healthy breakfast ideas

Close the Gateway to ObesityTake Didrex

2008-09-24T22:01:00.001-07:00

Obesity is not merely indulging into overeating and having a bulky body. It is more like a gateway to severe health diseases. Obese people should not be ridiculed; rather they should be taken care off. Obesity is calculated according to the body mass index (BMI) of a person?s body. Dividing the weight of a person in pounds by the square of his height in meters we get the BMI calculated. If an individual?s BMI is 30 or above then he falls under the category of an obese.

Obese people develop certain diseases such as high cholesterol, hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis etc. Besides having these health problems, they find it difficult to adjust themselves in the society. They develop stress and can even fall into depression. Hence, obesity is such an alarming condition that if ignore can lead to grave consequences.

Earlier, joining a fitness centre was the only solution to reduce weight. But today the scenario has changed. Medical science has come up with various weight reducing drugs in the market. Didrex can be an appropriate medication for you if you want to reduce weight in short span of time.

Didrex is the brand name for Benzphetamine. It falls under the category of an anorectic drug. It is recognized as an appetite suppressant that is used along with proper diet, exercises and behavior therapy. It decreases the appetite by stimulating the brain and increasing the heart rate and blood pressure.

One pill of didrex should be taken empty stomach daily with a full glass of water. This medicine is usually taken for 8-12 weeks. Do not take the medication more than as prescribed by your doctor as it can be habit forming and can make you physically or psychologically dependant on it. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, if you have been taking it since long.

The side-effects of didrex are quite similar to those of any other weight reducing drug. One may experience breathlessness, irregular heart beat, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, severe headache, blurred vision etc.

Be cautious while driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as didrex can cause dizziness. If you are a pregnant lady, do not take didrex because it can cause birth defects in an unborn baby.

Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before consuming didrex. It can be harmful for your child as it can pass into breast milk.

Didrex if taken during late hours can lead to insomnia. Therefore, one must avoid taking it late in the day.

In case you miss a dose just take it the moment you realize you have missed it. Do not try to double it by taking two or more doses at the same time.

Didrex give you the opportunity to reduce tremendous amount of weight within a short span of time. Take the medicine and realize the change in your personality.

Clarence Carter received training as a healthcare scientist. She has been working in the same field and writes informative articles, weight loss being her pet subject.To find Weight Loss Drug,Cheap Diet Pills,Phentermine, Didrex visit http://www.weight-loss-drug.co.uk

Create Instant Beautiful Long Hairstyles with Hair Extensions

2008-09-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

The state of our hair very often reflects the state of our health. Long, silky, healthy hair can radiate beauty, fitness and youth!

Hair extensions are becoming an increasingly popular way of instantly getting that long beautiful hair some of us can only dream of! Growing your hair long takes 5-6 years at an average of 1 cm per month! Hair extensions can give you around 21 inches of thick hair in just a few hours!

There are two main types of hair extensions. Hair extensions can be made out of synthetic fibers and are referred to as synthetic hair extensions or out of human hair and referred to as human hair extensions. Human hair extensions tend to be the preferred kind of hair extensions because they look and feel a lot more natural then the synthetic kind. Also, heat cannot be applied to most synthetic fibers causing some inconvenience if a person needs to use some hair appliances. The downside of human hair extensions is that are usually much more expensive then the synthetic ones! Notwithstanding, there is no fixed price for human hair extensions because this differs according to the quality, style and length of extensions required. Hair extensions that are untreated and uncolored usually cost more because they are more durable!

A change of hairstyle is often enough to make you look more sophisticated, younger or simply different. Hair weaves are a good idea for those who fancy some braids, dreadlocks or simply a fuller head of hair and a different look! Hair weaves are another form of hair extensions and can also be made out of synthetic or natural hair. There are three types of hair weaves:

(1)Bonded Hair Weave - This is the least durable kind of hair weave and only lasts 1 month until it would need to be replaced. This kind of hair weave gets glued to the scalp

(2)Braided Hair Weave - This is a 2 step procedure. The natural hair is braided along the center of the scalp (under the hair) and then the hair weave gets sown into the braids. This type of hair weave normally lasts around 2 months.

(3)Fusion Hair Weave - This is the most lasting kind of hair weave, since it needs be changed every 3 months. This procedure involves waxing the hair weave to the natural hair.

Both hair extensions and hair weaves require considerable maintenance. The hair need to be treated with gentle respect and cleaned and moisturized daily with a good conditioner. Remember, that while natural hair gets the necessary oils and moisture from your scalp, hair extensions and hair weaves don?t! Also, depending on the style and procedure for your hair extensions/hair weaves, you might also have to visit the hairdresser every 6 weeks to fix your hair extensions due to your natural hair re growth.

Whichever kind of hair extension you choose, always consult your hair specialist for advice, and pick the safest procedure. Finally, enjoy your beautiful hair!

Natalie Aranda is a freelance write. She writes about family, love, relationship, hairstyles, and beauty. She has enjoyed the convenience of hair extensions to create instant beautiful hair weaves.

Discover The Hidden Facts About The Water You May Be Drinking

2008-09-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

Water is life. Without it, humans could not exist. We are made up mostly of water, as is the world around us. There is no one on the planet with any kind of knowledge of dieting, health and fitness that does not understand the need for a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day. However, there is much more you need to know about water so that it can really provide you with the health benefits you seek instead of causing more harm than good.

Tap water is full of chemicals including chlorine and aluminum. These chemicals are not truly meant for human consumption but occur either naturally in water sources due to the composition of the surrounding soil, or are added by cities and town to remove harmful bacteria or unpleasant tastes. In order to drink pure water, you need to either filter it or buy pure spring water.

Water filters are relatively inexpensive these days and easily attach to faucets so that with the flip of switch the drinking water is filtered and then flipping the switch back saves your filter when the water is used for washing hands or doing dishes. Filters need to be changed frequently for the best benefits.

Bottled water should not be stored in the typical milk jug type container. These plastic containers made of PVC contain chemicals, which rub off into the drinking water and put toxins into your body as you drink the water. The more rigid plastic made of polyethylene or better yet, glass containers will not allow any chemicals to ?rub off? into the drinking water. Stores will promote the PVC jugs as containing ?drinking water? but you need to purchase only ?spring water? and be selective about the container. Do not drink ?distilled? water either, since the oxidation is potentially harmful along with the fact that it can contain improper pH balances and ionization.

Buying or filtering your water will also allow you to remove harmful aluminum. The consumption of too much aluminum is linked to Alzheimer?s disease (AD). People with AD who have died were found to have high concentrations of aluminum in their brain tissue.

How Much Water is Enough?

The minimum is 8 glasses a day, but that is a guideline that is far too general. A better guide is to have 16 ounces for every 25 pounds you weigh. For example, a 125 pound person should have about 80 ounces, which is 10 8-ounce glasses each day, or 2 1/2 quarts. That means a 200-pound person should have an entire gallon of pure water each day. Those people engaged in strenuous exercise need even more. Don?t worry; your body will soon adjust to proper hydration and you won?t be running to the bathroom every ? hour after about the first 2 or 3 days!

Most people like their water ice-cold, but it is believed that extremely cold water in these beneficial quantities can be harmful to the stomach lining. It is best to drink water at room temperature. If you buy spring water or purify your own tap water, it will remove all of the chemicals that make room-temperature water taste bad, and you will be able to enjoy pure tasting water even at the warmer temperatures.

You can always add a squeeze of fresh lemon to add a little flavor without adding anything your body doesn?t need. Just be sure to drink, drink, and drink some more.

Frank Mangano dedicates his life to finding solutions for people interested in reducing their risk of health problems and improving their overall quality of life naturally without the use prescription medication. To learn more, visit one of the most comprehensive sources for natural health information on the web: http://www.naturalhealthontheweb.com

Probiotics

2008-09-22T10:01:00.001-07:00

Lactobacillus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Have you heard of these before? If not, it might be something to check into. Probiotics are small, single-cell microorganisms (bacteria) that, when taken in adequate amounts, create positive effects in our digestive system. Problems such as traveler's stomach, diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and even cancer can be prevented by taking probiotics. It also boosts the immune system, lowers blood cholesterol and not to mention, creates a healthy digestive system.

As an athlete that travels quite a bit, from time to time takes antibiotics and generally lives a life that can irritate my digestive system, I've started to put my faith in these great, little creatures. They can prevent many problems that would otherwise negatively effect one's performance and general well-being.

So, where do we find these bacteria? Well, certain dairy products can be a good place to start. Good quality yogurt and kefir / buttermilk and other fermented products could contain live bacteria cultures. I recommend doing some research before running out to purchase yogurt, milk or cheese, because some production methods would effectively kill any active bacteria culture and therefore be of no good use to you.

You can also, very effectively, take probiotics through a dietary supplement. If you choose this route, make sure you take a product containing Lactobacillus GG and Lactobacillus acidophilus, as these two have been proven to survive the trip through your stomach. Some probiotics, if taken as dietary supplements, will not survive the acidic environment in the stomach and therefore not reach their goal, your intestines.

In a perfect world, I would recommend taking probiotics both as a supplement as through good, high quality dairy products. Taken over regulary and over time, it should yield great results. For a good, English language website - visit http://www.usprobiotics.org/

I am a full-time endurance athlete, working towards the 2012 London Olympics. I maintain a blog, describing my ups and downs of training / racing. http://roadrace1.blogspot.com

Weight Gain and Weight Loss ? the Psychological Ramifications

2008-09-21T14:06:00.001-07:00

With roughly the same amount of food being available to all of us in our society, why do some people end up with weight problems while others don?t? And moreover, why are some of us able to lose weight and change our lifestyle relatively easily, while others hold onto their excess weight? There are about three different answers to those questions. The first is physical ? some of us have a faster metabolism than others. We just burn calories faster, so any weight that we do gain is quickly lost. The second answer is behavioral ? this refers to the habits we have picked up over the years. If we have bad eating habits, they can be changed, but until they are, we are likely stuck with any weight that we do gain.

The third variable is psychological, and it may even be the most powerful determinant for who will be able to lose weight and who won?t. Many of us have a psychological basis for our weight gain or weight loss. Until the psychological issues are dealt with, weight loss may well prove impossible. Once the person deals with these issues, however, weight loss may occur quickly and easily, even if you aren?t trying to lose weight.

In a sense, it is natural that food and weight might be linked to psychological issues, because food is also linked to childhood and our relationship with our mothers. This is the earliest and most potent psychological reality. Think about what your mother taught you about food. Did she show love by giving you food? Or did she withhold food, out of a concern about weight gain (many mothers in the 1950s and 60s did this, as thinness was considered important). Chances are, the way in which your mother dealt with food has a bearing on how you deal with it and what you feel about it. If your mother used food to show love, you might have a problem dieting or restricting food, because restricting how much you eat makes you feel unloved. On the other hand, if your mother controlled your food intake and you felt the need to rebel against her rules, you might still be rebelling by eating too much ? even as an adult!

It can be more complicated than that, though. How do you feel when you think about losing weight? Some of us love the idea before it starts to happen, but when it does, we get scared and start to sabotage are own weight loss plans. The fact is that you may have a vested interest in holding on to your excess weight. It may be doing something for you, in a sense ? for example, it may be hiding the ?real you? from the world, and protecting you. For women in particular, carrying excess weight means that they will be less attractive to men, and this can be a way of avoiding relationships. People who have experienced abuse in the past may use this as a way of hiding. On the other hand, people might also want to hold on to weight (on a subconscious level, of course) because the world seems like a dangerous place, and they are afraid of getting swept away. Having excess weight on your body makes you bigger, literally; you may feel better equipped ot deal with the dangers of the world if you are heavier.

Most of these fears and desires take place on a subconscious level only. What you are consciously experiencing is a lot different ? you might think that your are really trying to lose weight, but not succeeding. You might even conclude that you ?can?t? lose weight, for whatever reason. In many cases, just recognizing that you have a psychological basis of your weight gain may be enough for you to let go of it. You can make the shift, and the weight will suddenly start to come off easily, even spontaneously.

On the other hand, you may not be able to get past these issues on your own, especially if they have to do with the past ? with a history of abuse, for example. You may need to seek counseling in that case, and though this can be challenging work, the end result is always worth it ? not just weight loss, but regaining a positive sense of self.

For more great information visit Gabae Weight Loss the premiere resource for weight loss, diets, nutrition and living a great healthy life style!

Also if you're looking for more informative articles check out Gabae Weight Loss Articles.

So You've Been Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder?

2008-09-20T18:02:00.001-07:00

If you?ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) you are not alone. It has been estimated that over 2 million people in the United States suffer from this form of mental illness which involves episodes of both mania and depression.

Although bipolar disorder usually begins in childhood or early adulthood, it is often not recognized as an illness. And, because it is sometimes misdiagnosed, individuals who have it often suffer needlessly although treatment is available. Left untreated, those with bipolar disorder sometimes experience serious complications, including an inability to keep a stable job, abuse of drugs and alcohol, marriage problems, and even suicide.

Symptoms of mania can include: decreased need for sleep; excessive feelings of euphoria; extreme distractibility; racing thoughts and rapid talking; decreased need for sleep; drug abuse; and a denial that anything is wrong. Depressive symptoms, (the flip-side of mania) may include: difficulty sleeping; loss of appetite; feelings of hopelessness; decreased energy; persistent sad mood; loss of interest in pleasurable activities; and thoughts of death or suicide.

It is important to recognize the various mood states experienced by individuals with bipolar disorder so that they can obtain effective treatment. Unfortunately, this illness often goes unrecognized by everyone involved, including family, friends, physicians, and even the patient.

An early stage of this illness often manifested is hypomania, in which the person suffering from it shows a high level of energy, excessive moodiness or irritability, and impulsive behavior. Ironically, hypomania may feel good to the person who experiences it. Unfortunately though, if left untreated, bipolar disorder tends to get worse, and the person typically will experience episodes of full-fledged mania and clinical depression.

Fortunately, most people with manic depressive illness can be helped with treatment, specifically medications and therapy.

Medications play an important role in helping to stabilize the mood swings often found with this type of mental illness. Lithium has been shown to be very effective in helping to control mania and in stopping the recurrence of both manic and depressive episodes. Several types of antidepressant have also been found useful in combating the depression aspect of bipolar disorder. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy is often helpful in treating severe depression that fails to respond to medication.

Therapy from a qualified provider can also be helpful in educating the patient and providing support and guidance to all family members involved. It is important to remember that bipolar disorder is recurrent, and, as such, long-term preventive treatment is indicated in most cases.

Finally, it is important to know that bipolar disorder is a legitimate illness, and that it will not ?just go away? if given enough time. Treatment is necessary to help keep the disease under control and a maintenance regimen (including both medications and therapy) may be required over the length of a person?s life.

Brian Cook is a freelance writer whose articles on bipolar disorder, and depression in general, have appeared in print and on many websites.

You can find more of these at: http://www.bipolardisordercenter.info

Blood Pressure Too Low? Rosemary Could Be The Answer

2008-09-20T04:51:00.001-07:00

Rudolf Weiss, the German herbalist, has some interesting ideas on low blood pressure. He describes it as being simply an aspect of a more deep seated problem. He also believes that when people have low blood pressure but no symptoms, that it does not require treatment. I do not suggest that this should replace your doctor's advice though! But I find it interesting, as a possible complementary treatment option, to consider his view that low blood pressure is the product of a weak circulation. As such, gentle herbs that support circulation may be a useful adjunct to whatever other therapy is suggested.

He stresses the underlying factor of a regulatory imbalance. And he suggests herbs like rosemary, that have a tonic effect, would be a useful support. Particularly in times of mental or physical stress, or after surgery, or some other illness that may have weakened the body, like the flu. He does say that treatment should only be for a limited time. He makes the point that life insurance statistics indicate that people with hypotension on average live longer than people with blood pressure in the normal range. (Weiss, p185)

Rosemary is quite a diverse herb. It is used effectively for headaches, particularly migraine. The herbalist Michael Tierra writes that many headaches are caused by stomach problems, and that the volatile oils in rosemary have a very beneficial and calming effect on the stomach. Rosemary also contains salicylic acid, which is the precursor of aspirin. Though being in plant form it doesn't have the long term side effects.

Rosemary is excellent for the circulation, and is often prescribed by herbalists for circulatory weakness (Fisher & Painter). The active constituents known as the flavanoids are heart and blood vessel tonics. So, as well as hypotension, rosemary is suggested for poor circulation, hypertensive headaches, and arrhythmias.

Externally, rosemary spirit is used for rheumatic problems (Weiss). It can also be massaged into the heart area.

Another active constituent of rosemary is rosemarinic acid, which is a phenolic acid. Rosemarinic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect. A study found that a rosemarinic preparation was effective in treating allergic asthma. It has also been found to suppress synovitis in mice. Synovitis is an inflammation of the lining of the joints, with swelling, which is quite painful. It is involved in rheumatoid arthritis. Rosemarinic acid can also prevent the activation of prostacyclin and complement, which leads to hypotension (Fisher & Painter).

Overall, this suggests that scientific research supports the herbalist's uses of rosemary for hypotension, poor circulation, and rheumatic problems such as rheumatoid arthritis. One problem has been that products which contained rosemary had quite low concentrations, although some supplement manufacturers have begun to make a very concentrated rosemary product. Concentrations of rosemarinic acid in these range from 5% to 70%. And given that rosemarinic acid is an incredibly powerful antioxidant as well, this would make it a good choice for preventing heart disease.

References:

1. http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=64356
2. C Fisher & G Painter, Materia Medica Of Western Herbs For The Southern Hemisphere
3. R Weiss, Herbal Medicine
4. M Tierra, Planetary Herbology

Ginkgo biloba is also great for improving circulation. But if you have joint problems, or just want to protect your joints from free radical damage, check out this glucosamine supplement, that helps improve flexibility.

What is A Balanced Diet For Losing Weight and Good Health?

2008-09-18T06:03:00.001-07:00

The total calories that you should be consuming depend on whether you are a women or a man. It depends on your body structure and your activity level. So you need to make some adjustment on the numbers I present.

If you have been eating around 1800 calories per day you can slowly move your intake down to 1600. Work down from this level over a month's period to 1400 calories. Don't go below 1200 calories per day. Otherwise you can over stress your body.

If you have just started out and are eating 2400 calories, decrease your calories to 2000 or 2100. If you don't lose weight in 2-3 weeks reduce your calories lower. Over a month's time you can move down to 1600 calories and see if you start to lose weight. If you do, stay at this level.

It's not a good idea to make a drastic shift in your consumption of food since your body can react and get into a starving mode. In this mode your body will store more fat making it difficult for you to lose weight.

Remember not to eat junk food. When you eat quality food, it takes less food for you to become satisfied as compared to eating junk food.

Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fat

There are many ideas about what combination or percentages you should eat of the various nutrients - protein, carbohydrates, and fat. I don't believe that exact percentages exist, which will provide weight loss and good health for all individuals. Each one of you will require different percentages depending on your weight, health, body structure, emotional make-up and a variety of other conditions. For this reason some diet programs work with some people and not with others.

One of best eating habit programs that will help you to lose weight is to eat:

* quality protein

* low glycemic carbohydrates

* quality fats

* high fiber

* high water consumption

Quality Protein - is essential for the body to survive. There 8 essential amino acids and 14 non-essential. Protein is used to regulate certain body processes by contributing to various chemical reactions and by creating a number of body chemicals.

Eating excess protein results in an acid body, which favors disease. Protein eaten alone causes a 25% increase in your metabolism. When combined with fat and carbohydrates there is only a 10% increase. What this means is that eating more protein and less fat and carbohydrates gives you a boost in metabolism.

It is recommended that around 30% - 35% of your eating habits consist of protein.

Carbohydrates - consist of simple and complex sugars. When carbohydrates are eaten they are broken down into sucrose, which is readily accepted by your cells. Sucrose is converted into energy in your cells. If you eat a lot of high glycemic carbohydrates, your bloodstream becomes overwhelm with sucrose. The excess sucrose in your cells will be converted to fat and stored.

Because most people have been adding weight eating high glycemic carbohydrates, it best to change your eating habits and decrease your intake of these carbohydrates. In general people have been eating 80% high glycemic foods (HighGF) and 20% low glycemic foods (LowGF.) You need to change that to 80% LowGF and 20% HighGF.

This means that you should limit eating foods like potatoes, bread, corn, pasta, muffins, and any flour products. HighGF encourages the storage of fat since the more sucrose you have in your blood, the more sucrose is escorted into your cells by insulin.

You need to concentrate on foods, which are LowGF. Many of these foods are vegetables with small amounts of carbohydrates and high fiber content.

LowGF discourages the storage of fat since less sucrose is in the blood and less is escorted into your cells.

Quality Fats - which are eaten with your meals, prevent sugars from moving quickly into your blood stream.

You need to eat more of the good fats. It's these fats that will help you lose weight. The good fats are omega 3, omega 6, and medium chain fatty acids, MCFA.

Here is the breakdown on the quantity of each type of fat that you should be eating. These percentages are what you should be working towards so that fats provide you with good health and help you keep your weight down.

* saturated fats 10%

* polyunsaturated fats 20%

* monounsaturated fats 60%

There you have it, the numbers and percentages of protein, carbohydrates, and fats that give you a balanced diet so that you can lose weight.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He writes a newsletter call ?Natural Remedies Thatwork.com.? For more information the on the essential fatty acids, visit his web site at http://www.fatty-acid-remedies.for--you.info

Surviving Glycemic Diets (Ketogenic LowCarb or Atkins):

2008-09-17T10:03:00.001-07:00

1.The first step to living a Glycemic Diet Lifestyle is knowing what you can have, and have lots of. This includes a large variety of vegetables and fruits. The best you can do is eating 5 vegetable servings of ? cup per day and 4 ? cups of fruits (Please be selective) per day.

2.Remember that eating refined white flour, white potatoes, white rice to your body, is like eating sugar, making a diet high in ?White Stuff?, typically, breads, rolls, bagels, pretzels, and crackers made from white flour ? a high sugar diet. Whole grains mean extra fiber, which aids in weight loss. Not only does the fiber fill you us quickly with fewer calories, but is also eliminate some of the calories you eat. Fiber can go through the digestive system so quickly that some of the calories never have a chance to actually digest.

3.Try to eat 2 or 3 calcium ? rich foods every day. Calcium not only supports your bones and helps prevent osteoporosis, but it also helps prevent colon cancer, high blood pressure, and PMS. Calcium may also lower your body fat.

4.Beans are the highest-fiber foods you can find, with the exception of breakfast cereals made with wheat bran. Beans are high in soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol levels, and foliate, which lowers levels of homocysteine, another risk factor for heart disease.

5.People who eat nuts regularly have less heart disease and other illness than people who avoid them do. There are compounds found in most nuts called tocotrienols. You just have to limit the amount of nuts that you eat. The best thing to do is to chop your favorite kind, keep them in your fridge and sprinkle 2 Tablespoons a day on your food.

6.People who east fish twice a week have fewer fatal heart attacks. Fish is rich in Omega-3 fats, which have the ability to prevent the development of a dangerously irregular heartbeat. Fish is a good source of protein, which promotes satiety ? the feeling of fullness you look for in a meal.

7.Drink at least eight glasses of water every day, plus a cup or more of tea. Water is so important to our body. Water also helps to metabolize the fat. Big water drinkers also appear to get less colon and bladder cancer. Every cup of tea you drink provides a strong infusion of anti-oxidants that help keep blood from clotting too easily and that may help lower you risk of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

8.Try to stay within a healthy fat budget and watch the type of fats you consume. Get most of your fat from Cold Pressed Virgin Olive Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Borage oil or Walnut Oil. You may use Butter and creams for your daily dose of Vitamin E, but remember that you only need a little.

9.What nutrition you can?t get from your foods, you can take in a pill. Just remember to be sensible. Most vitamins will not dissolve in your stomach, or your intestines. Make sure that your vitamins are food source or they can cause vitamin toxicity in your liver. If you are eating correctly, non-processed foods being 95% of your diet, then you should be getting all that you need. If you feel you need more nutrition, only take ? of the amount of vitamins that have been recommended. Remember that your body will store what it doesn?t use, and if it stores too much, you can be asking for trouble.

10.Be careful with the choices you have in your diet. You carry with you a guide for the amount of meat that you should eat in a day. Make of fist and put it down on a piece of paper with the little finger down against the surface. That is the size of meat that you should be eating in a day. Make sure that your choices in meat are free of other chemicals that can interfere with your health or medication.

D.S. Epperson is the top formulator for Home Blend Gourmet / South Pacific Health, a leader in the functional food industry in the U.S. With 20 years of experience in Nutritional Biochemistry, she has written reference books on botanicals and manufacturing of medicines from botanicals, and published articles on health, fitness and foods. She has formulated over 240 formulas and inventions for health, the environment and agricultural uses, and continues to research and study microbial advantages in nutraceuticals and functional foods. For more information or to view the articles that she has written: http://www.sugarblend.com

Bausch & Lomb Has Seen It All! From World War I To Showing The World The Moon

2008-09-16T14:03:00.001-07:00

When you think of Bausch & Lomb, what comes immediately to mind is, innovation, quality, and their precedence in research and development of top-quality vision products! From the creation of groundbreaking sunglasses for the military in World War I, to high-level lenses that were made for cameras that took the first satellite pictures of moon, this company is truly on a mission to see the world through visionary eyes!

Bausch and Lomb being one of oldest continually operating companies going as far back as 1853 is known to be the pioneers of the eye care business. Historically they have engineered and patent some of the most widely used products such as the microscope, and binoculars, as well as many other optical goods used today!

Their goal was to perfect peoples eye vision, and they wanted to make sure individuals around the world had their quality of life enhanced through their technical achievements. This was truly accomplished when they first introduced their soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses, lens care products for soft and GP lenses, quality eye drops, ointments, and vision accessories!

Bausch design, engineering, and technology, combined with their true brand acknowledgements, have put forth a commitment to ensure that anyone with a visual disadvantage could find a vision care product just right for their needs!

The Bausch Company is known for quality and craftsmanship

Bausch products not only established quality in craftsmanship, but also the modernization of their services and company operations. They make every effort to provide valuable public information to help people make proper eye care purchases through many online and retail pharmaceuticals. Bausch organizations have also gone above and beyond the level of customary service by establishing direct manufacture shipping channels in America that ensure that your much needed lenses are always available to you!

As the times and many of the products change in this world, it's comforting to know that Bausch & Lomb still adhere to the legacy of dedication to innovation, quality, and craftsmanship, which was established by two revolutionary men by the names of John Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb.

About the author: William is the owner and the author of ?Order Contacts Online 1st? available at http://www.order-contacts-online-1st.com/index.htm

The Traingle of Health The Secret to Preventative Medicine

2008-09-15T18:03:00.001-07:00

Einstein had a theory that human beings, are a complex network of energy fields interfaced with physical body systems. He eventually proved to scientists that energy and matter are dual expressions of the same universal substance. The universal substance is the vibration from which we are composed. If the vibrations of our physical and emotional energies are balanced we experience good health.

?Illness is a human condition which indicates that the patient is no longer in order or in harmony at the level of consciousness. The loss of inner balance manifests itself in the body as a symptom. The symptom is at one and the same time a signal and a vehicle for information, for its appearance interrupts our life?s familiar flow and forces us to give the symptom our attention? (1)

Have you ever wondered why you always get two colds every year, or why whenever you do not have time to get sick, you do. Our bodies give us what we need to look at our lives. Now sometimes that is not what we consciously think we need or want, but we get it anyway. Our belief systems and the subconscious patterns we have created mould our lives. Our needs and supply for emotional contact with people can decide the fate of our physical health and presence or lack of illnesses. Dr John Harrison illustrated the reason people get ill it well when he said ?People get ill to get what they want (caring, etcetera)? and ?People do not get what they want (caring, etcetera) so they become ill.? (2)

Have you ever reflected on what was happening emotionally in your life when you ?caught? an illness, or have you listened to your self-talk and how it seems to reflect your health? You may say frequently that a guy at work is a pain in the neck, and by coincidence you frequently suffer with a pain in the neck. When your emotions are manifesting as physical symptoms you have handed over control of your life.

The best way I have found of explaining this lack of control of life is with the ?Triangle of health.?

The Triangle of Health

The effects of emotional and subtle stresses in life on our physical being are profound If you think of your life like a triangle and you are able to keep the three points of the triangle in a positive state you experience that wonderful sense of well being. If the three points of the triangle drift into the negative you experience physical ailments. I believe that life really is that simple. It is the energy it can take to stay in that positive state that sees most people drift off track and be very human at times.

The three points of the equilateral triangle are as follows:

Physical/Circumstance

Attitudes & Beliefs

Emotional State

Attitudes and Beliefs

This is the matter that we have ingested subconsciously over the years, creating our attitudes and our belief systems. These attitudes and beliefs hang around in the subconscious waiting to be used. For instance remember your mother telling you not to go outside in the cold weather without a singlet on, or you would catch a cold? Statements like these were projected onto us in our childhood and adult years - not just from parents, but also from many others of significance in our environment. We took in the material consciously and subconsciously and it is now stored somewhere in our memory banks.

Nowadays, we don?t pay it any conscious attention, but it is still there having an influence on how and why we do the things we do in life. The statements, manifested as a belief on some level, can come alive at any time influencing our physical and emotional health.

My clinic experience has shown me that they influence all areas of our lives. Have you ever heard yourself say something you have not thought of in years, yet remember hearing your parents say the same thing to you? Where did it come from? You do not consciously decide to do it, yet I know that as a child I heard myself saying I was not going to ?be like that?, or ?act that way when I grow up.? But before I knew it, I was repeating those behaviors. Then I started looking for, and noticing, these patterns. I started to catch myself out and correct these behaviors and attitudes that did not work for me. I regained control of my life.

There is a saying that goes: ?What you resist, persists? and this is relevant here. The more you try to not be like your parents, for instance, the more you become like them. Our attitudes and beliefs come from our experiences, consciously and subconsciously, in life. And if we focus on not doing a particular thing, our bodies only hear to do that thing. We give away so much of our personal power trying not to do it, that it gains the upper hand and wins. So the first thing to do is to recognise the pattern and then not empower it with any unnecessary negative energy or attention. We are all human and have many learning experiences in life. The thing to do is to recognise what they are really about and then manage those life experiences. When you do you can then stay in control of your life instead of allowing it to control you.

Emotional State

The second point of the triangle is that of your present emotional state. Have you ever heard people say they caught a cold or flu, just when they did not have time for it? Or, that they always catch ?two colds a year?, or ?everyone at work is sick, I bet I catch it too?? It is almost as if they are subconsciously setting themselves up. I am sure they do not really want the cold, but on some level they like the attention that sick people attract. The time that most of us received that extra attention as a child was when we were sick or injured.

Our self talk can be reflecting how we emotionally feel about life and our bodies listen to it. We are more susceptible to ?catching? ailments when we are running negative stress and using negative self talk. Personally, I think stress is a catchword for life, and the way we choose to react or respond to what is happening. Again, we can call the experience negative or positive. Stress is what helps keep us alive, it is just that positive stress does not have a negative impact physically and emotionally on our bodies where negative stress does. Everything in life is simply how we want to look at it, we can choose to consciously turn around any negative situation into a positive learning experience. If we refuse to listen to our bodies and keep pushing them beyond their limits something has to crack. If we do not stop and listen to our bodies, it will bestow an ailment upon us. This ailment has manifested to stop us, and make us listen. The secret is to listen to our bodies as we move through life and make corrections to any imbalances that may be happening before they turn into a physical ailment.

?The body itself has no power to generate illness; illness is merely the shadow thrown by the mind. A healthy mind will shadow forth a healthy body; an unhealthy mind will shadow forth an unhealthy body. Every new cell created in the body is either negative or a positive thought in form. In the older days, it was customary to say that cells are ?built under the influence? of either negative or positive thought. In reality, the cells are the thought itself. Healthy thoughts mean healthy cells; sick thoughts mean sick cells. (2)

It is the well known story of Norman Cousins (the man who laughed himself well in 1964) that shows how simply changing your mindset and attitude or emotion towards an illness even the nastiest ailments can be reversed. His book Anatomy of an Illness is an inspiring read.

Physical

The third point is that of the physical or circumstance. This is the event or happening that collided with you. Take the not wearing a singlet on a cold day scenario. The circumstance/physical is the cold weather. You could be out playing golf and having a great time, but it may also be cold and raining. You are not dressed warmly, but you are having such an enjoyable, positive time that you do not have a chance of catching anything negative that day. On the other hand, you could be caught late after work and tired from your day at the office, when the car breaks down in cold and wet weather. You have the emotional ?too hards? or the ?poor me?s?, and you are running plenty of negative stress. Guaranteed, this is the time you will catch the cold.

With the triangle, consider what patterns or incidents you may be setting up for yourself without actually thinking about it. When you are struck down with an ailment, think about what is coming up or has just happened that could have caused enough stress to manifest, or exacerbate, an ailment.

My passion for aromatherapy comes from the fact that essential oils have the ability to work on all three points of the triangle of health. Because essential oils have the talent to work on both physical ailments and the emotions behind them, they can be used to rebalance a person?s life.

CASE STUDY

Carol was a woman who presented herself to my clinic suffering with what her doctor had diagnosed was psoriasis. The symptoms covered over 70 percent of her body and had been present for the past three years. The psoriasis would fluctuate between red and inflamed to dry and scaly. Carol was a 24 year old woman who seemed happy enough in herself. She was engaged and a full time psychology student at university. In the initial consultation she was just concerned with obtaining something to use topically to relieve the burning itch that occurred at night. Being a naturopath as well as an Aromatherapist, I conducted a consultation looking at the effects of her diet on the physical symptoms. What I found was that her diet was balanced 95 percent of the time. The only place I identified she could improve was with the increase of essential fatty acids. Carol chose to do this with a supplement, the supplement I selected was a balanced Omega 3:6:9 capsule to re-establish a balance of ?good? essential fatty acids in her body.

I explained the Triangle of Health to Carol and discussed with her the possibility of her emotions influencing her skin condition. As it turns out, through our conversation we discovered that information she was studying was pushing buttons and mirroring her own childhood and present adult life. I decided to use the Aromatherapy Insight Cards to identify where she was emotionally at this time. I had Carol think about her skin condition and intuitively select three Insight Cards. The cards she chose were German Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla, Tea Tree Melaleuca alternofolia and Pine Pinus sylvestris.

Now, working as an Aromatherapist and looking at this woman?s skin, the combination of these three essential oils would not usually be chosen to work on the physical symptoms she was experiencing. Carol chose, Chamomile for letting go, Pine for raising self esteem and to stop rescuing others so she could start to rescue herself and the Tea Tree to understand why she was reacting the way she was and to release the struggle she was experiencing. The emotions she was experiencing were manifesting because she was holding herself back in negative past experiences which were fulfilling her belief that she was not attractive and reinforced her low self esteem. The skin ailment manifested for Carol to hide behind, when it was really bad she had the perfect excuse to skip her classes, not having to front the issues.

We set a plan to work on the skin topically and also for Carol to use those three essential oils in a vaporizer as well.

Carol applied the blend twice daily to affected areas as a regular treatment and as required for any times the irritation was exacerbated. I saw Carol weekly for an aromatherapy massage using the same blend of oils and by the third visit (two weeks later), the skin had improved where the inflammation had reduced 90% and it was not causing irritation at night. During the first week of treatment she had 3 days off university to settle herself. The remainder of the time she was attending classes and preparing for exams. After the first two weeks we used the Insight Cards to check if there were any additional oils to work with, and the result was to add Palmarosa Cymbopogon martinii. I use Palmarosa for being adaptable to changing circumstances and to release past insecurities and hurts. I added 0.25 percent to the blend and continued with the other ingredients. I used some Aromatic Kinesiology with Carol, verifying the blend of oils was suitable for her condition and she continued to have weekly massages. At the end of a six week period Carol was free of psoriasis except for a little in her scalp. Carol continued treatments at monthly intervals and it is now 12 months since I first saw Carol. Her skin is now clear and she uses essential oils for their subtle talents helping her to manage and work through emotional issues as they arise. She admits to being very human and still has buttons pushed. But now days she can recognise her body and triangle are getting out of balance, she then focuses on her essential oils and regains control of her life, not allowing it to control her.

?Those people who take great joy in the power they have over their own lives can fulfill their dreams. These people will become successful in what they want for themselves and will have little need for diseases. They may from time to time suffer acute complaints because of environmental hazards which combine with old childhood messages they have chosen to retain, but they will not put themselves at risk for major trauma or serious illnesses? (4)

The bottom line is that we are all responsible for our own health. Yes we all have experienced some pretty interesting physical ailments and learning experiences in the past. But the past is the past, like Anthony Robbins says, ?nothing from your past will influence your future unless you let it.? You can decide today to work on balancing the points of your triangle to regain your personal power and restore a sense of wellness you most probably have not experienced in a long time. Don?t let an unbalanced old person move into your body.

References

(1)Dethlefsen T. & Dahlke R. ? The Healing Power of Illness ? P10 Element Books USA (1991)

(2) Harrison Dr J. ? Love Your Disease - P37 Harper Collins Australia (1992)

(3) Bailes F.- Your Mind Can Heal You ? P6 DeVorss & Co USA (1971)

(4) Harrison Dr J. ? Love Your Disease - P54 Harper Collins Australia (1992)

Life Balancing expert Jennifer Jefferies is one of Australia?s best-known authors and speakers. Jennifer?s simple, practical and proven 7 Steps to Sanity can help bring balance to anyone who wants to have it all without sacrificing their health, sanity or sense of humour along the way. Jennifer is a qualified health practitioner, who speaks to corporations throughout Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, sharing practical real-life strategies that help people to improve their health, wellbeing and productivity by finding balance in their lives.

Jennifer has also written numerous books and e-books and life balancing products. You can contact Jennifer at:

Jennifer Jefferies International Pty Ltd
Po Box 4298,
Elanora, QLD 4221 Australia
Phone: +61 7 55986035
http://www.jenniferjefferies.com

Teeth Bleaching Kits

2008-09-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, the rage in oral hygiene seems to be teeth bleaching kits. In reality, the issue is not a hygienic one at all: healthy human teeth come in a natural range of shades of ivory and off-white. Foods and beverages such as tea, and habits like smoking will stain the teeth, but a good dental cleaning done by a professional dental hygienist will remove these stains and restore your teeth to their natural color. If you really want them whiter, a range of professional treatments and over the counter products are available for you to choose from.

Bleaching teeth is usually accomplished with peroxide - the peroxide is applied to the teeth topically and left on for a period of time. The method of application varies between teeth bleaching kits, and you may have to repeat the procedure several days in a row to complete the process. Though some of the higher end kits are quite expensive, the general rule is, as with so many other things, you get what you pay for.

Teeth bleaching kits that require you to paint the whitening agent onto the surface of your teeth and let it dry seem, at first glance, to be the easiest to use; however, you may have difficulty getting an even result because if some of the agent is rubbed or licked off before the rest, bleaching will end in that area. Once the teeth are unevenly colored, it can be difficult to attain an even color again. A further disadvantage of this method is that these formulas for bleaching teeth often contain alcohol and glycerin, which have a drying effect on the oral tissues and tooth enamel - damage that can lead to other problems (such as bad breath and sensitive teeth) later.

Some teeth bleaching kits contain strips that are applied to the teeth like tape. The whitening agent is on the strip and acts on the teeth as long as it is left in place. The difficulty with this kit design is that it is quite difficult to make sure the tape contacts all the contoured surfaces of the teeth: bleaching teeth this way can result in white outer surfaces, but stained grooves in the surface and stained areas between the teeth where they curve inwards. To get even whitening, you have to make sure the entire surface area of the tooth is exposed to the peroxide.

Perhaps the least comfortable, but most effective home teeth bleaching kits include little trays, like the ones many dentists use to apply fluoride to teeth. The whitening agent is put into the tray and then the tray is applied over the teeth so that the entire surface of each tooth is effectively exposed. Formulas that contain peroxide at a concentration greater than 20 percent provide the best results for bleaching teeth, and again, watch out for kits that contain alcohol and glycerin.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Teeth Bleaching Kits, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

2008-09-14T02:02:00.001-07:00

The term rotator cuff defines the group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder. These muscles and tendons essentially cuff around the head of the humerus, otherwise known as the long bone of the arm, holding it to the scapula, otherwise known as the shoulder blade. Responsible for much of the shoulder's stability, the rotator cuff is made up of four muscles, the supraspinatus, the infraspinatus, the teres minor, and the subscapularis. A rotator cuff injury happens when one of these four muscles is damaged. This can occur suddenly, or it can develop gradually over time. The injuries can also be minor, with no permanent damage, or be severe enough to require surgery.

What are the Causes
Rotator cuff injuries can be caused by a variety of things. First of all, chronic tears, or tears that progress over time, are often found in jobs that require excessive rotator cuff use. These can include painters, construction workers, and baseball players. On the other end of the spectrum are acute tears. These are tears that occur suddenly and usually involve a large amount of force. These tears can happen when lifting an extremely heavy object, or falling on a shoulder. Rotator cuffs can also tear because tendonitis.

But, Rotator cuff injuries aren't always the result of an occupation, an accident, or a condition. They can also be caused by advanced age. Rotator cuff injuries from old age often occur when the tendons comprising the cuff are rubbed up against a bone. In a normal rotator cuff there is a small sac of fluid (the subacromial bursa) that cushions the tendons against the bones. When inflammation sets in, due to things like calcium deposits, this cushion becomes smaller, allowing the tendons to be squeezed and ultimately rubbed against the bones. This causes damage to the tendon, leaving the tendons, over time, stringy, weak, and more likely to tear.

Risks of Rotator Cuff Injuries
There are several risk factors that can cause rotator cuff injuries. To begin, people who are born with irregularly shaped bones can have a rotator cuff that moves abnormally, causing quicker degeneration of the tendons. A person's age is also a risk factor. People who are older are more likely to have normal wear and tear of the rotator cuff, as well as decreased blood supply to the tendons and thinning of the tendons. Age aside, people who engage in repetitive activities that involve force on the shoulder are more likely to be subject to a rotator cuff injury. Additionally, joint looseness and an imbalance of the muscles can also play a large role in how easily a rotator cuff will tear.

The risk of a rotator cuff injury can also be increased with any kind of lifestyle that impedes a person's health. Smoking, for instance, decreases blood flow and blood supply, slowing the healing process of any injuries that have been sustained.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries
The most common symptom of a rotator cuff injury is pain, but stiffness and an overall weakness of the shoulder are also typically present. A person with an unknown tear may find activities such as parting their hair, brushing their teeth, or getting a can of soup out of the pantry difficult or impossible. The pain is usually localized to the front and side of the shoulder, as well as the upper arm.

While the pain may be stable, and involve different degrees, it will almost always increase when the arm is raised overhead. Rotator cuff injuries that are minor are usually classified by pain only when active, particularly when raising the arms. Minor injuries are usually not painful when a person is at rest. Those with moderate damage will have pain during activity and directly after activity. There may also be pain at night and an interruption of sleep. For those with severe damage, continuous pain will be present.

Prevention of Rotator Cuff Injuries
While not all injuries can be prevented, there are a few things that can be done to decrease their risk. For instance, keeping the muscles strong and flexible through exercise will provide the rotator cuff with more resistance to damage. Abstaining from activities that require excessive and repetitive use of the rotator cuff, such as throwing a baseball, can also help reduce the risk. Along these lines, using good judgment, and not catching or lifting objects that are too heavy can help keep the rotator cuff from tearing. Finally, taking frequent breaks when overhead use of the arms is required, such as when painting a house, and giving these muscles an adequate amount of rest in between movements can help prevent injuries.

Treatment of Rotator Cuff
In the invent that a rotator cuff does tear there are a variety of treatment options. These options all aspire to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and reclaim strength, function, and flexibility. While all maintaining a common goal, these treatment options can vary depending on the age, activity level, and occupation of the injured.

While severe rotator cuff injuries may be repaired surgically, many can be helped in non-surgical manners. These treatments may include resting the shoulder in a sling, gently moving it from time to time to avoid stiffness; using a heating pad, a bag of ice, or pain medications; avoiding activities and positions that seem to aggravate the pain; and strengthening the surrounding shoulder muscles.

Physical therapy is also a form of treatment sought by many with rotator cuff injuries. Through physical therapy, a person is taught exercises and stretches that strengthen the muscle, gradually restoring function. Many of these exercises can even be performed at home. Physical therapy also provides the injured with information on muscle function, support, and tips for prevention.

About Us: The Center for Osteopathic Medicine in Boulder, Colorado believes in The Osteopathic Difference. In a medical industry focused on treating symptoms, The Center is more focused on finding the cause of these symptoms. The Osteopathic Difference is the application of Hands on Therapeutics for both the diagnosis and treatment of complaints, disorders, and pain. The Osteopathic Difference will apply the time proven osteopathic fact that function is directly related to structure, and poor structure will lead to poor function.

While The Center tries to focus on health, and above all else, prevention for all those who cross into its threshold, sometimes the best that can be done is to recognize the source of the ?DIS-EASE, and to teach every individual how to manage their symptoms. Believing that it is the most important aspect of any treatment regime, and that it is the primary job of the health care practitioner, The Center works to empower the patient in the maintenance of their own health.

Achieving health is also an elusive place, and The Center will work tirelessly to create a path to health which, when embraced by the patient over time, will allow the patient to enjoy a positive return on their rehabilitation investment. The Center teaches a Mindfulness Yoga Program that aims to educate the patient in the power of the mind to minimize, if not rid the body of, aches and pain. Although the ultimate goal of health is to live without the use of drugs, natural or otherwise, The Center for Osteopathic Medicine recognizes the importance of medicinals and their appropriate use. All styles of Hands on Manipulation are practiced at The Center. By combining these Manipulative techniques with Structural Integration, massage, meditation and Western Medicine, The Center for Osteopathic Medicine helps people to identify disease before it manifests, quiet pains that have been previously diagnosed as Chronic, and embrace a holistic mindset to Live in the Present- and within that presence, live completely well.

The information discussed in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a health problem, please visit your doctor. The material discussed on this website is not meant to replace the opinion or diagnosis of a medical professional.

Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://www.centerforosteopathicmedicine.com. Specializing in articles related to health and wellness, the material she writes is intended to arm people with the resources they need to live a life of wellness and completeness.

Strength Training: 10 Things You Must Know

2008-09-13T06:02:00.001-07:00

Lets face it everybody knows that strength training builds muscle but did you know that it does more much more for you in the health stakes. Lets have a look at these strength training tips one by one and you will see what a difference this valuable tool will make to your general health:

Weights Improve Immunity - Immune strength depends on the availability of the amino acid glutamine and your muscles have to supply the glutamine to your immune system in order for it to work.

The more muscle you have the more abundant the glutamine supply, and other things being equal, the better your immune system works.

Weights Grow Bone - A study at Stanford University showed clearly that about 20% of bone mineral density is dependent on maintaining muscle.

A new study reported in February 2000 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that even in elderly women, a one-year weight-training program increased their strength by 20-30%, with a significant increase in bone density.

Weights Combat Diabetes - New studies published between 1995 and 2000 show that weight training has an unexpected benefit - it improves glucose tolerance in patients with Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes.

In one of these studies, post-menopausal women with diabetes followed a weight-training program for four months. Their glucose sensitivity to a challenge improved by an average of 29%.

Weights Wack Arthritis - At Tufts University in the USA, researches gave patients with rheumatoid arthritis 10 weeks of high-intensity weight training.

Results showed significant reductions in joint pain and fatigue and a big gain in strength. Results showed that the weight work caused a significant decline in arthritis activity.

Weights Raise Testosterone - Did you know that strength training is one of the best exercises to raise testosterone levels in men and women! With strength training the levels of both testosterone and growth hormone rise dramatically.

Since loss of strength and muscle mass are the prime causes of most age-related diseases a lifelong strength training program is one of the best insurance polices for a better quality of life for both men and women.

Avoid Muscle Loss - although endurance exercise improves our cardiovascular fitness, it does not prevent the loss of muscle tissue.

Only strength training maintains our muscle mass and strength throughout our mid-life years. After the age of 20 up to 1/2 pound of muscle tissue is lost per year in both males and females owing to the normal ageing process.

By Strength Training once a week using all the major muscle groups until you are unable to push each exercise for another repetition, 3-4 exercises, and 15 -20 minutes max training time. Keep getting stronger, Smile, be positive and live life.

Avoid Metabolic Rate Reduction - because muscle is very active tissue, muscle loss is accompanied by a reduction in our resting metabolism.

Research indicates that an average adult experiences a 5% reduction in metabolic rate every decade of life. Only high intensity strength training performed once or twice a week with prescribed rest periods can avoid this.

Increase Muscle Mass - because most adults do not perform strength exercise, they need to first replace the tissue that has been lost through inactivity. Fortunately research shows that a standard strength training program can increase muscle mass by about 4 kg or 10 lbs over a ten-week period.

Increase Metabolic Rate - Research reveals that adding 10 lbs of muscle increases our resting metabolism by 7% and our daily calorie requirements by 15%.

At rest, 2 lbs of muscle requires 77 calories per day for tissue maintenance and during exercise, muscle energy utilization increases dramatically.

Adults who replace muscle through sensible strength exercise use more calories all day long thereby reducing the likelihood of fat accumulation.

Reduce Body Fat - In a 1994 study, strength exercise produced 10 lbs of fat loss after two months of training, even though the subjects were eating 155 more calories per day.

That is, a basic strength-training program resulted in 8 lbs more muscle, 10 lbs less fat and more calories per day food intake.

Increase Bone Mineral Density - The effects of progressive resistance exercise are similar for muscle tissue and bone tissue.

The same training stimulus that increases muscle strength also increases bone density and mineral content. A 1993 study demonstrated significant increases in the bone mineral density of the upper femur after four months of strength training.

So, now you can go ahead with your strength training endeavours knowing that you will be experiencing all these benefits found in the above tips.

Gary Matthews is the author of the popular fitness eBooks Maximum Weight Loss and Maximum Weight Gain. Please visit http://www.maximumfitness.com right now for your 'free' weight loss or muscle building e-courses.

Cardio May Be a Waste of Time Without This Knowledge

2008-09-12T10:02:00.001-07:00

The most important factor for improving cardiorespiratory fitness (cardio or CR) is the intensity of the workout. Changes in CR fitness are directly related to how hard an aerobic exercise is performed. The more energy expended per unit of time, the greater the intensity of the exercise, the greater the effect on cardiorespiratory fitness.

You have to know how hard is hard to determine if an aerobic exercise like running is producing a CR training effect or if it's just burning a few calories. The heart rate during work or exercise is an excellent indicator of how much effort you are exerting. Only by keeping track of your heart rate during a workout can you be sure that the intensity is enough to improve your CR fitness level. In other words, your ability to monitor your heart rate is the single most important key to success in CR training.

Training Heart Rate (THR) = Desired Intensity of the Workout

THR is the heart rate at which you need to exercise to get a training effect. The U.S. Army fitness gurus have given us two methods to determine THR. The first method, percent maximum heart rate (%MHR) is simpler to use, while the second method, percent heart rate reserve (%HRR) is more accurate.

%MHR Method

With this method the THR is figured using the estimated maximal heart rate. You can estimate your maximum heart rate (MHR) by subtracting your age from 220. Thus, a 20 year old would have an estimated maximum heart rate (MHR) of 200 beats per minute (220 - 20 = 200).

A person who is in poor shape should exercise at 70 percent of his MHR; if he is in relatively good shape, at 80 percent MHR; and, if he is in excellent shape, at 90 percent MHR.

Examples:

A 20 year old in good physical condition would have a THR of 160 beats per minute (BPM). 220 - 20 = 200 * .80 = 160 BPM.

A 30 year old in good physical condition would have a THR of 152 beats per minute (BPM). 220 - 30 = 190 * .80 = 152 BPM.

A 40 year old in poor physical condition would have a THR of 126 beats per minute (BPM). 220 - 40 = 180 * .70 = 126 BPM.

%HRR Method

A more accurate way to calculate THR is the %HRR method. The range from 60 to 90 %HRR is the THR range in which people should exercise to improve their CR fitness levels. If you know your general level of CR fitness, you can determine which percentage of HRR is a good starting point for you.

For example, a person in excellent physical condition could start at 85 percent of his HRR; if he is in reasonably good shape, at 70 percent HRR; and, if he is in poor shape, at 60 percent HRR.

Most CR workouts should be conducted with the heart rate between 70 to 75 percent HRR to attain, or maintain, an adequate level of fitness. A person who has reached a high level of fitness may derive more benefit from working at a higher percentage of HRR, particularly if he cannot find more than 20 minutes for CR exercise.

Exercising at any lower percentage of HRR than 60 does not give the heart, muscles, and lungs an adequate training stimulus. Before anyone begins aerobic training, he should know his THR (the heart rate at which he needs to exercise to get a training effect).

The example below shows how to figure the THR by using the resting heart rate (RHR) and age to estimate heart rate reserve (HRR). A 20 year old in reasonably good physical shape is the example.

STEP 1: Determine the MHR by subtracting your age from 220. i.e. MHR = 220 - 20 = 200.

STEP 2: Determine the resting heart rate (RHR) in beats per minute (BPM) by counting the resting

pulse for 30 seconds, and multiply the count by two. A shorter period can be used, but a 30 second count is more accurate. This count should be taken while you are completely relaxed and rested. For this example we use a RHR of 69 BPM.

STEP 3: Determine the heart rate reserve (HRR) by subtracting the RHR from the estimate MHR. i.e. HRR = 200 - 69 = 131 BPM

STEP 4: Calculate THR by (1) multiplying HRR by the relative fitness level as a percentage and (2) adding the result to the HRR. For example, our 20 year old in good physical condition will exercise at 70% HRR.

(1) .70 * 131 = 91.7
(2) 91.7 + 69 = 160.7

In summary, a reasonably fit 20-year-old with a resting heart rate (RHR) of 69 BPM has a training heart rate (THR) goal of 161 BPM.

During aerobic exercise, the body will usually have reached a Steady State after five minutes of exercise, and the heart rate will have leveled off. At this time and, immediately after exercising, is when you should monitor your heart rate to see if you are within your desired THR range.

If your pulse rate is below the THR, you must exercise harder to increase your pulse to the THR. If your pulse is above the THR, you should reduce the intensity to reduce the pulse rate to the THR goal.

C) 2005 by Peter Somerville. Peter is a former military officer, and the creator of The Paratrooper's Guide To Fitness and Weight Loss. Now anybody can take advantage of the world's most carefully researched and successful physical fitness training program. Peter contributes to http://lean-and-mean.net

Psoriasis Skin Inflammation & Psoriatic Arthritis

2008-09-11T14:02:00.001-07:00

A person affected might first mistake it for fungal infection, a disease that also causes white patches to appear on the skin. A big difference between the two is the inflammation of the affected area and the silvery white scale that covers it. These patches are called ?lesions.? The coverage area of these lesions can range from minimal to widespread depending on the person affected. For most people, though, psoriasis tends to be mild. Unlike fungal infection also, psoriasis is not contagious. Contrary misconceptions, it cannot be passed on to another person by skin contact.

Psoriasis can develop on any part of the body but it commonly appears on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso. The appearance of lesions is often symmetrical. That?s why when a lesion appears on the right side of the body, the person affected should expect one to appear on the left also.

Psoriasis rarely appears on children. It usually develops at the age of 15 to 35 and occurs equally both on men and women no matter what race.

Occurrence of psoriasis can range from mild to moderate to severe. When three to ten percent of the body is affected, it is considered a moderate case, but when more than ten percent is affected, it is already considered severe. Whatever the case of psoriasis a person has, though, it always affects his or her quality of living because of the health complications it entails. The skin, which is its primary target, can appear to be discolored if severe psoriasis occurs.

Another health complication that is linked with psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis. It may develop anytime but, mostly, it occurs in the adults. Although having psoriasis does not necessarily mean that psoriatic arthritis will follow.

I hope this has given you a better understanding of the condition psoriasis.

Psoriasis facts in plain English by Jason Herbert the webmaster of Vitiligo
Info. http://www.vitiligoinfo.com/

Antiperspirant and Breast Cancer: Linked?

2008-09-10T18:02:00.001-07:00

The information below is taken from the FDA newsletter that I receive:

FDA is aware of concerns that antiperspirant use -- in conjunction with underarm shaving -- may be associated with increased risk of developing breast cancer. FDA continues to search scientific literature for studies examining this possible adverse drug effect. Unfortunately, there are many publications that discuss the issue but very few studies in which data have been collected and analyzed. Overall, the studies that contain data are inconclusive in determining whether antiperspirants, in any way, contribute to the development of breast cancer. FDA hopes that definitive studies exploring breast cancer incidence and antiperspirant use will be conducted in the near future.

The issue is the aluminimum found in antiperspirants. Given this fact, numerous companies in the beauty industry are shifting away from adding aluminum and other potentially harmful ingredients to their products.

Why wait for solid proof that aluminum is causing breast cancer - especially as there are alternatives. Visit your health store, pharmacy or even quality supermarket. There you will find aluminum free deodorants.

CBS did a two-part special on Tom's of Maine deodorants. Part 1 evaluates the correlation between cancer and use of antiperspirants and Part 2 evalutes Tom's of Maine's antiperspirant products.

It may seem odd yet I have not used deoderant for about 10 years now. I do not need it. No I don't stink! It is based on what my observant older sibling told me years ago, Don't eat dairy and you won't stink.

I thought he was full of it. Yet when I tried it, he was correct. I do not totally eliminate dairy from my diet as it tastes too damn good. Yet I do not drink milk.

Yet if one is in a stressful job and sweating all the time [which I am beginning to do being a medical student in clinical training, a safe anti-perspirant may be necessary.

I have located a review on a medical resesarch database about deodorants and breast cancer.

Another study entitled, An earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants and underarm shaving.

For more antiperspirant information, visit the full article on the FDA website.

Benjamin Lynch has a BS degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Washington. Currently, he is obtaining his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. Visit Ben's natural health product store, HealthE Goods where one can use our free health information service where one may ask specific health questions. We provide physician-grade non-prescription natural health products. Wholesale spa products are available to all that qualify. Do visit our Natural Health Information Center: Read. Ask. Learn.. We are here to help serve the public with proper health information and effective products.

Panic Attacks: The 'Secret Prison'

2008-09-09T22:02:00.001-07:00

A person tries so hard to hide it even from him/herself. Panic attacks come on like a heart attack without a warning. It is a very similar feeling and hard to detect which makes it even scarier. When a person has a panic attack they are frozen in fear. This is not cowardice. Panic attacks become a private hidden secret inner prison that destroys a person?s life and self-esteem.

I believe a defective gene causes panic attacks that is inherited, or a chemical imbalance in the brain. Too few people understand panic attacks and anxiety disorders including those who have to live with them. Panic attack disorders turn a person?s life into a hidden secret prison of fear causing anger and a lack of understanding, from family, friends and even more from one?s self.

Panic attacks are not a feeling or a fear that one has control over. This is a fear that freezes a person so that he/she is not always able to get past it. The person that lives with it is the person that hurts the most. They rarely get understanding or emotional support from anyone including themself, and are subject to a lack of compassion and insensitivity. This disorder does not always come from a way of thinking, or a bad past experience, although that could trigger it more.

This disorder has not been studied enough to know the true causes of it. The public is not well informed concerning the facts about Panic disorders and anxiety. People who have panic attacks want to live, not just exist They want a fear free normal life, but are locked in a secret inner prison of fear For some there is no escape. People that live with this disorder are braver than anyone knows, for they have to find courage for doing things for every day pleasure.

To live a normal life for someone with a panic attack disorder takes extreme courage and is not always possible. Sometime this courage comes and sometime the person is frozen in fear. The chest tightens, there is no way to handle the fear factor, the feeling that is paralyzing and comes from out of nowhere.

Medications do not always alleviate the panic attacks, A person does not choose to have panic attacks, Who would choose to live in a prison of fear? A person who lives with panic attacks does not truly live,we merely exist.

Panic attacks are I think a abnormal gene just the opposite of those who seek extreme danger and excitement ,which is also a abnormal reaction to the fear factor.

More on theory thoughts and feelings about panic attacks

I am not a doctor or a professional person, but I am a person that lives with panic attacks and I read information on subjects that interest me, also write my theory,thoughts and feelings concerning them. People give so many varied points of view on how one should deal with them. Persons that have panic attacks not only have to deal with the panic attacks ,they have to deal with people who have a lack of understanding and arguments at the same time.

I've had attacks recently on my spirituality and faith, that I should put my panic attacks in God's hands and He will take them away. I do have a strong belief in God but there are some things He doesn't do and I do not question God and why He doesn't do them. Such as bringing a deceased loved one back to life although He did bring Lazarus back it's not a common practice for Him. I don't blame God for my misfortunes and I am slowly learning not to blame myself. God does not always change the natural order of nature or things in nature that go wrong ,such as earth quakes,they happen and He does not stop them. and He does not stop my panic attacks. There are those who say face your fears, just do it any way, But that does not work for me, I can not force these feelings to go away or overcome them,

Then there is medication which helps to a point but does not totally end the situation. Than there is knowledge that you are having one,knowing helps to a certain extent,understanding one's self and realizing it is a panic attack that a person is having,but it doesn't totally stop them either. There is a lack of understanding from others. Those that have had them and overcome them can sometime have the least understanding, They feel they overcome their fears why can't I? But not everyone is the same or has the same degree of panic attacks and fears. I have always believed it to be a generic disorder and have read studies about the release of endorphins in the brain some people's brain release too much and some too little,both or disorders,one causing panic attacks the other causing a need for excitement and danger. Panic attacks is a condition very hard to understand or live with, But the good news is those that have panic attacks are afraid to kill themselves and are highly unlikely to commit suicide...smiles.

Bio Of Judy Arline Puckett

I am currently residing in Monroe, La.
I begin writing at the age of 11, and I?m 54 now.
I am the mother of three and the grandmother of five.
I love creative writing, poetry, digital art, art, photography, jazz, and blues music. I write poetry and lyrics on every topic. War, peace, love, heartache, religion, and abortion, which I oppose. I hope to write meaningful and worthwhile words that will touch hearts and make a difference in life.

A poet is the voice for those who are without words. - Judy Arline Puckett

The Best Liquid Calcium with Boron

2008-09-09T02:02:00.001-07:00

Best liquid calcium with boron

No longer is the search for the best liquid vitamin with boron difficult. With the growth of the internet you can find your information easily with the click of the mouse. Not long ago these forms of supplements weren't even available. Today, the best liquid vitamin with boron can be shipped right to your front door.

The case for the issue is the obvious lack of good nutrition in the food chain today. After years of abuse in soil utilization and lack of proper crop rotation our soils no longer have the nutrients so vital to good health.

Much has been said about this problem but has fallen on death ears. Senate Document 264 and the earth summit without a doubt was published years ago and can be easily found. In reviewing the information you'll better understand why we have a serious malnutrition problem in our country today.

A simple issue as weight can be best understood when you discover and understand a simple thing about our foods. They no longer have the nutrients for a good dietary regimen. So we eat away into oblivion confused about had to handle the problem.

The minerals the body needs can be easily understood and take priority over vitamins. Don't be cheap about your nutrition. A good product may cost a little more but may be much cheaper down the road.

There are products on the market today that do a nice job including just minerals and then there are those that combine many ingredients for a great cocktail type drink with numerous supplements included.

In using mineral supplements you take a giant step to good dietary supplementation and starting with the best liquid calcium with boron is a great way to get started.

Review the nutritional deficiencies chart and learn about the Senate document 264, earth summit report and liquid mineral supplement

Relacore: Stress Buster or Fat Buster?

2008-09-08T06:02:00.001-07:00

Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol may contribute to this increased abdominal layer. As a result of these research conclusions many breakthrough products have appeared with claims to elevate your mood and slim your figure. Who can blame the estimated 47 million Americans who would try anything in an effort to lose those excess pounds and decrease body fat?

What is Relacore?

Relacore is marketed as a powerful, non-sedating stress reliever that elevates mood and increases energy. It is exclusively intended to alleviate Metabolic Syndrome and lessen the accumulation of belly fat caused by surplus cortisol.

Relacore and Cortisol....

Cortisol, the body's main stress hormone, is required for many essential body functions including blood pressure maintenance, balanced immunity, and glucose metabolism. However, excessive levels of cortisol can impact mental alertness, repress thyroid function, and increase insulin imbalances leading to fat deposits, reduced bone density and wasting muscles. It may be true that taking three Relacore capsules daily will decrease overall stress levels. However, decreasing cortisol levels does not automatically reduce belly fat. Stress is just one of the likely causes of bulge battle. Even Relacore ads claim that, in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise program, Relacore might be the perfect answer to battling belly fat. To date, though, the best line of defense against Metabolic Syndrome is weight loss and physical activity.

Relacore's Formulation

Relacore is a combination of Ascorbic Acid, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Nicotinamide, Pyridoxine, Cobalamin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium and Pyridoxine. It also includes a proprietary blend of ingredients called Relacortin, which consists of: Magnolia (bark) SE, Passion Flower (herb) SE, Scutellaria (root) SE, Niacinamide, DHEA, Panax Ginseng (root), Pinella (tuber), Poria (fungus), Jujuba (fruit), Perilla (leaf), Phosphotidylserine.

Within the proprietary blend the ingredients Magnolia bark and Passion Flower extract relate to cortisol control. Magnolia bark contains honokiol which de-stresses or relaxes without sedating. Although stress may contribute to weight gain, it is secondary to sedentary lifestyles and excessive calorie consumption.

Based on the ingredients in the Relacore formulation it can be said that the product may:

Reduce Stress Reduce Mild Anxiety Improve Mood Fight Mid-Day Fatigue Increases Energy Decrease Stress-Induced Bingeing Whether the proprietary blend Relacortin contains the necessary amount of needed extracts to achieve the claims made by Relacore cannot be confirmed, as the ratio of ingredients are not provided in the product's advertising or on its label. Relacore may contribute to a decrease in abdominal fat, but the best recipe for a healthy physique is proper diet and exercise.

Created by Peter Bracato ? 2005 ConsumerHealthDigest.com

Peter Bracato is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of his insightful supplement articles can be found at the premier online health news magazine http://www.consumerhealthdigest.com

South Beach Diet South Beach Diet Plan Information

2008-09-07T10:02:00.001-07:00

Perhaps you've had them too, nightmares about rice cakes, granola, and eight glasses of water a day. Do visions of diet supplements, green tea and mechanical scales dance through your head? If so, you are not alone. The hardest part of committing to a diet program is the fear of giving up your favorite foods in favor of dry, tasteless diet foods. With the South Beach diet, however, there is a plethora of delicious, healthy meals that can fit into your daily routine without forcing you to take out your taste buds.

While your grocery list may change at first, committing to the South Beach diet does not mean giving up eating, or giving up eating well. During the first two weeks, all carbs are forbidden, but that doesn't mean you can only eat steak and chicken. Stocking up on things like eggs, broccoli, zucchini, low-fat cheeses, and nuts is a great way to combat cravings for breads and cereals. No doubt, that the first two weeks breakfast is the biggest challenge to surmount, but replacing your usual bowl of cereal or bagel with eggs and a low fat cheese, or cottage cheese is a great way to start the day. Don't forget that in phase two fruits and some sugar are introduced back into your diet, so that cup of cottage cheese can easily be sweetened with some strawberries. Also, eating some lean bacon with your poached eggs or throwing some cheese and veggies into an omelet can mix things up.

Pack some veggies and a cottage cheese dip or peanut butter for a mid-morning snack, and some nuts or cheese for late afternoon. Use the prohibition of bread for your first two weeks as a way to throw some variety into your usual sandwich routine. A pepper stuffed with feta and mixed veggies is easily reheated in the break room, and tuna salad does not need to go on a sandwich. In phase two, whole grains are re-introduced, so a whole grain pita with your salad is a good way to keep you going until your afternoon snack. Dinner time may well be the easiest time to maintain your South Beach diet program, as you can play with the shopping list, developing savory sauces and seasonings to compliment healthy meat, vegetable, and tofu dishes.

Don't be discouraged if after your first two weeks, your weight loss slows to a crawl of about two pounds a week. This is normal and healthy, and as you change your lifestyle through the South Beach diet program, you will continue to lose weight and keep it off. There are a ton of online tips and how to programs, as well as meal plans and suggested supplements based around the South Beach diet program. If you find yourself getting bored with the same old choices, get online and find some more recipes. Don't forget, unlike other low carb diet programs, the South Beach diet doesn?t make you commit to a carb-free life. What it does do is help you develop a healthy balance between good carbs and fats which in turn won?t just melt off water weight that will return. Instead, it creates a life-long system of healthy living.

There are many products available to help you lose weight. There are supplements, diet plans, programs, systems and online diet monitors that will help you manage your eating habits and measure your weight loss progress. Some of these companies provide support and help with your dieting program. We can help you by providing you with a free list of our recommended best sources for effective weight loss products and services. To view our list of recommended sources to help you lose weight with the South Beach Diet or other diet plans or to read more articles about dieting visit: Recommended Weight Loss & Diet Resources Online.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of eZerk, an informational website with articles and the latest news about various topics.

Hurricanes and Hair Loss

2008-09-06T14:00:00.001-07:00

For those individuals who are worried about hair loss at least during the 2006 Atlantic tropical hurricane season with the wind blowing fiercely you will not have to worry about having a bad hair day because you don't have any. Isn't it nice to know that there are benefits to being bald and not having very much hair?

Imagine if you will being trapped in a violent hurricane storm and you are a newscaster and your hat blows away? All of a sudden the whole world is looking at your messed up hair, but if you are bald you look the same issue always do and no one would ever know the difference. Hair loss does have benefits and one of the benefits will be during the hurricane season.

If you watched Fox News during the 2005 Atlantic tropical hurricane season you would have seen many of your famous newscasters and reporters out getting literally blown away by hurricane and gale force winds. Had those reporters been bald like a couple of the guys on the weather Channel they would've been looking fine, but instead their hair do was blowing all over the place and they looked rather silly and somewhat stupid.

So during the 2006 Atlantic tropical hurricane season you may want to get your hair completely shaved off and go with the new hurricane hair do, which is the bald look. Consider all this 2006.

Lance Winslow

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #33

2008-09-05T18:02:00.001-07:00

When we are aligned with our Creator, then everything flows simply and easily. We ask for what we want and then we detach.

I would highly recommend getting the book, I?m Rich Beyond My Wildest Dreams. In it, you?ll find great information on how to attract what you desire and then learn to detach. It?s all presented in a simple format. Here?s some key things from the book:

?God said, ?Ask and ye shall receive.? He did not say, ?Ask and then go get it yourself.? To receive means it is coming to you. You do not have to catch it. When you do not detach, you are telling God that you can do it by yourself.

Once you have had the experience with a two-year old, you know exactly what detachment means. Take a two-year old to any store and let her walk next to you. What happens? Sooner or later she will take off running the other way. At first, you take up the chase. You are going to catch that child and grab her hand. But guess what?

Two-year olds are fast and quick. Even if you do catch her, your success is only temporary. That ball of energy will scream and kick until you let go so she can run away again. Your little prize is playing ?chase me.? This is not a game adults can win. At some point, hopefully, you learn detachment. When the child runs one way, you go the other and never look back. Bingo! Your two-year old will quickly stop running away from you. In short order she will come running back to find you.

This is exactly what you must do once you have written down what you want. Turn away, and the things you ask for will come running to you. Don?t wait for them to come to you in order to be happy. Always be happy with your current situation.

Write down what you want to have. Think it through. Get excited. Feel like it is already yours. Get enthusiastic about enjoying it. Then do the smart thing. Detach yourself. Turn your back and let the Universe take over. Want what you asked for, but stop caring if you ever get it. You still want it. But in your heart, you must not care if you get it or not.

Detachment does not mean you don?t go to work. You continue to go about your life. You continue to take action. The difference is now your actions are guided by the powers of the Universe.

In nature, Universal Intelligence allows birds to thrive, grass to grow all without any special effort. The earth itself spins and circles the sun with no help from humankind. Nature prospers easily and effortlessly. Humans are part of that ecosystem. We, too, are destined to prosper easily and effortlessly.?

WOW! Detachment?probably the hardest thing to do, don?t you agree?

Do you ever wonder why things seem so difficult, such a struggle? When we?re living as if we have to control the Universe, then we are saying, ?I can do this myself.? God is saying, ?Hello! You?ve asked for what you want. Now, I will bring it to you. Rely on me.?

What?s more?ever met someone for the first time, and yet you felt as if you have already known him or her? This happened to me recently. I got connected with a wonderful woman, Dr. Tianna Conte, over the telephone. She exuded powerful ancient wisdom and it was such a delight to talk to her. As we were discussing life, she reminded me about the KISS principle. Only her KISS principle is this?Keep It Simply Spiritual! Beautiful, isn?t it?

Live each day using the KISS principle! As you continue working towards your weight loss goals, remind yourself that each step is spiritual, which means it is easy and effortless. God wouldn?t intend it any other way. Write down what you want, be excited about receiving it and then detach. God always delivers. In fact, He is the best delivery man!

And above all else, BE HAPPY!

Love and hugs,

Tami

***********************************************************
Helping people fall in love?.with themselves
Tami Close
Weight Loss Consultant
2916 N.W. Bucklin Hill Rd. #291
Silverdale, WA 98383
360-792-2209
http://www.tamiclose.com

Tami Close helps people fall in love?with themselves. She is a weight loss consultant and uses an integrative method, including cleansing and nutritional products from Isagenix, in her weight balancing program. She is certified in healing modalities (Rapid Eye Technology and Emotional Freedom Techniques) to assist people in releasing their negative emotions to help them change their behavior. Tami is a recipient of a grant from the Sumasil Grant Foundation in her work with RET and EFT. She is a master trainer and has a B.S. in Training and Development. She is a #1 best selling co-author with Mark Victor Hansen, Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra, Wake Up...Live the Life You Love Finding Personal Freedom. She has also written an e-book, Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss, along with other e-books.
http://www.tamiclose.com
http://www.closekeptsecrets.com

MLM Wellness And The Baby Boomer Generation

2008-09-04T22:02:00.001-07:00

One of the largest markets for wellness products, is targeted directly at the needs and concerns of the baby boomer generation.

This generation, defined as those born between the years 1946 and 1964, represents the most affluent and influential section of the economy.

Over 90 million strong in the U.S. and Canada, the baby boomers have had a dramatic effect on every facet of life. As this market segment has moved through life, they have literally dominated the marketplace. When they were infants, the marketplace responded with the prepared baby food industry--resulting in supercharged growth in that market....from 270 million jars per year to 1.5 billion jars.

When the boomers reached their early childhood, the market responded with Frisbees, Hula Hoops, Skateboards, TinkerToys, etc.....billions of dollars worth!

As the teenage years came along so did the advent of fast food franchises such as McDonalds, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, etc. Franchisees became rich as the baby boomers filled up on french fries, burgers, and soft drinks.

Community infrastructure was also dramatically effected. Elementary and High Schools were built at a break-neck speed to accomodate this generations educational needs. Social programs were implemented as a direct result of the huge numbers of new problems and opportunities that this massive group created.

Young adulthood brought with it changes in fashion preferences...which resulted in marketing phenomenons such as The Gap which went from $600,000 in sales in 1969 to 99 Million in 1976...today those figures are off the map.

According to a report on CBS news, this same baby boomer generation now accounts for an incredible One Trillion Dollars in annual income! The marketplace continues to respond to this generations every whim.... now when you hear a music background for popular advertisements, it is likely to be an old tune from the 60's, and 70's.

As the baby boomer generation enters the fifth decade of life they have begun to approach the aging process as a not-so-inviting-prospect. Indeed they are doing everything in their power to slow down this process and to extend their lifespan with quality years. As one marketer commented: They are entering middle age kicking and screaming.

In response to the realities of getting older, the baby boomers have discovered a new appreciation for, and an active persuit of a healthier lifestyle. They are watching their diets, exercising more, and beginning to look seriously at natural/alternative and preventative healthcare. As a result, the Diet and Nutrition and Personal Care industries are now estimated to be a 56 Billion dollar annual market. They are expected to double in the next five years alone!

This is the marketplace that 'wellness' products and services are targeted at. Products that are specifically designed and formulated to address the needs and concerns of this aging population are perfectly positioned for growth and profits.

As a great marketing guru once said...To be successful, always ride the marketing horse in the direction it wants to go. That marketing guru was my grandfather. He did not realize how profound his words would become. The baby boomers have spoken with crystal clarity...they want high quality, natural healthcare products that make them feel and look younger, give them increased energy, enable them to control weight, help them strengthen their immune systems, and give them a high quality of life.

Dr. Ken Dychtwald, author of AgeWave, states it this way...Entire industries will rise and fall in response to this anti-ageing, anti-obesity, pro-longevity obsession. He goes on to say...With the middle-aging of the boomers, we are beginning to feel the impact of the demographic 'age wave', whose mass and force will ultimately challenge every aspect of our personal, social, financial and political dynamics.

As has been the case from the birth of the first baby-boomers, there now exists tremendous opportunity for companies and individuals who recognize the trends, and are able and willing to capitalize on them. You can be such an individual by recognizing the opportunity that wellness products present.

(C) Copyright 2005... Thom Reece is the creator of MaxxMLM.com [ http://www.MaxxMLM.com a leading portal and training site for the network marketing industry, and the CEO of Online Marketing Group in Hawaii. Thom can be reached by email at: thom'AT'e-comprofits.com

Tips for an Effective Juice Fast

2008-09-04T02:00:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for a single effective way to eliminate toxins from your body? Well, look further no more. Try juice fasting! Juice fasting (or juicing) is one very good detoxification method. Advocates of juice fasting promote this method since it jump starts the metabolism of body fats which is known to be the breeding ground and haven of toxins while providing the necessary nutrients essential to keep most of the bodily functions running. During the juice fast, the body fats are converted into fuel to sustain the normal functions of the body and promote the removal of toxins via the major organs of elimination.

As you go through the process of detoxifying your body, you may notice several indications, which show that toxins are being dumped out of the body. Some people may experience acne and/or boil outbreaks. This only indicates that toxins, which have previously accumulated in the body (especially petrochemicals), are being eliminated through the skin. Others may notice that they have temporarily developed foul breath and have a terrible taste in their mouths if the toxins choose to leave through the alimentary tract. Some, however, may go through the process unscathed. The symptoms associated with the elimination of toxins can vary in intensity. Some symptoms may be quite severe that others may contend that the cure is significantly worse than the disease. It may be true for the meantime but not quite so in the long run. Detoxification by juice fasting promotes good health and the recovery from certain medical conditions, especially when it is reinforced by a dietary and total lifestyle change.

So that you can avail of the maximum benefits from a juice fast, be sure to take note of the following:

. Juice fasting is best done during the warmer months, especially during the spring.
. To gain the ultimate benefits from a juice fast, several dietary and lifestyle changes are called for several days before the actual fast. Proponents of juice fasting maintain that seven or more days before the fast, your diet should consist mainly of organic fruits, vegetables and beans. Toxin-laden foods such as processed foods, meat, fish and eggs should be avoided. Likewise, it is also advised that you stay away from alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.
. Drink the juice as soon as it is prepared so that you can benefit greatly from the nutrients, enzymes and minerals that are present.
. During the fast, it is sensible to drink at least 32 to 64 ounces of juice throughout the day. Among the best ingredients for a juice fast are apples, beets, cranberries, carrots, celery, cabbage, kale, pineapple, spinach and various greens. Stay clear of citrus fruits! . Aside from the juice, you should also take in approximately 6 glasses of filtered water per day.
. It is best to use organically grown fruits and vegetables in preparing your juice. However, if this is not possible, be sure to peel off the skin or wash them in a non-toxic produce cleanser, which can be purchased at health food outlets.
. Be sure that your juice contains green vegetables and sprouts. These foods contain chlorophyll (the natural pigmentation that gives plants its green coloration) which is essential during a juice fast.
. Before trying a juice fast, it is essential that you do your own research and consult with a qualified medical professional so that you can be guided accordingly.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Detoxification

Landmark Study into Bipolar in Children and Young People

2008-09-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

A recent study by Course and Outcome of Bipolar Illness in Youth COBY found that children and teen-agers with bipolar disorder suffer from the illness differently than adults do with their symptoms lasting longer and changing more swiftly from hyper to lethargy and depression.

In this first major study by COBY psychiatrist conducted a study of over 400 patients some for over five years to determine the effects of bipolar in young people and children.

Dr Martin Keller a front liner in designing and conducting long-term studies of major psychiatric disorders says Bipolar disorder severely impairs functioning and has a high rate of related psychiatric and physical health issues, such as anxiety and substance abuse,

Bipolar disorder also known as manic-depressive illness is distinguished by dramatic mood changes, energy levels and behaviour. Sufferers can swing from one extreme (mania, which can be accompanied by extreme irritability, lack of sleep, poor judgment, restlessness and impulsiveness.) To the other extreme, depression, this can be branded by hopelessness, tiredness and, in some cases, suicidal tendancies. These manic and depressive episodes are interspersed with milder symptoms and impaired function in a mainstream of sufferers.

The study showed that these symptoms run a longer course with children and young people and in many of the cases the mood swings were even more dramatic and switched within shorter intervals than usual in adult cases.

Many of those with Bipolar otherwise specified developed Bipolar or Bipolar II. While researchers supposed that such conversions might transpire, this is the first comprehensive study to clearly document the phenomenon.

Cerianwen is a writer and Bipolar sufferer striving to rid the stigma of mental health through writing. Cerianwen is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writers.

Has Your Diet Stopped Working?

2008-09-02T10:01:00.001-07:00

You started the latest diet and saw great results during the first month. Then your weight loss began to slow down. Now, you seem to be stuck! It?s not surprising that you feel frustrated, tired, and hungry. Your diet may be missing a crucial ingredient, exercise.

If your latest weight loss strategy was to cut calories, your body has noticed and made adjustments to compensate for the calorie shortage. You are now in the midst of the ?starvation response?. Your metabolism has slowed. Your body is indiscriminately burning fat and muscle for energy to make up for the calorie deficit.

Since you were trying to lose weight by forcing your body to metabolize itself, you may think this is just fine. Not so, your goal should be to burn fat, not muscle. If you diet without a regular exercise program, as much as 50% of your weight loss could be from lean muscle mass. Lean muscle is a metabolic powerhouse. It will burn calories even while you sleep! When you combine exercise and a properly balanced diet, you will gain muscle and lose fat.

Creating a calorie deficit is the only way to lose weight. Fortunately there are two ways to create this shortage of calories. You can reduce your caloric intake by eating less, or you can increase your calorie consumption by exercising more. The ideal approach is a moderate calorie reduction at mealtime and an increase in calorie expenditure by following a regular exercise routine.

Aerobic exercise and weight training will increase your metabolic rate, so you begin to lose weight. Creating the calorie deficit you need through increased exercise will not trigger the ?starvation response?. Exercise, especially weight training, tells your body to keep your lean muscle and not burn it for energy.

Weight loss is not the only benefit of a consistent exercise routine. Regular exercise strengthens your heart and reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke. You?ll notice increased joint flexibility. The brain is stimulated by exercise and creates endorphins which promote a feeling of well being.

Always remember that overall health and fitness is your goal. Losing excess fat is certainly an important aspect of this goal. Building more muscle will help speed fat loss. By combining proper nutrition and a regular exercise program you will not only lose the fat, you will be able to maintain your desired weight over time.

Do you dream of a lean, well toned body? Pam Jenkins has found the top diet to make your dream come true.

The G. I Diet and benefits for Losing Weight

2008-09-01T14:01:00.001-07:00

The glycemic index diet or G.I. diet is gaining a reputation as a healthy way to lose weight. Although more of a way of eating rather than a diet, more and more people following the G. I way achieve their weight loss goals. Many health experts agree that the Glycemic Index diet, if followed correctly, can be a great way to weight loss success, especially for those who struggle with conventional low calorie diets or dieters who have trouble controlling their appetite.

The G.I diet is similar to the low carb diet but it is not as strict and targets the types of carbs rather than the quantity of carbs for each meal. There is also a focus on the correct timing of the two basic types of meals ? a carb or protein meal. The science behind the timing and types of meal makes G.I dieting a potent way to help lose fat stores, safely and relatively quickly.

The G.I diet is all about Insulin and controlling blood sugar levels.

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate our blood sugar; actually it lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating cells to absorb any excess sugar from the blood. The problem with Insulin is it also causes fat cells to take up excess fatty acids from the blood. Often we ingest a meal which includes both sugar and fats so if any meal includes foods which have a high Glycemic Index then the fat from that meal can be easily stored on the hips.

There is an established theory that if one can control insulin levels then one can control how much fat the body will store from each and EVERY meal. Fat can only be stored when Insulin is present, and Insulin is only released when blood sugar levels become elevated.

What raises blood sugar?

Carbohydrate in foods will raise blood sugar if it is absorbed too rapidly. The types of foods which cause rapid absorption of sugar are all those with a high G.I index rating.

The basics of the G.I index

The Glycemic Index ranks carbohydrate foods by assigning them a number ranging from 0 to 100. The number indicates the rate at which the food raises blood glucose levels during its absorption. The higher the value the quicker the sugar is absorbed.

A high Glycemic index food has a value of 70 and above. A G.I value of 56-69 is considered medium and any foods lower than 55 are considered a low Glycemic index food. Foods with a low G.I are best as they digest more naturally and help provide a steady supply of energy over the course of several hours, it also makes us feel fuller for longer.

Is the G.I Diet simple?

The diet sounds simple because foods are generally chosen from the low G.I food list, but it gets complicated when you create a meal made up of many different food items, each with a unique G.I value. The idea is to make sure most items which make up every meal have a low Glycemic index, thus the overall G.I of the meal stays within the low to medium range.

Gaining complete nutrition

There are some foods which have a high G.I rating but are considered a healthy nutritious food. In these cases healthy high G.I foods can be combined with low G.I foods to maintain low-medium G.I value, plus help create a complete nutritional intake. An example is baked potato (high G.I) topped with baked beans (low G.I). There are also low G.I foods which should be limited. Fresh meat and poultry contains no sugar so the G.I. will be very low, however, they do contain lots of fat and protein so the energy content will be high. Remember calories do still count!

One positive point about the G.I meal plan is it?s possible for dieters to enjoy the odd ?treat? item once or twice each week, maybe an occasional dessert after a light dinner. As long as these ?bad? items are NOT eaten alone it should not ruin the diet plan.

Benefits of G.I. way of eating:

1. Enjoy tasty foods but limit storage of fat
2. Enjoy some favourite foods AND still lose fat
3. Increased energy level and wellbeing
4. Control of blood sugar
5. Less hunger feelings
6. Less craving for sugary foods
7. Less bloating feeling after meals
8. Ability to eat more food if desired
9. Less risk from diabetes and other diseases
10. No strict calorie reductions

Wayne Mcgregor has written hundreds of articles on effective ways to lose weight. His website provides tons of free weight loss information and help, including lists of G.I foods. http://www.weightlossforall.com/glyemic-list-breadcereals.htm

Yoga Helps Fight MidLife Bulge

2008-08-31T18:01:00.001-07:00

Yoga practice helps middle-aged people lose weight and keep it off, suggest new studies published in the online journal Alternative Therapies In Health and Medicine.

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center surveyed 15,500 men and women to assess their weight and yoga histories between the ages of 45 and 55.

For purposes of the study, regular yoga practice was defined as practicing at least 30 minutes once a week for four or more years.

20-Pound Gap

Statistics showed that the subjects who were of normal weight at the age of 45 and did not practice yoga consistently gained about 10 pounds, while those who performed regular yoga routines lost 3 pounds during that same 10-year period -- a difference of 13 pounds.

There was a wider gap between people who were overweight at the age of 45. The non-yoga group gained about 14 pounds, while the yoga group lost 5 pounds -- a difference of almost 20 pounds.

It is not likely that yoga's fat-fighting potential is due to the physical activity itself, according to the study's lead author, Alan R. Kristal, DrPH.

During a very vigorous yoga practice you can burn enough calories to lose weight, but most people don't practice that kind of yoga, he notes.

Body Awareness a Factor

From my experience, I think it has to do with the way that yoga makes you more aware of your body. So when you've eaten enough food, you're sensitive to the feeling of being full, and this makes it much easier to stop eating before you've eaten too much, Kristal explains.

Most people practice yoga in a way that's not aerobic enough to burn a lot of calories, so it has to be some other reason, adds study co-author Denise Benitez, owner of Seattle Yoga Arts.

People who regularly practice yoga develop the inner resources to stay with a little bit of discomfort, she says, hypothesizing that those inner resources help people to stay with the discomfort that is caused when they deny themselves junk food.

In order to accurately measure the effects of yoga on weight maintenance and loss, these preliminary findings will need to be replicated, Kristal cautions.

Yoga Tips

The following tips for enhancing one's yoga practice, offers Benitez, may be particularly helpful for those who wish to maintain or lose weight:

1. Practice in a room without mirrors and pay more attention to your internal experience than to your outer performance.

2. Learn to feel sensations more and more subtly, so that you become deeply involved in and curious about small movements -- sometimes called micro-movements.

3. In your poses, find an edge for yourself where you are challenged but not overwhelmed. At this edge, practice maintaining a clear, open and accepting mental state.

4. Give yourself permission to rest when you feel overworked.

5. Pay close attention to what you are saying to yourself as you practice, and make an intentional effort to appreciate your own efforts and innate goodness.

6. Go to class faithfully, arrive early, and talk to a few people before class begins.

7. Buy your own yoga mat and bring it to class.

8. Realize that the development of qualities like patience, discipline, wisdom, right effort, kindness, gratitude and many others will arise from your yoga practice. These qualities create a steady and soft mind.

9. Find a teacher who offers a balance of gentleness and firmness and whose teaching inspires you to practice from your highest self.

10. Recognize that simply attending class is a major statement of courage, self-care, and positive momentum. Realize that you are inspiring others as you become more true to your deepest desires.

Rita Jenkins is a health journalist for Daily News Central, an online publication that delivers breaking news and reliable health information to consumers, healthcare providers and industry professionals: http://www.dailynewscentral.com

Diet and Nutrition: Does My Child Need to Lose Weight

2008-08-30T22:01:00.001-07:00

The roles of diet and nutrition in kids have become increasingly popular subjects in the last few years, with good reason. Child obesity is running rampant throughout the Western World and shows no signs of letting up.

Still, how does a parent know when it?s time to ?put their child on a diet??

The first thing a concerned parent should do is talk to their child?s doctor. What your physician will do is measure your child?s height and weight and compare them to other children their age.

Next, they?ll use those numbers to come up with a body mass index, or BMI, which they will again compare with other children their age. If a child?s BMI is higher than 85% of the other boys or girls their age, then that child is considered to be at risk for being overweight. A BMI over the 95th percentile means that the child is overweight.

Losing weight is not always the answer, believe it or not. As pediatricians, we will often tell parents that we don?t want kids to lose weight, but that we would rather see them not gain any more weight for a while, so their height can catch up to their weight.

Using diets are also something not typically recommended by most pediatricians. A diet usually has a beginning and an end. Instead of the latest fad, we would rather see children make adjustments to their lifestyle that will last a long, long time.

Your doctor should be able to provide you with some information, but you will probably have to learn more than what they will be able to explain to you in a short office visit.

Start educating yourself about healthy eating habits, and how to teach them to your children.

Learn how to read labels and make better choices when you go shopping.

Make sure that your doctor clears your child to start an exercise program, and integrate that with your nutrition plans.

Study the reasons why kids overeat and take steps to prevent that from happening.

Put everything that you learn into a comprehensive plan and check back with your physician from time to time to make sure you?re on the right track.

Michael P. Scaccia, MD, FAAP is a physician, author, speaker, and child health expert whose goal is to help families live healthier and more satisfying lives. For more information, visit http://www.ChildNutritionGuide.com

Burning Calories with Outdoor Activities

2008-08-30T02:01:00.001-07:00

I always feel that spring and summer are the most wonderful seasons of the year. I can do many things outside the house during those seasons.

Although I can also do my activities during autumn and winter, I find that spring and summer are more exciting, especially when it comes to burning off calories.

Here are some fun activities I do and the calories burned out of them. Maybe you'll want to do the same. Check it out....

1. Gardening - I clean my garden, water the flowers, plant seeds, trim shrubs, watch my blooming flowers, etc. Gardening during these seasons is fun and gives me lots of enjoyment. It is like a workout as I burn about 100-120 calories in 30 minutes gardening.

2. Bicycling -I love doing this activity. I can go anywhere I want as far as I can reach. This is like a low impact workout. But I don't really go far, most of the time it is just in the neighborhood area. After riding about 30 minutes, I will have burned about 300 calories. This is a great way to stay in shape.

3. Trekking - I like to go trekking at a conservation park. It is fun and I enjoy the nice scenery; I also burn off some calories. For these activities I need more preparation because I have to wear a special outfit and need to do more warming up exercise to avoid cramps while climbing high area. For 30 minutes of trekking I burn about 350 calories.

4. Swimming - This is a fun way to stay cool during hot season. I go to the beach and indoor pools, depending on my schedule. However, I prefer swimming in the sea. It burns off my calories at about 300 in 30 minutes.

5. Water Skiing - This is a more rare activity I do. But, once in a while I go with my friends. It can help me build my upper and lower body muscles. From this activity, I'll lose about 200 calories in 30 minutes.

If you have any other activities you like to do outdoor, just enjoy them.

Don't forget to wear sun cream to protect your skin from sunburn. Have fun...

About the author: Riana Lance writes about health in some publications. Twice a week she informs her health tips and knowledge in a newsletter. Subscribe to get your free twice a week newsletters so you can stay healthy for the rest of your life from http://Heathifica.com

How To Get Fit Even if You've Never Stuck With A Fitness Program Before

2008-08-28T10:01:00.001-07:00

Are you frustrated with the struggle to sustain a healthy fitness program? It seems like every time you turn your head you're told to take regular exercise for our own good health.

But how many of us actually do? Who's got the time? The motivation? Or the discipline?

Here's a really simple way to get fit...

A fit-into-your-lifestyle walking program.

It's based on the latest research coming out of universities around the world.

To do this you'll need a pedometer. They only cost a few bucks from fitness equipment stores. The idea is to wear this as you go about your daily business and it counts the number of steps you take.

All steps count.

The best place to wear the pedometer is on your waist at the side of your body.

Do wear a comfortable pair of sensible shoes for every day activity. If you're going on a walk, then a good pair of walking shoes is best. If you're going on a hiking trail, then you need hiking boots.

To get fit and stay healthy, experts recommend we take 10,000 steps every day. A sedentary person may have a step count of around 4000. So you then find ways to fit in the extra steps needed.

Easy ways to increase the step count:

- Park the car further from the door when going to the supermarket or office

- Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator

- Stop using the television remote. Get up to change channels

- At work, deliver messages in person rather than phone

- If you commute by bus or train, get off one or two stops early

- Walk instead of short car journeys

It all adds up.

Before getting started...

It's best to wear the pedometer for a couple of weeks without changing your exercise level. Write down the step count at the end of every day. After two weeks, you can assess how many additional steps you need.

Start gradually.

If you increase your daily activity, but still fall short of the 10,000 steps a day then add in some walking. As a rough guide, one mile takes around 2,000 steps.

Say you need to walk daily for 30 minutes. It's o.k. to split it up into three walks of ten minutes each. It actually gets the body attuned to regular activity and reinforces the habit. It may also be more beneficial to your metabolism.

Of course if you'd rather do a single walk, then go right ahead. It'll burn more calories.

Experts on motivation tell us if we do a new activity (like the 10,000 steps program) for 21 consecutive days, we will form a new habit. In other words, it is highly likely that we will continue the activity.

So it's easy to do. Most people are capable of walking. You don't need any expensive equipment.

So why bother?

Well how about the following benefits to a long term exercise program:-

- halve your risk of diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's

- boost your immune system and reduce the numbers of colds and flus you catch

- reduce the risk of certain cancers such as bowel and breast

- Strengthen muscles and bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis

- Boost your mental wellbeing and reduce stress

- Lose weight if you're overweight.

After four weeks on this program, you'll notice your fitness and stamina improving. It's a good idea at this stage to add in some variety to the type of exercise. Include some flexibility and strength training.

It's easy to figure out the equivalent number of steps for any exercise.

Find out the amount of calories your chosen exercise burns. For every 100 calories, that's the equivalent of 2000 steps. So if you do a 45 minute Yoga session, that burns 180 calories, which gives you the equivalent of 3600 steps.

Your next step? To take what you've just learned and get organised to start your new fitness program. It's easier than you think and you'll reap the benefits for years to come.

Isobel Whytock is passionate about health and fitness issues. You can read her reviews of treadmills.

Knowing Angioedema

2008-08-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Angioedema, which is also called by others as Quincke?s edema, is the swelling occurring in the tissue under the skin?s surface. The skin ailment is usually an allergic reaction to a medication or food.

Occurrence of Angioedema should also be given proper attention and focus because it may indicate an underlying condition of more serious ailment or sickness like leukemia or Hodgkin?s disease.

In the medical world, there are two basic divisions or classification of angioedema. One, it can be hereditary angioedema or HAE---this is genetically acquired or inborn and will tend to constantly recur despite intense treatment.

The other is termed ?acquired angioedema or AAE, which as the name suggests is acquired through other means beyond genetic factors.

Angioedema can take minutes or even hours to completely develop. One interesting thing about angioedema is that it can infect or affect one side or area of the body, while the other side, or other areas, is not affected.

It is important to know basic facts, prevention and treatment of angioedema because the skin ailment could be fatal if untreated.

Identifying angioedema

Symptoms and indications that a person has angioedema vary. Usually, the disease affect the eyelids, the tongue, the lips, the palms, the soles, the throat, and shocking as it may be, in several instances in the genitals. Any from these body areas can feel pain and burning sensation. Often, the infected part is also swollen.

Breathing troubles, especially those instances characterized by swollen or tight-feeling throat with hoarseness can also indicate the presence of angioedema.

In some recorded instances, there were also abdominal pain and diarrhea. These can be accompanied by reduced or diminished appetite and sometimes, nausea or vomiting.

Physically, one can simply tell if a person has angioedema if the area surrounding or around the eyes of a person is extraordinarily swollen. To verify the suspicion, check if the person has discolored rashes or patches in the face, the feet, the hands, and if it will possible to check on this body area, the genital or sex organ.

There is another type of angioedema that is also called angioedema-eosinophilia syndrome, when the person feel like having fever, hives or itchiness. This form of angioedema is also characterized by high level or count of white blood cells, muscle pain, weight gain or decreased or diminished urination.

Treating angioedema

Doctors and hospital personnels? first and primary concern when treating angioedema is making sure that airway is unblocked or open or that the breathing is practically not disturbed.

There are several drugs that are often prescribed to treat the disease. Among them are antihistamines, corticosteroids and epinephrine.

If the angioedema attack is somehow severe, make sure the patient is rushed to the nearest hospital because professional personnel will have to first open blocked airways to help stabilize the victim?s condition.

Prevention

There are several food additives and foods that are known to trigger angioedema attacks on several people. If you have an angioedema history, it is important to stay away or eliminate the following food from your daily diet.

- Berries - Chocolate - Legumes - Seafood - Milk - Eggs - Nuts

Some people are also advised not to eat citrus fruits and food and beverage with sulfites, including some fermented beverages.

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Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
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Charlene J. Nuble 2006.

For answers to All your frequently asked questions about angioedema, please go to: http://angioedema.allergyanswers.net/

A Guide To Fibromyalgia Symptoms And Alternative Treatments

2008-08-20T02:01:00.000-07:00

Fibromyalgia Symptoms...

If you have ever known anyone who had fibromyalgia syndrome, you may have thought that it was ?all in their head?. For many years people who suffered from fibromyalgia syndrome had to deal with a relative lack of understanding by the medical community, friends and family, as if suffering from the fibromyalgia symptoms themselves weren't bad enough.

Finally in 1990, the American College of Rheumatology established guidelines for diagnosing fibromyalgia and it is now estimated that as many as 5 million Americans or 2% of the population are affected. But, even though diagnosing fibromyalgia may be easier, it is still very difficult to treat.

Fibromyalgia symptoms that are used for diagnosing the syndrome include widespread pain on both sides of the body and above and below the hip, which has been present for at least three months.

While blood tests may be performed to rule out other diseases, the test typically used to make the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome involves applying pressure to ?tender point? sites throughout the body. If the patient feels pain in at least 11 of the 18 different tender-point sites and, as previously mentioned, the patient has a history of widespread pain, then the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made.

Although pain is the most common symptom and the one used for diagnosis, those who suffer from fibromyalgia often experience other problems as well. These may include irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches (including migraines), and heightened sensitivity to odors, bright lights, noise and touch.

Other symptoms that may be present in fibromyalgia syndrome include depression, anxiety, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, chest pain, irritable bladder, dry skin, eyes and mouth. It is the combination of symptoms that may be present in fibromyalgia syndrome that make treatment so difficult.

One woman from Atlanta, GA reported taking 13 different prescription medications to relieve her fibromyalgia symptoms and apparently this is not uncommon. This is because doctors do not know what causes fibromyalgia; therefore, they may feel as if they have little choice but to prescribe an array of different drugs to treat different fibromyalgia symptoms.

So, they prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the pain, anti-depressants for depression, anxiety and mood changes, sleep aids for sleep disturbance, and so on.

Another woman, this one from Montana, was taking 2200 mg of ibuprofen (a commonly used anti-inflammatory) every day to control her fibromyalgia symptoms and still suffered from fatigue and sleep disturbances. 2200 mg is eleven regular strength tablets.

That much ibuprofen taken on a regular basis could cause ulcers, bleeding in the stomach and/or digestive tract, liver damage and a variety of ?less? serious side effects that are similar to fibromyalgia symptoms, for which the ibuprofen was originally prescribed. These less serious -- though still highly unpleasant -- side effects include dizziness, muscle pain and cramping, depression, irritable bowel, fatigue and dry mouth.

Because fibromyalgia is so difficult to treat, people who suffer from the condition often seek alternatives. Both of the previously mentioned women were able to get relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms and reduce or eliminate prescription medications entirely by using a product made from the mangosteen.

The mangosteen is a fruit -- sometimes referred to as Queen of Fruits -- that grows in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and contains more natural pain killing and life enhancing phyto-chemicals than anything previously known.

Dr. J. Frederic Templeton, M.D., says:

?The mangosteen?s benefits spans a wide range of effects: anti-inflammatory...anti-microbial...anti-tumor...anti-aging, anti-fatigue...anti-atherosclerotic, antihistamine and the list goes on!?

Another practitioner, Dr. Jim Duke lists phyto-chemicals that are analgesic, anti-inflammatory and Cox-2 inhibiting, any one of which could address the pain of fibromyalgia syndrome. He goes on to list components which are anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-diarrhea, anti-fatigue, anti-vertigo (dizziness), all of which may help specific fibromyalgia symptoms.

Although no clinical studies have yet proven that mangosteen can relieve fibromyalgia symptoms, there is a strong degree of anecdotal evidence.

Dr. Templeman, M.D. states: Although no other intervention has ever helped even 45% of my patients, in my experience, mangosteen can bring relief, either partial or complete, to over 60% of sufferers. By sufferers, of course, he means those afflicted with fibromyalgia.

Laboratory research concerning the components of the mangosteen has proven that Cox-2 inhibitors are present, anti-inflammatory agents are present, anti-oxidants -- which many scientists believe play anti-aging and anti-fatigue roles -- are present.

All of the phyto-chemicals listed by Dr. Duke have been isolated and identified. The anti-oxidants in mangosteen are so powerful that they are called Xanthones, and more of these are being found every day, as scientists continue to do research.

In fact, according to PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, Xanthones are the subject of over 1,000 different studies!

Even though are some other natural remedies promoted for fibromyalgia syndrome, it seems their effectiveness for the relief of fibromyalgia symptoms is sketchy at best.

And, the truth of the matter is, even mangosteen may not work for you, but if you suffer from numerous fibromyalgia symptoms, it seems well worth a try.

Mike Leuthen is chief editor of http://www.restore-your-health.com, a free comprehensive resource of health conditions A to Z. Visit us on the web.

Colon Cleansing And You

2008-08-19T06:01:00.001-07:00

Your colon is a tube like structure that runs down to your anus from the stomach. It consists of the large intestine and small intestine.

As you consume food and liquids, these items accumulate in the bowel as waste products. It is necessary that the bowel should be emptied of these waste products, otherwise they become toxins and the colon health begins to suffer.

Good colon health implies the proper and adequate functioning of the colon and toxic-free state of the colon. Toxin build up can cause allergy symptoms, bad breath, infection and much more. These symptoms can be avoided through regular colon cleansing.

What is colon cleansing?

Colon cleansing is an ancient practice for rejuvenating the stomach system. Man has been practicing colon cleansing since 1500 BC. First of all, it was used in the Egypt about 4,000 years ago. Colon cleansing involves the healing, rebuilding and restoration of your large intestine to its natural shape, size and functioning ability. Colon cleansing refers to the removal of toxins from the large intestine to allow the proper functioning of the colon. When the colon is clean, your skin becomes vibrant, you become active and you are freed of stress. It reinvigorates your natural body functions.

Why do I require colon cleansing?

Colon cleansing is sometimes required because over a period of time, toxins become accumulated on the walls of your colon. This creates problems such as constipation and inflammation of colon and can lead to several diseases, even colon cancer.

As toxins keep on accumulating, these toxins are carried into the body organs through your blood. Then toxins can also affect the organs. Hence it becomes essential for you to clean your colon. Colon cleansing helps you to eliminate any colon diseases. It re-balances the body chemistry, and helps in restoring correct functioning of the organs. Colon cleansing also improves the muscles of colon and tones them up.

How can I get my colon cleaned?

As the awareness of colon cleansing is reaching more and more people, new methods of colon cleansing are also available. There are various methods available:

Colon Hydrotherapy: This process involves fusing warm and filtered water into the colon through a disposable plastic tube. This method involves delicacy and the practitioner should be fully qualified. There is no use of drugs or chemicals during the process. A small disposable speculum is gently inserted into the rectum from the hydrotherapy equipment. Then the warm water is passed into the colon. Colon Hydrotherapy involves light stomach massage and several fills and releases of water to remove the toxic waste accumulated on the colon walls. The fecal matter is then washed away via the system?s waste disposal hose.

Every session of colon hydrotherapy lasts for about 45 minutes. About 35 gallons of water are transported in and out of the colon during the therapy sessions.

Enema: The Enema is generally employed to relieve a person of constipation. This procedure involves insertion of a small amount of water into the bowel via the anus. The method is effective for dislodging fecal matter from the lower portion of intestine.

Enemas can be effectively carried out at home and no training is required to undertake them.

Oxygen Based Colon Cleansing: This process involves consumption of a few capsules. These capsules are full of oxygen based chemicals. When they are ingested, the oxygen is released in the body and removes the fecal matter. This method can be used for long term colon cleansing. These capsules help in removing the toxins inside the intestines.

Laxatives: Laxatives are taken for the treatment of temporary constipation. It involves oral consumption of laxatives. These laxatives soften the stool and cause bowel movements by contracting the intestinal muscles. Laxatives are, however, not used for removal of impacted fecal matter. They can also cause dehydration in a person so should be used with care.

Before embarking on any colon cleaning regime you should consult a qualified practitioner.

About The Author
Michael Jason writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Colon Cleansing please visit http://www.colon-health.org/coloncleanse/ and for additional Colon Cleansing related articles please visit the following article page http://www.colon-health.org/coloncleanse-articles/.

The Basics of Setting Your Fitness Goals to Lead Your Healthiest Life

2008-08-17T14:01:00.001-07:00

Are you a goal oriented person? If you are, then you probably know that all successful people in life know the basics of setting and achieving their goals. If you want to achieve a healthy life, then setting fitness goals should be no different than anything else you do.

Setting fitness goals gives you motivation and drives you for the short or long term success. Goal setting helps you obtain the knowledge necessary to achieve. If you plan and organize your time to exercise and eat the right meals, you?ll get the best out of your efforts.

Setting clearly defined fitness goals will also measure progress and provide accountability. Holding yourself accountable will help you through the challenging days (such as ordering pizza at work). Your self-confidence will sky rocket as you learn more about your capabilities.

The first thing you need to do when setting fitness goals is to have a vision of where you want to be a month from now or a year from now. Your vision of yourself must be clearly defined. For example, a good short term goal would be ?I want to lose 8 lbs in one month?. Then break down your goal into smaller targets so you can easily hold yourself accountable to complete it.

When using this weight loss example: you want to set weekly goals for that month to lose 2 lbs a week. Then write down the steps necessary to lose 2 lbs a week. Use these steps as your plan to success.

Having a good attitude has a big impact on setting and achieving your goals. You must be realistic with yourself and think about anything that would hold you back from loosing weight.

Realize any behavior challenges you may have ahead of time. It will give you a mindset to attack any issues you may encounter during your path to success. For example, if you love go out to eat with co workers, try to plan your order ahead of time so you eat clean and healthy for that meal.

Leading a healthy lifestyle is for the most part dependent on your time management skills. Most people fail because they often have bad time management skills and lack of persistence. Planning your work outs and meals ahead of time will decide success or failure.

Your family should never be left out of your plans. Do not to put your family aside. If you plan your workouts during family obligations you are setting yourself up for failure. Find out what time blocks you can control (such as waking up earlier) and use that time to plan your work outs.

I?m sure someone said, ?A life filled with work really stinks?, or something like that, is very true. Take advantage of life?s pleasures: set up a cheat day once a week to eat what ever you want. Having a day with no rules provides the mental break needed to continue with your fitness objectives.

Create a fitness-to-do list for the day. Write down at least three things you want to do that will help you continue your new fitness lifestyle. This will help you set the tone for the day. In my opinion writing down your fitness objectives provides a mental agreement with yourself to complete those objectives.

Once you learn the basics of setting your fitness goals, you will be able to effectively lead a life of health and fitness. It will be more realistic to you and you?ll soon be an expert on achieving your goal of leading a healthy life filled with a new found energy that you will love.

To really learn on how to create your fitness goals and achieve them, read our review of the burn the fat feed the muscle e book at http://www.addfitness.com. The burn the fat feed the muscle book will provide the no frills physical fitness information you will need.

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #17

2008-08-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

God is the most awesome force that we have. Every time we are off track, we just need to ask ourselves one question. Why am I disconnecting from Him?

I have previously written about a favorite author of mine, Florence Scovel Shinn. She has written many books, one of which is called The Game of Life and How to Play It. This is the book that helped me change my thoughts when I was very ill. I read it over and over and over again to help me create a different pattern of thought. It was an absolute gift to me and I would encourage you to get it. In addition, I just recently got her book entitled The Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn. This is a compilation of four of her books. I use these books in my daily devotion to stay connected to God. The messages are so incredibly powerful, yet simple. Staying connected to God in every thought that we have is the answer. Let go and let God. Surrender!

I am going to use part of her book to illustrate some points:

?All life is high vibration. You combine with what you notice, or you combine with what you vibrate to. If you are vibrating injustice and resentment you meet it on your pathway, at every step. You will certainly think it is hard world and that everybody is against you. Hermes Trismegistus said several thousands of years ago, ?To change your mood you must change your vibrations.? I make it even stronger: I say, to change your world, you must change your vibrations. Turn on a different current in your battery of thought, and you?ll see the difference immediately. Suppose you have been resenting people and saying you are not appreciated. Make the statement: ?God appreciates me, therefore, man appreciates me, I appreciate myself.

The law of laws, is to do unto others as you would be done by; for, whatever you send out comes back and what you do to others will be done to you. So, the woman who refrains from criticism, saves herself from criticism. Critical people are always being criticized. They also have rheumatism, for acid thoughts produce acid in the blood, which causes pain in the joints. Be undisturbed by a situation and it falls away.?

When we react, when we judge, when we resist, we are disconnecting from God. All of these emotions are fear-based. As Wayne Dyer says, ?If you knew who walked beside you at all times, you would have no fear.?

Recently, I had an e-mail conversation with a friend and it went back and forth several times. This friend had a lot of anger in his words. Instead of reacting, I remained calm and it was absolutely amazing. My last e-mail to him, I wrote ?Let?s give this to God.? He then responded with more anger, but I was not moved; I had complete peace. A short time later, this friend e-mailed me and was very kind.

I use this to illustrate that it is about always remaining connected to our Source. I have to remind myself as well as I can get off track very easily. Remember, 7 year old Tami who wants to stick her tongue out and say, ?Neener, neener, neener. You?re not the boss of me.? Sometimes she still comes out, but it?s my ego talking. This is what Wayne Dyer says of EGO?Edging God Out.

Look at where you need to connect to Him and just plug the connection back in. Then feel the power light up your world. Your power source is back and illuminating UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!

I love you and know you?re working on yourself to create the healthy choices in your weight loss goals.

Love and hugs,

Tami
http://www.tamiclose.com
http://www.closekeptsecrets.com

Tami Close is a weight loss expert and uses an integrative method, including cleansing and nutritional products from Isagenix, in her weight loss management practice. She is certified in Rapid Eye Technology and has a basic and advanced certificate in Emotional Freedom Techniques. Tami is a recipient of a grant from the Sumasil Grant Foundation in her work with RET and EFT. She is a master trainer and has a B.S. in Training and Development. She is a #1 best selling co-author, Wake Up...Live the Life You Love Finding Personal Freedom. The other authors include Mark Victor Hansen, Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra and others. She has also written several e-books.

http://www.tamiclose.com
http://www.closekeptsecrets.com

Effects of Nutritional Supplements in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2008-08-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, impulsivity and, in many cases, hyperactivity. ADHD affects up to 7% school age children. Problems with focus, concentration and impulsivity affect all levels of both academic and interpersonal function. Secondary problems include low self-esteem, anxiety and problems related to impulsive, hyperactive behavior.

Psychostimulants have been well documented to improve attention span, but not without risk of adverse effects, including loss of appetite, headache, stomachache, and mood changes. There is a growing concern about what appears to be an increasing prescriptive use of controlled substances in children.

Since 1990, prescriptions for methylphenidate have increased by 500%, while prescriptions for amphetamines have increased 400%. According to Gene R. Haislip, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration, ?There is a legitimate place for these drugs, but we have become the only country in the world where children are prescribed a vast quantity of stimulants that share virtually the same properties as cocaine. We must find a better balance?.

In 1998, a small pilot study was conducted by Dykman and Dykman to document the effects of glyconutritional supplements in children with ADHD. During the first two weeks of the study, in children taking glyconutritionals, a decrease was noted in severity of symptoms associated with ADHD. (Integrative Physiological & Behavioral Science; Jan-Mar 1998:33(1): 49-61.)

Last year, this writer and a team of professionals, with the support of Fisher Institute for Medical Research,(Fisher Proceedings, Vol 4, No.2) studied the effects of glyconutritionals in children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 20 children between ages 5-18 were studied, with most children prescribed stimulants at the onset of the study. The children were administered glyconutritionals for 40 weeks from the onset of the study.

11 children completed the 40 week study. 2 of 11 children experienced improvement by week 4. This improvement was sustained for the duration of the study. Considerable improvement was noted in 5 children by week 8 and in 2 children by week 12. One child experienced transient progress by week 16, one other child did not appear to exhibit any changes for the duration of the study.

Side effects diminished considerably. A mean side effect score dropped from 18.75 to 0 by week 40.

A second control group was studied; 13 children were monitored without supplements for 12 weeks and then started glyconutritional supplements.

Of the 13 children in the control group, 7 exhibited considerable improvement shortly after administration of glyconutritional supplementation. The progress was sustained for the duration of the study 16 weeks later.

These results suggest glyonutritional supplements may help children by reduction of symptoms of ADHD. Glyconutritionals may also play a role in reducing side effects and improving tolerability to medications. Clearly, more formal, and larger studies are needed.

Mary F. Zesiewicz, MD is the Chief Medical Officer of INTEGRITY HEALTH SOLUTIONS, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the transformation of health care through research, relief and education. Please visit: http://www.drmaryz.org

A Colon Detox Can Improve Your Colon Health

2008-08-15T02:04:00.000-07:00

A healthy colon is a vital part of a healthy body. The colon, along with the small and large intestines, are a major area where the nutrients in food are absorbed. If the colon is not clean, it cannot fulfill this important task. Not only that, the impacted fecal material that builds up in the colon and intestines releases toxins into the bloodstream. You are in effect getting toxins instead of nutrients - not a very good trade.

Symptoms that a colon detoxification might be in order include tiredness, PMS, headaches, and of course, constipation. There are a variety of ways colon cleansing can be done, including colonic irrigation, enemas, dietary fiber, and laxative herbs. These methods can help, but each has negative points.

Another natural option for colon health is to use an oxygen based colon cleanser. This method uses magnesium oxide that has been treated with oxygen and ozone. This substance will react with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach to release oxygen. The oxygen gets into the bloodstream to nourish all parts of the body, but it does more than that. It also nourishes the favorable bacteria that live in the digestive tract.

Unfavorable bacteria in the digestive tract will give you vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. Favorable bacteria compete with the unfavorable ones for living space. An oxygen based colon detox will encourage those good microbes, for better all around health. So how exactly does it work?

An oxygen based colon health product creates a chemical reaction that releases oxygen and melts the impacted material in the intestines and colon into gas and liquid. It will make you need to stay close to a bathroom for a day or so while you eliminate the material from your colon, but you will feel much better afterwards.

Look for an oxygen based colon detox product that is available in a capsule form. Make sure it does not include ascorbic acid among the ingredients because ascorbic acid is an antioxidant. An antioxidant will undo the good that could be done by the oxygen. A good ingredient to look for, however, is GE-132. This is the germanium-132, which is good for the health of the immune system. It also facilitates and adds oxygen. It is considered to be a nutrient that is helpful for many ailments.

Cleansing the colon can help with weight loss. Many people who have eaten an average diet for years have accumulated ten to twenty pounds of impacted fecal matter in their colons. An oxygen based colon cleanse will help the body eliminate this material, resulting in a quick loss to jump start your weight loss plan. Follow up the cleanse with reasonable portions of healthy natural food. You should have enough energy after the cleanse to start an exercise program, too.

There's a lot more to learn about colon cleansing, and you can do it at http://www.colon-cleaners.com

Written by Jim McDonald, a writer for http://www.colon-cleaners.com, an informative website about Colons and how a Colon Cleanse can help you solve a multitude of digestive problems.

Obesity & Weight Management is a Social Issue

2008-08-13T22:44:00.000-07:00

Much has been written about obesity and globesity. Obesity is perhaps the biggest drain on any nations economic resources with a mind-boggling costs to which researchers are yet to put a final figure. But the estimates run into trillions of dollars across the world.

Governments across the world is mired in deep bureaucratic mechanisms to do anything more than put out food guidelines. Even this does not reach the intended public.

The issue needs to be tackled massively by the society that has spawned the problem in the first place.

So what are the social alternatives?

Dissemination of Information

This perhaps could be biggest tool to use against the fight for obesity control. Every institution from schools and collages to corporate have to disseminate, nay flood their audience with information on obesity and weight control, its evils, cost to individuals and food guidelines to control obesity. The stakes now are too high for everyone for the issue to be left to government alone to tackle.

Social Boycott of Fast food joints

A massive campaign especially aimed at the youth on the perils of a fast food culture and how it is eating into the very vitals of a healthy society. The campaign may include ?No Fast Food? days, creation of nutritional communities and clubs that actively protest the opening of new fast food joints in the local community. Nutritional communities may bring pressure on the fast food companies to put out nutritional information on the food they serve.

Promote Physical Activities

Every one especially children must be educated on the benefits of increased physical activities. The computer and television has been a major inhibitor of good health among children and adults alike. The community should raise funds to promote physical culture events and create awareness through public interest advertising.

Lobby the Government

There should be an effective lobbying to legislate laws against fast food and junk food companies, carbonated drinks and beverages that promote high calorie junk full of toxic chemicals disguised as fruit juices.

Promote Health foods and herbal nutrition

Traditionally herbal food supplements have less cause to create trouble. Increase awareness about Herbal food items and herbal nutritional supplements that promote physical wellness, build immunity and helps in reducing body fat. Awareness of the health effects and the bio friendly nature of herbal food supplements would definitely help in combating the problem largely.

Its time for the society to act to control the menace of obesity, take responsibility so that our future generations may lead a better and more qualitative life and enjoy the fruits of all the modern scientific developments.

R.G. Srinivasan is a Managerial professional, Writer and Author. You can view his home-business resources blog at http://www.home-businessresources.blogspot.com for online marketing tips, resources,links and business opportunities.

Heart Healthy Diet Plan Made Simple

2008-08-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

When it comes to maintaining a healthy heart it's important to have a plan - a heart healthy diet plan that is.

Following is a list of wonderful ingredients to have on hand when you're coming up with a good heart healthy diet plan.

*brown rice
*whole wheat pasta
*bulgur
*couscous
*canned beans
*chick peas
*lentils

A heart healthy diet plan should also consist of fruit and vegetables like

*canned fruit (in light syrup or juice)
*canned vegetables to make pur?es
*frozen fruit
*frozen vegetables (frozen fruit juice concentrate is ideal for dressings and glazes).

Other things to include in your heart healthy diet are:

*low fat mayonnaise type dressings
*evaporated skim milk to substitute for cream
*oils - canola, sunflower, olive oil
*margarine that is low in saturated fat (soft and non-hydrogenated)

It's also important to keep the following heart healthy cooking tips in mind.

*Allow the fat to run off your meat by grilling and barbecuing.
*Instead of frying, steam your food.
*Use broth or tomato juice to braise your meat.
*Always skim off any fat before serving homemade soups and stews. This is done by refrigerating the soup or stew overnight and then skimming before your reheat them.
*Keep deep fried foods to a minimum.
*Use non-stick frying pans and woks to eliminate the need to add oil.
*Trim all visible fat from meats as well as the skin from poultry and fish.

Sherrie Le Masurier is a freelance writer who writes extensively on nutrition, fitness and family health. For more heart healthy diet tips visit http://www.hearthealthydietideas.blogspot.com
and http://www.healthandwellnessmatters.blogspot.com - Copyright.

The Acai Berry: An Antioxidant Superfood That Has Everything

2008-08-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

The acai berry is one of the world's most interesting and unique foods. It may also be one of its healthiest. Chock-full of antioxidants, amino acids, AND essential fatty acids, the tiny little acai berry packs a nutritional wallop rarely seen in the natural world. In fact, some experts consider it to be the world's most complete natural food.

Acai berries come from the acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) palm tree of South America. The native peoples of Brazil have eaten the berry for centuries and there are, in fact, many local legends about acai's incredible healing and sustaining powers. It remains a popular health and energy food in that country today. Fortunately for North Americans and Europeans, in the last few years acai berry products have made their way to foreign shores. Now just about anyone can (and should) try this incredibly healthy food for themselves.

To give you an idea of just how powerful this fruit really is, consider the nutritional profile of acai berry pulp:

- 10-30 times the anthocyanins (strong antioxidants) of red wine - an almost perfect essential amino acid complex (the building blocks of protein) - 60% Oleic acid, an omega-9 monounsaturated essential fatty acid - 12% Linoleic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid - a full array of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements - large amounts of plant sterols (phytochemicals with numerous health benefits) - significant amounts of natural dietary fiber - natural calcium!

As you can see, there aren't many things that the acai berry doesn't have! But the good news doesn't end there. Acai has a vibrant taste that most people find very, very pleasing. Though difficult to describe, some people compare the flavor of acai to tart, chocolate-covered cherries or blueberry ice cream with a hint of chocolate. Not bad for something so healthy!

A few of the more common benefits reported by people who consume acai berries on a regular basis include:

- Greater energy and vitality - Increased stamina - Improved circulation - Improved digestion - Better sleep - Improved sexual function - Healthier, better-looking skin - Increased sense of overall well-being

By now you're probably aching to try this super-fruit for yourself. Fortunately it's becoming more and more widely available throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Look for acai smoothies and acai berry juices at your local health foods shops. There are also several health supplements on the market which contain dried acai berry powder... but it would be a shame to miss out on the delicious and unique taste of this amazing berry!

Jamie Clark is a health and fitness writer who loves smoothies made with acai berry juice and guarana. To learn more about acai berries and acai products, be sure to visit: http://acaifacts.com

Something That Tastes Good and Is Good For You

2008-08-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

One good thing about a lot of the new medical research being reported is that things once considered forbidden for any health conscious individual are now okay again.

Of course some people might question why substances like wine, beer, coffee or bread which were perfectly acceptable foods to countless generations that came before us, suddenly turned into such sinister things. That question is beyond my ability to answer.

So let?s look at the latest good news. Researchers in Italy studied the effects of chocolate on health and came to the conclusion that rich dark chocolate is actually good for you.

It seems to have some of the same affects that vitamin C exhibits, namely in helping the body to use insulin more effectively and lowering blood pressure.

The study compared dark chocolate and white chocolate ? which isn?t really chocolate since it contains no cocoa solids.

Those who enjoyed 100 grams of dark chocolate daily for 15 days had lower blood pressure and better insulin function. The theory is that dark chocolate contains flavonoids that lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Those who ate white chocolate exhibited no such change.

Another study of older men in The Netherlands, known for its luscious chocolate, indicated those who ate the equivalent of one-third of a chocolate bar every day had lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of death.

Dark chocolate is high in fat and dense in calories, so it might not be the best food to live on, especially if you?re already overweight.

And recent studies on the effects of fat on women?s health threw the whole nutritional establishment on its ear.

Dr. Jules Hirsch, Physician in Chief Emeritus at Rockefeller University, who has spent his career studying the effect of diet on weight and health has stated that ?They (the studies) should put a stop to this era of thinking that we have all the information we need to change the whole national diet and make everybody healthy.?

So who knows if chocolate will cure all ills? I strongly suspect it will do no harm if eaten in moderation.

If you want to try this out, have a piece or two of nice dark and rich chocolate with a glass or two of a fine red wine at night. Your life will be fuller for it and, if you?re lucky, you?ll live longer because of it.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice. Do not make any changes in your diet without consulting your physician first.

By: Jean Bowler. For more articles on diet and nutrition, visit http://www.ageless-beauty.com/antiaging-nutrition.html

Weight Loss Success Results from Finding the Right Balance of Calories and Exercise

2008-08-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

Weight loss is not just about changing what you eat, it's also about adding more exercise activities during your week.

We need to change our eating habits, to stop eating the junk foods and highly processed foods and replace them with good, healthy foods. You need to eat foods that supply you with all the nutrients that are required to keep our bodies healthy.

Before making any changes, I recommend that you start a food and activity journal. In this, you not only write down what you eat, but where, when, and what you were feeling at the time. This will help you will see what triggers your hunger and what satisfies your appetite. What foods do you routinely shop for? What snacks do you keep in the pantry?

Once you start to see patterns in your journal, you're ready to start taking action. But keep in mind that deciding to reduce the calories, fat, saturated fat, and sugar in your diet is a big step, and trying to do that at the same time you endeavour to make a drastic change in your physical activity level, may be biting off too much change at one time. Which, sadly, can set you up for failure. Instead of trying to make all the changes at once, I recommend that you set smaller, more realistic goals for yourself and plan to add in a new challenge each week.

Don't plan to starve yourself, either. This won't help you lose weight. It's much better to eat small, regular meals five or six times a day, so that the body never feels threatened and tempted to hold on to its fat stores. Eating regular meals also helps to maintain your blood sugar at a constant level so that you don't start craving sugary food when your blood sugar levels drop.

Adding fibre to your diet -- such as whole grain cereals, legumes (lentils and beans), vegetables, and fruits -- can help you feel full with fewer calories.

Another great tip: Prepare your meals and snacks at home. This is a great way to save money, eat healthy, and spend time with your family. When preparing meals, choose low-fat/low-calorie versions of your favorite foods.

Snacks can comprise simple of a piece of fresh fruit, cut raw vegetables, or a container of low-fat yogurt. These are portable and an excellent choice to tide you over until mealtimes. Take these snacks with you for a healthy alternative to chips, cookies, or candy.

As I mentioned earlier, weight loss success also requires that you increase your physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes (adults) or 60 minutes (children) of moderate intensity activity for at least three or more days a week. If you are just starting to be physically active, remember that even small increases provide health benefits. Check with your physician first, and then start with a few minutes of activity a day and gradually increase, working your way up to 30 minutes. If you already achieve 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day, you can gain even more health benefits by increasing the amount of time that you are physically active or by taking part in more vigorous-intensity activities.

The balance of calories consumed against your activity level will either cause weight loss or gain. The more calories you eat, the more physical you need to be. For example for every 100 calories you consume and not burn a day, you will gain about 1 pound in a month. That's about 10 pounds in a year. The bottom line is that to lose weight, you must reduce your calories and increase your physical activity.

About The Author
Gill Webster is dedicated to helping people, especially women over 40, learn how to live a healthy beautiful life, while succeeding at weight loss. To learn more, jump to http://slimyouwin.com, sign up for her free newsletter on health and fitness and receive her free e-book. Signup is a simple sign and Gill guarantees a no-spam policy!

The Shocking Secrets Behind Superfood

2008-08-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

Superfood is the term for the best nourishment you can find in order to have your body function properly. Superfood contains essential nutrients your body needs most. That's why superfood is 'hot' right now. Certainly for everyone on a diet or looking to improve their lifestyle and eat healthier..

Here's the reason for the healing power of superfood.

As you probably know, the daily intake of food is the fuel for your body to function properly. Your metabolic system is the engine that uses this fuel to supply to your body the necessary energy to perform tasks (catabolism) and the building blocks to replace all sort of cells (anabolism).

The rebuilding of your body happens every day. Millions of cells have a very short life span and are being replaced frequently. About 7% of your body weight is blood fluid and blood cells, most of which are replaced in about 115-120 days. Your skeleton every three months, your skin every five weeks, your FAT-tissue every three weeks and the cells that line the inside of your stomach every couple of days!

Each year 95% of your body is replaced and here's the most important part of this wonderful system:

Your body uses everything that goes in through your mouth as building material.

That means everything, including bad fats, sugars and all the other wrong nutrients that you take in will be used to replenish all old cells.

Your body doesn't really care what the input is, it is programmed to take everything it gets and make the best out of it.

Therefore consuming wrong food over a period of time can lead to diseases. After all, your old cells are replaced with new ones using wrong, bad or insufficient elements from your food.

But here's the big secret. The opposite is also true:

Cells built using wrong nourishment,
can be replaced by good ones ...
simply by eating healthy superfood!

Did you get that? If not, read that sentence again. It's amazing, isn't it? That's exactly why superfood is so important, even if you haven't taken them before.

Consuming superfood will benefit you and your body. Because doing so will drastically improve the building process of your cells.

Now, here's something that may shock you.

You may be aware of this and take the risk. Why? Because your lust for food is stronger than your desire to live longer and healthier. That's ok. It's YOUR body and you are responsible for it, right?

WRONG!

Scientists find more and more evidence of so called 'Genomic Imprinting', the passing on of genes that are switched on or off depending on environmental circumstances. That's a shocking discovery, because it's probably not only YOUR body that you are affecting, but also that of your children and grandchildren.

Aren't all of your alarm bells ringing yet? Isn't it time to at least consider superfood?

Read more about Superfood at http://www.obesital.com/superfood.php

Case Stevens publishes health related information in his Obesital Optimum Health Newsletter. You can subscribe here: http://www.obesital.com/obesital-subscription.php

Nutritious and Delicious Three Summer Vegetables to Increase Your Health

2008-08-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Eating seasonal vegetables is a great way to improve your health, and the health of your family. Locally produced seasonal fruit and vegetables are often higher in beneficial ingredients; vitamins, minerals and cancer-busting and anti-ageing ingredients. I want to challenge your taste buds with 3 seasonal vegetables that you will find in the farmers market;

?Broad Beans (fava beans); last year I accompanied a school trip to a local farm to teach the children about how food is produced. The high-point for me was watching fifty children under the age of ten munching their way through fat new pods of broad beans; they couldn?t get enough of them. You may have negative feelings from childhood about these less-than-beautiful legumes, but put those feeling to one side. Fresh new-season broad beans gently steamed are unbeatable, and very fresh new beans are delicious raw. They can be added to salads, stews, or served drizzled with olive oil and black pepper as a side-dish. Broad beans are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins C, B vitamins, zinc and copper. They also contain mood-boosting chemicals, yippee!

?New season beetroot is just delicious; no stop pulling a face, it really is. But wait! Don?t boil the poor thing to death, steam it for 40 minutes or until you can slide a knife into it, then rub the skin off and chop into cubes. Serve on a bed of rocket or new-season lettuce, with some goats? cheese, and dress with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chopped walnuts. Beetroot are also great roasted with olive oil and thyme for a sweet and filling addition to any meal or barbeque. Beetroot is crammed with powerful antioxidants (cancer fighters) and is thought support liver function, and cleanse the intestines. It is crammed with vitamin C, Calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, and folic acid; that is food with attitude.

?The strawberry season has started which means that British summertime has truly arrived. Can you remember when you only ate strawberries in June and July? The chances are that you have become so used to the bland, dry, odorless supermarket strawberries that taste of nothing and are white in the middle, that you have forgotten that strawberries should be sweet and flavoursome, pink all the way through, and that the juice should run down your chin when you bite into them. They are so delicious that they really do not need any cream or sugar. A handful of strawberries will give you more than your entire day?s requirement of vitamin C, only 45 calories, plenty of fiber and folic acid as well as other anti-ageing and cancer-fighting ingredients.

I hope that this has given you some ideas for some healthy seasonal food. Indulge and enjoy!

Vikki Scovell is a consultant in Nutrition and Healthy Living, she also teaches fitness classes, Yoga, and works to promote healthy food choices with children. To find out more, read articles, or sign up to her FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER please visit http://www.getfitter.net

Unhealthy Foods: Five Sneaky Foods Revealed

2008-08-11T03:53:00.000-07:00

With the array of different diets and diet foods available to help with weight loss and health, it?s sometimes hard to figure out what?s healthy and what?s not. Of course, part of the problem is that people have different health needs: for example, while fruit juice is often a good source of vitamins and other nutrients, some people with diabetes may find that some fruit juices have more sugar than they can tolerate. So what sounds healthy may not be healthy for you. How to tell? Look past the advertising to get label-savvy and nutrition aware so that you can avoid sneaky foods that seem like a good idea but may clash with your health needs.

Check out these examples:

1) Bottled waters: Water seems like the one thing on earth that has to be natural? But many bottled waters, even ones promoted by athletes, may contain things besides water, including minerals and salts. Some bottled waters contain a big chunk of sodium, so if you?re on a low-sodium diet, check that label before you buy.

2) ?Low fat? foods: By law, foods labeled ?low fat? contain less than 3 grams of fat per serving. But check the label so you know what you?re getting. First, check serving sizes: if serving sizes are very small, and you?re planning a traditionally-sized serving, your intake of fat may be larger than you expect. Second, make sure you?re not trading off the benefits of lower fat foods for extra sugar and salt. Manufacturers may increase salt, sugars or artificial flavorings to compensate for the loss of flavor in low-fat foods. So, if you?re trying to lower your blood pressure (for example) check to make sure you aren?t getting a big dose of salt; if you?re trying to move towards a more organic or natural diet, you may want to compare levels of artificial sweetening.

3) ?Low carb? alternatives to regular prepackaged foods may also trade off carbohydrate content for other things that you might be trying to avoid, so get savvy about reading labels on prepackaged food. Keep in mind that the FDA has not yet fully determined what the qualifications are to be a ?low carb? food, so double-check the label to see if the carb content fits your needs. In addition, a number of reports suggest that ?low carb? labels are being used inappropriately, so look at the label to see the actual number of carbohydrate grams.

4) Guacamole: Avocados look like vegetables, but they are actually the fruit of an avocado tree. Fruits and vegetables are generally considered to be healthy foods ? just look at the number of servings that are recommended in the new FDA pyramid. But avocados are a sneaky fruit ? unlike most others, they are full of fat, which accounts for their less sweet taste and waxy feel. One medium sized avocado has about 31 grams of fat, equivalent to a Baskin Robbins milk shake! So if you?re trying to reduce the amount of fat or cholesterol in your diet, watch that guacamole. If on the other hand, you?re looking to increase vitamins C and A in your diet, avocados pack a positive punch.

5) Fish: Fish can be a great source of nutrition, with lean protein and many nutrients. Make sure that if you?re eating processed fish, it?s packed in something that you don?t mind eating ? if you?re cutting down on fats, tuna packed in oil isn?t for you. Lastly, not all seafood has the same nutritional content as fish ? unlike other fish, shrimp has a lot of cholesterol, even before you add butter or mayo.

Clinical Reference Systems, Adult Health Advisor, ?Food labels,? 2004.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ?Fact Sheet: Carbohydrates,? 2004

Schafer, E., et al, ?Bottled Water: to drink or not to drink?,? Iowa State University, PM 1813, 2000

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ?What you need to know about mercury in fish and shellfish,? EPA-823-F-04-009, 2004

U.S. Department of Agriculture, ?National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference,? 2004

Learn more about health, diet and exercise at our weight loss forum.

PhenForum.com is a popular discussion forum for weight loss programs, diet advice, and tips to help you burn fat.

All the best,

Ian Mason

Healthy Eating while Vacationing and Eating Out!

2008-08-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Vacations and traveling seem to be a part of summer time. Can you still eat well while on the road and traveling? Of course you can! We do!

Here are a few suggestions that we have found successful as we travel, which can be adapted whether driving or flying.

The key to any successful vacation is planning ahead, so ask yourself these questions as you think of healthy eating and foods. Where will you be going? What time will you arrive? Will it be meal time at a certain check point or before you get there? Will there be an available grocery store (or health food store) to shop for staples (such as fruit, sandwich fixings, etc.)?

?If traveling by car, you can take an ice chest to chill items for breakfast and lunch such as: fresh fruits, yogurt, sandwich fixings, veggie sticks and dips, salsa, and whatever else (healthy!) you like. Remember that many hotel rooms don?t have a refrigerator, so consider taking a collapsible ice chest for some small items such as: sandwich fillings, veggies, etc. Hotels always have ice for use in a small chest.

?Drinks: we don?t allow any drinks in our vehicles but water, so we buy the largest size water bottles ? one for each person ? write each one?s name on theirs, and buy gallon jugs of water on the way for refills. That way everyone has their own water and there?s no mess with pouring drinks. If flying, we take 2-3 small water bottles per person and carry in our back packs, refilling when possible. Water can be very expensive in airports and hotels.

?Breakfasts: We find it helpful to eliminate the cost and poor choices for one meal by bringing our own. On the road, you can pack a bag full of fresh fruit (apples, pears, bananas), granola or breakfast bars, muffins, raw nuts (almonds, pine nuts, etc.), raisins or other dried fruit. When flying, you can still pack granola bars, raw nuts, dried fruit, and a few fresh fruit.

?On the road snacks: rice cakes, whole grain crackers, raw nuts, fresh fruit, popped popcorn (not buttery), granola bars, fruit leather (though too sticky for small children) and more.

?Lunches: besides sandwiches, we like vary our lunches on the road. We enjoy rice cakes and filling toppers such as: raw almond butter and honey, tofu and veggie spreads, and guacamole. We also like to have lots of fresh cut veggies (celery, cucumbers, carrots) and crackers to go with these dips. If we are not able to shop for our own foods, we look for something quick and easy like a restaurant with a salad bar (which often can include baked potatoes and good soups), sandwiches, etc.

?Dinners: an important part of the traveling experience is in tasting the different cultural foods. That doesn?t mean you can?t eat healthy though. There are always lean foods, whole grains, vegetables, salads, and water. That is always the incredible part of traveling. The food dishes can be so different but very health oriented as well if you are looking for that. Usually if you are bringing foods for the first two meals of the day, a good dinner meal is really important.

Making good choices at fast food restaurants is important. And if you want to eat healthy, you usually can do so. Let?s take a look at some nutritional value of food comparisons in fast food restaurants which may be found world wide.

McDonalds
Quarter Pounder w/cheese - Calories: 510 - Fat gr: 25
Fillet-O-Fish - Calories: 400 - Fat gr: 18
Large Fries - Calories: 520 - Fat gr: 25
Chicken McNuggets (6 piece) - Calories: 250 - Fat gr: 15
Caesar Salad w/Crispy Chicken & dressing - Calories: 560 - Fat gr: 36

Wendy?s
Jr. Hamburger - Calories: 280 - Fat gr: 9
Classic single w/everything - Calories: 430 - Fat gr: 20
Spicy Chicken Fillet Sandwich - Calories: 510 - Fat gr: 19
Baked potato w/ spread - Calories: 330 - Fat gr: 7
Baked potato w/ broccoli & cheese - Calories: 440 - Fat gr: 15

Taco Bell
Beef Taco - Calories: 170 - Fat gr: 10
Bean Tostada - Calories: 250 - Fat gr: 10
7-layer Burrito - Calories: 530 - Fat gr: 21
Chalupa ? Baja Chicken - Calories: 400 - Fat gr: 24

Subway
6-inch Chicken & Bacon Ranch - Calories: 530 - Fat gr: 25
6-inch Veggie Delight - Calories: 230 - Fat gr: 3
Turkey Breast Wrap - Calories: 190 - Fat gr: 6
Crispy Chicken & Spinach Salad w/Ranch - Calories: 340 - Fat gr: 25

You may be as surprised as I was to see this nutritional information. If you would like more nutrition facts on these restaurant?s foods, go online to any of these (plus .com). We can see here that many of us might go towards chicken, fish, and salads for better eating, yet the chicken and fish is often fried, and the salad dressings are very high in - Fat and - Calories. Reviewing the facts should help us make better choices on what we are eating.

Enjoy your travels and vacations! Plan ahead and make it enjoyable with foods that promote good health and energy. Eating healthy foods is always important, and always possible!

Erleen Tilton- Author, Health Educator, Consultant Start today energizing and revitalizing your system with a free 15 minute phone consultation! Nature's Healthy Choices http://www.erleentilton.com
http://healthandnutrition.blogspot.com/
contact@erleentilton.com 480-326-5233 phone 480-988-9045 fax

Organic Eating Habits Are They Attainable For Children?

2008-08-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Some adults would say, ?Well, of course they are? while others would retort, ?you must not have children!? However it is possible to give them this healthy advantage but it does take some effort. Many parents have children that scream at the mention of vegetables let alone the sight, or smell. A majority of kids are raised on fast food that is full of unhealthy ingredients. Of course they are possibly given a cucumber here and there, but will only eat it when dipped in ranch dressing that is full of MSG. These unhealthy eating habits are detrimental to our children?s health. These habits have to change.

Many parents have been frustrated while trying to encourage a healthy and organic lifestyle for their children. There is hope however in getting junior to eat broccoli, request cauliflower, and get second helpings of stir fry. Here are a few tips for you parents who are striving to give your kids a healthy future. First off if you have an infant make sure to introduce him/her to the wonderful world of solids without offering them bites of fast food. If they don?t taste it they won?t miss it. I?m always shocked when I hear a parent say, ?I was eating pizza and I gave my son a bite and he LOVED it.? They say it as if it?s a wonderful miracle that he liked it. What?s happening is they are ruining his taste buds. He will become accustomed to the salty, fatty taste and when you try to offer him healthy foods that aren?t laden with salt he will refuse. The same goes for sugar.

By the time the child is two these same parents are saying, ?My child just doesn?t like vegetables and there is nothing I can do about it?. This is not true, however your road will be much harder. The second tip is to try and find foods that are similar to the ones they are used too your. Many of their favorite snacks can be found in your nearest health food store or online, only a healthier version. Look for snacks that aren?t sugar laden and do not contain MSG or hydrogenated oils.

Thirdly presentation can be everything. Don?t toss the new crackers that actually contain whole wheat at them and say, ?I know these aren?t the best but just try them.? Get excited to try the items with them. Arrange them on a platter with some hormone free cheddar cheese and sit down with them to enjoy an afternoon snack. Which brings me to my fourth tip and that is to lead by example.

Now for my fifth tip do not change every single item in your household at once if you are dealing with older children. If you change every single item at once they are likely to become bitter towards the idea of eating healthy. Remove your worst offenders first, such as items containing MSG, hydrogenated oils, and refined sugars. Use a variety of foods, don?t just continuously try to shove broccoli down there throats over and over. Have fun creating meals and enjoy watching your children grow into healthy young adults.

I am the owner of the Kalista Organics website offering organic, chemical free body care to you and your families. http://www.kalistaorganics.com

Secrets of Food Combining

2008-08-10T03:49:00.000-07:00

The observance of rules of food combining is neither faddish nor eccentric. It is a simple, scientifically-based system of selecting foods, from among different types, which are compatible. This facilitates easy and efficient digestion and ensures after-meal comfort.

Digestion is not merely chemical or physical process, but also a physiological one. When food enters the body, it undergoes several changes before it is broken down into its constituent parts and assimilated. But no food can be assimilated by the system and used by various organs unless it has first been digested and then absorbed in the digestive system known as alimentary canal, while the residue, unfit for absorption is eliminated from the system.

The chemical part of digestion is accomplished by a series of juices and their enzymes. The juices alternate between alkalies and acids, and their character is determined by the requirement of the enzymes they contain. These enzymes remain active in suitable media of well defined acid-alkaline ranges and are destroyed in unsuitable media. For instance, the salivary amylase ( ptyalin ) or starch-splitting enzyme of the mouth is active only in an alkaline media and is destroyed by a mild acid. The gastric enzyme, pepsin, which initiates protein digestion, is active only in the acid medium and is destroyed by alkalies.

A noteworthy feature of the digestive secretions is that the body suits its fluid and enzymes to the character of the food eaten. There are, however, severe limitations in this process. It is possible to suit the juices to a particular food, however, complex it may be, but not to a variety of foods taken together. It is the combining of many varieties and incompatible foods at a meal that causes 90 per cent of digestive disorders.

There is a marked tendency to gastro-intestinal fermentation with certain combinations of foods. There is no fermentation and digestion will be much more satisfactory when the foods comprising a meal are of the same type. This generally means eating similar foods at one time in order to accomplish the most complete digestion. The most important rule for combining foods is to avoid mixing protein and carbohydrate concentrated foods. Although every food contains some protein , those regarded as protein concentrated foods demand the longest digestive time. They are held in the stomach for some hours until the gastric juices has performed its task. This may vary from two-and-a-half to six hours, depending upon the complexity of the protein in the food. If a protein food is mixed with starch-concentrated or sugar-concentrated foods, it will usually result in fermentation. This may lead to indigestion and gas in the stomach.

Animal-food proteins, such as meats, fish and cheese, require very high concentration of hydrochloric acid. Their gastric digestin will be greatly inhibited by carbohydrate fermentation in the stomach. This will produce more gas and increased discomfort. Eating meat, potatoes, bread and sweets should, therefore, be especially avoided.

Protein foods are best digested when eaten with fresh vegetable salad. Primary protein foods such as nuts, seeds and soyabeans also combine very well with acid fruits like oranges, pineapples, grapefruit and lemons, and fairly well with sub-acid fruits, like grapes, pears, apples, berries, apricots and peaches. These vegetables and fruits are rich natural sources of vitamin C which aids protein digestion.

The second important rule for food combining is to avoid mixing proteins and fats at the same meal. Fat in foods inhibits the secretion of gastric juice through the small wall. Thus when fat-concentrated foods are taken with protein foods, gastric catabolism will decrease by the degree of liquid concentration in the stomach. Fat will remain undigested in the stomach until gastric juices complete their work on the complex protein molecule. Although all primary protein foods contain high concentration of fat, such lipids will be held in suspension, awaiting catabolism in the intestine , without impeding gastric action. Free fats like oil, butter, and milk tend to coat the gastric mucoa, thereby inhibiting its effort to secrete gastric juice. Fat surrounding fried foods is also regarded as free fat and it interferes with gastric catabolism.

Another important rule for food combining is to avoid mixing carbohydrates and acid fruits in the same meal. The starch-splitting enzyme ptyalin in the saliva plays an important role as the food is chewed. It converts the complex starch molecules into simpler sugars. Ptyalin requires a neutral or slightly alkaline medium for proper functioning and this is the normal condition of the saliva in the mouth. However, when acid foods are taken, the action of ptyalin is halted. It is, therefore, necessary to avoid acid fruits in the same meal as sweet fruits or starches. Thus tomatoes should not be eaten with starches especially potatoes or bread. Refined sugar products are also acidic, both in the mouth and in the bloodstream. The acidifying of the saliva by sucrose is one of the main causes of tooth decay. It can also cause severe damage to the digestion.

Food combining is designed to facilitate easier digestion. In a nutshell, starches, fats, green vegetables and sugars may be eaten together as they require either an alkaline or neutral medium for their digestion. Similarly, proteins, green vegetables and acid fruits may be eaten together as they require an acid or neutral medium for their digestion.

But starches and proteins, fats and proteins and starches and acid fruits should not be eaten together as a general rule, if the best results are required from the ingestion of the food eaten.

This in brief is the whole basis for successful food combination. An important point to remember about meals is that the smaller the number of courses they consist of, the better it will be. They should approximate to a one-course meal as much as possible. Simple meals in every way are more conducive to health, than more elaborate ones, no matter how well they may be combined.

A meal consisting of proteins,carbohydrates and fats may remain in the stomach for six to seven hours before the stomach is emptied. If carbohydrates are eaten without proteins, they remain in the stomach for a relatively short period. A fruit meal remains in the stomach for even shorter time. It is advisable to eat these different foods at different meals - a fruit meal, a starch meal and a protein meal. The ideal practice is a fruit meal for breakfast, a starch meal with salad and non- starchy vegetables for lunch, and a protein meal with a salad and non-starchy vegetables for dinner.

Proteins: Nuts, seeds, soyabeans, cheese, eggs, poultry* meat*, fish*, yogurt.

Fats: Oils, olive, butter, margarine.

Starches: Whole cereals, peas, beans, lentils.

Vegetables: Leafy green vegetables, sprouted seeds, cabbage cauliflower, brocoli, green peas, celery, tomatoes, onions.

Sweet Fruits: Bananas, fits, custard apples, all-dried fruits, dates.

Sub-acid-fruits: Grapes, pears, apples, peaches, apricots, plums, fruits guavas, raspberries.

Acid fruits: Grapefruit, lemons, oranges, limes, pineapple, strawberries.

To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:

Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy

What Do You Need to Eat?

2008-08-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

We eat junk because it feels good. Instant gratification is what drives the current evolution of the human species. But junk food doesn't feel so good once the fun is over.

In the short term, it takes forever to digest, making you slow and lethargic which leads to a lack of activity and a slower metabolism. In the long run, giving in to those tasty little treats increases your risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and stroke

High calorie comfort foods will actually stop chronic stress dead in it's tracks and allow you a short reprieve. However, if you are continuously stressed and seeking the proverbial tub of Hagen Daaz, stop. You need to find a way the relieve your stress without damaging your health.

The majority of us do not eat enough protein and eat too many carbohydrates and fat. The food guides of Canada and the US outline diets that are very similar to those fed to fatten up cattle. It's sad really, that our governments would sell us out because some farmers wanted to be assured that there product was deemed healthy consumption.

I used to eat junk food most of the time - I considered microwave pasta to be healthy. When I began eating natural, whole foods with very small amounts of starches (bread, pasta, rice, potato) I got severe headaches for three days. I found out that I had consumed so much sugar, it had become like a drug in my system - the headaches were withdrawal symptoms.

Now, I eat small portions 4-5 times each day. This keeps my metabolism up so that I have more energy all day. I don't even crave junk food very often. When I go overboard and eat to much starch, it feels like a ball of lead sitting in my belly and it's a long time before I crave it again. I can eat a bite of a chocolate bar and put it away for the next day.

We need to reprogram ourselves. Listen to your body, it honestly knows what to do. Try to ignore your tastebuds for a while. They say it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. I went cold turkey into 21 days of clean eating.

The extreme change was quite a shock to my system and if you're as bad off as I was, you should probably ease into it. I forced myself to eat 5 times a day - I felt like I was constantly eating and never really getting full. I really missed being full after a good meal, but now it feels gross to be full.

I don't even have to look at the clock for meal times anymore - I get instantly hungry at the right times and reach for my food. It seems like you spend a lot of time eating at first, but once you find your groove, you'll find you have a lot more time and energy.

Next time you get a craving, stop and take a look at who's asking for that chocolate bar. If it's your taste buds, grab a ripe peach - works every time. You just have to love your self!

Ivy Mills has been researching chemical sensitivity and natural alternatives for over five years and has brought her knowledge to the marketplace in her company, Valhalla Essences. Her personal experiences have fed a passion to help others with the same problem. Ivy welcomes others to share their stories and experiences on her blog, Peaceful Power.

Eating Healthy is What I Want Where do I Start

2008-08-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

This article could also be called ?Having the Perfect Weight is what I Want, Where do I Start?? because eating healthy and having natural weight management go hand in hand. If you follow the principles of healthy eating, you will naturally loose unwanted weight and be fit and trim as you would like permanently!

Here are a few short suggestions to get you started on your road to living a healthy lifestyle ? eating better, feeling better and acquiring the weight you desire.

1) Change the place you shop! Really, this is one of the biggest, most effective steps you can take to make significant changes in eating better. There are a number of great health markets available now and they are becoming more popular. Even though healthy foods may be a little more expensive, they are higher in nutrition and quality. You will have more healthy choices of good foods to choose from, though you should still always read labels to insure you are getting good quality foods.

2) Incorporate raw foods in every meal, every snack, and everything you eat. Raw foods are high in nutrition, low in calories, and aid good digestion. Fresh fruits do not combine well with most other foods, so fruits are best eaten in the morning. They can be combined with raw nuts, whole grain cereals, and smoothies (with raw nuts, soy milk, and even veggies). Do not eat fruits for dessert ? they will only ferment in the stomach. A large portion of raw vegetables should always be served at lunch and dinner ? more than just a carrot stick or two. We need lots of greens and other vegetables, plus raw nuts and sprouts which are full of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber of which we need.

3) Stick to whole grains as much as possible. Especially if you are trying to loose weight, omit flours from your diet and the weight will drop off easily and naturally. Yes, breads, pastas, etc. can be replaced with more whole grains. How? Instead of eating sandwiches or breads on the side, add whole grains to your salad. Eat them for breakfast if raw fruits and nuts aren?t filling enough. Get familiar with a good variety of whole grains (millet, quinoa, amaranth, barley, brown rice, etc.) and serve them in a variety of ways for every meal.

4) Eat a small amount of protein with each of your meals. The first mistake people make when cutting down on animal products, is replacing them with an abundance of carbs. Don?t do that. You still need your protein and can get great healthy sources of proteins from raw nuts, legumes (beans, peas) and sprouts. These are full of protein and good for you. Soy milk, tofu milk, and almond milk are great milks for when you need them. These milks are not ?substitutes? - they just come from vegetable sources instead of an animal. Don?t overdo it, but a handful of raw nuts, raw seeds, sprouts or beans on a salad, or any of these on the side, are good proteins that we need.

5) Omit milk products from your diet. To some they may seem necessary, but keep in mind that it?s the milk producers that have engrained that thought into our heads and put it into our textbooks. Humans are the only mammal that drinks milk after they are weaned, the only mammal that drinks it from another mammal, and the only one that drinks it pasteurized - which process makes it an indigestible source of calcium anyway. The way dairy milk is produced makes it an entirely poor source of food. Our best sources of calcium actually come from our leafy greens and our raw nuts and seeds (raw sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin).

6) Remember, the biggest flaw in today?s eating is the one thing we usually have a hard time letting go of: convenience foods. These are all highly refined foods, high in calories, fats, unhealthy additives, preservatives, colors, flavors?..the list goes on and on. We don?t need any of them. Yes, we do like things that are convenient, so prepare things so they are convenient for you:

* have fresh fruits available to grab at a moment?s notice
* package your own baggies or raw nuts and dry fruits
* pack an emergency bag in your car with healthy things to eat so you are not tempted to stop while you are on the road: raw nuts, healthy snack bars, fruit leather, etc.
* cook up 3-4 whole grains at a time and keep them in the refrigerator for quick use
* cook up 1-2 varieties of beans ahead of time for quick use
* learn to sprout ? get started and keep them going, one after another

7) Change your mind set to think wholesome and whole ? eating the foods God gave us in their natural form: raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Then if you eat unprocessed and naturally fed meat sparingly, small amounts of oil for salads and other meal preparations (olive oil, cold pressed oils, omega-3 oils), and prepare healthy recipes with minimal preparations ? this kind of diet is much simpler, more convenient, and definitely more nourishing. You won?t have the cravings for unhealthy food items, but you will have the health and wellness you desire!

8) Don?t forget the water. As foods are our builders, water is our pure and perfect cleanser. We need lots of it, especially with today?s foods as well as our environmental impurities. Most adults need a minimum of 3 quarts of water daily, and if you are live in a warm climate, work out, or are sick, nursing or overweight, that amount should increase another 1-3 quarts. Yes, we need the cleansing power of good pure water ? not any other drink!

Our bodies do not need or want polluting and toxic foods or drinks. Our bodies want and need nutrition! Everything we take into our bodies should either NOURISH or CLEANSE. This is a much more simple way of eating, and a more sensible way too!

Erleen Tilton Author, Health Educator, Consultant Start today energizing and revitilizing your system with a free 15 minute phone consultation! Nature's Healthy Choices www.erleentilton.com

www.healthandnutrition.blogspot.com

contact@erleentilton.com 480-326-5233 phone 480-988-9045 fax

The InOffice Emergency Nutritional Kit

2008-08-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Tired of having stare-downs with those boxes of Krispy Kremes, trays of brownies, and platters of cookies some well-intentioned but nutritionally clueless co-worker brings into the office? Be prepared for these and other nutritional setbacks at your office by stocking up on a few key items that will have your desk a veritable nutritional emergency kit.

Water: Bottles and bottles of water. Small bottles, big bottles, plastic bottles, glass bottles, whatever it takes. Having enough water within your reach everyday will keep you well hydrated as well as keeping your stomach filled when you?d otherwise fall prey to the lingering office munchies.

Fruit: Each week, bring a bag of fresh fruit to the office and store it in your desk. And don?t just stick with the common fare of apples and oranges. Berries, mangos, kiwi will keep for several days, more if you have access to an office refrigerator, and provide variety to whet your appetite for something other than those fudge brownies.

Protein bars: You can also use these as part of one of your daily meals. Be careful and read the labels. Many nutritional bars are nothing more than candy bars in deceptive packaging. Stay away from the ones with high sugar and fat content.

Vegetables: Bring a couple of small ziplocked bags of baby carrots, celery or your other favorite veggies that will keep.

Low-fat cottage cheese/low sugar yogurt: Small containers of these on hand will provide nutritional meal options.

Ricecakes: A bag of low-sodium ricecakes tucked away can satisfy a need to eat something crunchy. Just stay away from the ones loaded with flavored sugar coating.

Toothbrush/Mouthwash: I learned this trick from a friend who was a competitive bodybuilder. During pre-contest dieting, he would attempt to deflect the temptation to eat blacklisted foods within his reach by brushing his teeth. He said the last thing he wanted to do after brushing with minty toothpaste was chew a gooey piece of fudge or candy. Not bad for keeping your breath fresh, either.

Utensils: Make sure you have a serving or two of utensils at your desk, along with something to cut your food if needed.

Thermal-Lunchbags: Perfect for storing food when a refrigerator is not available. Available in many sizes.

The first step to staying on track with your eating, particularly at work, is planning. You don?t have the power to control what your co-workers bring into the office, but you can help ward off temptation by stocking up on a few items of your own. Remember, the point is to not make your own desk resemble a supermarket aisle, but to have enough options on hand in order to substitute for the really bad stuff should the need arise.

About The Author

Jon Gestl, CSCS, is a Chicago personal trainer and fitness instructor who specializes in helping people get in shape in the privacy and convenience of their home or office. He is a United States National Aerobic Champion silver and bronze medalist and world-ranked sportaerobic competitor. He can be contacted through his website at http://www.jongestl.com.

jongestl@jongestl.com

Do Your Body a Favour Naturally Natural Health Alternatives

2008-08-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

You live a busy, hectic life. There?s never enough time left in the day to do everything you think you need to do. Your job, family and extra curricular activities keep you going at a pace that often can result in over-load, causing your body to very often rebel and simply not work as well as you are capable.

Your body does so much for you and should be treated with respect, so why not return the favour. Natural health is one of the ways you can learn to appreciate all that Mother Nature has to offer in the ways of ingredients that help your body.

Natural health is also about being pro-active; taking charge of your own health, life and destiny. You need to understand that if you want to be happy and healthy for years to come, then you must be dedicated to making your life and especially your body healthy.

Living healthy is not about being a health freak, but about becoming health-conscious. It is about making the lifestyle work with and for you. To truly appreciate what natural health has to offer, consider investing in a natural health book and some good natural food cookbooks.

If you have been living the junk food and quick meal life, then you will need to incorporate vitamins into your natural health regime; to be successful in this, you will need to obtain knowledge on what vitamins your body lacks.

Through your research on natural health, you will quickly discover that there are many options open to you to help you in your aim of living the natural health way. Natural health also means incorporating more naturalistic solutions into your life. You will be able to enjoy the pleasures of life with a body that functions at its optimum at all times.

And if you are truly dedicated, you will succeed, and the best part is that once you start living better, you start feeling better; and that is crucial in dealing with everyday stresses and depressions.

Take time out of your busy, hectic life to learn more about living a healthy lifestyle by incorporating natural health alternatives to your daily routine. Your body works hard for you, and it?s time to return the favour.

About the Author: Sherry Frewerd is a 'Marlo Quinn' Founding Team Leader specializing in helping women achieve their dreams of financial freedom and natural health: http://www.marloquinn.net/index.asp?consultant=15 Visit 'Natural Bath Body and Home' to learn more about pampering yourself naturally: http://naturalbathbodyandhome.com

Nutrition It's What's Eating You That Counts

2008-08-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

?It's not what you eat, it's what's eating you that counts.?

Before we talk about food, the most important nutrients we put in our bodies are air and water. Forget about air if you live in Los Angeles, or now Kona, it?s bad there. Also pure tap water is now next to impossible to find in most cities. Even in beautiful Hawaii most people drink purified or filtered water. Our bodies being a high percent of water (about 75%) it becomes imperative to not drink polluted or chlorinated water. By adding chlorine in water we are attempting to purify it, maybe from some bacteria, but we don't take out any of the toxic chemicals that end up in our water source. Besides, chlorine has been linked with heart disease and who knows how long term use may affect our health. Boiling water only kills some bacteria, it makes more sense to get a good water filter, because much of the bottled water is questionable. Well there is smart water, there are new water products in the market with treated water, usually it has been ionized, or chemically altered, the best one I know is Angel FIre water, from New Mexico, Hi guys.

FAT

We are all aware of the fat revolution; Battle of the Bulge. Even my fifteen year old daughter reads all the label to see how much fat or other junk is in the products we buy. She has now decided to be a vegan, and so I have the opportunity to teach and remember why I became a vegitarian once myself.

We know that it's eating the wrong kind of fat that can hurt the immune system and put that extra fat on our body. For many years we thought that it leads to heart disease as well. There is some new research that heart disease is more linked to stress than to fat consumption. Well maybe moderate amounts of fat, are ok. Most doctors are still telling us to cut down fat anyway, both the saturated (meats and milk products) as well as other fats and Polyunsaturated (oils) fats.

Saturated fats are; chicken, beef, lamb, pork, duck and milk products. You want to be able to reduce these high-fat foods and modify your favorite recipes. Especially if you eat them more than three times a month. A good number is to keep fat at about 15 or 20% of your diet (Good fats are better).

Most people are making an effort to cut saturated fat in their diets by reducing the eating of meat, taking the skin off chicken, whole milk is almost eliminated, most people that drink milk are using 2%, I recommend cutting out dairy products all together and going into soy, or almond milk. Cut down on butter, never use margarine, vegetable shortening, and all products made with tropical oils or partially hydrogenated oils, these are not any good for human consumption. Read the labels they are in lot's of stuff you buy.

Polyunsaturated oils are not that good for us either but less harmful they are; safflower, sunflower, corn, soy, but especially avoid cottonseed oil, it's downright toxic. These oils are unstable and many experts feel they react with oxygen and can damage DNA and cell membranes. Especially hazardous are the solid vegetable shortening, butter is better than margarine, but we should try to eliminate these from the diet for optimal health. Hydrogenated oils are in lots of products as well, these are toxic to our cardiovascular system and should be eliminated as well.

Unsaturated fatty acids when heated form TFA's or Trans-Fatty-Acids. Many doctors believe this damages the body at the hormonal level as well as our natural immune system.

I have always loved olive oil as my oil of choice and it turns out that monounsaturated oils are the best for the body; that includes virgin olive oil, canola, peanut and avocado. These oils can help reduce the bad cholesterol in the body as well. Olive oil being the best and it's best use is raw, in salad dressings, or to dip your bread into. Another good fat we can increase the consumption of is Omega 3 (fatty acid) by eating the appropriate fish such as; Tuna (Yellow or blue fin), sardines, mackerel, herring and salmon, salmon having the most oil. Other great sources which many people are taking now are hemp or flax oil, or flax meal, a good source I prefer to get the seeds and powder them as oils can go rancid.

CARBOHYDRATES

We have heard all these theories of weight loss, stop carbos they are the enemy, eat all proteins, the blood type diet, eat less, eat more, it's confusing. It seems every few years we see a new diet for weight loss. I personally have tried many diets, not for loosing weight but to experience them first hand. Carbo's are still a great food for clean burning fuel in the body and especially good for athletes. Carbos are only fattening if you're not burning enough calories, as we know that fat and carbos burn clean. It's only protein that does not burn clean, it actually creates toxic residue, see below. For athletes to get the benefits from carbo-loading you need to carbo-starve for three days first, then carbo-load for three days before a competition.

PROTEIN

We need protein to grow, maintain and repair our tissues. Very few people actually don't eat enough protein, quite the contrary, most people in modern society eat too much protein. Because of the complex molecules, protein is harder to digest. The essential nutrients cannot be duplicated by the body nor found in other foods these key components are the amino acids (see next article).

Most people still rely on animal products for protein such as: meat, chicken, fish, and milk or it's products. These however are not as good an energy source for the body. Primarily because it's hard to digest and worse it actually creates toxic residue, in the form of nitrogen, which can irritate the immune system. Also another waste product called ammonia, a very toxic substance. Because it is so toxic, the body protects itself by turning the ammonia into urea, which is then carried to the kidneys and excreted. Balance is the key, to get enough protein so that your body has enough for repair and growth, but not so much that it's overburdened with trying to eliminate the excess and overworking the digestive system. All this extra effort can lead to your body to actually having less energy, more toxins and overall a weaker system.

Some good vegetable sources of protein are; beans, grains, seeds and some nuts at times spouts can give amino acids or even a product called Dr. Braggs Amino acids. The difference between animal and vegetable sources is that meat is very concentrated, whereas the vegetable sources have lots of edible starch and fiber. Another important component for a well functioning digestive system, fiber is one of the things too much meat eating is lacking. We need that roughage for a better functioning colon.

How much protein does the body need? We have all heard many approaches to this and if we take the information from the Blood Type Diet what type of protein you eat is also important. Most doctors say from 4 to 6 ounces a day is plenty. Some cultures do fine on less. For some diabetics they recommend 4 ounces per meal. I think you should feel it out for yourself. Some vegetarians say you don't need animal protein at all. If you are a vegetarian and your body works great, well then great. However I was a vegetarian for fifteen years, now I eat some fish and occasionally organic, buffalo or eggs you just have to feel it out I sometimes saw some very unhealthy vegetarians so you need some information. There is also information that says that you can't get all the amino acids from vegetable sources. I don't really know myself for sure, but again, there is lot's of confusion on that subject. Once again the key is try something and see how you feel. One meal a day with protein seems to be the recommendation, according to most. They key for most bodies is to increase vegetable and grain intake and reduce animal protein.

Grains and beans are a great source of fiber and protein. It's always a good idea to get organic foods, and hormone free meats, what they put in their feed and inject into them these days is scarry.

Nuts and seeds, like almonds and sunflower seeds, are great sources of vegetable protein, they do have some fat (mostly polyunsaturated) so moderation is still important. My yoga teacher once said only eat a handful of nuts or seeds a day. In fact there is a theory that you should always eat only when hungry as well as eat less and more often. Once again try some of these on your own body, and see how you feel.

Soybeans have the most protein as well as significant amounts of polyunsaturated fat. Soy protein is not only made into tofu, but all kinds of products. I personally feel we overdid the soy bean revolution. Also make sure you get organic. Everyone replaced meat with tofu when we where vegetarians. I didn't think it was that great of a food not having much roughage and being high in fat. Many people feel it's a great source of protein, there is cheese, tempeh, yogurt, milk, wieners, burgers and lunch meats made from soy now. Most health food stores carry these products. There may be great health benefits to soy that is just coming to light (I quote Dr. Weil). Two of the best known soy phytoestrogens -genistein and daidzein-are now being explored for their ability to moderate human hormonal imbalances.

Eggs are a good source of protein, just don't overeat them either. Get fertile natural range fed chickens that scratch on the earth to get their minerals, and no hormones please. Avoid raw eggs, there is salmonella in them quite often. Eat eggs once or twice a week, if you are going to eat them, not daily.

To summarize eat less protein. Begin to replace animal protein in the diet with fish, vegetable and soy products. Eat more vegetables and create meals that have smaller servings of animal proteins. Eat more whole grains, legumes and products made from whole grains the best breads are sprouted breads, like bible bread, because in sprouting the seeds they become more digestible and less alergetic. Eat more fruit, yogurt and raw juices. Reduce your calorie intake by eliminating high-fat foods, canned sodas are slow death, the diet kind the worse. Variety is clearly important, eating the same foods all the time will not give you the different nutrients a varied diet can give.

Do not use polyunsaturated vegetable oils for cooking. Use only good quality olive oil. Cut out cotton seed oil, palm oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, or partially hydrogenated oils (trans-fatty acids). Read the labels, they put some of this stuff in all kinds of foods, keep it simple and natural.

Eat more omega-3 fatty acids by eating the right fish (Salmon and Tuna) and by adding hemp seeds or flax seeds to your diet.

Much of this information is readily available in most books on nutrition, just remember don't be fanatical, it's more important to enjoy life and realize we have eaten junk food for many years. Getting off that is difficult, take it easy, don't shock yourself and consult with your doctor. The body can do wonders with poor eating and bad food, but only so long.

VITAMINS

Taking vitamins is another controversial subject, however most doctors now recommend vitamins, and the best are the natural source vitamins. One key is taking them at the right time and with the right foods. To most experts vitamins are our insurance program as well as our protection from toxins, and heavy metals, as well as most vegetables now have low nutrient level due to spraying, chemical fertilizers and high tech. breeding systems. If you can find liquid, or sublingual vitamins they are said to be the best, see Dr. Robert Young?s (Ph Miracle) vitamins and supper greens.

A real simple vitamin program suggested by Dr. Weil (buy his book Spontaneous Healing).

At breakfast: Take I,000-2,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 25,000 IU of natural beta carotene.

At lunch: Take 400-800 IU of natural vitamin E and 200-300 micrograms of selenium.

At dinner: Take 1,000-2,000 milligrams of vitamin C.

At bedtime take another 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C

To summarize what to do about toxins in foods:

Reduce the percentage of processed foods in your diet and to choose only products made without artificial additives. Cut down the consumption of meat products and buy products certified to be free of drugs and hormones. Especially poultry, they are loaded with toxins, growth hormones and antibiotics.

Reduce eating foods known to contain natural toxins, such as black pepper, celery, alfalfa sprouts, peanuts and some commercial mushrooms.

Eat a varied diet rather than eating the same foods every week.

Wash and peel fruits and vegetables especially if they are not organically grown. Better yet buy organic when you can.

Attempt to buy only organically produced apples, peaches, grapes, raisins, oranges, strawberries, lettuce, celery, carrots, corn, green beans, soy beans, potatoes and wheat flour. These products tend to be sprayed worse than the rest of the foods and because they are grown in large numbers are usually also chemically fertilized.

Grow a small garden, sprout seeds or look for sources of local organic produce farmers markets are everywhere now. A lot more vegetables are available in health food stores and even some major chains, now carry organic foods.

Stop eating fast and deep fried, processed foods, preservatives, chemical dyes and artificial sweeteners.

DRUGS, & COSMETICS

Remember what you put on your body is absorbed into your skin. Shampoos, make- up, creams and all the other drugs we take can have long term detrimental side affects to our health. This includes prescription as well as illegal drugs. Know what you are taking or putting on your skin.

Most doctors use drugs to treat disease, it's all well and good and we are lucky to have some of these drugs. However, it's important to be well informed of any drug you are taking as well as to look at the alternatives; such as herbs, Chinese medicine as well as naturapathy, or homeopathy. One of the widest use of drugs is in athletics, steroid use is very dangerous and there is enough research out that proves this.

It's easy to get confused with so much information on nutrition, my intention is to make the reader aware of substances that can help you heal and resist the effects of toxins, stress, and aging in your body. As well as help you feel, perform better and improve the quality of your life. There is lot's to learn and we are discovering more powerful nutrients to help us every day. One of the most revolutionary products out is deer antler extract or Igf1 which is a pre-cursor to HGH (Human Growth Hormone) which I don?t recommend without a professional doctor treating you. Deer antler not new, the Chinese have been using it for thousands of years as a tonic. It's sexual powers are just one facet, it actually contains all the amino acids, as well as promoting the human growth hormone (HGH) which can get our metabolism on track again. It's good for increasing muscle mass, reducing fat, building new cell tissue, giving a boost to our immune system, natural anti- inflammatory, good for arthritis and much, much more.

Being Mexican I have always eaten lots of onions, chiles and garlic. Eating more garlic, onions and ginger; not only help the food taste better, the benefits; like lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, blood clotting, antioxidants, aiding digestion are well known. There are more benefits coming out every day. We have not done much research with ginger in the states, but it is a great tonic as well and used very extensively in the Asian cooking.

If you drink coffee eat something with it, it's very damaging on an empty stomach. It can make your adrenals work extra. You can buy organic as well and on some days, switch to green tea, or herbal teas.

If you have been exposed to toxins or feel you have a high toxic overload. Take milk thistle to help your body recover, as well as the suggested vitamin program of Dr. Weil.

If you are generally weak or lacking energy, or you catch all the bugs that come around. Try a cleansing diet, work out, walk more, or see a specialist and find out why you have low energy. Experiment with Siberian ginseng, Dong Quai or cordyceps, change your diet. Give your body a break, try a fast by eating only raw foods one day a week, come off gently with soup. Move into raw juice fasting, or the master cleanser diet. Read some books, experiment with your body. Not all bodies are the same we each must find the perfect eating system for our needs.

This is all very simple and can be implemented into your lifestyle very easy, it just takes desire, remember don't get fanatical and go easy. Your body will go into shock if you jump into fasting too fast. Consult with your doctor, get informed have fun.

This is not an article to prescribe or diagnose any disease. Eating is the natural way to take good care of your body. Much of this information is suggested by Dr. Andrew Weil (buy his book Spontaneous Healing) and John MacDougal MD. and not intended as medical advice.

One of Dr. Weils? best sayings is Do not seek help from a conventional doctor for a condition that conventional medicine cannot treat, and do not rely on an alternative provider for a condition that conventional medicine can manage well.

As my good friend Dr. Bruce Parker says, It's not what you eat, but what's eating you that counts.

For more information or other articles see http://www.molinamassage.com

Othon has been involved in the health field as a massage therapist, manual therapist and personal trainer for over thirty five years. He was one of the first therapist to teach in the University of Hawaii and had one of the first licensed massage schools in Hawaii. He has studied with some of the top doctors and healers of our times. Like The Touch for Health foundation, Bernard Jensen DC., John Christopher ND., Everts Loomis MD., Ram Dass, Tony Robins, Rolling Thunder, and many more to list here. His specialty is treating sports injuries, back problems, and teaching others how to improve their health or athletic competition using nutrition and other fitness technologies.

Some of his specialties are Kinesiology, Polarity therapy, Reflexology, Iridology, Nutrition, herbs, Native American Indian Medicine, Neuro-Lynguistics and sports medicine with an emphasis in body mechanics. He has been an athlete and runner all his life, and competed in many triathlons, 5k's, 10k's and marathons. Competing at an elite level gave him the experience to help train...

Health Benefits Of Flax Seed

2008-08-09T08:20:00.001-07:00

Flax seed has become a buzzword in our society, as we are becoming more conscious about our health and wellness. This seed is highly recommended for general well being and whole body nutrition. The seeds are also considered as the nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids ? one of the vital requirements for the health of all body systems.

At first glance flax seeds look like sesame seeds that are used on hamburger buns. The color is generally yellow, while some flax seeds come in brown color. However, the color of flax seeds doesn't change their nutritional value. Whatever the color is, flax seeds bear all the nutritional ingredients in them.

Flax seeds are available everywhere ? at your nearby health food store or the place where you get natural foods sold in bulk. You can buy the seeds or can buy the vitamin supplements of flax seeds in pill form.

Nutrients in flax seed

Flax seed is the best source of Omega 3 fatty acid, one of the best nutrients for brain and concentration. Because of the presence of Omega 3, consuming flax seeds increases our ability to think faster and concentrate better.

Following are the nutrients we get from flax seeds:

Fiber: Flax seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. The seeds also contain a special fiber called mucilage, which is a natural laxative and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Lignans: These are natural plant chemicals that boost the production of a substance attached to estrogen and carry it out of the body. Flax seed contains more lignans that other vegetables and grains.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Protein: Flax seeds are a rich source of protein too, as every 100 Gms of flax seeds provide 25-30 Gms of protein.

Fat: Flax seed is one of the best sources of essential fatty acid ? alpha linolenic acid. This is very important for bodybuilding, since it enhances insulin sensitivity within muscle cells.

Vitamins and Minerals: Flax seeds contain Vitamin E, and B group of Vitamins. These seeds are also rich in minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, nickel, manganese, calcium, sulfur, silicon, molybdenum, chromium, and cobalt.

Benefits of flax seeds

Flax seeds are the most effective solution of constipation problem. The seeds are astringent and have a laxative action. So you can have these seeds for mild to moderate symptoms of constipation.

You can have flax seeds in various ways: Simply chew the seeds in their natural form. Grind the seeds in a grinder (you can use a coffee grinder) to make the powder and eat the powder. You can mix the powder in juice, cereal, or nondairy smoothie and have it. You can sprinkle the powder on salad and consume it to get the nutrition of both salad and flax seeds.

However, you should drink plenty of water after consuming flax seeds. Be careful about having the quantity of flax seeds. Up to 3 tablespoons twice a day can give you best result while large amount can cause toxic effect.

Flax seeds are also useful to remove acne, because of the presence of fatty acids that help control the production of androgens (hormone that causes acne). Apart from this, the androgen control mechanism of flax seeds also helps building muscle, burning fat and reducing water bloating that occur due to excess androgens.

So what are you waiting for? Flax seed is not even expensive and you can easily get them in your nearby health food store. So when the entire health conscious society is joining the wagon of wellness you should also experience the benefits of one of nature's best health foods ? the flax seed.

For more infomative health and beauty articles or to browse our wide variety of quality herbal supplements visit http://www.natural-health-4-life.com

Great Way To Boost Fiber Intake

2008-08-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

I found a great way to increase the fiber in my diet- a far easier to swallow alternative to those those horrid fiber drinks! I figure I'd share for those that might find this helpful.

So what was my solution? Baking. Baking bread. Yes, I know- sounds great, but who in the world has the time nowadays?!! Problem #2 solved as well, thanks to my mother-in-law. She had given me an old breadmaker a while ago, but lost the instructions for it. For weeks I stared at the contraption trying to figure out how in the world it worked since it seemed impossible to find the instruction manual anywhere! Finally, I found a few recipes online and got a general idea of how much of what to use in my breadmaker and just dove into a few trial and errors. I can safely tell you it was worth the effort! I was shocked at how this thing worked- just dump in the ingredients and it does everything else. Takes about 5 minutes of my time and best of all there was no sink-full of bowls and baking pans to wash after!

For anyone concerned about eating healthy or increasing fiber in your diet I highly recommend you try this and make a nice whole wheat bread! Absolutely nothing beats knowing exactly what's in your food and the pride you feel because you made it. After doing a search around the net I found breadmakers typically range from $40-$100. Matter of fact, I think I'll consider getting another one...

I spent a little while trying to perfect a recipe that was as healthy as I could possibly get it without tasting like I was chewing on sawdust batter, and I finally got one together I'm pretty happy with it. Actually I think it's pretty darn tasty and I look forward to the mornings with a slice with a tad of cream cheese on it. (drool...) Anyway, here it is- enjoy!

1 and 1/4 cups milk

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon buttermilk powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon safflower oil or sunflower oil

1/2 cup ground milled flax seed

1/2 cup oatmeal

1 and 3/4 cups wheat flour

one package of active dried yeast (.25 oz)

I just dump this all in on the wheat bread setting with a light crust on my breadmaker. After it mixes for a minutes or so I add about a tablespoon bread flour, only to help with the consistency. Then I walk away and let the breadmaker do it's magic!

You can find more articles by this author at Chambers Essentials- Our blog for beauty, health, home, and soul...

A Different Weight Loss Tip

2008-08-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

This is no diet but a weight loss tip that is a little different than most of the weight loss tips around. It is targeted to people suffering from food addiction, especially overweight people that love to eat unhealthy, fat food in huge portions. It is a psychological weight loss approach for changing food or eating habits by erasing the mind pattern that holds the old food habits and replacing them with a new and healthy pattern. Your job is to repeatedly perform an exercise where you associate strong positive feelings to losing weight and negative feelings to eat your favourite food. Here is what you do:

Imagine yourself overweight and heavy, eating your favourite food; hamburger, french fries, potato chips, bacon or whatever. Think of this food as garbage that you have picked out of a trash can, that someone else has not been able to finish and has discarded. With cats and dogs eating side by side with you, hoping to get what you don?t finish. Imagine that the hamburger meat is not cooked to your satisfaction, possibly under-cooked and cold besides, with a smell less than inviting coming from all the added condiments which are running from the sides of the partly cooked, partly eaten burger which may have your stomach turning upside down. Think of all the nasty, unhealthy things that may have happened to your ?less than good for you? food before you got to it. Perhaps horse meat or even dog mean was mixed together with toxic fillers and flavouring added just to mislead you into believing you?re eating fresh and tasteful food?. Your heavy stomach is growing bigger and bigger, it?s about to blow up, your heart rate is accelerating, you having problems breathing, your stomach starts to hurt tremendously? you feel pressure from in your stomach like the rotten food wants to come up? Are you still hungry? Are you nauseated? Do you want to vomit? Go and vomit! Keep on elaborating on this image until you can?t stand it anymore ? only your fantasy sets the limits.

Now, make a list of all kinds of fresh, healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, various sorts of grain, nuts and seeds. Imagine these foods arranged attractively on your plate. Imagine yourself eating this food as a healthy, sound, slim and strong person radiating your soundness, joy and great self image. You feel better than ever before. You are a successful person that succeeds in everything you do. You are eating living, fresh food from Mother nature, no flavours added, no chemicals only the fresh, healthy food that God has provided for you. You look at yourself walking or jogging along the beach, people smiling at you and you smiling back as you experience a feeling of energy and the joy of being alive. You see yourself having conversations with people you meet in a nice and trustful atmosphere. You know you have an excellent looking, healthy and strong body and that you only eat food that make you strong and healthy; tasteful and fresh food directly from nature. You?re feeling great, you?re feeling secure with yourself and you?re loving life. Keep on elaborating on this image as well.

Continue to eat as you did before but practice these exercises every day; when you find yourself about to eat what you know is not beneficial to attain and sustain a healthy body, imagine the first practice mentioned above before you eat and after that takes effect, take your imagination to the second practice. Once you start with a routine of eating better, eating healthier, soon the second practice will not be in your imagination but become a reality. It is vital that you repeat this exercise as often as needed. If done consistently and focused, you will surely change your food habits for the better. While the first imaginary practice may have been a bit gross, it is up to you and your imagination to create what will to the trick for you.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet marketer. He runs the website 11-Weight-Loss.net. Terje enjoys to give advice and help people with healthy foods like negative calorie food and exercise weight loss tips

Top 5 Worst Foods You Can Eat That People Think Are Healthy

2008-08-08T23:17:00.001-07:00

1- Fermented Cheese. Fermented, or ripened cheese is one of the most toxic foods known to man. The smallest quantity has a catastrophic effect on the system. It disturbs digestion and makes everything ferment in the digestive tract, so foods eaten don't benefit the body. According to Albert Moss?ri, a European natural hygienist and researcher, fermented cheeses can create or exacerbate the following conditions: infection, fever, headaches, nausea, cold sensitivity, bad stools, bad digestion. Fermented (or ripened) cheese includes many French cheeses such as: camembert, roquefort, parmesan, blue cheese, aged goat cheese, brie, etc. Fresh or cooked cheese, aren't as bad, but are not recommended either. Their consumption leads to other problems. So in conclusion, no cheese is recommended for health, but fermented cheese should be avoided like poison.

2- Fish and Seafood. Fish is getting a good reputation these days. We are told to eat fish due to its richness in omega 3 oils. That is too bad, because fish and seafood are some of the worst foods we can eat.

Fish has a tendency to putrefy much faster than meat - perhaps because it contains more protein. If you put a piece of meat and a piece of fish next to each other in the open air, you'll see that fish will go bad much faster. In our digestive tract, heat and humidity encourage this putrefaction. The poisons then created from the putrefaction of flesh foods, particularly fish, are dangerous to the system.

On top of that, there is absolutely no safe fish on this planet anymore. They are all more or less contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury, whose effects on the human body are extremely detrimental and difficult to deal with. We know that 40 tons of mercury are released into the US by power plants using coal combustion. The mercury contained in coal moves through the air, finds its way into the water and then accumulates in the flesh of fish that live in it. For that reason, there is no safe fish anymore. Just one serving can contain enough mercury or other heavy metal to contaminate a person. For all of those reasons, I would recommend avoiding fish like your life depended on it. Is seafood any better? It's actually worst. Animals such as lobsters, oysters, etc., are literally filters of the ocean. A large quantity of water goes through them which makes them some of the most contaminated ?foods? on this planet.

3- Spicy Food. Spicy food is any food where strong (or mild) spices has been added to it. Spices include: black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger, chili peppers, raw garlic, raw onion, etc, and all the foods that contain them: kimchee, hot sauces, Tabasco, etc. The consumption of spices is extremely detrimental to health. They irritate the entire digestive tract, create mucus (that the body produces to protect itself), and wreck digestion. Spices were first used as medicines, out of superstition, and then in food. People became quickly addicted to the stimulation they provide and found themselves progressively unable to enjoy food in its natural state. The worst food you can eat is spicy food, such as Indian, Thai, Mexican, etc. In someone not used to it, it will cause diarrhea. The person that is used to it has undergone a process of morbid adaptation, where the protecting itself from the harsh spices by hardening its surfaces. This protects against the harmful effect of spices to some extent, but at the same time it greatly diminishes assimilation, no the food eaten doesn't benefit the body very much. Children and anyone with normal instincts refuse spicy foods. Personally, I refuse to eat spicy food, whether the spices are in a raw dish or a cooked one.

4- Coffee, Black Chocolate and Cacao ? First premise: coffee, chocolate and cacao (raw or cooked) are stimulants. They contain certain substances (caffeine and theobromine) that disturb the nervous system. If a person is eating a more natural diet, these poisons have an even more disturbing effect on the system. For a raw- foodist, one cup of coffee has the effect of maybe four cups for someone eating a standard American diet. Personally, half a cup of coffee taken in the morning will disturb my sleep at night, while my dad can drink a cup in the evening and still fall asleep. However, as Shelton wrote: ?toleration to poisons is merely a slow method of dying. Instead of seeing in the phenomena of toleration something to be sought after, it is something to seek to avoid the necessity for.? A detoxified person is much like a child: she will strongly react to the smallest dose of any intoxicant.

So there is no room for compromise with caffeinated drinks and cacao products, which include: coffee, hot chocolate, black chocolate, raw cacao beans, black tea, green tea, mat? tea, etc.

5- Wine, and alcohol ? According to toxicology (the branch of pharmacology that deals with the nature and effects and treatments of poisons), alcohol is classified as a protoplasmic poison, because it is poisoning to both plants and animals - from the smallest microbe to the most complex animal. Alcohol kills microbes but also kills the cells of a complex organism, such as the human being. It is an intoxicant that ruins millions of lives and kills people by the thousand each day, directly or indirectly.

Unfortunately, it has become a social habit in many parts of the world to intoxicate oneself with alcohol. This poison habit is so prevalent and is such an intricate part of our lives that is now considered abnormal to abstain from this popular intoxicant. Most health professionals are aware of the ill effects of alcohol, but few will recommend to give it up completely. They will talk about ?moderation.? ?Drink, they will say, but be moderate.? How can someone be moderate with such an unhealthy and addictive product? To my understanding, moderation is only valid for the healthy factors of life, not unhealthy one. For example, no doctor will tell you, ?be moderate in smoking,? although that is what they used to say. Can we be moderate with cocaine too?

Now, my readers should understand that when someone eats a healthy diet, alcohol has an even more disastrous effect on the body. That is because the body has stopped protecting itself from the various poisons found in a modern diet, because it is no longer or less in contact with them. Just like a child who has never taken alcohol will strongly react to it when drinking it for the first time. So my dear readers, even that little glass of wine has a catastrophic effect on the system. And when drunk with a meal, it makes everything ferment in the digestive tract. No if you cannot resist that glass of wine, only have a little and on an empty stomach only, not with a meal.

Young entrepreneur, Frederic Patenaude, is the author of the best-selling e-book ?The Raw Secrets? and is known for his no-gimmick, BS-free approach to health and nutrition. To learn more about ?The Raw Secrets,? and to read his FR*EE how-to articles and newsletter, visit http://www.askfrederic.com

Improve Your Life Naturally

2008-08-08T23:17:00.000-07:00

There?s always room for improvement. We?ve all heard this phrase; some of us may have been given this advice by well-meaning friends or family. Do you need to make changes in your career, your love life, your health? Whatever your need, there really is room for improvement for most of us. One area that you can make immediate changes, and feel results is in your health.

With all of the ads in the media bombarding us with quick fixes to everything that ails you, many people fall prey to the lure of pills and other concoctions that make promises that few actually keep.

Natural supplements and healthy foods is your first line of defence against germs or viruses that will inevitably try and attack you on the inside. It is never late to start making improvements to your lifestyle. These changes will make you feel better inside as well as looking better on the outside. Natural health is one of the best ways to keep your body going and to keep it in good working shape.

When faced with an illness that requires some form of medication to alter symptoms or cure a disease, make sure to do research and become well informed on all of the alternatives that are available to you. Discuss these with your physician, and do not eliminate the idea of going with a natural alternative if at all possible. Rather then taking some form of drug that will probably make you well, but severely destroy your body?s immune system in the process, seek instead a healthy alternative to bypass the forced chemical reaction you will get with traditional medicine--and instead facilitate your body's healing at its own pace.

In general, however, these natural supplements will not instantly eliminate all of your symptoms, as chemical medicines do; instead, they will facilitate the healing process and at the same time infuse you with essential vitamins to fortify your body against future attacks. Natural health alternatives are not a quick fix all.

What about your everyday life and making improvements naturally that will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle; preventing potentially life altering diseases and symptoms? Natural vitamin and mineral supplements are a great alternative if you are not getting enough of the required amounts in your daily food. Remember to follow the recommended guidelines as overdosing is a waste and possibly hazardous to your health.

There is always room for improvement in our lives, and making positive changes in your health is one of the best places to start, and where you can take charge and feel results.

Natural Health Choices for Women

2008-08-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

Quite obviously, men and women are different in very many ways, but most especially in their physical appearance. This is certainly the most distinguishable difference, but there are many other different internal factors as well, such as the regulation of hormonal secretions and the type of secretions; in addition, women are more prone to certain diseases than men.

Natural health is making a huge difference in the lives of women, and if you decide to take natural health approach, you will need to address these differences in the regimen you create. You might know that it is important to eat low-fat foods, unrefined foods that do not contain preservatives, but do you know what vitamins and nutrients women are more likely to lack?--And do you know why not addressing those needs can significantly decrease your quality of life ? both at work and at home?

You know from experience that a poor health habits will have an affect in everything you do. It will show on your skin and in your eyes. You will lack energy and it will show. Your body will reveal your lifestyle. The old saying is still true, if not more so today, ?you are what you eat.?

Natural women's health is one method you can use to reverse the effects of your poor health lifestyle. In addition to getting more sleep and drinking more water, a natural women's health regimen should include proper nutrition. This is especially important if you are pregnant or planning to conceive in the future. If you want to have a child, you must ensure your body is functioning properly by restoring yourself to good health through natural methods; and if you are currently pregnant, you need to ensure that your body is replacing the nutrients your baby is consuming.

That is, however, not the only reason natural women?s health should focus on nutrition. It is also because there are certain foods that normally benefit women?s metabolisms, which can be very beneficial, as it is often harder for women to lose weight than men.

Natural women?s health is also an important part of regulating your PMS and menstrual cycle. It is a way of ensuring that while your body is performing all its natural functions it is still able to get all the nutrition it needs to keep going.

One excellent place to find free information about natural women's health is the Internet. There are a number of websites that offer information and reference resources on natural health changes that could greatly improve your quality of life.

That is why so many women are thinking about changing their lifestyles to focus on a more natural approach to health. Today?s woman has enough to worry about and deal with daily. Why not give yourself a fighting chance at being the best you possible? When you?re healthy and functioning at your best you will be able to tackle all of the other issues that come up. Be proactive in creating a healthy lifestyle for yourself. Your body will thank you.

Roly Poly Children (Make) Roly Poly Adults

2008-08-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

TRUE, TRUE, TRUE.

I just look in the mirror and the truth hits me square between the eyes.

I just recently listened to a women speaking about obesity in our children. She made me think back to my childhood and the way I raised my two children.

Today food choices and nutritional value are very different from when I was in charge of the food consumption of my children.

Today food is loaded with chemicals and when we eat this food where is the nutritional value?

Vitamins supplements are walking out the doors of the stores that sell them. It is now a multi-billion dollar business. I know for myself I would try to heal myself of whatever ailment I have naturally than take a prescription or over the counter drug.

What does this have to do with our children and their food choices?

Plenty if you ever watched your children eat and see what they select to put into their mouths, which goes down through the throat and then settles into their stomachs, you would want to vomit.

SODA, SODA, SODA, SODA, SODA, SODA, SODA, SODA, and SODA.

Soda our children?s best friend it tastes great, and it comes in so many flavors:

STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP!

How do we stop this avalanche of soda drinkers that start in childhood and continue on into adulthood? We can start buy removing it from our homes. This would be one less place the child can receive this sugar and caffeine fix. We can not control what they spend money on when they are with their friends but we have to start somewhere.

When my son was about eight years old he was all ready for bed. Somehow, he sneaked into the refrigerator and ate a piece of pie. I though he had gone crazy. He was running around the house and jumping off the furniture. Just minutes before he was half asleep on the living room floor.

I had just purchased that morning a five pound bag of sugar I took the full bag and flushed it down the toilet. Good Riddance.

When I explained this to his doctor the doctor said, There is no conclusive studies that prove sugar can cause children to become hyperactive.

I am just a parent. I have eyes and ears and know what I witnessed. When is the medical world going to wake up and realize that some of these children, which are paraded into their offices with attention deficit and hyperactivity might not need medication. Just remove the sugar and caffeine from there daily diet.

WATER! WATER! WATER! WATER! WATER! WATER! WATER! WATER!

The last few years I have stopped drinking soda and caffeinated coffee. I am now drinking bottled water. I do not miss the sugar or caffeine and feel so much better. But I am an adult; children need to be helped to make the correct decisions.

MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK!

What is wrong with drinking milk? It is food for our bones and teeth. It is only a thought.

FRENCH FRIES, CHEESE AND CHIPS:

Who doesn't want to eat french fries and chips instead of vegetables and salad. We need the fat, the salt and the cheese after all it only clogs our arteries.

This is another huge problem parents must face today. French fries, cheese and chips are not going to go away as long as the income from these products are astronomical.

How can we change this or at least balance it between fruits and vegetables? Everybody has an opinion and the only person that can implement this change is you.

As an adult I find it hard to control what I eat. I recently attended a wonderful dinner at a friend?s house. The menu was not what I ordinarily eat because of the content of the ingredients.

But I was with friends we were all sitting around the table laughing and talking and enjoying each others company; consequently, I ate too much of the wrong food.

Our children are put into this situation everyday and they have less control of what they eat and I am the mature adult.

WHAT DO WE DO?

If there was an easy answer to this question I would be a millionaire. We need to stand back and take a look at this problem from a child?s prospective and then make changes.

SCHOOLS:

The schools are where are children daily are consuming their meals. Sometimes breakfast and definitely lunch everyday. The food choices available are all the child can choose from unless they bring boxed lunches.

Maybe that is what is needed. Maybe all children should start bringing their own lunches to school and the parents can send a message to the school cafeteria STOP POISONING OUR CHILDREN.

(1) These are our children. Our own flesh and blood. They are precious to us and we could not live without them.

(2) Why is it so hard for you to understand good nutrition make for healthier minds and bodies.

(3) We take precious time off our employment for their medical care.

(4) We take care of them when they are ill.

(5) You are creating massive medical and dental problem from which the snowballing effect is now being felt.

CHILDREN? HEALTH:

Believe it or not children?s health issues are now stair climbing to the top floor faster than this problem can be fixed.

(1) Heart Problems

(2) Diabetic Problems

(3) High Cholesterol

(4) Asthma

(5) Obesity

These are just a few stairs that lead up spiraling out of control. Let us find a solution to this massive problem and step down.

FAST FOOD:

Fast food is wonderful for busy families and as a treat on occasions. Fast food restaurants have made a huge start in catering to the children and adults who do not want to eat sandwiches and french fries with every meal. Now you can substitute a salad.

Good job fast food restaurants!

Now that you have taken the first step maybe you can take another baby step. Have fresh fruit available to be purchased, if desired. You might be surprised that your customers will actually eat it.

Maybe you could take a look at your menu with a parent?s eye. What would I like my child to eat in the way of nutritional value? Maybe you could become creative and develop some tasty, attractive, dish the children will love.

ACTIVITIES:

There are many positive activities your children can get involved in. Listed below are a few:

l. Sports

2. Dancing

3. Music

4. Reading

5. Instrument

6. Swimming

7. Drama

PARENTS AND CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES TOGETHER:

(1) Taking a walk

(2) Flying a kite

(3) Playing catch

(4) Bicycle riding

(5) Roller blading

(6) Swimming - A day at the pool or beach.

(7) Reading a book followed by a discussion.

(8) Try writing a short story or poem together.

(9) Write a cookbook together.

(10) Cooking

(11) Try cutting out food groups together from magazines and making a colorful picture you can post on your refrigerator or other places around your home.

The ideas are endless since each child and parent has their own special interests and they do not need to cost a fortune. In the long run your children want to spend time with you.

When your children are healthy and busy they are less likely to get themselves into trouble. For children and teenagers trouble is lurking everywhere if they choose to look for it.

PARENTS:

As a parent I could have improved my food choices for my children and myself. As I am maturing I now notice for myself that I make better choices. But I am older and wiser with high cholesterol and slightly overweight.

I find when I am grocery shopping and eating in a restaurant I am overwhelmed at the food choices.

LABELS ON CANS AND BOTTLES:

Reading labels on cans and bottles in the grocery stores is confusing. I read, and read and read and in the end I don't know which item to buy? Do you feel that way too?

Maybe the food industry should try using plain English in labeling their food. What really is in it? Do you not want us the consumers, which buy and consume your food, to know the truth in the ingredients in your products?

In a restaurant it seems that each enticing dish has excessive fat, cheese and salt. All the ingredients that make your palate dance with enjoyment but oh what it does for your internal and external body.

As a parent you need to set an example in your daily diet and exercise. You may not think your children are noticing but they are.

When my children were growing up my husband did not care for vegetables. I loved vegetables and I wanted my children to eat them. My husband would constantly complain every time I would incorporate vegetables into the main dish. My daughter a very picky eater to this day, now a young lady will not eat vegetables.

GET KIDS COOKING:

Let your children, depending on their ages, help you in the kitchen. Let them choose the menu and let them prepare it. Most children who have a hand in the preparation of the food will eat it.

IN CLOSING:

This subject is so large and vast it makes my head spin just thinking about it.

As a mother, and grandmother I am not a professional in anyway but these are my thoughts. If your child is not receiving a well balanced diet daily make sure they are getting a good vitamin/mineral supplement.

I feel many problems children face today with attention deficit problems, behavior problems and medical problems stem from not having a nutritional balanced diet.

Let us not make the Doctors and Dentists richer. Let us keep our hard earned money in our own pockets.

That is my opinion.

What is yours?

Please feel free to check out my other articles. I would love to hear from you.

Linda has wonderful memories of the years her children were young. Obesity in children is such a huge issue now and needs to be addressed immediately. Our children are precious!

Currently she is the author of Ghost Kids Trilogy, three books in one book. CHRISTY 12, AND HER BROTHER BRAD, 16 MOVE INTO AN OLD HOUSE ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN AND MEET TWO GHOST KIDS. Meet a Magical Blue Vase. Join Christy and Brad on a Pirates' Treasure Hunt. ADVENTURE/MYSTERY Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages.

Visit my website at http://www.lmeckler.com my email lmecky@tns.net. Order my book at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.buybooksontheweb.com With an order of 5 books = 40% discount. An order of 20 books free shipping and handling. ISBN 0-7414-2273-5.

Restaurant Meals Can Be Healthful

2008-08-08T08:30:00.001-07:00

Everyone can enjoy an occasional meal in a restaurant and order whatever they want. But if you have to eat in restaurants several times a week, you need to devise ways to make healthy choices and avoid the temptation to over-eat. If you are trying to control weight, diabetes, cholesterol or high blood pressure, you need to must find ways to meet your special requirements.

First, choose restaurants that gives you a fighting chance. Find a restaurant with a good salad bar and load up on fresh vegetables. Order broiled fish for your entree. Ask to have it prepared with lemon juice instead of butter. Have steamed vegetables as an accompaniment, without added butter, and fresh fruit or fruit ice for dessert.

Asian restaurants often have a wide array of tasty dishes with lots of vegetables. Thai and Vietnamese restaurants and Mongolian grills are good choices if you stick to the vegetarian and seafood entrees. Go easy on the white rice.

Your chances of finding whole grains in a restaurant are slim to none, but if you travel a lot, you might want to pack or shop for your own cereal to eat in your hotel. Large cities and college towns often have vegetarian restaurants that offer varied, flavorful meals made with vegetables, beans and sometimes even whole grains. Whatever you order, watch out for the huge portions that many restaurants serve. Divide it up at the beginning of the meal and save some for the next day's lunch, share with a friend, or just leave it.

The restaurants listed below are a few of the national chains that offer good to excellent salad bars and some other healthier choices for people on the go.

Black Eyed Pea
Bob's Big Boy
Chili's
Denny's
Golden Corral
Long John Silvers
Lone Star
Olive Garden
Ponderosa
Ruby Tuesday
TGI Friday's

If you have found other good choices let me know and I'll add them to this list (send an email through my web site, below)

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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Improve Your Health with Natural Foods

2008-08-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

Remember the movie that came out recently where the fellow ate nothing but fast food for an entire month? If you saw the movie then you know the results of the month of junk food on the man?s body, mind and spirit. He basically felt and looked awful because of his poor food choices. Are you considering making big changes in your health by eating healthier? If you are ready to make that jump from junk food and quick meals to natural health food, then must accept that it will take a considerable amount of effort and patience on your part.

The United States population has an obsession with junk food; that?s certainly not news. We?re a fat, unhealthy nation, with quick, processed foods far too easily obtainable. All the junk food that you have been feeding your body will have eroded your body; and once you start living a healthier lifestyle, your body is in for a battle of change.

What?s the alternative to fast food? Eating that which Mother Nature provides for us is the first place to start. Natural health foods are usually organic or contain little or no preservatives. Many natural health foods are also low in cholesterol and saturated fat. This means that sticking to a natural health diet by consuming healthy foods will help you eliminate energy reserves and lose weight in the process.

By consuming healthy foods that contain low levels of fat, you lower your level of hunger in the long run, as your body will be getting all of the nutrients it needs from less food. Natural health lifestyle is a way of getting the best out of nature.

You will find that you are much happier and easy going. You will also notice a great change in your mood, since your body is healthy, making you happy. These basic improvements in your health will reinforce your diet, pushing you to eat healthier, lose more weight, and even tighten up your diet further.

Healthy foods will also ensure that you are bustling with energy; and once you have loads of energy you will have to find a way to use it. That will mean that you will find yourself going to the gym or taking up some new hobby, since your energy has to be used up some how. You will be amazed to see how easy it is to actually maintain a natural health lifestyle. All your friends will notice as you become more energetic and productive.

Natural health also encourages positive thinking and is a gradual process. There is no fast and quick solution; only the reality of time. And if you are aware of that, then you know that you are on the right track to making those crucial life changes that will only benefit you in the future.