The B vitamins are very good for nerves and act at the source
of this problem. This was recommended to me by a hospital
administrator and lifelong health proffessional as well as being
a common recommendation in general. And B vitamins have a few other
beneficial affects. For one it is known do decrease the desire to smoke.
It also acts on nerves to work more efficiently with increased transmission
hence the need for a lower level of stimulus. Like the old saying of
vitamin B enhancing your buzz from certain drugs this same effect can be
used to lessen the need for certain substances. It`s probably my favorite
vitamin next to C for it`s anti-oxidant and immune building properties.

And on the subject of vitamins and supplements there are a plethora
of health drinks, bars and touted enhancers, many not fully tested that
have some apparent benefits though some of the compounds are
derived from the same sources as ephedrine and other stimulants
which can have negative effects on some people. Generaly it is best
to go with the purest products with natural and more well known
ingredients than to risk harm to your health.

This brings us to diet. Like a vehicle our performance relies alot on
what we burn as fuel. Again when possible the most pure and natural things
generally burn much cleaner. One of the most important and probably most
overlooked essentials is the need for water. We`ve all heard 8 glasses a day
for good health. Give or take a few for individual weight variances you
could say that`s about right. It`s a fact that in this country most of us
suffer from chronic dehydration to some degree. This process is only
compounded by our penchant for alcohol, caffeinated drinks and ones high
in sugar. Caffeine found in coffee tea and sodas is a known diuretic.
This means that it increases urinary discharge resulting in loss of excess
fluids. And the body needs water to process sugars depleting reserves.
And true caffeine brings you up. But there is also a crash afterward.

If you really need a reason to drink more water or would just like
more information on the subject I suggest you give a look at
The Water Cure. There are several
articles here especially the one on "Water and Salt". I`m sure you are
capable of resisting the advertising there despite which there is some
very interesting reading to be had.

As for food we all have different traditions and habits, likes and dislikes.
Unfortunately fast food has gone worldwide and the sales push is on
to hook You! But there are some basics that just being conscious of
can benefit you even if just a little bit. Start to identify how different
foods affect your mood and performance. It`s amazing how people
can go through their whole lives and never make the connection.
Food should energize you not bog you down and make you feel like
going to sleep. We are all familiar with the feeling of just having
eaten a big turkey dinner or other large feast.

Don`t get me wrong I love my meat but I don`t think twice to have
vegetarian days. And big meals are not all they are cracked up to be.
It`s much better for your body to consume several smaller meals
throughout the day and often enables us to include more of a variety
in our diet. Dairy products are another culprit in giving one the "slows".
Lactose intolerance aside milk does`nt coat your stomach. Your stomach
coats itself to protect it from the lactic acid to begin with. And generally
they are all just slow to digest. Yes even chunky monkey ice cream!

Yes it`s not easy with these days finding time and having the convenience
to always be eating right. But the more you can know and begin to understand
the easier it becomes to make little changes for the better. Everyone is
different and will require variations in regemine but even finding a new
vegetable you can tolerate is a positive step. And ask any Italian and they
can show you at least a hundred meals that can be prepared as fast as
macaroni can boil!

There are also many power foods though not readily available in all parts
of the world let alone all parts of the US. Many are relegated to the obscure
aisles of small town healthfood stores. These foods are used to provide
the most basic and complete forms of nutrition without the bulk of everyday
foods. Things such as raw almonds and other nuts for protein as well as
soy protein which is a very pure and potent food source. Algae such as
spirulina micro algae and the blue green varieties are very clean
complete fuel for the body. Things like this blend well into fruit smoothies,
and shakes. Things like this can give high targeted nutrition without the bulk.

And now for some of the so called secrets of performance when
the need is great. During my hardcore days of recording album projects
for the major labels we had a few goodies that were regular secrets of ours
to help aid staving off fatigue, ailments and lack of concentration and focus.
No not cocaine! That was just before my time. But...Wheat grass juiced is
a great way to get jacked and get some nutrition in the process. Young
wheat shoots loaded with natural power! Two more are liquid chlorophyl and
liquid oxygen. Both applied by dropper. The oxygen taken on the tongue
and the chlorophyl mixed in your favorite juice or beverage. Smokers be
careful with the liquid oxygen. Being use to lower amounts of oxygen
will give you rush!

Here is one of my favorite elixirs which dating back centuries called kombucha.
Kombucha is a fermented tea. Usually black or green tea on which
is cultured a certain yeast and bacteria colony that enriches the process.
It is usually served chilled like iced tea and has a slight vinegary flavor
similar to hard apple cider. Kombucha is a powerful detoxifier. It is also
best to start consumption gradually. Secret of the stars indeed! Here is a
link for more information! The Kombucha Center Not only does it detoxify
but it gives a great boost of energy and clarity, balances nutrition
and has some healing properties.

And lastly we come to sleep. What`s that you say? You know that annoying
condition that causes you to type with your forehead! Yes that sleep! Well
the fact is we need it and there is nothing we can do about it. We can only
do our best to get enough to sustain us. And in times of shortage try and
remember some of these things mentioned above. Also meditation can be a
useful tool. Contemplate, visualize and reinvigorate! Or just a five or
ten minute session of sensory depravation. A quiet dark place to sit or
lie down and absorb nothingness from which everything else originates.

I am not a physician nor a dietician but merely aquired some knowledge that
I like to pass along. As I said every individual responds uniquely and has
different requirements. As with anything you should be cautious and aware of
any allergies or problems you may have with foods and supplements. Perhaps
one or more of these things you can benefit from or maybe just
another reminder to take five!