Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Do You Dare To Try Chinese Yoga?

Qigong ('chee-kung') is slowly but steadily taking the health and fitness world by storm, one gentle graceful move at a time. Just like its eastern practice counterpart, yoga, Qigong encourages mental focus and self-awareness. In fact, it is yoga that has paved the way for mind-body exercises and eastern practices like Qigong to be embraced in the western world. While some forms of yoga can be strenuous, the gentle flowing and easy-to-learn nature of Qigong makes it accessible to all age groups regardless of fitness level. In fact, children, people recovering from injury and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease can benefit from qigong as well. Qigong requires no exercise apparatus, not even a mat. It is estimated that millions in the world today (besides in China where it originated) practise Qigong on a regular basis.

Even so, you may still wondering what exactly Qigong is, and how it can benefit you? Qigong has been around for thousands of years and is a part of the system of traditional Chinese medicine. In the Chinese language, Qi means breath or gas, and breath is regarded to be the vital energy flowing through the human body. Gong refers to work or technique. So Qigong is basically the art or technique of managing one's breathing. Coupled with the coordination of different postures and body movements, Qigong can provide many health benefits such as relieving stress, increasing one's energy and stamina, healing injuries, improving bone joints and creating harmony between mind and body. Qigong has also been said to be able to improve one's self-confidence, sex hormone levels, immune system, internal organs, as well as detoxify the body.

There are four major areas of Qigong. Healing Qigong (Yi Gong) teaches one how to manage stress. External Qi Healing (Wai Qi Zhi Liao) enables one to tap into his or her 'energy fields' to increase the body's wellness and ability to heal. It includes exercises, meditation, acupuncture and massage. , Sports Qigong (Wu Gong) or martial arts Qigong includes kungfu and taijiquan ("tai-chi-chuan'). It cultivates the body's strength, stamina, speed, balance, flexibility, and injury resistance. Finally Spiritual Qigong (Fo Gong, Tao Gong), evolving from Buddhism and Taoism, is a discipline in spirituality that teaches one to be more self-aware and create a peaceful and harmonious relationship with nature.

Sure, Qigong can't really give you a perfect physique, but with the highly stressful environment we live in today, it provides a welcoming respite for the weary soul. Its gaining popularity is evident of the shift in focus from being merely health-conscious to seeking a more holistic mind-body-spirit rejuvenation. Experts are predicting that qigong may one day supercede yoga in popularity. Already, more and more former yoga practitioners are switching over to Qigong due to "mat fatigue" (read: too much hype and overcrowded studios with too little mat space).

Qigong can be learnt on your own or through attending a course. But as there's no specific training required to be a qigong "master", make sure you do your research well before signing up for any classes or buying random Qigong tapes. A good source where you can learn Qigong on your own would be QigongWeb. The guy behind this website is a long-time practitioner of Qigong and he provides a comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide for the different Qigong exercises.

As per usual, before you start on any exercise program, make sure you consult a doctor before starting on Qigong. Finally, breathe, relax, and embark on your journey to total wellness.

Author Resource: 3 years ago,Estevan was a frail and sickly person who visited the doctor almost once a month for various ailments.One day she discovered QiGongWeb) and became a practitioner.Today,she's the healthiest person in her workplace,going more than 468 days without sick leave.

Article From Mister Article

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Natural Remedies For Sinus Allergy

Sinus allergy is a very common illness, which fortunately is not life threatening in most cases. However, its symptoms can wear you down especially if you do not know the source of your allergens. Certain drugs can also cause drowsiness or other side effects. You may wish to consider natural remedies for sinus allergy, as safer alternatives to provide relief.

You may often find that you need to stay in bed when your symptoms become severe. Some of the most common symptoms that you may have to contend with include sneezing, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, and more. Here are a few examples of natural remedies for sinus allergy:

1. Licorice. Licorice has two main healing properties that are highly beneficial in treating chronic sinusitis. It aids in reducing inflammation and it strengthens the immune system. You can easily obtain licorice herbs from your local herbal store.

2. Echinacea. This natural remedy for sinus allergy works by boosting your immune system. It is most effective when you take it as soon as you begin to feel the illness coming on. You can consume this in the form of a herbal tea. Alternatively, to ensure that you get maximum strength, you can take Echinacea capsules.

3. Ginger. Ginger is a spice that is commonly found in most kitchens. It is anti-inflammatory that is used to help treat headaches and other pain. I highly recommend ginger tea as a beverage that you can take. In fact, drinking hot ginger tea is a practice common in many Asian countries. You can order ginger tea at any local coffee shop in Singapore, Malaysia or Indonesia.

4. Peppermint. Peppermint is helpful in reducing inflammation and is especially helpful in reducing the inflammation of mucous membranes. Drinking a tea of peppermint or breathing in steam from a peppermint inhalation can clear your nose so that you can rest more peacefully.

5. Lemon Balm. Lemon balm is a natural remedy for sinusitis as it is known for fighting off viruses and bacteria and providing relief. Lemon balm tea is the normal way to ingest it.

6. Antioxidants. Foods that are high in antioxidants can help strengthen your immune system and they can help your body to fight illnesses naturally. These foods are cranberries, blueberries, pomegranates, artichokes, and red beans. Ensuring that your diet is comprised more of such foods can help you to prevent sinus infections.

Since incorporating some of the above natural remedies for sinus allergy into my diet, I have found that I am less prone to developing runny nose symptoms. These are far better than using drug medications since natural remedies produce fewer side effects. One great thing is also that some of these natural remedies can already be found in the kitchen cabinet. It is certainly true that the kitchen can be your pharmacy for allergies as well!

Author Resource: Evelyn Lim has been an allergy sufferer for many years. She now publishes tips on allergy natural treatment. For more information, please visit http://www.Allergy-Attacks.com.

Article From High Profile Articles

Monday, October 29, 2007

The Truth About Holistic Health

Holistic health is gaining momentum in the United States, but its definition is still a bit ambiguous. For some people holistic health means turning away from allopathic medicine and seeking wellness in alternative therapies exclusively; while others define holistic health as the act of treating a person as a whole, as opposed to simply treating the symptoms of a disease. Someone who suffers from chronic ear infections then, might be asked to take their antibiotics and perform another action to treat what is found to be the underlying cause. Perhaps acupuncture will relieve the infections, or a massage, or perhaps better posture will straighten things out.

Holistic health means looking for the problem behind the disease, viewing the disease as only a symptom of a larger condition. Holistic choices include things like eating right, exercise, acupuncture, massage, sleeping well, meditation, herbal treatments, as well as many others. It also means looking at every aspect of a person, treating their minds, bodies, and souls, no matter what the current problem may be. The best part is that the benefits can be seen overall.

While there are times that allopathic medicine must be brought in for the safety of the patient (a life-saving surgery or treatment for a very threatening illness), the goal of a holistic lifestyle is to prevent the need for these life-saving procedures in the first place. If you eat well and exercise you will probably not need a bypass surgery, like-wise if you meditate, you will not likely need medication to treat high blood pressure.

Holistic health means treating a person through all aspects of physical, mental and spiritual health, to make them as healthy as they can be. It is the creation of the "ideal" lifestyle, as far as your health is concerned because it is not only a treatment for poor health, but a lifestyle designed to preserve good health and keep you feeling your best long into your golden years.

There are many people who take holistic approaches to their care without applying a fully holistic lifestyle. These people are engaged in holistic health for short periods of time when it is convenient, they are the people who will grab McDonald's on their way to yoga, or who use massage to treat stress. This is not truly holistic health, since they are not treating the underlying causes of their problems, nor are they engaged in preventative measures such as proper nutrition and exercise. These people are engaged in activities that are employed by devotees of the holistic lifestyle, but are not members of that lifestyle themselves.

More people than ever are starting to realize the benefits of increasing their overall health and avoiding things or situations that cause their health and state of mind to deteriorate. An executive might scale back his job so that he can spend more time on healthier choices and increase his peace of mind by reducing his stress. A mother might make the choice to take herbal supplements for her diet and to cook for her family instead of going out. These are the kind of people who count to ten instead of exploding, they enjoy living well.

You cannot force yourself onto a holistic path. If it is not what you want to do, then you will stray from it. If you are willing to do the work, though, a holistic lifestyle can have many wonderful benefits.

Holistic health is the health of your body, your mind, and your soul, take care of yourself inside and out, and you will feel the benefits, and the best part is that you will live a good, long life feeling those benefits.

Author Resource: Scott White is owner of the corporations White Incorporated NLP Certification and Fitness Competition

Article From Mister Article

About Congestive Heart Failure

The human body is a magnificent machine that works in harmony with nature. The machinery needs proper care and sometimes parts replaced. Like the machine so the heart also needs help to prevent failure. The pump may not pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, which can lead into congestive heart failure. Many underlying conditions can cause congestive heart failure.
Over time and with the wear and tear of one's body the heart itself can develop such things as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure, which can lead to congestive heart failure. These things sap your strength leaving the heart with the inability to pump efficiently causing a break down. It is very important that you take care of yourself because these things while not reversible are preventable.

We have medicines that can treat the conditions you have improving your survival rate. These medications if taken properly can help control your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other things that might be affecting your heart. The field of medicine has come a very long way in providing medicines to prevent congestive heart failure.

The cardiologist who is a heart specialist can inform you about by-pass surgery or stents to help open up the flow of your blood through your veins. Many things are possible to prolong your life just ask your doctor for advise as to what you need. It is very possible for you to do things for yourself that will help in good heart health.

Congestive heart failure maybe prevented by changing your lifestyle. This does not always take a big change but some things in your life are controllable. First, look at your diet eat a heart healthy diet. Watch out for salt intake, fatty foods, and over indulgences as these can cause congestive heart failure. Many of us in today's world need to know how to manage stress overcome depression or simply improve the quality of our life. The problem of being over weight can lead to other problems such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. We need to keep these conditions under control in order to prevent congestive heart failure.

Managing stress becomes a stressful problem in itself for many people. While others enjoy the benefit of belonging to a gym or owning equipment that they use in their homes some of us do not have the time, money, or space to afford such luxury's. A person who sets daily in his office may feel the tensions building up to the point of no relief and farther some even go into a depressive condition. This is very bad for the heart we say that our heart is what feels our emotions like love, sadness, hate, excitement etc. still yet our heart suffers with stress and depression. Congestive heart failure one of the number one killers of men and women can be prevented. Prevention begins as they say at home with you taking care of your needs.

Author Resource: If you would like to find out more about Congestive Heart Problems, and keeping your Heart Healthy then please visit us at Congestive Heart Information. It could give you information that saves your life.

Article From High Profile Articles

Saturday, October 27, 2007

The Aims of Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga can help you towards better health and calm your mind so that you can solve your personal problems, but I do want to stress two facts.

Firstly, that the aim of Hatha Yoga is not the acquisition of a superior muscular physique but the discipline and the purification of the body that we may forget our earthly shell enough to reach a state of heightened awareness through the control of the mind.

Secondly, that Hatha Yoga is neither the easiest nor the fastest system of physical culture to show results. Why then Hatha Yoga for your health? Why not weight lifting, club swinging, athletics, or even dancing? All of these will improve the circulation, the figure, and strengthen the muscles. What has Hatha Yoga to offer in addition to this? Simply that Hatha will provide an extraordinary control over the body and awaken the mind and spirit, the higher self if you like, as no purely physical culture system could possibly do.

Also, the above-mentioned activities are beyond the capabilities of a large section of the community, the aged, the infirm, the lame, and the physically frail. Those activities involve violent movement whereas Hatha Yoga is essentially a static science. Basically one gets into a Yoga posture or asana and remains so for as long as possible. Stress is laid on pressure of certain organs, glands and muscles rather than on movement.

When movement is necessary in Hatha Yoga it is always gentle and graceful, therefore anyone can benefit from Yoga regardless of age, sex, race, walk of life, or religious belief. It is a universal science. It can lead to more abundant living and a new awareness of higher things through ridding your body of the pains and diseases which drag your mind back into the earth when it wants to wing its way upwards towards the light.

It is reported that Lord Buddha, whose philosophy is based on the Veda from which Yoga was evolved, said that the first step on the way to spiritual freedom and salvation is perfect physical health. So if you are drawn towards Hatha Yoga do not be put off by others who might tell you that you will never reach a state of heightened consciousness by turning your body upside down or sitting in various leg-breaking postures. Tell them that if the blood is impure then the brain, the nerves, the psycho-spiritual life, yes even the thoughts, cannot but be affected. Tell them that a man cannot control his mind until his body is made pure and healthy.

You will find that Yoga knowledge, once accumulated, will begin to influence and help you in your daily life, whoever you may be. It will gradually invade every part of your life, from your attitude towards your fellow men to the way you sleep, breathe, think, and even eat. Did I say eat? What has eating to do with Hatha Yoga? It has very much to do with it. It is a strange fact that Yoga's doctrine of non-violence very soon influences even the most enthusiastic meat-eater to think again about a vegetarian diet. As the senses become more acute through the practice of Yoga, one begins to experience distaste for all forms of killing and violence.

Meat becomes unpalatable because many devotees of Yoga are actually able to see the astral bodies of the slaughtered animals as they tuck into a thick, juicy steak. Their senses gradually becoming awakened, they think on things that never occurred to them before and in the case of slaughtering helpless animals they begin to understand and revolt at the hideous practices that go on in abattoirs all over the world. So you have been warned! You, who are reading a book on Yoga for perhaps the first time in your life, you who have eaten and enjoyed meat and fish for many years and intend to go on doing so, you will suddenly discover, if you practice Yoga, that meat is not quite so delicious as you hitherto thought and that other foods, cheese and vegetables and fruits, taste much better.

Author Resource: Discover How to Keep Healthy With Yoga And Twist Yourself Inside-Out Like A Master Yogi, Even If You A Yoga Beginner

Click here for FREE online ebook!
http://www.yogaforbeginner.org/

Article From Mister Article

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Interested In A Ginger Acid Reflux Remedy?

As a sufferer of acid reflux, you may be taking pills, and you may have been taking them for a very long time. This can start to become expensive. You might even wonder what the long-term effects of taking medication might be. Acid reflux is wide spread, and there are many who simply don’t want to take another pill, and want to try natural remedies to see if they can find another way to keep symptoms under control. Many believe that a ginger acid reflux remedy is all they need to feel better each and every day.

Ginger is a natural product that you probably already have in your home, and you are probably familiar with it. You can get ginger in its whole root form or as ground ginger. Ginger is very popular in Chinese and Asian cuisine, and therefore the root is in demand. It’s a very versatile plant root and if it helps you with acid reflux, that is one more great use it can have.

You may already have had some experience with using ginger as a digestive remedy. Though not as common today, many moms used to give flat ginger ale to their children when they had an upset stomach. The ginger in the drink would calm and sooth the stomach. It was important that it was flat, because the carbonation would have the opposite affect. Many moms swore by that remedy, and many still do. Also, ginger has long been used as an effective anti-nausea treatment and pregnant women find it helpful to combat morning sickness. So if you suffer with nausea as a symptom of acid reflux ginger can help with that too.

You may find that if you add a ginger acid reflux treatment to your day, you won’t have to take your pills any longer. Some recommend that if you have at least 500 mgs of ginger with a meal you will see a reduction in your reflux symptoms or you might find relief right away. Ginger also helps with indigestion and gas, which might be the root of your reflux problem.

If you want to try something other than a ginger supplement you can make your own ginger tea. You can buy this is the store, but when you make it on your own, you can be sure it is as pure and fresh. Simply buy ginger root (you can find it in the produce section at the store), peel about half and inch, slice finely and add to hot water and steep. Once you are done, you have a lovely tea you can have before each meal to help with your indigestion and reflux problems. If the taste is not that palatable for you add a small amount of natural honey. Try Manuka honey as this has good antibacterial properties.

Another benefit of a ginger acid reflux remedy is that ginger can help your stomach work more efficiently. During digestion the walls of the stomach move, and ginger acts as a stimulant for this process. It doesn’t mean your stomach will cramp from the motions, it just means the gentle movement needed will be enhanced. This results in faster digestion, and less problems with acid, gas, and your food will not be sitting there making you feel bloated and uncomfortable. Ginger is one natural remedy that you can try without too much worry, and you should be able to tell rather quickly if this is something that is going to work for you.

Author Resource: Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker's brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter here http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/?source=is which is overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you combat Acid Reflux and GERD.

Article From High Profile Articles

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Piriformis Syndrome and Massage Therapy

In my San Antonio, Texas based Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice I often treat pain from various syndromes including Piriformis Syndrome. Like many painful conditions Piriformis Syndrome responds quite well to massage therapy and bodywork.

What is Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis Syndrome is the name of a painful nerve entrapment condition in which the sciatic nerve is placed under abnormal pressure by the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle attaches to the sacrum bone of the low back to the top of greater trochanter of the femur (thigh bone) and lies on top of the sciatic nerve. When the piriformis muscle becomes tight and enlarged, pain results from myofascial trigger points (knots) in the muscle, pressure on the sciatic nerve, and sometimes from the S-I Joint in the low back. Pain from Piriformis Syndrome is usually found in the extreme low back, buttocks, hip, and often the back of the thigh. Most of the time the symptoms are on one side, but may affect both sides in some cases. Additionally, people with Piriformis Syndrome often have trouble sitting for long periods and the pain may worsen when walking or squatting.

What is the cause of Piriformis Syndrome?

There are a number of causes for Piriformis Syndrome including direct blunt trauma to the buttocks, prolonged sitting while working or driving, Morton's foot, or S-I Joint instability. Frequent or prolonged running on canted surfaces and participation in sports requiring quick lateral movement such as tennis, skiing, and basketball may also overstress the piriformis muscle and lead to Piriformis Syndrome.

Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Piriformis Syndrome

There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Piriformis Syndrome. The massage therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the piriformis muscle. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release adhesions between the piriformis muscle and surrounding tissues while also using Muscle Energy Techniques to gently lengthen the piriformis muscle. Piriformis Syndrome also responds well to positional release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy which work with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the area. In addition to working on the piriformis muscle it may be necessary to provide therapy for other muscles near piriformis and even to muscles opposing piriformis to improve muscular balance. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Piriformis Syndrome.

Other Treatments for Piriformis Syndrome

While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Piriformis Syndrome there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician:

Anti-inflammatory medications
Anesthetic and Steroid Injections
Surgery

Other Names for Piriformis Syndrome

Pseudosciatica
Back Pocket Sciatica
Deep Gluteal Syndrome
Hip Socket Neuropathy

The information on this page has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Piriformis Syndrome. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of more serious conditions that resemble Piriformis Syndrome that could require immediate medical attention.

If, after consulting your physician, you would like to pursue treatment of Piriformis Syndrome with Massage Therapy and Bodywork please contact me at my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice or contact a Massage Therapist near you.

Author Resource: Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. His practice is dedicated to relieving pain through the use of several massage and bodywork techniques. See his site MassageByBen.com or his blog.

Article From Mister Article

Monday, October 22, 2007

Holistic Medicine Secrets: Does Cholesterol Really Matter?

Every American should be paying attention to the health of their heart, and particularly to the health of the arteries in their heart, because cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans, including women. Overall, about 480,000 American women die of heart disease each year, which is 60,000 more women then men.

Women are very concerned about breast cancer and whether or not they should take hormones. What most women don't realize is that they have a much higher risk of dying from heart disease than dying from breast cancer. Heart disease is different for women and men. Women need to focus more on the health of their small arteries, whereas men with heart disease often have blockage of their larger arteries. The prevention and treatment of problems in the small versus large arteries are different. More importantly, we will be reviewing several basic steps that everyone should be taking to keep their hearts healthy.

More than half the people who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol. You do need to concern yourself with abnormally high or low cholesterol, but normal cholesterol levels do not protect you from heart attacks.

A cholesterol check is not the best test for determining whether or not you are at risk for coronary artery disease (I'll refer to it as heart disease). In fact, the American Heart Association now agrees that people with heart disease all have one factor in common, and it isn't high cholesterol. It's inflammation in their arteries (Heart guidelines urge test for inflammation; USA TODAY, Jan. 28, 2003).

The inflammation stimulates the body to use the cholesterol as a band-aid and cover up that irritated area in the blood vessels. So, chasing the cholesterol away from someone's arteries is like chasing the firefighters away from the fire. What we really should be doing is putting out the fire and not chasing the firefighters away.

Are there any functions that cholesterol has in the body or is it just something to get rid of?

Cholesterol has many very important functions in body; it is definitely not just a byproduct to get rid of. Cholesterol is an important part of each and every cell membrane. It acts as the rebar which stabilizes your cell membranes.

Additionally, all steroid hormones are made from cholesterol. Our steroid hormones include estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, and cortisol. We all need those hormones, so we all need cholesterol to make those hormones. Vitamin D is also made from cholesterol, and we are learning more and more about the benefits of optimal amounts of vitamin D.

We definitely need cholesterol. Most people are worried about high cholesterol, but low cholesterol can also be a warning sign. An adequate cholesterol level is actually a sign of a healthy liver because the liver makes cholesterol.

The standard medical recommendation is for the LDL cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol - to be less than 130 mg/dl and even below 100 mg/dl for people who have had a heart attack or are considered high risk for a heart attack.

I encourage people to look at the big picture and not just focus on a number. If your LDL is slightly elevated and you start taking a statin drug to lower your LDL cholesterol the benefits of your overall health are uncertain at best.

Can you decrease your cholesterol levels by changing your diet?

You can influence cholesterol levels by changing your diet, but the answer is not to remove all the cholesterol from your diet. The idea that eating cholesterol is what causes you to have high cholesterol is false. If you don't eat cholesterol, your body will make it. The body knows how much cholesterol it wants and, for some reason or other, it might allow too much cholesterol. Only 15% of cholesterol in the body comes from the diet anyway. The liver makes the other 85%.

However, you certainly can affect cholesterol by your diet. A significant way to lower cholesterol is to include adequate amounts of healthy fiber in your diet. Your body doesn't waste. Instead, your body is continually recycling; it even recycles cholesterol. If we have enough fiber, then the fiber acts as a sponge. So all the cholesterol that makes its way into the intestinal tract will not be reabsorbed but will attach to the fiber and be eliminated. The America Heart Association recommends including up to 30g of fiber/day.

Author Resource: And now I would like to offer you free access to my weekly Holistic Medicine Newsletter where you can receive additional information on important health topics.

You can sign up by going to Holistic Medicine

Dr. Lisa Hosbein, MD, FACOG - The Wellness Doctor at Holistic Medicine

Article From High Profile Articles

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Tips on How to Quit Smoking

You do not need an expert to tell you that cigarette smoking is harmful to human health. And even if that is a universal fact, many people continue to smoke while tobacco companies rake in millions if not billions of dollars in revenues and profits.

Lung and throat cancer, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis and weakening of the immune system are among the many diseases and ailments smoking inflicts on our body. Smoking can also compromise sexual performance.

But there is good news - you can quit smoking. And you better quit smoking before it is too late, or when the smoking-related disease is hard to cure or irreversible.

While many doctors believe that the damage caused to the body by heavy smoking (at least one pack a day) will take months or even years to reverse, it is still worth it to save your body from further damage.

Many smokers have tried to quit smoking by abruptly stopping their habit immediately, only to go back to their habit one or two days later. Better to quit smoking gradually. Before we go to the steps on how to gradually quit smoking, it is very important that the decision to quit be made from the start. Otherwise, everything will be futile.

To strengthen your willpower, build up the motivation deep inside to rebuild your health, and enjoy life more. Or even to save money.

We recommend these steps:

1.) Reduce the number of cigarettes per day - going from a pack a day to ten per day then to five per day is easier compared to going from a pack a day to nil. Eventually, you have to go from one a few sticks (less than five per day).

When you reach the phase where you smoke less than half a pack a day, try to discard that cigarette when it is consumed halfway. And it will only be matter of time when you can go less than five sticks per day to one or two, then to zero.

2.) Set a no-smoking day - a weekend would be fine, since this is the time you are away from work (where there is much tension and stress that force many people to smoke). However, do not remain idle, since idleness also encourages smoking. Better to keep busy with leisure activities or your family. Just don't remain idle.

3.) Calculate your savings - calculate how much you are saving from reducing the number of sticks you are not burning. As your savings pile up, you should build up more motivation to quit smoking.

4.) Eat snacks - a few psychologists link smoking to an oral need, and smoking is one of the many ways to satisfy that oral need. So if you feel like eating a snack or two in between meals just satisfy that oral need, then go ahead! Gaining some weight is better off than destroying your body. Besides, you can shave that weight later (more on that).

5.) Practice meditation - tension (from one's job and what have you) is one of the many factors causing people to smoke. To better deal with tension, start practice meditation.

If you can't attend those meditation classes, try one of these many CDs offered in the internet that helps achieve meditative states (a more relaxed yet active state of mind) that can help people better deal with tension and stress.

6.) Go out an enjoy the fresh air - as the number of sticks you smoke goes down to less than five of which you discard halfway, try trekking to the outdoors where you can enjoy nature and lots of fresh air. And start thinking: this is the type of air you want to get into your lungs (and not toxic smoke from cigarettes).

7.) Educate yourself - start or continue reading and educating yourself about the dangers of smoking. The more knowledge you accumulate on the subject matter, your will to quit will become stronger.

8.) Be aware of withdrawal symptoms and tolerate them - irritability, lacking focus or concentration and the craving to eat snacks and junk food are just some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking. Better to know more about them than to guess to yourself as to what is happening to you. Anyway, many of the symptoms eventually disappear as you adopt a smoke-free attitude.

Using nicotine patches can also help, but quitting without using such is possible. Once you are no longer a smoker, try enrolling in a vigorous exercise program (with your physician's clearance) and watch how your body and endurance becomes stronger. For sure, you won't want to smoke anymore once you see your body getting stronger.

Author Resource: Joshua Watson is the author of Buy Promotional Products, Organic Search Engine Optimization and Free Life Settlement Information. If you like this article, please take a look at the other sites and share your feedback.

Article From Mister Article

Heart Disease Number 1 Killer In America

Cardiovascular disease kills one million per year and cripples several million more.

Are you aware that your arteries may be over 80% clogged before you have any symptoms of cardiovascular disease? A harmful buildup of plaque, found in the circulatory system, leads to a lack of blood flow to many of the body’s tissues including the sex organs, heart, and skin. This decreased blood flow affects the tissue and organ functions which cause premature aging and can eventually lead to Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). By clearing the arteries and promoting good circulation, you will experience greater health and longevity. Along with that, this solution will help to remove many of the metal toxins that cause a variety of untold problems.

Since heart disease is today’s number one killer in the United States, and Coronary Heart Disease is the most common form of the disease, approximately one million Americans die from heart diseases each year. With the use of conventional medical procedures such as open heart surgery or balloon angioplasty, are often used to help these diseases along with the use of drugs to relieve symptoms, which have been shown to be only temporary fixes. In order to stop the progression of the disease and actually reverse it, the underlying problem of heart disease and circulatory problems must be addressed.

Like all other muscles in the body, the heart requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, which it receives from the blood flowing in coronary arteries. When these arteries become narrowed and clogged, the blood and oxygen does not flow as easily to the tissues and organs, resulting in CHD. By increasing the diameter of the arteries, more oxygen-rich blood will be able to flow through. To do so, the answer is a non-surgical oral chelation therapy that will dissolve and remove plaque from arterial walls. Even though intravenous chelation provides quick results, researchers have found that oral chelation provides the same results in a relatively short period of time. The formula works because its key components, EDTA and amino acid, binds with calcium and heavy metals to remove them from the body. The suggested use for this therapy is three capsules with two meals daily.

The formula includes vitamin C, vitamin E, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Folate, Vitamin B-12, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Cysteine, EDTA, L-Carnitine, CoQ10, and Ginkgo Biloba. Studies proven that this formula restored previously blocked arteries. Since cardiovascular problems are the most common cause of death, everyone over 40 should consider this product as an essential to their diet. This product is considered by some doctors to be the most important supplement of all. Without its benefits to the circulatory system, the other supplements one takes will be far less effective and beneficial. If your circulatory system is plugged up the necessary oxygen and nutrients will be unable to get to your cells and disease will begin in your weakest tissues. Once the age of forty has been reached, there is a 100% chance that you have some degree of plaque on your arteries. Because of this, do not wait until the doctor wants to do surgery, do something about it! With natural supplements and dietary changes one can overcome and prevent cardiovascular disease.

Author Resource: More information can be found at http://vitanetonline.com/ where a large selection of articles on heart disease can be found.

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Saturday, October 20, 2007

Traditional And Natural Cancer Treatment Options

While there's a whole gamut of cancer treatment options available; which is the best one to use depends upon the type of cancer as well the stage that the cancer has reached. Though the prevailing trend is to resort to more traditional cancer treatment options, cancer patients are not restricted to them. There are a variety of alternative and natural options (some new, some old) for treating cancer.

Traditional Cancer Treatment Options

Traditional cancer treatment options are often referred to as cut, poison and burn (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, which involves the use of chemical agents or drugs to destroy cancerous cells, forms the core treatment of malignancies. These drugs work by targeting fast-growing cells and the type and combination of drugs depends upon the type of cancer. Though chemotherapy has been proven to be effective, it can give rise to a host of side-effects including hair loss, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia or low red blood cell count, neutropenia or low white blood cell count, mouth sores and shortness of breath.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy ionizing radiation from varied sources including x-rays, gamma rays, protons and neutrons to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells. It is used almost half of all cancer patients; either by itself or in combination with other cancer treatments. External-beam radiation therapy, which involves using radiation that is emitted from a machine outside the body is more common than internal radiation therapy, in which a radioactive material is implanted in the body near the tumor or cancer cells.

Surgery

Surgery often entails a biopsy, which is done for diagnostic purposes. Surgery that is done to remove the cancerous tissues is often followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which reduces the risk of the cancer recurring and also to destroy any cancer cells that may be left behind in the affected part of the body.

The kind of surgery depends on which part of the body has been affected by cancer as well as the extent of the cancer. In breast cancer patients the options could include lumpectomy, in which only the lump is removed; segmentectomy, in which part of the breast is removed or mastectomy, in which the entire breast is removed.

Alternative Cancer Treatment Options

Traditional cancer treatment options form only art of the story. An increasing number of health professionals are now exploring alternative cancer treatment options that encompass the whole individual.

Nutrition Therapy

Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene, is the best way to provide your body with the nourishment it needs to fight cancer. Proper nutrition helps minimize nausea and fatigue that are the main side-effects of traditional cancer treatments and are a critical component of the healing process.

Buah Merah or Red fruit, found primarily in the Indonesian island of Papua, has very high levels of anti-oxidants, beta-carotene and tocopherol and offers hope to all cancer patients. Beta-carotene and tocopherol have strong anti-carcinogenic properties and help by boosting the immune system and retarding the growth of cancer-causing cells. Buah Merah also contains Omega 3 and Omega 9 as well as linolenat, oleat, dekanoat and linoleat acids; all of which act as active medicinal compounds and also help in the prevention of diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a system of treatment that focuses exclusively on using the healing powers of nature such as sunlight, water and air. It is supplemented with therapies such as massage as well as a wholesome diet. Naturopathy is by and large a holistic kind of treatment and includes homoeopathy, ayurveda, therapeutic nutrition, hydrotherapy or botanical medicine. It is based on the belief that the body is self-healing and will recover and repair by itself spontaneously if it is given a healthy, conducive environment.

Pain Control

Though, to a certain extent medication can be used to manage pain, Acupuncture is gaining popularity as a means to control the pain experienced by cancer sufferers. The pain could be brought on by the cancer itself or as a side-effect to the cancer treatment. Prevalence and severity of pain depend on the extent, location and type of cancer as well as pain threshold of the person afflicted by cancer.

Author Resource: Learn about Alternative Cancer Treatment options at http://www.redfruitoil.com/

Article From Mister Article

Is There A Natural Yeast Infection Cure?

Most women would love to know if there was a natural yeast infection cure. If your yeast infection is not that serious, you can treat it naturally. There are a lot of ways and steps on how to prevent yeast infections from occurring.

The first natural yeast infection cure is simply to eat a well-balanced diet. You should eat well and never skip meals. It is important to take your diet seriously because there are some foods that may cause and ignite the growth of yeast. Eating chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, yogurt, seeds, nut, eggs and oils is beneficial in the fight against yeast infections. What you should avoid eating are those foods made with refined and simple sugars. This includes brown sugar, white sugar, raw sugar, molasses, grain sweeteners and honey. If you can’t or don’t want to exclude sweet tasting food from your diet you can use Stevia as a substitute. Eating a lot of raw garlic can be helpful. You should avoid drinking milk and alcohol. You should also avoid eating mushrooms, fruits and dried fruits.

It is important to avoid foods that contain mold or yeast. This includes cakes, muffins, baked goods, cheese, breads, melons, dried fruits and peanuts. Increasing your fiber intake can help. You can take one teaspoon to one tablespoon of soluble fiber which contains psyllium husks, guar gum, pectin and flaxseeds. This can be mixed in an 8 oz glass of drinking water which should be taken two times a day. It is necessary to drink this during an empty stomach.

Taking nutritional supplements is also effective. One capsule of Acidophillus contains probiotic lactobacillus which should be ingested daily. This controls growth of candida, by keeping our intestinal tract more acidic which discourages the growth of candida or yeast. Acidophillus produces hydrogen peroxide, which directly stops and kills candida. Many researches have proven that supplementing with hydrogen peroxide will reduce the occurrence of the antibiotic generated yeast infections. Controlling bacteria can help in restoring the microbial balance in the digestive system, thereby, fighting the growth of yeast.

Good hygiene habits prevent the production of yeast. You should aim to stay fit and healthy. Poor hygiene can contribute to yeast infections. If you tend to wear synthetic clothing, your skin will not breathe freely which can encourage yeast growth to take place. You should avoid wearing tight clothes and go with loose, breathable cotton items. People who perspire heavily should understand clearly that wearing tight, synthetic clothes invites the growth and formulation of yeast.

Now that you know and understand there are steps to you can take to achieve a natural yeast infection cure, it is important that you take these suggestions on board and stop yeast infections from reoccurring.

Author Resource: Sign up for a free Yeast Infection and Candida newsletter at http://www.eliminating-candida.com?source=is and discover how you can start eliminating your yeast infection today

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Friday, October 19, 2007

How Vitamin D May Help In The Battle Against Cancer

Vitamin D’s importance in maintaining strong, healthy bones through its interaction with the essential mineral, calcium, is well known. But the vitamin is also vital for the health of the nervous and immune systems, in regulating insulin levels and blood pressure, and even as a possible protector against certain common cancers.

The best known and most serious disease associated with vitamin D deficiency is rickets, which arises when the deficiency causes blood calcium levels to fall too low, and the body to respond by stripping the bones of calcium leading to loss of bone density and malformation.

Interestingly, studies have shown that the geographical pattern of the incidence of rickets is very similar to those for both breast and colon cancer, suggesting a possible (though not fully understood) link between vitamin D deficiency and these diseases. One 5 year study which grouped 120,000 people by levels of vitamin D intake reported that men in the highest intake group had a 29% lower incidence of colon cancer than those in the lowest intake group and similar results have been observed in breast cancer research. Relatively high blood levels of active form vitamin D have also been associated with a lower risk of pre-cancerous growths (polyps) in the colon whereas lower levels of vitamin in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Vitamin D is known to be essential for a healthy immune system and has been shown to be particularly important in helping prevent auto-immune diseases – those in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys its own cells, wrongly having identified them as invaders. Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis are examples of serious diseases which fall into this category and a number of research studies suggest that a generous intake of vitamin D may be a significant mitigating factor.

Blood levels of vitamin D have also been shown to be inversely correlated with blood pressure, and some research suggests that high dose supplements of vitamin D of (1,600 IU per day) may help this, although orthodox medicine, as ever, is cautious about definitively acknowledging any direct causal link.

The traditional view was that adequate supplies of vitamin D can be synthesised in the skin upon its exposure to sunlight. But the problem is that a large proportion of the population in the affluent world lives in latitudes which provide very limited sunlight for six months of the year. People commonly work indoors and tend to use high factor sunblocks on the rare occasions on which they might expose significant areas of skin to the sun.

It is a cruel irony that this concern about skin cancer may lead to the ill-health associated with vitamin D deficiency and may even increase the risk of other cancers. But in these circumstances the usual assumptions about vitamin D production in the body appear questionable at best, if not downright complacent. And the situation is even worse for the elderly, who may not only enjoy even less exposure to the sun than the young, but are less able to make use of that which they do obtain.

Moreover, there are relatively few good natural food sources of vitamin D, and the best source, oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon is one which many people, and perhaps children in particular, often find unpalatable. The situation has improved somewhat with the fortification of milk, orange juice, bread and some cereal products, but it may still be difficult for individuals to ensure they obtain a sufficient intake of the vitamin, particularly because the amounts added to different foods and drinks are very variable.

Since the amount of vitamin D required from food will vary greatly depending on the amount of exposure to sunlight enjoyed by the individual, it has not been deemed possible to determine a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D. But the Food and Nutrition Board has suggested 200 IU (5mcg) for infants, children, and adults up to 50, rising to 400 IU for the 50-70s, and 600 IU for the over 70s, as an “Adequate Intake” of the vitamin from food on the assumption that none is being obtained from sunlight.

Orthodox opinion, however, seems to regard these suggestions as too conservative. And even for those individuals fortunate enough to enjoy regular exposure to good quality sunlight, the intake of 400 IU (10 mcg) of vitamin D as part of a multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement is recommended. For the over 65s, those with less than optimal liver or digestive health, those living in less advantageous climates and those who spend the majority of their time in indoor occupations a supplementary dose of a further 400 IU, for a total of 800 IU is strongly advised.

For maximum effect, however, vitamin D supplementation should be always be combined with adequate dietary calcium - supplemented if necessary to achieve an intake of 1,000 – 1,200 mg per day of this essential mineral.

Author Resource: Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products.

Find out more at

http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/VitaminD2.htm



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Gymnema Sylvestre And Weight Loss

Gymnema sylvestre can help those who desire to lose weight. It does this in two main ways:

1. If Gymnema drops are directly dropped onto the tongue this reduces or removes the desire for sweet foods and fatty foods, and

2. Studies have indicated that it blocks fat absorption from the digestion into the blood.

Preliminary studies have identified a reduction in weight and also in upper abdominal, waist, and hip circumferences when given a supplement which included gymnema.

Gymnema is best taken:

- Just before a meal or snack to reduce the desire for sweet or fatty foods, and

- Three times a day, (1-2 capsules of raw herb) to reduce sugar absorption from the gut.

A Diet To Accompany Gymnema Sylvestre

By combining Gymnema sylvestre with a healthier diet plus regular exercise, weight loss will be more assured.

The basic dietary recommendations are to reduce starch intake.

Eating starch throughout the day results in elevated levels of blood sugar. This stimulates insulin production to remove the starch into the muscle cells, where it is used for energy; and the remainder is taken up by the adipose tissue in the abdomen to be converted into fat and stored. This results in a 'spare tyre' around the abdomen.

Many people with a 'spare tyre' have got 'Metabolic Syndrome'. As well as a 'spare tyre', this syndrome can also include fatigue, high blood pressure, heart and artery disease and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Cutting down on starch in the diet eliminates this constant high level of sugar in the blood, reduces insulin production, and avoids the health problems associated with high blood sugar and high insulin levels.

For a complete picture of the effect of different starches on our metabolism, the Glycaemic Index must also be considered when deciding which starches to eat. this is a comparison of the speed with which starches in foods get into the blood stream, compared to the speed with which glucose does so. For a detailed discussion of this, try Leslie Kenton's book The X Factor Diet.

Gymnema is a remarkable herb which can be a huge benefit both to those who truly want to lose weight - but need a bit of help for their will power!

The main treatment for weight loss is usually to change diet and get more exercise: but if you do these things, some Gymnema is a great help to have in your pocket, and you can further benefit from taking 3-6 capsules of the raw herb daily.

Author Resource: Max Hill has been a practitioner for over 20 years, using herbs, acupuncture and naturopathy. He writes about Metabolic Syndrome for http://www.meta-syndrome.com; and contributes articles to the popular free ezine at http://www.alternative-healthzine.com (There is a free gift if you subscribe).

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What Is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the blood sugar level of a person dips down below the normal level. This leaves you unable to perform daily activities due to the decrease in energy levels caused by low blood glucose levels in the body. It usually affects adults and children over 10 years of age as a side effect of taking diabetic medication, although other ailments and medications can also bring it on.

The majority of hypoglycemic suffers have diabetes. Due to being diabetic their body struggles to bring blood sugar levels back within a normal range should they start to fall. This can leave you feeling hungry, anxious, weak, light-headed or sleepy with excessive perspiration and dizziness. Usually the reaction is not serious and can be treated by eating or drinking sugar or carbohydrate rich products. However, it is important to note that potential symptoms should not be ignored as, left untreated, hypoglycemia can cause a person to lose consciousness.

Hypoglycemia can also affect people who do not suffer from diabetes. There are two types of hypoglycemia not related to diabetes - reactive and fasting hypoglycemia. Fasting hypoglycemia occurs when people go periods without food such as overnight or after exercise. This is not a common condition in people without diabetes and is usually associated with another illness or medication. While, reactive hypoglycemia happens within about 4 hours of eating a meal.

Should you suffer from reactive hypoglycemia the following steps have been suggested by some health officials to counter the symptoms - eating little and often, exercising regularly, having a varied, high fiber diet and cutting out or reducing your intake of sugary foods.

If you do suffer from hypoglycemia there are also some precautions that you could think about taking. For example, wearing a bracelet with the condition on it in case of emergencies. Telling your friends and work colleagues what your particular symptoms are so they can watch out for you and remind you to eat when you appear to become irritable or fatigued. Keeping suitable snacks on hand and remembering to eat regularly to keep your blood sugar levels steady, limiting alcohol consumption and finally checking your glucose levels before using heavy machinery, driving or doing any strenuous exercise.

Author Resource: Additional information and resources please visit http://westgazette.com/.

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Healthy Water For Your New Baby

Perhaps you’ve just learned that you’re pregnant, or maybe the little bundle has already arrived and your thoughts have turned to home safety. While cribs and car seats traditionally get most of the attention, many parents are now beginning to look at other environmental health risks that may impact their baby. Home water quality is certainly one of the environmental factors that many families are examining, and for good reason.

Recent history shows us that the water we drink – water that we’ve mostly taken for granted – has the potential to negatively impact our health. In 1993 the gastrointestinal parasite Cryptosporidium contaminated the municipal drinking water of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. One hundred deaths were directly attributed to this outbreak. In 2000 a deadly strain of e.coli bacteria entered the Walkerton, Canada municipal water supply. Hundreds of residents of this small Canadian town became ill and seven people ultimately succumbed to the illness.

While these cases are certainly newsworthy and temporarily capture the interest of the general public, it is still shocking the number of home owners who choose not to purify the water that they use for making baby formula and for bathing their little one. Perhaps even scarier still is the number of rural dwelling families who assume that their well water is safe. In the absence of nation-wide studies, several smaller scale studies have shown that twenty to forty percent of wells in any given area are contaminated with e.coli or coliform bacteria at any given time. The presence of e.coli bacteria indicates contamination by animal or human feces.

Diligent rural dwellers that have their water tested are not necessarily safe either. Water quality varies tremendously with rainfall levels, air temperature, and even air pressure. Just because your water tested OK one day, does not ensure that it is safe the next. Consider also the limited testing capabilities of laboratories. Typically it is only e.coli and coliform bacteria that are tested for. In the Milwaukee example above it was a rarely-tested-for parasite called Cryptosporidium that infected thousands ultimately killing dozens. There are several other new waterborne parasites that only a handful of labs in the nation have the ability to test for.

So what is a new parent to do? Depending on whether you’re on city water or getting your water from a well, the answer to this question varies. Since most city water supplies are heavily chlorinated, bacteria and other living organisms aren’t usually a concern. The best water purification options for this group would be a reverse osmosis system (R.O. system for short) or a countertop water distiller. Both of these devices remove virtually all of the chemical contaminants found in city water.

The rural dweller on a well should probably be most concerned about potential bacterial contamination. The easiest and least expensive way to ensure your water supply is free from dangerous living organisms is with an ultraviolet (UV) water purification system. A UV system is a steel chamber that is plumbed on the home’s water main. A UV lamp inside this chamber zaps any bacteria or other dangerous microbes as the pass through. The zapped organisms are rendered harmless by the UV light and eventually die.

So what will this cost? The average RO system or countertop distiller will run about $600. A UV system is about the same. If you’re handy and want to do the install yourself, you can usually save a few hundred dollars buying any of these products from a reputable online reseller.

Author Resource: C. Reid Thornley is a B.Sc. Biology and a former research associate for a world class water purification manufacturer. He has been a presenter for the US Water Quality Association and he now owns and operates aQuatell - Water Purification Made Easy! http://www.aquatell.com

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Thursday, October 18, 2007

How To Lose Your Belly By Improving Your Posture

The leg bone's connected to the hip bone... Yes, we all know that kids' song. But how many of us really think about it? Of course we all know how the bones are all connected. The point is this; all the parts of our body are interconnected. All parts of our body are related somehow. Case in point, our back and our stomach muscles are also related as they form some sort of girdle around our lower torso. And these muscles affect one another. Ah ha, did you think about that? So that means that how your tummy looks depends also on how you stand and sit, that is your posture. In addition, this means that the strength of your stomach also affects your posture.

Straight up!

Want to lose that belly? Stand up straight. Sit up straight. See the difference? Standing and sitting up straight will affect you immediately. First thing to remember, slouching does nothing for you except to draw attention to your belly fat. So just by sitting up straight, you will be seen a lot slimmer. Secondly, having proper posture will improve the strength of your back, which in turn makes it a lot easier to maintain this proper posture for longer periods of time. Thirdly, if you have poor posture, you will always experience back pain, and back pain makes stomach exercises all the more difficult for you. Practising good posture will make it a lot easier for you to target that tummy and help you easily eliminate belly fat. And finally, having good posture by standing and sitting up straight enhances your blood circulation. Your blood will flow properly throughout your body, especially to your legs and lower back, both important parts in your body when it comes to stomach exercises.

The back extension

If you have read and practiced the 'crunchless crunch' you will find this somewhat familiar except that it is backwards. First lie on your stomach and place your forehead on the floor. You can use a mat or towel to cushion your head and pelvis. Place your arms by your sides with the palms facing upwards. Now, contract your back muscles and slowly lift your torso off the floor. Hold this contraction for a while and release. Slowly return to starting position with your torso back down on the floor. Now repeat for an entire set.

For this next part, imagine you're a superhero and extend your arms out above your head. While keeping your head and arms in place, lift both your legs simultaneously off the floor. Imagine that your legs are growing longer as you lift them off the floor. Hold them in that position for a while, then lower them slowly back down to the floor.

These two exercises can assist you in strengthen your back and correcting your posture. These are steps that you can take towards losing that unsightly bulge round your middle. You can continue working on your back muscles coupled with other core muscles like the rectus abdominus and the transverse. When you choose stomach exercises that work the core muscles, you can be sure that they will help you to straighten your posture, make sure you lose that belly fat and help you gain defined toned muscles in your back and your tummy. Remember though, be sure you consult with a professional before you begin any exercise and always warm up properly to avoid injury.

Author Resource: Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann own a blog that provides free stomach exercises for all. Feel like losing some of that stomach fat but don't have the time to do it? Check out stomach exercises for busy people.

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Benefits Of Healthy Eating

The key element for healthy human development and good health is a healthy eating plan from prenatal to early childhood. Healthy eating is not only essential for healthy development, but also to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases which is critical to your child's well being. It is generally agreed right across the board, that it is better to undertake the basic dietary principles of eating less, doing more exercise, eating fruits and vegetables on a daily basis along with whole grains and also to avoid a large consumption of junk food.

Listed below are some of the benefits of healthy eating.

Cancer Prevention

For years past, it has been believed that eating a healthy diet with the correct foods is more likely to prevent cancer. The foods included in this speculation are fruits and vegetables, which are full of antioxidants, which are thought to contain certain properties to fight cancer, along with low fat and high fiber foods. Although media reports are rife about bad diets causing cancer and good diets preventing cancer, the link between diet and cancer is a little tenuous. However, new studies are showing that women that eat a diet which is low in meat and high in fruit actually decrease their risk for breast and colon cancer.

Fruit and Vegetables

Almost always low in calories and fat are fruits and vegetables, and they are generally highly nutritious also. It is advised to east fruit and vegetables as a healthy snack, rather than a sugar-based product. It is generally recommended to eat seven servings of fruit and vegetables daily as part of a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains also contain fiber, which help to keep the bowels healthy.

Energy

For those people who have a fast lifestyle and leave early for work, or have a heavy schedule or a demanding family, then they can very often find that their energy levels can drop, therefore having no capability to undertake additional exercise. Vitamins and Minerals such as iron and B12 supply the body with the energy it needs throughout the day. It is important to ensure that you select the foods that provide the body with energy and nutrients.

Sugary drinks should be avoided at all times, as they are certainly an empty source of energy. Ensuring a healthy eating plan will not only increase your energy levels, but also improve the way in which your body functions, as well as strengthen your immune system and delay weight gain.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is something which is present in every part of the body, including the brain, nerves, muscle, skin, liver, intestines and heart. Cholesterol travels in your blood in packages called lipoproteins. However, it is essential to remember that not all cholesterol is actually bad for you. It is in truth, a natural substance which serves as a building block in the body for cells and hormones, and helps fat to travel through the blood vessels for use or storage in other parts of the body. However, a high blood cholesterol level can lead to a build-up of plaque in your arteries, which can in effect increase the risk of heart disease. There are, however, certain types of fiber, including oats, which can help to lower cholesterol and maintain normal blood sugar levels, as part of a healthy diet.

Meals

It is advised, that in order to maintain the required energy levels and healthy weight, that three meals and two snacks are consumed every day. If you skip meals or are over-hungry, then you may be more likely to overeat or choose a non-nutritional food. Since it has been proven that your body takes 20 minutes to feel full, then attempt to relax and eat slowly so that your meal times last 20 minutes. This is also much better for the digestion system.

It is generally believed that it actually costs more to purchase healthy foods. However, purchasing your items, such as fruit and vegetables, in the right place such as a fruit and vegetable market, rather than a store, will result in them being much cheaper. With some careful planning, it is possible to produce some cheap and exciting meals for both you and your family.

Author Resource: Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of My-Personal-Growth.com, a site that provides information and articles for self improvement and personal growth and development.

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Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Treatments For Acne - Revealed

Whether you are a teenager or an adult, acne is one of the most embarrassing and frustrating skin conditions one can have because it affects the face. You can't cover it up like you can in the case of a rash on your arm or leg. If you suffer from acne, you have most likely spent countless hours searching for the best treatments for acne prone skin.

Finding the right treatments for acne isn't easy, because if you use the wrong products on your skin, you can actually cause more breakouts to occur, and even other skin conditions such as eczema. The best treatments for acne are those that use a simple three step process which includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing your skin.

Skip Treatments For Acne That Don't Exfoliate

Your skin is made up of several layers and each of those layers were meant to be shed. Skin is amazing in its ability to regenerate, so when you exfoliate, you are simply helping to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin to let the new skin underneath shine through. If you suffer from acne, using treatments for acne that include exfoliation is a must.

When you gently scrape off the dead cells on the surface of your skin, you lose the barriers that keep your cleansing products from giving you a deep clean. Once those dead cells are gone from the surface of your skin, your cleanser can really penetrate to the layers where acne actually begins.

Only Use Treatments For Acne That Gently Cleanse

Acne prone skin tends to be more sensitive than normal skin types. When you choose a product to cleanse your skin, make sure that it is a gentle cleanser.

Using a product or a chemical filled soap that is too harsh can actually make your acne worse. Using a strong cleansing treatment for acne can also cause irritation that is far worse and harder to get rid of than the pimples you are trying to treat. Look for products that say they are gentle or even all natural.

Choose Treatments For Acne That Also Moisturize

Most people think that the way to treat acne is to dry up your oily skin. While oily skin and acne often go hand in hand, treating your oily skin with super drying treatments for acne can actually increase your problems. When you use a product to dry out your skin and pores, your oil glands react by going into production overdrive.

They tend to produce even more oil, which in turn leads to more clogged pores and even more breakouts. Healthy skin has a balance of moisture in it, so if you are prone to breakouts don't forget to moisturize your skin. Make sure that you choose oil free moisturizers and apply them lightly to your skin after you cleanse it.

How Diet Plays A Role In The Treatment of Acne

Diet is also a major factor of acne. Why? Well acne is actually toxins that are released through the skin. You get those toxins from food you ingest and anything you put onto your skin. Stay away from fast food, processed food, and foods that contain a lot of oils, such as peanuts. You should eat as many fresh, raw, organic fruits and vegetables as possible.

Exercise As a Treatment For Acne

You also need to exercise regularly as a treatment for acne. Sweating is the best natural way for your body to rid of toxins, like the ones that cause acne. Otherwise toxins are forced out of your skin slowly, through zits and pimples.

So eat healthy, exercise and find treatments for acne that use a three step process as described above. If you follow these recommendations you should be able to get rid of those unsightly blemishes.

Author Resource: Madison Greene is no different than anyone else. She has also suffered the embarrassment and frustration of unsightly blemishes and acne from time to time. Through her own research, and trial and error, Madison has made it easy for people to find the perfect acne treatment to improve the quality of their skin. It's guaranteed to work. Visit: www.ProvenAcneTreatment.com

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Holistic Medicine Secrets: Essential Nutrients For Anyone Over 50

The health and medical communities have long acknowledged the benefits of a daily multi-vitamin, particularly for those over the age of 50. Even Medicare has noted decreased costs in caring for patients who take daily multi-vitamins.

As we grow older, the absorption and digestion of proteins and minerals becomes more difficult leading to a variety of ailments such as osteoporosis, fatigue, and chronic illness. We can go a long way towards addressing these concerns by seeking out a few basic nutrients and nutritional supplements.

Five that are essential for anyone over 50 include betaine hydrochloride, B-12, magnesium, Vitamin D, and adequate protein.

Betaine Hydrochloride: Our bodies digest foods less efficiently as we age, yet nutrients from our foods are a critical component to good health. Reasons for poor absorption include the side affects of acid blocking medications such as Prilosec and Prevacid. Another reason for poor absorption is that older people often do not secrete enough stomach acid in their gastrointestinal tract.

Stomach acid is required for absorption. Ironically, many people take medications such as Prilosec for reducing stomach acid, but in reality, stomach acid declines as we age. People think they have stomach acid problems, because their stomach acid backs up in the esophagus due to poor digestion caused by a lack of stomach acid!

In my practice, I have seen patients clear their perceived stomach acid problems by taking betaine hydrochloride, and stopping their intake of acid blocking medications. This may seem paradoxical but the key is to do everything possible to improve your digestive function, and adding stomach acid (betaine hydrochloride) is a very good place to start.

Betaine hydrochloride can support digestion when taken with meals. A betaine hydrochloride supplement can be purchased at health food stores and may be taken in conjunction with digestive enzymes, such as pancreatic enzymes or vegetable enzymes. If you develop warmth or burning in your upper abdomen, then your dose is too high.

Vitamin B-12: Insufficient Vitamin B-12 levels can lead to fatigue, brain fog, and a higher risk of heart disease. Vitamin B-12 is particularly hard to absorb as we age, because we lack the biochemical called intrinsic factor.

Because Vitamin B-12 is difficult for the stomach to absorb, I recommend taking it sublingually (as a lozenge, or as drops under the tongue) so that it can be absorbed through the mouth. A reasonable daily dose for Vitamin B-12 is 500-1000 micrograms (not milligrams). Vitamin B-12 is water soluble, so it is extremely unlikely that you will overdose on this vitamin.

Magnesium: Magnesium is often overlooked and is essential to your cellular health. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables! Kelp provides a rich source of Magnesium. Look for a supplemental green drink that contains seaweed, especially kelp, at your local health food store.

If you are taking calcium, then you need to take magnesium, because calcium competes with magnesium in the body. Your dose of magnesium should be at least as much as your calcium dose. Magnesium malate, glycinate or citrate are more absorbable than magnesium oxide. A reasonable dose is 100-300 mg 2x per day.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is another essential nutritional supplement. Not only is Vitamin D critical for bone health, but women who have optimal levels of Vitamin D have approximately 50% decreased chance of breast cancer. Studies have shown that most of the population living north of San Francisco is Vitamin D deficient.

Taking 2000 IU's of Vitamin D 3 per day is a reasonable dose particularly in winter. Vitamin D toxicity has been a concern because it is a fat soluble vitamin. However in reality, Vitamin D toxicity is extremely rare. No cases have been documented of Vitamin D toxicity from a daily dosage of 2000 IU's.

Alternatively, you may take cod liver oil daily. Be sure to find quality oil free of toxins. Highly recommended brands are Carlsons and Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil.

Protein: The final component for basic nutritional health is simply to include adequate protein in your diet. Choose foods that are rich in high-quality protein, such as organic eggs, free-range chicken and lamb, and ocean wild-caught fish.

Protein deficiency can cause muscle mass to decrease. Also, our brains need protein because the neurotransmitters in our brains are made out of the amino acids from protein. Nuts and legumes contain protein as well, but are not as concentrated as the protein found in meat and animal products.

Author Resource: And now I would like to offer you free access to my weekly Holistic Medicine Newsletter where you can receive additional information on important health topics.
You can sign up by going to Holistic Medicine
By Dr. Lisa Hosbein, MD, FACOG - The Wellness Doctor at Holistic Medicine


Article From Mister Article

Obesity And Your Health

We all accept that having good health is a number one priority. There are unfortunately times when this priority gets a little mixed up. At these times the health and obesity of people become mixed up. In order to ensure your health obesity should be controlled with certain methods. These methods can be both that of the traditional form and that of weight reduction surgeries.

You will find that there are a number of these possible surgeries which can be done. To find out if you are an individual who needs to have one of these obesity surgeries you can get an opinion from your family doctor. As this person is well aware of your personal health and lifestyle the advice that you get will paint a realistic picture of your health obesity surgery being one possible outcome.

Now before you decide to have one of these many weight reduction surgeries performed you should understand exactly what is done to help you lose weight. You will need to see the advantages and the disadvantages which can be found in these different surgeries. For your health obesity surgery might need to be conducted past a certain weight limit.

This weight limit occurs when a person’s body weight jumps into the morbid obesity range. Now even though there are people who suffer from this complaint there are weight reduction surgeries like bariatric surgery, gastric bypass surgery and others. These surgeries coupled with a healthy lifestyle and healthy yet small intakes of food will help the morbidly obese individual to lose the excess pounds.

While many of today’s technological advances can help us we still need to understand that for our health obesity is not an option to look forward to. The health problems which can occur are ones like difficulty breathing, heart problems, stomach ulcers and more. In order to remove these obstacles to our health obesity concerns should be looked at carefully and dealt with.

The saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” can be seen to be true as it pays to have a healthy lifestyle. To keep this saying true in your life you should see that health obesity problems are far from your life. Keeping this maxim as your mantra for a good life you should see the best options that you have at your disposal.

Even though you can go through with one of the weight reduction surgeries you may want to experience life in the normal way. And keeping fit and healthy means that you will not experience any health obesity related problems.

Author Resource: Author's Sites: http://www.easyhomeremedy.com/pregnancy_weight_loss/index.html , http://www.easyhomeremedy.com/home_remedy_for_vaginal_infections.html



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