Natural Cholesterol Treatments

By Julieanne van Zyl

Modern society speaks familiarly about "lowering your cholesterol", but do we even know what it is? All that most people know that it is bad for your health and that it is related to fatty intake, which is to some degree, correct.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance. Yellow in color, soft, it clings to your membranes and cell walls throughout the interior of your body systems. In order to stay healthy your body does need cholesterol, but since your body produces it we definitely do not need to add to it.

In order to stay healthy your body does need cholesterol, but since your body produces it we definitely do not need to add to it. There are things that you can do to keep your cholesterol in check and to keep your body healthy without use of medications, unless your cholesterol is critically out of control. Some cholesterol natural remedies have quite a bit to do with lifestyle changes.

To maintain optimum cholesterol levels you can:

If you are overweight take measures to reduce or maintain your weight if it is already optimal. Not only does excess weight cause your cholesterol levels to rise but it also keeps it imbalanced. high levels of cholesterol can and do clog up your blood vessels. Excess fat carried around the abdominal area and is a significant indicator that your cholesterol is too high.

Get regular exercise, ideally four times a week for 30-minutes is a very good way to keep your overall health at optimal condition. Regular exercise has been found to lower your cholesterol. By exercising regularly you are able to heighten your good cholesterol, HDL, and lower your bad cholesterol, LDL. Also, by exercising regularly you will be able to lose weight at a faster rate and to keep your weight maintained once you have lost it. Although some forms of exercise are better than others just concentrate on any form of exercise to get you moving.

Foods that lower cholesterol are:

Fruits, such as mangosteen, grapes, citrus fruits, strawberries, and apples Chicken Fish Whole grain cereals Lean meats Seeds Nuts, such as walnuts and pecans Olives and more.

Levels of cholesterol greater than the average will cause a great deal of harm to your body. It will cause health complications, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. If you have high cholesterol, confirm with your doctor about additional ways of lowering your cholesterol. A few lifestyle changes in regards weight, exercise, and dietary modifications and you can be healthier sooner than you think. It takes work, patience, self-control and lots of ambition, but it can be done. Your cholesterol levels can be returned to good health by following these natural remedies.

About the Author:

Julieanne van Zyl operates a site about Vemma Mangosteen Juice which has current information about Mangosteen Juice. If you would like to to buy a healthy energy drink, which is a whole fruit Mangosteen and the Mangosteen pericarp extract supplement , go here: Vemma Mangosteen

How Can Banana Nutrients Help Your Health?

By Rachel Greene

Bananas are considered to be one of the most nutrient rich fruits that you can eat -- they are also one of the most popular fruits eaten today by people of all ages all over the globe. This combination means that few foods can have such a regular and positive impact on our health and well-being. So, let's take a closer look at how banana nutrients can help your health.

Bananas are a great source of vitamins for a start, including vitamins A, B and C, and we all need plenty of those. They are also rich in a variety of minerals including calcium, magnesium and potassium. The calcium content here, for example, is a great way of helping promote healthy bone growth for both children and in adults.

It is, however, the potassium content of the average banana that is considered to be the nutrient of most value in the opinion of most nutritionists and diet experts. Bananas contain such high levels of potassium that some doctors will even recommend eating them if their patients have low potassium levels and need a natural boost here. They are also a good source of fiber which is also important to your general health and everyday fitness.

You should also remember that the potassium boost that you can get from eating bananas regularly can also help keep you physically healthy in other ways. It is, for example, good for your heart and for your blood pressure. The potassium content in a banana also makes them the snack of choice for many athletes and fitness trainers. Potassium can go a long way to avoiding cramps and muscle spasms after exercise, for example.

Bananas are also an easily digested fruit which means that this can be an acceptable fruit to eat if you suffer from certain stomach problems such as ulcers. The way that a banana breaks down in your system helps protect the stomach and causes few problems. For this reason many people swear by eating bananas after a stomach upset or bout of diarrohea as the stomach can accept and digest bananas very easily without further problems.

Finally, bananas can be one of the greatest snacks that you can eat when you are on a diet. They are rich in natural healthy sugars which will immediately deal with any cravings you have for sugary foods. You will also get an immediate energy boost with a banana that is similar to the sugar rush that you will get from eating a sugary snack. The difference here is that a banana is good for you!

You will also find that your body processes the nutrients from a banana slowly and steadily. This means that most people will feel fuller for longer and they will not need the energy boost of sugary snacks as there will be a steady flow of natural sugars and carbohydrates going through their bodies. So, as you can now see, bananas can help you keep healthy in all kinds of ways!

About the Author:

Rachel Greene helps people find out about the nutritional value of bananas at her website on banana nutrition.

Tell Me What Are Bioflavonoids and What Can They Do For Me?

By Carolyn Cooper

When you are seeking a bruising treatment that really works, or you are seeking a method that lets you work on healing bruises in particular, you will find that bioflavonoids are mentioned repeatedly. It seems like nearly everyone is talking about them, but what do you want to know about them? It's always a good idea to try to learn more about the supplements that are you curious about, and there is a plenty of interesting information regarding bioflavonoids themselves as well as how they can provide you with an excellent bruise treatment.

Bioflavonoids are found in plants, where they help the plant do things like create pigmentation and protect the plant from microbes or other forms of illness and harm. They are found in most plants, though they will vary in amount and intensity depending on what plants that you are looking at. There is very strong experimental evidence that points to them as being extremely helpful when it comes to helping our bodies react appropriately against a host of things that include viruses, cancer-causing agents and allergens. They will also act in an anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-cancer manner.

There have been over 4000 bioflavonoids that have been discovered, and virtually all of them are helpful to your body. In the not to distant past, they were formerly known collectively as Vitamin P, but as we learn more about them, we are learning that there are several groups and that they all have their unique strengths.

Proanthocyanidins, which are also known as PCO's, are very potent and can be found in plant parts like grape seeds or the bark of the maritime pine. Similarly, quercetins are the most potent of the bioflavonoids and often make up a most powerful part of the other bioflavonoids. Citrus bioflavonoids are the ones that we most commonly come in contact with, and these are the ones that are most often used to treat people who bruise easily. They can also be used as a treatment for things like hemorrhoids, varicose veins and capillary permeability.

What part do bioflavonoids play in our ability to work on healing bruises and why are they such an effective bruise treatment? In the first place, taking them and making sure that you are getting enough of them is a good way to heal your body when there has been any kind of trauma at all to it, and that is essentially what a bruise is, whether you remember getting it or not. A bruise is essentially a capillary under the skin getting broken and seeping blood to the surrounding tissue, and taking bioflavonoids can help you heal up the damage much more quickly.

About the Author:

Carolyn Cooper has become a renowned expert on bruising causes through a collaboration of her educational expertise in nutrition and her true life knowledge about nutritional supplements for athletes ranging from kids to the professional ranks. Learn about the resources she's put together to overcome the likelihood to bruise easily and see what she's done to get past the nightmares of easy bruising.

An Alternative to Drugs - Natural Stress Relief

By Stephen Jablonski

Stress and anxiety are on the rise; we live in a busy-busy world so it's no wonder. And more and more people are looking for help coping with the extra stress. It used to be that prescription drugs were the first choice because they produced such fast results. But their side-effects and addictive qualities have cause natural stress relief alternatives to become more popular.

Natural stress relief remedies are not new. They've been used for thousands of years. Much of our modern drug industry is in fact based on old herbal remedies. They have the double benefit of not being addictive and also not carrying any severe side-effects. They're also almost always less expensive too. There's also another big difference.

Herbal remedies work with your body, not against it. While drugs work by just relieving the symptoms, these natural products work by strengthening the body's nervous system. They assist the body in its work to keep the proper hormonal balance in line. That makes it much more possible for your body to handle the stress you see every day.

It's good to remember that herbal-based remedies will take longer than drugs to achieve their effects. That's because they have a much milder effect on the body's systems. But this is a good thing. That's why they're non-addictive and that's why your body responds so well to them.

While natural remedies and their effectiveness, have been known for a long time, they weren't documented until relatively recently. Now there is literally massive amounts of research proving that herbs and other botanical treatments simply work. It's no longer anecdotal, it's been lab tested.

If you're looking for specific herbs, here's a brief list. Lemon Balm from Southern Europe was known to the ancient Greeks as a medicinal agent. Valerian from Europe and Asia has active calming qualities. Kava from Polynesia can soothe your nerves while still keeping your mind alert. And the list goes on.

You can find nearly all of these supplements fairly easily at your health food store. And you'll also find that they come in different varieties and formulations. Take Valerian for instance. You can usually find it sold as a tea, a tincture, or even in capsule form. There's a lot of variety to choose from.

When searching for a real stress relief supplement, take a look at natural remedies. They've been working for literally centuries and they're still working today. They're a very positive alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.

About the Author:

Stephen Jablonski is the owner/webmaster of Overcoming-Panic-Attacks.net. Find out more about anxiety and stress control by visiting this webpage: Anxiety Relief Audio CDs.

Usage of Herbal Belladonna

By Sanjib Sarkar

Belladonna is a very poisonous plant species. A common name for Belladonna is deadly nightshade. The plant species is distributed throughout Europe, West Asia, North America and North Africa. Plants grow to 1.5 m (5 ft) tall with 18 cm (7 in) long. The plant grows berries which are extremely poisonous.

The berries from the Belladonna plant are extremely toxic. A child that swallows 5 berries in their mouth could potentially die. An adult that swallows 10 to 20 berries could also potentially die. Belladonna is a weed and can be identified in any wooden area. Belladonna should also not be consumed by certain livestock or dogs and cats. Cattle and rabbits are not affected by the Belladonna poison. These animals may safely eat the Belladona berries.

Conventional Medical Uses Of Belladonna

Over the counter flu and cough medicine contain small amounts of Belladonna. Belladonna is also used in minute amounts to dilate pupils.

Other medicines are often mixed with Belladonna. Prescription drugs such as Donnatal provides peripheral anticholinergic/antispasmodic action and mild sedation. This medicine has natural belladonna alkaloids combine with phenobarbital.

This medicine may help with the treatment if irritable bowel syndrome, acute enterocolistis and as a complimentary therapy in the treatment of duodenal ulcers. There is no conclusive medicine of this prescription drug works for these medical conditions.

Homeopathic uses for Belladonna

Hanhemann proved this remedy in 1799 and used it to treat Scarlett fever. Belladonna is used to treat conditions with a sudden onset. The type of conditions Belladonna treatments are similar to the symptoms if someone is poisoned with Belladonna. Belladonna poisoning results in people getting a high fever, sore throat or loss of voice, nausea, delirium, muscle spasms, flushed skin and dilated pupils. Homeopathic Belladonna is used to treat these type of conditions in a person.

The homeopathic belladonna remedy is use to cure cold and flu symptoms, infections with inflammation, intense pounding headaches, boils, earaches, seizures, labor pain, pink eye, nose bleeds, nephritis(inflammation of the kidneys) restless sleep, teething pain, tonsillitis, acne and sunburn.

Breast infections, urinary bladder infections, menstrual cramps, and irritated nipples due to breast feeding are treated with the homeopathic remedy Belladonna.

These conditions are better with warmth and standing. Cold air, movement and lying down may worsen symptoms.

Reference from Wikipedia.

Answers on Belladonna.

Complete Guide to Homeopathy. Dr. Andrew Lockie and Dr. Nicola Geedes.

About the Author:

Sanjib Sarkar is a content writer for Hmedicine.com. Hmedicine.com offers a vast selection of homeopathic remedies to the public including Belladonna homeopathy available for purchase.

Features of Fragrant Essential Oil of Lavender

By Brenda I. Minica

When you are looking for a popular essential oil with many uses you will find Lavender among the top competitors. This oil is obtained by distilling the violet-blue flowers of a particular species of lavender. Imagine a 100 pound bag of flowers... that's how much it takes to make just ONE pound of lavender essential oil! Lavender flowers are harvested for distillation in the summertime, when the plant is in full bloom and the essential oil is at its peak quantity.

Lavender oil has been popular for thousands of years, and has long been used in the production of perfume and skin care products. It has many enduring features including the ability to quickly be absorbed by the skin. There are many potential uses for this oil; it is a powerful antiseptic, and many more emotional and physical conditions can be alleviated by it. It's calming and peaceful fragrance makes it's use in aromatherapy a natural. It is gentle on the skin so it can be used without dilution. Lavender has a unique scent which is both soothing and encouraging. Lavender is extremely adaptable, mild, and gentle enough to use with adults all the way down to infants. Lavender essential oil with it's pleasing aroma is a multi-purpose powerful oil that should be in every home.

Lavender essential oil is: diuretic, detoxifying, relaxant, restorative, sedative, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, relaxing, analgesic, antidepressant, refreshing, antibiotic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, healing, and antiseptic.

Use Lavender oil to:

1) relax and improve sleep

2) soothe cuts, burns, scrapes, and other wounds

3) prevent and minimize scar tissue

4) dilute with a carrier oil and use for stress relief through massage

5) use as a fragrant bath oil for your health and relaxation

6) repel insects and mosquitoes

7) use it for a pleasant perfume

8) relieve headaches and migraines

9) help reduce high blood pressure

10) take the bite out of insect stings

11) refresh tired feet, muscles, and head

12) aid in restoring the body to balance

13) help alleviate panic attacks and anxiety

14) relieve muscle soreness

15) slow down wrinkles

16) heal, rejuvenate, and moisturize damaged and aging skin

17) relieve sunburns

18) calm, refresh, and lift the spirits

19) treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, and others

20) reduce sleeplessness

21) minimize and reduce hyperactivity

22) soothe inflammation and pain

23) help heal athlete's foot

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult a physician. The suggested uses only apply to the use of Therapeutic Grade Young Living Essential Oils. APPLY ONLY TO THE USE OF THERAPEUTIC GRADE, YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS.

About the Author:

Want to know how to buy essential oils? Just click the link or visit buyessentialoils.org for more articles on the highest quality Essential Oils.

What are the Benefits of Noni?

By William Kendricks

The Noni Fruit Tree originates in humid tropical climates. It is most native to the Islands of Hawaii, growing in black lava soil and along lava covered beaches. It has also been found in Tahiti, French Polynesia, Southeast Asia, the Dominican Republic and the Pacific Islands. It grows best in the black lava soil, but will also flourish on sandy rocky beaches, salty or saline soils, limestone out crops and in shady forest areas. It is related to the coffee family, Rubiaceae.

It has been called the starvation or famine fruit because it quite frankly tastes pretty bad on it's own. It has a knobby texture on the outside, very similar to that of a pineapple, and a white skin and is shaped like a gourd or heavy white potato. It has been called the Cheese fruit because it gives off an odor like curing cheese when it is ripening. The fruit itself is quite ugly and really doesn't look like a fruit at all. It has been known by many different names, including the Great Morinda, Indian Mulberry, Mengkudu, Beach Mulberry, Tahitian Noni, and Cheese fruit. Its scientific name is Morinda Citrifolia.

The main use of the fruit is the juice and ground powder. The powder itself is loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Calcium with trace amounts of sodium. It is also a good source of dietary fiber and carbohydrates. Noni is said to have boosting power for your metabolism. This fruit also contains a sufficient amount of essential fatty acids, flavanoids, polysaccharides, indoids and phytoestrogens.

Noni also has trace amounts of beta-sitosterol which is an anti-cholesterol agent. The fruit, leaves, and bark are all used in many health food manufacturers and countries for herbal and natural healing remedies. In China, Samoa, Japan and Tahiti, they use the flowers, fruit, bark, leaves, and roots for herbal remedies that treat or cure fever, eye problems, skin ailments, throat gum maladies, bowel and intestine problems and respiratory malfunctions.

The Malaysians make poultices from the leaves of the Noni Plant to aid in the relief of coughing, nausea, general colds and respiratory ailments. Indochinese make poultices for broken bones and sprains to relieve the pain. They also insist that parts of the plant help in lumbago and asthma.

When it was first discovered that the Noni plant had healing and health benefits, tribal chiefs and warriors would carry the fruit with them when moving from one area to another, going to war, or just traveling. It was given the nick name of the Canoe fruit while others simply called it the Queen fruit.

About the Author:

Looking for more facts about the almost too-perfect sounding noni fruit? Visit us today over at the noni fruit organization website for all of the noni facts, benefits, pictures, and even product reviews that you'll ever want in order to know the truth about noni and its best use for your healthly lifestyle.

The Powerful Properties Of The Caralluma Herb

By Therese Zachary

The Caralluma herb is basically an edible succulent plant. It has been utilized by the people of India for over a hundred years for many purposes, including the control of hunger and improved strength. However it has also been simply used in cooking, as Caralluma is a typical part of the Indian diet. So what is the Caralluma herb all about exactly?

Caralluma Characteristics - Spiny leaves and thick flowers characterize the Caralluma plant. The flowers are star shaped and may be purple, red, black or yellow. They are typically show during the summer or fall. The Caralluma stands with an angular stem and is clump forming. While the herb has been found extremely useful in many kinds of situations, it is also characterized by a foul odor. The Caralluma herb thrives throughout most of India and even reaches Afghanistan and nearby places.

As Vegetable - Hundreds upon hundreds of years, even before the Caralluma herb was known to the Western world, it has been utilized by the locals of India as a vegetable. It has also been mixed with chutneys and pickles. It can be consumed both cooked and raw. The green follicles of the herb are often boiled, salted, and consumed.

For the past few centuries, people have discovered certain properties that made the Caralluma herb more than just part of a vegetable diet. These properties were somehow able to suppress appetite naturally while enhancing energy levels and satiating thirst at the same time. Because of this, the Caralluma has become an extremely useful type of "portable food." It is even called a "famine food", since it helped fight off hunger in times of desperate need of food. Those who had to travel long distances on land also needed something to make their journey a bit more bearable. Even back in history the Caralluma herb was already being used by tribesmen to treat health conditions such as diabetes.

In the modern day, more scientists and researches have begun to understand just how useful the Caralluma herb could be in the Western world as well. Because it is well-known for its appetite suppressing and energy boosting properties, it could very well be used in weight loss regimens.

Other Benefits - Not only that, further studies have shown that the Caralluma herb indeed contains properties that are able to lower blood sugar levels in the body as well. So with the herb itself, you can lose weight effectively and stay the healthiest possible.

Powerful Properties

Saponins - The Caralluma herb carries saponins, which are natural cleansing properties. These special properties are beneficial for a variety of things. They can help fight against acne as well as oily skin and scalp. They are able to sooth symptoms of dermatitis, dandruff and eczema. Saponins are basically antioxidants, which means they are also able to fight against free radicals that damage cells. Moreover, they are known to treat arthritis and are anti-rheumatic. Other uses are for enhanced endurance and mental concentration.

There are other properties and components as well. Other key components of the Caralluma herb include Flavone Glycosides, Pregnane Glycosides, Megastigmane Glycosides, and Bitter Principles. All these are called phytochemical constituents, which help in maintaining a healthy weight and appearance when consumed as recommended.

About the Author:

How effective is the caralluma herb to control appetite? Get more information now.

Why Omega 3 Is essential?

By Dave Kool

Omega 3 fatty acids are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that our body can't make. Omega 3 is necessary for brain functioning and also for development and progress of the body. As our body can't produce it so we require food to develop these fatty acids. Fish like salmon and halibut are famous to be the best sources for omega 3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) are known to be three main omega 3 fatty acids. Clinical studies suggest that omega 3 fatty acids are very helpful to treat many medical illnesses. It is useful for the prevention of heart disease and numerous other problems which add to heart diseases. It is also beneficial for people who are suffering from prostrate, breast and colon cancer. Some of the benefits and uses of omega 3 include;

High Cholesterol Control

ALA is available in walnuts and fatty fish which are good to reduce cholesterol level in the body. It is also helpful to decrease the trigycerides level in the body.

Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two very lethal ailments which can be restricted by using substances of DHA and EPA; fish oil is the greatest source of these substances. DHA and EPA are also supportive to treat atherosclerosis. These substances suppress the development of plague and blood clots thus avoid heart disease and stroke. Doctors suggest taking fish in your food two times in a week; it is necessary for every person and reduces risk factor of stroke by half.

High Blood Pressure Control

Research makes it obvious that omega 3 fatty acids are excellent to lower blood pressure to great level. It is also helpful for individuals with hypertension. There is one exemption not to use mercury rich food as it can raise blood pressure.

Avoiding Rheumatoid arthritis

Softness in the joints and morning stiffness are medical conditions which can be shunned by using omega 3 fatty acids. Research illustrates that omega 3 is also supportive for reducing soreness.

Help in Osteoporosis

EPA is omega 3 fatty acid that is rich in calcium. It adds calcium in the bones and improves calcium level in the body and gives our bones a great strength. Those people who take EPA in their routine diet do not come across bone density harms.

Avoiding Depression

Nerve cell membranes help for nerve communication. These are vital for any human being for his/her cerebral physical condition and to stay attentive. Luckily, omega 3 fatty acids contain imperative mechanism for these membranes. Still we require taking these fatty acids in good quantity. If we are failed there is a strong likelihood to encounter depression.

All these fatty acids play an essential role for suitable functioning of our body. It establishes and maintains our health by escalating energy, routine and stamina. The fatty acids are favorable for strengthening our resistant system. We are more likely to be saved from cardiovascular disease. Consistent use of these fatty acids can aid in weight reduction. Our brain can perform better and it improves functions like brainpower, behavior and vision. These fatty acids are good for wounded people as it speeds up recovery and healing process. It improves our digestive system. In short, these fatty acids are must for each person to stay fit and healthy.

About the Author:

Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that has been linked to the improvement of a number of complaints. It can be found in a number of natural sources but is also available in a number of supplements, such as udos choice. If your diet does not include natural sources of omega 3s, these supplements are an acceptable alternative. The supplements will also make sure you get the minimum dosage.

What Is Phytessence Wakame? Why Is It Great For Your Skin?

By Peter Albertonach

Ever heard of Phytessence Wakame? If you're interested in good skin care you should have. No, I'm wrong. If you're interested in the BEST skin care products you should be familiar with Phytessence Wakame. Here's why.

This strange sounding substance (try saying Phytessence Wakame 5 times fast) is derived from kelp. It's a seaweed, or sea algae to be specific, that is found around Japan. It is a large part of the traditional Japanese diet, being eaten dried and fresh.

And Japanese women are well known for having the best skin right into old age. And the Japanese know that Phytessence Wakame is a large part of this, so it's highly prized.

So why is Phytessence Wakame so good for the skin? What does it have that makes it perhaps one of the most important modern ingredients for the best skin care products?

Phytessence Wakame is full of all sorts of wonderful substances that are extremely good for your skin health. Most of the B group vitamins are there, which help so sooth skin inflammation. It is very rich in calcium having around 15 times more calcium than milk and it is high in many important vitamins and minerals.

And it is high in iron and potassium. All these nutrients help keep the skin hydrated. Keeping the moisture balance of the skin high aids skin health and also helps keep the skin younger looking.

But equally important, if not more so, is the ability of Phytessence Wakame to perform a particular function for us that is of enormous benefit to our overall skin health. It helps inhibit the effects of hyaluronidase.

What in the world is hyaluronidase I hear you say? (I have very good hearing.)

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme in your skin. It breaks down hyaluronic acid, and hyaluronic acid is important for good skin health. It combines with collagen and elastin to help the skin maintain it's elasticity and youthfulness.

So your skin need hyaluronic acid. And if hyaluronidase breaks it down you don't want too much hyaluronidase. And if Phytessence Wakame helps inhibit the effects of hyaluronidase that has to be good for your skin.

You won't find much Phytessence Wakame in modern well known brands of skin care products, most of which don't work very well anyway. You need to look a little harder to find it, it's only in the best skin care products money can buy. And at a price that is pretty competitive to what you're probably paying for your skin care products right now.

Why? It's too expensive for the big brands, but the best skin care products are made by a small company that doesn't spend up big on TV advertising, so can afford to spend up big on product quality.

About the Author:

Find out more about natural skin care products. Visit Peter's Website Natural Health-Natural Skin Care and find out more about Phytessence Wakame too.

The main benefits of using fish oil

By Daniel Fittman

The benefits of fish oil have largely been debated by scientists of traditional medicine and homeopathy, and while some of the myths about its extraordinary benefits have been dispersed over time, the fact remains that, as a dietary supplement, fish oil is still one of the main sources for Omega-3 essential fatty acids, and is still being prescribed for patients with Omega-3 deficits worldwide.

Many health problems are associated with our diet, our bad unbalanced diet that lacks certain substances that are vital to human health. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of those substances. The lack of them can lead to diseases like stroke, heart disease, cancer, Arthritis, psoriasis and depression. So people with low levels of Omega-3 acids or people that already suffer from the before mentioned conditions should take diet supplements that will give them additional Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is one of those supplements.

There have been quite a few researches made in the past decades and all have proven that fish oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Even though there are (or can be) some side effects to taking fish oil, the benefits definitely prevail.

The main reason that our western diet and cuisine is short on Omega-3 fatty acids is the fact that we do not eat a lot of sea food. Fish, shellfish, seaweed are all sources of these fatty acids. On the other hand our nutrition is rich with the other, not so good type of fatty acids - Omega-6. So until we improve our way of cooking and eating it is wise to take some sort of supplements that will introduce enough Omega-3 in our system.

Fish oil can bring your cholesterol and triglycerides levels back to normal. It will also keep them there if you keep taking it. It has quite a big positive influence on your heart and coronary system. Fish oil can also prevent illnesses like lupus, kidney malfunctions, Crohns disease, prostate and colon cancer and strokes.

Another disease where fish oil can be helpful is the prevention of the onset of schizophrenia. Especially if fish oil is included in the diet of young patients that have only shown the first signs of schizophrenia it seems that fish oil helps control this disease or even reverse the symptoms. Studies on this matter have not been fully confirmed yet.

Good results have also been achieved by using fish oil as a supplement in cases of depression. It has been noted that sometimes depression can be caused by chemical imbalances, and the Omega-3 deficit can manifest itself through an exacerbation of depressive states.

Fish oil is a very effective supplement to your diet but it is not some sort of a miracle cure for all your problems. So do not take any action without consulting your doctor about your condition and if taking fish oil can be beneficial to your health or not.

About the Author:

Daniel runs a website dedicated to the fish oil where you can find information about omega-3 benefits and other fish oil related information.

The Benefits of Yoga

By Andrew Mitchell

You may have noticed a change in attitudes to health-related issues over the past five years. Many bookstores are selling thousands of self-help related books, books that argue that traditional eastern practices such as meditation, reiki, tai-chi and yoga are essential to having a healthy lifestyle. We will look at yoga in greater detail, especially focussing on why osteopaths recommend yoga for people who are suffering from chronic pain.

But what is yoga exactly, and how does it work? Yoga is a traditional Indian practice that dates back more than 5000 years. The term comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj, which means to join, unite, or integrate; yoga would have the purpose of integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul. In order for these to be united, a balance had to be achieved between our emotions, actions, and intelligence " and thats where yoga comes in.

Through a combination of body postures (or asanas) and breathing exercises (or pranayama), yoga aims to help us reach our maximum potential and to improve our quality of life. Yoga isnt a completely spiritual practice either: many westerners are using this technique as a way to centre themselves, relax, and ease their pain. Yoga might still be rooted in spirituality, but anyone can learn it if they are willing, because regardless of each persons reason for practicing yoga, the general outcome is the same: it makes you feel better.

Let us now look at yoga in more detail, in terms of what it does for the body, and why so many osteopaths recommend it:

Yoga gets you into shape. It tones your muscles, and makes them stronger and more flexible, while also giving your stamina a boost.

Each pose in yoga improves circulation, sending blood to all the areas that need it most.

It purifies your abdominal system, strengthens your immune system, and cleans any unwanted toxins from the body.

Yoga has been known to improve chronic conditions that do not respond to conventional medicine

It helps treat and prevent the ailments that osteopaths deal with on a daily basis, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, epilepsy, heart disease, back pain, multiple sclerosis, and many others.

Yoga also has many benefits for your psychological well-being. It improves concentration, making it easier to stay focused during long hours at work. The breathing techniques help to combat stress and help you stay calm. And, if yoga is done regularly, youll start to notice changes in your mood, energy levels, and your overall health.

Indian Yogis have said it for thousands of years, and now the books and osteopaths are saying it: yoga helps you to feel better. So regardless of whether you are suffering from chronic neck pain, or are simply anxious and overworked, yoga is a practice you might want to adopt.

About the Author:

Andrew Mitchell, clinical editor at the Osteopaths Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions, drug-free treatment, pain management and how to find a Stevenage osteopaths. He is interested in the treatment of back pain, neck pain and injury and pain management.

How To Raise Hdl Cholesterol

By Adrian Fletcher

When you are told your cholesterol is too high and what you should do to bring down the cholesterol levels, your goal should also be to raise HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. High HDL cholesterol levels are thought to lower the bad effects of LDL cholesterol, thus avoiding complications associated with the high cholesterol count.

If your HDL cholesterol is at a low level, you may have a greater chance of developing heart disease. Low HDL cholesterol levels will cause the LDL cholesterol to stay in the arteries where it can cause a blockage leading to a stroke. If you raise HDL cholesterol, this causes cholesterol to move from your arteries and go to your liver where it can be removed.

The first thing the doctor will do when you consult him about your high cholesterol is monitor your diet. A nutritionist can help you decide your diet, so that your LDL levels are lowered and to allow you to raise HDL cholesterol levels. This will include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and reduced amount of fat.

You should do plenty of research and plan out a fun, easy exercise routine targeted to reduce excess weight and bad cholesterol. This will help you to raise HDL cholesterol and thus help to unclog your arteries. Daily attention to your health, by way of proper diet and exercise, can result in a decrease in your risk of most forms of heart disease.

Another tip is to make the task of improving cholesterol a family affair. When you get used to a healthy diet, it will be quite simple and natural to follow the diet plan. Persuading your family members to join you will actually help in improvement of their health too. Your children should be taught the effects of nutrition on their health and the eating habits that will provide them with nutrition so this is good knowledge for them too. If we are able to do so successfully, this will help them throughout their life to maintain health and avoid health related difficulties.

There is a whole lot of information available about how you can alter the way you live your life to take care of your health problems. You should find several cookbooks that will show you how to cook great tasting meals that are good for your heart. A lot of the recipes will let you know to what extent you raise HDL cholesterol and decrease LDL cholesterol at the same time.

If you are able to lower your cholesterol level with the foods that you consume and some light exercise, then there is a good chance you won't need to take medication to remedy your cholesterol reading. However, remember that a diet plan alone may not be sufficient to lower bad cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol concurrently. Depending on your particular circumstances it may be prudent to take medication in conjunction with the other methods. Ultimately this decision will be up to you and your doctor who can make a decision based on your unique circumstances.

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Learn more about Cholesterol Level and High Cholesterol Level.

Picking the Right Chiropractor

By Kerri Stalton

If you are one of the many people who suffer from back pain chances are the thought of going to a chiropractor has crossed your mind. That being said, finding the right chiropractor may be easier said than done. If you are going to trust someone to adjust your spine then you want to be sure that they are proficient in their field, and attentive to your needs. With a little leg work you will be able to find a chiropractor that can help you get the better quality of life that you are looking for.

One of the best ways to find a great chiropractor is word of mouth. Try getting referrals from co-workers, friends, and neighbors. Personal references speak volumes about the quality of care provided by a medical professional. If you can't come up with personal recommendations, consider taking a few moments to call your insurance company. They may have a list of recommended chiropractors in their provider database. Failing that, you can also ask your family care doctor.

Your needs are important, and you want to be sure that your chiropractor is going to meet them. The first step is to ensuring this is to check out their resume'. Find out what type of education they have received and what their professional experience has been. This can give you the peace of mind to know that they have received the necessary training.

A good chiropractor must be fully accredited. Be sure to check the credentials of the chiropractor you are thinking of hiring to make sure they are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. You should also take care in choosing someone who has no disciplinary complaints on their record. You can verify this by checking with the Chiropractic Board of Examiners.

You'll also want to know what kind of chiropractic techniques the doctor uses. Chiropractors often use manual manipulation, and while some use low force, others use a more forceful technique. Some chiropractors do adjustments using instruments designed for the task. You'll want to make sure to ask the chiropractor you are considering what kind of techniques they favor, and how you should expect a typical session to go.

Many times, X-rays can be a helpful tool for associating pain with a specific diagnosis. Find out if your potential chiropractor has X-ray technology available at their office. If so, this should give you an additional measure of confidence.

Evaluate how easy you think it will be to work with this chiropractic office. If appointment times are not convenient for you, or if the office is far away from your home or work, it's not likely that you'll be able to keep all of your appointments. Also, one of the most important things to determine is whether or not your insurance company will cover the cost of your chiropractic sessions with this particular doctor.

Lastly, recognize that none of these other factors means much if you don't like the chiropractor. Is the doctor an attentive listener? Are you able to freely and comfortably talk to them? While this is based solely on a gut feeling, it's one you should rely on.

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Learn where you can find the Omaha Chiropractors and the Lincoln Chiropractors

Why Omega 3 Is essential?

By Johnson Ball

Omega 3 fatty acids are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that our body can't produce. Omega 3 is essential for brain functioning and also for growth and development of the body. As our body can't produce it so we need food to develop these fatty acids. Fish like salmon and halibut are known to be the best sources for omega 3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) are known to be three main omega 3 fatty acids. Clinical studies suggest that omega 3 fatty acids are very useful to treat many medical illnesses. It is helpful for the heart disease and many other problems which contribute to heart diseases. It is also beneficial for people who are suffering from prostrate, breast and colon cancer. Some of the benefits and uses of omega 3 include;

High Cholesterol Control

ALA is found in walnuts and fatty fish which are good to reduce cholesterol level in the body. It is also helpful to reduce the trigycerides level in the body.

Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two incredibly deadly diseases which can be avoided by using substances of DHA and EPA; fish oil is the most excellent resource of these substances. DHA and EPA are also helpful to treat atherosclerosis. These substances hold back the increase of plague and blood clots thus prevents heart disease and stroke. Doctors suggest taking fish in your food two times in a week; it is essential for every person and lowers threat factor of stroke by half.

High Blood Pressure Control

Research makes it obvious that omega 3 fatty acids are excellent to lower blood pressure to great level. It is also helpful for individuals with hypertension. There is one exemption not to use mercury rich food as it can raise blood pressure.

Avoiding Rheumatoid arthritis

Tenderness in the joints and morning stiffness are medical conditions which can be avoided by using omega 3 fatty acids. Research shows that omega 3 is also helpful for reducing inflammation.

Help in Osteoporosis

EPA is omega 3 fatty acid which is rich in calcium. It deposits calcium in the bones, enhances calcium level in the body and gives our bones a great strength. Those people who take EPA in their regular diet do not encounter with bone density problems.

Avoiding Depression

Nerve cell membranes help for nerve communication. These are vital for any human being for his/her cerebral physical condition and to stay attentive. Luckily, omega 3 fatty acids contain imperative mechanism for these membranes. Still we require taking these fatty acids in good quantity. If we are failed there is a strong likelihood to encounter depression.

All these fatty acids play an essential role for suitable functioning of our body. It establishes and maintains our health by escalating energy, routine and stamina. The fatty acids are favorable for strengthening our resistant system. We are more likely to be saved from cardiovascular disease. Consistent use of these fatty acids can aid in weight reduction. Our brain can perform better and it improves functions like brainpower, behavior and vision. These fatty acids are good for wounded people as it speeds up recovery and healing process. It improves our digestive system. In short, these fatty acids are must for each person to stay fit and healthy.

About the Author:

Johnson is an natural health practitioner with many years experience. He believes that increasing the amount of omega 3 in your diet provides the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. He recommends supplements such as udos choice as being a great way to ensure you get enough omega 3 in your diet.

How to Treat Acid Reflux in Baby

By Richal Peyton

If you're suspecting acid reflux in baby, be aware that the condition doesn't just occur in older children and adults. Any suspicion of stomach related problems in your baby should be screened and diagnosed by a healthcare specialist. Babies suffering from acid reflux will show just about the same symptoms as adult sufferers. However, it can be more challenging to treat babies since they don't tend to follow certain methods all the time and may need more assistance. Take the steps in this article to effectively treat your baby.

Step 1: Watch Out For Symptoms

Coughing, spitting, bloody stool and vomiting are the common symptoms of acid reflux in baby. You may also notice that your baby is irritable and feeding poorly. A lot of babies actually experience these symptoms in the first 3 months.

There are some cases however, where babies will show more severe symptoms of acid reflux that can last from 12 to 18 months. Few babies have acid reflux due to other complications. These include breathing problems, poor growth, blood loss and irritability due to pain. While these complications can also be symptoms of acid reflux, they can be caused by other disorders.

Step 2: Have Your Baby Screened And Diagnosed

What usually happens is that your doctor will analyze your baby's symptoms and do a physical exam before giving you the result. If your doctor thinks your child may have a more severe condition, then he or she may recommend other diagnostic tests. These include lab tests, esophageal pH monitoring, upper GI series, and upper endoscopy.

Step 3: Follow Recommended Treatment

You may be given various forms of treatment. You may be advised to continue breastfeeding to reduce symptoms of acid reflux in baby. You may also be asked to feed your baby smaller amounts and more frequently, as overfeeding tends to worsen the condition. You may also try thickening the baby formula and see if there is any improvement in the next 3 to 5 days, otherwise stop.

Step 4: Maintain Your Baby's Health

Most steps in treatment of acid reflux in babies are preventive measures. Because acid reflux mainly involves stomach acid and enzymes, the condition can always come back if you don't maintain your baby's overall health. Always try to relax your baby by feeding it in a quiet place, keeping pressure away from its abdomen, and not allowing it to do vigorous activities or sit in upright positions after feeding.

Also, it is best to feed your baby portions frequently. Also burp your baby during and after feeding. This way, you can free the air accumulating in your baby's stomach and therefore reduce discomfort. Ditch the old baby bottle for a new one if the hole in its nipple is too large. Make sure that the hole is just the right size so that milk will not flow too fast. It shouldn't also be so small that your baby will become frustrated and swallow more air. Finally, let your baby sleep with some elevation under its back (about 30 degrees).

With these preventive measures, you may be able to treat your baby's condition without medical treatment. Just make sure that your doctor is informed about the methods you're doing at home so he or she can monitor any improvement in your child and advise when treatment should stop.

About the Author:

Is your infant exhibiting signs of acid reflux in baby? Find out how to treat it with a natural cure for acid reflux.

Bach Flower Remedies For Natural Healing

By Frank Terne

Dr. Edward Bach is the creator of the Bach flower remedies, a therapeutic treatment that manages emotions in order to achieve individual wellness. This method that originated from Britain was Dr. Bach's attempt to help patients heal by being a more balanced person emotionally without relying on modern medicine. Initially, he tried with the latter, but could never acquire satisfactory results.

Eventually, Dr. Bach discovered his theory that a person's health and wellness are tied intricately with his or her emotions. With this knowledge, he categorized 38 different emotions that every individual has. These emotions could affect a person depending on how balanced they were, positively or negatively.

The remedies provide a healing method that is as natural as it gets. This source is a mixture of flowers and fauna that Dr. Bach realized could help achieve a balanced emotional state in a living being. Once this balanced state was achieved, the patient would find a great ability to heal or put him or herself in a better position to get better.

The best advantage of relying on Bach's flower remedies is that it is rare for anyone to experience any side effects from its use. Only if one is allergic to alcohol, which is used in minute quantities as a preservative, would the remedies be ineffective. Even though it does not help directly cure any specific medical condition, it puts a person in a perfect state to do so with greater results.

The essences are created directly from flowers. They contain the beneficial energy vibrations from nature that we all need. By mixing them with mineral still water, they are then consumed, while using a dash of alcohol preservative to maintain their shelf life.

The flower remedies have now been shown to heal individuals who suffer from a myriad of conditions. These range from simple headaches to complicated issues like an inability to move their lives forward due to past experiences. It is therefore seen that when brought to a more peaceful emotional state, most individuals are able to arrive in a better health condition.

Bach's natural therapy can also be used to help animals and plants. We know that animals have emotions just like us and thus treatable in the same manner. But not many realize that plants also own energies that are akin to emotional states in humans.

There are so many benefits to using Bach flower essences that an increasing number of doctors are enthusiastic about their qualities. There will be some time before the therapy reaches the mainstream as it slowly reaches out to more people. As modern medicine carries its own risk, natural methods like Dr. Bach's flower remedy might be more favorable for use.

About the Author:

Frank Terne believes that the first step for any patient would be the use of the Bach flower rescue remedy. Advanced treatment will follow depending on its results.