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Xylitol and Stevia are two natural sweeteners. Not to be confused with chemical sweeteners, Stevia is the Latin name for Sweet Leaf, a small herb whose leaves are exceptionally sweet. These leaves are dried and powdered and can be found sold in small packets, or in liquid form in flavors like vanilla cream and apricot. Unlike sugar, it does not cause your blood sugar to rise at all, meaning that it doesn’t cause weight gain and is safe for diabetics. It is much sweeter than sugar. Xylitol is what is known as a sugar alcohol. It is sold as a crystalline powder, making it ideal for baking due to its similar consistency to sugar. Xylitol does elevate blood sugar somewhat, but not nearly as much as table sugar. And, xylitol also helps prevent cavities instead of causing them, and it also helps prevent ear and respiratory infections, and is therefore used in nasal sprays and gums.

Conversions:
1 cup sugar = 1/8 cup Stevia = 5/8 cup Xylitol

Sugar is the likely the most damaging food one can eat, and not just for your weight. Fortunately, small changes can make a big difference. In addition to helping your waistline, by cutting down on the sugar, you’ll also be helping your brain, joints, and bones! Your whole body benefits when you shed the sugar.

Adding protein, fiber, and fat to your breakfast or that of your children balances out the carbohydrates found in most American breakfasts. Add nuts, seeds, and fruit to your whole-grain breakfast cereal, and stay away from flavored oatmeal. It is packed with sugar. Eat omega-3 rich eggs to boost your protein in the morning. Nut butters on apples or bananas are a quick and nutritious start for your day. Even try non-traditional breakfasts, such as chicken salad, egg salad, or dinner leftovers.

As the weather warms up, local residents are taking advantage of the beautiful weather. However, the winter hibernation has not been good for keeping our muscles ready for the spring. Follow these easy suggestions to get the most out of your weekends.
Prevention
Here are some simple tools to help viagra sample you stay safe this season.
1. Lift with your legs, not your back.
2. Keep your posture picture perfect:
3. Avoid slouching—this itself is stretching, just in the wrong direction. A good rule of thumb is that if you look good doing it, you’re more likely to be doing it correctly, whether it be sitting or moving. At the gym, see how your yoga posture looks in the mirror, or how your weightlifting stance is.
4, Always support your back by using your abdominal muscles. Did you know that in most sports, the ab muscles are actually the first to contract? From throwing a baseball to shoveling mulch, keeping these muscles engaged can help ensure that your posture is helping you prevent injuries.

Ahh, the outdoors. Many of us are spending more time outdoors now, only to be bombarded with pollen, grasses, and other triggers. Other than avoidance, there are some steps you can take to maximize your time outside. Simply drinking water allows the nose to dissolve the pollen in nasal secretions (water) and eliminate it. So be sure to hydrate before you go outside to stay ahead of your allergies, and ahead of the game.

Men, get out your forks! It has been shown that taking just 1,000mg of Vitamin C increases sperm motility by 140%! Now that’s a reason to eat your oranges. Other nutrients, like zinc and Vitamin E also play a role in providing nutrition to sperm, and ensuring their ability to develop and swim normally. We have mentioned these nutrients that are specifically beneficial to male health. However, if you are not absorbing what you eat through your gut, you are not getting the benefits. It is for this reason that naturopathic doctors will help insure that your gut is healthy so you can absorb all the nutrients you need.