JSE Solutions,LLC

Natural Cures for Asthma

2008-12-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

Asthma is an ancient Greek word meaning 'panting or short drawn breath'. It is an allergic condition resulting from the reaction of the body to one or more allergens, and is the most troublesome of respiratory diseases. An asthma patient gets frequent attacks of breathlessness, in between which they may even be completely normal.

Asthma Symptoms:
Patients suffering from asthma appear to be gasping for breath. They actually have more difficulty in breathing out than breathing in, and this is caused by spasms or sudden involuntary muscular contractions of the smaller air passages in their lungs.

Asthma Causes:
Asthma is caused by a variety of factors. It can be due to an allergy caused by weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, or other irritants. Allergies to dust are the most common.

Asthma treatment using Honey:
Honey is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It has been said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.

Asthma treatment using Figs:
Figs have proved very valuable in asthma. They give comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm. Three or four dry figs should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight.

Asthma treatment using Lemon:
Lemon is another fruit found beneficial for treating asthma. The juice of one lemon, diluted in a glass of water and taken with meals, will bring good results.

Asthma treatment using Indian Gooseberry:
Indian gooseberry has also proved valuable for asthma. Five grams of gooseberry mixed with one tablespoon of honey forms an effective medicinal tonic for the treatment of this asthma. It should be taken every morning.

Asthma treatment using Bitter Gourd Roots:
The roots of the bitter gourd plant have been used in folk medicine for asthma since ancient times. A teaspoon of the root paste, mixed with an equal amount of honey or juice of the holy basil leaves, given once every night for a month, is an excellent medicine for this disease.

Asthma treatment using Drumstick Leaves:
A soup prepared from drumstick leaves, and taken once daily, has been found beneficial in the treatment of asthma. This soup is prepared by adding a handful of leaves to 180ml of water and boiling it for five minutes. After being allowed to cool, a little salt, pepper, and lime juice can be added to this soup.

Asthma treatment using Ginger:
A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste, acts as an excellent expectorant in cases of asthma. The decoction of fenugreek can be made by mixing 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cupful of water. This remedy should be taken twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Asthma treatment using Garlic:
Garlic is another effective home remedy for asthma. Ten garlic cloves, boiled in 30 ml of milk, make an excellent medicine for the early stages of asthma. This mixture should he taken once daily by the patient. Steaming ginger tea with two minced garlic cloves in it, can also help to keep the problem under control, and should be taken twice daily once in the morning and once in the evening.

Asthma treatment using Bishop's Weed:
The herb bishop's weed has been found valuable in asthma. Half a teaspoon of bishop's weed should be mixed in a glass of buttermilk and taken twice daily. It is an effective remedy for relieving difficult expectoration caused by dried-up phlegm. A hot poultice of the seeds should be used for dry fomentation to the chest twice daily. The Patient can also inhale steam twice a day from boiling water mixed with carom seeds. It will dilate the bronchial passages. Twice daily = once in the morning and once in the evening.

Asthma treatment using Safflower:
Safflower seeds are beneficial in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Half a teaspoon of powder of the dry seeds, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, can be taken once or twice a day in treating this disease. This acts as an expectorant and reduces the spasms by liquefying the tenacious sputum. An infusion of five grams of flowers mixed with one tablespoon of honey, taken once daily, is also very useful in treating this disease.

Diet for Asthma:
The patient should avoid common dietetic errors. Ideally, the patient’s diet should contain a limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins which are 'acid-forming' foods, and a liberal quantity of alkali-forming foods consisting of fresh fruits, green vegetables, sprouted seeds, and grains. The patient should avoid foods which tend to produce phlegm, such as rice, sugar, lentils, and yoghurt. He should also avoid fried and other difficult to-digest foods, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments pickles, sauces and all refined and processed foods.

Other Suggestions for Asthma:

Fasting and exercises:
The patient should also follow the other laws of nature. Air, sun, and water are great healing agents. Regular fasting once a week, an occasional enema, breathing exercises, fresh air, a dry climate, light exercises, and correct posture go a long way in treating asthma and many other diseases.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be!

Natural Cures for Anxiety

2008-11-29T07:51:00.000-08:00

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders come in two basic forms;
The chronic form involves a recurring sense of worry accompanied by mild physical symptoms.
A panic attack comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, with symptoms that are often mistaken for heart attack or other life-threatening conditions. There is sometimes a feeling of not being able to get a full breath of air. Symptoms come on suddenly and diminish suddenly.
Some research suggests that the central nervous systems of people with anxiety disorders may overreact to stress and take a longer time than most to return to a their calmer state.
Symptoms may begin with an upsetting event such as an accident, divorce, or death. Sometimes there is no obvious cause.
There may also be a biochemical basis. Studies have shown that people who are prone to panic attacks have higher blood levels of lactic acid, a chemical produced when muscles metabolize sugar without getting enough oxygen.
Other research suggests that anxiety may be the result of an overproduction of stress hormones by the brain and adrenal glands.
It is normal to feel anxious from time to time, but if you feel anxious without reason and if these worries persist and affect your day-to-day life, you may have generalized anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can include restlessness, feeling tense and or on edge, irritability, impatience, and or poor concentration.
You may also notice changes in your physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep, dry mouth, fatigue, chest tightness, indigestion, bloating, or excessive sweating.
It's always important to be evaluated by your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other medical problems.

The natural way
You can do a lot to support a healthy ability to relax and slow down. One way of doing this is to keep your mind producing its own natural feel good chemicals by eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods. Also getting plenty of fresh air, sunshine and exercising regularly.
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or taking time for a walk on the beach can all help to reduce stress levels.
Natural remedies can also help to support the nervous system and to enable us to cope more easily with the everyday stresses of our modern existence. In fact, natural remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
In recent times, research has confirmed this in traditional wisdom. There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to support the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and maintain a healthy equilibrium.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety:
These are some of the natural herbs and remedies that are being explored for anxiety.
• Passionflower
The herb passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was used as a folk remedy for anxiety and insomnia.
Side effects of passionflower may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat. The safety of passionflower in pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease has not been established.
Passionflower should not be taken with sedatives unless under medical supervision. Passionflower may possibly enhance the effect of pentobarbital, a medication used for sleep and seizure disorders.
• Valerian
The herb valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is best known as a herbal remedy for insomnia. Valerian is also used in patients with mild anxiety, but the research supporting its use for anxiety is limited.
Valerian is usually taken an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work and shouldn't be used for more than three months at a time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness. Although valerian tea and liquid extracts are available, most people don't like the smell of valerian and prefer taking it in capsule form.
Valerian shouldn't be taken with many medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system, such as sedatives and antihistamines. Valerian shouldn't be taken with alcohol, before or after surgery, or by people with liver disease. It should not be used before driving or operating machinery.
• Kava
Native to Polynesia, the herb kava (Piper methysticum) has been found to have anti-anxiety effects in humans.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has issued an advisory to consumers about the potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava.
• Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Some prescription drugs for anxiety work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. The degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain, is not known.
• Bodywork
Massage therapy, shiatsu, and other forms of bodywork are widely used to diminish muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve your sleep.
• Mind/Body Techniques
Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for anxiety. Try different techniques and determine which routine works for you and you can stick to with a hectic schedule.
• Aromatherapy
Plant essential oils can be added to baths, massage oil, or infusers. Essential oils that are used for anxiety and nervous tension are: bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most common and forms the base for many of the relaxing blends.

Some Other Natural Remedies for Anxiety:
Pantothenic acid
Calcium
Magnesium
B vitamins
Chamomile

Herbs for Anxiety
Herbal Remedies For Anxiety Has also Traditionally Included Some of the Following:
CATNIP Tea has soothing effect, relieves anxiety.
PASSIONFLOWER used in tea or as tincture to promote relaxation and calm. (See above)
FENNEL Tea relieves gastrointestinal upset.
ST. JOHN'S WORT tincture helps restore emotional stability and ease depression.
KAVA Tincture or capsules help minimize anxiousness. (See above)
HOPS can have a relaxing effect on nervous system.
MOTHERWORT Tincture helps stabilize emotions and has a calming effect.
SKULLCAP Tincture or capsules help relax and nourish nervous system and induce sleep.
VALERIAN Tincture or capsules aid with sleep. (See above)
And again, many people find relief from anxiety by using Aromatherapy.

Commonly used essential oils for anxiety:
Bergamot
Cedarwood
Geranium
Lavender
Lemon
Neroli
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Sweet Marjoram

As always, consultation with a qualified health practitioner is recommended before adding herbals remedies to one’s daily routine.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be!

Vitamins to Increase Energy

2008-11-23T04:47:00.000-08:00

Do vitamins give you energy? This is a question that confuses millions of people.

Well, vitamins do not directly serve as a source of energy, but they aid the enzymes that generate energy from the energy producing nutrients like protein, carbohydrates and fats. They also play a major role in helping out in the chemical reaction that leads to fruitful generation of energy, which enables you to perform your daily activities effectively.

Adequate vitamin intake promotes your health fitness, by strengthening your bones and teeth. It makes your immune system strong, thereby enabling you to overcome various kinds of infections. Talking about what vitamins provide energy, vitamin B3 works in combination with coenzyme Q10 and contributes a great deal in boosting your energy levels.

Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in human metabolism. Vitamin B12 acts as an active participant in the biochemical reactions that lead to the production of energy. In fact, it is for this reason that vitamin B12 is sometimes also referred to as the energy vitamin. Vitamin C is requisite for the synthesis of a small molecule named carnitine that helps in transporting fat to the cellular organelles called mitochondria, for its conversion into energy. It is of prime importance to consume vitamins so as to enhance your energy levels.
Lack of energy and the feeling of fatigue is an age-old complaint. Vitamins boost the energy levels of the human body. Vitamin B is known as the ‘energy vitamin’ and is vital for an energetic and long life. Although Vitamin B is abundant in a variety of natural foods, the typical American diet is deficient in Vitamin B. B-Vitamins can and are easily flushed out of the body. Alcoholics and people on weight-loss diets are more prone to Vitamin B deficiency.
The B-complex vitamins are a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), pantothenic acid and biotin. Each vitamin plays a significant role in energy production. Deficiencies usually include more than one type of B-vitamin. To increase your energy levels, a supplement of B-complex must be taken along with any single B-vitamin.
The B1-Thiamin vitamin plays an important role in the metabolic process of food and alcohol. It improves the function of the adrenal gland and boosts immunity. Low levels of the B2-Riboflavin cause fatigue, blindness and anemia. Riboflavin is required for the production of energy. Doctors may also prescribe riboflavin for migraine and arthritis pain.
The vitamin B3-Niacin also helps the body produce energy. Niacin is used for treating neurological diseases and high cholesterol. In combination with Vitamin C, Niacin reduces the production of lipoproteins, which is a major risk factor in heart patients.
B5-Pantothenic acid is one of the main energy boosters. Also referred to as the ‘anti-stress’ vitamin.
Vitamin B12 also helps fight fatigue. It is a vital nutrient for the formation of red blood cells. Red blood cells, are linked to our energy levels.
The B-complex vitamins work to keep the energy levels high. They can help prevent diseases since they are capable of repairing nucleic acids and immune cells. These vitamins are the foundation of good overall health and nutrition.
We need all vitamins and minerals for good health, well being and energy.
However, particular nutrient deficiencies are associated with reduced energy and chronic tiredness. These include iron, magnesium, B12 and folic acid.
Iron:
Iron is an essential mineral needed for the manufacture of haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen and is needed for energy production. When your iron levels are low, red blood cells can't carry enough oxygen to the body's tissues, causing fatigue. When haemoglobin levels are low, anaemia occurs.
There are two types of iron: haem iron (from animal sources) and non-haem iron (from plant sources). The body absorbs haem iron much more easily than non-haem iron.
Symptoms of deficiency: fatigue; pale lower eyelids, palms, tongue; brittle nails; headaches; constipation; inflamed tongue.
Testing for deficiency: iron levels are tested easily with blood samples.
Caution: Excess iron absorption (called haemochromatosis) also causes chronic tiredness so therefore it is important to check your iron levels before using an iron supplement.
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is needed for manufacture of red blood cells (along with folic acid). B12 helps the body's use of iron and is also required for proper digestion, the absorption of foods, the synthesis of protein and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It is often observed that taking B12 (especially via injections) reduces fatigue, even when a deficiency isn't found.
B12 deficiencies are common due to declining B12 levels in food, increased use of antibiotics and digestive problems. This is because B12 is produced in the digestive tract as well as being absorbed from food. Those most at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency are usually vegetarians and people with digestive disturbances.
Symptoms of deficiency: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, sore tongue, memory problems, confusion, irritability, depression, moodiness, paleness.
Testing for deficiency: B12 levels can be measured with a blood test.

Folic Acid:
Folic acid is a B vitamin (also called B9 or folate) needed for the manufacture of red blood cells. Deficiency can lead to a condition called megaloblastic anaemia.
Fatigue is associated with both a simple folic acid deficiency as well as megaloblastic anaemia. Because folic acid is easily destroyed during cooking, it is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in us.
Symptoms of deficiency: fatigue, digestive disturbances, insomnia, memory problems, weakness, shortness of breath, recurrent miscarriages, mental confusion, paranoid delusions, sore tongue, anaemia.
Testing for deficiency: folic acid levels can be measured with a blood test.
Caution: if folic acid is given to someone who is B12 deficient and B12 isn't given at the same time, the symptoms of a B12 deficiency can be masked. Only take folic acid if a B12 deficiency has been ruled out.
Magnesium:
Magnesium is needed for the production of ATP, which is the main energy-producing molecule in the body. Therefore, when magnesium is deficient our cells are less able to produce energy and we can experience chronic tiredness. It has been found that nearly all people with chronic fatigue syndrome are magnesium deficient and for about 80 per cent of people given magnesium their energy improves. Magnesium is the most common nutrient deficiency in all people. Most of us would benefit from supplementation even if magnesium levels are unable to be checked.
Symptoms of deficiency: fatigue, irritability, spasms, muscle cramps, rapid or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and insomnia.
Testing for deficiency: magnesium is not generally tested by blood test. Hair analysis is the most readily available test. The hair analysis test can be performed through specialist laboratories.
Caution: if magnesium supplements worsen your symptoms (especially cramping, twitching and muscle spasms), calcium is probably your deficiency, not magnesium.

Please note: The information in this article is not intended to take the place of a qualified health practitioner nor is it intended as medical advice.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be!

Vitamin Fact Sheet

2008-11-20T09:42:00.000-08:00

Vitamin A
Function:
• healthy eyes, skin, and bones
• hormone synthesis
Sources:
• dairy products
• dark green leafy vegetables
• deep orange fruits and vegetables
• eggs
• liver
Deficiency (Not enough):
• poor teeth and bone development and grwoth
• visual changes
• diarrhea
Toxicity (Too much):
• joint pain
• dry and itchy skin
• dry, cracked lips
• nausea / vomiting
• weight loss
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Functions:
• used in amino acid and fatty acid metabolism
• helps form red blood cells
• healthy nervous system
Sources:
• meat
• poultry
• fish
• whole grains
• enriched bread and cereal
• legumes
• green, leafy vegetables
Deficiency (Not enough):
• skin disorders
• anemia
• cracks in the corners of the mouth
• convulsions
• muscle twitching
Toxicity (Too much):
• damages nerves
Vitamin B12
Functions:
• helps form new cells
• helps support a healthy nervous system
Sources:
• meat
• poultry
• fish
• eggs
• milk
• cheese
Deficiency (Not enough):
• anemia
• fatigue
Toxicity (Too much):
• no toxic side effects
Daily Allowances:
• 300mcg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
Functions:
• energy metabolism
• proper nerve and muscle function
Sources:
• pork and organ meats
• legumes, nuts and whole grains
• enriched cereals
Deficiency (Not enough):
• body swelling
• heart damage
• weakness and paralysis
• mental status changes
Toxicity (Too much):
• rapid heart rate
• weakness
• difficulty sleeping
• muscle weakness
Daily Allowances:
• 50mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Functions:
• energy metabolism
• healthy skin
• maintain and supports good vision
Sources:
• dairy products
• leafy, dark green vegetables
• whole grains
• enriched grains and cereals
Deficiency (Not enough):
• sunlight sensitivity
• skin rash
• cracks in the corners of the mouth
Toxicity (Too much):
• no toxic side effects
Daily Allowances:
• 50mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Functions:
• energy metabolism
• healthy skin, digestive system and nervous system
Sources:
• meat
• milk
• eggs
• poultry
• fish
• whole grains
• enriched bread and cereal
• nuts
Deficiency (Not enough):
• weakness
• dizziness
• loss of appetite
• confusion
• diarrhea
• rash
Toxicity (Too much):
• swollen tongue
• rash
• low blood pressure
• nausea / vomiting / diarrhea
Daily Allowances:
• 100mg
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Functions:
• used in energy metabolism
Sources:
• meats
• eggs
Deficiency (Not enough):
• fatigue
• vomiting
Toxicity (Too much):
• diarrhea
Daily Allowances:
• 100mg
Vitamin C
Functions:
• antioxidant
• helps with wound healing
• strengthen resistance to infection
Sources:
• citrus fruits
• broccoli
• tomatoes
• melons
• dark green leafy vegetables
• cabbage
• strawberries
• potatoes
Deficiency (Not enough):
• anemia
• increased incidence of infection
• sore gums
• muscle pain
• joint pain
Toxicity (Too much):
• nausea / diarrhea
• fatigue
Daily Allowances:
• 3000mg
Vitamin D
Functions:
• strong bones and teeth
Sources:
• fortified milk
• eggs
• liver
• made by the body from sunlight
Deficiency (Not enough):
• bones disorders such as misshapen bones (in children), soft bones (in adults), and spontaneous bone fractures
Toxicity (Too much):
• kidney stones
• calcium deposits in soft tissue
• fatigue
Daily Allowances:
• 400IU
Vitamin E
Functions:
• functions as an antioxidant
• helps maintain healthy cell membranes
Sources:
• vegetable oils
• green, leafy vegetables
• whole grains
• egg yolks
Deficiency (Not enough):
• low blood count (anemia)
• weakness
Toxicity (Too much):
• dizziness
• weakness
• increases the effect of anti-clotting medications such as Coumadin
Daily Allowances:
• 400IU
Special Warning:
A recent report revealed that people taking over 400IU of Vitamin E per day have a 10% higher risk of death than those people taking less than 400IU per day. Use caution when taking Vitamin E supplements.

Vitamin K
Functions:
• important in blood clotting process
Sources:
• leafy green vegetables, cauliflower, and cabbage
• liver
• produced by bacteria in the intestinal tract
Deficiency (Not enough):
• prolonged bleeding time
• uncontrolled bleeding
Toxicity (Too much):
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
• interferes with anti-clotting medications such as Coumadin
Daily Allowances:
• 100mcg
Folate (Folic Acid)
Functions:
• helps form new cells
Sources:
• legumes
• liver
• leafy green vegetables
• beans
• nuts
Deficiency (Not enough):
• anemia
• smooth red tongue
• diarrhea
• constipation
• infections
• confusion
• weakness
Toxicity (Too much):
• diarrhea
• problems sleeping
• can mask a B12 deficiency
Daily Allowances:
• 800mcg
Biotin
Functions:
• used in energy and amino acid metabolism
• fat synthesis and breakdown
Sources:
• liver
• egg yolk
• green vegetables
Deficiency (Not enough):
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• muscle pain
• dry and scaly skin
Toxicity (Too much):
• no toxicity side effects
Daily Allowances:
• 300mcg

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be!

Natural and Herbal Remedies for Depression

2008-11-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

In any given year, nearly 20 million adults in the United States alone have depression. Most people with depression do not seek treatment, although the majority can be helped with treatment. The first step is to talk with your doctor, because depression is a serious illness that shouldn't be self-treated. Always consult your doctor before taking herbal remedies.
Natural and Herbal Remedies for Depression:
Listed are natural and herbal remedies that are used for depression.
1) St. John's Wort
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has long been used in folk medicine for sadness, worry, nervousness, and poor sleep.
The results of over 20 clinical trials suggest that St. John's wort works better than a placebo and is as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression, with fewer side effects, but is not effective for major depression.
St. John's wort can take 4 to 6 weeks to notice the full effects. Side effects may include dizziness, dry mouth, indigestion, and fatigue. St. John's wort increases photosensitivity, so extra caution should be taken to protect skin and eyes from sunlight.
St. John's wort appears to be reasonably safe when taken alone, but it can interfere with the effectiveness of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as antidepressants, drugs to treat HIV infections and AIDs, drugs to prevent organ rejection for transplant patients, and oral contraceptives.
St. John's wort is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with bipolar disorder, liver or kidney disease..
2) Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of good fat needed for normal brain function. Our bodies can't make omega-3s on their own, so we must obtain them through the food we eat.
Studies have shown that depression is linked with low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids. In countries with higher fish consumption, like Japan and Taiwan, the depression rate is 10 times lower than in North America. Postpartum depression is also less common.
Studies have shown that omega-3's together with antidepressants may be more effective than antidepressants alone.
Cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies are the richest food source of omega-3 fatty acids. But instead of eating more fish which as we know contain mercury, PCBs, and other chemicals, fish oil capsules are considered to be a cleaner source of omega-3 fatty acids. Many companies filter their fish oil so that these chemicals are removed.
Fish oil capsules are sold in most all health food stores, drug stores, and online. Most brands should be stored in the fridge to prevent the oil from going rancid. When comparing brands, the key active components for depression are EPA and DHA.
Fish oil capsules may interact with blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin and aspirin. Side effects may include indigestion and bleeding. Fish oil should not be taken 2 weeks before or after surgery. Fish oil can also cause a fishy aftertaste. So to prevent this, try taking the fish oil just before meals which can help cover the taste.
3) SAM-e
SAM-e, pronounced "sammy", is short for S-adenosyl-L-methionine. It's a chemical that's found naturally in the human body and is believed to increase levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
In North America, SAM-e is available as an over-the-counter supplement in most health food stores, drug stores, and online. It should be enteric-coated for maximum absorption. Although it's one of the more expensive supplements, it is popular as a remedy for depression and osteoarthritis.
Side effects can include nausea and constipation.
4) Folic Acid
Folic acid, ( folate,) is a B vitamin that is often deficient in people who are depressed.
Folate is found in green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruit, beans, and fortified grains. It's one of the most common vitamin deficiencies because of poor diet but also because of chronic conditions and various medications such as aspirin and birth control pills which can also lead to deficiency.
Besides certain food, folic acid is also available as a supplement or as part of a B-complex vitamin.
Researchers at Harvard University have found that depressed people with low folate levels don't respond as well to antidepressants, and that taking folic acid in supplement form can improve the effectiveness of antidepressants.
5) 5-HTP
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). It is produced naturally in the body and is used to make the neurotransmitter serotonin. Although taking 5-HTP in supplement form may theoretically boost the body's serotonin levels, many experts feel there is not enough evidence to determine the safety of 5-HTP. It should never be combined with antidepressants.
6) Diet
• Reduce your intake of sweets
Sweets will temporarily make you feel good as blood sugar levels soar, but may worsen your mood later on when they plummet.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol both dampen mood. Alcohol temporarily relaxes us and caffeine boosts energy, but the effects of both are very short-lived. Both can worsen mood swings, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
• Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is needed to produce the mood-enhancing neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Although a deficiency of vitamin B6 is rare, a borderline deficiency may occur in people taking oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and drugs for tuberculosis.
• Magnesium
Most people do not get enough magnesium in their diets. Sources of magnesium are legumes, nuts, whole grains and green vegetables. Like vitamin B6, magnesium is needed for serotonin production. Stress does deplete magnesium.
7) Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to improve mood.
Exercise, particularly aerobic cardio exercise, helps release mood-elevating chemicals in the brain and can decrease stress hormones.
Try taking a brisk walk outside each morning for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
What's important is that you choose something you enjoy and will stick with, whether it's going to the gym, signing up for dance classes, playing tennis, or gardening.
8) Light Therapy
Getting enough sunlight has been shown to be effective for seasonal mood changes that happen in the darker winter months.
Exposure to light in the morning helps the body's sleep/wake cycle work properly. Production of serotonin, a brain chemical that is key in influencing our mood, is turned on in the morning upon exposure to light, but during the winter when there is less sunlight, serotonin levels can drop, making us feel tired and prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
One of the most simple ways to increase your exposure to light is to walk outdoors in the morning. Just be sure to use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be!

Home Remedies for Sore Throat

2008-11-08T06:17:00.000-08:00

Sore Throat Home Remedies

Warm milk with one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of honey added to it. Then drink it while it is still very warm. This will coat your throat making it feel better, and the heat will make swelling go down. This is not only effective but also very tasty.

Take regular size shot glass, fill half full of vinegar, half honey, and 1/2 teaspoonful of cayenne pepper. Warm it all up and swallow in one drink. In minutes your sore throat will start to feel better.

Gargle

Boil water and add some smashed ginger, powered cinnamon and cloves. Add two spoons of honey to it and sip it slowly. Tie a scarf around the throat also. It will give you relief very quickly.

Soak 3 tbsp of freshly grated ginger in a pint of hot water for 5-8 minutes. Strain and drink before bedtime. Add lemon juice if sore throat is accompanied by chesty cough. Drinking the ginger infusion throughout the day and at bedtime for 1-2 days will give relief to your sore throat. You will see a noticeable difference after the first cup. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral painkiller and mild sedative. Lemon reduces the production of mucus so is helpful for the cough.

Gargle every hour with vinegar water or salt water.

Gargle with cayenne pepper and water mixture: 1/2 - 2 tsp. cayenne per glass of water, as strong as you can stand. Repeat as necessary, multiple times a day. Numbs and relieves sore throats.

Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of warm water. Gargle and swallow each mouthful till gone. Repeat as necessary.

For Sore Throat:
get a small Dixie cup
pour cultured buttermilk in the cup
slowly swish and gargle it in your mouth, slowly drink a small cup of it every hour for a day and sore throat will be gone within the next day...its gives the throat a coating…

Drink marjoram tea with a little lemon and honey to relieve throat pain and reduce coughing.

Drink Aloe Vera juice twice a day to aid the healing process.

Gargle with salt water, bayberry, bistort, cayenne, eucalyptus, fenugreek, horehound, liquorice, lobelia, myrrh, peppermint, red sage, spearmint, wintergreen, witch hazel, or yarrow tea. Any of the above is beneficial…

Lemonade with fresh lemons will help soothe a sore throat.

Place a warm cloth on the throat that has been soaked in cayenne extract, garlic oil, lobelia extract, salt water, comfrey or chickweed tea, help gives your throat relieve…

Did I mention to Gargle, Gargle, Gargle!

Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

2008-11-06T06:36:00.000-08:00

What is High Blood Pressure?

Also known as: Hypertension

According to the American Heart Association, nearly one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure. But nearly one-third of those people don't even know they have high blood pressure, because it's a silent disease. People can have high blood pressure for years without experiencing symptoms or knowing they even have it.

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
Prehypertension is systolic pressure that's between 120 to 139 or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89.
Stage 1 hypertension is systolic pressure between 140 to 159 or diastolic pressure between 90 and 99.
Stage 2 hypertension is systolic pressure higher than 160 or diastolic pressure of 100 or higher.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

High blood pressure usually doesn't cause any symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms associated with high blood pressure can include the following:

Dizziness or dizzy spells
Headache
Nosebleeds

Causes of High Blood Pressure

In most cases of high blood pressure, the American Heart Association says there is no one identifiable cause. It is usually a combination of factors, such as:

Stress. Stress can raise blood pressure.
Weight. The greater your body mass, the more pressure there is on your artery walls. That's because more blood is produced to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues in your body.
Age. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you get older.

Activity level. Lack of physical activity tends to increase heart rate, which forces your heart to work harder.
Tobacco use. Chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco can damage your artery walls.
Sodium intake. Excessive sodium in the diet can result in fluid retention and high blood pressure.
Potassium intake. Low potassium can result in elevated sodium in cells, because the two balance one another.
Alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake can, over time, increase the risk of heart disease.
Family history. High blood pressure often runs in families.

High blood pressure can also be caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, hormonal disorders, adrenal gland disease, and the use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, or herbs such as licorice.

Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Lifestyle changes and natural remedies may help to control high blood pressure, but your doctor may also recommend medication to lower high blood pressure. It is important to work with your doctor, because untreated high blood pressure may damage organs in the body and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, brain hemorrhage, kidney disease, and possible vision loss.

· Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

There is some evidence that the supplement CoQ10 may help to reduce high blood pressure.

· Garlic

Garlic supplement may be of clinical use in patients with mild high blood pressure.
Garlic supplements should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) similar to aspirin. Garlic may interact with many drugs and supplements such as the prescription of "blood-thinners" drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Trental (pentoxifylline), aspirin, vitamin E, gingko. It is usually recommended that people taking garlic stop in the weeks before and after any type of surgery.

· Hawthorn

Hawthorn is often used by traditional herbal practitioners for high blood pressure.

· Fish oil

Fish oil may have a modest effect on high blood pressure. Although fish oil supplements often contain both DHA (docohexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), there is some evidence that DHA is the ingredient that lowers high blood pressure.

· Folic acid

Folate is a B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.

· Diet

Changing your diet is an important part of lowering high blood pressure. The Dash diet has shown to help many people.

The DASH diet includes fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, beans and nuts. Sodium is limited to 2,400 mg per day.

Studies have found that the DASH diet can reduce high blood pressure within two weeks. These are the daily guidelines of the DASH diet:

2 to 3 servings of fats and oil
2 or less servings of meat, fish, or poultry
2 to 3 servings of low-fat or non-fat dairy
4 to 5 servings of vegetables
4 to 5 servings of fruit
4 to 5 servings per week of nuts, seeds, and dry beans
7 to 8 servings of grains
Less than 5 servings a week of sweets

Serving Sizes
1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta
1 slice bread (100% whole grain, whole wheat)
1 cup raw vegetables or fruit
1/2 cup cooked vegetables or fruit
8 oz. of milk
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 ounces cooked meat
3 ounces tofu

A related diet called the DASH-Sodium reduces sodium to 1,500 mg a day, which is approximately equal to 2/3 teaspoon from all sources. Patients following the DASH-Sodium diet had a significant reduction in high blood pressure.

· Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium

Calcium. Calcium supplementation appears to have a modest but statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, however better quality studies are needed.

Potassium. A meta-analysis of five trials indicated that potassium supplementation compared to a control resulted in a large but statistically non-significant reduction in systolic blood pressure.

Magnesium. In 12 randomized controlled trials, participants receiving magnesium supplements did not have a significantly reduction in systolic blood pressure, but they did have a statistically significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure.

· Mind-Body Interventions

Mind-body interventions, particularly autogenic training, biofeedback, and yoga, have been found to modestly reduce high blood pressure.

Autogenic Training
Autogenic training is a technique used for stress reduction and relaxation. It involves a series of sessions in which people learn how to control breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. It requires regular practice.

Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a technique in which people learn how to gain control over internal body processes that normally occur involuntarily, such as blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature.

Biofeedback is primarily used for high blood pressure, migraine, tension headache, chronic pain, and urinary incontinence.

Thermal feedback (which measures skin temperature) and electro dermal activity feedback (which uses a probe that responds to your sweat) may be more effective than direct blood pressure feedback or electromyography (EMG), which measures muscle tension.

Yoga
Preliminary studies have found that yoga may lower blood pressure.

· Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is an important part of the natural approach to lower high blood pressure..

People with high blood pressure should speak with their doctor first before embarking on a new exercise program.

· Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda, is a traditional medicine of India, high blood pressure is treated according to each person’s dosha, or constitutional type.

The pitta type may have a flushed face, red eyes, headaches, light sensitivity, irritability, and nosebleeds.

The kapha type may have excess weight, water retention, high cholesterol, sluggishness.

The vata type may feel cold, has gas, bloating, or constipation, insomnia, or nervousness, worry, or anxiety.

· Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine finds that high blood pressure is often attributed to a problem with the circulation of vital energy (qi) in the body. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that depression, anger, obesity, and high intake of fatty foods are some of the causative factors.

A combination of acupuncture and herbs is often recommended. Foods thought to have medicinal properties that may help high blood pressure include but not limited to; water chestnut, turnip, honey, Chinese celery, hawthorn berries, and mung beans.

Your emotions also play a role in our health.

· Herbs and Supplements to Avoid

Herbs that have been found or suspected to cause high blood pressure include the following:
Licorice
Ephedra
Asian Ginseng
Rosemary essential oil

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be

Facial Aspirin Recipe

2008-11-02T03:36:00.000-08:00

Basic Facial Aspirin Recipe

5 to 10 of plain aspirin- (cheap generic is fine)
Crush aspirin tablets into a fine powder- (a coffee grinder works well if you are making a large batch)
Mix in your favorite fruit acid, squeezing the juice from a lemon, lime, or orange.
To use as an aspirin scrub make a thick paste using only a few teaspoons of the fruit juice.
To make an aspirin toner use a least 1/3 cup of fruit juice an make a thin solution that you can saturate a cotton ball with an apply.

Experiment by adding 3 to 5 crushed aspirin tablets to their favorite skin care recipe for the added rejuvenation potential.

Different skin types should tailor the aspirin recipe to meet their particular skin care needs. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types to add a teaspoon of honey or Aloe Vera pulp to the basic aspirin facial recipe.

A dairy product such as yogurt, cream, or milk can be substituted for the fruit acid or used in combination with the basic aspirin facial recipe for oilier skin types.

This is truly some of the best recipes for facial rejuvenation.

Natural Weight Loss

2008-10-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

1.) Listen to your body. Stop eating when you feel satisfied.

2.) Eat smaller portions. You will in time become full eating less food. This will help you to become smaller. Remember, eating large portions will make you larger.

3.) Drink plenty of water.

4.) Avoid high calorie drinks!

5.) Avoid foods with a high fat content.

6.) Eat a slice of 100% Whole Grain Whole Wheat Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil before your meal. The bread will help fill you up and the oil will brake down the food for quicker processing of the body.

7.) Take your time.

8.) Include green vegetables and fruit into every meal. Fruits and vegetables help the body to heal, as well as become healthy and thin.

9.) Exercise every day. Choose an activity that you enjoy and make it your daily routine. Exercise does not have to be hard; it can be easy and gentle to your body. Exercise helps your metabolism to work properly in the process of burning fat during and after. It also improves mental health and well being.

10.) Set mental goals to lose weight. Pick easy goals, baby steps that will help you to feel good and positive about weight loss.

11.) Visualize yourself thin. This can be very powerful and motivating. Remind yourself daily with positive affirmations that you will lose the weight, day by day, step by step. The mind believes what you teach it.

WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT LOSING MONEY

Chemical energy is stored in chemical bonds, and there are a lot of chemical bonds in fat. So, if you are overweight, you contain a lot of stored energy.

1.) The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you take in. This means either eat fewer calories, or exercise more. Do both!

2.) It is not how much you eat that puts on the pounds, but what you eat a lot of. You cannot get fat on a mostly raw food diet. This means you can eat all of the raw veggies, sprouts, salads and fruits that you want. You don’t need to be hungry while losing weight.

3.) An easy way to lose weight even if you don't want to become a raw food vegetarian is to become a regular vegetarian. Meat contains fat, and even lean meat is over 10% saturated fat. Drop meat, and you drop weight or try eating more fish and or skinless chicken, but not fried!

4.) Another easy way to slim down: skip desserts. Doing so could result in a one-pound-a-week weight loss. Remember that it means 10 pounds off in 2 1/2 months; over 50 pounds in a year. End your meal with fruit. Yes, they do contain sugar, but no fat. Just try eating two handfuls of raisins or dates.

5.) Sweeten with honey or molasses. Again, these are sugar sources but healthier for you.

6.) Want to control your appetite without even giving up dessert? Eat dessert first. If you eat a bit of sweet food about 15 minutes before your meal you will eat less at the meal. This is at least partly because appetite is linked to blood sugar levels. Do you remember what your mother said? "Don't eat that candy now; it will spoil your appetite." Very true!

7.) Yoga stretches are one of the best forms of exercise to do. Learn some basic yoga.

8.) Did you know that a mile of walking burns just as many calories as a mile of running? And the walking is easier on your knees and ankles. Get out and walk daily.

9.) Good weight loss need only be one, perhaps two, pounds per week. Crash diets often crash right back, with weight gained back almost as quickly as it was shed. Take your time.

10.) The ultimate weight loss plan is vegetable juice fasting. It is nourishing, safe, and feels great. As with any weight loss diet, vegetable juice fasting results in permanent weight reduction only when combined with regular exercise. Exercise seems to reset the appetite at a lower point.

11.) Remember that if you walk away from all of this at some point, you have not failed. You only fail by not coming back. We're in no hurry. Nature has been patient with us for years.

There is no trick to losing weight. It is simply a matter of deciding to, knowing how, and following through. The side benefits are tremendous: more energy, better self-image, and a longer, healthier life.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Natural Cure for Acne

2008-10-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

Acne is caused by over-production of sebum. Sebum blocks pores. A variety of factors can lead to production of excess sebum including: fluctuating hormones, stress, medications, tight fitting clothing and genetics. Over the counter and prescription products can treat acne, But, those products may also come with a list of warnings and side effects. You can treat acne naturally with significant results. Natural remedies are much safer for your health and the environment.

Step1
Zinc. People with acne tend to be zinc deficient. Eating foods naturally rich in zinc, such as beef, chicken, yogurt, many nuts and beans will boost your zinc level. Zinc supplements also works well.

Step2
Omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids give the skin healing power. Omega-3 helps to clear up acne by thinning the sebum that clogs the pores. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fish and fish oils and vegetable oils. Salmon and flaxseed oils are known for boosting Omega-3. Flaxseed oil is highly recommended.

Step3
Tea Tree Oil. Apply tea tree oil to the area several times each day. Some research indicates that tea tree oil is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, the number one over-the-counter acne treatment. This works well.

Step4
Chasteberry Tea. Women who have acne flares up during their menstrual cycle, chasteberry tea is the recommended treatment. It has been shown, in studies, that chasteberry tea helps regulate female hormones. One cup per day is plenty. It is important that you don’t over-do this remedy. Drinking excessive amounts of the tea may worsen your acne.

Step5
Sugar. Cut the sugar out of your diet. Replaced the sugar in your diet with honey or molasses. Believe it or not, refined sugar is processed to remove the nutrients. The bi-product is molasses, which retains all the nutrition lost in the processing. If you must eat sugar, eat brown unrefined sugar and cut back when your acne flares up. Artificial sweeteners come with a variety of warnings and health risks. Splenda does not currently contain warning labels, but it is highly processed and refined and simply not what nature intended. You may also try stevia.

Step6
Vinegar, Lemon Juice and Aloe. Each of these may be used with positive results on acne. The vinegar and lemon juice work to clean your pours. The aloe works to heal skin damage. Studies have shown that treating the sores with aloe will reduce scars and speed healing. Aloe is very beneficial.

These are only a few natural remedies for treating Acne.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Olive Oil Speculation

2008-10-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Everything you need to know to choose the healthiest, tastiest oil

By Sylvia Geiger, M.S., R.D. & Carolyn Malcoun, EatingWell.com

There are lots of good reasons to stock your pantry with olive oil. Long the most commonly used oil in the Mediterranean (as much as 25 to 40 percent of calories consumed in this region come from olive oil), extra-virgin olive oil’s healthful properties come from rich levels of monounsaturated fat, which promote “good” cholesterol, as well as abundant polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that may help prevent cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure.

But when confronted with dozens of olive oils at the grocery store, labeled with terms like “cold-pressed” and “unfiltered” on their labels—and priced from $5 to $50, what’s a quality-minded, health-conscious grocery shopper to do?

What the Labels Mean

• Extra-virgin and virgin olive oils are processed by crushing olives into a mash, which is pressed to extract the oil (this is called the first press) without the use of heat (called cold pressing). Extra-virgin oils are of higher quality, as the olives used to make them are processed within 24 hours of picking—the longer olives go between picking and processing, the higher their free fatty acid content (extra-virgin olive oil can have up to 0.8 percent, virgin oils 2 percent). Extra-virgin oils also have more polyphenols than virgin oils.

• Oils can be filtered—or not. Unfiltered oils have tiny particles of olive flesh in them, which reduces shelf life, and may appear cloudy if those particles haven’t settled at the bottom of the bottle.

• Pure olive oil or simply olive oil are below extra-virgin and virgin standards and are heavily processed to remove off flavors and aromas. Though the oil still is a source of monounsaturated fat, its been stripped of healthful polyphenols.

• “Light,” “lite” and “extra-light” are purely marketing terms used on highly refined oils that refer to mild flavor and/or color, not reduced calorie content.

• “Product of Italy” means the oil was processed in Italy, not necessarily that the olives were grown there.

• You can find oils that use solely Italian olives—or olives from Greece or California. Often made from olives from single estates or particular growing regions, these high-quality artisan oils have more distinct flavors—and are more expensive. When seeking out these oils, look for seals and designations as helpful indications of quality. Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (DOP) in Italy, Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in France and Denomination of Origin (DOP) throughout the European Union (EU) identify products produced, processed and prepared in regions known for expertise in that particular product. The California Olive Oil Council (COOC) and International Olive Council (IOC) certify and give their mark to quality extra-virgin olives oils, from California and the EU respectively, based on taste and quality.

General Shopping Tips

• Light exposure causes the oil to become rancid and lose its healthful properties—buy extra-virgin olive oil in dark glass bottles and metal cans and store it in a cool, dark place.

• Bottling and/or expiration dates provide guidance on how long the oil will keep.

• If you don’t use extra-virgin olive oil regularly, buy small bottles—polyphenols and flavor can diminish as the oil is exposed to air.

• The color of the oil doesn’t indicate its quality—rather the variety and ripeness of olives used to make it.

What We Like at EatingWell

In the EatingWell Test Kitchen, we like to use extra-virgin olive oil for both its healthful properties (we often use it to replace butter or other fats) and its flavor. Consider keeping two types on hand: a less expensive variety for cooking and an artisanal oil for dipping. We recently held a blind tasting of 10 different inexpensive oils. Four of the six tasters preferred Spectrum Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil ($11/12.7 oz.) for its fruity olive flavor and well-balanced finish. We also tried a variety of artisanal oils. Comments on the flavors and aromas of the artisanal oils ran the gamut from “grassy, green and bitter” to “buttery with a green-apple finish.” There were two that we liked best. L’Estornell Organic Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($33/25.3 oz.) is a well-balanced oil made from Arbequina olives, the variety used to make most oils from California and Northeast Spain. A lovely single-estate oil from Tuscany, Altomena Extra-Virgin Olive Oil ($18/8.45 oz.) is grassy and peppery with loads of olive flavor.

The Smoke Point Controversy

You might have heard that you can’t cook with extra-virgin olive oil because it breaks down when heated, creating harmful substances and destroying its beneficial properties. But all oils break down when they are heated to their smoke point or reheated repeatedly. However, an oil’s smoke point is really a temperature range (olive oil’s is between 365-420°F), not an absolute number because many factors affect the chemical properties of oil. You can safely and healthfully cook with any oil by not heating it until it’s smoking—to get your oil hot enough to cook with, just heat it until it shimmers.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Natural Backache Cures

2008-10-18T06:47:00.000-07:00

Backache Cure:

Back pain is one of the most common ailments of mankind.

Ever since human beings stood upright they have been having trouble with their backs. In fact, experts estimate that roughly 80 percent of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and slightly more men suffer from it than women.

What Causes Backache?

Weak abdominal and back muscles
Poor posture
Prolonged sitting, standing or stooping in one position, Sudden vigorous jerking or twisting of the trunk
Menstrual pain indirectly causing backache in women

What You Can Do to get relief from backaches?

When standing:

For prolonged standing in one position, raise one foot on a platform or stool.

When sitting:

Put a cushion in the hollow of your back if your chair has poor back support.

When sleeping:

Sleep on a firm mattress.
Avoid sleeping face down.
Sleep lying on your back or on your side with one knee slightly bent.

Change the activity that causes the pain
If you have to sit, stand or stoop for long periods, change your position occasionally.
Lift heavy loads the proper way. Keep your knees bent and your back straight. Hold the load close to your body and straighten your knees as you lift the load.

Lessen the pain with rest, massage or medication

Rest in bed to allow the injured muscle to heal.
Place a hot towel over the aching area for 15 to 30 minutes. Take care not to scald yourself.
Gently massage the aching area.
Take a painkiller like aspirin (adults only) or paracetamol.

Exercises to strengthen abdominal and back muscle

Do these exercises daily, 10 times each. Increase the number of times as your strength increases. Stop if the exercise causes pain.

Step 1 Lie on your back with your knees bent. Press your back against the floor by contracting your abdominal muscles. Hold for 5 counts and relax.
Step 2 Lie on your back with knees bent. Raise your head and shoulders as far as you can. Hold for 5 counts and relax.
Step 3 Lie on your front. Lift your right leg as far as possible, keeping your knee straight. Hold for 5 counts and relax. Do this 5 times for each leg.

When to see a doctor for backache:
Go to your family doctor or a government clinic:

If the pain doesn’t go away.
If diffuse backache is associated with a back that “locks” when you try to stand up after stooping.
If the pain shoots from the back down one leg.
If backache is associated with bloodstained or foul-smelling urine.

Go for an examination to the nearest hospital if:

If back pain follows a fall or blow of the spine.
If severe back pain shoots down one or both legs and is accompanied by muscle weakness or bladder and bowel incontinence.

Courtesy: Health Promotion Board and http://www.indianchild.com/backache.htm

Home Remedy for Backache:
A dose of powdered Sonth, Meetha soda and Namak ( salt), if consumed with hot milk or water, redresses backache.

Reposted: http://allnaturalways.com/natural-backache-cures/

Benifits of Almonds

2008-10-18T06:43:00.001-07:00

Remember, eat only raw, uncooked and unsalted Almonds. Once they have been roasted the properties of the nut have been cooked out, they may taste better, but are not as beneficial!

Heart Smart: Nine different studies over the last thirteen years have shown that almonds can lower cholesterol as part of a diet low in saturated fat. These studies were an integral part of the data submitted to the FDA for the first authorized qualified health claim: “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.” And, because people love to eat almonds, almonds are an ideal way for cholesterol-conscious patients to maintain healthy numbers. Of the 14 grams of fat found in one ounce of almonds, nine grams are monounsaturated. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that the majority of fat intake be monounsaturated.

A one-ounce serving of almonds contains a similar amount of total polyphenols as one cup of green tea and 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli.

Nutrient Rich: A one-ounce serving of almonds (about 23 almonds) is an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium and manganese, and a good source of fiber, copper, riboflavin, and phosphorus. Not to mention, every ounce has 6 grams of protein, and 12 grams of heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

Antioxidant Source: Almonds are one of the leading food sources of alpha-tocopherol vitamin E. Alpha-tocopherol is the kind of vitamin E the human body absorbs best. Data shows that most Americans get only half of their recommended vitamin E per day and almonds are the ideal way to close that gap. So eat up!

Satisfying: Almonds may also help to stave off hunger .Making almonds a good fit with many popular weight loss programs. Protein, fiber and monounsaturated fat found in foods, such as almonds, help to make meals more satisfying. Further, almonds offer great taste and crunch.

Almonds are packed with protein and help to prevent diseases such as gallstones, type 1 diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, cholesterol and aid weight loss. They are a good source of manganese, copper and vitamin B2 which help to fight against the health damaging free radicals and increase oxygen-based energy production which promotes the antioxidant molecule, glutathione. The flavonoids in the skin of the almonds, together with the vitamin E which is in the flesh of the nut, make almonds when eaten with the skin on, an extremely powerful antioxidant food.

Nutrients

Calcium
Dietary fiber
Folic acid
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Tryptophan
Vitamin E
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3
Zinc

Benefits

Good source of protein and minerals especially for vegetarians
Contains the anti-cancer agent leatril
Very alkaline
Excellent source of vitamin E and B vitamins thiamine and niacin

A handful of almonds well help rid you of headaches!

Honey and Cinnamon Natural Cures

2008-10-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Honey and Cinnamon:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, preferably 100% whole grain wheat bread, instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.

Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as age the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalizes the arteries and veins.

INSECT BITES: Take one part honey to two parts of lukewarm water and add a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder, make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body slowly. It is noticed that the pain recedes within a minute or two.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.

In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week out of the 200 people so treated practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

TOOTHACHE: Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied 3 times a day till the tooth stops aching.

HAIR LOSS: Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair. It was found to be effective even if kept on for 5 minutes.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder
mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to
reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, any Chronic cholesterol is cured. As per information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.

GAS: According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

INFERTILITY: Yunani and Ayurvedic Medicine have been using honey for thousands of years to strengthen the semen of men. If impotent men regularly take two tablespoon of honey before going to sleep, their problem will be solved.

In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women, who do not conceive and need to strengthen the uterus, have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Women who
cannot conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey
and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.

A couple in Maryland, USA, had no children for 14 years and had lost hope of having a child of their own. When told about this process, husband and wife started taking honey and cinnamon as stated above; the wife conceived after a few months and had twins at full term.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomachache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age.

Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of Honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water. So their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts, are more alert and flexible.

Dr. Milton who has done research says that a half tablespoon honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3.00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder taken in equal parts restore hearing.

*NOTE: The honey used needs to be REAL RAW UNPASTEURIZED HONEY. If it says PURE honey it is most likely pasteurized. It is best to only buy honey that says RAW or UNPASTEURIZED on the label. The difference is that the enzymes are all heated out of the pasteurized honey.

Cinnamon and Honey formula for weight loss:

This should be prepared at night before going to bed.

Use 1 part cinnamon to 2 parts raw honey. 1/2 tsp cinnamon to 1 tsp honey is recommended but can use more or less as long as in the ratio of 1 to 2. — so 1 tsp cinnamon to 2 tsp raw honey is ok too as an example.
Boil 1 cup…that is 8 oz of water.
Pour water over cinnamon and cover and let it steep for 1/2 hour..(30 minutes)
Add honey now that it has cooled. Never add honey when it is hot as the heat will destroy the enzymes and other nutrients in the raw honey.
Drink 1/2 of this directly before going to bed. The other 1/2 should be covered and refrigerated.
In the morning drink the other half that you refrigerated…but do not re-heat it…drink it cold or at room temp only.

Do not add anything else to this recipe. No lemon, no lime, no vinegar. It is not necessary to drink it more time in a day…it is only effective on an empty stomach and primarily at night.

This works for most people. Inches are lost before any measurement on the scales. This program will cause significant inches lost…but you will reach a plateau and may not lose anymore. This is because the cinnamon and honey cause a cleansing effect in the digestive tract and cleans out parasites and other fungus and bacteria that slow down the digestion…causing a toxic build up. (Lowers pH) Once this is all cleaned out then you will most likely have the weight loss slow down.

Other side effects from a cleansing can occur because of toxins being released…if this occurs, cut back on how much you use or take a break.

Additionally people report increased energy, more sex drive, and feeling happier/mood enhancer.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Benefits of Red Clover Tea

2008-10-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

Red Clover Tea Infusion/Benefits of Red Clover Tea

Parts Used: Flowers

RED CLOVER TEA RECIPE:

Put 1 cup dried red clover into a quart mason jar. (Fresh herbs need to be simmered gently right in the water for a few minutes to break down cell walls. Dried herbs have brittle cell walls)
Bring 1 quart water to boiling.
Pour water over herbs and fill to top of jar.
Cover or put a lid on the jar, lid works best. (Some herbs have volatile oils that easily evaporate into thin air if not covered)
Let steep at least 8 hours or overnight. (Long steeping allows the water time to dissolve and do its work, increasing the potency of the tea) I let mine sit overnight.
Strain and drink. (Usually, I tend to strain as needed, leaving the herbs in the infusion to continue steeping until the tea is gone)
Store in refrigerator, if you don’t finish it the first dayJ

Drink tonic infusions cold, but you can warm it up.

I don’t usually sweeten tonic infusions, but you could add honey while it’s still hot if you prefer to drink it sweet.

This is only one of many ways to make Red Clover Tea, but for me the BEST way!

About Red Clover:

This herb is a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. It is also considered to be one of the richest sources of isoflavones.

In folk medicine, it has been used to promote lymph flow and support immune system function. It is said to provide a mild sedative effect that can relax and relieve muscle cramping and nervousness.

Red clover is also known as a blood purifier, useful for improving the overall health of the liver. It may also act as a digestive aid and stimulator of digestive fluids and bile production.

Red clover helps with muscle relaxation and also is a good expectorant.

Traditionally, the blossoms were used as a tonic taken in the spring to promote good health and peace of mind.

Other common uses of

Red clover in herbal medicine include blood purification, alterative, antineoplastic, skin ailments, wounds; antispasmodic, bronchitis, coughs and much more.

You can harvest the flowers in mid-summer and dry them for use in infusions, tinctures, etc.

Parts Used: Flowers

Red clover contains isoflavones which have shown to be useful in helping to alleviate the symptoms of female menopause.

It is also used to promote general prostate health and normal urinary tract function in males, and to support normal cholesterol levels.

Susun Weed lists Red Clover as the single most useful herb in establishing fertility. This herb’s high vitamin content is very valuable to the uterus and its high protein content benefits the whole body. It’s also quite high in calcium & magnesium which relax the nervous system and help promote fertility. This herb also contains nearly every trace mineral needed by the glands. Daily use can help balance hormonal functioning.

Red clover has been used for centuries. The NCI researched the herb and found four anti-tumor compounds in it. Red clover has been cultivated since ancient times, mostly to provide a favorite grazing food for animals. But, like many other herbs, red clover was also a valued medicine. Although it has been used for many purposes worldwide, the one condition most consistently associated with red clover is CANCER..

Chinese physicians and Russian folk healers also used it to treat respiratory problems. In the nineteenth century, red clover became popular among herbalists as an “alterative” or “blood purifier.” This refers to an ancient belief that toxins in the blood are the root cause of many illnesses. Cancer, eczema, and the eruptions of venereal disease were all seen as manifestations of toxic buildup.

Red clover was considered one of the best herbs to “purify” the blood. For this reason, it is included in many of the famous treatments for “cancer”.

Recently, special red clover extracts high in substances called isoflavones have arrived on the market. These isoflavones produce effects in the body somewhat similar to those of estrogen. The major isoflavones in red clover include genistein and daidzen, also found in soy, as well as formononetin and biochanin.

“The isoflavones isolated from red clover have been studied for their effectiveness in treating some forms of cancer. It is thought that the isoflavones prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and that they may even destroy cancer cells. Laboratory and animal studies have found that red clover isoflavones may protect against the growth of breast cancer cells. This is surprising because estrogens (and isoflavones have estrogenic
properties) have generally been thought to stimulate the growth of breast cancer in women.”

Red clover may be useful in treating prostate cancer:”A 66-year-old physician with prostate cancer took a concentrated phyto-estrogen based on red clover for just one week and thereby caused his tumor to regress. The patient had been diagnosed with a high PSA level (13.1 micrograms/liter) in March 1996 and a subsequent needle biopsy had confirmed the presence of a low grade adenocarcinoma. He was scheduled for a radical (suprapubic) prostatectomy and, on his own initiative, decided to take a daily dose of 160 mg of a phyto-estrogen product based on red clover (Promensil tablets - 4 X 40 mg/day) for the seven days preceding his operation. After the operation the biopsy tissue and the tumor tissue were compared. It was clear that the tumor tissue showed a high degree of apoptosis (cell death) resembling the effect of high- dose estrogen therapy and consistent with tumor regression.

Red Clover may be obtained in “pill” form from naturopath or health shops. However, purchase the loose dried flower buds for a more potent effect. Steep in hot water for 15 minutes or alternatively boil at low temperature in water, until water becomes dark crimson. Regular drinking of Red Clover bud tea is an anti cancer cure.

The surface is barely scratched here, so please do more research on Red Clover, because it’s properties are endless!

Enjoy your cup of Tea!

Natural Cures for Lupus

2008-10-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

Alternative Treatments, “Natural Cures for Lupus”
Modern Medicine does not consider there to be a cure for lupus, but many alternative practitioners report “cures” by eliminating causes and treating the body as a whole, the natural way, beginning with adjustments in diet and appropriate supplementation using natural remedies.

Herbs and supplements such as cat’s claw, black walnut, omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed oil are purported to lessen inflammation. Colloidal silver may be used as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti- arthritic remedy. Echinacea should be avoided, or used with caution. Be sure you are getting the proper amount for your condition by discussing these options with a professional health care provider. Note: “Natural” does not always mean “safe.” Medicinal herbs should be taken with caution, especially if you’re on prescription drugs. Talk to your doctor first before approaching the natural cure method.

It is also suggested that people with lupus eat frequent smaller meals and limit cow’s milk and beef products. Increase vegetables and consume fish several times a week (omega-3 fatty acids). Alfalfa sprouts or tablets which contain L-canavanine sulfate should be avoided, along with L-tryptophan which may produce substances in the body that may promote the autoimmune process. Adhere to a whole foods diet, eating more “natural” giving the body what it needs. You may also want to discuss a fasting program with your doctor as an avenue to establish a complete cleansing and remission, detoxification.

In addition to diet and supplements, you may want to consider acupuncture to help you with your lupus symptoms as this procedure is individualized towards each person’s unique profile and specific health conditions.

Since lupus can flare up during times of extreme stress, regular exercise and stress management are very important in maintaining a healthy life style.

As always, do consult your health care provider before trying the natural cure process for your lupus.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Natural Cure For Arthritis

2008-10-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a few natural cures for arthritis;

- Dissolve four teaspoons of black strap molasses in cranberry juice and drink one glass of it each and everyday.

- Drink barley tea to treat arthritis.

- Drink alfalfa tea twice a day, it will help you with arthritis.

- Take one or two tablespoons of fruit pectin with a glass of cranberry juice each and every morning.

- Mix two spoons of apple cider vinegar and two spoons of honey in a glass of water and take it two times a day.

- Massage Emu Oil for relief in arthritis and reduction of the inflammation to affected area.

- Two parts of pure olive oil mixed with one part of kerosene (a by product of petroleum) can be massaged to afflicted joints.

- Rubbing the joints with hot vinegar will give relief of pain, not to hot.

- Give yourself a hot water bath to the affected areas.

- Reduce or remove sugar, macaroni, pie, white flour, cake, sweet drinks from your diet.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Herbal Remedies For Acid Reflux

2008-10-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

- Aniseed, an ash-colored aniseed is very effective for acid reflux. A very powerful and effective herb in curing digestive conditions for your body.

- A tea of peppermint, lavender and anise, these herbal medicines may give you relief in your acid reflux. The acid amount is reduced in your stomach by drinking this herbal tea when needed.

The recipe for the herbal tea is- Boil two cups full of distilled water and pour it on a teaspoon of the mixture of these herbs. Allow the tea to set for three to five minutes than strain the tea. Honey can be added to make it sweeter .Now take 8 oz of it in the morning and 8 oz in the night daily to reduce your acid reflux. You can store the rest in a thermos.

- Peppermint is also an effective herbal medicine for curing stomach conditions. It also cures heart burns. It works effectually in areas like stomach distension, digestion, and cramps.

- Lavender is another effective herb found in nature, possessing several healing properties, which reduces acid in stomach and helps treat acid reflux.

- Add papaya in your diet for excellent digestion of protein as papaya enzymes make your digestive enzymes strong and healthy.

You may also add papaya to your body in the form of tablets.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Risky Herb-Drug Combos

2008-10-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

Herbal remedies can interact dangerously with medications. This table lists nine top-selling herbal supplements and some common drugs that may interact with them. If you take medication or have a chronic disease, consult with your doctor before using herbs. Note that some interactions are theoretical or based on test-tube or animal studies. Drugs may be available in additional brand names or as generics.

Click on link; feel free to print for your own personal reference:

risky-herb combos

This article first appeared in the January 2007 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.

http://www.allnaturalways.com

“What is Home Remedies?”

2008-10-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Home Remedies and Natural Cures or Alternative Medicines are made at home from natural ingredients such as fruits, vegetables and herbs are catching a lot of attention due to its very nature of cure: simple, no side effects, no chemicals, inexpensive, plus the pleasure of being able to cure yourself!

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

2008-10-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

What are Omega 3’s?

http://www.allnaturalways.com

Omega 3 are fatty acids that are essential to the body,
but the body cannot produce them, they have to be obtained
through food (or supplements, even though research shows
that Omega 3’s are better absorbed through food).
Also by the name polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA),
unlike their counterpart “enemy” fats…saturated,
these key acids play a vital role in brain function,
growth and they protect us from a wealth of health threats.

* Alzheimer’s disease
* Asthma
* Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
* Bipolar disorder
* Cancer
* Cardiovascular disease
* Depression
* Diabetes
* Eczema
* High blood pressure
* Huntington’s disease
* Lupus
* Migraine headaches
* Multiple sclerosis
* Obesity
* Osteoarthritis
* Osteoporosis
* Psoriasis
* Rheumatoid arthritis

Where are Omega 3’s?

Omega 3 acids are found in an assortment of foods and plants,
generally in a Mediterranean diet these foods are eaten daily!

Food Sources

* Broccoli (steamed)
* Brussel Sprouts (boiled)
* Cauliflower (steamed)
* Cloves (dried, ground)
* Cod (baked/broiled)
* Collard Greens (boiled)
* Flax Seeds
* Green Beans (boiled)
* Halibut (baked/broiled)
* Kale (boiled)
* Mustard Seeds
* Raspberries
* Romaine Lettuce
* Salmon (baked/broiled)
* Scallops (baked/broiled)
* Shrimp (steamed/boiled)
* Snapper (baked/broiled)
* Spinach (boiled)
* Summer squash
* Tofu
* Tuna
* Walnuts
* Winter Squash

Omega 3’s can also be obtained through Dietary Supplements.
These are generally found in soft gel vitamins
(like huge horsepills) or liquid form.
The most popular vitamin form of Omega 3’s
are fish oil supplements, while the most popular
liquid supplements are flaxseed oil and cod liver oil.

Omega 3 Classifications

The three most nutritionally important omega 3 fatty acids
that are ingested by food are
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA),
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA).

Dietary Sources of ALA

* Hemp seeds
* Flax seeds
* Soybeans
* Variety of dark green veggies
* Walnuts

Generally people consume more linolenic oils then
the Alpha linolenic oils.
The Linolenic in Alpha are generally found in healthy oils
such as -

* Canola oil
* Corn oil
* Safflower oil
* Sunflower oil

DHA and EPA are two most used types of fatty acids
by the body and once eaten, the body converts ALA to DHA and EPA.

Dietary Sources of DHA and EPA

* Coldwater Fish
o Halibut
o Herring
o Salmon
o Tuna
* Algae
* Krill
* Nut oils

More information!

Home Remedies for Stress

2008-10-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

How to Cure Stress with Natural Treatments

· Home Remedy for Stress:

Eat 3 tablespoons of honey everyday.
Drink a lot of carrot juice.
Eat garlic clove after every meal.
Drink 3 cups of fresh apple juice everyday.
Eat 5-6 plums on an empty stomach everyday.

* Put your feet in a tub with hot water, rosemary leaves, chlorine and some soap for 20 minutes then rub your feet.

* Get into a warm bath with a lot of salt and relax.

* Another Home Remedy for Stress: - Eat: Nuts, cheese and a spoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.

* Eat at least 5 bananas a day, Reduce to one in time.

* Eat a lot of pumpkin seeds.

* Make a wine drink as natural remedy:

· Grind Valerian root, add some carnation, grated orange peel and some rosemary.

· Put everything in a white dry bottle of wine.

· Leave in shade for 28 days.

· Drink 3 times a day.

* Blanch 5-7 rosemary leaves in a boiling cup of water, add honey, wait 3 minutes and drink.

* Warm avocado leaves and put them on forehead.

*Cook and eat: white rice with lily bulb, palm and tulip (add nothing more).

* Cook 3-4 tablespoons of oatmeal to 1 cup of rice milk or soy milk, boil and stir for a minute on law temperature. Can add nuts, almonds, dried fruits, maple syrup or honey.

* Blanch mint to make tea and drink.

* Natural Remedy for Stress: Stir 1 teaspoon of lavender leaves to a cup of boiling water, cool and drink 3 times daily.

* Cook 3/4 kg of spinach and eat daily to feel better.

These can also help you with Depression and Nervousness…

Check us out !

Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

2008-10-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

Flaxseed Oil Benefits:

A rich source of healing oil, flaxseed has been cultivated for more than 7000 years. First cultivated in Europe, the plant’s brown seeds were regularly used to prepare balms for inflamed skin and healing slurries for constipation. It is rich in essential fatty acids, or EFAs. Flaxseed oil is used to prevent and treat heart disease and to relieve a variety of inflammatory disorders and hormone-related problems, including infertility.

A source of fiber for linen fabric since ancient times, the slender flax plant also boasts a long history as a healing herb. Today, flaxseeds (also called linseeds) are best known for the therapeutic oil that is derived by pressing them. Flaxseed oil has earned a solid reputation for treating a range of ailments, from heart disease to lupus.

The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil are its key healing components. EFAs are particularly valuable because the body needs them to function properly, but can’t manufacture them on its own. Essential fatty acids work throughout the body to protect cell membranes, keeping them efficient at admitting healthy substances while barring damaging ones.

One of the EFAs in flaxseed oil, alpha-linolenic acid, is known as an omega-3 fatty acid. Like the omega-3s found in fish, it appears to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3s: Just 1 teaspoon contains about 2.5 grams, equivalent to more than twice the amount most people get in their diets. Flaxseeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids in the form of linoleic acid; omega-6s are the same healthy fats found in vegetable oils.

In addition, flaxseeds are a rich source of lignans, substances that appear to positively affect hormone-related problems. Lignans may also be useful in preventing certain cancers and combating specific bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including cold sores and shingles.

Flaxseed oil may help to:

Counter inflammation associated with gout, lupus and fibrocystic breasts: Omega-3 fatty acids appear to limit the inflammatory reaction associated with these conditions. In cases of lupus, flaxseed oil not only reduces inflammation in the joints, skin and kidneys, but also lowers cholesterol levels that may be elevated by the disease. Taking flaxseed oil for gout may lessen the often sudden and severe joint pain or swelling that is a symptom of this condition.

Lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure: Several studies indicate that flaxseed oil, as well as ground flaxseeds, can lower cholesterol, thereby significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. Taking flaxseed oil may also protect against angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure. In addition, a five-year study done recently at Boston’s Simmons College found that flaxseed oil may be useful in preventing a second heart attack. It may also help prevent elevated blood pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause artery-hardening plaque and poor circulation.

Control constipation, haemorrhoids, diverticular disorders and gallstones: Because they are high in dietary fiber, ground flaxseeds can help ease the passage of stools and thus relieve constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. In those with diverticular disease, flaxseeds may also keep intestinal pouches free of waste and thus keep potential infection at bay. Taken for inflammatory bowel disease, flaxseed oil can help to calm inflammation and repair any intestinal tract damage. In addition, the oil may prevent painful gallstones from developing and even dissolve existing stones.

Reduce cancer risk and guard against the effects of ageing: The lignans in flaxseed oil appear to play a role in protecting against breast, colon, prostate, and perhaps skin cancer. Although more studies are needed, research undertaken at the University of Toronto indicates that women with breast cancer, regardless of the degree of cancer invasiveness, may benefit from treatment with flaxseed oil. Interestingly, the oil’s lignans may protect against various effects of ageing as well.

Treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea: The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil are largely responsible for its skin-healing powers. Red, itchy patches of eczema, psoriasis and rosacea often respond to the EFA’s anti-inflammatory actions and overall skin-soothing properties. Sunburned skin may heal faster when treated with the oil as well. In cases of acne, the EFAs in flaxseed oil encourage thinning of the oily sebum that clogs pores.

Fight prostate problems, male infertility and impotence: The EFAs in flaxseed oil may help to prevent swelling and inflammation of the prostate, the small gland located below the bladder in males that tends to enlarge with age. Symptoms of such enlargement, such as urgency to urinate, may lessen as a result. The EFAs also play a role in keeping sperm healthy, which may be of value in treating male infertility, and they can improve blood flow to the penis.

Promote healthy hair and nails: The abundant omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to contribute to healthy hair growth. Hair problems exacerbated by psoriasis or eczema of the scalp may respond to the skin-revitalizing and anti-inflammatory actions of flaxseed oil as well. Similarly, the oil’s EFAs work to nourish dry or brittle nails, stopping them from cracking or splitting.

Minimize nerve damage that causes numbness and tingling as well as other disorders: Flaxseed oil also assist in the transmission of nerve impulses, making the oil potentially valuable in treating conditions of numbness and tingling. The oil’s nerve-nourishing actions may also help in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disorder of the nervous system, and protect against the nerve damage associated with diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility and endometriosis: Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens in flaxseed oil help stabilize a woman’s estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle, and relieve the hot flashes of premenopausal and menopause. Flaxseed oil may also improve uterine function and thus treat fertility problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to block production of prostaglandins, hormone like substances that, when released in excess amounts during menstruation, can cause the heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis.

Notes:

Flaxseed oil is also called linseed oil. The industrial types of linseed oil found in hardware stores are not for internal consumption. They contain poisonous additives.

Women with hormone-dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or cancers of the breast, ovaries, or uterus and men with prostate cancer should avoid taking flaxseed products without prior consultation with a doctor.

Do not take if pregnant or breast-feeding. Due to lack of information it is advisable to avoid giving flaxseed oil to children under the age of 12.

Side effects associated with taking flaxseed are gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea, gas, nausea, and stomach pain. Allergic reactions have been reported by individuals who took flaxseed or flaxseed oil.

Flaxseed can block the esophagus or parts of the intestinal tract. Therefore individuals who have had esophageal or intestinal blockages should not use flaxseed.

In case studies, flaxseed oil has been reported to increase the time blood needs to clot. When it is taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding. Antiplatelets include Plavix and Ticlid. Anticoagulants include aspirin, heparin and warfarin. Avoid taking with Danshen, Devil’s Claw, Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Horse Chestnut, Papain, Red Clover or Saw Palmetto. Always consult your doctor.

If you take flaxseed, do not take other drugs within 2 hours, as always; Consult your doctor if you are on other medications!

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

“Natural Cures for Diabetes”

2008-10-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

What is Diabetes?

In the simplest terms, diabetes mellitus (commonly referred to as just “diabetes”) is a blood sugar disease in which your body either does not produce or does not properly utilize insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Because diabetics have a problem with insulin, their body’s can’t use glucose (blood sugar) for energy, which results in elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) and the eventual urination of sugar out of their bodies. As a result a diabetic can literally starve themselves to death.

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 (”insulin-dependent” and previously called “juvenile diabetes”). Type 1 diabetes is associated with a malfunctioning pancreas which does not produce adequate amounts of insulin. It develops most often in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes is traditionally treated with insulin.
Type 2 (”noninsulin-dependent” or sometimes called “adult-onset diabetes”). Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistant cells. It is much more common and usually develops in older adults. Type 2 diabetes is now being found at younger ages and is even being diagnosed among children and teens.
Gestational (pregnancy-related). Some women develop diabetes during pregnancy usually toward the end of pregnancy. It affects approximately 3 to 5 percent of all pregnant women. Although it goes away after pregnancy, these women have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in their lives.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Millions of people have diabetes and don’t even know it because the symptoms develop so gradually, people often don’t recognize them. Some people, particularly pre-diabetics, have no symptoms at all. Diabetics may have SOME or NONE of the following symptoms:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Sudden vision changes
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Poor circulation
Poor sleep
Feeling very tired much of the time
Irritability
Very dry skin
Sores that are slow to heal
More infections than usual

Natural Methods of Treating Diabetes:

“Natural Cures for Diabetes”

1. Juice that Heal: Juices of Rose apple, Tomato, Cucumber, Lemon, Bitter gourd, Carrot, Spinach, Cabbage and French bean can be helpful.

2. Food that Heal: The bitter gourd is specifically used as a folk medicine for diabetes. Bitter gourd being rich in all the essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, B1, B2, C and iron, is beneficial for usually undernourished diabetics. It increases body’s resistance against infection. Lettuce, Soybeans and Tomato are also beneficial. Experiments have shown that the intake of water extract of Bengal gram enhances the utilization of glucose in both the diabetic and the normal person. Germinated black gram taken with half a cupful of fresh bitter gourd juice and a teaspoonful of honey is highly beneficial in the treatment of milder type of diabetes. Eating a handful of groundnuts daily will not only prevent malnutrition, particularly the deficiency, but also checks the developments of vascular complication.

3. Herbs that Heal: Eating 10 fresh fully grown curry leaves every morning for three months is said to prevent diabetes due to heredity factors. It also cures diabetes due to obesity, as the leaves have weight reducing properties. As the weight drops, the diabetic patients stop passing sugar in urine. 2 teaspoons of powdered fenugreek seeds taken daily in broth or milk is also good. They can even be swallowed whole. As an alternative, they may be soaked in a cup of water at night and the water is taken in the morning… Garlic or its constituents have been found useful to lower the blood sugar by the scientific experiments done by scientists. Garlic constituents appear to act by the blocking the inactivation of insulin in the liver. The result is higher blood insulin levels and lower blood sugar.

4. Bach Flower remedies: Olive, Honeysuckle, willow.

5. Ancient Remedies: One tablespoon of neem leaf juice taken every morning or empty stomach controls diabetes. It can be prevented even by eating 8 to 10 neem leaves daily. Bael leaves have the property of activating pancreas. If 12 bael leaves are chewed daily, your pancreas will be able to produce enough insulin. Diabetics can get a lot of relief by taking everyday half a teaspoon of pure turmeric powder mixed with honey. Make a paste/drink of a handful of leucas leaves mixed with 4 or 5 pepper corns and swallowing the paste daily in the morning for a period of 7 to 8 weeks.

6. Magnet Therapy: The north and the south poles of strong magnets should be placed side by side on the middle of the back for 30-45 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. (Preferably an hour after meals or breakfast)

The right palm (or sole) and the left palm (or sole) should be placed on the south and the north poles respectively, of strong magnets for 15-20 minutes, once or twice a day.

The north pole of a small magnet should be stuck on the leg-four fingers below the lower margin of the round knee bone.

Magnetized water should be taken 4 to 5 times a day.

7. Acupressure: To control diabetes, it is necessary to give treatment on point no. 25 of pancreas and point no. 16 of lymph gland along with treatment on all the endocrine glands.

8. Yogasanas: Yogic asana such as Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Paschimottasana, Sarvangasana, and Halasana will be beneficial. Even allopathic doctors are doing research on the effect of asana and are prescribing them for the patients.

9. Pranic Healing: The ajna chakra controls the endocrine system. The solar plexus chakra controls and energies and pancreas. Pancreatic diabetes could be due to insulin deficiency or the inability of the body to make use of insulin. The solar plexus chakra is usually congested. In general, the pancreas is slightly inflamed. The liver and kidneys are partially affected. The ajna, navel and basic chakras are also partially affected. Scan the patient, and then rescan during the Pranic treatment. Apply general sweeping twice. Apply localized sweeping thoroughly on the front and back solar plexus chakras, the liver and pancreas. Energize the back solar plexus chakra and the pancreas. Apply localized sweeping thoroughly on the ajna chakra and the pancreas. Apply localized sweeping thoroughly on the meng mein chakra and the kidneys. Apply localized sweeping on the front and back heart chakras and energize the back heart chakra. Apply localized sweeping on the throat chakra, forehead chakra, crown chakra and balanced minor chakras. Energize and utilize and release the projected Pranic energy. Repeat treatment twice a week. With advance healing techniques many diabetics are able to cure the disease within three months. Pranic healing is a sure and definite remedy for Diabetes.

10. Gems that Heal: Citrine Quartz through its higher shades of golden color is especially beneficial to the endocrine and digestive systems. Its healing influence is of great value for diabetes. Gem Therapy white Coral, white sapphire and Emerald, Moonga is gold in the middle finger.

11. Other Measures: In order to control diabetes, it is utmost necessary to chew at least 15 times all food. Diet should be corrected. Exercises should be done regularly. Light games, jogging and swimming are recommended. Whole grains, fruits, nuts vegetables and diary products form a good diet for the diabetic.

Emphasize should be on raw foods as they stimulate the pancreas, and increase insulin production.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Some Information to Help You Sleep

2008-10-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

(Credits to Rod Corban (PhD) New Zealand Academy of Sport North Island)

Tips for a better sleep environment

• Make sure your bed is large enough and comfortable. If you are disturbed by a restless bedmate, switch to a queen- or king-size bed. Test different types of mattresses. Try therapeutic shaped foam pillows that cradle your neck or extra pillows that help you sleep on your side. Get comfortable cotton sheets.

• Make your bedroom primarily a place for sleeping. It is not a good idea to use your bed for paying bills, doing work, etc. Help your body recognize that this is a place for rest or intimacy.

• Keep your bedroom peaceful and comfortable. Make sure your room is well ventilated and the temperature consistent. And try to keep it quiet. You could use a fan or a “white noise” machine to help block outside noises.

• Hide your clock. A big, illuminated digital clock may cause you to focus on the time and make you feel stressed and anxious. Place your clock so you can’t see the time when you are in bed.

Tips for a better pre-sleep ritual

• Keep a regular schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday, even on the weekends. Keeping a regular schedule will help your body expect sleep at the same time each day. Don’t oversleep to make up for a poor night’s sleep – doing that for even a couple of days can reset your body clock and make it hard for you to get to sleep at night.

• Incorporate bedtime rituals. Listening to soft music, sipping a cup of herbal tea, etc., cues your body that it’s time to slow down and begin to prepare for sleep.

• Relax for a while before going to bed. Spending quiet time can make falling asleep easier. This may include meditation, relaxation and/or breathing exercises, or taking a warm bath. Try listening to recorded relaxation or guided imagery programs.

• Don’t eat a large, heavy meal before bed. This can cause indigestion and interfere with your normal sleep cycle. Drinking too much fluid before bed can cause you to get up to urinate. Try to eat your dinner at least two hours before bedtime.

• Bedtime snacks can help. An amino acid called tryptophan, found in milk, turkey, and peanuts, helps the brain produce serotonin, a chemical that helps you relax. Try drinking warm milk or eat a slice of toast with peanut butter or a bowl of cereal before bedtime. Plus, the warmth may temporarily increase your body temperature and the subsequent drop may hasten sleep.

• Jot down all of your concerns and worries. Anxiety excites the nervous system, so your brain sends messages to the adrenal glands, making you more alert. Write down your worries and possible solutions before you go to bed, so you don’t need to ruminate in the middle of the night. A journal or “to do” list may be very helpful in letting you put away these concerns until the next day when you are fresh.

• Go to sleep when you are sleepy. When you feel tired, go to bed.

• Avoid “over-the-counter” sleep aids, and make sure that your prescribed medications do not cause insomnia. There is little evidence that supplements and other over-the-counter “sleep aids” are effective. In some cases, there are safety concerns. Antihistamine sleep aids, in particular, have a long duration of action and can cause daytime drowsiness. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare practitioner about your concerns!

Tips for getting back to sleep

• Do visualization. Focus all your attention on your toes or visualize walking down an endless stairwell. Thinking about repetitive or mindless things will help your brain to shut down and adjust to sleep.

• Get out of bed if unable to sleep. Don’t lie in bed awake. Go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy. Worrying about falling asleep actually keeps many people awake.

• Don’t do anything stimulating. Don’t read anything job related or watch a stimulating TV program (commercials and news shows tend to be alerting). Don’t expose yourself to bright light. The light gives cues to your brain that it is time to wake up.

• Get up and eat something containing tryptophan. Tryptophan, a major building block for making serotonin, is a neurotransmitter, which sends messages between nerve cells and causes feelings of sleepiness. Eating foods containing tryptophan raise the levels of serotonin produced in the body, which in turn increase a person’s feeling of sleepiness. It is best to eat tryptophan on an empty stomach. Foods that contain a notable amount of tryptophan are: milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, ice cream, chicken, cashews, soy beans, tuna and turkey.

• Consider changing your bedtime. If you are experiencing sleeplessness or insomnia consistently, think about going to bed later so that the time you spend in bed is spent sleeping. If you are only getting five hours of sleep at night, figure out what time you need to get up and subtract five hours (for example, if you want to get up at 6:00 am, go to bed at 1:00 am). This may seem counterproductive and, at first, you may be depriving yourself of some sleep, but it can help train your body to sleep consistently while in bed. When you are spending all of your time in bed sleeping, you can gradually sleep more, by adding 15 minutes at a time.

Tips for better daytime habits

• Do not nap during the day. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, try not to nap during the day because you will throw off your body clock and make it even more difficult to sleep at night. If you are feeling especially tired, and feel as if you absolutely must nap, be sure to sleep for less than 30 minutes, early in the day.

• Limit caffeine and alcohol. Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages for several hours before bedtime. Although alcohol may initially act as a sedative, it can interrupt normal sleep patterns.

• Don’t smoke. Nicotine is a stimulant and can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs disrupt sleep.

• Expose yourself to bright light/sunlight soon after awakening. This will help to regulate your body’s natural biological clock. Likewise, try to keep your bedroom dark while you are sleeping so that the light will not interfere with your rest.

• Exercise early in the day. Twenty to thirty minutes of exercise every day can help you sleep, but be sure to exercise in the morning or afternoon. Exercise stimulates the body and aerobic activity before bedtime may make falling asleep more difficult.

• Check your iron level. Iron deficient women tend to have more problems sleeping so if your blood is iron poor, a supplement might help your health and your ability to sleep.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Benefits of Vitamin D

2008-10-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

There is a vast body of science showing the many health benefits of Vitamin D. You may be surprised to learn the important role that vitamin D plays in your overall health.

Special report:

Pediatricians group doubles recommended vitamin D dose for children:

New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics call for 400 international units a day, beginning in the first few days of life, for lasting health benefits.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has doubled its recommendation for children’s daily dose of vitamin D in the hopes of preventing rickets and reaping other health benefits.

“We are doubling the recommended amount of vitamin D children need each day because evidence has shown this could have lifelong health benefits,” said Dr. Frank Greer of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which released the new recommendations at a meeting in Boston.

The new guidelines from the nation’s leading group of pediatricians call for children to receive 400 international units of vitamin D per day, beginning in the first few days of life.

Children who do not get enough vitamin D are at risk for rickets, a bone-softening disease that results in stunted growth and skeletal deformities if not corrected while the child is young. Babies who are exclusively breast-fed are at particular risk because nursing mothers tend to be deficient in vitamin D also.

Essential Nutrient, - Why vitamin D deficiency may be a hidden epidemic:

What exactly are the health benefits of vitamin D? How much does a person need? And why is the issue so often framed in terms of sun exposure—can’t you just drink fortified milk or take a multivitamin?

Let’s start with the basics: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble substance (that is, it dissolves in and can be stored by fat deposits in the body). It is present in salmon, mackerel, sardines, and cod liver oil; fortified foods including milk, breakfast cereals, and some juices; and vitamin supplements. It can also be synthesized in the skin during sun exposure. Vitamin D (in its active form, which is created after several modifications by the body) functions as a classic steroid hormone, which means it binds to nuclear receptors in various tissues to influence the expression of genes, thereby affecting a range of processes, especially the regulation of calcium.

It has long been known that vitamin D is crucial for healthy bones. The presence of vitamin D in the small intestine aids in the absorption of dietary calcium—people with vitamin D deficiency are able to absorb only a third to half as much calcium as those with sufficient levels—and calcium is vital to the hardness of bone. The two diseases traditionally associated with severe vitamin D deficiency—rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults—are characterized by deformation or softening of bone. And chronic vitamin D deficiency is strongly linked to osteoporosis, a disease defined by loss of bone density and associated with increased risk of fractures.

The common assumption has been that with the fortification of milk, instituted in the United States in the 1930s, and casual exposure to sunshine, most people get all the vitamin D they need. But a small resurgence of rickets in the last few years, particularly among African-American children, has caught the health-care community off guard. As studies have probed the issue, it has become clear that vitamin D deficiencies are far more widespread than researchers had expected. The elderly, who often receive little sun, are at particular risk, as are African Americans and other dark-skinned people, since skin pigmentation, which protects against damage by UV rays, also interferes with vitamin D production. (Those with dark skin need to spend more time in the sun to produce the same amount of vitamin D.) Infants who are exclusively breast-fed are also at high risk since breast milk, for all its virtues, contains almost none of this vitamin.

Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, has been the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among women of child-bearing age—particularly African-American women—and among healthy children and adolescents. While severe cases early in life result in rickets, less-pronounced deficiencies may slip under the radar because they do not cause noticeable symptoms. Insufficient vitamin D can prevent proper bone development and increase the risk of disorders such as osteoporosis later in life.

Vitamin D deficiency can easily go undetected in adults as well. In the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, researchers in Minneapolis tested vitamin D levels in patients suffering from chronic, non-specific, musculoskeletal pain: 93 percent of them turned out to be vitamin D deficient—a condition very likely related to their symptoms. And of the East Africans, African Americans, and Hispanics in the study, 100 percent were vitamin D deficient!

But vitamin D’s benefits may go beyond the protection of bone and muscle. There is new research to suggest that vitamin D may also guard against an array of diseases, including colon, breast, and prostate cancers. More specific studies have examined levels of vitamin D in the blood directly, measuring them over time. Here, too, an inverse relationship has been found: lower vitamin D levels, higher risk of cancers.

Though the role of vitamin D in protecting against cancer has not been conclusively proved, the research is promising.

The potential role of vitamin D in forestalling other diseases, particularly autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, has generated widespread interest as well. The strongest studies have tested the role of vitamin D directly, with some fairly suggestive results. Although individual mechanisms are not well-established, it is known that active vitamin D interacts with cells of the immune system and very likely plays an anti-inflammatory role in the body.

Most vitamin D experts also argue that moderate UVB exposure—without sunscreen—is a key part of achieving adequate blood levels (except for people with a history of skin cancer or with medical conditions that make them abnormally sensitive to sun). The main reason for this is simply a pragmatic one: It is difficult to eat enough salmon and drink enough milk to attain the amount of vitamin D recommended. Children and adolescents drink much less milk than they used to, and, between lactose intolerance and calorie counting, most adults don’t drink milk at all. In addition, the vitamin D content in fortified milk has been found to be erratic, often differing from the amount promised on the label.

Only a small amount of casual sun exposure is needed to trigger enormous vitamin D production. Exact amounts are difficult to pinpoint since they depend on a person’s skin type and age, as well as on latitude, season, time of day, and amount of skin exposed. Slightly more time is required for people with dark skin. In addition, when vitamin D is obtained through sun exposure, there is no risk of toxicity, since UV light breaks down any excess vitamin formed. (For instance, this is why lifeguards, do not suffer from overdoses of vitamin D.)

Of course, any favorable mention of UV light is likely to cause some skin-cancer experts to balk. What also worries dermatologists is that a change in public health dogma may cause confusion, leading people to believe that if some is good, more sun is better.

In the end, however, it doesn’t seem terribly hard to find a middle ground. It is true that UV exposure can cause skin cancer; it is true that this reality has been distorted, perhaps deliberately, by commercial interests; and it is true that vitamin D is available in the form of oral supplements—for those determined to seek it out. But it is also true that many people simply aren’t getting enough of this crucial vitamin. And for most people, given its myriad benefits, both proven and potential, the advantages of a little sunshine very likely outweigh the risks.

Vitamin D:

Boosts Your Immunity:

Vitamin D is a potent immune system modulator. There is plenty of scientific evidence that vitamin D has several different effects on immune system function that may enhance your immunity and inhibit the development of autoimmunity.

Maintains Your Calcium Balance:

Maintenance of blood calcium levels within a narrow range is vital for normal functioning of the nervous system, as well as for bone growth, and also maintenance of bone density. Vitamin D is essential for the efficient utilization of calcium by the body.

Aids Your Cell Differentiation:

Cellular differentiation results in the specialization of cells for specific functions in your body. Differentiation of cells leads to a decrease in proliferation. While cellular proliferation is essential for growth and wound healing, uncontrolled proliferation of cells with certain mutations may lead to diseases like cancer. The active form of vitamin D inhibits proliferation and stimulates the differentiation of cells.

.Blood Pressure Regulation:

Adequate vitamin D levels may be important for decreasing the risk of high blood pressure. Again, more studies on vitamin D and hypertension are needed.

Has a Role in Insulin Secretion:

The active form of vitamin D plays a role in insulin secretion under conditions of increased insulin demand. Limited data in humans suggests that insufficient vitamin D levels may have an adverse effect on insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetes. Still more studies are needed on the role of vitamin D and diabetes.

Vitamin D and Diseases:

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D may play a role in the following diseases.

Vitamin D and Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis is most often associated with inadequate calcium intake. However, a deficiency of vitamin D also contributes to osteoporosis by reducing calcium absorption. Adequate storage levels of vitamin D help keep bones strong and may help prevent osteoporosis in older adults, in those who have difficulty walking and exercising, in post-menopausal women, and in individuals on chronic steroid therapy.

Vitamin D deficiency, which is often seen in post-menopausal women and older Americans, has been associated with greater incidence of hip fractures. In a review of women with osteoporosis hospitalized for hip fractures, 50 percent were found to have signs of vitamin D deficiency. Daily supplementation with 20 800 IU of vitamin D may reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures in elderly populations with low blood levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D and Cancer:

Laboratory, animal, and some preliminary human studies suggest that vitamin D may be protective against some cancers. Several studies suggest that a higher dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D correlates with lower incidence of cancer. In fact, for over 60 years researchers have observed that greater sun exposure reduces cancer deaths. The inverse relationship between higher vitamin D levels in blood and lower cancer risk in humans is best documented for colon and colorectal cancers.

Additional clinical trials need to be conducted to determine whether vitamin D deficiency increases cancer risk, or if an increased intake of vitamin D is protective against some cancers.

Vitamin D and Alzheimer’s disease:

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with an increased risk of hip fractures because many Alzheimer’s patients are homebound, frequently sunlight deprived, and older. With aging, less vitamin D is converted to its active form. One study of women with Alzheimer’s disease found that decreased bone mineral density was associated with a low intake of vitamin D and not enough sunlight exposure.

Other Diseases Vitamin D Deficiency May Affect:

Autoimmune Diseases - Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, are each examples of autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body launches an immune response to its own tissue, rather than a foreign pathogen. Treatment with vitamin D has beneficial effects in animal models of all of the above mentioned diseases.

The results of several studies also suggest that adequate vitamin D intake may decrease the risk of autoimmune diseases. Evidence from animal models and human studies suggests that maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels may help decrease the risk of several autoimmune diseases, but more studies are needed to draw any solid conclusions.

Vitamin D and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):

The results of clinical studies suggest an inverse relationship between serum vitamin D levels and blood pressure. Data from these studies suggest that conditions that decrease vitamin D synthesis in the skin, such as having dark skin and living in temperate latitudes, are associated with increased prevalence of hypertension. In randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation, a combination of 1,600 IU/day of vitamin D and 800 mg/day of calcium for eight weeks significantly decreased systolic blood pressure in elderly women by 9% compared to calcium alone, but supplementation with 400 IU/day or a single dose of 100,000 IU of vitamin D did not significantly lower blood pressure in elderly men and women. Data from controlled clinical trials are too limited at this point to determine whether vitamin D supplementation will be effective in lowering blood pressure or preventing hypertension.

Vitamin D Toxicity:

It is very rare to have a vitamin D overdose. Vitamin D toxicity induces abnormally high serum calcium levels, which could result in bone loss, kidney stones, and calcification of organs like the heart and kidneys if untreated over a long period of time. Because the consequences of hypercalcemia are severe, the Food and Nutrition Board established a very conservative UL of 2,000 IU/day for children and adults. See Table below:

Infants 0-12 months - 1000 IU
Children 1-18 years - 2000 IU
Adults 19 years and older - 2000 IU

Vitamin D Drug Interactions:

The following medications should not be taken at the same time as vitamin D because they can decrease the intestinal absorption of vitamin D:
Cholestyramine (Questran), orlistat (Xenical), colestipol (Colestid), mineral oil, and the fat substitute Olestra. The oral anti-fungal medication, ketoconazole, inhibits the 25(OH)D3-1-hydroxylase enzyme and has been found to reduce serum levels of 1,25(OH)D in healthy men . The induction of hypercalcemia by toxic levels of vitamin D may also precipitate cardiac arrhythmia in patients on digitalis (Digoxin).

The following medications increase the metabolism of vitamin D and may decrease serum D levels:
Phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Luminal), (Tegretol), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), and rifampin (Rimactane).

Vitamin D3 Supplements:

It is not always practical to get your vitamin D from sunshine, and quite difficult to get adequate amounts from your diet so for many people, a vitamin D supplement is a practical way to ensure adequate levels of this important protector are always available in your bloodstream.

Since a large body of science shows vitamin D works closely with calcium and magnesium, it is best to take your vitamin D in combination with calcium and magnesium to maintain a proper balance.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.

Natural Cures for Gout

2008-10-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

The most common Gout symptom is acute pain in the big toe, which becomes tender, hot, and swollen in a few hours. It may also similarly affect other joints such as the knees and wrists, and sometimes more than one joint may be affected at a time. The attack usually occurs at midnight or in the early hours of the morning when you are suddenly awakened. The acute attack generally lasts for a week or so. A serious complication of gout is the presence of kidney stones containing uric acid. In some cases the kidneys get damaged and do not function properly.

One of main causes of gout is the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, skin, and kidneys. Uric acid is an end product of the body’s chemical processes. Those affected by gout have a higher level of uric acid in the blood than the normal. This uric acid usually remains dissolved in the blood. But when the blood becomes too full of it, the uric acid forms needle-shaped crystals in the joints which bring about attacks of gout.

Although gout is not curable, it is controllable using natural cures.

Listed are a few “Natural Cures for Gout”

The cherry, sweet or sour, is considered effective in treating gout. To start with, you should consume about fifteen to twenty five cherries a day. Thereafter, about ten cherries a day will keep the ailment under control. While fresh cherries are best, canned cherries can also be used occasionally. I would recommend fresh if you can get some.

Raw vegetable juices are used for gout treatment. Carrot juice, in combination with the juices of beet and cucumber, is especially valuable. 1 part Beet juice – 1 part cucumber juice – should be mixed with 3 parts of carrot juice and taken daily.

Apples are regarded as an excellent source for curing gout. The malic acid contained in them is believed to neutralize the uric acid and afford relief to gout sufferers. You should eat one apple after each meal.

The juice of French or string beans has also proved to be effective in treating gout. The juice should be taken daily.

Lime is also used as a source in treating gout. Vitamin C is known to prevent and cure sore joints by strengthening the connective tissues of the body. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of the uric acid which is the primary cause of this disease. The juice of half a lime, squeezed into a glass of water, should be taken twice daily, with or without food.

Bananas have been found beneficial in the treatment of gout. A diet of bananas only for three or four days is advised for providing some relief from gout. You can take eight or nine bananas daily during this period and nothing else.

For an acute attack, there is no better remedy than a fast of orange juice and water. In severe cases, it is advisable to undertake a series of short fasts for three days or so rather than one long fast.

Epsom salts foot baths are advised twice daily. About 250 gm - 500gm of these salts may be added to tolerably hot water for this purpose. Full Epsom salt baths should also be taken three times a week. The baths may be reduced to two per week later. Make sure the water is to hot as this is painful to the affected area.

Cold packs, applied to the affected joints at night, will be beneficial. Fresh air and outdoor exercise are also essential. You should eliminate as much stress from your life as possible.

You should avoid all purine and uric acid-producing foods such as all meats, eggs, and fish; tea, coffee, sugar, white flour and its products; and all canned, processed, and fried foods.

One of the most important things to include in your diet daily is water, plenty of water. If possible stay clear of chlorinated water, especially during an attack. I recommend at least for myself, bottled water only or distilled water. Drink at least 4 to 5 1PT.09FL OZ (.5L) bottles every day.

I am a sufferer of gout but I have been able to control it for many years now using only natural cures.

I wish you all the best,

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be.