Men's Health Month: The Best Foods For A Man

 

Good Morning!

Men's Health Month: The Best Foods For A Man

1. Lean Meat: Red meat is an important component in a mans' diet and can be good for you. Lean cuts of beef (and even pork) are loaded with protein and is also one of the best sources of leucine, an amino acid that helps men build muscle. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: lean beef, 1 oz (round, sirloin, flank, tenderloin, chuck, rump), and lean pork, 1 oz (boiled ham, turkey bacon, tenderloin, chops) once or twice a week.

2. Fish and Shellfish: as well as, other types of seafood and fish are rich in zinc and omega 3 fatty acids. Zinc is a critical mineral for heart, muscles, and the male reproductive system. Zinc deficiency has shown to increase poor sperm quality as well as, male infertility. Studies suggest two servings of fish per week (salmon or halibut) can lower your chances of dying from heart disease. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: 2 sardines, 2 oz shellfish (clams, crab, lobster, scallops, shrimp), 1/4 cup of tuna (canned in water), 1 oz fish (fresh or frozen, not breaded).

3. Soy Products: The strongest protection against prostate cancer is soy. This includes tofu, miso soup, and soy milk. According to a study of more than 40 nations, soy offers an excellent source of dietary fiber and protein. It is rich in vitamin B6 and important in building amino acids and forming neurotransmitters. Soy is a rich source of isoflavones, the plant hormone that researchers believe could account for Asia's low rate of heart disease. In recent clinical trials, men and women with high LDL (bad cholesterol) levels were able to reduce them by consuming soy over an extended period. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: Tofu can be enjoyed as a meat substitute, one to two times per week. Do not consume soy if you have an estrogen dominant disorder.

4. Eggs: are a super source of lutein, protein, and iron, and that is from eating the whole egg. If you have high cholesterol, enjoy the egg whites. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: one whole Egg per serving or 3 egg whites.

5. High Fiber Cereal: Fiber ensures that the digestive system is working properly to expel waste and maintain good health over the course of our lifetimes! It is another well-known fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Fiber should therefore be incorporated into your daily breakfast to ensure that your system gets the best possible kick-start every single day. High fiber cereals are readily available and just a bowlful can often give you more fiber than the rest of your daily meals put together.

6. Brown Rice: an excellent source of manganese, and a good source of the minerals selenium and magnesium. The complete milling and polishing that converts brown rice into white rice destroys 67% of the vitamin B3, 80% of the vitamin B1, 90% of the vitamin B6, half of the manganese, half of the phosphorus, 60% of the iron, and all of the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids.

7. Berries: The colorful pigments that give berries their beautiful blue and red hues are also good for your health. Berries contain phytochemicals and flavonoids that may help to prevent some forms of cancer. Cranberries and blueberries contain a substance that may prevent bladder infections. A diet rich in blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries may help to reduce your risk of several types of cancers. Blueberries and raspberries also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision. Strawberries contains over 100 mg of vitamin C, almost as much as a cup of orange juice, as well as trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, folate and potassium.

8. Avocado: is rich in monounsaturated fat, a "good" fat, which benefits the body. Avocados can benefit cholesterol when it replaces saturated or trans fats in your diet. It can lower your "bad" cholesterol (LDL) as well as, your overall total cholesterol level. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: no more than 25%-35% of your daily calories come from all types of fat. Olive oil and nuts also contain good fats. Enjoy 1/8 of an avacado per serving.

9. Tomatoes: rich in lycopene, tomatoes are a preventative food and are beneficial. Cooked tomatoes and tomato sauce are known to have the phytonutrient, lycopene, which has shown to fight off prostate cancer by 35 to 45 percent in those who eat it ten times or more a week. Proper absorption is key and that includes lycopene with some good fat, which tomato sauce has. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: Ten tablespoons of spaghetti sauce will do the trick as opposed to 164 raw tomatoes per week. A note on tomatoes: once a man has a problem with the prostate eliminate tomato and tomato products as they are too acid for an environment where inflammation is present.

10. Vegetables In Every Color: because they are packed with phytochemicals, plant-based nutrients that boost immunity, cell health and protect against cancer. Eat different colored vegetables helps you get the many different types of phytochemicals you need. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: Enjoy 7-9 servings of different colored vegetables per day. 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw is one serving size.

11. Whey Protein: Out of the many protein sources out there, whey protein is the ultimate. It comes from milk. During the process of turning milk into cheese, whey protein is separated out. It is found in powdered form, in milk and yogurt and is another source of leucine. Leucine is a great muscle-building amino acid. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: Choose yogurt that is plain and/or low fat or fat free. Greek yogurt is an even better choice. Yogurt is loaded with protein, potassium and the good "friendly" bacteria that keeps the gut healthy. Drink fat-free milk or ight yogurt, about 8 oz per serving.

12. Bananas: is rich in potassium. Potassium is a critical component in muscle contractions and bone health, Bananas can also help regulate blood pressure. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: 3 medium size bananas are all you need to fulfill your daily dose of potassium. Bananas should not be eaten if you have a phlegm condition as it can aggrevate this problem (sinus congestion, common cold, or expectorating phlegm.)

13. Tart Cherries: Cherry juice is an amazing remedy for soothing sore muscles. The pigment in cherries and cherry juice mimics the effects of certain anti-inflammatory drugs, without the side effects. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: Eat up to 12 cherries in one serving.

14. Ginger: like cherries, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help the body recover when you push yourself too hard. Eating ginger on a regular basis may help reduce exercise-related muscle injuries and pain from exercise or overexertion. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: Ginger can be enjoyed as a tea or supplemental tonic. Slice up a few slices and grate over salads or stir fry with meat or chicken.

15. Dark Chocolate: is a heart smart food. It may improve blood flow and circulation. The flavanols in dark chocolate, studies suggest, may decrease levels of LDL or bad cholesterol, improve circulation, and regulate blood pressure. Men with poor blood flow are more likely to develop many illnesses including, poor sex drive, erectile dysfunction, andropause, depression and poor muscle tone and function. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: dark chocolate, up to 1 oz per day instead of other sweets or sugars. More than this amount will cause weight gain. Mind your portions!

16. Nuts: are a great source of "good" quality fats and provide protein, fiber and zinc. It also satisfies the urge for that crunchy, salty, savory midday snack. Pistachios and walnuts stand out because they're higher in plant sterols that can improve cholesterol levels and also tonify the kidneys. A 1 oz. serving of Brazil nuts has seven times the recommended daily value of selenium. The Full Spectrum Diet rule of thumb: just one handful will satisfy your daily requirement of a good fat snack. More than this amount will cause the scales to tip in the wrong direction. Mind your portions!

17. Coffee: First, there's the potential effect coffee has on type 2 diabetes risk. Type 2 diabetes makes heart disease and stroke more likely. Coffee may counter several risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Besides that, coffee has been linked to lower risks for heart rhythm disturbances (another heart attack and stroke risk factor) in men and women, and lower risk for strokes in women.

In a study of about 130,000 Kaiser Permanente health plan members, people who reported drinking 1-3 cups of coffee per day were 20% less likely to be hospitalized for abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) than nondrinkers, regardless of other risk factors.

A 2009 study from Finland and Sweden showed that, out of 1,400 people followed for about 20 years, those who reported drinking 3-5 cups of coffee daily were 65% less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease, compared with nondrinkers or occasional coffee drinkers.

Recipes: Oatmeal Honey Bread or Fasting Bread

 

Good Morning!

Recipes: Oatmeal Honey Bread or Fasting Bread

This morning, I had the pleasure of waking up in Herzegovina. It is a bright and sunny morning and the air is starting to warm up as the sun rises over the mountain.

I picked up some wonderful bread from the local bakery here in a Medjugorje called Oatmeal Honey Bread or "Fasting Bread". The local baker offered me the recipe. So, I thought this recipe would be a nice addition to our Recipe Box. It is a great bread for fasting as it has plenty of protein and fiber. This recipe will make two loaves. It should take 4 hours from beginning to end.

Ingredients

Add 2 tablespoons of dry yeast to 1/2 cup warm water and let stand for 10 minutes (good yeast foams up)

In large mixing bowl add (mix well):
2 cups oat bran flour
3 1/2 cups white flour
1 flat tablespoon salt
1 cup quick (not old fashioned) oatmeal

Make a little hole in the center of your bowl before adding:
dissolved yeast
2 eggs beaten (eggs should be room temperature)
1/4 vegetable or canola oil
1/2 cup of honey, maple syrup or light molasses (your choice)
3/4 cup of warm water (Add water little bit at a time, when bread is dry add a little more, if too soupy too much water, no fear - can always add a little more flour to stiffen up the dough).

Roll onto floured surface and knead into a large ball. Place in a lightly oiled large bowl to let rise for 2 hours (on a warm place preferably). Cover with spray-oiled plastic wrap and let rise. Then when risen, punch down and roll onto floured surface again and split the dough into two balls. Roll flat and shape into elongated rolls and place in an oiled bread pan. Cover again with lightly spray-oiled plastic wrap. Let rise again for about an hour. (If you are planning to freeze all or some of the dough, this would be the part of the recipe to do so. Form the dough into loafs and put it in an airtight freezer bag. Good frozen up to one month.)

When dough rises to just above the top of bread pan, (a rounded look), you can take egg white and a little water and brush lightly on top of bread and sprinkle quick oats on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes and then lower temperature to 375 degrees for another 35-40 minutes. When bread is nicely browned and the top taps hollow sounding, take out and cool on wired surface.

Why Organ Transplants Are Not Always Successful

 

Why Organ Transplants Are Not Always Successful
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Medical sciences are all making spectacular progress in recent years. Technological advances in medicine have changed many aspects of our life. One of these advances is in the field of organ transplantation.

Although organ transplantation is technologically fascinating, it is not without its risks. One of its biggest problems that face the medical community is the chance of survival when undergoing organ transplantation.

When organ transplants fail, most surgeons blame it either to the failure of the surgery itself, the transplanted organ did not work as expected, or because the body rejected it.

## Why Organ Transplants Fail?

As you know, the human body is made up not only by flesh, bone, and blood, but also by soul (spirit). Spirit itself is an embodiment of knowledge or ability to think and create. It is our mind, our soul, and inner-self. God gave this only to humans, and no other living things have it in this world.

When doctors cut and transfer only a small part of the body to another person's body, the surgery can be performed successfully and you can easily think that the patient's soul will not matter.

Now, what about transplant of large organs? When doctors perform transplant of larger organs, you will be facing two challenging questions:

1. Will the soul be transferred along with the organ to the recipient?
2. If the soul is not transferred, can the transplanted organs survive?

Unlike our flesh, bone, and blood, our soul is not transferable.

If the transplanted organs do not contain its soul, then the entire surgical procedure will become unsuccessful.

Many doctors believe or think that transplant operations can go wrong because of some mistake. But that's not it! Doctors performing the surgery are not making medical mistake, but rather, they never really realized that the transplanted organ has its spirit or soul missing.

## Organ Transplant in Animal Research are Different

Animals and humans are completely different in nature. Animals do not have soul or spirit! Therefore, doctors and scientists will succeed in performing organ transplant from one animal to another without any doubts.

But if doctors will implement these same ideas and techniques (which they gathered from animal research) to humans, then they are making a very big mistake.

Remember, doctors will almost always be successful in transplanting small areas of our body as this process will not involve the human soul. It is during large organ transplants and whole-body transplants where you must consider its soul.

One more thing--a person's spirit or soul is like a brain. It is what gives us the ability to think. Imagine if God placed a soul in an animal's physical body!

So animals, birds, and plants, do not have souls. If a chicken has soul, and we are killing and cooking thousands of chickens every day, then wouldn't that be a cruel act? Thus, God did not give animals souls.

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Urban Zen: Meditation In Bigger Cities

 

Urban Zen: Meditation In Bigger Cities

Meditation in the big city can sometimes be a daunting task! More and more
cities are creating more spaces for relaxing, keeping your cool and de-stressing
in a city setting. The practice of urban zen helps us temporarily let the
physical world go so that we can begin to see ourselves as we truly are -
spiritually enlightened beings.

Big cities are creating more outdoor and public spaces for relaxing, recreation and refreshing your spirit with nature! Find a bench, grassy knoll or special place in your city where you can reconnect with sky, nature or sea (if possible).

Meditation is a time-honored technique that can take you into infinite
dimensions of consciousness. It is a simple effort that becomes effortless as we
do it more and more. One major principle to meditation is the ability to
completely quiet your mind. Quieting the mind comes as a result of meditating
over a long period of time, but any time you are looking within, you are
meditating. Meditation helps us live a healthier, less stressful life. The
physical and psychological benefits are wonderful and many people meditate only
for those reasons.

There are many meditation methods. Some are passive -- such as observing the
breath. Others are active -- in the sense that you actually do something like
repeating a word or mantra. The meditations that you will find here will help
you develop on many levels. No matter what style or form you follow, meditation
should always be gentle. Do not force anything. Allow your efforts to flow
naturally and effortlessly.

These meditation can be done anywhere and do not require anything but yourself!

Letting Go. Fold your hands gently in your lap and close your eyes. Take a few
deep breaths. Then just sit. If you have never meditated before, you will
probably feel as if your mind is full of thoughts. Don't try to stop the
thoughts, just watch them. Imagine that you are on the bank of a river and that
your thoughts are the river going by. Don't try to stop the river, just watch
it. Within a week, you will see the river begin to slow down. You may become
impatient, or even bored. That's okay. If you find yourself complaining, just
watch the thoughts pass by. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes. You may find that you
fall asleep because you are so relaxed. That's good because, in many ways, you
have begun to let go. Continue at this pace and each day allow just a little
more time for yourself to meditate. Doing this allows you to relax and forget
about time.

Progressive Relaxation is just that. A slow transition from a tense, immobile
state to a calmer more supple mind and body. This is a way of releasing tension
in the muscles. There are many variations of Progressive Relaxation. Here is one
of them:

Begin by laying on your back in a comfortable position.

Take a series of deep slow breaths and then focus your awareness on different
parts of the body in turn, becoming aware of any muscular tension and releasing
it.

One way to do this is to first tense a muscle deliberately and then relax it.

You can start with the top of the body, tensing and relaxing the muscles of the
upper face, then moving on to the jaw, neck, chest, front of the arms, abdomen,
thighs, lower legs, feet, and toes.

Then do the same down the back of the body. Finally, lie still with the eyes
closed, concentrating on your breath. Allow the whole body to relax into the
ground. Feel the floor underneath you, supporting you. Feel the earth supporting
the floor. Feel yourself now deeply rooted and grounded into the earth beneath
you.

Enjoying this deep feeling of peace and freedom from muscular tension.

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Remedies for Heat Exhaustion

 

Remedies for Heat Exhaustion

The summer heat can sneak up on you and not only zap your energy, while you are outdoors, but it can cause dehydration, sunburn and actual exhaustion! Children under four, people over 65, and those who are obese, already ill, or taking medications can especially be affected very easily. prolonged exposure to heat and insufficient body fluid can result in heat exhaustion. Its symptoms can include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness headache and nausea or vomiting. Here are the best remedies for heat exhaustion:

1. Carry water with you and sip it throughout the day. Dehydration can set in and we don't even realize it until we begin to feel thirsty!

2. Pace yourself when working outdoors, exercising or just having fun. Those who participate in regular exercise over time, allowing their bodies to adjust to hot conditions, may better tolerate exercise on hot days.

3. Replace salts and minerals with electolytes such as Gatoraide or other power drinks that have potassium. Avoid drinks with large amounts of sugar. Dehydration can stress the heart and impair the kidneys' ability to maintain the correct level of fluids and balance of electrolyte. Electrolytes are charged elements�like potassium, sodium, phosporous and chloride�essential for the normal function of every cell in the body.

4. Wear lightweight clothing the lighter the colored clothing (white,being ideal) the more sunlight is reflected away from you. Darker colors absorb the light and heat.

5. Seek air conditioning, cool breezes under the shade and/or take cool showers in order to bring down your body temperature.

6. Sunburn can happen very easily if you are not careful. Dilute one part Tea Tree Oil with ten parts of olive oil or coconut oil and spread freely over the affected areas. This is soothing and pain-relieving and to reduce blistering and peeling. People have also applied tea tree oil full strength to sunburn.

7. Use common sense Schedule your outdoor activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and use a buddy system if necessary to keep watch on those at high risk.

8. If you feel dizzy and/or stop sweating, quit all activity and get out of the sun fast. Drink cool, not cold water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in it. The vinegar helps to replace electrolytes and minerals like sports drinks do.

9. In ancient Egypt, China and the Far East, watermelon juice and its seeds were traditionally offered to thirsty travelers, and they are still important today in times of drought or water pollution. This flavorful fruit is one of the best remedies for dehydration and summer heat symptoms, which include thirst without desire to drink, band-like headache, nausea, low appetite, heavy, weighted body sensation, low motivation, sluggish digestion, increased body temperature, sticky sweat, surging pulse, and red tongue with thick white or yellow coating. Watermelon cools and cleanses the system, clearing summerheat and acts as a natural diuretic.

10. Take a cool bath. Run a cool bath and relax in the water for 15-20 minutes. Try to submerge as much of your body as possible.

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Music Therapy: Summer Playlist

 

Music Therapy: Summer Playlist

Music has always played a major part in my life. Ever since those early days of piano lessons with Mrs. Uri or playing trumpet in classical and jazz bands. I always remember the holidays or special occasions when my mom, Andrena, would regale us with wonderful pieces of music such as Malaguena or her own special version of Silver Bells. I have had the pleasure of singing in small and large choral groups from All-state to my own singing quartet group, Free and Easy, as well as, being a charter member of the infamous gospel choir, The Voices of Unity. Music continues to give me life changing moments and memories and I am forever grateful for this art and therapy.

So on my walk back from the beach today, I thought it would be a wonderful gift to share the songs of summer that make up my consciousness. These melodies cross several eras, yet they ring true for me as the seasonal mind set and the amazing way summer can be expressed in song. I call this list:

Andrew's Summer Consciousness Play List

1. Summer Breeze, The Isley Brothers
2. On The Beach, Chris Rea
3. The Second Summer Of Love, Danny Wilson
4. Beach Baby, First Class
5. Someone Somewhere (In Summertime), Simple Minds
6. Staying Out For The Summer, Dodgy
7. Wake Up Boo!, The Boo Radleys
8. Walking On Sunshine, Katrina & The Waves
9. This Summer, Squeeze
10.Here Comes The Summer, The Undertones
11. Sunny Afternoon, The Kinks
12. In The Summertime, Mungo Jerry
13. Up, Up And Away, The Fifth Dimension
14. Green Grass (1990 Digital Remaster), Gary Lewis & The Playboys
15. Turn Down Day, The Cyrkle
16. 98.6, Keith
17. Daydream, The Lovin Spoonful
18. Stoned Soul Picnic, The Fifth Dimension
19. The 59th St. Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy), The Hit Crew
20. Lazy Day, Spanky & Our Gang

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Nutrition for Breast Health

 

Nutrition for Breast Health

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. It is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women and the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

One out of eight American women who live to be 85 years of age will develop breast cancer, a risk that was one out of 14 in 1960.

Food used as a preventative to dis-ease and as an essential part of medicine has been established for over 4000 years by physicians of natural medicine. Food is a major determinant of health that is directly under our control. We cannot always control pollution, hereditary factors, noise, environment, and the social and emotional behaviors of others, but we can certainly choose what and what not to eat.

Food is so important to human existence, and because it is utilized many times each day, it has a major affect on the body. However, most people do not realize the power of foods.

Water, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the basic building blocks of a good diet. By choosing the healthiest forms of each of these nutrients, and eating them in the proper balance, you enable your body to function at its optimal level.

Eating The Proper Fats

Reducing fat in the diet is an important component of breast health. Foods with a high proportion of calories from fat should be eliminated or limited in the diet; these include red meat high in fat content, poultry with skin, dark poultry meat, fried foods, butter, margarine, cheese, milk (except skim milk), junk foods, and most processed foods. Vegetable oils should also be restricted.

Good fats can help reduce the risk of cancer. The good fats include Borage oil, evening primerose oil, (which both contain GLA - gamma linolenic acid) flax oil, (which is rich in ALA - alpha linolenic acid) shark oil and olive oil. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, which have been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer is ideal. A new study finds that derivatives from two omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) significantly inhibited cell adhesion (15 to 30%) and migration (about 50%) and induced apoptosis (about 40%) in breast cancer cells


Controlling Estrogen Levels

Environmental estrogens are found in pesticides, plastics, and PCB's (chemical pollutants in the water, air, and soil). These forms of estrogen are thought to have a major influence on the excessive amounts of estrogen that are being found in both men and women. Poor diet, with too much refined carbohydrate and saturated animal fat and too little fiber is also responsible.

Eat more high fiber foods (except wheat bran) to prevent excess re-uptake of estrogen by the bowel. Organic food reduces your exposure to pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormones. Too much fat tissue increases your body's ability to convert male hormones into estrogen. Stress also plays a major role in your liver and digestive system removing excess estrogen.

Symptoms in women: puffiness and bloating, water retention, rapid weight gain, breast tenderness, heavy bleeding, mood swings (anxiety, depression, weepiness), sleep problems, migraines, flushed face, low libido, foggy thinking, and high levels of copper in the system. Later, endometriosis, fibroids, gall bladder problems, poor blood sugar control, and hypothyroid conditions may arise.

Symptoms in men: hair loss, headaches, bloating, weight gain, prostate enlargement, irritability, and breast enlargement.

Solutions: low fat high fiber diet, live yogurt (encourage excretion of estrogen), eating cabbage-family veggies (cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and califlowier) increases the rate at which the liver converts estrogen into a water-soluble form that can be excreted, increase protein intake to improve estrogen metabolism in the liver, vitamin B6 reduces the effects of excess estrogen, more exercise, less stress, and lose weight. These cruciferous vegetables contain anti-cancer and detoxing abilities as well as Indole-3-carbinol, which may have anti-carcinogenic effects.

Fight Free Radicals

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms. that have at least one unpaired electron, which makes them highly reactive. Free radicals promote beneficial oxidation that produces energy and kills bacterial invaders. However, in excess, they produce harmful oxidation or ?oxidative stress? that can damage cell membranes and cell contents. [2]. These free radicals cause inflammation.

In human beings, free radicals are the natural by-products of many processes within and among cells. Free radicals are created by exposure to various environmental factors, cigarette and tobacco smoke, air pollution, alcohol, drugs, radiation from televisions and computers, chemicals and a busy, stressful life.

These factors stimulate molecules in the body called transcription factors. The transcription factor is any protein required to initiate or regulate transcription; including both gene regulatory proteins as well as the general transcription factors. These chemical messengers signal DNA to start producing protein, which gives direction to the cells in our body. Transcription factors in the body are harmless, until they are activated by free radicals. Free radicals cause the transcription molecules to migrate to the center of the nucleus. Several transcription factors become pro-inflammatory due to free radicals and therefore accelerate the aging process.

NF-kB transcription factor complex is one of the cellular sensors, which responds to oxidative stress and regulates gene expression. NF-kB can increase the activity of genes responsible for inflammation. DNA binding activities of two other transcription factors, AP-1 and Sp-1 are seen as inflammatory agents when activated by free radicals. [3].

Other inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and fibrinogen show that these blood indicators of inflammation are strong predictive factors for determining who will suffer a heart attack. [4,5]. Seemingly unrelated diseases have a common link. People who have multiple degenerative disorders often exhibit excess levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. A growing consensus among scientists is that common disorders such as atherosclerosis, colon cancer, and Alzheimer's disease are all caused in part by a chronic inflammatory syndrome.

Antioxidants Are Necessary

More and more evidence is accumulating that indicates antioxidants improve long-term health by deferring or mitigating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Exercise-related research indicates that antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium limit exercise-induced muscle damage; this, in turn, is believed to improve exercise recovery and possibly improve muscle growth potential. Of course, as vitamins C and E and selenium are among the most effective antioxidants, they and others are part of most multivitamin/mineral packs. However, here are some additional antioxidants you may want to consider taking, with the baseline supplementary daily intake.

Research suggests that combining antioxidants is more effective than consuming high doses of just one or two antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in a wide variety of antioxidants; the essential antioxidants may be better preserved in these foods. Herbal supplements like milk thistle, rosemary, ginkgo biloba, bilberry, butcher's broom and horse chestnut have high levels of potent antioxidants, although their effects on exercise have not yet been studied in humans.

Black and Green Tea

For years, studies have indicated that the antioxidants in green tea offer protection against diseases, including cancer, and even fight dental cavities. One of the most beneficial of these antioxidants is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). According to the University of California Wellness Letter, Mar 2002, regular black tea is turning out to be just as healthful as green tea. The evidence for tea's health effects comes mainly from lab studies, though some human studies point to possible benefits in preventing heart disease and cancer. EGCG, inhibited an enzyme that cancer cells need in order to grow. The cancer cells that couldn't grow big enough to divide self-destructed. It would take about 4-10 cups of green tea a day to get the blood levels of EGCG that inhibited cancer in the study. Black tea also contains EGCG, but at lower concentrations.

Sugar and Inflammation

One of the reasons inflammation occurs is from a rapid rise in blood sugar, which causes biochemical changes in the cell. Staying away from sugar and high-glycemic (simple) carbohydrates, which the body rapidly converts to sugar, is one of the best ways to decrease inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key factor of inflammation. In a major study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people with elevated CRP levels were four and one-half times more likely to have a heart attack. Not only is elevated CRP more accurate than cholesterol in predicting heart attack risk, but high CRP levels have turned up in people with diabetes and pre-diabetes and in people who are overweight. [7, 8, 9, 10]

When blood sugar goes up rapidly, sugar can attach itself to collagen in a process called "glycosylation," or the Browning Reaction, increasing inflexible and inflammation. CRP is not found in foods. However, its levels in the body are strongly influenced by diet.

A recent study by Simin Liu, M.D., Ph.D., of the Harvard Medical School found that women who ate large amounts of high-glycemic (or diabetes promoting) carbohydrates, including potatoes, breakfast cereals, white bread, muffins, and white rice, had very high CRP levels. Women who ate a lot of these foods and were also overweight had the highest and most dangerous CRP levels. [11].

The body makes CRP from interleukin-6 (IL-6), a powerful inflammatory chemical. IL-6 is a key cell communication molecule, and it tells the body's immune system to go into asperity, releasing CRP and many other inflammation-causing substances. Being overwieght increases inflammation because adipose cells, particularly those around the midsection, make large amounts of IL-6 and CRP. As blood sugar levels increase, so do IL-6 and CRP. Both overweight and high blood sugar levels increase the risk of heart disease, very likely because of the undercurrent of inflammation. [10].

The best way to deal with cravings is to very carefully control blood sugar and insulin by staying away from the simple carbohydrates and eating more protein. In a few days, blood sugar will stabilize and cravings will go away. Good (complexed) carbohydrates, which are low on the glycemic index include: apples, apsaragus, beans, broccoli, blackberries, blueberries, cabbage, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, green beans, honeydew melon, kiwi, leafy greens, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, spinach, strawberries.

Bad (simple) carbohydrates, which are high on the glycemic index include: bananas, breads, carrots, cereals processed with added sugar, corn, French fries, French toast, fruit juices, mangos, pancakes, papaya, pasta, peas, popcorn, white potatoes, white rice, sugar, waffles.

Dietary fats also influence inflammation. Most omega-6 fats, found in margarine and corn and safflower oils, are the basic building blocks of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2, two of several key inflammation-causing substances in the body. In contrast, omega-3 fats, found in fish, fish oils, and vegetables, have an inflammation-suppressing effect. [11]

Balance the Body's pH

It is important to keep the body as pH balanced as possible. Most people's diets tend to be more on the acidic side. Therefore, eating more alkaline forming foods (plant based) helps to maintain proper pH balance. Eat foods such as non citrus fruits and plenty of vegetables, some dairy such as cottage cheese and yogurt, organic skinless chicken, turkey or grass feed, lean beef and fish. Buy dried beans such as garbanzo beans and black beans, consider whole grains such as brown rice and oats, as well as a handful of healthy fats in nuts and seeds.

Add Healthy Seasonings

There are very beneficial herbs containing antioxidant, antimicrobal, and antifungal properties. Consider cinammon, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, onions, garlic and stevia.

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Recipes: Refreshing Basil Ice Cream

 

Recipes: Refreshing Basil Ice Cream

This wonderful ice cream shows basil's versatility. A very flavorful, yet still sweet treat, this frozen dessert is perfect after a summer meal or anytime you want a delightful and different twist on nature's essence. Using fresh and dried basil, this wonderful ice cream shows basil's versatility. The addition of fresh berries makes a very colorful presentation.

Prep Time: 4 hours - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes

-Yield: Makes about 1 1/2 quarts

Ingredients:
•2 cups whole milk
•1/2 cup plus 1/2 cup sugar
•1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
•2 teaspoons dried basil
•1/8 teaspoon salt
•4 large egg yolks
•2 cups whipping cream
•1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation:

Combine the milk, 1/2 cup of the sugar, the fresh basil, dried basil, and salt in a medium, heavy saucepan. Scald the milk mixture over medium-high heat, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let steep for 1 hour.

Strain the milk mixture through a fine-mesh sleeve. Return the milk to a clean, medium, heavy saucepan. Scald the milk once again over medium-high heat, stirring often, for 5 minutes.

While the milk is scalding, whisk together the egg yolks in a medium mixing bowl. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and whisk until the eggs are light and fluffy. Whisking constantly, add a small amount of the hot milk to the egg mixture. Gradually whisk in the remaining hot milk.

Return the custard mixture to the pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and place in a bowl of ice water to quickly cool the custard. Let the custard cool, stirring often, for 5 minutes. While the custard is cooling, combine the cream and the vanilla in a medium bowl.

Stir in the custard mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and press the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard. Refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight. The custard may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze the chilled custard mixture in an ice-cream maker. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze in the freezer for 2 to 4 hours before serving.

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Herbal Remedies for Dermatitis and Hives (Uticaria)

 

Herbal Remedies for Dermatitis and Hives (Uticaria)

Dermatitis encompasses several skin disorders. Any skin inflammation may be considered dermatitis. Substances that irritate the skin, allergic reactions to drugs, detergents, and other chemicals are all culprits. Dermatitis can affect almost any area of the body. Redness, scaling, and thickening of the skin may occur. Pinpointing the cause of the problem is the first step toward alleviating the symptoms.

Dermatitis is not an age specific disorder and can appear on any one and can appear anywhere on the body, although as mentioned above, it is most often seen on legs, feet, arms and ears. There are often predispositions to this disorder. It is seen in heredity and can be traced through family history.

Dermatitis is divided into different classifications. Acute and chronic dermatitis are differentiated by a time period as well as symptoms. Acute dermatitis is seen with erythema and edema in papules, vesicles and sometimes large blisters. Chronic dermatitis is seen as lichenification, scaling and fissures. There is a thickening of the dermal layer. Contact dermatitis is another classification, which is skin irritation due to exogenous agents such as water and other fluids, abrasives such as cleaning products, chemicals such as acids and alkalis as well as solvents and detergents.

Urticaria, or hives, is the most frequently appearing dermatologic disorder in the clinic. It appears as raised, circumscribed areas of erythema and edema involving the dermis and epidermis that are very pruritic. Uticaria is an allergic reaction limited to the skin. It often results from: an allergy to certain foods; medications; insect stings or bites. Hives may appear as a symptom of some viral infections such as hepatitis, measles, and mononucleosis. Parasitic infections are common causes of urticaria in tropical climates. Non-infectious diseases are sometimes associated with urticaria, including lupus erythematosus, and hyper- and hypothyroidism. Some women develop urticaria during menstruation. Psychological factors may play a role in the etiology of chronic urticaria.

There is different etiology. One is allergic response from the interaction of antigen and antibody. Most urticaria especially acute urticaria is due to immune response. Second kind is due to histamine release. The third is factors cause blood vessel dilation. Fourth etiology is from irritation of blood vessel and inheritance. Allergic reaction is the most common reason for urticaria. Some biological, chemical and physiological factor can directly stimulate the release of histamine. Emotional stimuli, exercise can stimulate the release of histamine also. Urticaria can also be caused by lack of certain digestive enzymes. Some drugs, emotion, drinking alcohol can induce urticaria in sensitive people due to blood vessel dilation.

Urticaria may be acute (lasting less than 6 wk) or chronic (lasting more than 6 wk). Pathophysiology Urticaria results from the release of histamine, bradykinin, leukotriene C4, prostaglandin D2, and other vasoactive substances from mast cells and basophils in the dermis.

These substances cause extravasation of fluid into the dermis, leading to the urticarial lesion. The intense pruritus of urticaria is a result of histamine released into the dermis. Histamine is the ligand for 2 membrane-bound receptors, the H1 and H2 receptors that are present on many cell types. The activation of the H1 histamine receptors on endothelial and smooth muscle cells leads to increased capillary permeability. The activation of the H2 histamine receptors leads to arteriolar and venule vasodilation. This process is caused by several mechanisms. The type I allergic IgE response is initiated by 26 antigen-mediated IgE immune complexes that bind and cross-link Fc receptors on the surface of mast cells and basophils, thus causing degranulation with histamine release.

Causes include: Food, drugs, infection, insect bite, emotion, physical stimulation can all cause urticaria.

1. Food: Food is often the major causative factor in acute urticaria. Such as seafood, shell fish, chicken, eggs, tomato, strawberry, garlic.

2. Drugs: such as vaccine, aspirin, and insulin.

3. Inhaled particles: pollen, dust, and animal dander.

4. Infection: Bacterial infection such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, UTI, upper respiratory tract infection, prostitis, hepatitis, and parasite ovum.

5. Insect bite: insect sting often causes urticaria. Mite, tic often cause urticaria papulosa.

6. Physical factor: Cold, heat, sunshine, friction and pressure can cause immune or non-immune urticaria.

7. Hereditary: Urticaria patient often has family history of allergies.

Herbal Remedies for Dermatitis

Herbs that are beneficial for dermatitis (if you are not allergic to them) include burdock root, chamomile, cedarwood, dandelion, marigold, red clover, thyme, and verbena.

A study published in the British Medical Journal Lancet showed a significant improvement in eczema when patients took high doses of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) in capsule form. There have been some reports that EPO can help in cases of atopic dermatitis. It takes a rather large number of these expensive capsules to produce results and it can take at least six months to see any results.

Flaxseed oil taken internally or applied externally often eases symptoms of eczema.

Aloe vera gel and Calendula lotion or cream can sooth irritated skin.

Take 500 milligrams of Black Currant Oil twice a day. Give children under 12 half that dose. This takes six to eight weeks to produce the desired effect.

Burdock Root - Helps to purify blood and restore the liver to aid in a restful sleep. Helps to reduce build up of toxins in the skin resulting in boils and other skin disorders. Helps gallbladder functions and stimulates the immune system.

Chamomile - Chamomile's medicinal properties range from skin inflammations to lightening hair to treating digestive problems. As a mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, it improves digestion by relaxing the muscles throughout the gastrointestinal system and it can induce an overall sense of calm and well-being.

Dandelion - is a leading remedy for detoxing the liver. It stimulates the flow of bile, a fluid that aids fat digestion, which is why it's used for liver and gallbladder disorders. Dandelion has scientifically documented potent diuretic properties. It relieves constipation and eases bloating and swelling. Dandelion should be used for 4 to 6 weeks at a time. For it's liver benefits dandelion is helpful for skin disorders.

Red Clover - is an herb suggested for chronic conditions affecting the skin. It is a diuretic, but it's unknown exactly how it works for skin conditions. Use nonfermented red clover which is safe. Red clover contains a substance called genistein, which has anticancer properties.

Thyme Leaf - The pungent oils found in Thyme are an effective anti microbial in the treatment of respiratory infections. When taking Thyme, people often note tasting it on their breath as the oils permeate through the respiratory system to reduce the proliferation of viruses during infections. It also warms the digestion and reduces metabolic congestion, aiding to clear the body of conditions for infection.

Aloe vera looks like a cactus with soft leaves. The fluid contained in the leaves has been used for centuries to treat burns and minor wounds. Today, aloe gel is used frequently as an ingredient in cosmetics, creams, ointments and suntan lotions. A study published in 1996 in Tropical Medicine and International Health found that aloe vera was very effective in the treatment of psoriasis. By the end of the 16-week study, a cream with aloe vera extract caused a significant clearing of psoriasis in 25 of 30 patients, compared to two out of 30 with the placebo. However, a study published in May 2005 in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that the effect of commercial aloe vera gel on stable plaque psoriasis was modest and not much better than placebo.

Apple cider vinegar and many different types of vinegar (derived from dates, figs, etc.) have been used by many ancient cultures for medicinal purposes. Apple cider vinegar has been used throughout the years as a disinfectant or soothing agent. The Psoriasis Foundation hears from people who apply apple cider vinegar to their skin as a treatment for psoriasis. People add it to the bath, mix it with a moisturizer, soak fingernails and toenails in it, and apply it directly to the skin with cotton balls or pads.

Capsaicin, a natural ingredient found in cayenne peppers, has been shown in some studies to work on redness, scaling and itching of the skin. Researchers have shown that capsaicin interrupts the action of substance P, (a molecule which affects how the brain recognizes pain and itch sensations) at the nerve ending. In two separate studies with psoriasis patients, 0.025% capsaicin cream used topically was effective in decreasing scaling and redness. The main side effect was a short-lived burning sensation. Several studies indicate that topical capsaicin products can also help reduce joint pain associated with psoriatic arthritis. Capsaicin can cause a severe burning sensation if it comes in contact with the eyes, nasal passages or mucous membranes.

Emu oil is reported to be helpful for dermatitis suffers of all kinds, as this oil has a protective and softening effect on the skin. The exact mechanism by which emu oil works is not known.

Oats and oat extracts have been used for centuries as soothing topical agents. Oat plant derivatives have been used to manage dry, itchy skin conditions. Many bath products include colloidal oatmeal as the active ingredient. You can make your own oatmeal bath. Combine one cup oats, one quarter cup dried milk and two tablespoons apricot kernel oil. Pulverize the oats and dry milk in a food processor or blender. Gradually mix in the oil. Place the mixture in a cotton bag, sock or handkerchief and put in the tub while filling. To release the preparation, squeeze while soaking in the bath.

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The Power of Calcium in Human Body!

 

The Power of Calcium

Calcium is an element founds in bones, shells and limestone, among
other materials. Calcium, along with vitamin D, helps build and
maintain healthy bones and teeth. In addition, calcium:
*helps lower blood pressure and control heartbeat *helps regulate
muscle contractions *plays a role in blood clotting *prevents fatal
bleeding from breaks in the walls of blood vessels *maintains cell
membranes *aids in the absorption of vitamin B12 *activates enzymes
such as lipase, the fat-splitting enzyme

Your bones furnish reserves of calcium to keep plasma constant at all
times.

Dairy products are the preferred sources of calcium. Children need 3
servings a day whereas pre-teens, teens and older adults need four
servings a day. The following foods provide about 400 milligrams of
calcium:

*Sardines with bones -- 3 1/2 ounces *Yogurt, plain low-fat with milk
solids added -- 1 cup *Yogurt, plain nonfat -- 1 cup *Tofu processed
with calcium salts (content of tofu varies widely so consult label)
*Cafe latte -- 12 ounces

300 milligrams of calcium:
*Milk -- 1 cup, any kind *Yogurt -- 1 cup *Cheese -- 1 1/2 to 2
ounces *Part-skim ricotta cheese -- 1/2 cup *Salmon, canned with
bones -- 6 ounces *Collard greens -- 1 cup cooked frozen *Soy milk --
1 cup, varies with brand *Fortified orange juice -- 1 cup

200 milligrams of calcium:
*Cheese -- 1 ounce (cheddar, part skim mozzarella, provolone, process
American or swiss) *Ice cream or ice milk -- 1 cup *Turnip greens or
kale -- 1 cup cooked *Cheese pizza -- one slice

100 milligrams of calcium:
*Cottage cheese -- 3/4 cup low-fat or creamed *Broccoli -- 1 cup
cooked, frozen *Navy or pinto beans -- 1 cup cooked *Taco -- one
small *English muffin -- 1 *Almonds -- 1/3 cup *Figs, dried -- 4
*Frozen yogurt -- 1/2 cup

50 milligrams of calcium:
*Black beans or lima beans -- 1 cup cooked *Clams,canned -- 2 ounces
*Shrimp -- 3 ounces canned or 4 1/2 ounces fresh, steamed *Hamburger
bun -- 1 *Orange -- 1

Most adults need 1,000 milligrams a day; adults over 50 need 1,200
milligrams. Children and adolescents need 1,300 milligrams to build
and grow strong bones and calcium stores. Pregnant and breast-feeding
women need only the amount recommended for their age. Most Americans
do not get enough calcium in their diets, especially women.

When calculating the amount of calcium you get in your diet, keep in
mind that certain dietary factors, lifestyle characteristics, medical
conditions and medications can affect the absorption or excretion of
calcium in your body. For example:

Calcium from foods rich in oxalates (such as spinach, sweet potatoes
and beans) or in phytates (such as whole wheat bran, beans, nuts and
soy isolates) may be absorbed poorly. Protein and sodium in foods
boost the amount of calcium excreted in urine, while phosphorus an
vitamin D reduce the amount excreted in urine. Caffeine reduces the
absorption of calcium. Cigarette smoking may decrease the absorption
o calcium. Diseases such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes, and
medicines such as corticosteroids and glucocorticoids reduce the
absorption of calcium, and increase the amount excreted in urine.
Alcohol in moderation does not appear to adversely affect calcium
availability.

If you are not getting enough calcium in your diet, you should take a
supplement. They do not provide the same overall nutrient benefits as
foods, however. If you do take calcium supplements, follow these
guidelines.

If you take high amounts, be sure to get at least 18 milligrams of
zinc per day, too. Avoid supplemental calcium from sources such as
dolomite, oyster shell and bonemeal, which may be contaminated with
lead or arsenic. Take supplements with meals, and spread the daily
dosage out over several meals instead of taking it all at once. Read
labels carefully; not all supplements contain the same amount of
calcium. Supplements made from calcium carbonate have the most; 40
percent of the pill is the calcium itself. This number drops to 38
percent for pills made with calcium phosphate, to 21 percent for
pills with citrate, and to 13 percent for lactate and 9 percent for
gluconate. So you would have to make many more calcium lactate pills
than calcium carbonate pills to get the same amount of calcium.

A calcium intake of up to 2,500 milligrams is safe for healthy
people.

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Anti-Aging Enemies---

 

Anti-Aging Enemies

1. Sugar: One of the reasons inflammation occurs is from a rapid rise in blood sugar, which causes biochemical changes in the cell. When blood sugar goes up rapidly, sugar can attach itself to collagen in a process called "glycosylation," or the Browning Reaction, increasing inflexible and inflammation. CRP is not found in foods. However, its levels in the body are strongly influenced by diet. The body makes CRP from interleukin-6 (IL-6), a powerful inflammatory chemical. IL-6 is a key cell communication molecule, and it tells the body's immune system to go into asperity, releasing CRP and many other inflammation-causing substances.

2. Simple Carbohydrates: Staying away from sugar and high-glycemic (simple) carbohydrates, which the body rapidly converts to sugar, is one of the best ways to decrease inflammation. C-reactive protein (CPR) is a key factor of inflammation.

In a major study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people with elevated CRP levels were four and one-half times more likely to have a heart attack. Not only is elevated CRP more accurate than cholesterol in predicting heart attack risk, but high CRP levels have turned up in people with diabetes and pre-diabetes and in people who are overweight.

A recent study by Simin Liu, M.D., Ph.D., of the Harvard Medical School found that women who ate large amounts of high-glycemic (or diabetes promoting) carbohydrates, including potatoes, breakfast cereals, white bread, muffins, and white rice, had very high CRP levels. Women who ate a lot of these foods and were also overweight had the highest and most dangerous CRP levels.

3. Saturated Fats : are found primarily in animal products, including dairy items, such as whole milk, cream, and cheese, and fatty meats like beef, veal, lamb, pork, and ham. The fat marbling you can see in beef and pork is composed of saturated fat. Some vegetable products including coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and vegetable shortening-are also high in saturates.The liver uses saturated fats to manufacture cholesterol. Therefore, excessive dietary intake of saturated fats can significantly raise the blood cholesterol level, especially the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), or "bad cholesterol. " Guidelines issued by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), and widely supported by most experts, recommend that the daily intake of saturated fats be kept below 10 percent of total caloric intake. However, for people who have severe problems with high blood cholesterol, even that level may be too high.

4. Excess Sun Exposure : Exposure of up to 20 minutes in the sun is imperative for Vitamin D activation. It is the sun that is so important in cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder . BUT, excess sun exposure without a sunscreen of at least SPF of 15 can damage the skin by starting the inflammation process. Scientists agree that one of the most significant factors contributing to aging is chronic inflammation. [1]. This inflammation process is due to an excess of free radicals which produce harmful oxidation or "oxidative stress" that can damage cell membranes and cell contents. [2]. These free radicals cause inflammation.

5. Hypertension : The main factor in most cases of high blood pressure is an increase in resistance to blood flow. This can occur if the diameter of your arterioles becomes smaller. Your heart has to work harder to pump the same amount of blood, and the pressure at which the blood is pumped increases. Sympathetic tone is constantly too high, arteries are constantly constricted, and blood pressure remains elevated to levels that can eventually damage the heart and arteries, kidneys, and other organs. Because the sympathetic nervous system deals with fear and uses adrenalin and nonadrenalin as its chemical messengers, it is not surprising that anxiety is a factor in essential hypertension.

6. Alcohol : Alcohol stimulates the inflammatory process within the body. Drink only in moderation.

7. Sedentary Lifestyle : To build and maintain muscle strength and bone mass, start (or continue) a regular program of weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or weight training. A cardiovascular workout is imperative in order to maintain wieght and oxygenation of red blood cells. Maintain a healthy weight for your age and sex. (See guidelines for men and women).

8. Smoking : If you smoke, stop. Nothing you can take as a supplement can counter-act the negative effects of smoking on your health and longevity. Stopping the habit can! Tobacco, in the form of cigarettes, is the most addictive drug in the world. Nicotine is one of the strongest stimulants known, and smoking is one of the most efficient drug-delivery systems. Smoking actually puts drugs into the brain more directly than intravenous injection. It is true that one of the "benefits" of smoking is the brief relief of internal tension; unfortunately, within 20 minutes the tension is back stronger than before, demanding another fix. Learn to STOP Smoking NOW!

9. Excessive Stress : Stress can kill you. It is the underlying factor which can undermined any one suffering from an illness, fear, or just plain insecurity. The mind and body altercation brought on by our own self affliction. Anxiety is a vague, uncomfortable feeling of fear, dread or danger from an unknown source. For some it may be a one time episode. Other become constantly anxious about everything. A certain amount of anxiety is normal and helps improve our performance and allows people to avoid dangerous situations.

10. High Cholesterol : Too much cholesterol in the blood is what creates a problem. A risk factor for both heart attack and stroke, high blood cholesterol increases the chance of plaque or blockages developing in arteries. Lowering blood cholesterol can slow or stop the buildup of plaque. While your risk of cardiovascular disease depends on many factors, from genetics to lifestyle habits, keeping your blood cholesterol levels within ideal ranges can greatly lower your risk.

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Dental Care - 6 Tips to Manage Acid Erosion

 

What we eat fuels every cell in our bodies, including our teeth and
gums. Therefore, it is not a shock when dentists tell their patients
that their nutrition is important to their oral health. However, what
does surprise people is that even healthy foods, like some fruits and
most fruit juices contain acids that dissolve away the enamel of their
teeth.

Enamel is the hard surface of your teeth that protects the inner pulp
and nerve. In fact, it is actually the strongest substance in the human
body. When enamel is weakened due to acid, your teeth are more prone to
cavities and decay. Unfortunately, once a tooth begins to lose enamel,
it is not able to be replaced. It is gone. Therefore, in order to ensure
good oral (and overall) health, it is important that people are educated
on how to properly manage acid erosion. Below are six tips to help
manage this problem. 

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Discovering Digestive Health: Top Herbs

 

Good Morning!

Discovering Digestive Health: Top Herbs

Our digestive system is one large system, with a lot of opportunity for things to go wrong along the way! The two major causes of almost every gastrointestinal disorder is diet and stress! Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and quitting smoking if you smoke, can help protect against practically every digestive disorder as well as, heart disease, osteoporosis and some types of cancer.

Herbal medicine is a wonderful preventative solution. Complications can arise when taking herbal medicine and allopathic drugs your doctor has prescribed. Great caution should be used especially if you are on blood thinners, diuretics or any other heart related medication. Consult your doctor with any questions you may have, before taking additional herbs or supplements. Here are a list of my top 10 favorite herbs for digestive issues:

1. Cardamom, warms up the digestive tract, speed up and increase the thoroughness of digestion, and reduce gas.

2. Cinnamon Cassia: In Ayurveda, this warming spice reduces vata and kapha and is traditionally used in cold formulas, regulates blood sugar and is used for strengthening digestion. Cinnamon is a useful remedy for sluggish digestion. The German Commission E recommends it for loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints, bloating and flatulence.

3. Fennel Seed: Foeniculum vulgare is a common spice that is traditionally used to improve digestion and absorption without increasing pitta. The seeds are also chewed after meals to freshen the breath and alleviate gas.

4. Flaxseed Oil is an edible oil derived from the seeds of the Flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) and is one of the best plant sources of the Omega-3 fatty acid Alpha-Linolenic Acid available. Naturally occurring constituents in Flaxseed Oil may help to balance the production of prostaglandins and support cardiovascular and bowel health.

5. Ginger Root: In Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda it is used as a general panacea that is especially useful for digestive and respiratory complaints. Also dispels nausea and acts as a diaphoretic. Ginger is a time-tested digestive remedy for stomach upset. European practitioners also use ginger in tea for indigestion. It reduces spasms and increases the secretion of digestive juices, including bile and saliva. Ginger contains ingredients that soothe the gut and aid digestion by increasing peristalsis that moves food through the intestine. Use 1 teaspoon of the chopped root brewed as tea, three times a day.

6. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) guards digestive mucous membranes by increasing the production of mucin, a secretion that protects gut linings against stomach acid and other digestive juices. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root (DGL) removes the glycyrrhizic acid (the ingredient in licorice root associated with the possibility of increasing blood pressure and water retention). The soothing part of the root, however, remains intact in DGL. Use 1 teaspoon of the chopped herb brewed as tea, three times a day, or 1 to 2 chewable wafers of DGL (250 to 500 mg) 15 minutes before meals and one to two hours before bedtime.

7. Parsley Leaf: Natural diuretic, parsley helps eliminate wastes and lessen water retention, which can aid in weight loss. Its high enzyme content improves digestion of proteins and fats and absorption of nutrients. Parsley is a natural breath freshener.

8. Peppermint: is a well-known digestive herb for easing tummy troubles. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules work well to prevent dyspepsia. Peppermint oil is a relaxant for the muscles of the intestinal wall. The essential oil can be massaged over the belly to relieve spasms. Take 1 teaspoon the liquid tincture or the dried leaf, brewed as tea, three times a day, or 0.2 to 0.4 ml of an enteric-coated capsule three times a day.

9. Triphala: This formula cleanses the entire GI tract, supporting digestion and gently maintaining regulartity. Considered in Ayurveda to be general panacea for all doshas, it is also used to support weight management, improve the complexion and strengthen the urinary tract.

10. Turmeric: A traditional Indian cooking spice that improves digestion and purifies the blood. Believed to act as a natural antibiotic and antiseptic.

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