My Private Doctor

Green Tea and its Antioxidising Benefits

2008-01-17T22:19:00.000+07:00

Antioxidant benefits of drinking green tea

Oxygen is one of the essential elements that are necessary for all members who belong to the animal kingdom. Oxygen is an element which is present in the air and is responsible for triggering the burning of fat and glucose to provide the organization needed for its energy supply and heat. However, it may be essential, oxygen, unfortunately, also has some effects that are negative.

During the oxidation process, free radicals, which are highly reactive by-products are produced. When other molecules interact with free radicals themselves be transformed into free radicals and their normal functioning is disturbed. Eventually, this could lead to tissue damage and cell mass destruction. It could even lead to the incidence of degenerative diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, artherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease and heart disease.

Fortunately for us, the human body is naturally equipped with defenses that work to prevent the harmful effects of free radicals, these compounds. Antioxidants are chemicals that occur naturally in vegetables and fruits. These antioxidants, free radicals track and act on them. This creates free radicals to neutralize and their judgments rampage and the damage they do to the body healthy cells, thus preventing or reducing the incidence of the disease.

Antioxidant effects of plants

Camellia sinensis is one of the many plants that are known to contain a high level of disease control antioxidants. This plant is sometimes called the tea plant. Households served Chinese tea as a healthy drink for hundreds of years to promote general well-being and good health. Green tea, especially, is very popular because of the many outstanding health benefits it provides.

Green tea is very popular in Japan, India. In Thailand and China where people have been drinking for years. Green tea has been used as one of many ingredients in traditional Indian and Chinese medicines. Green tea is used in medicine as:
Stimulant *
* Astringent it helps to heal the wounds and also controls bleeding
* Diuretic-promotes urinary excretion
* Agent improves heart health.

The benefits of green tea are believed to be largely due to the polycatechins that are present in it. These polycatechins have very powerful and very effective antioxidant effects. Other polycatechins that there are many other ingredients that contribute to the antioxidant properties of green tea.

The antioxidant properties of green tea

The antioxidant properties and the effects of green tea are due to the presence of powerful polyphenolic antioxidants, also known as catechins. Other substances that give green tea its antioxidant properties of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and tannin. The green tea also has potent neuro-protective, anti-cancer, anti-microbial and cardio-protective. Epigallocatechin gallate, which is particularly bioactive catechin, has been identified by many scientists as particularly important because its antioxidant effects have been associated with cancer prevention.

Six Pack Abs - 3 Mistakes to Avoid at All Cost

2008-01-13T06:48:00.000+07:00

If you are working to develop six pack abs then you must be aware of the three largest errors described in this article and to avoid at all costs!

First, you must understand the difference between getting six pack abs and simply lose body fat. Putting six pack abs is all for having a very low level of body fat. For males, which corresponds to 8% for women and nearly 15%. Training and eat the body fat to get this low level is very different from someone who starts a just and wants to lose 20-30lbs.

If you just try to lose a lot of weight, and small changes in your diet can help you make a lot of progress very fast. For example, if you were to drink only water, unsweetened iced tea, and green tea, then you will not be consuming any calorie beverages. For someone who wants to lose weight, a small change like this can make a big difference.

For someone who wants to get six pack abs, the process is much more detailed. Here are two mistakes that most people make when trying to develop six pack abs.

Six Pack Abs Error # 1: They try to do too many crunches and ab exercises.

While crunches and other exercises from help to build a more solid basis, they will not help you come to a low level of body fat. Trying to use endless rehearsals ab exercises is simply not build enough muscle in your body or work hard enough to burn significant calories.

The myth of the "spot" where reduction is a lot of people to catch up. The concept of spot reduction basically states that if you want to lose fat in a certain part of your body, you need to work the muscle underneath. Our bodies do not store any fat in the same place, therefore you can not lose fat in one place either.

I guarantee you will never see someone with a six pack abs at the front and soft around the rest of their midsection. If the reduction is actually worked up what would happen. In the real world, however, it must focus on the loss of body fat in order to develop six pack abs.

Six Pack Abs Mistake # 2: Try to use from advertising gimmicks

When you see an advertisement for a "miracle" ab piece of equipment, the people who use them generally have a lot of body fat low, and a large package of six. But I can guarantee one thing they had not achieved this way of using one piece of equipment abdominal exercise.

As we talked with many crunches why not help you get six pack abs, the same holds true for any ab crunch machine, or anything else you see in an ad.

All of this goes back to the misconception that working with great abs exercises will directly lead to a six pack. All persons who have obtained the best abs them in exercising their whole body and adhere to a very strict diet. Not using ab crunch some gadget for "two easy payments of $ 29.95." Six Pack Abs Error # 3: Eating too many calories.

Sounds too simplistic, is not it?

This is one of the most important basic concepts that is essential for understanding how to lose body fat and develop six pack abs. So many people are trying to eat healthy and still have trouble losing weight. Sometimes they think they have something physically wrong with them and their bodies simply can not lose weight.

Before you fall into this trap and start looking for "miracle" cure, you should know that you can not lose body fat is simply a matter of taking too many calories. If you try to keep a food diary for a week and counting calories than you consume, you will be surprised at the insight, it gives you.

Even if you eat 400 extra calories per day since little here and there, snacks (which is not difficult at all), you will be taking an extra 2800 calories per week. For some people, taking an extra 500-1000 calories per day could easily come from foods that are very dense in calories but not to help you feel full. These foods include bagels, donuts, muffins, chips, soda, all kinds of fast food, and more.

So before you think that getting six pack abs or simply lose body fat is impossible for you, try to take a few days to really monitor what you eat. You will be surprised to find that weight loss can really be as simple as cutting food of small dense calories from your diet.

A wise man once said that having six pack abs sexy feels better than the best tasting food in the world. Remember this concept and begin to act now. Good luck!

Alternate Work Schedule Sleep Disorder: What Can You Do About It

2008-01-13T06:41:00.002+07:00

Alternate work schedule sleep disorder is a type of sleep disorder which affects people with shift work or work at night. The work schedule of these people go against their body natural Circadian rhythm. This is especially common for people who work non-traditional hours between 10.00pm to 6.00am.

Two of the common symptoms of alternate work schedule sleep disorder are disruption of sleep and excessive sleepiness. Other symptoms include difficulty in concentrating, headaches and lack of energy. This type of sleep disorder can bring adverse consequences such as increased auto or work accidents, increased work related errors, and bad health.

If you are a shift worker, there is not much choice but to deal with this disorder. You have to make sleep the top priority. Prepare mentally and physically for sleep during the day. If it helps, wear sunglasses on your way home from work from night shift work to avoid activating the body internal day clock. Set a bedtime ritual and follow it. Rituals such as taking a soothing warm bath, drinking soothing herbal tea or listening to relaxing music helps to relax your mind and prepare your body for sleep. Keep a regular sleep schedule and try to sleep at the same time every night. It is recommended to sleep as soon as possible after work.

Get the support of family members to minimize noise and activities. Get them to wear headphones while listening to music or watching television. Avoid house chores such as vacuuming, using the washing machine during your sleep time. Take the phone off the hook and switch off your cell phone or door bell. Put heavy blinds in your room to block off day light as much as possible.

As the effects of alternate work schedule sleep disorder can be serious, you should try your best to minimize these effects. Here are some tips how to do that:

*Do not work night shift for more than 3 to 5 shifts in a row. Generally night shift workers sleep less than day shift workers, thus they can become progressively sleep deprived over several days.

*Avoid extended working hours such as prolonged shift and overtime.

*Avoid long commutes if possible as this takes time away from sleeping.

*Do not rotate shifts for more than once a week as it is easier to get adjusted to same shifts then different shifts.

*Arrange a regular sleep schedule and avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

Beside these lifestyle changes, there are some natural sleep disorder remedies which will help you sleep better. Visit Sleep Disorder Treatments to find out more options on what you can do to overcome alternate work schedule sleep disorder.

Genetic Hair Loss

2008-01-13T06:41:00.001+07:00

Hair loss is the most dreaded problem among humans as it directly affects the person’s outlook. Hair loss can be caused by a number of things like using harsh chemical soaps, shampoos, gels, stress or imbalanced diet. Certain illness can also cause hair. These are all causes in hair loss but the most common type of hair loss that affects approximately 95% men and 70% women is known as hereditary hair loss also known as Genetic hair loss. Genetic hair loss is more commonly observed among males than females and usually starts at the age of 30. The reason for this is that this type of hair loss depends on the extent to which the male hormone testosterone is converted in the scalp to another hormone dihydroxytestosterone. Although genetic hair loss takes place usually after the age of 30 in many cases but in some cases it starts to happen as early as your late teens. Genetic hair loss comes usually from the mother’s side of the family.

Genetic hair loss occurs due to the shortening of the hair's growth cycle, this in turn makes the hair thinner and shorter, and a time comes when the growth stalls completely. It is also responsible for developing bald patches and interacts with the hair follicles. The hereditary hair loss has a very predictable pattern, which is often followed from generation to generation so you can predict by seeing your father and his father how you will go. By the time men reach 50 years of age 50% of the men become bald. In case of men hair loss usually occurs on the crown or the top of the head starting with a receding hairline and leaving healthy hair on the back and sides of the head.

Through certain preventive measure people can slow down the process of baldness. These include using products that make the hair healthy and avoid certain things that damage hair and make them weak, as weak hair fall of easily.

Different Sleep Aid Medications

2008-01-13T06:39:00.002+07:00

Patients having difficulty sleeping will often resort to a number of possible remedies that are available on the market today. Believe it or not, they aren’t always content with the traditional “counting of sheep” method! In order to easily doze off to sleep, it often requires much more than just an imaginary fence and a flock of sheep. Patients try different medical options that can help them to feel drowsier and eventually fall into that wonderful, peaceful rest they so desire.

There are many treatments and medications available today. Often patients use white noise devices or sleep pillows as an initial solution to their problem. If this doesn’t work, they will usually move to a more serious treatment. Among the more popular medications are the sleep drugs. Sleep drugs are especially successful in helping people who are having an especially hard time making themselves sleep. They use the drugs for only a short time in order to “re-train” their body clock into a normal schedule of sleep. Then, when they have caught up on their rest, they try to transition into a natural method. Over the counter sleep drugs are being used by many people who have an especially tough time sleeping. It is important, however, not to become dependant on these drugs. An FDA warning on sleep drug risks is very alarming as it shows that many people become dependant upon these drugs if they aren’t careful.

Medications for curing sleep problems are of two classes; benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepine are usually used for treatment of insomnia but can also be used for other sleep disorders such as in the case of the drugs Dolmane, Ativar, Restoril, Doral, Xanax, Halcion and Prosom. These types of medication are only to be taken for a short period of time. Continuous usage will very likely cause dependence and addiction to the product. Other side effects include a terrible hangover!

Non-benzodiazepine medications are said to be safer and can cause less dependence. Examples of these are Ambien, Sonata and Lunesta. They help to reduce the struggle of falling asleep without increasing the risk of dependence. It is still important, however, that you don’t rely on these pills all the time. They may still have different side-effects and characteristics that may be harmful to your long-term health. Ambien is a sleeping pill which is an excellent aid to better sleep. It affects you later on in the night and helps you to sleep more soundly. Sonata is also a good medication used by people who have difficulty dozing off. Finally, Lunesta is approved by the FDA for patients who are not able to get any sound sleep and is also a lot safer than the Benzodiapines.

Compared to the Benzodiazepines, non-Benzodiapines allow a patient to have a worthwhile sleep and, at the same time, avoid a lot of the risk associated with the Benzodiapine medications. They also don’t cause hangovers for patients using them! There is less risk of dependence and addiction to the drug and less harmful side effects.

Aside from all these other typed of medication for sleep problems, there are still a few others which should be mentioned. Rozerem is another medication that is approved by the FDA. It targets the brain and controls the sleep-wake cycle of the body. Because it targets the person’s brain and is found to be safe for older adults, it has also become very popular. Still, this product is not for use by people with severe cases of sleep Apnea or hepatic impairment or by anyone sensitive to such medications. A number of other medications are benadryl, atarax, and zopiclone. A person can also use chloralhydrate-oral but the FDA warns individuals of its adverse effect on the body.

Always be informed about the warnings of each drug so that you will not go wrong in using any of them. Also, don’t overuse any drug! Anything taken over its recommended dosage is not good. Sleep medications can be a great benefit to those suffering from the many disorders out there today. Still, always remember that an overdose of any drug can pose more danger to one’s health and should be properly prescribed by a doctor.

Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plans – What Are The Key Ingredients?

2008-01-13T06:39:00.001+07:00

Healthy weight loss diet plans have a different focus than many of the commercial programs. Too many of the commercial programs compete to show who can have customers losing the most weight in the fastest time. Healthy weight loss diet plans only aim to give participants a better quality of life.

These plans focus on turning you on to a healthy lifestyle. The goal is to teach you this new lifestyle beginning with the moment you start the diet. And you never really go off the diet; you will only adjust it to your new weight. You learn a new diet – or healthy way of eating – for life!

One example of a "new" way of eating is a weight pyramid. At the base of the pyramid are the foods that you can eat without restriction. These include all kinds of fruits and vegetables. There is such a variety of these foods that you should never want for a new choice.

Next up on the weight pyramid are the carbohydrates and grains. Healthy weight loss diet plans will not leave these foods out. In fact, some good plans will allow 4-8 servings per day. An important detail is that the majority of these food choices are whole grains. Oh, the exact number of servings depends on your current weight, height, and fitness level.

Healthy weight loss diet plans also include at least 3 and up to 7 servings of protein and dairy. These include lean meats, chicken, and fish. Cold water fish is the best because it is full of Omega-3 oils which are healthy fats for your body.

Even fats and sweets should be accounted for. You might have a diet that allows you 3-5 servings of fat and 75 calories of sweets. Why? Because your body needs a small amount of fats. You won't stay on your diet for life if you know you can never eat sweets again.

A good plan will also offer sample menus. These give you an idea of what is meant by the requirements of the plan. They make it clear how to put together a meal out of the many choices available.

You'll do better with healthy weight loss diet plans if you learn about correct portions. Check to make certain whatever plan you choose is clear on portion sizes. For example, a medium apple might be the size of a tennis ball. A 3-ounce piece of meat might be the size of a deck of cards.

What's more, some plans even give instructions on how to figure servings on food you buy pre-packaged. Do you go by what the package says is a serving? Or do you go by a certain number of calories or carbohydrate grams? Healthy diet plans will tell you.

There's no quick fix for losing weight. You can't simply sit on the sofa and drop the weight you’ve been carrying. It takes effort to change behaviors you’ve spent a lifetime cultivating. However, healthy weight loss diet plans give you the tools and they make being in shape a life-long habit.

Save Money Eating Healthy The No Organic Way!

2008-01-13T06:38:00.000+07:00

1. Eliminate junk food - gawd! This was very hard at first!

Doing your shopping on your own is the easiest way to shop, as children and sometimes spouses are usually the ones requesting junk food. Gotta blame someone, right?

Shopping alone takes some discipline and, once you get the hang of it, will ensure that you only buy foods your body really needs for optimal health.

2. Buy and drink water or milk instead of soft drinks.

You can still enjoy your favorite drinks at a sporting event or night out, although you should cut the number you imbibe. When shopping, stick with the smallest size of that taboo drink, to save money and calories. And, don't buy the diet cola hype.

Read the label for ingredients and look for syrup content. That's where the fat devils are hiding.

Children and even adults need milk or milk products on a daily basis. Milk will also help you feel stronger, provide calcium for healthy bones and healthy teeth, and you'll sleep better. Calcium has relaxing qualities. Remember the advice - drink a warm glass of milk before bed?

3. Buy fruits in quantity.

When they are in season, buy fruits in quantity and freeze any extras. You can buy several pounds this way, and freeze extras to have them when the fruit goes out of season. Wash the fruit well, remove any spoiled pieces, dry thoroughly, then freeze in plastic zipper bags.

You can even buy apples in season and not freeze them. Just place in a plastic bag in the bottom drawer of the fridge. They will stay fresh for weeks on end. My wife does this and we have fresh apple pies all Winter.

4. Meats and beans are a super health source.

Meats and beans are the best sources for protein. Lean meat is more expensive than meats with a lot of fat but here's a tip: Buy the cheap stuff, fry the meat in a pan with some water in it so the fat floats. I like to season the meat while it's frying. The water floats off the excess seasoning. Then, scoop the meat onto a plate lined several paper towels thick to soak up the grease and you have your own version of low-fat meat.

Canned beans are always a great deal as well, as they give you protein at a great low price. Buy the cheapest store brand too. Likely they were canned by a name brand company anyway.

5. Use beans as a substitute in meals.

You should use beans a substitute for meat frequently. There are several varieties. Prepare them in a crock pot so, when you get home, they are ready to consume.

The USDA recommends eating beans at least 4 times per week. If you experience gas after eating beans you should try washing them, covering them with water, bringing the water to a boil, then draining it off and refilling the pot.

6. Cast your fishing line at the dock or at the market.

If you live in a coastal area or an area where fish abound, make that an integral part of your diet. You can catch them from the lakes or rivers, saving money in the process but don't overdo it. Mecury, you know? Once a week is good.

7. Peanut butter isn't just for kids.

Peanut butter is great for those on a budget. as it's popular with almost everyone. You can use it for sandwiches instead of eating hot dogs. It does need to be refrigerated. Bigger jars can last you for weeks.

One word of caution. Peanut butter contains some mold. If you are allergic, well, you probably already know it and already know to not overdo it. In Canada, candy bars no longer contain peanuts. Imagine that!

8. Water, water, and more water.

You should fill up with foods that have a high content of water. Watermelon, salads, and even sugar free gelatin are all great examples. Water is nature's elixir and a source of life to the body.

Eating healthy is a lifestyle you will not regret. You can eat healthy for just a few bucks, which makes it perfect for those of us on a budget.

Now, you know, you really don't need a lot of money to have the lifestyle and health you've always wanted.

How Would You Know You Have Candida?

2008-01-13T06:37:00.002+07:00

Unfortunately diagnosing Candida is not easy, because we all have it. A test to see if Candida is present tells the Doctor nothing, when it is out of control there are a number of non specific symptoms, which means that both you and your friend may have Candida Albicans, but both of you may have completely different symptoms. The symptoms that are experienced by a person with a Candidiasis condition are very similar to that of a person with gluten intolerance. Because our genetic makeup is different, we all react in a different way and that makes empirical testing difficult.

The following is a list of symptoms that may occur with Candidiasis it is not extensive and how many you suffer from depend on a number of factors such as, how many years you have had the Candida problem, and your own unique genetic makeup. The genes that you have inherited from your parents, defines your metabolic requirements, which in turn defines your personal nutritional requirements. This means that there can be no single diet or treatment for Candida Infections.

Because so many bacteria live in our bodies quite naturally they are all involved in a power struggle, the good bacteria versus the bad bacteria. When our immune systems are working correctly, the proliferation of Candida is held in check; however, if it has the slightest opportunity it will proliferate and result in a Candida overgrowth.

Below is a list of some of the symptoms that you may have:

Allergies
Anemia
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Asthma
Athlete’s foot,
Bloating,
Body aches,
Chronic sore throats,
Colitis,
Confusion
Dandruff,
Depressed immune
Depression
Drowsiness,
Ear aches,
Endometriosis,
Food cravings (sugar, sweets, bread, beer),
Gas,
Hay fever,
Headaches,
History of vaginal thrush and/or cystitis,
Hives,
Hyper-activity (mostly in children),
Insomnia
Lethargy,
Loss of libido
Mal-absorption,
Menstrual irregularities,
Mood swings,
Muscle spasms
Muscle weakness,
Diaper rash,
Nasal congestion,
Numbness / tingling
PMT,
Poor appetite
Poor memory
Rectal itching,
Reproductive problems
Skin complaints
Skin irritation,
Symptoms worse in damp and moldy conditions,
Trapped gas
Weight control problems.

It is understandable why being able to diagnose these symptoms to make a determination for Candidiasis is extremely difficult.

It is possible to eat, drink or inhale something to which your body shows an extreme sensitivity, your body may react immediately or at some later time. It is important to determine or to isolate what you are sensitive to so that you can confine that exposure to a minimum of occurrences.

Candidiasis was isolated in the seventies but not all doctors accept that it is a condition, and even if they do, they do not always agree on the method of treatment or the symptoms. There is no standard test. Candida overgrowth will show up in a stool test, but only if someone is testing for it. If you have had a negative stool test it cannot be assumed that you have a Candida overgrowth!

The following is an attempt to break down the stages that the disease may take.

Stage 1

Leaky gut syndrome.

The gastro intestinal tract has many diverse functions it digests food, converts it to energy then it uses specialized proteins to transport the vitamins and minerals from the lining of the gut into the bloodstream. The molecules in the digestive system called enzymes break the food into smaller compounds; the proteins become amino acids, the fats, fatty acids, and carbohydrates become simple sugars such as glucose. These compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream, to be transported to the cells. The gastro intestinal tract is also responsible for ridding the body of its toxic wastes. The gastro intestinal tract also contains immunoglobulin, which are types of protein that acts as antibodies and defend the body against infection.

When the body absorbs digested minerals the process of circulating it into the bloodstream is not simple, it has to have what is known as a carrier protein. Unfortunately, carrier proteins are specific, they only recognize one food or food group, and they grab either amino acids sugars or glucose and transport them across the intestinal wall. When the wall of the gut is swollen the carrier proteins are damaged, they cannot function, and this leads to food deficiencies.

The common stages of a leaky gut are:

• Lack of absorption of nutrients, which leads to bloating, diminished energy and possibly a feeling of lethargy.

• Normally when the gut is functioning correctly the food particles are broken down into small particles, with leaky gut they can be large and this creates a tendency for food intolerances and other symptoms.

• The liver becomes overburdened with a glut of toxins.

• The protective coating of immunoglobulin A is broken leaving the body vulnerable to yeast, viruses and bacteria. Once released from the gut and in the bloodstream they can affect other parts of the body. It is not unusual to suffer migraines, have muscle pains and a fuzzy brain.

• It can be the start of auto immune disease when the body attacks itself.

Once the Candida has access to the rest, of the body, it can disrupt the hormonal balance and it can cause:

Allergies
Asthma
Chronic tiredness
Cystitis
Ear infections
Fungal infections of the nails/skin e.g. athlete’s foot
Hay fever
Joint pains
Menstrual irregularities
PMT
Sensitivity to perfume, tobacco smoke and petrol
Sinusitis
Thrush
Weight gain or weight loss

Once this leaky gut has occurred the Candida cells have become invasive they penetrate other cells in order to feed. Once they invade the circulatory system they release their toxins and create a condition knows as Candida Related Complex (CRC) or Candidiasis which is a Candida Yeast Overgrowth.

Education Is Better Then Medication- Some Facts About Candida, Probiotics And The Gut

2008-01-13T06:37:00.001+07:00

Educate rather than medicate! It is obvious that no one diet or treatment suits all in the fight against Candida Albicans. The crucial element that applies to everyone is a healthy Gastrointestinal Tract, and our genetic makeup determines in part precisely how that functions. There are broad generalizations that can be made.

Antibiotics destroy friendly and non friendly gut bacteria, when this happens the bad overgrows and mutate into moles which can penetrate the intestinal wall and then is set free to become a systemic infection affecting the whole body. Replacing friendly bacteria, the acidophilus types of intestinal bacterium is crucial to the health of the gastro intestinal tract. While this is very important all the time it is most important during the die off period, when the Candida can thrive again in the empty pockets of the intestines.

Eating raw vegetables is good because raw foods have enzymes present which assist in the digestion of the food. These enzymes are often destroyed by cooking. When we do not digest food completely we fail to get all the nutrients out of that food. Plant based digestive enzymes in the stomach work whether our body is acid or alkaline the pH Balance is not critical, so our bodies find it easier to digest vegetables, once they reach the stomach the digestive process begins. On the other hand, animal based protein, fish or meat, do not begin to work until the stomach content has a pH balance of around pH 3, which means that it needs acid to be digested. Plants such as Echinacea, and thyme and marigold can build the immune system they do not cause the side effects of antibiotics.

The Immune system is the body’s natural protection agent. Without it, the body would not be able to defend itself against invading bacteria, viruses, toxins and microbes. Building the immune system is an important part of keeping a healthy body that can repel attacks naturally. Unfortunately, the immune system works silently, we cannot see it working and it is only when factors such as stress or illness affect it that we realize that all is not well.

Homeostasis is a biological condition, which means the inherent tendency in an organism toward the maintenance of physiological and psychological equilibrium. When the body cannot maintain a homeostatic state, unpleasant symptoms occur, these symptoms are the bodies “panic button”, it is saying it is out of synchronization. The body will make sure that all essential functions receive the maximum support, this means the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys as vital organism will get the bulk of all available nutrients. Non-essential bodily functions, which include skin replenishment, muscle tone, skin tone, hair replacement, and keeping the joints healthy becomes secondary functions. Although they are not life threatening the effects of them not being carried out can be seen externally very quickly.

All drugs, including drugs considered safe to be bought without prescription such as aspirin, have negative side effects to the body, as they all deplete nutrients. The body can also be aggravated by exposure to environmental pollutants and stress makes it all worse.

Probiotics contain live bacteria and prebiotics are nutrients designed to promote beneficial bacteria in the gastro intestinal tract. The European union have invested over €15 million, which in dollars is nearer $20,000 in trying to find out whether they have a scientific basis. Michael Blaut, head of microbiology at the German Institute of Human Nutrition in Potsdam has pioneered a lot of this research. He maintains that we know little of the ecosystem in the human gut, other than the fact, it is normal for it to have 1.2 kilograms, 2.4 pounds of bacteria.

Molecular biologist Joël Doré working with the French agricultural research agency (INRA) has found that the faecal matter of adults is quite different. Though his work is unpublished at the moment, it suggests that whilst the gut is capable of supporting thousands of different types of bacteria most people only cultivate about a hundred, partly because we all cultivate bacteria in different ways. Before we are born, our guts are sterile but we accumulate bacteria whilst being born from the vaginal passage and faecal bacteria of our mothers. By the time we are two we have ingested our complement of bacteria and that does not change much as we age. The good news is that this seems to thwart the invasion of new bacteria such as salmonella in the gut. Probiotics cannot permanently affect the contents of the gut; if they are to have any effect at all they must be ingested daily. Preliminary studies show that they can be effective for some people with some types of inflammatory bowel diseases, but not necessarily against a Candida infection.

One Finnish medical study that was conducted studied the effects on pregnant women of a daily dose of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and later the babies were to these women were given a daily dose for the first six months of their lives. The results were quite conclusive; the babies were less prone to eczema, which is one of the symptoms of Candida. Dr. Erika Isolauri conducted the survey and whilst the reason why the children were protected is not understood she has hypothesized that the probiotic shifted inflammatory factors in the gut.

There are some dietary guidelines for cleansing the body of Candida:

Eat different foods and rotate the food groups daily.
Eat high fibre foods such as chickpeas to absorb the toxins
Drink at least two litres of pure water daily.
Snack on raw veggies.
Make certain that your foods do not form any form of mold, store them correctly in airtight tubs in the refrigerator and eat them before they get moldy.

Your First Servings of a Nutritional Supplement

2008-01-13T06:36:00.001+07:00

This article provides some suggestions on taking your first serving of a nutritional supplement. It focuses on starting an Aloe-Vera and Sea Vegetable supplement but can be applied to starting a variety of liquid nutritional supplements. It shows you how to get the best and the most from every subsequent serving you take.

So, how much should you take as your first serving?

First, if you have not already done so, complete a Health Evaluation Questionnaire and determine your health index. Once you complete the questionnaire and have determined your health index, you will have an idea of the amount and frequency of a liquid nutritional supplement is best for you. If you simply taste the supplement to see if it is right for you, a serving of one to two ounces is adequate.

Some general guidelines about your first serving:

1. Gently shake the bottle of your nutritional supplement. This will mix the tiny bits of sea vegetable pulp with the aloe vera. You should shake the bottle before every serving.

2. For your first servings, use a measuring cup. We have a tendency to under or overestimate how much is one, two, four or eight ounces so using a measuring cup will allow us to reset our estimating process.

3. Use the same glass every time. Once you've measured out the specific amount that you want to consume, pour it into your favorite juice or wine glass. Note the amount from the measuring cup and how much that amount fills your favorite glass. Doing this for a few days will eliminate your need to use the measuring cup. Note that you do not need to worry about taking too much of a whole food product. It is like eating oranges or bananas. You're not at risk of overdosing with a whole food.

4. Take a small sip and hold the liquid nutritional supplement under your tongue. Wait about 10 seconds and repeat several times. Special cells under the tongue absorb nutrients directly into the bloodstream. You will almost be able to feel the supplement 'disappearing' under your tongue. It's actually being absorb by these special cells. The more quickly you body absorbs the supplement, the more likely your body needs it!

5. Store your open container of Aloe Vera and Sea Vegetable liquid nutritional supplement in the refrigerator. It's a whole food that has enzymes, amino acids, and other live nutrients. Keeping it refrigerated will ensure it maintains its potency. In addition to refrigerating a whole food, since it is a whole food the nutritional supplement can be taken on either an empty stomach or with meals. However, when first starting out, taking it on an empty stomach may cause some discomfort with those that have a stomach condition or any stomach toxicity. It could make your stomach feel queasy. If this occurs, you can reduce or eliminate the feeling by eating a little bit of food. The Aloe Vera in the supplement can also be used after a meal to aid digestion and ease any stomach upset or heartburn.

Before you drink your First Serving, take a moment to examine how you are feeling. Sense your energy levels, the degree of pain you may be experiencing, or how other symptoms may be bothering you at the moment. After taking your nutritional supplement (remember holding small sips under the tongue for maximum absorption), take another assessment of how you feel. Some people enjoy the benefits right away, others within a few days, and others over a period of a few weeks. The benefits depend on your body and the amount of toxins within it.

It is worth discussing toxicity for a moment. If you are concerned about heavy metals or toxicity (various elements within your body that have build up over time that your body should have eliminated but could not for a number of reasons) then you may be concerned that an Aloe Vera and Sea Vegetable combination may cause your body to detoxify too quickly, leaving you with an uncomfortable cleansing action. Aloe Vera by itself can have a laxative effect. Sea Vegetables on the other hand can cause constipation in some people. Combining the two into one liquid nutritional supplement may counterbalance these effects. However, you may still experience a bit of cleansing because of the heavy metals or toxins stored within your body. The remedy is simple. Cut your dose in half and add a little bit more each time you take your supplement until you reach your recommended dosage. The cleansing is a natural part of getting your body back to its most natural state. Not everyone experiences cleansing but for those that do, follow the guidelines and enjoy the benefits. It's important to continue taking the supplement so just cut back a bit, then add a little more each day.

Remember to take the Health Evaluation Questionnaire and determine your health index for the recommend amount of your nutritional supplement. Hold it under your tongue for maximum absorption and take it each day as recommended. The benefits to you of any nutritional supplement will come over time. Follow these guidelines and enjoy your Way to Wellness.

Home Remedies for Constipation – Constipation Relief Tips

2008-01-13T06:35:00.000+07:00

Irregularity amounts to constipation. Constipation is related to the digestive system. It is a condition that affects the individual by a hardening of feces, which experience biological difficulty in egesting. Extreme discomfort and outright pain is inflicted upon the afflicted. If not treated, in its early stages by home remedies for constipation bowel obstruction can develop. Dietary, hormonal, anatomical, side effects of medications, illnesses or disorder are the major causes of constipation.

Amid the process of considerations towards home remedies for constipation is for the ailing individual to initially identify the circumstances of their respective condition. Defining constipation is realized through the following determinations – inconsistent movement of the bowels, as in three or less fecal evacuations within a week; complications upon defecation, involving considerable straining or pushing, at a minimum of higher intensity of twenty-five percent, associated with a internal sensing of hardened stools; upon the process of defecation, an insufficient evacuation of the bowels. Hence, as the afflicted has ascertained the intensity of the constipation, a better judgment can be implored in a treatment within home remedies for constipation.

Detecting the cause of an individual's constipation is quite significant, in both alleviating and avoiding a reoccurrence of the condition within the digestive system. Such self-analysis will significantly aid in the choice of home remedies for constipation. The more common contributors to bouts of constipation include inadequate chewing of food; lack of ample ingest of fluids in creating dehydration; excessive mineral intakes of aluminum, calcium and iron; limited or decreased locomotion in physical activity; onset of hypothyroidism, in decreasing the actions of the thyroid glands; hypokalemia; injury to the anus and sphincter; prescriptions, to include codeine, loperamide, morphine, and particular antidepressants of a tricyclic composition; underlying illnesses; inherent and acute porphyria; unintentional poisoning through lead; suppressed defecation, clinically termed as dyschezia; intestinal or rectal constrictions, which impede the passage of feces; Strictures, clinically referred to as stenosis; diverticula, whereas certain food particles become trapped within various pockets of the digestive system; tissues involving the areas of the bowels in the development of tumors; a foreign matter of embodiment, termed as a bezoar; anxiety or unfamiliarity with environment, clinically referred to as psychosomatic constipation; irritable bowel syndrome, that is associated with constipation of a predominant circumstance, to include intense abdominal pain and discomfort; cessation of the smoking of tobacco; surgery to the abdomen; and childbirth. Some form of home remedies for constipation can aid all of the proceeding maladies.

For those individuals who are not presenting complex medical problems, though are suffering from constipation, can greatly benefit from a number of practical and dietary consumables as home remedies for constipation. In such proven argument against over-the-counter and non-prescribed usage of retail laxatives, as these forms of relief from constipation can lead to an issue, whereas the action of the chronically afflicted individual's bowels develop a co-dependency upon increased use of such formulations. Therefore, in normal case scenarios, home remedies for constipation are the options preferred by general consensus. Such forms of natural intervention, in the alleviation of constipation, include the afflicted individual's adequate intake of liquids, mainly good quality water, along with fibers from a dietary source. The fiber options are merely the inclusion of ample vegetables, fruits and whole grain breads, to incorporate a better balance in the daily diet, along with such considerations in supplementing the diet of the ailing with linseeds, all, to encourage the natural approach towardshome remedies for constipation.

Other approaches in the relieving of constipation, from an alternative and practical mode, which supports physical or mechanical home remedies for constipation include such supportive treatments as colonic irrigation; enemas of naturally-based composition; adequate exercise; diet budgeting, as to balance intake, as appropriate; and certain herbs.

Focusing on exercise as to one of the natural relievers in pursuit of home remedies for constipation, is, perhaps, more of a preventative measure towards the avoidance in the progressive development of undesirable constipation. Exercising, among home remedies for constipation can be tailored to suit any or most individuals' lifestyles to some level or degree.

In conclusion, barring other medical issues that may possibly contribute or complicate, where constipation is an issue, home remedies for constipation is among the optimal choices.

The Thyroid And Weight Control

2008-01-13T06:34:00.002+07:00

Thyroid hormone is probably the single strongest stimulator of the metabolism, and therefore sluggish thyroid function is almost always associated with stubborn weight problems. Although decreased thyroid function can be due to problems with the thyroid gland itself, in many cases other factors are actually to blame. Let's examine the whole thyroid hormone system so that you can better understand where things can go wrong and how thyroid function can often be improved with lifestyle changes.

The stimulation of metabolism actually begins in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus - the master hormone controller. The hypothalmus senses the need for more or less thyroid hormone production and when more is needed, it signals the pituitary gland to produce a hormone called TSH (you may have seen this hormone listed on a blood test for thyroid function). Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) does what it's name suggests - it stimulates the thyroid gland to produce the inactive T4 hormone. When the inactive T4 hormone levels increase, it is taken up by the liver and converted to the active form of thyroid hormone, known as T3. The T3 hormone then acts on receptor sites on the cells of the body and causes the cells to produce more mitochondria, which can be thought of a microscopic power plants inside the cells. The mitochondria create energy for the cells (which when combined from millions of cells creates energy for the body as a whole) by burning stored sugar and fat.

When something goes wrong in the thyroid system, the body does not burn fat and sugar as much, so there is a tendency for weight gain. Since energy production is down, fatigue often sets in. And because there is not sufficient energy for certain cellular functions, healing and tissue regeneration may be depressed - this is most commonly noticed as hair loss and brittle nails.

There are several possible reasons why the thyroid system might not work as well as it should. First, there may not be sufficient stimulation of the body to cause the hypothalamus to start the process. The primary stimulator of the thyroid system is exercise - primarily short bursts of intense exercise. In other words, for healthy thyroid function, it is more effective to do interval training in which you do repetetive bursts of intense activity with rest in between, than it is to do long periods of low-intensity exercise, but any form of exercise is helpful.

Another possible problem is that the thyroid gland itself might be damaged, either by infection, or possibly by radiation exposure (either accidental exposure or intentional radiation of the thyroid for cancer treatment). In the case of actual thyroid damage, some type of thyroid medication will usually be necessary to compensate.

Yet another possible problem in the thyroid system is poor conversion of the inactive T4 hormone to the active T3 hormone by the liver. This typically occurs with poor lifestyle - excessive alcohol and/or drug use, and/or bad diet (especially a diet high in fats and animal proteins). The functioning of the liver can usually be greatly enhanced through dietary approaches, and improved liver function will translate to more efficient activation of thyroid hormone.

The active T3 hormone can actually be blocked at the receptor sites on the body's cells and cannot send the signal for the cells to build additional mitochondria, and metabolism becomes sluggish. This is a common side-effect of estrogen and estrogen-like chemicals. The most common sources of estrogen interference with thyroid hormone are birth control medications and estrogen replacement therapy. If you have experienced weight gain and other thyroid-related symptoms since starting on birth control or hormone replacement, you may wish to consult with your physician about other options.

Finally, the formation of mitochondria can be interfered with by the presence of certain chemicals. Sodium benzoate, a preservative found in many processed foods and beverages (especially soft-drinks) can damage the genetic material within the cells needed for mitochondrial formation. Here again, cleaning up the diet can be very beneficial to overall thyroid hormone function and the ultimate goal of weight control.

To sum things up, there are steps you can take to maximize the metabolism-stimulating effects of the thyroid. First, regular exercise is important, and interval-training is the most effective for thyroid stimulation. Next, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, avoid drugs and medications except for those that are absolutely necessary, and keep fat and protein intake to a moderate level so as not to overwork the liver. In addition, you may wish to consult with your doctor if you are using any kind of birth control or hormone replacement medication containing estrogen. Finally, avoid the preservative sodium benzoate in order to avoid interfering with the production of your cellular "power plants", the mitochondria. In most cases these steps will gradually normalize thyroid hormone function and you will find that weight control becomes much easier. In a few cases, medical treatment for thyroid damage may be needed, but simple lifestyle changes are often the most effective means of improving metabolism.

How To Get A Man To Quit Smoking

2008-01-13T06:34:00.001+07:00

It’s my job to hypnotize people to stop smoking. I also hypnotize people to create outrageous new possibilities in their lives. But helping people rid themselves of a life-threatening, debilitating habit is what makes me jump out of bed in the morning.

So if you’d like to know how to help a man make the decision and take the actions to stop smoking, you’re in the right place. But you need to understand some things first:

1. Men Vs. Women Smokers

Many of my smoking cessation clients are women. They awaken one day with this feeling inside and say: I’m going to stop smoking!

Sometimes it’s because they want to get pregnant. Or because they worry about the link between smoking and various cancers, heart conditions, or other diseases that affect women. Sometimes it’s because they know they smell like smoke, or they’re wasting money, or it’s getting harder to breathe when they exercise.

Sometimes it’s because a cute little girl said, “Mommy, I wanna smoke, just like you.”

So they make the decision, and then call me and ask how soon they can come in. If I said, “Five minutes from now,” they’d manage to arrive on time, no matter how far away they live. That’s how women smokers act when they quit for good. But men? Well…

2. Men Are Different And What That Means

I’m going to be doing some generalizing here, so buckle your seatbelt and know that I’m trying to make important points that apply to many male smokers, if not all. Mea culpa, but I believe it’s important.

To a man, smoking means something different than to a woman.

To a woman (alert: I’m generalizing again), it’s a way to hang out with her smoking friends; something to do with her hands; an ill-advised method for keeping her weight down (she believes) and a way to create some smoke curls that (she believes) make her look elegant, graceful, and interesting.

To a man, though he won’t admit it, it’s tied up with his manhood.

It doesn’t really matter how, when or why he began smoking, but here are the favorites:

he learned at his father’s knee
he tried his first cigarette with a crowd of other boys
he took it up because John Wayne smoked
he wanted to rebel
he wanted to feel okay as a loner
he’ll look like he’s doing something so the woman he loves will leave him alone
he smokes outside his office building so he can bond with his boss
he started (again) because George Clooney looked so cool smoking in Good Night and Good Luck (substitute any hot male star in any noteworthy film)

Regardless which scenario, it’s about masculinity and what that means to him.

3. Ways To Encourage A Man To Stop Smoking

There are four or five solid ways to get a guy to stop smoking. And a hundred ways to make him smoke more in your attempt to get him to stop. If you’re a woman who loves a man who smokes, you know many of the hundred. When I retire, I may compile them all. In the meantime, here are some of the ways that have been tried.

4. Worst Ways

nagging him
getting his mother to nag him
showing him articles that say smoking = death
showing him articles that say smoking leads to a long list of horrible diseases
asking his doctor to tell him, especially if he finds out you did
saying he stinks, literally
saying you won’t have sex with him if he continues to smoke
saying his cough sounds symptomatic of something horrible
reminding him he swore he would stop
naming friends, relatives and celebrities who are ill or dead due to smoking

These don’t work because for most men because every time you make the argument, it will trigger an answer that proves it’s not true for him. Remind him that so-and-so died of lung cancer, and he’ll remember that so-and-so smoked filterless cigarettes, smoked more often and longer.

Every time you nag, he’ll offer himself a counter-example. Every time you demonstrate why he shouldn’t smoke, he’ll see how his situation is different.

Soon he may tune out your voice entirely when he knows a stop-smoking argument is coming.

5. Best Ways

A. He discovers for himself—physical effects in his own body, or stories about a close friend who is very sick, or news stories, or a very smart doctor who knows how to talk to men directly without being an alarmist. He makes the decision.

B. A child tells him, innocently and disingenuously. Kids say the darnedest things. And spoken with such innocence, it could make a stone cry. Especially if the child is the man’s own blood. (Bribery is okay for this good cause; just make sure the kid stays quiet.)

C. He reads an article that hits so close to home, he can’t ignore it. He just “happened” to find this article in the house.

D. He hears from his wife or a beloved daughter these words: “I’m having a baby!” A first (grand)child or a late-in-life baby are especially compelling.

E. A combination of any of the above.

6. What To Say When A Man Tells You He Is Stopping Smoking

Be pleasantly surprised, even if you were prepping this for months. Be pleased, and don’t offer to help. Let him ask.

Avoid saying “It’s about time” or “I told you you’d better.” Instead try “That’s great.” Then stop. If he looks like he is trusting you not to nag, you might quietly add “Can I do anything?” but if you’ve been a nag, steer clear of even that.

Don’t ask about his progress, let him tell you. If he chooses to talk, be supportive and proud of him, as if the idea was all his. Because, truthfully, it was.

Enjoy knowing you got what you wanted. Keep this enjoyment private.

Make Your Hypnosis Session Worth Five Times The Cost

2008-01-13T06:33:00.001+07:00

You’ve been curious about hypnosis for a while. Then one day you made an appointment. Or you’re considering it. If you choose your hypnotist or hypnotherapist well, a hypnosis session can do more for you than help with your current issue.

First-time clients ask me how to benefit most from their session. I want to do more. I want to help you make your session five times as valuable. Being informed and avoiding “first-timer’s nervousness” are a good start.

First: Stop worrying about these common hypnosis myths.

1. Fear the hypnotist will control you. You are in control of yourself. A healthy subconscious mind will reject suggestions not of benefit to you. Of course if you were being hypnotized within a cult setting, you’d have already turned over your will to someone else. This is not true of your everyday hypnotist.

2. Fear you’ll get stuck in hypnosis and never wake up. Your subconscious mind responds to input. Once the session ends, and no further input comes, you come out of hypnosis. Sometimes a client doesn’t open her eyes the moment I ask her to. That’s because she’s enjoying where she is. In moments, she joins me and tells me “That was just too good to come out of!”

3. Fear you’ll tell all your secrets. Again, your subconscious generally protects you. You will not tell where your money is hidden. And honest hypnotists would never ever ask you. If you are involved with a good con artist, believe me, he doesn’t need hypnosis to get your info. Re-read #1.

4. Fear that hypnosis is the devil’s work. If you worry about hypnosis and religion, best to ask your spiritual leader, but be sure s/he is as acquainted with hypnosis as with religion. Even the Mayo Clinic has used hypnosis. For extensive info on hypnosis from a religious source, Google the wonderful Chaplin Paul Durbin, PhD, hypnotist and hypnosis instructor, and visit his informative site.

Next: Avoid wasting time and money in two easy ways:

Know what you’re coming for.

Most of the time, a long laundry list won’t work. No expert hypnotist will agree to do one session and cover weigh loss AND smoking AND work issues AND fear of flying AND…. The hypnosis needs to focus on one thing that matters to you. Sometimes it is connected to something else, and one can help the other.

Give good information.

One client had an issue of over-snacking when nervous at her job. She was clear that overwhelm and nervousness led to snacking, so we worked first on helping her better organize herself and having the confidence to ask for help. After that, eliminating excessive snacking was simple.

We also taught her to recognize overwhelm earlier, then anchored relief to new things: a short walk around the office, sips of water, and her internal image of a lake she loved as a child.

She felt better in one session, incorporated new ways of coping after two and, within a month, surprised herself by easily losing pounds because she was not “panic eating” (her clever phrase) anymore. She knew what she came for, so we easily found the parts of the puzzle, and got them handled one by one.

Not every issue can be alleviated in a single session, especially complex situations. An honest, experienced hypnosis provider may recommend several sessions and perhaps a series.

Finally: how to supercharge your hypnotic work:

1. Choose a hypnotist or hypnotherapist you trust. Maybe you got the name from a reliable referral source, maybe she answered your questions well, or maybe you just feel comfortable with her. However you choose your practitioner, make sure it’s someone whose instructions you’d be willing to follow.

2. Be honest and answer the practitioner’s questions thoroughly. That gives her the information she needs to provide an insightful and useful (maybe life-changing) session. Don’t use up all your time talking, however. This isn’t talk therapy. It’s about giving adequate information so you can get the assistance you need.

3. Arrive at the session caffeine- and alcohol-free. I ask clients to stay away from these stimulants two hours before our session. Your practitioner may have other guidelines.

4. Follow instructions. Even if they seem, frankly, dumb. Some will be methods the practitioner uses to discover the best way to bring you into trance. Others may include the most effective “hypnotic suggestions” to help you achieve the results you came for. To the rational mind, though, they may seem rather irrational. But most hypnosis happens in the nonlinear part of the mind, which understands perfectly.

5. Learn self-hypnosis. After a few successful and pleasant sessions, ask if your practitioner can help you learn self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis can be a useful tool for you, especially if you are appreciating the value hypnosis is giving you, and you are a do-it-yourselfer at heart.

Sometimes you can get along with just self-hypnosis. My clients use it before giving a presentation or in athletic pursuits. A few in preparation for a date. Weight-loss clients use it before heading out to a party and stay within their food plan. I encourage it as a wonderful way to reinforce the work we do together.

The Medications For Narcolepsy

2008-01-13T06:32:00.000+07:00

Do you want to know more about the most effective and available medications for narcolepsy symptoms? Well, you have come to the right place! There are, in fact, a widely scattered group of medications that can be found on different online sites on the internet but I have summarized some of these below for your reference.

Let’s look at the stimulants first. Stimulants like Modafinil, unlike amphetamines, provide fewer sympathomimetic side effects within dosages ranging from 100-400 mg. Methylphenidate-HCl is a generic drug but it can be purchased branded at 5-60 mg dosages so it can be very useful. This drug has a descriptive short duration of action which is better if combined with stimulant medications and scheduled napping. Destroamphetamine-sulfate and methamphetamine-HCl are widely used in the United States due to their more potent and effective characteristics compared to amphetamine. Those are a great place to start but there is more.

Anticataplectic compounds that aid in the decreased cataphexy symptom include venlafaxine, a new antidepressant with slow release that acts on both the serotoninergic and adrenergic systems. Protriptyline at 5-60 mg dosages is a mild stimulant but is associated with side effects like drying of the mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. The most effective anticataplectic drug is the clomipramine. An antidepressant Riboxetine acts on the adrenergic system of our body and produces very positive results. Sodium oxybate and hypnotic Benzodiazepines are also hypnotic compounds that affect with short period of action and still help eliminate EDS. That is quite a list but it should be a good way for you to get started.

It is important to recognize that this summary is only for general information and it does not intend to replace any valuable medical guidance related to sleep disorders. If you suffer from Nardcolepsy, it is important to see a physician. Scientist have openly admitted the difficulty in determining the accurate factors that cause narcolepsy. This disorder is technically defined as an excessive daytime sleepiness and involves sleep attacks called excessive daytime sleepiness or EDS. They are associated with one or more other symptoms such as cataplexy, hallucination, and sleep paralysis. This tetrad of symptoms occurs only in about 10 percent of cases. The duration and severity of the symptoms vary depending on the patient. Understanding Narcolepsy and cataplexy is a great benefit to the sufferers because it affords them the ability to diagnose and treat themselves better. It also helps them to communicate better with a doctor.

Cataplexy is the most common auxiliary symptom associated with this disorder and afflicting over 70 percent of patients. Sleep paralysis and hypnogogic hallucinations are less common but are very frightening experiences as they can involve not only visual aspects but also other senses of the body. Sleep paralysis, on the other hand, occurs in only 30 percent of cases, and the last, hallucination, is present in only 25 percent.

Narcolepsy is a debilitating disorder that causes uncontrollable sleepiness and muscle weakness. The disorder can interfere with a person's ability to work. If you are a student, who suffers from Narcolepsy, you may experience lack of mental alertness and poor performance in school. This is the same with those who are working. Their personal interaction is affected by this condition. In cases where narcolepsy is left untreated, worse symptoms can be experienced and are characterized by microsleep and total paralysis. From a simple case of paralysis experienced only by a certain part of our body to the worst cases of untreated narcolepsy, a total muscular collapse and paralysis may be experienced depending on the patient.

The most recent news is extremely hopeful for Narcolepsy patients. Researchers under the leadership of a professor of molecular genetics, Dr. Masashi Yanagisawa at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, are now claiming to have discovered a new method of treatment for narcolepsy. Just like in movies where mice are used for experiments, the team used some genetically engineered mice with lacking nerve cells in the brain. These nerve cells are responsible for producing the brain chemical Orexin. The method involved introducing this brain chemical to the mice both genetically and by manual injection. It was concluded that without Orexin, the mice exhibited narcoleptic like symptoms including the overpowering sleepiness and cataplexy symptom. With injection of Orexin, the mice returned to full wakefulness. Researchers believe that a lack of the brain chemical Orexin may be the root cause of narcolepsy in humans as well. There is hope on the horizon! With further research it is widely anticipated that a more complete cure for this disorder will soon appear. However, more research and testing will still be necessary before Orexin can be made available to the public.

Typical Mistakes Made in Formulating Suggestion for Self Hypnosis

2008-01-13T06:31:00.000+07:00

My first visit with the client, Jane, with whom I developed this technique that demonstrated 80% success rate, left my office with a full blown anxiety attack--not a good start. I thought I’d never see her again and hoped I wouldn’t hear from her attorney in the form of a law suit. Actually as apologetic and embarrassed as she was, a law suit was a very remote possibility. But I wonder how many clients in similar situations might not be considering law suits against clinicians using inward focusing techniques that can bring on panic attacks. Then again, their personality is not that of a trouble maker and as long as they continue suffering from anxiety, they would never allow themselves to be in a court room for fear of having an anxiety attack and having to run away or lose control.

Inward focus techniques are generally what most professionals use--it's having the client focus on relaxing one's breadth, muscles, thoughts... to learn relaxation. However, in reality, it's these type of techniques that contribute to anxiety attacks.

Within a few days, Jane did call again. She was too fearful to come to the office—she blamed her anxiety attack on my small 12’X12” treatment room which is more than three times the size of most treatment rooms. She asked if I’d consider in-home sessions. Reluctantly I agreed.

A few days later I arrived at her home with an Galvanic Response (GSR) biofeedback instrument in hand. I didn’t want a repeat of our first meeting so I avoided using any relaxation exercises that used inward focus. I took more time to get to know Jane. I got the feeling that she could talk for hours about her symptoms, but I wanted to know more about what stressors led to the beginning of the anxiety attacks. According to the Homes-Rahe Stress Scale, I’d be looking for some rather significant life changes six months to a year before the onset of symptoms.

Yes, her panic and anxiety started about six months after she and her family moved back to NJ from the Florida Keys. “Ah ha,” I thought to my self although I didn’t know what to do with this information at the moment. I learned that she was unhappy living in Florida. She had no close friends and she missed the camaraderie of her sisters and mother back in NJ.

It was so much of a problem that eventually she convinced her husband to change jobs and move back to NJ with her teen age son in expectation of life being the way it used to be. But much to her disappointment, her sisters were married with other interests and the relationship with her mother was different—the camaraderie she remembered was gone. The result was that she was no happier in NJ with her family than she was in the Florida Keys.

To me it seem obvious that she'd want to run away from this whole disappointing mess. How could she explain to her husband the move was for naught? And her teen age son was getting into some trouble with drugs—another disappointment for which she was unprepared.

I explained my take on her plight by asking her, “OK, you were unhappy in Florida, convinced your husband to uproot the family, change jobs, and move back to NJ so you’d be happy with your family only to find that your relationships with your sisters and mother has changed and that your son was getting into trouble. Wouldn’t you just like to run away from this whole embarrassing mess?” She acknowledged that she’d like to escape the whole entire mess, but it's not her nature.

I explained that her brain was simply taking action on that desire. I explained the fight/flight reaction to stress—how when we feel threatened the unconscious intelligence gets us ready to fight or run—even a threat to our egos, family status…--and that since she is not a fighter (personality wise), there’s plenty reason to unconsciously want to run away. But being a responsible person, she would never allow her self to run away.

OK, then we talked about diet and how certain foods can trigger anxiety—sweets, refined carbohydrates, caffeinated beverages…

All this was nice, but she still had trouble understanding how she was ever going to gain control of anxiety since it just happens “out of the blue.”

Essentially, this is the first step—educating the conscious mind. I left her home without ever using the biofeedback instrument and focused on the challenge of making a difference in her life—how to shift her from the conditioned response of anxiety.

First it was apparent to me that the panic anxiety label her primary doctor gave her was in the absence of understanding much about her background. She came to a conclusion that she had a problem and no one knew how to cure it—certainly took her mind off her real problems in life—anxiety was an escape.

In summary, personality factors of being highly responsible led Jane to want to escape the seemingly impossible situation in which she placed her family--a move for naught. Add to that hi-sugar eating habits, a suggestion she gave herself re another family member having had anxiety attacks, and the fight/flight wanting her to escape her family status, and voila, she created agoraphobia and anxiety panic attacks. See the resource box for more information on how to overcome panic and anxiety.

Are We Creating Additional Health Problems Caused By The Side Effects Of Medications?

2008-01-13T06:22:00.000+07:00

Are we getting well or creating additional health problems caused by the side effects of medications?

More and more people are turning to natural health methods to successfully stay healthy, treat ailments and avoid the dangerous side effects of drugs.

Even over the counter drugs are causing you harmful side effects.

For example: Tylenol (Acetaminophen); prolonged use can damage the liver and kidneys.

Maybe not today, but down the road the continued used of over the counter and prescribed drugs will lead to harmful side effects.

Some side effects are worse than the ailment itself.

A friend of mine suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. After seeing two doctors for 6 months, prescribed 5 or 6 different drugs, she couldn't take it any more. She stopped going to the doctor because each drug she was given had side effects that made her feel worse than the anxiety and panic attacks ever did.

There are natural remedies for anxiety and panic; you can check it out at Natural Health Remedies For The Body and Mind.

Let's take a look at a few common conditions, the popular drugs used to treat them and the side effects.

* ACNE *

Antibiotics, such as Clindamycin, can cause colitis, which causes (among others) bloody stools and in some cases can be fatal.

Some doctors prescribe contraceptive pills for girls suffering from acne, which contain estrogen. This drug suppresses the hormonal actions, and produces some dangerous side effects; nausea, vomiting, headaches, weight gain and liver malfunctions.

* ARTHRITIS *

NSAID, (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have terrible side effects.

For example, Celebrex may increase the chance of heart attack or stroke, which can lead to death. This chance increases if you have heart disease or risk factors for it, such as high blood pressure, or when NSAIDs are taken for long periods.

They also increase the chance of serious skin reactions or stomach and intestine problems, such as bleeding and ulcers, which can occur without warning and may cause death. With any of these medicines, patients also taking aspirin and the elderly are at increased risk for stomach bleeding and ulcers.

* BLOOD PRESSURE *

The drug Norvasc is used for high blood pressure and angina.

The most common side effects edema, headache, fatigue, and dizziness.

* CHOLESTEROL *

Lipotor has serious side effects such as:

Serious muscle problems, may lead to liver and kidney problems, including kidney failure.

The most common side effects are headache, constipation, diarrhea, gas, upset stomach, stomach pain, rash, muscle and joint pain

But wait, it gets better.

Now there is a drug for both High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol. It is Caduet, a combination of Norvasc and Lipotor which causes the side effects of both drugs.

Those are just a few examples of medications and the harmful effects they have on your body.

There are natural remedies for headaches, acne, arthritis, blood pressure and cholesterol and more. You can check them out at Natural Health Remedies For The Body and Mind.

Learn all you can about your health issues and the choices you have.

You can stay healthy by taking a more natural approach and providing your body with wholesome foods, daily exercise, and a quality vitamin supplement.

If you or a loved one suffers from an ailment, consider your options of treating it naturally.

There are literally 1,000's of natural health remedies that will help you without drugs and their dangerous side effects.

A place to start is Natural Health Remedies For The Body and Mind. You will find natural alternatives for:

* Acne
* Anxiety & Panic
* Arthritis
* Asthma
* Blood Pressure
* Cancer
* Children's Health
* Cholesterol
* Diabetes
* Ear Infections
* Dark Circles Under The Eyes
* Headaches
* Healthy Cooking
* Home Made Medicines
* Insomnia
* Self Improvement & Personal Growth
* Sunburn Cure
* Nutritional Supplements/Vitamins
* Weight Loss Programs
* Wart Removal

I have also included many free natural health reports, e-books and tips that will help you enjoy improved health and wellbeing.

* Cancer
* Blood Pressure
* Diabetes
* Alternative Health Newsletter
* Fibromyalgia
* Foods to Avoid
* Tension Headaches Tips
* The Billion Dollar Hoax
* Weight Loss

Don't jeopardize your health with the harmful side effects of drugs.

Why Hypnosis And Hypnotherapy Can Be Beneficial

2008-01-13T00:27:00.002+07:00

Several studies show hypnosis can help you lose weight, give up smoking, achieve other goals and suffer less pain

To sceptics, hypnosis is mumbo-jumbo, but scientific evidence now shows that hypnosis and self-hypnosis can help people to overcome problems. It has can help people:

* Stop over-eating and reduce weight
* Stop smoking
* Reduce excessive drinking
* Stop gambling

Of course, you must want to end these problems. During your normal mental state you may not be prepared to take the trouble needed to overcome the addiction - and may not admit it is an addiction - but if you ever think "I want to stop smoking" or drinking, etc, then there is a good chance that hypnosis will help.

How does it do so? Hypnotism - that is the act of being hypnotised - has been shown to alter the mental state. Different electrical signals are produced, and this has also been show with magnetic resonance imaging. However, it is not know exactly what occurs.

All that is known is that the state appears to be closer to sleeping with one exception - you remain completely alert. There are various theories. For example, it is known that there are two aspects of the brain: conscious and sub-conscious.

The conscious is used to work things out logically, and to take decisions about what to do next. The sub-conscious keeps us breathing, keeps our heart beating regularly, and sends out signals to our body to carry out all the routine operations needed to keep us alive.

But it is more than that: the sub-conscious also stores memories and information, and has ready access to these things - even when we have forgotten them. In some cases, the events just happened a long time ago, or were insignificant. In others, they were so uncomfortable that we don't allow our conscious mind to remember them.

Theses forgotten memories can also result in repression, so that we don't achieve what we want, or may make us do things we don't really want to. The hypnotic state can make your subconscious see things differently, and overcome problems.

What happens with hypnosis? Some hypnotherapists induce a feeling of nausea that is associated with smoking or overeating, so that the next time we get a cigarette out, we don't feel good. Another approach is to help the person have more determination to stop smoking.

Increased determination also helps us achieve our goals - goals that we thought were completely out of reach.

Personal problems such as phobias can be overcome with hypnosis, and pain in illness can be reduced - this has been demonstrated in various studies including one involving 80 children suffering from cancer. Overcoming the pain of childbirth is another example.

A group of people who suffered from hay-fever in Switzerland also found reduced symptoms following hypnosis. Half the group were treated this way in the first season, and compared with the others, and the other half of the group were treated prior to the second season. Afterwards, they reported that they needed less medication than before being hypnotised.

EEGs (electro-encephalographs) showed that the right-brain was more active and the left-brain less active during hypnosis. The left-brain is associated with analysis and criticism and the right-brain with creativity.

Asthma Homeopathy Treatment Methods

2008-01-13T00:27:00.001+07:00

An asthma homeopathy treatment can be used by a person suffering from asthma in order to reduce having to use more traditional Western medications. This type of treatment can not only help to reduce the symptoms of asthma but is found to be very effective for treating babies and children who have only recently been diagnosed with the condition. It can also be effective for those adults who have recently found that their asthma has returned.

However what you must remember is that traditional Western medical treatments can actually save a person's life that suffer from asthma and should not be stopped. But a person may be able to supplement asthma medical treatments with alternative forms of asthma homeopathy treatment for better effectiveness.

Often a lot of people who suffer from asthma will turn to using homeopathic treatments for their condition as not only are they natural, they are not addictive and they do not cause any side effects. This makes them more suitable for using with babies and young children as well as the elderly. All forms of homeopathic asthma treatments are made from plant, mineral and organic products which are specially prepared in order to provide a person with the most effective form of treatment for dealing with the symptoms associated with asthma.

However when it comes to using any kind of asthma homeopathy treatment a person may find that where someone gets results almost immediately when they start using it for others it may take a little longer. But whoever uses it should not expect miracles and although they will notice a general improvement in their health and well being as well as some of the symptoms becoming reduced they will not find that it instantly stops everything happening at once.

Generally when it comes to getting asthma homeopathy treatment the sufferer will visit a homeopathic practitioner who will then devise a plan that is devised for their own individual needs. Where as often with more conventional forms of asthma treatment and medication these will be based around a basic plan and then slowly the doctor or health practitioner will make changes as and when they see fit to suit a certain individual's requirements.

Shedding Light on the Aging Process

2008-01-13T00:25:00.000+07:00

In today’s youth-obsessed culture, anti-aging products are increasingly popular. But the best prevention and treatment of aged skin? Knowing the facts.

The Aging Process

Skin begins to lose its luster with the loss of collagen, the material that creates the smooth, elastic feel of youthful skin. As we age, collagen is replaced by amorphous bundles of cells. Skin becomes thin and stretched, and outward signs can include slight inflammation. Outer layers of skin become depleted of blood vessels that supply life-giving nutrients.

But this is only part of the story. The loss of collagen and youthful skin is not just a result of simply aging. In fact, the main culprit for the vast majority of these unwanted changes is sunlight exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light can damage your skin in many ways:

Removes natural antioxidants in your skin, such as vitamins A, C, E, and coenzyme Q

Decreases or even stops altogether your skin’s ability to make collagen

Eliminates immune cells that protect against infections and cancers

Causes several kinds of skin cancers, including melanoma.

Without excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, skin remains “young” well past middle age. Science News demonstrated this assertion with contrasting photos in a recent issue. A ninety-year-old Asian monk who never went outdoors appeared to be a much younger man in his thirties. Also shown was a Navajo woman who spent most waking moments in the sun. While only fifty, she appeared twice her age.

Prevention and Treatment

You can’t change your past. You can, however, take control of what happens to your skin in the future. And you can go a long way toward undoing the damage of past years.

The first step is a commitment to keeping out of the sun. While some sun exposure is necessary to produce vitamin D, reduce that exposure to your face with broad-brimmed hats and wrap-around sunglasses that screen out UV. Also use appropriate sunscreen for your face and body. A broad-spectrum sunscreen that explicitly says it protects against UVA is the best. The “A” spectrum of ultraviolet light causes most of the damage to your skin by creating oxidative “free radicals.” Traditional sunscreens protect only against UVB.

Next, eat a healthy diet that will replenish from within the vitamins and antioxidants your skin needs to neutralize UV damage.

The most practical route to reversing the ravages of “photoaging” is to use high-quality skin products formulated according to the latest scientific research. Simply purchasing products at the supermarket or drug store that make wild promises won’t achieve the effect you desire. With a range of scientifically-designed products to attack multiple areas, it is possible to make your skin look younger, to get rid of wrinkles, and to make your skin fuller and more elastic—in short, to reverse a great deal of the damage your skin has suffered.

Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic procedures can be effective in reversing the effects of sunlight-induced aging, if you have the desire and the cash. A common nonsurgical approach is to use a chemical called retinoic acid (also called tretinoin). It’s quite effective, but can cause dryness, strong irritation, and increased sensitivity to light. A doctor must prescribe it for you, and monitor the effects.

Dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing can also be effective. They may require high expense and a need to repeat procedures. They may cause irritation and discomfort.

If you’re considering nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic procedure, be absolutely certain that your surgeon is board-certified by the American College of Plastic Surgeons.

High Blood Pressure Vs. Low Blood Pressure. The Cause And Natural Treatment For Hypertension!

2008-01-13T00:24:00.001+07:00

Do you have high blood pressure? Do you have low blood pressure? This is an important question for your health and your life. Why? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), about one in three adults in the United States have high blood pressure. And only about 63 percent of those with high blood pressure are even aware that they have it. Causing, a heart wrenching of almost 60,000 Americans dying each year of complications related to high blood pressure. So what are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Unfortunately, the reason so many people don't know they have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is that there aren't really any clear symptoms of hypertension. However, some high blood pressure sufferers complain of: frequent headaches and dizziness. Therefore, if you even question that you or a loved one has high blood pressure, it is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly. And if you know your blood pressure is too high, you can do something about it TODAY. Keep reading!

Blood Pressure 101

What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is basically the force pushing on the arteries by your blood as it passes through them. Someone with high blood pressure has blood that is putting higher than normal pressure on the arteries. This puts more stress on the body. Hence, the heart has to work so hard to get the blood pumped through those arteries that it can actually enlarge and damage the heart, eventually causing a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm and other heart problems if left untreated. High blood pressure is not something to mess around with!

Causes for High Blood Pressure

What could put you at risk for high blood pressure? There are numerous causes but here is a list of the major ones:

Heredity: If your parents had high blood pressure, you are at risk.

Race: African Americans are most at risk. However, all ethnicities are on a rise.

Gender: Men are more likely than women to have high blood pressure.

Age: As you age, your risk of high blood pressure increases.

Salt Intake: Sodium intake has been linked with high blood pressure sufferers.

Obesity: Being overweight is a huge risk factor for high blood pressure.

Smoking: Smokers will often times be more at risk for hypertension.

A Sedentary Lifestyle: If you are required to sit a lot at your profession… your risk rises.

A Natural Cure for High Blood Pressure

Due to the seriousness of hypertension, doctors do have medications for sufferers. Including: Diuretics, Beta Blockers, ACE Inhibitors, Alpha Blockers and Vasodilators. However, here is the shocking part, as well as costing hundreds to thousands, many of these medications could have the following side-effects: kill nutrients in body, risk of asthma symptoms, speed heart rate, depletion of taste, rashes, cold symptoms, kidney problems, headaches, nausea, weight gain, and growth of hair. Not pleasant! Besides, I thought they were suppose to help hypertension sufferers?

Now the good news! There is an all-natural treatment for high blood pressure. Yes, you can drop points off your blood pressure reading in days! Doctors would agree there are numerous non-pharmaceutical things you can do lower your blood pressure. Start with these…

How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Today!

1. Educate Yourself! Most people hate studying but we're talking about your life! Check out our web site below for more information on lowering your blood pressure.

2. Lose Weight! What are ways you can be more active and cut a few calories during each day? Jump on the scale in one week and you might be surprised. PS. Your blood pressure will drop too!

3. Lower your salt intake now. Try to lower your intake to less than 2,400 milligrams per day. If possible, go as low as 1,500 milligrams per day. Lower your salt… lower your blood pressure.

4. Get enough potassium. Eat foods rich in potassium including bananas, vegetable juice, potatoes, citrus fruits and fish.

5. Take those Calcium Pills and eat that low-fat dairy. This mineral is proven to help the cause of lowering blood pressure.

6. Pack in the fiber! Any fiber is going to be helpful for clearing out the excess gunk in your body and keeping the blood pressure normal. Switch to whole grain foods whenever possible.

Finally, don't stop here! This is just the tip of the iceberg for getting your life back to normal and lowering your blood pressure. Please take a few more minutes and check out our high blood pressure/hypertension website. You would be amazed what others are saying about it! We offer a 100% satisfaction guaranteed report loaded with tons of information and tips to begin lowering your high blood pressure today! Life is priceless, please do not delay! You will drop points in months and feel like a new person! 100% guaranteed!

Why High Cholesterol (And High Choline) Foods May Be Good For Your Blood

2008-01-13T00:22:00.000+07:00

Choline is an essential nutrient but not, strictly speaking, a vitamin although it is often mistakenly thought of as a member of the B complex, with which it has numerous functions in common. Choline should be found in abundance in a normally healthy diet, but deficiencies have been linked with cardiovascular and liver disease, as well as impaired cognitive function.

Until as recently as 1998 it was believed that the body could manufacture an adequate supply of choline from the closely associated nutrients, vitamin B12 and folic acid. It is now accepted, however, that although the body can indeed synthesise choline in limited quantities, an adequate supply from the daily diet is also required for the avoidance of a number of potentially serious deficiency conditions and diseases.

Most choline in the body is contained in the phospholipids, a particular type of fat molecule of which the most common, phosphatidylcholine, more commonly known as lecithin, is also an important dietary source of choline.

Choline is known to be crucial for the proper functioning of the brain’s neurotransmitters, and in the form of lecithin is an important element in the composition of cell membranes and effective biochemical communication between cells.

Lecithin, moreover, is vital for the liver’s ability to break down fat and cholesterol into the “Very Low Density Lipoproteins” (VLDLs) which are carried around the body in the bloodstream. Any deficiency of choline or lecithin may therefore result in the liver becoming unable to metabolise dietary fat and cholesterol in this way, and the resulting accumulation may lead to the condition known as “fatty liver” and ultimately perhaps to serious liver disease. Some research even suggests that the changes in the liver brought about by choline deficiency may lead to an increased risk of liver cancer, although not all authorities regard this research as conclusive.

VLDLs are also necessary for the production of the High Density Lipoproteins (HDLs), the so-called “good cholesterol”, which is generally recognised as a significant protector against cardiovascular disease. There is also some evidence, although the research is not yet universally accepted, that choline may assist in the breaking down of homocysteine, a naturally occurring protein within the body, which is strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

These protective effects may appear somewhat paradoxical, because the milk, eggs and liver which are the richest food sources of choline have been condemned in the past for the amounts of supposedly dangerous cholesterol they introduce to the body.

A small (3oz) serving of beef liver, for example, will provide more than 350 mg of choline, and a single large egg perhaps 125 mg or more. So strict vegetarians who adopt a low fat, and supposedly low cholesterol diet which excludes these choline rich foods, may paradoxically be placing their cardiovascular health at risk.

Fortunately, however, this is a relatively simple problem to resolve, as supplies of lecithin manufactured from soy beans are readily available from health food stores. A single teaspoon (3.5g) of the granular supplement may provide around 130 mg of choline and is reasonably palatable when sprinkled in suitable drinks or on cereals. Peanuts and wheatgerm are also useful vegetarian sources.

To put the quantities mentioned above in some kind of context: the US Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) has recommended an “Adequate Intake” amount for choline of 550 mg a day, or a mere 4-5 teaspoons of granular lecithin and it has been estimated that most adults are able to obtain between 700 and 1,000 mg a day from a normally healthy diet. Caution should be exercised, however, in the treatment of the FNB recommendation which appears to have been set at the lowest level necessary to avoid liver damage. And it may be noted also that the 700 mg figure for the lower end of the range of normal intake seems perilously close to the 550 mg a day regarded as adequate by the FNB.

But the avoidance of serious damage to a vital organ is, to put it mildly, the very minimum one would reasonably expect of a “healthy” diet, and a very long way indeed from the optimum health which nutritional practitioners insist should be the aim.

For example, although conventional medicine remains reluctant to accept the link as proven, there is some evidence that choline in amounts of up to 1g can improve cognitive function and particularly memory. Choline is known to act as a stimulant to the production of essential neurotransmitting chemicals, and there is also some evidence that high intakes during pregnancy may encourage optimal development of the foetal brain and nervous system.

Although the possible reasons are not fully understood, there is also good evidence that high doses of choline may significantly improve athletic performance in long distance endurance events such as marathon or triathlon.

So given that the FNB has established 3.5 grams (ie 3,500 mg) a day as the upper safe limit for choline intake before any potential (and minor) side-effects might be encountered, and that choline cannot be stored in the body, there seems no reason not to aim for an intake well in excess of the recommended minimum or “adequate” amount.

Granular soy lecithin can provide a simple and convenient means of supplementation with such doses.

Kidney Stones Report- Try a Natural Kidney Stones Cure before Lithotripsy

2008-01-13T00:21:00.000+07:00

If you have kidney stones then your doctor probably has suggested lithotripsy. The newest kidney stones treatment has been label as the least painful and most efficient treatment by some doctors. And they are correct. However, did your doctor tell you that you can also try a natural kidney stones cure to dissolve and pass your kidney stones at the comfort of your own home. Probably not!

If you are among the more than one million Americans who will treat kidney stones this year; you might want to pay close attention! Because though your doctor does have a professional opinion about how you should treat your kidney stones, your doctor also has his interests and his profession in mind. In other words, the medical profession would lose billions of dollars each year if all kidney stone sufferers turned to natural health.

And before we go any further… Fact! Almost 90% of kidney stones can be dissolved with an acidic drink flush which naturally dissolves calcium-formed kidney stones.

Lithotripsy- Cancel Your Treatment!

I am sure your doctor has given you details about your treatment. But if you have forgot! Lithotripsy is a shortened word for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy which is a medical procedure that is painless, non-invasive (they don't cut you open) and can be performed under one hour.

Lithotripsy has been gaining popularity because patients remain conscious during the treatment which could take place on a water-filled mattress or a shallow tub of water. The doctors use x-rays to locate the kidney stones and apply external bursts of high-energy shockwaves to where the stones are located. Between 60 to 120 shocks per minute will be delivered to the area which will cause the stones to break into smaller pieces allowing them to pass through the system.

You will be able to leave that day.

But do you need to spend 1-2 paychecks for a kidney stones treatment?

Money Doesn't Grow on Trees

I have always been amused by this expression but I wish I could make a banner and show it to the most lucrative industry to the 21st century, the medical industry. And when it comes to kidney stones, the medical industry is making a killing. In fact, I have some customers who have spent over $20,000+ for their kidney stones alone after multiple treatments and surgeries. But does it really have to be this way?

I would disagree! Though lithotripsy is highly effective, you can save thousands of dollars by dissolving and preventing future kidney stones at home.

What do you think people did when they had kidney stones fifty years ago? Probably not surgery like we know it now! Most people's kidney stones would pass on their own by a little altering of the diet. And most people didn't realize it until the pain was gone and forgotten. And some didn't realize they were doing exactly what they should be… drinking water and eating acidic foods.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

After you dissolve and pass your kidney stones with our Kidney Stones Report. We would recommend the following kidney stones prevention tips. As a wise sage once said, "Prevention is the Best Medicine".

1. Drink Water. Most people get kidney stones because they don't drink enough water. You should have a goal to drink 10-12 glasses of water each day. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day.

2. Vitamin Intake. Vitamin C and D can increase your risk of kidney stones when you take more than the daily recommendations. Read the labels and follow them closely.

3. Calcium Intake. Though you might think it would be better to get less calcium, after all, kidney stones are typically made up of calcium. This is incorrect! You should actually aim to get your recommended amount of calcium each day.

4. Low Sodium. You should also cut the sodium out of your diet. Begin by trying to get less than 2400 mg per day. If you are a healthy eater; you are probably good to go. If you don't even know where the food labels are located; it might be time to get an introductory course of food labels. Take a look today.

5. Low Protein. You should also try to decrease your protein intake. If you are meat and potatoes person; this tip might apply to you. However, most people are not going to fall in this category.

6. Your Weight. Being overweight or obese can also be a cause for kidney stones. You should begin to learn how to maintain a healthy weight. Do you know what your body mass index (BMI) is? Do you have a bigger waist than you should? Our Kidney Stones Report can give you helpful tips to lose body fat and feel like you want.

7. Inactivity. Most of our jobs are conducive to inactiveness but you should try to stay active regularly. Go to the gym. Go for a hike. Do some yard work.

The Natural Kidney Stones Cure

Research leads to proven remedy! Can phosphoric acid dissolve calcium build up? Many researchers also experimented with a natural remedy (phosphoric acid) to dissolve and pass kidney stones. Again, researchers were baffled because it worked! To learn more about a guaranteed natural home-remedy (using phosphoric acid) to dissolve and pass your kidney stones in less than 24 hours… please check out our Natural Kidney Stones Cure website today and save a paycheck!

Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Symptoms – Are you at the Risk

2008-01-13T00:18:00.002+07:00

Juvenile Diabetes

For many years, Type 1 Diabetes has been referred to as Juvenile Diabetes. Most often, the people who are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes are children and young adults. Insulin is a natural hormone found in your body that helps the body to convert sugar, starches, and other foods into the energy that is needed to sustain life. People are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when their body fails to produce enough insulin to properly convert the intake of sugars and starches into energy.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease - a disease that results in the body's failure to fight infections naturally. Autoimmune diseases cause the body to begin attacking its own cells. In Type 1 Diabetes, the cells that are attacked are the beta cells in the pancreas that produce the insulin that turns sugars and starches into the energy needed for your body to function properly.

Cause and Length of Illness

Though the cause of Type 1 Diabetes is unclear, there are several things that we do know about this disease. Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong, yet often manageable disease. Lifestyle and genetics play a large role in the onset and diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. It is not contagious like a cold; therefore Type 1 Diabetes cannot be passed from one person to another. Diabetes is not caused from eating sweets. One symptom of diabetes is that the body fails to produce the hormone that turns sugars and starches into energy - but consuming sugars and starches do not cause the disease.

What To Do if You Are Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes

If you are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, the first thing that you should do is to avoid panicking. Type 1 Diabetes is a serious and lifelong illness, though in many cases it can be successfully managed with the proper care and diet. Maintaining your overall health is the first step to successfully managing diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes can sometimes lead to other, more serious health conditions - such as heart attack and stroke. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle may not prevent the onset of these other illnesses, it may increase the onset of the illnesses and can help to lessen the effects of these illnesses dramatically. Skin disorders can also be caused by diabetes; therefore, it is important to maintain a routine regimen of skin care that may help to delay or even avoid the onset of skin diseases associated with diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes could place you at a higher risk for contracting gum diseases and other mouth-related problems. It is important to maintain a proper oral hygiene regimen in order to reduce the risks of illnesses associated with the mouth. Proper eye care and early detection of problems can contribute to saving your sight. Blindness is often associated with diabetes. Nerve damage or poor blood flow associated with Type 1 Diabetes can cause a diabetic to develop many different types of foot problems. It is important that you follow some basic guidelines that will help you protect your feet and avoid the onset of foot-related problems.

Lifestyle choices can help or hinder your management of Type 1 Diabetes. It is very important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, complete with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper hygiene. In that fashion, there are some things that you should completely avoid or limit.

Smoking is a habit that contributes to the deterioration of your health, especially if you have been diagnosed with a disease that already affects your health, such as Type 1 Diabetes. Smoking is definitely something that should be avoided - and is a good idea even if you have not been diagnosed with diabetes.

While alcohol consumption should be limited, it is not completely necessary to avoid all consumption of alcohol. If your diabetes is under control and if you are free of any of the health problems associated with diabetes that can be made worse by alcohol consumption, such as nerve damage or high blood pressure, it is often okay to have the occasional social drink. Stress is also something that can contribute to increasing the affects of Type 1 Diabetes. While stress cannot always be avoided, it is essential to both your physical and your mental health to learn how to handle stress in a healthy manner.

Protein and Weight Loss - Is there any Relation in these

2008-01-13T00:18:00.001+07:00

Now it has become a trend that we all are trying to switch on to low carb diet. It occurs mainly due to the fact that high protein diet actually enhances weight loss. A recent British study confirmed that there is a strong correlation between diet high in protein and weight loss. The study also said that the diet high in protein triggers in releasing hormone that influences weight loss.

Protein consumption in diet ensures the release of PYY hormone that reduces the hunger. Researchers argued that high protein foods start out PYY secretion better than other foods. Scientific studies also suggest that PYY should be an integral part of weight reduction plan. Theoretically, as because a proportionate relation exists between protein and weight loss, therefore an obese individual must eat more calories to trigger PYY compared to a normal weight individual.

Typically, we avoid high calorie food to maintain healthy balance in life. But the truth is if we do not get enough protein in our diet, we may suffer from varieties of health complications. Lack of protein in our regular diet may cause harm to all the organs - from the heart to kidney. It also causes weaker immune system; hence our health may be affected by a variety of diseases.

The amount of protein in the diet depends essentially on three factors - sex, age and weight. However, for normal adult man and normal adult woman the daily protein intake would be 56 grams per day and 46 grams per day respectively.

About Weight Loss

In recent years, there are few high-protein diet programs available in the market claiming for weight loss. However, supports received from the diet gurus and health practitioners are generally inclined with the low calorie diet rather the high-protein ones.

However, the relation between protein and weigh loss is not appreciated by each and every research fellow. It is said that low carb diets are mainly linked up with reduced calorie intake and increased diet timing but not with decreased carbohydrate content.

The essential feature of low-carb high-protein diet is rapid weight loss. But it is viewed from a different perspective by the skeptics. They rejected the theory about the relation between the diet high in protein and weight loss and argued that it occurs mainly due to the fact of excessive urination. When the body makes up inadequate supply of dietary carbohydrates, it uses body's own carbohydrates stored in the liver and kidney. During this process, the water is mobilized. The mobilized water is then discharged from the body in the form of urine. Hence the rapid weight loss occurs at the initial stages high-protein diet.

Substituting few dietary carbohydrates with high-protein diet may lead to significant short term weight loss benefits. But the condition says that the diet must be low-fat one as well. Protein and weight loss may become a trendy topic in these days because of its known results contributing to rapid weight loss. But some scientific researches have shown some long term disadvantages as well. Therefore, a slow but certain weight loss can be ensured with a healthy high fiber, moderate protein and low fat plan. This is not a short term plan but a way of healthy living that we can maintain throughout of our lives.

Disadvantages of too much protein

Although, the relation between diet rich in protein and weight loss has become a up-to-the-minute topic in today's health discussion, but we should remember that high protein may imply high fat as well. So there is always a high risk for increasing LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels with high protein intake. Hence, there is high possibility for cardiac problems. High protein may imply low fiber as well. Low fiber diet is not at all healthy. If we use it on a regular basis, there is an increased possibility of getting constipated, increased risk of cancer, obesity, cardiac problem and type-2 diabetes.

10 Smart Shopping Tips To Protect Your Family From Getting Sick

2008-01-13T00:14:00.000+07:00

Prevention of food poisoning starts with your trip to the supermarket. Here's how to start off safely.

1. Pick up your packaged and canned foods first. Buy cans and jars that look perfect. Don’t buy canned goods that are dented, cracked or bulging. These are the warning signs that dangerous bacteria may be growing in the can.

2. Look for any expiration dates on the labels and never buy outdated food. Likewise, check the "use by" or "sell by" date on dairy products such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, and sour cream and pick the ones that will stay fresh longest in your refrigerator.

3. Check eggs, too. Choose eggs that are refrigerated in the store. Before putting them in your cart, open the carton and make sure that the eggs are clean and none are cracked or broken.

4. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood sometimes drip. The juices that drip may have germs. Keep these juices away from other foods. Put raw meat, poultry, and seafood into plastic bags before they go into the cart. Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods in your grocery shopping cart and in your refrigerator.

5. Don't buy frozen seafood if the packages are open, torn or crushed on the edges. Avoid packages that are above the frost line in the store's freezer. If the package cover is transparent, look for signs of frost or ice crystals. This could mean that the fish has either been stored for a long time or thawed and re-frozen.

6. Check for cleanliness at the meat or fish counter and the salad bar. For instance, cooked shrimp lying on the same bed of ice as raw fish could become contaminated.

7. When shopping for shellfish, buy from markets that get their supplies from state-approved sources; stay clear of vendors who sell shellfish from roadside stands or the back of a truck. And if you're planning to harvest your own shellfish, heed posted warnings about the water's safety.

8. Pick up milk, frozen foods, and perishables (meat, poultry, fish) last. Always put these products in separate plastic bags so that drippings don't contaminate other foods in your shopping cart.

9. Drive immediately home from the grocery store. This will give cold or frozen food less time to warm up before you get home. If the destination is farther away than 30 minutes, bring a cooler with ice or commercial freezing gels from home and place perishables in it.

10. Save hot chicken and other hot foods for last, too. This will give them less time to cool off before you get home.

What is Cholesterol

2008-01-13T00:12:00.000+07:00

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like material that is made by the liver. Cholesterol serves many vital functions, and is part of every cell in the body. Our bodies require cholesterol to maintain healthy cell walls, make hormones, make vitamin D, and to make bile acids.

The food we eat can also play a big part in the amount of cholesterol in our bodies. If we eat an excess of food containing saturated fat, the liver will produce more cholesterol than the body needs. Our bodies will also absorb cholesterol directly from food that contains cholesterol.

In nature cholesterol is only found in animal based foods, but some food processing can cause other foods to have cholesterol as well. Foods fried in animal fat or tropical oils, have also been found to contain cholesterol. Saturated fat is also found primarily in animal based foods.

Cholesterol on its own can not dissolve in the blood. Tiny particles called lipoproteins deliver cholesterol to and from the blood cells. There are two lipoproteins that work with cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “Bad” cholesterol, carries cholesterol in the blood stream to the tissues, where it can be used or stored by the body. The reason this type of cholesterol is referred to as “Bad” is that this is the cholesterol that can build-up and clog arteries. This is what happens when there is too much LDL in the body.

HDL cholesterol, often referred to as “Good” cholesterol, carries cholesterol in the blood stream from the tissues to the liver. The liver then expels this cholesterol from the body. A high HDL level will tend to protect against heart attack and stroke.

There are other factors that can affect your blood cholesterol levels. Some of these factors include being overweight, lack of exercise, inherited health traits, increased age, and gender. Women after menopause tend to have higher cholesterol than before menopause. Women also tend to have a higher HDL level throughout there lives than men. This may help to explain why women under the age of 80 usually experience lower rates of heart disease and stroke than men.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a high cholesterol level is considered to be over 200 mg/dL for your total cholesterol. Total cholesterol is calculated as (LDL + HDL). This however, is not the only figure that you should be concerned about. You also need to have a HDL level greater than or equal to 45 mg/dL, to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Total Blood Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: less than 200 mg/dL

Borderline: 200-239 mg/dL

High: 240 mg/dL or higher

HDL Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: 45 mg/dL or higher

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: less than 130 mg/dL

Borderline: 130-159 mg/dL

High: 160 mg/dL or higher

Weight Loss - Are You Starving Your Body of These Essential Nutrients?

2008-01-13T00:10:00.000+07:00

When you are on a weight loss diet, you may be unknowingly, while cutting down on the calories be also cutting down on essential nutrients

What Are These Nutrients?

• Calcium
• Fibre
• Magnesium
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin D

Calcium

Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of Muscles, Bones, Teeth, Hair and Nails etc. It could be called the beauty mineral.

Some Other Needs for Calcium.

It also helps to keep the heart beating normally. Plays a major part in the clotting of blood and can lower Blood Pressure. Another plus, Calcium can help with your Weight Loss Diet.

The Institute of Medicine says that the older we get the more we need Calcium.

• 19 – 50 years old need to take 1000 mgs per day
• 51 – upwards need to take 1200 mgs per day

Three servings of dairy food each day will go a long way in ensuring you get enough Calcium to keep your body in good condition.

Fibre

Fibre is needed to keep your Intestines in good working order. It will keep your Bowels regular and also help you maintain overall good health.

Fibre rich foods lower the risk of heart disease, Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes.

A bonus if you are on a Weight Loss Diet, Fibre is very filling and is found in foods with less Calories so that it is important for weight loss.

Men and Women need different amounts of Fibre each day:

• Men 19 – 50 years = 38 grams, 51 and older 30 grams
• Women 19 – 50 years = 25 grams, 51 and older 21 grams.

Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for many of your body's day to day running. To name a few:

• Bone strength
• Boosts the Immune System
• Normalises Muscle, Nerve and Heart function.

Your needs on a daily basis are:

• Men 19 – 30 years = 400 milligrams, 31 and older 420 milligrams
• Women 19 – 30 years = 310 milligrams, 31 and older = 320 milligrams.

Some Magnesium rich foods are:

• Whole Grains
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Beans – Black or White
• Soy as a Protein instead of meat.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found in fatty foods, such as nuts, seeds and oils.

If you are on a Weight Loss Diet you will be avoiding fatty foods mistakenly believing that you are helping yourself to lose weight. But Vitamin E is needed to fight pollutants that your body is being bombarded with every day. So Vitamin E is an Anti – Oxidant. Anti – Oxidants help the body fight the invading pollutants.

What Can You Eat To Ensure You Get Enough Vitamin E?

• Sunflower Seeds
• Almonds

Vitamin D

What Have These People Got In Common?

• People with dark skin
• People who avoid the sun
• Older adults

They all may have a deficiency of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin.

It is manufactured in the skin by being exposed to sunlight.

As you get older, your need for Vitamin D increases because even with sufficient sunlight, your body may not be able to manufacture enough Vitamin D.

Unfortunately, Vitamin D cannot be found in food, unless the food manufacturers have fortified their foods with it.

So to make sure you are receiving enough Vitamin D, taking Nutritional Supplements is recommended.

By all means if you are on a Weight Loss Diet, eat foods with fewer calories but do take care not to miss out on the essential nutrients that your body needs.

5 Tips To Combat Bad Breath

2008-01-13T00:09:00.000+07:00

Bad breath is a common problem that many people suffer. Though it is usually attributed to poor dental hygiene there are other problems that may cause it. Even brushing your teeth two or three times a day will not necessarily alleviate the odor that ruminates from your mouth. The food we eat and the habits we partake in can play a very big part in bad breath. For instance onion, garlic, tobacco and alcohol all have a negative effect on the smell of our breath. As food is digested certain substances from the food stuff are released into our bloodstream which in turn travels to the lungs. This means that by eating onions or garlic we are breathing them in and out all day.

1- Don't just brush your teeth. Use dental floss to get rid of the bacteria that collects between your teeth and use a tongue scraper to get right to the back of the tongue. A special tongue scraper is better than the back of a special toothbrush because of the ease of use. A toothbrush is cumbersome in comparison to these items and unless you give your teeth and mouth the whole works you are unlikely to get rid of bad breath.

2- Consider changing your diet. If you regularly eat garlic or onions then your breath is likely to smell regardless of whether you brush and floss regularly or not. Eating sweet foods will produce cavities and other problems where bacteria can hide and rot giving bad breath.

3- If you have a health problem that is the cause of your bad breath then you should consult your doctor and not your dentist. Obviously, your dentist will be able to tell you if your bad breath is caused by your mouth or by another problem and is your likely first port of call.

4- Drinking water is another good way of combating bad breath. A dry mouth is a veritable banquet for bacteria as they can become firmly lodged inside your mouth and wreak absolute havoc.

5- Chewing gum only really serves to mask the smell of bad breath and not fix it, despite adverts to the contrary. The sugar in gum causes cavities and these cavities are like little shelters for bacteria. If you eat gum with sugar replacements you may find that your body reacts badly to them and you end up with digestion problems that can also cause bad breath.

Why You Have Hair Loss as You Age

2008-01-13T00:02:00.000+07:00

As you know, most of you at some point will start experiencing hair loss. There are some of you that became bald in your twenties or thirties. But most you, you will lose your hair gradually and then one day you will notice your hair thinning in one area. This occurs because as you age your health deteriorates.

Poor health and hair loss

There are quite a few areas that are related to hair loss. But in general they are all tied together in a fine puzzle. The major reason for hair loss that I discovered was poor health, both physical and psychological. When you are in poor health, you will exhibit numerous symptoms and one that becomes obvious is hair loss.

The extreme poor health condition is when people are subjected to chemotherapy. All of the body systems are poisoned creating massive poor health. All hair is lost.

Hair loss and the endocrine system

Hair loss relates to your body's endocrine system. It is these organs, thyroid, adrenal, thymus, and pancreas that control the function of your body's health by the hormones that they release. One hormone that controls hair loss and hair growth is testosterone.

Hair loss and testosterone

Testosterone is frequently converted to a substance call DHT by a specific enzyme. It is DHT that affects hair growth by disturbing your hair's follicle and destroying it. When the endocrine organs fail to control testosterone there is an excess, much of this excess is converted to DHT.

Women also have testosterone but this is balanced by the high level o estrogen that they have. But when the estrogen balance is upset, women will see hair loss because of more testosterone in their blood.

Diet and hair loss

The food you eat also determines how much testosterone is created in your body. It is important to eat a special type of natural diet to maintain healthy organs that can keep a hormonal balance in your body, so that you have good body health.

When you are not in the best of health and use various types of medication, your hormones are out of balance and your body is in need of nutritional help. It is the vitamins and minerals that help the body rebalance it self, but it is best that these nutrients come from raw food. This is why a colon and blood cleanse is important to do to give your body some help in providing nutrients and giving it a rest from processing heavy foods.

Stress and hair loss

Then there is stress. This is a real hair killer. Stress uses up a lot of your vitamins and minerals. Your body protects you from stress by releasing cortisone and by adjusting your hormone levels to an un-natural condition. Stress creates an imbalance in your hormones and now your hair loss increases and your health starts to deteriorate.

The one thing I realized as I researched why I experience hair loss 15 years ago is that if you seek to improve your health in a natural way, your health gets better and your hair loss stops and maybe you may even grow some hair back.

How to Avoid Weight Gain While Working at Home

2008-01-13T00:00:00.000+07:00

We have all heard the many benefits of working at home – set your own hours, spend more time with your family, avoid the commute, etc. And many people (including myself!) have actually reaped these benefits. But one thing we aren’t told is that for some of us, one unfortunate side effect of being at home all day is weight gain.

Now I know that a lot of the work-at-home crowd is really only at home in an office part of the time. Salespeople are always out on sales calls, and well, if you run a day care center in your home, then you’re probably chasing little ones around all day. These work-at-home types are probably immune to the weight gain.

I’m talking about the rest of us. Those of us who are home alone, all day, with nothing but a computer and a bag of cookies to keep us company. How can we fight the urge to indulge? Let’s take a look at the top 5 options:

Set a routine and stick to it. Yes, I know, one of the benefits of working at home is not having the rigid work schedule, but we still need to have some sort of structure. Your routine should only allow for a few minutes of snacking a day, so that you know when and where you will be eating.
Don’t keep tempting foods in the house. This is much easier said than done, especially if you have children. I do not have kids, (but I do have a husband who can eat whatever he wants and never gain weight. Don’t you just hate him?) so I have to watch which foods get put into the pantry. And let’s face it, we could all stand to make some healthier selections. Buy apples instead of chips, or protein bars instead of candy bars. Just one substitute here and there can make a difference.
Get moving. You knew it was coming, and here it is – that dreaded word: exercise. I’m not saying you have to do two hours of calisthenics a day, but you do need to get up out of that chair and do something. Go for a walk, do some light housework, it doesn’t matter. Just do something besides sitting.
Use break-time wisely. Wait a minute – doesn’t taking a break mean eating a snack? NO! You need to fill your break time with other things that you enjoy. Like reading, or knitting, or talking on the phone (my favorite!). Maybe even combine this with option #3 (get moving), and then you’ll be doing well.
Make some trade-offs. Okay, so you had a few too many snacks one day. You’ll do better the next day. Or you’ll do some extra exercise to make up for it. If you have that snack, make a commitment to walk, instead of drive, on your next errand.

As with many things in life, it’s all about moderation. The benefits of working at home far outweigh (pun intended!) the negative aspects. And if you can follow the steps above to fight the bulge, then you will make the work-at-home experience that much more enjoyable.

Depression and Pregnancy-What Is the Connection?

2008-01-12T23:58:00.000+07:00

At one time, doctors believed that the hormones associated with pregnancy were a good protection against depression. In more recent years, however, there has been a growing body of evidence that depression during pregnancy is a serious problem, affecting 10-20% of all women - the same proportion that women as whole suffer without adding pregnancy into the equation. With figures like that and with the added concern that depression can factor into the health of the baby, it is important to know something about how depression and pregnancy are connected.

First, it's important to recognize what depression is and what the symptoms are.

Depression is a mood disorder that may have both biological and behavioral roots. Although healthy women frequently experience some of the following symptoms during a pregnancy, depression is usually diagnosed when the patient experiences three or more of the following symptoms in the space of two weeks:

* A sense that nothing feels enjoyable or fun anymore
* Feeling blue, sad, or "empty" for most of the day, every day
* Difficulty concentrating
* Extreme irritability, agitation, or excessive crying
* Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time
* Extreme or never-ending fatigue
* A desire to eat all the time or not wanting to eat at all

If a woman experiences three or more of these, she may be suffering from clinical depression and should report the symptoms to her doctor.

Depression is a serious disorder, and is more than just having "the blues." Untreated depression can interfere with a woman's ability to care for her self during pregnancy, and can push a woman to neglect vital personal care, thus hurting her unborn child. In extreme cases, the condition can also put her at risk for suicide, and for abuse of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Depression may also interfere with the ability to bond with the child, and can also increase the risk for having an episode of depression after delivery (postpartum depression). In addition, recent studies have shown the possibility of links between depression in the mother and such serious conditions as premature delivery, low birth weight, spontaneous miscarriage, and gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia.

Doctors feel that there are several major causes which can contribute to a depression during pregnancy. Having an existing history of clinical depression or PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, a severe type of premenstrual syndrome or PMS) is paramount among these, as a predisposition to the disorder can increase the chance that pregnancy and its attendant stresses will bring on an episode. Age at time of pregnancy is also a factor -- the younger the woman is, the higher the risk of depression.

There are also environmental factors to consider. If the woman is living alone, without the support of a partner, and has limited social support; if there are already multiple children in the family, or there is a history of marital conflict and ambivalence about the pregnancy, there is a greatly increased risk of a significant clinical depression.

If a pregnant woman believes that she is experiencing depression, she should seek medical advice immediately. This is not a condition that will simply go away; treatment to avoid the serious consequences listed above is vital.

Fortunately, there are many ways to treat depression during pregnancy. One of the most important is for the woman to take a step back and realize that she may not have to do everything she did before the pregnancy. If a social network and supportive partner are available, much of the self-imposed stress of trying to maintain a normal, pre-pregnancy routine can be alleviated by doing less while others take up the slack. If these resources are not available, psychotherapy is an effective way to help the patient get at root causes of feelings of helplessness and low self-worth, thus allowing her to cope better.

Self care is critical - developing good sleeping habits, regular diet and exercise routines and the like are also effective treatments. Medications are also available, but as with any drugs taken during pregnancy, there are risks that must be considered. Some antidepressants have been associated with serious side effects for the baby; any use of these drugs should be discussed carefully with a trained doctor so that risks are balanced against the benefits. Keeping in mind that depression is a serious illness; there are times when the benefits of treating a depressive episode with drugs outweigh the possible downside.

As with any medical condition that occurs during a pregnancy, depression requires a skilled diagnosis and treatment by a trusted specialist. Women who are at risk for depression or who are experiencing the symptoms owe it to themselves to address the problem as soon as possible.

How To Detect Food Allergy Symptoms

2008-01-12T23:53:00.000+07:00

First things first... not every discomfort you feel after eating is a food allergy. It is possible that the discomfort which most people feel is just a kind of intolerance to a particular food. A very good example is an upset stomach or a sick feeling after a meal.

To differentiate intolerance from food allergy is easy if you know the symptoms of food allergy. One of the first ways to know the difference is this - with intolerance, the reactions are mild while with food allergy, the symptoms are severe.

Looking more closely, food allergens (the ones that causes allergic reactions) are proteins that unfortunately withstood the high temperatures of cooking as well as the acidic substances and enzymes of the gastrointestinal system. These allergens consequently live on to pass through the linings of the gastrointestinal tract, disperse into the blood circulatory system, and travel to organs of target, which results to different allergic symptoms all over the body.

Other common food allergy symptoms include, but are not limited to:

- Severe diarrhea or vomiting - Swelling on the skin, particularly by the side of the mouth - Rashes on the skin - Runny nose - Dizziness - Rashes

Whenever you feel any of these food allergy symptoms, don't treat them with kid gloves. Get serious and seek help so that the situation doesn't get worse. The truth is that in any health related issue - delay is very dangerous. Didn't the wise ones say "a stitch in time saves nine"?!

Individuals who are highly allergic are advised to put on medical alert necklaces or bracelets which declare your condition. As for the medications, some patients who are very vulnerable are also advised to bring with them at all times a self-injectible epinephrine, which is prescribed by the doctor, that can be of great help during sudden attacks of allergic reactions before seeking out for the assistance of an emergency team.

Don't be like those who always procrastinate about everything, including their health. With such people, they tend to put off everything, until it becomes too late. Don't let this happen to you. Get help as soon as you notice any of the above symptoms of food allergy.

Knowing food allergy symptoms can help you get started in treating the allergy before it becomes worse. When it comes to allergy and other such problems "ignorance is not bliss". The more you know about the various symptoms, the more prepared you will be in not only preventing it but dealing with it as well.

Lastly, don't forget to NOT confuse the symptoms of intolerance with the symptoms of allergy. The symptoms of intolerance are mild and usually go away after a short time, but the symptoms of food allergy are severe and usually long lasting

Lower Back Pain Treatment

2008-01-12T23:52:00.000+07:00

The lower back pain treatment is required as lower back pain affects us more than any accident or any other short-term sickness. Though lower back pain treatment is available, it is important to understand and recognize the pain in proximity in order to select the best treatment. Lower back pain can occur any time and while doing any activity, such as driving a car, picking heavy objects, playing, or because of an accident. Lower back pain is so prevalent in America that at least 100 million workdays are lost every year and accounts for 15% of a person's sick leaves. That is quite a lot! If one does not receive lower back pain treatment on time, it might become potentially more damaging.

Types of Lower Back Pain Treatment

Lower back pain can be treated only when you have identified the origin of the pain. After you have identified the affected area, there are various options as far as lower back pain treatment is concerned, which generally depends on the severity of the pain. If you have a ruptured muscle or ligament, the treatment you would need would be completely different and best person to decide on the treatment type would be a spine specialist. One of the most common treatments for low back pain is acetaminophen. It is a pain reliever that is taken orally. This will relieve you from pain for a short period.

However, if you pain persists, then other oral medications maybe prescribed, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the safest form of treatment is correct back exercises. They not only help in relaxing the muscles, but also improve blood flow. When suffering from back pain, the best resting position is to lie down on your back. Place some pillows under your knees, and bend your knees. This removes the unnecessary pressure and weight off your back, providing you with the much needed relief. It has been proved that back exercises are extremely helpful in providing relief against acute lower back pain. Then there is a heating pad, which is far more effective than ice packs and enables you to reduce painful muscle spasms and relax your ligaments

Are You Losing Body Fat Or Water?

2008-01-12T23:50:00.000+07:00

“I tried that diet and lost 8 pounds in the first week!”

“I’ve gained three pounds in one day! It must have been the cookie I ate or maybe the mashed potatoes!”

Stepping on the scale can become an anxiety filled event that leaves people wondering where they went wrong when the numbers don’t go in the right direction. This leads to panic and usually ends with blaming a particular food item that really wasn’t the culprit. Everyone who has been on a journey to lose weight has been there before. Even though you are following your plan and exercising regularly the number may go up 1-2 pounds or even up to 3-4 pounds creating unnecessary guilt that we have failed somehow. If it’s not always food that makes our weight creep up then what is it that causes these fluctuations on the scale?

When trying to lose weight the scale often becomes the only measurement of success and this makes it difficult to remember that every time we step on a scale it is measuring every part of our physical being at that moment in time, which means it measures our fat, muscles, organs, tissue and water weight. Body fat is not the only thing being measured. While organs and tissue don’t change much; fat, muscle, and water do change which can result in fluctuating numbers on the scale.

Water weight can affect your total weight anywhere from 1-10 pounds and sometimes even more. It is important to understand what kinds of dietary factors can make these fluid shifts happen. To start, many of the high protein, low carbohydrate diets can cause a dramatic shift in your water weight. This is because as you cut back carbohydrate intake your body starts breaking down the stored carbohydrates (glycogen) to use as energy, and this breakdown causes the body to excrete large amounts of water. Once the body begins to use stored fat for energy, weight loss slows. This is the reason why most people lose a significant amount of weight right away on a low carb, high protein diet. Extreme low carb, high protein diets can potentially lead to dehydration because of this significant fluid loss.

When a person following a low carb plan eats a carbohydrate-rich food they can easily gain 1-3 pounds. However, this weight gain can be misleading because it is usually your body replenishing the fluid it lost and not gained fat. This 3 pound fluctuation becomes frustrating for many people and they end up yo-yoing back and forth with fluid weight thinking that it must be the half cup of rice they had the night before that caused them to gain that 3 pounds when in fact eating the rice just allowed them to regain some of the fluid they had lost from following a strict low carb plan. The fact is carbohydrates do not affect your weight quite that simply. Excess carbohydrates can strongly stimulate insulin production, which promotes fat deposition and increases appetite. This kind of weight gain will happen gradually, not dramatically overnight.

Sodium is another dietary component that can lead to fluid gain. Sodium can cause the body to retain fluid, leading to these frustrating daily weight fluctuations. Some people are more sensitive to sodium than others. Watch your diet and see if your weight gain corresponds with a high sodium meal the day before. For example, eating out in restaurants can often increase your sodium intake significantly.

The best way to tell if you are retaining fluid is to pay attention to your body. If you get indentations on your ankles and lower legs from your socks then you are retaining fluid. If you wear rings and they become tight and leave an imprint in your fingers when you take them off then you also retaining fluid. Any kind of puffiness in your skin is a good indication of water weight.

The bottom line is that it takes 3500 calories to gain or lose 1 pound of body fat. This equates to an extra 500 calories a day over 7 days to gain a pound. This means if you gained 3 pounds in one day you can chalk it up to fluid weight otherwise you would have had to consume 10,500 extra calories that day which is not likely! True weight gain happens gradually and likewise we lose it gradually. Check your weight weekly instead of daily and look for overall trends. If you are seeing dramatic daily changes in your weight, it is likely the ever-changing shifts of our body’s water weight.

Penis Enlargement

2008-01-12T23:47:00.000+07:00

It’s not uncommon for men to desire a larger penile erection, and such a desire is natural and nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, many men are not able to achieve a large, hardened erection, no matter how aroused they become. The reasons for this are sometimes medical, but it has been found that in the majority of cases, the cause could simply be age, stress, and even poor circulation.

Typically, an erection is caused by the increase of blood flowing in the part of the penis called the Corpora Cavernosa, otherwise known as the erectile tissues. When the penis is stimulated, penile arteries are expanded to allow for greater blood flow traveling into the penis, whereas the blood flow leaving the penis is reduced by the contraction of penile veins. This results in a healthy penile erection. The more blood that the erectile tissues hold, the harder the erection becomes.

As we age, it is common for us to notice a drastic change in our penis size and erection quality. While this used to be highly embarrassing and many men kept this fact hidden, the world is a changing place and today, the understanding of how the penis works is much more comprehensive than in years past. Both prescription drugs and herbal supplements have been introduced to the market, assisting men in achieving both stamina and penis enlargement.

While some men choose to try prescription medications first, they are learning that these medicines are not all that they are toted to be and do not always result in the penis enlargement that one had hoped for. In fact, the side effects caused by these medications can be quite unnerving! More and more men are turning to herbal remedies because they are natural, they work better, and they do not have the side effects that have been associated with their prescription, synthetic counterparts.

MacaEnhancer is the most popular of these supplements. Other popular supplements include Vig-Rx, Maxaman, and Virility Pills, to name just a few. There are websites on the Internet that will allow you to compare the differences between the herbal supplements and what you can expect them to do for you. All are natural substances with some, like MacaEnhancer, utilizing ancient herbs known throughout the ages to assist in penis enlargement. These supplements have been proven to increase sexual stamina, plus heighten desire, as well as show a marked growth in sperm count.

Wonderful Remedy for an Unsuccessful Sexual life

2008-01-12T23:45:00.000+07:00

Sexual cravings and desires are natural phenomena. Life is incomplete if it’s devoid of this intense and personal feeling. True love and a healthy sex life is the essence of a good and complete relationship. But all of us are not that lucky to experience this thrilling and fun-filled experience. For some of us, our physical incapability is our biggest hindrance. It keeps us away from experimenting with our sex life.

But thanks to Generic Viagra, a cheaper variant of the branded one, your life will no longer be the same again. Generic Viagra comes in the form of a pill used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. It can help many men who have erectile dysfunction get and keep an erection when they become sexually excited (stimulated).

But you should always remember that you’ll never get an erection just by taking this medicine. Viagra helps a man with erectile dysfunction to get an erection only when he is sexually excited.

When a man is sexually excited, the penis rapidly fills with more blood than usual. The penis then expands and hardens. This is called an erection. After the man is done having sex, this extra blood flows out of the penis back into the body. The erection goes away. Some conditions and medicines interfere with this natural erection process. The penis cannot fill with enough blood. The man cannot have an erection. This is called erectile dysfunction if it becomes a frequent problem.

So, if you are suffering silently with this problem then worry no more. Viagra the savior of ED patients can provide you relief. This wonder drug enables many men with erectile dysfunction to respond to sexual stimulation. When a man is sexually excited, Viagra helps the penis fill with enough blood to cause an erection.

Therefore attaining sexual pleasure is not a distant dream for anyone, anymore. Generic Viagra can do wonders to your unsuccessful sexual life. It can add color to your surroundings and bring love and romance back into your life.

Boost Your Metabolism to Lose Weight

2008-01-12T23:41:00.001+07:00

There are a lot of people who would give a lot to increase their metabolism. Having a high level of metabolism enables one to burn fat and lose weight fast with the least amount of exertion. Metabolism is the rate by which the body produces and consumes energy and calories to support life.

There are several factors that affect the metabolism of a person, such as the amount of muscle tissue, the frequency of the meals one consumes, genetics, the digestive system, stress levels, personal diet, and activity levels. Metabolism slows down due to the following: loss of muscle because of not enough physical activity, the tendency of the body to cannibalize its own tissue because there is not enough food energy to sustain it, and the decrease of physical activity that comes naturally with old age.

Here are several ways to fire up one's metabolism:

1. Build up on lean, mean body mass. It is only natural that metabolism decreases along with age, but it is possible to counter the effects. The amount of muscle a person has is a very strong determinant in the ability to burn calories and shed fat. So it goes without saying that exercise is essential. Build strength and resistance by working out at least twice a week, preferably with weights. Do easy exercises in between workouts. Simple tasks such as walking the dog and using the stairs in place of the elevator can already take off calories. The key is to match the amount of eating to the amount of activity one has. Here are some guidelines in getting the right exercise:

For strength training

-Increase the amount of repetitions of a particular exercise.
-Add the level of resistance
-Utilize advance exercise techniques if possible

For cardiovascular training

-Insert intervals between exercises
-Perform cross-training and combine the exercises
-Add up on resistance and speed

2. Eat breakfast. A lot of people are ignoring the fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Surprisingly, the ones who eat breakfast are thinner than the ones who do not. Metabolism can slow down considerably if breakfast is taken during mid-morning or if one waits until the afternoon to eat.

3. Avoid sugar. Sugar enables the body to store fat. It is recommended that a person consumes food that helps sustain an even level of blood-sugar. Additionally, progressive exercise 2-3 times a week should be in order to stabilize blood sugar.

4. Eat spicy foods. Hot cuisine with peppers can increase metabolism.

5. Sleep more. According to research, it is riskier for people who do not get enough sleep to gain weight. Also, muscles are regenerated during the last couple of hours of slumber.

6. Increase water intake. Water flushes out toxins that are produced whenever the body burns fat. Majority of bodily functions involves water, and lack of water causes the body system's operations to decrease its speed, and produces unneeded stress as a result.

7. Detoxify the digestive system. A clean and healthy digestive system not only helps the body to run more efficiently, it also gives you energy and helps you to crave healthier foods. This makes a cleansing program, such as Isagenix 9-Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System, a great way to jump-start a weight loss regimen.

8. Eat smaller meals. It is advisable to consume 4 to 6 small meals that are timed 2 to 3 hours apart.

9. Never skip meals. People tend to skip meals in order to lose weight, which is a big mistake since it slows down metabolism.

10. Plan meals in detail. Always prepare the right amount of food to be consumed at the designated intervals. Do not commit the mistake of eating meals in sporadic patterns.

11. Ditch the stress! Stress, be it physical or emotional, triggers the release of a steroid called cortisol, which decreases metabolism. Also, people tend to eat excessively when stressed.

12. Guzzle up on green tea. It can be used as a substitute for coffee. Tea has the ability to stimulate metabolism, and unlike coffee, it has no undesirable side effects when too much is consumed.

13. Include more energy foods in the diet, such as fruits and vegetables, beans and whole grains.

Achieving the desired body weight is never impossible if one has the determination and patience needed to stabilize the metabolism level, which plays an important role in weight loss. A person needs to realize that eating right and working out is not just a passing fancy, but a way of life. Fighting cravings is hard for most of us. A great help in the quest to eat healthier --and fight those unhealthy cravings-- is a body cleansing program. Visit www.loseweightandcleanse.com for details on Isagenix's 9-Day System.