Thursday, May 7, 2009

Fight Cancer With Good Nutrition

By Denise McKinley R.N.

Can we eliminate one of the most devastating illnesses known to modern mankind, an illness that has touched all of our lives in one way or another? We all know someone who lives with it, who has survived it or who has died of it. Some of you are currently living with it and some have miraculously survived it. I lost my father to it. I’m sure by now you know what I’m talking about; Cancer.


With all of our knowledge and all of the scientific breakthroughs we still have not found a cure for this debilitating illness. Why do doctors continue to be baffled and why does the treatment have to be so horrific? Cancer is a word no one wants to hear. The treatment alone can kill and can be draining on your system, so much so that many people opt to not have treatment at all. We have not even mentioned the costs associated with cancer treatment which can be astronomical. The “standard of care” consists of body altering surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy infuses poisoning chemicals that destroys the immune system and despite how sick they make you feel the cancer can grow so rapidly that your immune system never gets a chance to repair itself. If we know that ingesting chemically laden foods and breathing chemically laden air can cause cancer why would we want to put additional chemicals into our body in order to cure it? Two to five percent of the 350,000 people a year who undergo in-hospital chemotherapy treatments die as a direct result of the toxicity from the treatment itself. That’s 7000 to 17,500 people too many. Twenty one percent of patients receiving high-dose chemo die as a complication of the treatment. You or a loved one could be part of this statistic.

Don’t become a statistic! We need to get to the root of this evil before it strikes. Cancer can be a merciless adversary. One way that we can inhibit it and even stop it in its tracts is to keep our bodies as clean as possible. Clean by consuming the right foods and keep our bodies as free of toxins as we possibly can. Toxins cause irritation. Free radical damage is what occurs as a result of constant irritation in our body. These free radicals tear at the cell’s membrane, and in some cases, damage the cell’s DNA structure. When the DNA structure is interfered with, mutation can occur, which leads to the formation and growth of cancerous cells.

According to Dr. Russell Blaylock “The typical Western diet, high in red meats, bad fats, food additives and carbohydrates is a perfect cancer brew”.

Fighting cancer is a war and it involves life-style choices and changes of old habits. Changing old habits is never easy but it can be simple. This quote from Dr. Khalid Mahmud makes a lot of sense “Eat God-made foods, not man-made foods”. Remember the old adage, KISS (keep it simple, stupid) these words of wisdom can protect you from the ravages of cancer by just making a few simple changes in your everyday diet. According to Dena McDowell, MS, RD, for the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center agrees that eating the right foods actually helps prevent cancer. "There is a strong connection between what you eat and whether you develop cancer in your lifetime," says McDowell. The American Cancer Society Nutrition Guidelines calls for a diet that is as plant-based as possible.

Studies indicate that people who eat a lot of fruits and vegetables have much lower cancer rates than those who eat few or none. Vegetarian’s have the highest cancer immunity and have about half the cancer risk of meat-eaters.

Start with eating at a minimum of five but on average seven to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. As you continue to change you’re eating habits your taste buds will change and good nutritious healthy foods will taste better to you than chemically laden, poor quality foods.

Eating foods that contain ample nutrients have been shown to prevent cancer. The damaging effects of free-radicals are minimized by nutrients known as anti-oxidants. These include Vitamins A, C, and E, calcium and vitamin D, the B vitamins and folic acid, the minerals selenium and zinc and beta carotene. The higher the amount of antioxidants you consume the better. A unit of measurement that defines the antioxidant value of foods is called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).

Use healthy fats such as olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish and green plant food sources, especially spinach, flaxseeds, mustard greens and algae’s. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have an anti-carcinogenic effect in the laboratory.

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of anti-oxidants that quench free radicals. They contain bioflavonoids (plant chemicals) that have anti-cancer properties, bioflavonoids turn on phase II enzymes that rid our body of cancer-causing toxins. Fruits and vegetables also contain fiber that binds the toxins excreted into the intestines, these toxins are then not absorbed back into the system. Studies indicate that people who eat a lot of fruits and vegetables have much lower cancer rates than those who eat few or none. Vegetarian’s have the highest cancer immunity and have about half the cancer risk of meat-eaters. Scientists have learned that various components of plants (phytonutrients) can attack cancer cells at all levels but at the same time have no harmful effect on normal cells. These phytonutrients strengthen normal cells so that toxins or free radicals cannot affect those cells preventing cells from becoming cancerous. This is especially important in preventing secondary cancers that can be created in the wake of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Turmeric is the spice most often used in curry powder. It has an active ingredient called curcumin that has shown resistance to colon, breast, liver, oral, skin, and stomach tumors in laboratory testing on animals.

Yogurt with live probiotic cultures consumed in high quantities has been linked in some population studies to reduced risks of cancer, particularly of the breast and colon. Green Tea is the best source of catechins in the human diet, containing about three times as many catechins as there are in black tea. The catechins found in tea selectively inhibit specific enzyme activities that lead to cancer and may also repair cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Green tea has been shown to inhibit or block cancer development in colon, liver, breast, and prostate cells. Studies done in Asia show that frequent use of green tea can lower the risk of many common cancers including the recurrence of stage 1 breast cancer.

Grapes, especially red and purple varieties, contain high levels of resveratrol, which belongs to a classification of plant chemicals called polyphenols. Resveratrol has been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells and inhibit the formation of tumors in lymph, liver, stomach and breast.

Variety is certainly the spice of life. Pay attention to the colors of the fruits and vegetables you choose—green, red, yellow, orange, purple, blue, and white—as nature has imbued each with unique nutrients and phytochemicals that deliver a more complete nutritional benefit when consumed together. Think of assembling a rainbow of colors on your plate; it’s more pleasing to the eye and will give you a good balance of phytonutrients at each meal. I created NV so that we all could have a rainbow of essential fruits, vegetables, fiber, probiotics, turmeric, phytochemicals, carotenoids, ellagic acid, resveratrol, and antioxidants. NV has an ORAC value of 6880 per serving, that’s huge! NV has all the essential nutrients needed to prevent the onset of cancer.

Dr. Steve Nelson of the Synergy Wellness Clinic states that “If people don’t supplement, consume a nutritious diet, apply homeopathic therapies and pay attention to their bodies they are going to continue to get sick”. No one knows for sure if cancers are ever eradicated in your body. Sticking to a nutritious diet and supplementing with NV is so important since a dormant cancer can be reactivated by a bad diet. If we start right now we can improve our chances of having a healthy future.

Wouldn’t it be nice if future generations could say “once upon a time people got cancer” like we think of the black plague? The time is now to make that a reality.

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Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7842.shtml

Discovering The Health Benefits Of Garlic

By LaMarion Ziegler

Benefits of Garlic! A more detailed account of what garlic does for various organs in the human body. If garlic had been created in the laboratory instead of by nature, it would probably be a high-priced prescription medicine.


A Common Saying everyone knows. That's just how good it really is.

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants, and it's been credited with fighting heart disease, lowering blood pressure and helping to fight off colds.

In fact, garlic has been used medicinally for at least 3,000 years, but until relatively recently its benefits were considered little more than folklore. According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Nov. 28, 1990;264:2614), the therapeutic roles of garlic have been described in more than 1,000 scientific studies. Cooking with garlic

Most of the modern research on garlic has concentrated on its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as offering protection against strokes and heart disease.

The following is a more detailed account of what garlic does for various organs in the human body:

1. Protection of the liver from toxic substances: Garlic activates the cells of the liver and thereby protects the liver from toxic substances; it also rejuvenates a tired liver and promotes its normal functioning.

2. Improvement of blood circulation: When allicin is heated in the process of cooking the garlic, a substance called "ajoene" is formed. This substance has a suppressive effect on thrombi and blood cholesterol, so it is effective for the treatment of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

3. Regulation of stomach function: Allicin promotes the secretion of gastric juices by stimulating the mucous membranes of the stomach; furthermore, it combines with proteins which can reduce excessive activity of the stomach. In addition, allicin reglates the functioning of the stomach by activating the large intestine and thus cure both constipation and diarrhea.

4. Promotion of insulin secretion: Allicin combines with vitamin B1 (thiamine) to activate the function of the pancreas and thus promote insulin secretion. As a result, garlic is effective in the prevention or the cure of diabetes that is caused by a lack of insulin or by the defective functioning of the pancreas.

5. Normalization of blood circulation: Because it stimulates the brain nerves and controls the workings of the heart at a constant level, garlic stabilizes blood pressure. It is also capable of dissolving cholesterol and fatty substances inside blood vessels and therefore refreshing cells and the blood inside the body.

Today, there is worldwide scientific evidence to support the many health benefits that can be derived from the daily consumption of garlic. * Extensive tests on humans have concluded that a regular intake of garlic can:

* Lower total cholesterol (but raise the good-type HDL cholesterol)

* Produce more "natural killer" cells in the blood that will tackle infections and tumours

* Lower blood pressure

* Reduce the risk of blood clots (that are responsible for most heart attacks and strokes)

* Destroy infection causing viruses and bacteria

Garlic is classified as both an herb and a vegetable. It can be found in products ranging from ice cream to dry rubs; the versatility of this herb is seemingly endless.

Tips for cooking with garlic:

1. Before cooking, remove the exterior skin of the clove. There are many ways to do this: strike the bulb with the broad side of a kitchen knife, use a rubber garlic rolling tube, soak the garlic in lukewarm water for 30 minutes or dip the cloves into boiling water for 30 seconds.

2. After skinning the garlic, select a cooking method that will result in the appropriate flavor. It can be sautéed to create a nutty, savory taste; poached to create a mild flavor; oven-roasted to bring out the nutty flavor with a caramelized quality; fried to create a crisp exterior; or grilled to create a soft, smoky flavor.

3. Garlic is very sensitive to heat and will burn easily, especially when sautéing. Expose the garlic to heat just until the oil sizzles and then remove it. When cooking garlic with onions, start the onions first. They will take longer to cook.

Benefits of Garlic: Cancer Prevention

Indeed, the first scientific report to study garlic and cancer was performed in the 1950s. Scientists injected allicin, an active ingredient from garlic, into mice suffering from cancer. Mice receiving the injection survived more than 6 months whereas those which did not receive the injection only survived 2 months.

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Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7849.shtml

Workout Weight Loss Program

By David Rosa

A good workout weight loss program is hard to stick with, especially if you have to force yourself to do it. This is why everyone should vary up the exercise routines and meal habits. Setting up a well thought out plan can be tedious; this is why I have set up this small guide of what you should look out for and what you can/should do.


There are three steps that are needed to take in order for maximum results in losing body fat and gaining lean muscle. These are Detox, Nutrition, and Exercise. Most important is detox, which everyone forgets about. Without a good balanced nutrition, you might as well not workout or bother attempting to get in shape. Of course exercising is needed to boost your metabolism, burn fat, and grow muscles.

The ideal workout weight loss program does not include detox, which terrible. Mainly because your body needs to rid itself of the toxins and chemicals that you feed your body. Think about it, you sweat through your pores, this means that chemicals can go through your pores. Cleansing your body is essential due to the amount of work your liver will do. If you have toxins in your body, the liver will attempt to work twice as hard and like a clogged sink, will overflow, therefore all of the fat cells will not be burned and will be stored as FAT. A workout weight loss program is not going to be in full gear without a good cleanse.

I don't believe in diet, mainly because diets are temporary. The word diet has DIE in it, where you usually starve yourself which is not good. If your body needs 1500 calories to fully function, then give it that much, but do it in moderation. Eat more times a day to rev up your metabolism and essentially burn for fat throughout the day. Nutrition never stops, it's a lifestyle. Eat about five to six times a day, stay away from excess sugars (lots of fruits, soda, and juices), coffee, high fat products and such.

Your Goal is to keep muscle but lose body fat %u2013 speed metabolism eat 5- 6 times

Drink water all day

Eat breakfast 7am-egg whites, turkey, and sugar free oatmeal fruit

Snack 10am-yogurt, fruits, almonds

Lunch 12 pm-grilled chicken, tuna, turkey, ketchup, light mayo, salad, fish

Snack 3pm-salad, can of tuna, wheat bread light mayo

Workout 6pm-immediately after- protein shake, protein bar

Dinner 8pm-salmon, turkey, grilled chicken, lean beef

This is just a short rendition of what you can do, but you can and should adjust this to yourself. Remember to stay away from those high in fat and sugar.

Split up your workout weight loss plan with cardio and resistance training on different days. Split up the workout week with 3 days of cardio (mon wed fri) and 2 days of resistance training (tues, thurs). You will greatly benefit from this workout weight loss program or anything similar.

If you think about it most workout weight loss programs all say the same thing, but they way people interpret them are different, which leads to criticism. Regardless, if you make a plan and stick to you, no matter what you will see results. There is no real magic trick to being fit; it is consistency and the desire to want to be in shape. I Hope you live a great healthy life, with prosperity and greatness!

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Article Source:

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7859.shtml

Stairway to heaven - Losing Fat Using the Stairs

By Emile Jarreau

GETTING STRONG NOW! You remember it…the theme song from the hit movie ROCKY. We all remember Rocky as he was running up those stairs in Philly and the way we felt when he got to the top as he jumped up and down, raising his hands above his head. Yep, Rocky was pretty proud, and if you have ever hit the stairs in your workout, you'll know why…Running stairs kicks your butt! Adding stair running to your workouts will tax your lungs, your legs, and shred the fat off your body better than just about any stair climber in the gym.


Before you get started with this intense workout, you'll want to work out FIRST. That's right, I said you want to work out BEFORE you workout. The fact is, running stairs is tough…really tough. If you are a beginner, you can not only hurt yourself, but you can pass out if you are not in good enough shape. It is best to have a good background of cardio under your belt before adding stair running into your regimen. If you can run a few miles at 10-12 minutes per mile, you should be in good enough cardiovascular shape to begin your super cardio routine on stairs.

Running stairs is simple, and the equipment is available all over the place. One common practice is to run up the bleacher stairs at your local high school, park or my personal choice… at the beach. Other folks choose stair running as their exercise of choice because of the amount they travel. Any multi story hotel will have a great set of stairs for you to use for your workout. To begin with, just run up the stairs, somewhat slowly at first, and then walk back down. Continue this back and forth for 3-5 sets as you get used to climbing the stairs. You can add intensity and speed with each set but it won't take long before your lungs are burning and your legs are on fire. Be careful for the first few sets as running stairs is EXTREMELY taxing.

Because of the added work that your lower body will be doing, running stairs will build fantastic muscle in your calves, thighs, and yes, your gluteus ( butt muscle). You will get a great butt sculpting workout with every step you take. The added muscle you build with these serious stair running workouts will help to speed up the fat you lose as well. More muscle=more fat loss!

If you are REALLY looking to up the fat burning ante, you can make your stair running even more intense. Simply work to add speed to your workout and decrease the amount of rest between each set. You can also work to run DOWN the stairs as well as run up, but be careful; running down the stairs can be really dangerous and cause you to lose your footing. Finally, for those fitness freaks out there that are in seriously good shape and are looking to get SHREDDED, adding a weight vest to your stair running workout will provide the ultimate in fat burning and cardio intensity.

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Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7860.shtml

3 Tips To Healthy Blood Glucose Levels

By Gerhard van Staden

Though diabetes is a tough and unforgiving condition, it does not always need to be a Mt. Everest in your life..... Treatment depends on a number of different factors including but not limited to the signs and symptoms of the diabetes, the type of diabetes as well as the severity and age.


Treatment usually includes some medical treatment, but depends mostly on lifestyle changes.

Losing excess weight also helps the body to use insulin more efficiently, thus stabilizing the blood sugar level.

Can we naturally regulate our blood sugar levels?

There is a great deal of evidence that suggest with the correct chosen herbal and homeopathic remedies and supplements we can both prevent and keep signs and symptoms of diabetes under control.

Herbal remedies, dietary supplements and the correct lifestyle changes can eliminate the need for prescription medication and can also aid in the prevention of organ and tissue damage associated with uncontrolled diabetes.

Tips for coping with Diabetes

1. Exercise regularly as your chances will be 50 natural, non-addictive herbal remedy formulated by a team of health experts. Insulate Plus has been used for many years to safely support pancreatic health and to promote systemic balance in the endocrine and circulatory system.

In combination with a healthy lifestyle and diet which excludes excess sugar, unhealthy fats, stimulants, artificial preservatives and colorants, Insulate Plus supports the healthy functioning of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas which is responsible for insulin production. Insulate Plus can be used consistently without serious side effects or compromising health.

Diabetonic

Diabetonic helps maintain stable, normal sugar levels and act as a tonic for the liver and pancreas. Diabetonic is a combination of three, cellular-supporting tissue salts selected for their tonic effect on the blood system and pancreas.

This combination of tissue salt remedies can be used regularly to naturallymaintain blood sugar within the healthy limits in a general capacity to promote systemic balance in the circulatory system, pancreas and liver, as well as in conjunction with other natural remedies to maintain therapeutic effectiveness.

Tissue Salts, also called cell salts or biochemic salts, are composed of minerals hich occur naturally at a cellular level in our bodies and all organic matter on earth, such as plants, rocks and soil.

There have been twelve essential tissue salts identified as important components of all body cells and without which, true health is not possible. Each tissue salt plays a different, yet vital role in maintaining cellular health in the organs and systems of the body.

Making sure that all the cells of capillary walls, veins and arteries are supported also means that the bio-availability of all supplements, remedies and even nutrients in your diet is also enhanced as they are absorbed into the bloodstream, thereby maximizing all your health efforts.

And, because our tissue salts are naturally occurring in the body and manufactured to ensure safe, yet optimum potency, they are safe to use for all ages (from infancy to old age) - as well as during pregnancy!

Vizu-All Plus

Vizu-all Plus is a natural remedy for maintaining the health of the visual and circulatory system. It can be used consistently to safely support visual health and encourage circulation to the eyes while promoting overall systemic and immune system health.

Vizu-All Plus supports the healthy functioning of the eye, thereby helping to maintain routine visual health both day and night, as well as encouraging blood flow to the optical nerve and surrounding tissues.

Vizu-All Plus can make all the difference, without compromising health and without serious side effects. It supports the healthy functioning of the eye to maintain routine visual health both day and night, as well as encouraging blood flow to the optical nerve and surrounding tissues.

The ingredients in Vizu-All Plus have been selected for their ability to help support circulatory and tissue health, particularly of the feet and hands, while encouraging the maintenance of healthy blood flow to the brain to prevent age-related absent-mindedness and to support healthy levels of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

Conclusion

Regulating and maintaining a normal blood glucose level is possible without the use of modern medicine and other toxins.

It will however require a complete lifestyle change, requiring the sufferer to eat healthy, monitor their blood glucose level daily and engage in exercises. Combined with the natural remedies, this lifestyle change will promote health of the pancreas, liver, circulatory system, visual system as well as overall systemic health.

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Article can be viewed at:
http://www.sti.za.net/images/articles/3tips.html

Prostate BPH - the stages in a male life

By: Heinz Golz

It is regular for the prostate glands of males to grow significantly through their teenage years. This slows down when they get to 25 and pushes through when they reach 50. By the time they are around 80 years old, their prostate glands are very much enlarged. This enlargement of the prostate can take place earlier and it could be frightening since it could be cancerous. But there in another situation, the gland could enlarge, and the person should not be concerned about cancer – this state is called prostate BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.


An enlarged prostate or BPH is not prostate cancer. It is a common condition especially among older men, age 50 years and above. Among those with prostate BPH, only 10 percent would need to be medically or surgically treated. Prostate BPH is also called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

The prostate gland does not really stop growing. This does not create any trouble to any man until after he reaches his twilight years. The symptoms are hardly felt by men under the age of 40 , but those who are aged 60 up may experience the symptoms of prostate BPH.

When the prostate becomes bigger and bigger, the leaning of the surrounding tissues is to obstruct its further growth. This results to the restraint on the urethra, since the prostate gland is forced upon it. The man’s bladder will get irritated and will begin to contract even if there is just minimal amount of urine in there. In time , the bladder will fail to function properly causing urine to stay in the bladder.

Prostate BPH shows the following symptoms that you have to watch out for:

Problems with urination – weak stream of urine, leaking, frequent urination at night, straining feeling, sudden urges to urinate Weak bladder Kidney failure Backflow of urine that results to infection on the bladder or kidney

The signs differ and the size of the prostate does not always say how severe the state is. There are men with prostate BPH that exhibit no obstruction at all and thus, show no signs. There are those men who have less enlarged glands however they have more severe signs because of bigger obstructions.

When you practice any troubles urinating, you should inform your doctor immediately. About 80% of the cases are a hint of prostate BPH, but the rest may be more serious and will require instant treatment.

Those that have untreated prostate BPH can develop a lot more serious problems like: Urinary Tract Infection due to urine retention and straining of the bladder Bladder damage Kidney damage Bladder stones Incontinence

There are 3 ways to treat prostate BPH – watchful waiting, drug therapy, or surgery. Watchful waiting involves annual checkups to watch the gland and its increase. This method limits alcoholic drinks and caffeine. Patients are asked to empty their bladders every time they urinating. If you need to urinate, you shouldn’t keep it waiting. Unload at once and often.

As for the medicine remedy , only your regular doctor can prescribed the medications that can help you with the symptoms . Be wary of those over the counter drugs that can only do things worse.

Operation is the last resort but this is one of the most common methods to treat prostate BPH in the U.S.A.. Surgery is best for severe cases.

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Article Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7862.shtml

15 Effective Methods Helping You To Lose Weight Quick

By: Joshua Nichols


Do you want to lose weight fast? It's can be easy to say goodbye to 5 -10 pounds of unwanted fat with these easy diet tips. By paying attention to what you eat and be sure to have great tasting, fresh and healthy(organic if you can get it) food including (non-sugary)snacks, fill up on vegetables and keep your taste buds happy with fresh fruit.

No need to make any huge sacrifices! All you have to do is follow these straight forward guidelines to lose your first 10 pounds, last 10 pounds or give your weight loss program a boost when it seems to have stuttered to a halt. This is a balanced and flexible plan that you can use for as long as you want.

The surprising fact is that many conditions can be improved by visualization and weight loss is one of them.them. It works like this: you keep a vision in your mind of how you want your body to look, and subconsciously you will begin acting in a way that will go in that direction. You become much more positive about your body, more accepting of your diet or fitness regime, and you will reach your weight goals more quickly and easily.keep this in mind when you are doing thes eactivities you will be reading up on in the tips below.

1. Keep a note of everything that you eat and drink. You do not need to estimate calories. Write down what it was that you had and the approximate quantity. You will find that being more aware of what you are eating helps you to plan healthy meals and snacks.

2. Halve your intake of all pure or added fats. This means using half as much butter or spread on your bread, toast, muffins and potatoes; half the usual amount of mayonnaise or sauce on your salad; and half the oil in the frypan every time.

3. Limit treats containing sugar to three times per week. This includes chocolate, ice cream, desserts, cake, pastries, cookies, etc.

4. Include a lower fat source of protein at most meals: chicken, fish, beans, cottage cheese, or low fat yogurt. Have eggs, nuts and red meat occasionally but not every day.

5. Plan at least one lunch and dinner every week without meat or cheese. Build those meals around whole grains, vegetables and beans to increase fiber and reduce fat.

6. Reduce the fat content in your milk products. If you are currently drinking whole milk, reduce to 2 reduce to 1%. Choose lower fat cheese and yogurt. When you buy yogurt, also check that it does not contain sugar.

7.Have at least two servings of fruit every day. This can be for dessert or snacks. Choose fruit that is in season.

8. Drink water instead of sodas, juices, milky drinks or alcohol. Avoid diet soda - the sweet taste only encourages you to crave sugar. Hot water with a slice of lemon can be very refreshing in the morning.

9. Include at least two servings of vegetables at lunch and dinner. If you are getting hungry, have more.

10. Eat slowly. The body is slow to register when you are full and it is easy to eat too much if you are racing through your meals.

11. Grated carrot makes a great snack. You will find that a grated carrot is much more filling than a whole carrot. Strange but true.

12. Use whole grains wherever possible. The fiber will give you a fuller feeling and also help your digestion.

13. Choose food that you can chew. Again this will increase your fiber intake, and the act of chewing will make you feel more satisfied too. This means eating fruit instead of drinking juice. If you have soup, make sure it is chunky.

14. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. Plan your shopping too - make a list of what you need and stick to it. If you just grab something when you are feeling hungry, you will probably choose high calorie food.

15. Always switch off the TV when you eat. That includes snacks as well as meals. Studies have proved that we eat larger portions in front of the TV, probably because we are much less aware of what we are eating. When you eat, only eat if you want to lose weight fast.

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Article Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7863.shtml

High Cholesterol - Its Prevention and Other Important Review to Be Familiar

By: Mark Twinton

Good cholesterol is required by our body parts. The good cholesterol will assist you digest fat well. Yet, don’t have too high cholesterol. It will not bring you any good at all. It does so since the high cholesterol level will make you at risk of other worse diseases, such as are heart attack and stroke. What is more to identify about this one? Take a look at the information here!


Even unusual hormones would not be produced if it were not for cholesterol. It is merely high cholesterol, and more predominantly high levels of bad cholesterol that can cause heart risks. In medical term the bad cholesterol is recognized as hypercholesterolemia.

High Cholesterol Levels Required Being Controlled

Additionally, the body can achieve some of its cholesterol through the foods that we consume. Yet, the majority of cholesterol in the body is produced by the liver. In case you consume animal foods or saturated fats and even Trans fats, you would danger of having high cholesterol levels.

Yet, high cholesterol merely becomes a severe concern when the levels of bad cholesterol become too high. It does so since the high level of high cholesterol could cause unusual heart diseases, including strokes and heart attacks.

Bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that will cause non-dissolved fats to be deposited inside the arteries. This causes the arteries to narrow. Hence, it prevents sufficient blood from reaching numerous parts of the body including the heart, which in turn may cause the heart to stop functioning. At the end it leads to a heart attack, or even a stroke.

If you have an unhealthy foods, smoke, live without sufficient exercise, obese, or have old age, you must be cautious of having high cholesterol. It will then grow into much dangerous diseases if you don’t control it well.

Other reasons for high cholesterol levels from the bad cholesterol are specific medical conditions of which diabetes is a good instance. It can also take place due to obstructive disease of the liver as too chronic kidney failure.

To bring high cholesterol levels down to controllable levels, it is sometimes essential to take drugs. Yet, there are also some other natural remedies available that can prove to be efficient for controlling your cholesterol well. Factually, the better choice as far as bringing high cholesterol levels down to normal is utilizing non-prescription means.

In consequence, you should consider switching to a diet, in which you merely eat low fat foods or even fat free foods. Additionally, you will also need to exercize regularly and keep your weight under control if you realistically wish to keep bad cholesterol levels at tolerable levels.

At the end, having high cholesterol should not give you any trouble. You still could control it well by living in a healthier way of life. For auxiliary and better article rmation, ask for your phsycian’s advice so that you get a better health examination as well as living healthily.

Thus, does the above-mentioned information still not satisfy your need in knowing about high cholesterol? Explore more the suitable information herein!
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http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7871.shtml

Zodiac Signs And Fitness, Your Sun Signs Can Give You Some Helpful Hints

By: Mayur Deshpande

The fitness craze seems to have caught with everyone, be it a celebrity or just a face in the crowd. All are doing it that is sweating it out in the gym, the pool or the nearby stadium. On dinner tables they prefer to talk rather than eat. An interesting development indeed, but what's depressing is that many of these people aren't happy doing what they are. Get close and you will notice their face muscles held taut during the morning walk, a smile from them would but be an impossible dream, they are in fact cursing themselves for being blessed with a prosperous life (no prosperity, no evil temptations to binge, right?)


Giving up exercise isn't an answer either...

That leaves us with no option but to get involved. And how do we get involved? Simple, just by finding an interesting activity, something that sounds play and not work. Confused still? Here's some good news; your sunsigns can give you some helpful hints.

Aquarius : Tennis, basketball, trekking may sound interesting for them; the secret is that these people cannot work alone and love to have lot of people around, at least most of the time.

Another major need for Aquarians is to improve their circulation. So ideally they should pursue activities like running, swimming, dancing etc which strengthen their breathing capacities. And more...they get the desired results like excellent metabolism, raised immunity levels, glowing looks etc.

One warning though; these people are never happy settling down to routine. So even at a gym they have to be doing different kinds of exercises on different days to keep their motivation levels high.

Pisces : The fitness fight is a difficult one for Pisceans since they love to eat. It would be better if they keep away from pessimistic friends as they absorb the negativity a bit too fast and give up. One consolation though, Pisceans are excellent visualisers and they could motivate themselves towards greater fitness using this skill.

Since this is the sign of the fish, majority take to water activities swimming, surfing, rowing with great delight. Others would at least love to run by the beach. Fishes are also famous for graceful movements, so yoga would also suit fine. They also love to dare and may pursue horse-riding, dancing, skating, swimming often. All outdoor games, be it run and chase, cricket, kho kho will also agreed upon as long as they are challenging.

Though the gym is not the right place for them, Pisceans could be inspired by some great music and well designed exercise clothes. Even the promise of a relaxing sauna bath or a shower would motivate them to spend some more time at the treadmill. Dance being a great passion, step aerobics, aerobic dancing or even an evening at the disc will easily receive a "Let's Go" from them.

Aries : These people love to get over things fast and also get immediate results. Unfortunately exercise doesn't happen that way. Human body has got its limitations just like anything else. One advantage for these people is that they are always on the move and therefore do not put on weight easily.

Arians would do better by exploiting their strength, endurance, confidence and drive in tough activities like martial arts, wind surfing, football, basketball, gymnastics, boxing, skipping etc. Iron being their metal, even weight lifting would suit fine for them. While at the gym they should get into some strenuous activities to get rid off the stress.

However a major hitch is that these people consider everything as a challenge and don't learn to take it easy.

Taurus : Bulls belong to yet another group that adores good, sorry rich food and lots of rest. No wonder they find it tough to fight the battle of the bulge.

Typical Taureans don't love to work hard at the gym or the tennis court, they would rather walk or go cycling by the country side. They may choose swimming, not at the pool but the nearby stream. Nature is a greatest temptation for them since it relaxes them.

City dwellers should carry walkmans to the gym and listen to some inspiring music while working out. That releases the stress of keeping fit. If this isn't enough, the promise of a neat aromatherapy massage at the end may inspire them to do a few more pushups or abdominal crunches.

For those reluctant Taureans, family members could provide a gentle push by persuading them to take the kids out to play or at least walk the dog. Tennis is out since it calls for quick movements but a Taurean will take up the gardening work happily.

Gemini : These people are basically restless, so staying fit should be an easy game for them. They love change and flexibility. Gymnastics, cycling, swimming, aerobic dancing should be instant choices with them.

Geminis may also settle for tennis, badminton, Frisbee since they love to work with a partner. These games also give them time and space to chat. Brisk walk is yet another activity these people wouldn't mind.

Breathing is one area these people have to improve upon, since good breathing refers to strength. Aerobics or jogging can be pursued for better results. Slow activities like yoga aren't for them but they would probably fare well at dance, gymnastics, basketball, or tennis since movements aren't as slow.

One negative quality in Geminis is stress bingeing. They have to find a way to release excess stress and ensure they are calm before arriving at the dining table. If they cannot find something nice, they could even bite into an apple or guava to get their nerves in order.

The sign of the twins demands variety. A rigid exercise routine is out for them. Let them check out their choices and modify their schedule as they want.

Cancer : Water relaxes them; Cancerians simply love water sports like swimming, sailing, wind surfing and rafting. Even running on the beach would do for them as long they can keep in touch with water.

Hard driven exercise programs are out for these people. These sensitive souls need something more gentle, say stretching exercises. Water calisthenics would be best since it will soothe their nerves and strengthen them even more.

Cancer being the sign of the born nurturer, they love to cook, feed and eat really good food. A slight caution against good food will help them to stay in better shape.

Leo : They love to exercise but have to be pampered and persuaded, kings afterall. Hence these people would work better under a personal trainer. Music is a great passion with them, so they would find aerobic dance interesting.

These people like to have friends around but would love to be the focal point at health clubs. They are also competition lovers and spiritedly take part in basketball, tennis, golf or even power sports like kickboxing.

Last but not least, lions need to stretch a lot to feel better. Yoga, calisthenics, power walking would help them in this regard. Lions also shine well with a little sunshine. Naturally they don't find winter sports like skiing, a great pleasure. Instead they would prefer to go cycling or horseriding in warmer climates.

Virgo : These busy bees hate to rest. No wonder they don't find staying fit a great bother. Their only problem would be time but definitely not laziness. They would love to work out the stress and fat at the nearby gym rather than lie down looking at the stars. Virgos will however need the slow and balanced movements of yoga or meditation to cool down.

This is the class of strong men/women; endurance sports like hiking, cross-country skiing, long-distance running are made just for them.

A word of advice though, Virgos should not drive themselves so hard in the fitness race, but instead exert a little caution at the dining table. Yes, a balanced diet is what they need to get better and faster results. Let them have a nice meal and go for a walk or a bicycle ride.

Libra : He/she is the true party lover. But what these people forget is to rest. It would help if they remember that sleep is an important part of the fitness regime.

Librans love to exist in pairs (think of the two pans in a weighing scale); no wonder they love to have a gym buddy. You will find libran husbands pulling their wives or friends along to the pool or the squash court. Activities like squash, basketball, volleyball, dancing or sailing that calls for a partner would be fine with them.

Another important requirement for these people is to get their muscles strong and flexible. Golf, ball room dancing, gymnastics would help them achieve this need. One warning though, they may get a little carried away with all that socialising and forget to exercise!

Scorpio : These highly ambitious people demand some strenuous activities to help them release pent-up stress. They can take up boxing, long distance running or even the punching bag game. They would take up tennis or squash, but their partners' better give quick responses.

Sometimes these people desperately need to be left alone to do some quiet thinking. Therefore working out alone in the gym is ok with them. Left alone, they peddle faster and that too non-stop at the stationery cycle and even race faster on the treadmill. This way they would burn both fat and stress quick enough! Of course they would need some relaxing activities like deep breathing or slow jogging to cool their ruffled nerves after a challenge.

Sagittarius : They love sports and also love to be outdoors most of the time. Any game is okay say kho kho, volleyball, cycling, skating; Saggis possess both inclination and speed. At the gym, these true extroverts will need some pals to get motivated.

They are great travel lovers; horseriding, rowing and rock climbing would be some of their preferred activities. Calisthenics may help them to keep their body flexible and strong enough to withstand stress.

One major warning though, these people will have to get over inertia to turn their exercise regimen a success. Else, they would keep coming up with new excuses until a really good reason or pal drags them to the gym.

Capricorn : These people again thrive on change and make adjustments almost immediately. Ideally, their fitness schedule should include a variety of activities, say jogging on Monday, swimming on Tuesday, lifting weights on Wednesday, so on and so forth.

Capricorn being an earth sign, these people need to be in constant touch with the ground. Activities like hiking, rockclimbing, golf would suit them fine. However they should be doing some stretching and weight lifting exercises at least now and then, to keep their bodies strong and agile.

Whatever they do, these people should always remember that they are doing them for self-improvement and not for competing with others. This will ensure that they don't overdo!

Sound advice, but... These guidelines are based on gener al observations. Exceptions may always be found.

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Mayur Deshpande is proprietor of Fitnesssmith an organization committed to serve fitness as a lifestyle. I am qualified fitness instructor and consultant and have 8 years of rich working experience in the field of fitness. Just as we have a goldsmith who specializes in making things out of gold, in the same way FITNESSSMITH is an organization which specializes and is committed to serve fitness as a lifestyle. For more information about fitness & health visit http://www.fitnessforworld.com FITNESSFORWORLD Vashi, navi-mumbai, 9867281896
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http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7872.shtml

Green Tea and Its Relation to Promoting Periodontal Health

By: Zyra Robinson


Since ancient times, green tea has been popular in Asian cultures like China and Japan. It is their beverage of choice because of its medicinal benefits. Its popularity has surged in the western hemisphere largely because of its proven ability to treat ailments such as headaches and depression. Dentist Burbank supports the scientific research regarding green tea and its health benefits. It has proven effective in fighting cancer, lowering high cholesterol levels, dealing with cardiovascular problems, ensuring immune infection, and preventing arthritis, among others. What makes green tea special is that it is rich in catechin polyphenols (epigallocathechin gallate or EGCG), which is an effective antioxidant. Green tea is known to prevent cancer and weight loss. It also inhibits abnormal formation of blood clots.

Dental Burbank believes that the study published by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) about green tea consumption should be taken seriously. Given the close links between dental health and overall health, it has been found that green tea also helps promote healthy teeth and gums by fighting periodontal diseases. According to Dentists Burbank, there are lots of information regarding the study done before by Japanese researchers when they analyzed 940 men focusing on their periodontal health. They found out that people who drank green tea regularly obtain good periodontal health.

There were three indicators examined regarding periodontal diseases. When green tea was consumed during the study, it was discovered that the periodontal pocket depth, attachment loss of gum tissue and bleeding on probing of the gum tissues (three indicators) decreased its potential on having periodontal disease. According to Cosmetic Irvine, the research has shown that the catechin, which is an antioxidant in green tea, helps promote good periodontal health. Catechin interferes in the body's inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria. Because of this type of antioxidant, there is less chance of getting chronic inflammatory disease (periodontal disease) that affects gums and bones that support the teeth. DDS Irvine agreed with what Dr. David Cochran, DDS, PhD, President of the AAP and Chair of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, when he said: "That is why it is so important to find simple ways to boost periodontal health, such as regularly drinking green tea - something already known to possess certain health-related benefits."

Green tea helps promote periodontal health and prevents diseases closely associated with in periodontal diseases. This is because green tea interferes with our body's response to periodontal bacteria. There are, however, concerns regarding the harmful effects of drinking green tea because it also has caffeine. Although it contains caffeine, which sometimes lead to insomnia (the only negative side effect reported), the caffeine content in tea is relatively small. Coffee, on the other hand, has more caffeine in its content compared to tea. Tea, therefore, is safe to drink. This is a beverage that is easy to find. It gives a lot of health benefits not only to our overall health but also to our dental health.

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7874.shtml

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Prevent Injuries With Prehabilitation

By Jeff Anliker, LMT

Performing Strengthening and Stretching Exercises will Help Reduce Injury Risks Before an Injury Occurs.

“Prehabilitation” is nothing new to many professional athletes and trainers, but it is now becoming more widely recognized by the mainstream medical community and individual athletes as a means to help eliminate the possibility of an injury before it ever occurs.

Prehabilitation incorporates strengthening and stretching exercises for specific groups of muscles in order to help reduce the risk of injury, before an injury actually occurs. It is the “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” approach to physical training, albeit for work or recreational activities. Pre-habilitation is sport and work-specific and addresses common injuries and strength imbalances that occur in the particular sport or activity that the individual is involved.

For example: A common injury suffered by tennis players is lateral epicondylitis, or Tennis Elbow. This is often caused by the high forces involved in the backhand as the musculotendinous or tenoperiosteal junctions of the extensor muscles that cross the elbow joint are overstressed due to lack of overall strength of the finger, wrist and elbow extensor muscles. The constant gripping of the tennis racquet, coupled by forceful wrist and elbow extension, wrist and forearm supination and external rotation of the shoulder during the backhand swing, against a fast moving object, causes jarring, vibration and micro trauma to occur at the musculotendinous and tenoperiosteal junctions of the extensor group at the elbow junction. This repeated trauma to the extensor group can cause micro-tears, swelling and result in atrophy of the extensor group. The result is a muscle imbalance that occurs between the flexor and extensor groups.

Prehabilitation would require the stretching and lengthening of the flexor group and the strengthening of the extensor group beyond the amount of force that is applied to it when repeatedly hitting a backhand. If the force applied during each backhand stroke is 100lbs. X 40 backhands, then the extensor group needs to be strengthened in order to withstand 120lbs. X 60 backhands.

Prehabilitaion requires that the muscle group is strengthened in order to perform the sport or activity and not that the muscle group is strengthened while performing the sport or activity. Strengthening the muscle group beyond what it will be called upon to do, or beyond its normal strength requirements, will help reduce the possibility of an injury occurring.

Knowing this information about the sport or activity that you perform, and the fact that injuries are common, the personal trainer or clinical therapist working with a tennis player, carpal tunnel patient or any other situation should recommend exercises to develop the strength and stability for each individuals need. This will avoid any potential strength imbalance and raise the individuals ability to withstand the forces of the the sport or activity performed, therefore “prehabilitating” the injury.

Muscle imbalances like this occur throughout the entire body and must be addressed before injury occurs:

The following is a brief summary of common injuries of the upper extremity, the sports and activities in which they often occur, and recommended prehabilitation stretches and exercises.

SHOULDER TENDONITIS:

Sports: Swimming, Tennis, Javelin, Discus, Shot Put
Work: Construction, painting, housework, cleaning, etc.
Shoulder tendonitis is related to weak rotator cuff musculature and an imbalance of strength in the shoulder. The following are exercises that would be very useful for shoulder injury “pre-habilitation”.

STRETCHES:

• Low/Mid/High Chest.

• Anterior Deltoid.

• Internal Rotators.

EXERCISES:

Rear Diagonal Pull. This exercise works the whole of the rear deltoid, rhomboids, teres minor and major, supraspinatus and infraspinatus.

Single Arm Row. This exercise works the rear deltoid, rhomboids, mid trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles.

External Rotation. This exercise works the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles along with the posterior shoulder group.

LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS:

Sports: Tennis, Golf
Work: Typing, construction, etc.

Often this injury occurs because of poor technique, which places too much strain on the wrist and elbow musculature. This stress can be offset by strengthening the wrist and elbow muscles, particularly the finger, wrist and elbow extensors and wrist and forearm supinators.

STRETCHES:

• Finger / Wrist Flexors.

• Wrist / Forearm - Ulnar Deviators.

• Wrist / Forearm Pronators.

EXERCISES:

1.Palm-Up Elbow Moving or Palm-Up Isolated Extension Exercises. Thumb-Up Elbow Moving and Thumb-Up Isolated Extension Exercises.

2.Supination Isolated Exercises.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

Sports: Tennis, Javelin, Shot Put.
Work: Typing, Mousing, Writing, Driving, Assembly, etc.

Often this injury occurs because of a muscle imbalance between the strong, overused flexor muscles that “close” the hand and the weak, underdeveloped extensor muscles that “open” the hand. This injury can be offset by stretching and lengthening the overly restrictive flexor muscles and strengthening and shortening the underdeveloped finger and wrist extensor muscles in order to correct the muscle imbalance and increase the space within the carpal tunnel.

STRETCHES:

• Finger / Wrist Flexors.

• Wrist / Forearm Pronators.

• Wrist / Forearm Supinators.

EXERCISES:

1.Palm-Up Elbow Moving or Palm-Up Isolated Extension Exercises.

2.Pronation Exercises.

3.Supination Exercises.


Jeff Anliker, LMT, is a Therapist and Inventor of Therapeutic Exercise Products that are utilized by Corporations, Consumers and Medical Facilities around the world for the prevention and rehabilitation of repetitive strain injuries. repetitive-strain.com

Leg Cramps

by devika

A leg cramp is a pain that comes from a leg muscle. It is due to a muscle spasm which is when a muscle contracts too hard. It usually occurs in a calf muscle, below and behind a knee. The small muscles of the feet are sometimes affected.

A cramp pain typically lasts a few minutes. In some cases it lasts just seconds, but in some cases it lasts up to 10 minutes. The severity of the pain varies. The muscle may remain tender for up to 24 hours after a leg cramp.

Leg cramps usually occur when you are resting - most commonly at night when in bed. (They are often called night cramps.) They may wake you. It can become a distressing condition if your sleep is regularly disturbed.


Leg cramps symptoms:

1. Severe leg pain
2. Muscle tenderness
3. Inability to move the leg

Causes of Leg Cramps:

1. Dehydration
2. Rigorous exercises
3. Muscle fatigue due to overexertion
4. Over weight
5. fluid imbalances
6. Diminished blood supply
7. Nerve abnormalities

Home Remedies for Leg Cramps:


1.A glass of lukewarm milk before going to bed is a simple, yet effective way to treat the leg cramps.
2.Prepare chamomile tea and have it at least 5 times a day, for about 2 weeks. For every cup of water, take two or three teaspoons of chamomile flower. Bring the water to a boil and let the flower steep in it for a few minutes. Strain, add sugar or honey, and drink warm.
3.A hot shower before going to bed is effective in curing leg cramps. Pour some hot water on the painful area as well.

4.While you are on bed, stretch the legs as far as you can and keep it in the same position for half an hour. While standing, push your heel onto the floor and bend your toes upwards. This is a good way to treat leg cramps.
5.For people who often face the problem of leg cramps, press your toes against the wall and stretch the calf muscles. Repeat this 15-20 times.

6.A cup of red raspberry leaf tea, consumed in the morning and evening, is good for relieving a person suffering from leg cramps. Bring a cup of water to a boil and add a tsp red raspberry tea to it. Let it steep for a few minutes, strain and drink when still warm.

7.Mix one tbsp of calcium lactate, one tsp of apple cider vinegar and one tsp of honey in half a glass of lukewarm water. Have this once a day. It will be helpful in treating leg cramps.

8.Massaging the affected area with essential oils, like lavender oil and rosemary oil and eucalyptus oil. After massaging, wrap the affected area with a towel dipped in hot water.
9.Take 1 raw clove of garlic every day. This clove can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil. Take for 2 months.

10.Drink a cup of papaya seed tea six or seven times daily for two or three weeks for relief from joint pain.

Vitamin and Mineral Therapy:

To prevent leg cramps take a daily vitamin E supplement of 400 international units. If the Vitamin E alone doesnt stop them try adding 500-1000 milligrams of calcium and up to 1000 milligrams of magnesium daily.

Preventive Measures:

Dehydration causes leg cramps. It is especially important to stay well hydrated during workouts.
Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercising.Stretching prior to starting your exercise routine is extremely important. Stretches help relax muscles and thus prevent leg cramps. When beginning a workout regime, it is imperative that you do so gradually. A sudden increase or changes in physical activity levels can cause leg cramps. Keep rolled up bed sheets or blankets at your feet to prevent your toes and feet from pointing downward while you are asleep. Riding a stationary bicycle for a few minutes before bedtime could prevent cramps from developing during the night.

Knowledge and Persistence leads to success I have always been fascinated by the question ,why some people can and others cant. I spent years trying to figure this out. At first it was mainly for myself. I remember growing up with little confidence and under the impression that others were more capable than I was. The fact was that this impression was true. It was true because i believed it.


Reference: HealthOnclick

Joint Pain Relief: An Overview


By: Eddie Tobey


Your knees, shoulders, and elbows are all large joints. Your hands and feet contain many tiny joints. Our joints are used for almost every movement we make. Half of adults over age 65 - or more than 20 million Americans, endure recurrent or chronic joint pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling. Joint pain can be so severe that ordinary daily activities of sufferers, such as eating a bowl of cereal or washing one�s hair, become difficult or even impossible.

For many years, treatment options for joint pain relief were limited to two types of medications: acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both are effective treatments for mild joint pain, and the latter reduces joint inflammation too.

Recent medical studies show that sufferers themselves can greatly improve their condition through exercise. Exercise builds strength and flexibility, and toning the muscles that surround the joint helps to stabilize it. Exercise can reduce stiffness, increase blood flow, and aid in weight loss, which takes the stress off of joints. Patients should determine a safe level of exercise with their doctor, and together develop a routine individually tailored to provide the optimum benefit to the sufferer.

Heating pads, ice packs and topical creams, rubs, and sprays provide short-term joint pain relief. For persistent, chronic joint pain, injections of the steroid glucocorticoid can provide relief for about three weeks, and injections of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in joints, can last up to a year.

Surgery may be necessary for patients with debilitating joint pain. Surgeons may elect to realign the joint or completely replace the damaged joint with an artificial one. Total joint replacement can bring dramatic joint pain relief for many patients.

Natural supplements such as glucosamine (derived from crustaceans� shells) and chodroitin (a part of connective tissue from cow tracheas) may help alleviate joint pain as well. Alternative treatments like supplements and acupuncture have become increasingly popular in recent years, so much so that the National Institute of Health is currently conducting research on both to determine the effect they have on joint pain relief. Results of this research may validate supporters� claims or even alter the prescribed course of treatment.

Arthritis Pain Relief provides detailed information on Pain Relief, Arthritis Pain Relief, Back Pain Relief, Joint Pain Relief and more. Arthritis Pain Relief is affiliated with Chronic Pain Management.

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Article Source:
e-healtharticles.com

6 Effective Tips for Back Pain Relief

Nishanth Reddy

Back pain is often a sign of injury or some underlying problem related to your spine – its bones, muscles, and other soft tissues. It could disrupt your work, routine, and your daily activities. It may even affect your normal lifestyle as you are unable to participate in recreational activities due to pain.

Fortunately for those who suffer from back pain, episodes of this condition do not often last long. In fact, most of episodes last from a few days to a few weeks and rarely do they last more than three months. If they do, then you are advised to consult a doctor since pain may just be a symptom of a far more serious injury or disorder.

In most cases, certain pain management methods may be used to achieve back pain relief. The treatment could range from use of nonprescription drugs to massage therapies and traditional remedies like acupuncture and yoga.

Below are some of the popular methods used for lower back pain relief:

1. ExerciseMany people believe that rest is best for a painful back, but actually, what your back really needs when it’s hurt is exercise. Regular exercise relieves back pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the spine and helps to prevent future injury.This is a use it or lose it situation: the more you rest, the weaker your back gets, even if it is hurt. If you do not know of any, you can always ask your doctor for reference. For sure the list that they will give includes swimming and walking to say the least. There are also movement therapies to develop proper posture. To manage pain, you may do any of the following:• Walk short distances• Stretch and do flexibility exercises• Use a stationary bicycle• Swim

2. Losing WeightLosing weight can also be a back pain relief. This is because being overweight can make the ache get worse. You also have to get your muscles in better shape and improving your postures when sitting, standing or sleeping.Remember, if your head is not in line with your body it is like having a 15-pound weight constantly pulling you forward, which can strain the neck and shoulders. Standing and sitting with good posture create a vertical line with the body that can make you appear up to 10 pounds lighter.

3. Heating Pads and Ice PacksFollowing trauma, the person should apply an ice pack or compress over the injured area. Do this for up to 20 minutes several times every day. If you still do not achieve back pain relief after two to three days of cold treatment, use a heat pack. This will help relax the muscles and increase blood flow, speeding up recovery.

4. Physical TherapySometimes, rest and exercise, the most common forms of back pain treatment, may not produce the desired results. Even so, pain may still be treated without going for surgery. Manual physical therapy is a method of lower back pain treatment that uses a specialized type of physical therapy to relieve pain.Physical therapy uses different techniques, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cryotherapy, massage, exercise, and heat in order to relieve muscle spasms, increase flexibility, strengthen muscles, relieve pain, and accelerate the healing process.

5. Massage TherapyStudies have shown that massage therapy is more effective than both chiropractic and acupuncture for relieving pain due to muscle spasms. The benefits of massage therapy include improved circulation, which helps alleviate muscle soreness; muscle relaxation, which helps muscles move without pain; and increased endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. You should be aware that the kind of massage you receive in a spa is not the same kind of massage used to treat back pain.

6. Water Therapy:Hydrotherapy for back pain relieves pain by loosening the muscles and ridding the body of toxins that produce pain and inflammation. Water exercise therapy has many benefits. The buoyancy of water supports the patient’s weight, allowing a greater range of motion when the person has too much pain to exercise on land.This makes water exercise therapy ideal for everyone who seeks relieve from back pain. Additionally, the water temperature should be warm enough to relax muscles, which also helps relieve pain. Warm baths are excellent for relieving mild backaches.

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Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. Visit his website for more Information about back pain relief and treatment methods. Learn the alternative treatment methods used for back pain relief.

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Article Source
: e-healtharticles.com

Home Remedies from the Old Country


When I was growing up my mom had millions of home remedies for everything from a cure for an ear ache to a salve for open wounds. Some of them really worked and some of them I think were just smelly placebos to make you think it was working. Here are some of the remedies my mom used to use to get us better fast when we had a cold.

Lemmon:My mom always said that Tea with lemon was the best thing for a cold, and many experts now agree with her. The vitamin C in the lemon helps strengthen the body's immune system. They also say that it should be in warm water which is why they put it in tea.

Chest Cold:Garlic soup is a great way to help open up the repertory system and make breathing easier while killing the germs that causes the cold at the same time. The garlic hold antiseptic properties that helps the body rid itself of its unwanted guests, the oil the in the soup opens the airways, and by adding a tablespoon of onion juice you can flush all the unwanted toxins from your body by sweating them out.

Reduce a Fever:It is not uncommon for someone with a cold to have a fever. A good way to reduce the fever is with Ginger. When cut up and boiled in water ginger has been found to lower a fever in a matter of hours. A less bitter way is to put a small piece of ginger into a glass then pour boiling water in the glass, after letting it sit for 2 or 3 minutes put a tea bag in the glass and add some sugar. This method is less effective but tastes much better.Lady FingersFor those who may not know another name for Okra is Lady Fingers.

Lady Fingers are great for sore throats because they contain a large amount of mucilage that sooths a sore throat and helps keep the throat moist. Take a ¼ pound of okra, cut them into small pieces and boil in a liter or water. The steam can also be used but it is not as strong as eating the vegetable.Tamarind and Pepper:A great way to relieve a stuffed up nose is

Tamarind and Pepper soup.The soup is made by adding 50 mg or Tamarind into a pot with 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil then add one teaspoon of hot ghee and half a teaspoon of black pepper. You should have 1 cup of this soup 3 times a day. After drinking you will fell your nose start to run and your eyes will water, but within minutes your sinuses will be cleared out.

Bitter Gourd Root Paste:This is not one of my mom remedies so I have never tried it but I have been told from people that it really does work. This remedy does not cure the symptoms of the cold it goes after the cold itself. Take a teaspoon of the paste and a teaspoon of honey. If taken for a month it will rid the body of the cold germs and help strengthen your immune system.

End All Cure All:
This really is the best home remedy I have ever seen. Turmeric not only gets rid of the cold in a few days, it also knocks out all the symptoms like sore throat, runny nose and congestion. Turmeric can be bought as a powder, put half a teaspoon of Turmeric in a sauce pan with a cup of milk and bring it to a boil on a low flame. When the milk begins to boil take some good strong sniffs of the steam your nose will almost instantly begin to open up, and after drinking the concoction you will star to feel better. Drink 2 cups a day for 3 days and you will be back on your feet in no time.

These are just a small example of all the home remedies that are out there. I have personally tried several of these methods, and can vouch for their effectiveness.

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Article Source: http://www.healthcrazed.com/

Aromatherapy

By Amy Otis, RN

Aromatherapy is the science (and art), of using oils extracted from aromatic plants to enhance health, well-being and beauty. By using essential oils therapeutically one can treat a wide range of problems from stress and insomnia, to acne, menstrual cramps, depression and fatigue. Essential oils (also known as essences) are obtained from the distillation of herbs, plants and flowers. They all have different therapeutic effects on the body. Aromatherapy has a long history of use in ancient Egypt, China, and India.
You may not even realize that you already use aromatherapy. When you burned that scented candle last week, you were practicing aromatherapy. When you walk through a fragrant garden, you are doing it again. Almost all of the bath and body care products we use contain some form of essential oils - the basis of aromatherapy.

The Power of Scent
People often don't realize how strongly they are affected by scents. The smell of home made bread or of the ocean can bring back memories from years before; of happy time or bad times too. This is because the olfactory sense, the sense of smell, is interpreted by the part of the brain that is concerned with our emotions. Scents have a powerful effect on our moods. Adding different essential oils to your massage oil or bath oil can enhance the relaxing or invigorating effect of the massage or bath.

Some History
In 400 B.C. Hippocrates wrote, "The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day," There are numerous references throughout history to the use of aromatic oils. The term aromatherapy was coined by a French chemist named Rene Gattefosse, in the 1920s. Several years earlier he had noticed the therapeutic effects of essential oils after burning his hand badly while working in his laboratory and accidentally dunking his hand into lavender oil. His hand healed very quickly and left no scars (so history tells us).

Some Research
Research in the 1990s testifies to the strength of this link. Dr. Gary Schwartz, professor of psychology and psychiatry of Yale University, has found that certain odors can lower blood pressure. The scent of spiced apples was shown to be particularly effective -- it lowered the blood pressure of healthy volunteers by an average of three to five points. Other scientific research has shown that pleasant smells such as peach and plum can reduce pain, and that essential oils can change peoples moods: jasmine, ilang-ilang and peppermint can life depression, geranium and bergamot relieve anxiety; and rose and carnation restore energy.
Essential oils are a complex mixture of chemicals with many different properties. As well as affecting mood, some are antibacterial, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory. The chart on the next page lists some of the most common oils with the properties ascribed to them. The diversity of claims made for essential oils sometimes several claims for one oil, can cause confusion. A single oil may be described as both calming and stimulating. This sounds like a contradiction, causing skeptics to dismiss the whole subject. However, someone suffering from nervous tensions might first be calmed by the scent, and then, with this new freedom from tension, reclaim his natural energy and feel refreshed and energized.

Buying Essential Oils
The price of essential oils varies greatly; for a small quantity of lavender oil you might pay only a fraction of the cost of the same amount of rose oil. This reflect the facts that it takes about 400 pounds of rose petals to product just a liter of rose oil, whereas 400 pounds of lavender flowers yields about 6 liters of essential oil. Most health food stores sell essential oils. They should always be sold in brown glass bottles (sometimes cobalt blue) to keep the light out -- which can alter them chemically. They are sold in small quantities as only 3 - 5 drops goes a long way.

Blending Oils or "Carrier Oils"
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and must always be diluted, otherwise they can sting and even cause allergies. To use them during a massage, you need to dilute them in a carrier oil. The most commonly used carrier oils are almond, olive, soya, grape-seed, avocado, hazelnut, peach and wheat- germ oils. Many of these are very expensive. Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E and acts as an antioxidant but it is a bit thick and heavy, so add just a little to a light carrier oil to prevent your massage oil from turning rancid. To dilute an essential oil, mix one to three drops with a 5 ml teaspoon of carrier oil. (Most essential oils will have directions on their label). If you want to make up a larger quantity, add 15 to 30 drops to 2 fluid oz. (50 ml) or carrier oil. Use a more diluted mixture on sensitive skin and on the face.
Essential oils are not very oily, but they are very volatile liquids that evaporate quickly after use. Store them and your blended massage oil in a cool dark place in air tight bottles. Now, you might be asking, do I have to go to all this trouble? Not really. Today there are some wonderful products on the market that are already mixed for you. I got a very nice -Tranquility Blend" at a chain vitamin shop online. For example: it has oils of lavender, patchouli, sage, orange, grapefruit, and cypress. It is in a base of jojoba oil, macadamia oil, vitamins E and A and some preservatives to keep it fresh longer. Other products may use hazelnut and cocobutter as their carrier oils. Read the labels to see what is in them and make sure you can sample any body lotions before you buy them. Many shops in the malls now do have sample size lotions and essential oils. There are also some wonderful bath oils available also for whatever mood you want your bath to create. Just make sure to buy products that are in dark blue or brown bottles since the essential oils will change when exposed to light.
Essential oil candles have become very popular, they work, but not as well as a lotion or oil-mix. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your obstetrician before using any essential oil products. When I was trying to get pregnant my OB suggested I used the tranquility blend, but he practiced naturopathic medicine as well as traditional. SO, please check with your physician, practitioner or midwife first.

Essential oils are not very oily, but they are very volatile liquids that evaporate quickly after use. Store them and your blended massage oil in a cool dark place in air tight bottles. Now, you might be asking, do I have to go to all this trouble? Not really. Today there are some wonderful products on the market that are already mixed for you. I got a very nice -Tranquility Blend" at a chain vitamin shop online. For example: it has oils of lavender, patchouli, sage, orange, grapefruit, and cypress. It is in a base of jojoba oil, macadamia oil, vitamins E and A and some preservatives to keep it fresh longer. Other products may use hazelnut and cocobutter as their carrier oils. Read the labels to see what is in them and make sure you can sample any body lotions before you buy them. Many shops in the malls now do have sample size lotions and essential oils. There are also some wonderful bath oils available also for whatever mood you want your bath to create. Just make sure to buy products that are in dark blue or brown bottles since the essential oils will change when exposed to light.
Essential oil candles have become very popular, they work, but not as well as a lotion or oil-mix. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your obstetrician before using any essential oil products. When I was trying to get pregnant my OB suggested I used the tranquility blend, but he practiced naturopathic medicine as well as traditional. SO, please check with your physician, practitioner or midwife first.

Important Guidelines for Using Essential Oils
Keep oils away from mucous membranes and eyes and never use them below your waist! If you have sensitive skin, test some oil on a small patch of skin -- inside of your elbow is a good spot, before using it. Wait 24 hours, if irritation, redness, itching, or burning occurs, you should not use that oil!
When using aromatherapy on children age six to twelve and the elderly, cut all doses in half. If you have any questions at all, ask your health care provider if she or he thinks aromatherpy is safe for an elderly or ill person. Most practitioners do NOT advise using essential oils on infants. Do not use essential oils if you have high blood pressure or are on medication for high blood pressure. When in doubt, ask your health care provider!

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Article Source: e-healtharticles.com