though.

For touristy things, the West Coast Treetop Walkway is certainly worth a visit. This is a walkway through some of the West Coast’s most pristine forest. It may not be suitable for those without a head for heights as it is quite high in the tree tops as its name would suggest.

The Greenstone factory in Hokitika is worth a visit. Jade or Pounamu are other names for Greenstone and in the factory in the centre of town you are able to purchase some finely crafted jewellery made from Jade.

Right in the centre of town is the National Kiwi Centre where you can see New Zealand’s national bird, the Kiwi and also the tuatara.

As is the case all over New Zealand in towns that cater for tourists, there is a large selection of cafes to choose from and if you would like access to the internet, you can do that at the public library during their opening hours or make use of the free WIFI around various places in the town.

So there you have it. A little bit about Hokitika and if you want to find out further information just ask at any information centre in New Zealand or do a Google search.

Not all foods are good for the stomach. When the stomach is suffering from ulcers, it is but wise to know what are the good and bad foods for stomach ulcers.

Ulcers are sores in the lining of the digestive tract. Types of ulcers are identified where they occur. Doudenal ulcers are ulcers in the duodenum. Ulcers in the stomach are known as gastric ulcers and ulcers in the esophagus are called esophageal ulcers.

What Causes Stomach Ulcers

There are various causes for stomach ulcers to occur but all are linked to food and proper hygiene. Before, most doctors believed that ulcers are mainly caused by stress and by eating too much acidic foods. But that all changed after a laboratory experiment discovered that a bacteria called H. pylori causes the infection in the digestive tract forming sores. Acidic foods and gastric juices can only aggravate the sores by burning the digestive tract walls.

Ulcers in the stomach are also caused by some anti-inflammatory medicines. These medications are what doctors usually give to patients with arthritis. These can be corrosive to the stomach lining, so if taken for a prolonged period of time, can increase the risk for ulcers. Naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin are some of the known anti-inflammatory medicines that may trigger stomach ulcers.

How to Treat Ulcers

As mentioned earlier, stomach ulcers are mainly caused by an infection. So the primary recommendation that your doctor will give you will be to treat the sores by killing the bacteria first. This medication will last for 2 to 3 weeks or until there’s no more trace of the bacteria in your stool. However, this treatment may not always be effective for people suffering from other diseases like diabetes and arthritis.

So to avoid any complication, why not treat stomach ulcers naturally?

The Bad Foods

Obviously, you wouldn’t want to experience its symptoms. You don’t want to feel the pain and see blood in your stool. Hence, you must avoid acidic foods that may trigger these symptoms. Alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods and high intake of sodium (or salt) can all contribute to this ailment. The first three increase the production of acids in the stomach while sodium can irritate its walls.

Sodium is not only contained in salt but most medicines and vitamin supplements contain sodium at a level unnecessary for our bodies. If you are taking some other medications, you must drink lots of fluids, especially pure water to help eliminate excessive sodium fast.

The Good Foods for Stomach Ulcers

Adding oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and halibut in your diet is very effective in treating ulcers naturally. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high levels in oily fish, and studies show that Omega-3 increases the production of prostaglandins, a compound known to protect the walls of the digestive tract.

Antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables also help lower the risk of developing ulcers by protecting the lining of the stomach. They also help relieve symptoms when ulcers are already present. Dieticians recommend bananas, kiwi, apricots, raw cabbage juice, carrots and bell peppers.

Other good foods for stomach ulcers are almonds, whole grains, wheatgerm, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. These foods are good sources of amino acids, the building block of proteins which are proven to help repair damaged portions of the stomach lining.

The word “mucusless,” or mucus-free, refers to foods that are not pus or mucus-forming inside the human body. Such foods digest without leaving behind a thick, viscous, slimy substance called mucus in the gastrointestinal tract. These foods include all kinds of fat-free, and starchless, fruits and vegetables. The term was coined in the early 1900s by dietitian and healer Prof. Arnold Ehret in his book the Mucusless Diet Healing System. The Mucusless Diet consists of all kinds of raw and cooked fruits, starchless vegetables, and cooked or raw, mostly green-leaf vegetables. The Mucusless Diet as a Healing System is a combination of individually advised long and short-term fasts, menus that progressively change to non-mucus-forming raw foods, and other therepies such as sun-bathing, exercise, colon irrigation, etc. Ehret observes that the accumulation of uneliminated waste materials by eating pus, mucus, and acid-forming foods, is the foundation of human illness.

The following list is certainly not exhaustive, but these are some of the most common mucusless (mucus-free) foods. Eating more of these foods in the right combinations is an important part of transitioning toward a mucus-free diet.

ACID-BINDING, NON-MUCUS-FORMING, OR MUCUSLESS

(MUCUS-FREE) FOODS

GREEN LEAF VEGETABLES (MUCUSLESS)

• Arugula
• Bok Choi
• Cabbage
• Collard
• Dandelion Leaf
• Kale
• Leafy Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, Rosemary, Thyme, etc.)
• Lettuce (Green, Red, Romaine, Boston Bibb, Iceberg)
• Mustard
• Spinach
• Swiss chard
• Turnip
• Watercress

RAW VEGETABLES/ROOT, STEM, FRUIT (ALL OR RELATIVELY STARCHLESS/MUCUSLESS)

• Asparagus
• Black Radish, with skin
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Dandelion
• Dill
• Endives
• Green Onions
• Horse Radish, with skin
• Leeks
• Onions (mildly acidic but okay on the transition diet)
• Peppers (Green, Red, Yellow, or Orange)
• Red Beets
• Red Cabbage
• Rhubarb
• Sea Vegetables
• Sprouts (Alfalfa, Brassica, Green-Leaf, Radish)
• Sugar Beets
• Tomatoes
• Young Radish
• Zucchini

BAKED VEGETABLES ROOT, STEM, FRUIT (ALL OR RELATIVELY STARCHLESS/MUCUSLESS)

• Acorn Squash (Baked)
• Asparagus
• Broccoli (Baked or Steamed)
• Brussels Sprouts (Steamed)
• Butternut Squash (Baked)
• Carrots (Steamed)
• Cauliflower (Steamed or Baked)
• Green Peas (Steamed)
• Peppers (Green, Red, Yellow, or Orange)
• Peppers (Green, Red, Yellow, or Orange)
• Pumpkins (Baked or Steamed)
• Spaghetti Squash (Baked)
• Sweet Potato (Baked)
• Zucchini (Steamed or Baked)

RIPE FRUITS (MUCUSLESS)

• Apples
• Apricots
• Banana
• Black Cherries
• Blackberries
• Blood Orange
• Cantaloupe
• Cherries
• Grapefruit
• Grapes
• Honeybell Tangelos
• Honeydew
• Lemons
• Mandarin
• Mangos
• Nectarine
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Plums
• Pomegranates
• Prunes
• Raisins
• Raspberries
• Sour Cherries
• Strawberries
• Sweet Cherries
• Sweet Cherries
• Tangerines
• Tangerines
• Watermelon

DRIED OR BAKED FRUITS (MUCUSLESS)

• Apples
• Apricots
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Cranberries
• Currants
• Currants, (Dried)
• Dates
• Dates, (Dried)
• Figs
• Figs (Dried)
• Grapes/raisins
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Peaches
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Plums/prunes
• Strawberries

100% FRUIT JELLIES, SYRUPS, AND HONEY

• Agave Nectar
• Fruit Jellies (no sugar added)
• Maple Syrup (100%, no preservatives)
• Molasses (no preservatives)
• Honey (bee)

The Transition Diet

It is very important that people learn how to transition from the most harmful mucus-forming foods to the ones that leave behind the least amount of waste. Many people mistakenly believe that Ehret’s work is inherently, or only, raw-foodism or fruitarianism. Yet Ehret emphasizes moving away from all mucus-forming foods above all else. Although the highest levels of the Mucusless Diet are raw mucus-free foods, Ehret advocates using cooked mucusless foods, and even some mildly mucus-forming items, when necessary during the Transition Diet. To learn more about this transitional process, check out Arnold Ehret’s Mucusless Diet Healing System: Annotated, Revised, and Edited by Prof. Spira.

Did you know it is recommended to intake a minimum of 3,000 ORAC units a day in order to benefit from the healing powder of antioxidants? Do you even know what an ORAC unit is? It may sound like something from a science fiction movie, but ORAC is actually a rating that determines certain values in the foods we eat, that we may enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, and rates foods according to their antioxidant content. When the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore developed this scale, it was revealed that a number of foods are especially high in antioxidants. Tropical fruits, like acai and wolfberry, for example, are especially high in antioxidant value. To enjoy fruits and vegetables ranked high on this scale can improve your body’s ability to fight free radicals that cause the weakness and damage associated with aging.

More recently the USDA published an updated ORAC list of 100 foods, a sample of which you will find below. Many of these are everyday foods, enjoyed in a variety of ways. Some of the more exotic fruits and vegetables may be found in organic or gourmet grocery stores. These foods are listed by their respective ORAC numbers, one ORAC Unit per three ounces.

• Açai – 18,500
• Prunes – 5,770
• Pomegranates – 3,307
• Raisins/Dark Grapes – 2,830
• Blueberries – 2,400
• Blackberries – 2,036
• Cranberries – 1,750
• Strawberries – 1,540
• Noni – 1,506
• Raspberries – 1,220
• Plums – 949
• Oranges – 750
• Red Grapes – 739
• Cherries – 670
• Kiwi Fruit – 610
• Grapefruit, pink – 483
• Grapes, White – 460
• Banana – 210
• Apple – 207
• Apricot – 175
• Peach – 170
• Pear – 110
• Watermelon – 100
• Honeydew Melon – 97

For improved immunity and vitality, consider adding a few fruits rich in antioxidants to your diet. The flavor is only part of the benefit, and your body will thank you later, for a long time.

Fruit can make a great addition to a healthy diet, but too much fruit, or consuming too many fruits very high in sugar can be problematic for those who have Type 2 diabetes. However, the good news is there are plenty of delicious low-sugar and high fiber fruits you can add to your diet that will not necessarily spike your blood sugar levels, especially when paired with a healthy fat like nuts, or a half of sliced avocado.

Let us take a look at five of the best fruits you can add to your diet to help support your overall health…

1. Raspberries. Raspberries are not only delicious, but they are also lower in sugar than some other fruit choices, and they are packed full of fiber to help stabilize blood sugar levels. In just one cup of raspberries, you will pack in about eight grams of fiber. Try adding some raspberries on top of a bowl of oatmeal, or blended into a smoothie.

2. Pears. Pears make another excellent fruit option as they contain six grams of fiber per pear and they are on the lower end when it comes to sugar content. If you are craving something sweet, you can try baking a few pears and sprinkling them with ground cinnamon for a healthy and guilt-free dessert choice.

3. Apples. An apple a day keeps the doctor away: this is a favorite fruit among many and makes for such an easy snack choice. The trick is to enjoy the apple with the skin to get the added fiber boost. You will take in about four grams of fiber per apple. Try enjoying a sliced apple with almond butter for a healthy snack.

4. Kiwi fruit. This tropical fruit is a tasty way to get some added fiber. In just one small kiwi, you will get about two grams of fiber. When paired with other high-fiber foods like nuts, seeds, or oats, you can make a super filling and blood sugar balancing meal.

5. Cherries. In one cup of cherries, you can pack in about two and a half grams of fiber! You can make a delicious cherry smoothie with full-fat unsweetened coconut or almond milk, a tablespoon of flaxseed, and a scoop of collagen protein powder.

Don’t think fruits are off the table if you have Type 2 diabetes. While fruits are high in sugar, these five options can be enjoyed in moderation and can make a great addition to a healthy diet due to their fiber and antioxidant content. Try enjoying these fruits as part of a healthy diet, and pair them with a healthy fat to help slow the absorption of sugar.

If you are planning to travel overseas on your ‘OE’, you will most likely be sticking to a budget. A good way to save money on accommodation is to invest in a backpacking tent and pay the comparatively cheaper fee of booking a campsite, rather than motel or hotel rooms.

You will want a tent that supplies you with all the protection, space and features you need, without taking up all your carrying space or weighing you down, preventing you from travelling light.

Thankfully, with today’s technology, it’s relatively easy to find fabrics that are both strong and feather light, providing solid protection from the elements, without the negative attributes often associated with older styles of backpacking tents. There are several things you need to consider before making a purchase. The size and weight are of course major factors for anyone planning to carry it around with them, as you visit several countries over the space of a number of weeks, jumping aboard buses, trains and ferries.

If you only plan to use your tent for sleeping, then small is best. A tunnel type tent has little room inside it for anything but you and your sleeping bag. This is great for those individuals travelling solo, who want a small and compact backpacking tent. However, if you are travelling with a friend or partner, you are better suited to a dome style backpacking tent that gives you a little more room.

It’s a good idea to find backpacking tents that have enough room for both you and your backpack. While you may be tempted to leave it outside, this is only a good idea if it is going to be safe from theft or animals during the night. You certainly don’t want to risk having your clothing and possessions stolen while in a foreign country.

When taking weight into consideration, make sure you select a backpacking tent model that has aluminum instead of steel, as this is easier to pack up and carry. Even one kilo more can feel like a lot if you’re walking during the day with it on your back.

The most important feature is how easy it is to put up and then pack away again. You may also look at windows, or pockets that you can store things in during the night such as your mobile phone, passport and wallet.

Take your time selecting the right backpacking tent, it’s going to be your home while travelling overseas, so it’s a good idea to choose the best one.