Acai Berry Supplement Review - Are the Claims Real?

By Dawn Z Shillingster

Only until recently, many people had any idea about the benefits of acai berry supplements. Heck, a lot of us still do not even know what acai berries are! Needless to say, we do not know a lot about their particular health benefits either. To be quite honest though, it is quite worth it to get to know about them. It could be especially beneficial to your general health.

For quite some time, only those intimately familiar with the vegetation found in the Amazon rain forest knew about these amazing fruits. They grow wild there. They are deeply purple in color and they are known to contain a number of vital vitamins and antioxidants. It is mind boggling to realize that a potential curative has been growing all this time, and most of us have been completely unaware.

Nowadays, the berries are harvested by local farmers. The effort is definitely worth it. It is not just that acai berries are extremely beneficial in a number of different ways. They have the added benefit of keeping all of their nutritional value even when the pulp os frozen. That way they can even be shipped all over the world as a foodstuff. Then, too, supplements can still be made of their vitamins.

The acai berry is particularly known for helping your heart to stay healthy. This is primarily because the berries contain anthocyanins. These are special compounds. You have probably encountered them before. They are also located in red wine. They are why doctors recommend a glass of wine a day. However, the berries contain even higher concentrations of this important compound. Plus they are clearly healthier than drinking a whole lot of red wine instead!

Acai berries and their supplements are extremely rich in protein and dietary fiber as well. Not only that, but they have a lot of the important fatty acids, omega-6 and omega-9, too. These help the heart too, but they have the added benefit of helping the cardiovascular system in addition. It is even believed that acai berries can benefit high cholesterol levels.

Finally, they are also known for their anti aging properties. There is a strong suggestion that they can help to slow down the aging process. Ask any health food nut, they no doubt know the advantages of these amazing berries.

About the Author:

The Biggest Loser Forums is where you can find the latest healthy living tips and advice from Dawn, plus her secret to weight loss. Don't miss her latest article where she reviews the health benefits of Acai berry supplements. You'll find it very informative we're positive.

Long Term Stress Causes Long Term Problems

If stress is ignored for a long time, and the person suffering chooses not to address the underlying causes, then this is considered long term. Long-term stress can cause damage - both psychological and physical - to the patient. Paradoxically, the damage caused can in itself bring on stress, thus creating a vicious cycle.

Untreated, stress can intensify into anxiety or into depression, both of which can cause very serious long-term problems. Again, both of these conditions carry with them both psychological and physical components; a sufferer of depression may distance themselves from friends and family, thus setting up a situation where their pain is intensified.

The physical results of depression and anxiety can include cardiac issues. Most directly, it can cause a condition called unstable angina. Sudden and crippling chest pain results from constricted oxygen flow to the heart. Obviously this can set a person up for heart attacks and there have been incidents of sudden stress causing a blockage of heart arteries.

High blood pressure can be brought on, or exacerbated, by anxiety or depression. The effects of high blood pressure can be very serious and may lead to strokes; at the very least, patients find it necessary to take long-term medication in order to regulate their blood pressure.

Less serious (though still debilitating) conditions can be triggered by stress. It may lead to a compromised immune system, which leaves one more vulnerable to a range of everyday viruses and bacteria such as colds, flu and strep. Tension can also cause upsets in a patient's digestive system, irritating the bowel and other parts of the digestive system. While they are rarely dangerous, symptoms such as bloating, constipation, gas, and diarrhea are distasteful and frustrating.

Coupled with digestive problems the food habits of a sufferer may be affected, causing eating disorders. Some people turn to food as a comfort, while others may find themselves unable to eat. In extreme cases, obesity and anorexia may be brought on by the effects of anxiety and depression. Eating disorders are not the only problem; increased rates of diabetes and arthritis have been linked to stress, and its debilitating effects may interfere with long-term management of those conditions.

Yet another problem is sleep disorders. Anxiety can cause a sufferer to toss and turn at night, missing the sleep that is so vital for stress management. Once again, a cycle is created of anxiety leading to interrupted sleep, which itself contributes to the underlying problem. In this situation it is common for sufferers to turn to sleeping pills or other artificial sleep aids in order to get the sleep that is so desperately needed. But of course, these methods of sleep management carry with them inherent risks which can turn into long-term problems.

There are a variety of ways to reduce the stress in your life, many of which you can put into action for yourself. You'll find many effective tips for stress management at http://www.BeyondStressed.com

Do You Have Hemorrhoids Or A Fissure?

When it comes to the difference between a hemorrhoid and a fissure there really isn't much that changes. Essentially a fissure is a sore rather than a swollen gland but they both feel about the same. A hemorrhoid is essentially swollen glands where as a fissure is more like the cracks that happen on the side of your mouth from time to time but also appears in the anal region.

Hemorrhoids fissure cracks can be painful and happen about as much as hemorrhoids do, actually more. A fissure is more like an ulcer that happens in the anal cavity caused by cracks in the skin or from scraping of hard fecal matter. Fissures healing does not have to be a complicated thing, in fact there are many things you can do to promote healing from hemorrhoids fissure cracks.

In some cases using the cream or ointment designed specifically for fissure ailments can help. Another way is to let the body repair it by taking in a special remedy of herbal supplements, and of course the right diet helps. Lots of water and high fiber diets help to loosen the stool and take away the culprit of the problem!

Fissure pain can be as excruciating if not dealt with pretty quickly, as this is unlike the hemorrhoid itself, exposed to bleeding and also exposes nerve endings. One of the easiest ways to treat hemorrhoids fissure problems is to start eating a high fiber diet to avoid what often causes this problem such as passing hard big stool. When you have a hemorrhoids fissure passing any kind of tool can be painful but nothing hurts worse than passing a big hard stool.

Taking herbal supplements should supplement your high fiber diet, although be careful not to let this replace it. Some formulations on the market designed for hemorrhoids and fissure problems are just what you need.

The other thing you should think about when it comes to hemorrhoids fissure pain is you should always take in a lot of fluids which help the body not become constipated and it also helps the body to heal. There are a lot of things you can do to avoid hemorrhoids fissure in the first place.

Fissure as you know comes generally from hard stool and forcing its way through the anal cavity, so it stands to reason that you can avoid a hemorrhoids fissure simply by watching your diet and giving your body plenty of fluids so that this type of stool doesn't happen.

The same thing you would do to prevent a hemroids fissure is what you would do to heal it, I'm sure you can agree it's better to avoid it in the have to deal with it after it happens, as after it happens you do the same process but you have to do it with pain.

Dustin Olenslager, Hemorrhoid Researcher
Hemroid Harry's Herbal Remedy
http://www.HemroidHarry.com

Available Options for Home Treatment for TMJ

By Rashel Dan

TMJ disorder symptoms can have varying degrees of pain. Although some may experience light discomfort, there are also those who suffer intense pain. Sometimes, the pain can be excruciating that it can already affect a person's daily activities. When this happens, it becomes tempting to immediately think about aggressive solutions like surgery. Generally though, every other solution should be attempted first before considering invasive treatment. You might want to first consider some home treatment TMJ solutions.

- The most straightforward solution is to simply rest your jaw. This could mean properly scheduling your eating and speaking time. Do not even chew gum when you are resting.

- Never eat and work at the same time. This can lead to tense jaw clenching.

- Non prescription anti inflammatory medicine and pain relievers can also be taken if the pain becomes unbearable. It is important however to take even over the counter medicines only as indicated or in the right amounts. Resist the urge to over medicate.

- You may either use a hot or cold compress to help ease the pain and discomfort of a TMJ disorder. TMJ conditions differ from one person to another and some people may be comfortable only with one or the other kind of compress. Be sensitive on what works for you.

- A bad posture is one possible cause for worse TMJ pain. Make sure that your posture is always correct when sitting and standing.

- Switch to soft and easy to bite foods for a few days to prevent the pain from aggravating. A good home treatment TMJ solution is to keep away from candies, bagels, steak and other crunchy or hard foods. You might also want to stay away from foods that require you to open your jaws widely like large decked or rolled sandwiches.

- Be cautious about clenching your teeth in tense situations. Remind yourself not to clench or grind. If tense or stressful situations increase clenching, then keep away as much as possible from these tense situations. If you cannot entirely keep away, then at least set aside a few hours a day to calm yourself and your jaws.

- Wear mouthguard or splint when slipping. This is to prevent teeth from grinding. Some people however unfortunately do experience worse symptoms with mouth guards.

- Since stress can be a cause for TMJ, learn to manage or deal with stress. One great way is to learn and practice relaxation techniques that can be used while seated in an office. Some good and easy techniques are deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. At home, you can also perform yoga, meditation or listen to relaxing music and sounds.

- If possible, limit the use of your jaw to important talk and eating only. Avoid using it to hold the phone. You should also avoid using your mouth to hold objects while your hands are busy.

- Inquire about jaw massage and exercise techniques from your doctor.

Of course, even the most common home treatment TMJ may not work for others especially those suffering from severe cases. Be sure to consult with your doctor first before seriously following a home remedy.

About the Author:

Get rid of your tmj symptom now. Find the best home treatment for TMJ!

The Absolute Best Canker Sore Remedies You Don't Know About

By Janet Malley

If you suffer from canker sores, then you know how painful and irritating these recurring ulcerated mouth sores can be. They appear on the inside of your mouth - on the tongue, soft palate (the back portion of the roof of your mouth), or inside your cheeks, and are round, white, or gray in color, with a red edge or border.

There seems to be a controversy on the cause of canker sores, and even exactly what they are - a bacterial or viral infection? An allergic reaction to certain food, or a vitamin deficiency?

It appears the answer is this - the cause is different from person to person. To find an effective treatment, it's important to be mindful when you get a canker sore of what food you ate, if something painful occurred in the mouth, such as dental work or biting the inside of your cheek, if you are under a lot of emotional stress, or not getting adequate sleep.

IS IT A VIRAL INFECTION? If your canker sores occur after a dental procedure or other painful experience in the mouth area, for example, biting the inside of your cheek, or when you are experiencing stress, are over-tired, or receiving chemo therapy or radiation treatments, consider a virus as the culprit.

Items that Contain Anti-viral Properties:

Propolis - Produced by bees, propolis is used as a construction material in bee hives, comprised of a complex of chemicals (especially flavonoids), which play a role as an antiviral agent. Some individuals have allergic reactions to Propolis, and for them, this would not be a good choice.

Slippery Elm - Make a paste by mixing this herbal powder and water. Smear the paste directly on your canker sores as often as you feel you need to. This mixture has been found to completely heal canker sores in some people.

Canker Sores Begone - My clients, readers, and others I've recommended it to rave about this topical, multi-herb product, which is packaged in a small pocket-sized bottle, convenient for throwing in your purse, backpack or gear for application wherever you happen to be.

PERHAPS A FOOD ALLERGY? If you've noticed a canker sore after eating acidic foods such as citrus fruit or a tomato, or other foods such as chocolate, grapes, strawberries, certain nuts, sugar, coffee, spicy or salty foods, you may be close to solving the puzzle.

To determine if a specific food, or more than one food, is causing your problem, do something called "food elimination". For a few weeks, eliminate the suspected foods. If there have been no canker sores during that time, reintroduce them one at a time for a week or so to see which one, or more than one, triggers a canker.

If you prefer an approach that doesn't involve food elimination, try nutritional supplementation. On a daily basis, take 1,000-1,200 milligrams of buffered vitamin C. This will help reduce the level of histamines in your body. You can enhance the effectiveness of the vitamin C by taking 1,000 milligrams of quercetin which by inhibiting histamine release, will reduce inflammation, allowing for a quicker healing of an existing canker sore.

A THIAMIN DEFICIENCY? Research shows that a deficiency of thiamin can lead to recurrent mouth ulcers. Take 100 milligrams of thiamin daily as a preventative.

A High-Potency Multivitamin - If purchased at a health food store, it should give you the nutrients necessary to prevent canker sores. Take 800 micrograms of folic acid, 500-1,000 micrograms of vitamin B12, 10 milligrams of iron, and 20 milligrams of zinc. If your multivitamin doesn't include all you need, add what's needed to make up the difference.

If you don't find that the causes above apply to your situation, don't despair. Here are two remedies that just may provide the relief you're looking for:

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) - There's an herb known as licorice, which has anti-inflammatory properties, decreases healing time, and soothes canker sore pain. Chew one or two 200-milligram tablets two or three times a day until the sore heals. In addition, you can empty the powder from a capsule into one half cup of lukewarm water, dissolve the DGL, and swish the solution around in your mouth. Repeat this at least two or three times a day until the sore has healed.

Tea Bag - Tannin from tea may relieve the pain almost instantly. Hold a used tea bag against the sore for a few minutes. Repeat a few times daily until healed.

In deciding upon which of these options to try, be patient and persistent. If one remedy doesn't seem to work, try another. Finding a solution will be worth it, wouldn't you agree?

About the Author:

The nutritional products are available in health food stores. Canker Sores Begone is available online at http://www.csbegone.com/canker.html, (888) 877-6315. Author: Janet Malley is a natural healing consultant and writer living and working in Southern California. Contact her at janetmalley@gmail.com.