Friday, 7 December 2012

What Supplements Should I Take?

Supplements are a huge draw for people focused on their health, but they can get overwhelming. The question “What supplements should I take” has been asked hundreds of times, and although there are benefits to almost every supplement on the market, they are not all necessary. To keep things simple for the supplement-novices out there, or if you are looking to clean out your pill cabinet, there are four supplements that should be added to everyone’s daily regimen based on their enormous benefits. These are: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Betaine HCL.

The first and most important are Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Most commonly taken as Fish Oil capsules, these essential anti-inflammatory fats aid in brain development, autoimmunity, prevent against cancer & neuro-degeneration, improve insulin sensitivity & fertility, and help speed recovery from activity… need I say more? When I joined my CrossFit box, I asked them THE question: what supplements should I take? They recommended Fish Oil. Just to be clear, fish oil does not contain mercury, because the type of mercury found in fish is not soluble in oil, and is therefore separated when the oil is extracted.

If you want to get fancy, Robb Wolf, author of The Paleo Solution, discusses the proper ratio of EPA to DHA. He thinks a 1 to 1 ratio is good, but that even a DHA heavy oil is acceptable, and is preferred for children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. In fact, children under 3 years of age should ONLY have DHA. It’s safe for children because it’s derived from algae, and therefore free of chemicals and pollutants that may be present in the EPA from fish oils. Also, our bodies can convert this safe DHA into EPA if needed!

There are different grades of fish oil, the most expensive (and cleanest) is pharmaceutical grade/ultra-refined. You do get more bang for your buck with these, but they are not necessary to get the benefits we are looking for. Any fish oil capsules you can find should be fine, but if you want some general standards to follow in addition to the EPA-DHA ratio, try to match these:

 1.   PCBs 15 – 20 ppb
 2.  Mercury < 10 ppb
 3.   Lead < 10 ppb
 4.   Arsenic < 100 ppb

Information on how much fish oil you need depending on your weight and the specs of the fish oil product can be found by Googling "fish oil calculator." The first result should be from a company called Whole9Life, and is the best I have found so far.

The second supplement that everyone should consider taking is Vitamin D. Vitamin D controls inflammation, regulates blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, can help with acne, prevents a huge slew of diseases, and decreases the likelihood of developing many cancers. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors got all the Vitamin D they needed (10,000-20,000 IU/day) from the sun. This is the best way to get it, but impossible for many people, so we supplement. Taking 2,000-5,000 IU/day in the morning with a meal that contains fat will give you the most benefits (if you have Hyperparathyriod disease, take less than 1,000 IU/day). And, for goodness sake, try to see the Sun everyday.

Magnesium has absolutely huge benefits that can’t be ignored. Magnesium helps form healthy bones and teeth, help with protein synthesis, lowers the risk of heart disease, regulates hypertension, and treats migraines, insomnia, and depression. It also increases calcium absorption (which we’ve been hearing is important since we were kids… we were just unfortunately told to do so by drinking milk). The best way to figure out how much to take is by starting with one 200mg pill (or 200mg of powdered magnesium), and adding one more every day until you reach bowel tolerance. 400-800mg is a good range to play with. Magnesium puts most people to sleep, so it’s a good thing to take at bedtime.

Betaine Hydrochloric Acid (Betaine HCL, for short) is a digestive aid. It adds acid to your stomach to give your digestion a nice little push at the beginning of the process. This supplement can work wonders to help your body process proteins and fats. If I am going to eat something that I either know I’m allergic to but can’t avoid, or is not in the Paleo Diet and therefore not easy on the stomach, I make sure I have Betaine with me to make the best out of the situation. Also, if you are a first timer at The Paleo Diet and find that your stomach is upset due to the change in foods, taking some Betaine at every meal just might get your stomach back to normal.

There is no need for your pill cabinet to be full of supplements that may or may not greatly improve your health and functionality. Fish oil, Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Betaine HCL all have benefits that largely outweigh the annoyance of having to swallow a couple of pills. And in fact, there are liquid forms of fish oil and powdered forms of Magnesium to make taking these supplements even easier. So don’t fret if you are one of the many people asking the question, “what supplements should I take?” I hope you have found a simple and helpful answer here with these four supplements.

3 Ways To Boost Natural Collagen In Your Skin

Collagen is one of the components that holds your skin together to keep it firm and healthy. It's made naturally in the body but production starts to decline as we age, usually at some point in our 20s. While many people are quick to reach for a cream or have injections to replace lost collagen, it's a much smarter move to work on increasing natural collagen production so that your skin can constantly rejuvenate itself.

3 Great Ways To Increase Collagen Naturally

1. Get plenty of vitamin C from foods, supplements and topical skin treatments. You'll be able to boost collagen naturally when you get lots of vitamin C. Grapefruit, oranges, cantaloupe, broccoli and cauliflower are just a few of the many foods that supply this wonderful nutrient. You can also take a supplement either individually or as part of a multi-vitamin. Just be sure to read the label to see how much vitamin C is included in the supplement to be sure you getting an adequate amount. Potent vitamin C serums are also available to be applied directly to the skin. A vitamin C serum can be a great addition to your overall plan, but should be used in addition to food and supplements rather than as a replacement.

2. Another diet tip, you should also include healthy foods in your diet that will protect the collagen you still have as well as enhance additional production of new cells. Wild salmon is a well-known skin-friendly food primarily because of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids it contains. Be sure your diet includes plenty of essential fatty acids from fish. Fish oil supplements can be a good option as well if you don't like eating fish or don't have ready access to it. Vegetarian options include flax seeds which can be added to smoothies and other foods.

3. While it's important to start with what's going on inside your body, it's also a good idea to take care of the skin's surface and give it the help it needs to effectively build up collagen levels. A good collagen renewal cream can help in this regard, provided it contains the right mix of ingredients to support the skin's natural collagen production. Kollagen Intensiv is an example of this type of cream. Although not as fast-acting as some creams, it works the right way and can show dramatic results in just a couple months of continued use.

For best results, don't just choose one of the options above - try them all. Vitamin C serum, supplements and food combined with essential fatty acids topped off with a collagen renewal cream can prove to be a winning combination for your skin. They work much better when used together and you'll see results faster that way. In addition, these tips are healthy and can result in feeling better and having more energy so you can keep up with your younger looking self!

Keys To Long Life: Top Personality Traits That Are Useful

While it seems impossible to control aging, there are personality traits that can help us live longer. A new report coming from Einstein's Longevity Genes Project, through the researchers who are trying to decipher “longevity gene”, has pointed out some personality traits as keys to long life.

What are these traits? People who consider laughter as part of their lives; those who are optimistic; those who express emotions honestly/openly; social and engage in activities; and the easygoing (relaxed) personalities tend to live longer. The researchers who based these findings on the records of some 500 genetically consistent Eastern European Jews, ages 95 and above, noticed that these centenarians are clearly showing positive attitude towards life.

Although, at first the researchers thought that these people were living a long life because of their mean and bad-tempered qualities, after some considerations that personalities can change between 70 to 100 years of age, researchers took a second look and found clear traits of a positive attitude. A careful review in their lives suggests that they were optimistic, outgoing, relaxed, having a large network of friends, and value laughter as part of life.

Laughter

If you can’t resist a beautiful smile, certainly you can’t resist a contagious giggle. Is laughter the best medicine? Take a look at the health benefits below. Laughter

  • helps lower blood pressure;
  • gives face, abdominal, legs, back, and respiratory a good exercise;
  • helps prevent respiratory infections and colds;
  • increases alertness and creativity;
  • reduces cortisol levels; and
  • improves memory and learning (as one study revealed that humor in class gives students better test results)

The optimistic attitude

It is no secret that an optimistic person is more fun to be around than a pessimistic one. Optimism makes a relaxed atmosphere. This type of attitude has

    1. better chance for success because it does not give up easily
    2. higher-levels of creativity
    3. easily enjoys present moment and looks at the future positively
    4. good stress management
    5.  more willingness to explore things outside comfort zone
    6. better physical and emotional health
    7. better laughter and thankfulness
    8. good mood, positive expectations, and can easily forgive
    9. has better focus and boosts self-esteem
   10.improved social life and mental flexibility

An easygoing attribute

Easygoing is a cool personality trait. It means living without worry or concern. Although it would also mean negligent, it has some positive contribution to longer lifespan.

A person with large social network

Our experience with people sometimes decide on how social we are. Although, people can easily overlook being social and tend to avoid others, here are advantages of having a large social network and engage in activities:

    Reduced risk of getting sick. A 2003 study claims that being social promotes good sleep and even heal wounds faster than a person who isolates himself.
    Reduced stress. Laughter with friends and loved ones releases happy hormones and reduce stress.
    Eliminate loneliness. A social person makes loneliness slips away.

Another great contributor to long life is good genes. People who tend to live very long are surprisingly healthy – free from cancer, heart problems, and so on.

Although, we can't control aging, having these personality traits and strengthening them with healthy lifestyle and good exercise will certainly help us live a long and fulfilled life.

GNC 7 Day Complete Body Cleansing Program Review

When I started the GNC 7 Day Complete Body Cleansing Program, I was skeptical because I had tried other cleanses in the past and had some harrowing experiences including cramps, headaches, being miserable from too much water and too little food, and spending way too much time in the loo. And some of the powder mixes were downright yucky.

However, knowing GNC’s reputation to be exemplary, I was willing to try their cleansing program. GNC offers several cleansing programs ranging from colon cleanses to whole body cleanses and I wanted a whole body cleanse. It occurs to me that there really is no sense in performing a colon cleanse or one designed for a particular body part or function when other organs in the rest of your system, along with fat cells and free radicals running rampant, are dumping toxic waste after the cleanse like a chaser. This only leads to more frequent cleanses (colon, kidney, Candida, liver, etc.) and more costs. And many of these cleanses are hard on the body’s system and can cause it to become dependent if used too often and leave the body unable to function properly on its own.

Gentle Yet Effective

What I am truly impressed with is that GNC’s Complete Body Cleansing Program is very gentle on the system yet effective in doing its job. I’ve never felt ill, had cramps or headaches, or spent excessive time in the bathroom while taking this product.

The GNC Complete Body Cleansing Program is an enzyme blend that aids in the elimination of toxins and waste in organs throughout the body. It also cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract and increases blood circulation. It is made up of organic ingredients including fiber. You also get good, healthy probiotic and prebiotic benefits. (Think L acidophilus or Lactobacillus acidophilus, which are microorganisms that support the digestive tract.)

No Fasting Involved

I am not a proponent of fasting and am glad I don’t have to on this program. GNC’s program includes meal plans for each day, including snacks, on a sheet inside the box. If you want to stray from their meal plan, feel free. The same sheet gives you a list of foods to eat and those to limit within each food group.

While on any cleansing program, try to avoid any but the freshest, natural foods you can get as suggested by the program’s package insert. Yogurt and salads are great to eat although you should stay away from yogurts with aspartame, as this is not a natural substance.

When to Perform a Cleanse

I’ve completed one of these cleanses at each change of season for the past two years and have had better health, better immunity, clearer skin, and more energy with which to kick-off each season. I even feel lighter after each cleanse.

Another good time to perform this cleanse is just prior to going on a diet. It will help your body get on track and get you back in the habit of eating healthier foods. You may even find that you weigh a few pounds less by the end of the week.

Natural, Easy to Follow and Integrate

The cleansing plan is easy to follow with simple, clear, step-by-step instructions. I find it very easy to integrate into my daily schedule. A few tablets and the drink mix with breakfast and a few tablets in the evening and your done for the day. This makes it very convenient as you don't have to think about it throughout the day or do anything that would interfere with your daytime routine or time constraints. It’s also natural, which is exactly what I wanted, and it only takes seven days to complete.

What to Expect

The ingredients for each product are listed separately as well as the benefits and nutritional value of the products in each packet. The packets are packaged for daily use making it easy to know exactly what to take and when. One packet contains tablets already packed together and clearly marked for morning with breakfast and a second packet of the same kind for evening. A third contains powder that doesn’t taste bad – at least not as bad as others I’ve tried – and that you can add to juice or water at breakfast (although I recommend the juice), and the last bottle holds tablets to take with dinner (one a night). The only thing you have to do during the day is lay off the junk food!

For a gentle complete body-cleansing program that works, trust GNC. Their 7 Day Complete Body Cleansing Program has everything you need to give your health a boost, ward off disease, and lift your energy level.

Why Creativity Is So Important

Expressing yourself is an awesome thing. Being able to create, build, draw, sing, compose, write, and such in ways that express who you are and what you love is a gift we all have. And we all have it to enjoy and share with other to enjoy as well. Being able to have the time to get back to doing what we love may not be so easy at times, but finding that time can truly contribute to a healthy and important balance in our lives.

Consider some of the reasons we express ourselves creatively. Simply put its fun! Who doesn't want to do what they love? Doing things that we consider fun is a great stress reliever and it contributes to a happier you. Being consumed in an activity you love can calm us and cause us to be more focused.

Being able to create something unique from nothing is magical. It builds a self confidence within us that strengths us and our positive outlook. Being creative helps us feel challenged and learn to overcome those challenges. It makes us more interesting people and in turn attracts others to us.

Important to note too is the effect expressing creativity can have on our relationships with others. When we exercise our creative part of the brain we build our ability to manage conflict, communicate with others, and understand moods. When we develop these skills we are better able to understand to a better extent what affects others and why. It is really quite extraordinary how in children and adults being able to use your creative talents helps us grow and build our relationships. We learn, play, relax, and evolve.

Along with stimulating our brains, creativity can have a positive effect as we grow older as well. Studies show that creativity sharpens the brain, allowing the possible slowing of dementia in old age. As we continue to use our brains, we keep it in top shape just as exercise keeps our bodies fit. The benefits carry with us throughout our lifetime.

We can see clearly the effect stress has and not allowing time to renew our minds and bodies. It can be devastating. Taking time to do the things we love, in whichever creative way will do for us the opposite. However you look at it, being creative benefits our health. Mentally, emotionally, physically we thrive. Why not take some time now to get back to what you love. You'll have some fun and it's so very important!

How To Make Your Face Look Younger - Quick Fixes For A Fresh Look

As you look in the mirror, what is it about your face that makes you look older? If it was possible to correct those issues, you would look younger, right? To address the age-old question of how to make your face look younger, we will take a look at the things that make your face look older and ways to correct them.

Hairstyle

An important issue to address is the frame for your face, in other words, your hair. If you have an outdated, unflattering style, it may be time to go through some magazines in search of an updated hairstyle. If you are lucky enough to have a trusted stylist, talk to her/him about an updated cut.

If you cannot afford for your stylist to color gray hair or add defining highlights, consider doing it yourself at home. At the very least, color your hair to cover those grays every 4-6 weeks.

Dull, Lifeless Complexion

A dull complexion is another sure sign of aging. By using a good facial scrub at least once a week, you will notice your skin come back to life. You can also use a skin revitalizing mask to give your skin a wonderful treat.

Healthy skin is soft and has a glow to it. When dead skin cells accumulate on your face, it will lead to an older-looking, lackluster complexion.

If you want to add a little more pizzazz to your complexion, use a little bronzing powder or blush.

The "Tired" Look

Along with the dull complexion, you may notice an overall "tired" look to your face.

If possible, get more rest. Another quick fix is to drink more water, which will naturally flush away toxins in your system, which will give you a less tired appearance.

If you can do it, try to cut down on your caffeine intake, which tends to restrict circulation. The better your circulation, the better your skin will look.

It cannot hurt to take some skin-healthy vitamins such as vitamin A, B-complex, C, D and K.

Enlarged Pores

As we get older, the pores on our face get bigger. This is due to the decrease in collagen, resulting in the decrease of elasticity in our skin. Past sun damage and even heredity play a factor in the size of pores, but they do get bigger with age.

This can be corrected by adopting a good skin care regime. There is nothing better for your skin then using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, in addition to a facial scrub to get rid of those dead skin cells blocking up the sebaceous glands and pores.

Keeping your pores clear is important not only to reduce the size of them, but also to prevent outbreaks of blackheads and full-blown acne.

Uneven Skin Tone

As the years go by, you may notice an increased number of blemishes (such as freckles) and a more uneven appearance to your skin.

Once again, past over-exposure to the sun may be a contributing factor. It could also be due to a shift in hormone levels, due to pregnancy or menopause.

Red or blotchy skin will usually take care of itself once the top layer of skin is shed, unless you have rosecea or other more serious problem. However, deeper brown pigmentation can be a longer-lasting issue than blotchy skin.

The fix to this issue calls for exfoliation. A good cleaning and exfoliating will help turn over the healthier layer of skin underneath, thus diminishing those blemishes and blotches more quickly.

Lines and Wrinkles

Who said that lines give us character? I assure you it was not someone trying to look younger! Inevitably, lines and wrinkles will show up all over your face. From your forehead right down to your neck, they will appear and then deepen over time.

By taking your vitamins and making sure to follow a good skin care program, you will be making great strides in keeping lines and wrinkles at bay. You want to use a good skin cream that supports the rebuilding of collagen in your skin, and one that contains antioxidants to slow down free radical damage, which attacks the healthy cells we want to keep.

Sagging Skin

When you put it all together and then throw sagging skin into the mix, you can see just why we tend to look older than our years.

The sagging skin on eyelids (hoods), jowls, jawline and neck literally add 5 to 10 years to your appearance. Is there anyone out there who finds this to be a good look?

If not, then might I suggest facial firming exercises. You work through a series of resistance moves on various areas of your face and neck. Within a few weeks, you will notice a noticeable improvement in your complexion, in addition to a more well rested, younger look beginning to take shape.

In just 15 minutes a day, you can work the muscles in your face and neck for a toned, defined, and younger look. By using facial firming exercises and good skin care products, you will be looking great within just a few short weeks.

You can see that there are many ways as to how to make your face look younger. When you look at the issues and tackle them head on, you will be delighted at the results.

Remember that you are not just getting older, you are getting wiser about the options available for you to ward off those things that can age you.

Need more specifics on anti-aging? Spend some time at the make your face look younger site to get more age-slashing solutions.

How To Get Rid Of Back Acne Fast At Home - With These 3 Tips

There are a lot of ways on how to get rid of back acne fast at home, but there are few that actually work for people. And while there are hundreds of products you could waste your money on, I would like to offer three simple, inexpensive, tips that you can use to get rid of your back acne fast.

First, when taking a shower, make sure that the water is warm. Not hot, or cold, but warm. Too much hot water is actually damaging to the skin and will cause it to dry out and become flaky. You don't want your skin to become dry because the dry peeling skin will mix with the natural oils on your skins surface creating more acne. Dry skin = more acne. Taking cold showers will generally close up the pores, not allowing any treatment that your trying to apply go deep down and do its job.

Also, you want to ensure that you don't take showers to often. The skin is a fragile thing, and its easy to dry it out and damage it. Try to limit your showers to two a day, three only if absolutely necessary. Some skin reacts different, so listen to your body.

Stay away from soaps that cause your skin to become tight and dry. These are usually the ones that have really strong smell, but not always. Using a soap that moisturizes the skin is highly recommended.

Second, use witch hazel over the acne effected areas. Like its name implies, the effects of this simple cleanser are quite magical. Its main use is to help reduce swelling in many different situations. While I don't think it was ever intended to help with back acne, when applied to the skin, helps reduce the swelling and redness that is so uncomfortable to look at when it comes to acne.

If you can find witch hazel with aloe vera (unscented), the better. Apply to affected area, with your hand preferably, two to three times a day. You can do this right after you take a shower, or go to sleep. After applying, leave it on. This is not something you have to rinse off, and I've never had any experience with this bleaching my clothes or anything of the like. This is a very cheap and effect way to get rid of back acne.

Third, get plenty of exercise. Your probably scratching your head wondering how exercising will help with your acne, especially since a lot of people talk about sweating because bad for acne.

When you exercise, your allowing an increased circulation of blood throughout your body. This helps essential nutrients, and more of them, make it to your skin. Your skin is your biggest organ, and because of this needs the nutrients to stay healthy.

Exercising also helps control the huge overload of hormones that contribute to your acne problem. Stress is also reduced when you workout, decreasing the likelihood that your going to get a breakout due to stress.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out of your house and stay active. Doesn't have to be something boring. Pick up a sport with friends, go for a run, or grab a bike and ride. The important thing is to stay active and healthy. Simply working out can prove to be a very cost effect back acne treatment, and provides numerous benefits.

Thursday, 6 December 2012

Top 10 Natural Foods To Help Detoxify Marijuana Toxins From Your Body

Marijuana toxins are simply plant made substances that are poisonous to the human body. Marijuana detoxification is the process of ridding your body from these harmful toxins.

At any one time you may have thousands of toxins inside you - attacking your body! The problem with toxins found in marijuana is that they tend to linger in your body for longer periods making marijuana detoxification an obvious option to speed up the process.

With marijuana, the cleansing & detoxification process happens primarily in the blood but also involves the elimination of general marijuana toxins from internal organs such as the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph, skin, and even your brain!

The process of marijuana detoxification is much more than cleansing.

It also greatly enhances the body's ability to naturally heal itself. When you detox weed, you assist in both the removal and elimination of toxins, while also providing nourishment to the body. In this way, the body renews its ability to protect itself from disease and maintain optimum health.

There are a number of ways to detoxify the body if you smoke too much marijuana. Some of these include diet, exercise and detoxification procedures such as homeopathic remedies, ozone therapy, acupuncture, massage and thermal chambers like taking a sauna.

Different individuals may need one or a combination of dieting & lifestyle practices. Many also need the aid of detoxification procedures. Cleansing the body should be done daily and the intake of detoxifying foods help greatly.

Here are the top 10 best foods to help detoxify toxins from the body:

1. Vegetables. Green leafy vegetables contain chlorophyll that cleans the digestive tract from environmental toxins such as smog, heavy metals and herbicides or pesticides. They are also good in purging and cleansing the liver. Green leafy vegetables can be eaten raw or they can be added to broths or juices.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and watercress contain phytochemicals such as sulphorophanes, indole-3-carbinol and D-glucarate that have specific effects on Phases 1 and 2 detox. These substances are released when the vegetables are chopped, chewed, fermented, cooked or digested.

2. Apples. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals and other phytochemicals such as D-glucarate, flavanoids and terpenoids. All of these substances aid in the detox process. Phlorizidin, a flavonoine, helps stimulate bile production. This aids the liver in getting rid of some toxins through the bile. Pectin, a soluble fiber, helps detox metals and food additives from the body.

3. Citrus and tangerines. These include oranges, lemons and limes. They are a good source of Vitamin C that helps in washing out toxins from the body by converting them into water-soluble substances. They also help in the enzymatic processes of the digestive tract and aid the liver in its cleansing processes. Some citrus fruits contain flavonoids, D-glucarate, vitamins and minerals.

4. Sesame seeds. They protect the liver from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals. Sesame seeds contain the amino acids methionine and tryptophan that aids in a speedy and more efficient functioning liver and kidney.

5. Raw spices. Onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds, the compounds that give them their strong pungent odor, which stimulate the liver to produce detoxification enzymes that help to filter out toxins from the digestive system. Ginger relieves bloating, nausea and diarrhea and aids in a more efficient digestion. It is recommended to add these spices in salads, sauces, spreads or to any dish.

6. Green tea. Green tea is a healthy way of getting more fluids in the body. It not only washes out toxins but also increases liver function as it contains the antioxidant, catechins.

7. Omega-3 oils. Avocado, hemp, olive oil and flax seed oil are good sources of omega-3 oils. By lubricating the intestinal wall, omega-3 absorbs toxins and eliminates it from the body.

8. Whole grains. Whole grains contain both soluble and insoluble fibers that thoroughly cleanse our colon and encourage good bowel function. For those on detox diet, non gluten grains such as brown rice, millet and buckwheat are recommended.

9. Turmeric. An ancient spice that is native to Southeast Asia, turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavor and mild fragrance. It contains curcumin that inhibits Phase 1 detox and stimulates Phase 2 detox.

10. Yogurt. It helps detoxify the body as it contains probiotics that reduce intestinal inflammation and fungal infections. These probiotics also have the ability to eliminate bacteria that may cause damage to the lining of the stomach and liver.

This list is a pretty good place to start if you want to detox weed from home. Get creative and don't feel like you must be limited to these ingredients. There are many more foods that help aid in ridding the body of toxins.

Do more research and remember that knowing the right foods for detoxifying the body from poisonous substances such as toxins will help keep you disease-free and in optimum health.

How To Remove Tonsil Stones Naturally

Are you ashamed of your bad breath?  Would you like to learn to remove tonsil stones permanently so you can get rid of your bad breath for good?

There are simple steps that you can take to remove tonsil stones naturally without the need for painful surgery.

Picking at your tonsil stones with a tooth pick, tooth brush or blunt object may dislodge and help to remove tonsil stones temporarily but this does nothing to address the cause.  As a result it is only a matter of time before the stones return.

Removing tonsil stones on your own is not recommended as there is always the chance of damaging the tonsils, especially if the stones are large or there are a lot of them embedded within the tonsil tissue.  If you tear the tissue of the tonsils the result is open wounds which can become infected.

In order to get rid of tonsil stones for good you must first understand what causes them.  Understanding the cause of tonsil stones will allow you to take the proper steps to prevent tonsil stones from developing in the first place.

Tonsil stones are caused by food particles which get lodged and build up in the crevasses of the tonsils.  Tonsil stones form when food particles combine with sulfur producing bacteria and mucus and form small particles which accumulate on the surface of the tonsils.  The stones are a yellowish in color and smell awful.

If the stones are small you may not even know that you have tonsil stones.  However, chronic bad breath that doesn't respond to traditional treatments such as regular brushing, mouth washes and breath mints is a good indication that tonsil stones maybe present.

Removing tonsil stones should not be painful, frustrating or embarrassing.  There is a simple solution to remove tonsil stones that does not require surgery.  The best way to get rid of tonsil stones and embarrassing bad breath is to take simple and consistent hygiene steps on a daily bases which will help to prevent the stones from forming in the first place.

Good hygiene is the key to preventing tonsil stones and should include the following steps:

    1.  Rinsing your mouth with salt water or mouth wash several times a day.

    2.  Drinking plenty of water to keep the body and the mouth well hydrated.

    3.  Avoid eating before bed which will help prevent food particles for sitting in the mouth over 
         night. 

    4.  Brush your teeth several times a day especially after meals and before bed.

    Take these steps daily to help to prevent the formation of tonsils stones and embarrassing bad breath.

Sticking With The Paleo Diet

The Paleo Diet is quite a change for most people, and one that requires a positive mind set and determination. This is not because the diet is “hard” or because you don’t see results quickly enough to stay motivated. In fact, the Paleo Diet is extremely simple, you can eat as much of the allowed foods as you want, and results for many come in the first few days! What is difficult about eating paleo is simply the fact that most of us have not even gone one full day without eating grains, dairy, legumes, or processed sugars (the foods not permitted in the Paleo Diet). So how does one succeed at changing their diet for the better and choosing to eat paleo?

Going cold turkey with grains, dairy, legumes, and processed sugars can be too much for some people. If you are an all-or-nothing kind of person, then you won’t have as much trouble with this, and should consider doing a 30-day Paleo Challenge. However, if you know that you are going to have trouble letting go of these foods which have most likely made up the base of your diet for your entire life, taking the diet change in steps may be more effective and result in long-term success.

There are three levels in Loren Cordain’s book, The Paleo Diet. He recommends you start at Level One, which has an 85/15 ratio of paleo meals to free meals. This means you get three meals per week where you eat anything you want, and can essentially “cheat.” Don’t get carried away though. Remember that the reason we don’t eat grains, dairy, legumes, and processed sugars is not because we are trying to lose weight (although that is a natural result), but instead because our bodies cannot process them. Eating too much of these things on your free meals could set you back with weight loss progress and hurt your body.

Back to the point: at Level One you get some freedom to still enjoy your favorite foods, but are eating paleo enough to see the benefits of the diet. After eating at Level One for a month or two you may decide to move up to Level Two, which provides two free meals a week, and eventually Level Three, which allows only one free meal per week. If you are comfortable at Level One and think that moving to a stricter level will frustrate you and make you quit, just stay where you are.  If weight loss is your goal or if you have a health issue, stricter compliance is recommended, and you might want to accelerate your progression through the levels.

Another trick I have found to make a world of difference when trying to stick with the Paleo Diet is having fresh fruit around at all times. Fruits are your sweet treat on the Paleo Diet. They are nature’s dessert, and after a while you will find yourself craving fruit instead of a piece of cake. When I don’t have fresh fruit around, I am much more likely to say, “screw it” and go buy a chocolate bar. Having fresh fruit around, and maybe even cleaned and ready to eat, will make satisfying your sweet tooth much easier, and will lessen your likelihood of cheating.

The Paleo Diet is probably one of the easiest diets to stick with, purely because it produces undeniable results within just the first days. You feel less hungry, more energized, don’t need your 2:00pm 5-Hour Energy shot, experience rapid weight loss, your sinuses clear, and your joints stop hurting. I can’t think of any other diets that produce that many positive results so quickly, and then continue to do so for, well, EVER. Despite these fantastic results, making this diet switch can seem impossible to some people. That’s why there are different methods to approach it with. Choose the method that best fits you and what you know about yourself. Finding a good Paleo meal plan to follow at first while you are getting used to your new diet can help a lot too. It takes the thinking out of the situation, and all you have to do is EAT! I hope this has been helpful, and you are excited to make a life-changing diet change

Varicose Vein Treatment And How Gotu Kola Can Help You

Gotu Kola is an herb from the subcontinent that is found in marshy and boggy terrain. The locals have used it for centuries as an herbal remedy to cure many ailments as it carries huge regeneration and rejuvenation qualities. But the benefits of Gotu Kola go far beyond this, and have been proven in the western world in multiple lab tests and sample tests to aid with other ailments after they discovered its healing qualities. The biggest of these was the progress they made with varicose vein treatment and cellulite treatment through increasing the collagen levels in the human body's system.

Varicose veins are the blight of many women the world over and an increasing proportion of these are under the age of 40. The worst sufferers are those who have bad diets, low exercisers and those exposed to high stress. Finding remedies or cures for varicose veins or varicose veins treatments has propelled Gotu Kola into the spotlight as a result of this.

Gotu Kola has collagen qualities in its DNA, so in Lehman's terms it helps the skin keep its elasticity and remain Bungee. To divulge further into the topic, these collagen qualities are absorbed by the vein walls and instead of the remaining at the elastic level (think an elastic band - when it is stretched too far it has hit its elastic level - and it won’t return to the former level or shape no matter what), they return to the former level. This works from both before and after perspectives, it can be used to prevent varicose veins and or a varicose vein treatment. Alternatively it can be used if you already suffer, as it will increase the elasticity and repair the cell's ability to stay elastic, reducing the effect s of varicose veins.

To conclude, Gotu Kola has many benefits, especially for women concerned about cellulite or varicose veins. Varicose veins treatment is extremely expensive and too costly for many women. Gotu Kola represents an ideal and affordable way to have varicose vein treatment. Gotu Kola is an herb that has been used for hundreds of years across India, Sri Lanka and much more of Asia, renown for healing, even for ailments and diseases as serious as leprosy or skin disease/cancer. It can be taken orally or can be taken in cream form and rubbed onto the skin to reduce the effects. Ultimately it has rejuvenating qualities that go far beyond the eastern world’s herbal medicine and it won’t be long before it is commonplace in modern medicine.

How To Get Good Sleep

 If you were to ask my mother how to get good sleep, she would tell you to go to sleep when you’re tired and that the best hours to sleep are between 8pm and 6am. You know what? My mother is right. There are a couple more key factors to getting the kind of good, restful sleep that is required to live a healthy happy life, but Mom’s got a good start on it.

Very few people wake up in a good mood after a night of bad sleep. Perhaps they lay in bed for an hour before being able to fall asleep because they were “tired and wired.” Or maybe you woke up to the sound of your alarm, which strangely resembles that of a natural disaster alert. These unpleasant nights of sleep make us cranky, tired, stressed, and can actually contribute to insulin resistance and those love handles you can’t seem to shake off.

Firstly I feel it important to mention that if you haven’t taken a look at the food you eat or your activity level yet, that’s probably a good thing to do as well. Both of these aspects of your life can have a large impact on sleep, and the quality of it. Without further ado, here are some simple tips on how to get good sleep:

Going to sleep when you are tired is crucial, especially if you are someone who typically “catches a second wind,” or wakes up after pushing past your natural point of exhaustion. For example, if you find yourself sleepy around 9pm, but you still have 20 emails to send or 5 chapters to read for your introductory law class. You stay awake and practically hold your heavy eyelids up to finish your tasks (and besides, 9:00 is too early to go to sleep, right?). By the time you are ready to go to bed, you are wide-awake, and end up laying in bed for a long time and not resting well. There are aspects of your diet that can contribute to getting this “second wind,” but the most important point is that if you go to sleep before it happens, it’s not a problem.

There have been many studies that show people who sleep between the hours of 8pm and 6am (when it is dark outside) feel more rested throughout the day… and my mother has read all of them. She’s got a point though. If you can manage to sleep in complete darkness, you will find yourself sleeping better, waking up less during the night, and awaking in the morning feeling fresh. Try your best to prevent your job or social life from interfering with your sleep, but if you must sleep when it is light outside, create complete darkness by wearing a sleeping mask, pulling the curtains, and covering every source of light within your room.

These two tips on how to get good sleep are easy to understand and relatively simple to implement. Going to sleep when you naturally feel tired will prevent catching a second wind and give your body what it wants: rest! Taking the time to draw your curtains and cover up your phone charger light will result in sounder sleep. Turning off your alarm, and making diet changes (like removing salt) can also have a very positive effect on the quality of your sleep.

What Is The Best Treatment For Cellulite?

We have already heard of every cream, lotion, vitamin, massage, piece of clothing, brushes, and medical procedure there is for getting rid of cellulite, right? With all of these options available how are we suppose to know what the best treatment for cellulite really is?

If you have had cellulite for any length of time, my guess is you have already tried a number of these remedies yourself. Since you are reading this, I can safely assume the cellulite didn't melt away magically like the package said.

Don't worry, I fell for several of those gimmicks too. Living with these lumps of fat is bad, but getting ripped off by the makers of these products is even worse.

The anti-cellulite industry is pulling in thousands of dollars each year, yet statistics say that 90% of all women over twenty have cellulite! The percentage of women having cellulite should be much lower if their products really worked as promised, right?

So what is the best treatment for cellulite? First of all, stop chasing the magic potion approach. If any of that stuff really worked you wouldn't be reading this right now! The makers of these products have only one thing in mind, and it's not your cellulite problem. They simply want your money.. they don't care if you are left with the same problem you started with.

It's time to take a new approach, one that makes complete sense from start to finish.

A female body enhancement specialist has a logical solution, to this complex problem that has affected women for centuries.

There are many misconceptions when it comes to this cottage cheese like fat. The lard that causes that rippled look on our skin didn't just show up over night, and no you didn't eat one ounce too much fat either. The fat has been there the whole time, lying underneath that skin just waiting for the chance to show it's ugly face.

See, over time your skin gradually loses it's elasticity. This causes the top layer of skin to weaken, and become thinner. When this occurs, cellulite makes it's debute.

What is the cure? You must use muscle stimulation to tighten, and smooth the skin. This is the only way to completely rid your body of the orange peel affect also known as cellulite.

Regenerating the affected area using synergistic muscle layer stimulation (symulast for short) creates a sheild. When the cellulite causing fat pushes against this shield, nothing happens. No ripples, dimples, or cottage cheese. This technique has been proven to be highly effective for women of all ages, body shapes, and sizes.

Home Remedies For Dry Skin In Winter Months

         With the coming of winter comes the annoying scratching of dry skin so I thought it would be a good idea to share some home remedies for dry skin in winter months. I know if I do not take care of my hands they become so dry and cracked that every time I scratch them they would bleed.

There are many ways to keep protect your skin from the winter months, and the sooner you start the easier it is to be successful. If you wait until your hands for example are already dry and cracking you will find it near impossible to get them back in the shape they should be in.

What can I do?

There are many ways to keep this from happening.

One home remedy is to wash your hands in warm, not hot water before bed and apply petroleum jelly generously for about 10 minutes to keep the skin well oiled so to speak. You can put on a pair of cotton gloves to make it even better.

Another way to keep your skin moist is by using lotion. Pick natural lotions and use them up to six times a day and make sure you rub them in well.

Good old olive oil comes to the rescue again! Mix olive oil with warm water and soak your hands in it before bed for about 10 minutes and you will keep them from getting dry and cracked.

Dr. Oz has a great way of keeping your skin nice and supple!

    1 cup Sea Salt
    2 cups Olive Oil
    5 drops Lemon Essential Oil
    5 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Mix it well and soak your hands and feet in it, it works!

Almond oil or mineral oil for massaging works to keep and replace the oil in your hands. Everyone loves a hand massage!

Here is one of my favorite! Mix 1 tablespoon of baby oil with two tablespoons of mayonnaise and soak your hands or feet for about 15 minutes. It smells great! :)

If you want to soften your hands rub a mixture of honey and water into your hands and let it soak in for about 10 minutes then rinse off. I dare you not to taste it!

OK, there are a few home remedies for itchy skin to try out.There are many many more remedies out there and if you know of your own please feel free to post them and share them with everybody! If we work together we can help to cure dry skin during winter months!

Wednesday, 5 December 2012

Bhringaraj: The Herb With Many Uses

Every woman wants a mane of soft and lustrous hair. Each one dreams of having gorgeous hair with wonderful shine. However, due to environmental factors, age, or genetics, some women end up with prematurely gray hair that is brittle and rough to the touch. It may become a source of insecurity as hair is considered the crowning glory of womanhood. There are many remedies available for brittle and thinning hair. Unfortunately, most do not live up to their claims. While some women may use products with synthetic components to temporarily smooth out the frizz, these products may cause even more damage to the hair with time.

Eclipta alba is otherwise called bhringraj or bhringaraj. It is found in India and part of the Asteraceae family. The herb, roots and leaves are said to have medicinal purposes. Bhringaraj has an excellent reputation when hair growth is concerned and is used in hair growth oil for women and men alike. It has been used in numerous Ayurvedic preparations for centuries. Bhringaraj is said to have many uses and is a prominent herb in India.

Bhringraj for Hair Growth

Bhringraj has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hair growth purposes. It helps restore dry and brittle locks. It is mixed in hair oil and left on overnight to provide deep nourishment to the hair shaft and hair follicles. With continued use of bhringraj oil, one can expect to have thicker hair with more volume and bounce.

It is important to note that for hair to grow lustrous, you must massage it into the scalp in slow circular motions to improve blood circulation. It may be mixed with coconut oil and olive oil and used nightly. However, if you have an oily scalp, you may use it once a week instead.

It has been used in India as a dye as well. The dried powder is mixed with amla, another popular Indian herd, and provides a cover for prematurely gray hair. Once set, the color looks identical to natural black Indian hair.

Other Bhringraj Powder Benefits

Bhringaraj powder has many benefits, although it is more popular globally for its anti-aging effects. In Ayurveda, this powder is said to rejuvenate teeth, nails, hair, memory, sight and even hearing. Various herbal preparations make use of it. Some are for topical purposes while others are made to be ingested. To this day, some Indians still use bhringraj powder to treat liver cirrhosis or fatty liver. They drink concoctions of the powder mixed with water as daily maintenance to control the medical condition.

Bhringaraj is even used to treat hepatitis. It is said to improve the yellowish color caused by jaundice. Ayurvedics swear on its healing powers to treat urinary tract infections, spleen enlargement and even used as a de-worming agent in children. Ayurvedic specialists prescribe it to women who have had successive miscarriages and to treat post-delivery pain.

This powder is also known to relieve minor aches and pains. You can rub some bhringraj powder around a decayed tooth to provide pain relief and ward off infection. Mixed with some oil, it is used as a cure for headaches. Bhringaraj may also be utilized as massage oil, especially in people with skin disease. It has an anti-inflammatory and sedative effect on rashes, urticaria and skin ulcerations. It may even be applied around the eye to treat and prevent eye infections.

It is amazing how a little plant with white flowers can play such a broad role in Ayurvedic treatments. Studies still have to be completed to prove most of the claims. However, initial research shows that it has potent anti-aging properties. Bhringaraj may be the next organic wonder drug.

The Uses of Eclipta Alba in Ayurvedic Medicine

Eclipta Alba is the scientific name for what amounts to a weed that grows in many moist, tropical areas all over the world. This "weed" is a major player in the holistic healing system of India called Ayurveda. This holistic healing system is probably the oldest continuing healing system on the planet, going back at least 5,000 years. It is also most likely found to be at the core of most, if not all, of the Asian and European healing systems. Another name, the one used in India, for eclipta alba is Bringraj.

What is Ayurvedic Medicine?

Ayurveda is the holistic healing system of India, as noted above. This holistic healing system is one that emphasizes the science of longevity and places its focus on things that promote good health throughout that longevity. Ayurvedic medicine encompasses not only the physical conditions of the human body but also the emotions and spirit of the human body. It addresses all areas of lifestyle from what you eat to the exercise you get. It covers each person from birth to death and all stages between. Ayurveda promotes lifestyles and treatments that are natural and not created in laboratories; it focuses on elements of treatment that work with your body's natural tendencies and uses natural substances that have none of the side effects found in every drug found on pharmacy and department store shelves, whether prescription or non-prescription.

Ayurvedic medicine is a complex holistic healing system that has been tried and tested for centuries, with adjustments being made as new knowledge is gained, and has become the core of all of the Asian and most of the European healing systems. India currently has a number of Ayurveda medical colleges that teach the concepts to both native Indians as well as many cohorts from surrounding countries and all over the world.

What Does Eclipta Alba Do?

Eclipta Alba, of Bringraj, is a plant that both the leaves and roots are utilized in some pretty amazing ways to ease pain and reduce inflammation in many areas of the human body. The leaves and roots of this "weed" called Eclipta Alba can be used straight from the plant or can be made in the form of a powder, juice or oil and can be applied topically or ingested. Here are some ways it can be used:

To reduce swelling and inflammation: the Bringraj powder can be made into a paste and the paste can then be applied topically to skin areas all over the body. It will reduce swelling and inflammation to those areas where applied. The Eclipta Alba paste can even be applied to a wound and it will help reduce the inflammatory responses of the human body and enable the wound to heal more quickly and with less problematic scar tissue formation. It can be used for all types of dermatitis, eczema and other skin conditions successfully and safely.

- To reduce aches and pains: the Eclipta Alba, or Bringraj, can be used to relieve aches and pains all over the body, both externally as well as internally. It is a great natural headache pain reliever. Bringraj can be applied as a paste or oil, or ingested as a juice or powder for some amazing pain relief.

- To treat baldness, hair loss and hair thinning: the Bringraj paste can be applied directly to the scalp to help treat hair loss or baldness in both men and women.

As you can readily see, Eclipta Alba, or Bringraj as the Indian people refer to it, is an amazing substance that can be used to treat many things naturally without the dangerous side effects of prescription and most over the counter medications.

Organic Food Vs. Non-organic Food – A New Age Argument

Just a few years ago, there were a limited number of categories for food: there was food according to taste (sweet, sour, salty, bitter) and there was food according to what it is made of (meat, fruit, vegetable, fish). In recent years, however, a new category was introduced, that is, food according to how it is made. With this, the term “organic foods” comes into the picture.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic foods are those foods that are made or grown without the use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers, growth hormones or any form of biotechnology. They are those foods that grow at a natural pace, are plucked when ripe and are taken as is. In contrast, non-organic foods are those that are grown for commercial consumption and are hence aided by pesticides, artificial fertilizers, growth hormones and biotechnology to grow faster, become plumper and appear more appetizing. In line with this new distinction among foods, a new age argument has (literally) been placed on the table: which is better, organic food vs. non-organic food?

Powerful arguments support each side. For those who believe that organic food is better than non-organic food, they adhere to the belief that all the pesticides, artificial fertilizers and chemical enhancers that go into non-organic foods are the reason behind many human ailments and diseases. While this belief can be backed up by some research, this research is still not conclusive and hence cannot yet be considered as fact. In addition, those who are supporters of organic food also pride themselves in the fact that creating organic foods is far less expensive and friendlier to the environment. For those who do not believe in buying organic food, they stress on the points of organic food being far more expensive to purchase and much harder to keep because of the lack of preservatives. They bank on previous studies linking organic foods to no more health benefits than non-organic foods and they also point to the fact that organic foods are not necessarily 100% free of artificial additives as the USDA still permits the use of some chemicals in growing them.

Because research on the topic has not yet completely been verified, the difference between organic and non-organic foods rests primarily in one’s preference; at least for now. What scientists and most doctors are urging people to do is, rather than focusing on how healthy organic foods might be compared to non-organic foods, they should take a closer look at their daily diets and determine the health of their lifestyles from there. It is said that it happens all too often these days that people obsess over organic foods and yet have diets loaded with artificial flavouring, trans fats and processed sugars, i.e. junk. Before joining in on the argument of organic foods vs. non-organic foods, one must first make the necessary changes in one’s diet in order to be able to call oneself truly healthy and health-conscious. As for organic foods vs. non-organic foods, let that be the next step.

The Benefits Of Nuts In Your Diet

No doubt you've been told that nuts are a great snack for those on a diet, but did you know why?

The Mayo Clinic staff has revealed some terrific details about the health rewards of nuts. Surprisingly, nuts can boost your cardiac health, lessen your cholesterol, & assist you to lose fat. This has been shown to be a brilliant method of boosting weight loss for ladies.

What makes nuts so beneficial? Simply because they contain a wonderful blend of fiber, unsaturated fat, and vitamins. Here are one of the nutrients seen in nuts, and also the effect those nutrients will surely have on your own health:

E Vitamin

Investigators are hopeful about the effect of e vitamin on heart health. Studies are ongoing, however it is thought that e vitamin can avert plaque build-up and also heart attacks.

Vitamin E Antioxidant also promotes good circulation, increased healing capability, & healthy hair and skin. This is a fat soluble vitamin, so the unsaturated fat seen in nuts helps one's body process and use vitamin e antioxidant.

Fiber

Fiber is but one substance that the majority of us aren't getting motor. It maintains our digestive systems in top condition, stabilizes blood glucose levels, fills us up, and may even lower cholesterol levels reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Doctors promote a high-fiber diet like a preventative method against diabetes. If you are already diabetic, adding fiber on your diet can prevent blood glucose spikes & crashes.

The recommended daily allowance of fiber is 30 g. Whole almonds deliver 4 grams per 1/4 cup. If you want to enhance your fiber intake, that can be done effortlessly by eating almonds.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 essential fatty acids protect the heart. Nuts certainly are a plentiful method to obtain these acids, so adding nuts to your diet might help prevent coronary disease and cholesterol.

Recent reports advise that omega-3 fatty acids also can reduce blood pressure, decrease how much fat in the blood (triglycerides), as well as force away Alzheimer's disease from developing.

B Vitamins & Antioxidants

B vitamins are crucial to get a healthy metabolic process and high energy. You may get a good dose of B vitamins by snacking on nuts or sprinkling some on your salad.

Nuts also have antioxidants, which protect one's body from harm brought on by stress and aging. These antioxidants could also avoid the formation of certain carcinomas.

How Many Nuts Do You Really Need?

Now how many nuts should a person eat to take advantage of these health improvements? Just one handful of nuts is apparently enough to reduce risk factors for coronary disease.

It's important to observe that nuts are full of fat. Though the fat is heart-healthy, it is still an excellent source of calories. Nuts give you the most help if they're eaten in place of unhealthy fats from animal products.

So long as nuts are part of a standard nutritious diet plan - including a proper amount of calories - they'll promote weight loss as they avert disease.

While all nuts contain fiber and unsaturated fat, some are more advantageous than the others. Walnuts have the most science to back this up. They have been linked to reduced amounts of bad cholesterol and much better blood glucose control.

Almonds, pecans, & macadamias also have increased levels of omega-3's. Sprinkle them in your oatmeal, or perhaps eat a handful if you want quick energy. They have good CHOs that will help you feel invigorated without sending your blood sugar soaring.

Adding Nuts on Your Diet

Here are some delightful methods to include nuts to your diet:

1.Munch on a few between meals.
2.Add chopped pecans to flax seed muffin mix.
3.Sprinkle almond slivers into pasta or veggie sides.
4.Top your leafy green salad with chopped walnuts.

This process works especially well for those who desire to slim down after pregnancy. Stop dieting, start eating and commence living.

Teaching Kids How To Meditate

You can consider meditation as a method of relaxation, a life changing activity or one of the many new age trends. However, it is really a deep and ancient practice that increases one's depth and connection to something beyond the ego. Further, people have realized that it is also good for kids as there are cases of ADD, ADHD, and aggressive behavior that have teen improved through this practice. In addition, it becomes a platform for the family to communicate on important subjects and not just stick to mundane topics. These inner lessons will be with the child throughout his whole life.

It is true that children do have a short span of attention, but they can meditate for a couple of minutes. In order to help them calm their mind, short meditation should be practiced by children. A few minutes can make a tremendous difference. In order to set an excellent example for children, as a parent it would be good to have a regular practice. Children imitate adult behavior and this would be an excellent example. If you meditate daily, the curiosity of the children will be at its peak.

If your child asks you what you are doing, try to keep it very simple. Tell them the reason for your meditation that they can understand such as that meditation increases happiness and creates inner calmness. Let your child know that when you feel anger or sadness it helps you to feel better. Allow them to sit next to you while meditating. You can give them a special meditation cushion of their own. Tell him to close his eyes and to begin breathing in and out slowly. Maintain silence for a few minutes, and then inform the children that meditation is to sit quietly for a while with closed eyes and continued breathing. Tell your child to breathe
a little louder than usual and to listen to the sound of the breath. This gives an anchor for concentration.

You can set aside a few minutes before bed to meditate with yoru child. When the child is comfortable, tell him to breathe deeply through his belly, slowly inhaling and exhaling. This enables to calm both the mind and the body. For both the parent and the child this is an extremely wonderful experience.

You can make it varied by observing what your child enjoys. Find out the subjects and activities that are his interest, and create a scenario to unfold itself in the mind of the child as you describe it. As the story will continue the child will add elements to the characters that inspire him. This way he will enjoy a story as well as learn meditation. You can pick a setting like the beach or watching a sunset.

Everyone wishes that children should develop good habits such as healthy eating habits and exercising. Teaching kids how to meditate is teaching them another good habit which they can practice for the rest of their lives.

Meditation Pillow For Inner Peace

Every human being desire peace more than anything in this world. Many people go into meditation process to relax their mind and body in order to create for a state of calmness. During this phase, the mind is quieted and the person becomes aware of his inner power to manage anxiety and overcome fear. Even as you need a quiet place to do your sessions, certain enhancing tools can support your quest for peace by making your body comfortable and well rested. Proper posture is necessary when practicing meditations. To maintain this position, one should have the perfect support needed for an effective spiritual process. A meditation pillow is the key element that provides every practitioner with comfort and the right spine alignment when sitting erect.

Meditation pillows make up a large part in the accomplishment of your therapy. Some people may try to get into the state of relaxation without using these pillows for support. For this reason, their concentration will lead them to focus on discomforts and pain that are usually felt in certain bony parts of the body that touches directly to hard surfaces. With this indispensable cushion, the practitioner can enjoy a deeper reflection.

Always plan for the place where you will hold your meditations before choosing the pillows you will use. You may wish to do your sessions outdoor on soft grasses, or you may want an indoor therapy on wooden floors. Others may like to have them on concrete grounds for more stability. When meditating in grassy areas, use lightweight pillows with soft nylon fills. For hard surfaces, you need a double sided pillow with solid foam base at the bottom, and soft synthetic fills on the top. This cushion allows you to easily rise from a seated position and makes you feel comfortable unlike ordinary pillows.

To achieve for a successful sitting, you have to settle comfortably on the cushion, in proper posture, without feeling any pressure or pain that can distract your focus. Sustaining this form for certain durations can be difficult without this pillow aids. There are different floor pillows to use when contemplating on what type to purchase. The most popular is the Zafu cushion which comes in either buckwheat hull or kapok fillers. This round or crescent shaped cushion gives elevated support for your upper legs. Ideally, you have to get seated at the front edge in order to position your pelvis in such a way that there is less strain on your knees. Another fine enhancer is the Zabuton cushion, rectangular in shape and less full than Zafus. It is usually complimented with bolster pillows for added support within the ankles and feet. Also a preferred choice is the horse-shoe shaped Cosmic cushion. It supports both of your thighs when seated, with your feet and ankles well rested.

Undoubtedly, meditation pillows are beneficial to practitioners who desire for inner peace and tranquillity. They make such a tremendous difference in the art of meditation.

Tuesday, 4 December 2012

Eat Tomatoes If You Don't Want A Stroke

A new study has revealed that more than 1,000 men with increased amounts of lycopene inside their blood had at a reduced risk of having a stroke within the following 12 years.

Lycopene is a chemical that provides a reddish hue to food like tomatoes, red peppers, watermelon and papaya. Generally the largest supply of lycopene in people's diets is from tomatoes and other related products.

There may be other issues when it comes to men with high lycopene levels, not factored in this study, that may explain the lowered signs of stroke.

There was 1031 men which were aged between 46 & 65 in the research. All of whom had their blood levels measured of lycopene, alpha carotene, beta carotene and vitamins A and E.

Over the following twelve years, there had been eleven strokes among the quarter of men with the highest lycopene levels; that compared to twenty five among the quarter with the least levels.

The study then took in to account some leading things that have an affect on stroke risk, such as smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes. Even after all these leading issues, the men with the increased levels of lycopene continued to have a reduced likelihood of suffering from a stroke by 55 percent. The study additionally examined amounts of several antioxidants alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and retinol, and determined no connection with those blood levels and stroke risk.


There definitely is a large chance there could be a solid link between stroke risk and lycopene. Lycopene works as a potent antioxidant. Therefore it helps the immune system to protect against diseases by safeguarding the body cells from harm. Lab reports additionally shows that lycopene can help fight inflammation and blood clots - and could be far better at it than certain other antioxidants.

The study missed some major information - like the men's all-around diet habits - that could better explain as to why lycopene was connected to a lower stroke risk. The advice given to everyone to have various fruits and vegetables continues to be true.

Remember To Eat Healthy

A balanced diet is key. We currently have instances where by researchers, along with the general public, may have placed too much stock in a single nutrient.

Experts once believed vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements might stop heart disease, based on reports showing lower rates among individuals which got more of these nutrients.


But medical studies, in which individuals had been randomly assigned to have supplements or a placebo, established that vitamin E made hardly any gain. Beta carotene happened to be linked to increased heart risks in a few people.

The DASH diet has been approved with medical professionals in protecting the heart and also bringing down the blood pressure - It might actually minimize the chances of having a stroke. Clinical research has shown the DASH diet reduces blood pressure and also cholesterol levels. The diet program highly suggests having high-fiber grains like legumes and nuts plus low fat dairy.

The diet program also calls for plenty of fruit and vegetables: four to five helpings of each on a daily basis. Eating tomatoes as well as the diet plan is ok, if you require.

Earlier research indicate that fruit and vegetables can help combat strokes due to the flavonoid compounds they consist of that were proven to enhance blood vessel function and lower inflammation. Rich chocolate has also been found in previous tests that it may have heart benefits.

The Physical and Emotional Effects of Alcoholism

Alcoholism has emerged as one of the major social problems these days. Not only family but state Governments too are expressing their deep concerns over the growing rate of Alcoholism. Reports say if the rate of alcoholism continued in the same manner it would adversely affect the overall productivity of a country. Alcoholism is a serious and terrible social problem because it has the potential to adversely affect the physical as well as the mental status of a person.

One of the major problems with alcoholism and drug addiction is that people slowly become dependent upon these substances and it becomes pretty tough to get rid of those. Even if they are willing to leave this habit they won’t be able to do so and they will experience some withdrawal symptoms. The duration and effect of withdrawal symptoms can range from a few days to weeks. The degree of its severity also ranges from mild to serious and in some cases it may lead to death.

Alcoholism and drug addiction is a substance abuse problem that is repeated and excessive. This substance is used to create effects or imagined effects. As a person becomes more and more addicted and sinks deeper into these substances they could experience abnormal physical and mental behaviors like mood swings, abnormal social and communication behavior, personality changes and many others. When we talk about physical changes it may include liver damage and failure, redness and rashes in eyes, dry skin, dry lips, forgetfulness and many others.


Viewing its long term impact on the overall personality of a person it is essential to know what physical and emotional effects alcoholism could bring in and what should be done in case you are in the same trap. With this article we have come-up with certain facts that could decipher what physical and mental effects does alcoholism brings in.

Gastrointestinal problems: The first system that gets adversely affected by alcoholism is the gastrointestinal system or commonly called as digestive system. A higher concentration of alcohol in body leads to weakened liver and ultimately to a weak digestive system.

Cardio vascular complications: Experts are of the opinion that a higher concentration of alcohol in human body also has negative impact on our respiratory and cardio vascular system as it may leads to many cardio vascular complication including hypertension and cardiomyopathy.

Weakened immunity system: Immune system is one of the most important systems in human body, it is our defense mechanism, and it recognizes foreign antigens and chemicals in the body and elicits some defense mechanism to get rid of the antigen. However regular alcohol intake could affect our immune system negatively and ultimately leads to a weakened immune system.


Infections and infectious diseases: Continuous intake of alcohol could leads to serious infections including pneumonia and tuberculosis which could adversely affect our respiratory system as a whole.

Nervous system disorders: Experts have opined that excessive level of alcohol in body could also damage our peripheral and central nervous system that could result into many nervous system disorders and much cognitive impairment.

Impotency: Alcoholism not only affects our digestive and respiratory system but it also affects the main system of human body that is the reproductive system. Alcoholic males have been reported of testicular atrophy, impotency and gynecomastia.

Fetal alcohol syndrome: Those women who drink need to be more conscious as alcohol may not only affect their body but it will also have negative impact on their fetus. Experts are of the opinion that taking alcohol during pregnancy can leads to mental retardation, facial deformity and neurological problems.

Viewing the major impact of alcoholism to a person’s overall personality it is important to take adequate measures so that they don’t get into this trap. And if it is unavoidable and somehow they have already sunk into this trap adequate steps ought to be taken to get rid of this social menace.
Alcoholism is a chronic addiction. It is a persistent disease, which needs medical help, when gets out of control. People, who suffer from this addiction, cannot do without alcohol. If some one consumes moderate quantities of alcohol, it is not harmful but when it turns into binge drinking and excessive drinking, it becomes a disease called Alcoholism. It is an addiction and people suffering from it have no control over their drinking. They drink a lot and frequently. They get dependent on alcohol.

Alcoholic prefers to drink alone in secret. Other signs and symptoms of this addiction are not being able to limit how much alcohol is consumed, short term memory loss, loosing interest in social life, hobbies and activities and having a great urge to drink all the time. They develop their drinking rituals and do not like any interference in this. They get irritable, when they want a drink and intensity of their feeling increases, if they do not get alcohol.

Alcoholism makes people nauseate or sweat, when they do not get drink. They start hiding alcohol in unlikely places and try to gulp down the drink as fast as they could, when they get it. They develop relationship problems, problems at work place and other social problems as they start avoiding social activities. They always have an urge for a larger quantity of alcohol to feel its effect. Alcoholism affects an addict physically, psychologically and socially. Drinking becomes a compulsion for him or her.

Daily Drinking Booze May Result In A Stroke

For some, enjoying one bottle wine or gin & tonic just after a wonderful meal is a normal plan to enjoy the night. However, routinely repeating this may lead to possibly life threatening disorders in the long run. While it's true that a single glass of wine has been shown to decrease stroke and heart attack risk for some people, this study indicates that everyone shouldn't be in a hurry to begin drinking.

The pathophysiology of stroke indicates that some strokes like hemorrhagic strokes start whenever a blood vessel bursts in the brain, causing blood to leak out and pour out onto surrounding parts, therefore pressuring your brain cells and other portions of the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke has two kinds: subarachnoid hemorrhage, that occurs in the areas in between the brain and the nearby tissues; and intra-cerebral hemorrhage, the most typical type of hemorrhagic stroke that happens when an artery within the brain bursts.

Alcohol can induce narrowing of arteries and rupture the tinier ones. Drinking alcohol might lessen or increase potential risk of stroke. However, if a person frequently consumes alcohol, they may have a higher risk of having a stroke.

Stroke incidents have always been linked to daily drinking of alcohol in the past, but a current research indicates that there's no important connection on patients that suffer with bleeding in the brain and stroke instances. Recent research indicates that consuming 3 or more alcohol based drinks raises the risk of the person having a hemorrhagic stroke.

The analysis had been conducted with 540 people that had intra-cerebral hemorrhage. They were questioned about their drinking behavior. The family members and caregivers of these individuals are also surveyed regarding the individuals alcohol consumption habits. The specialists, then, examined the participants for 2 years. Twenty five percent of the 540 patients were classified as heavy drinkers, drinking a lot more than 3 glasses daily or even 1.6oz of alcohol. The individuals on this research also went through CT brain scans and researchers inspected their past healthcare information. A astonishing point presented by this study is all these heavy drinkers developed their stroke risk factors at the age of 60. Non drinkers, in contrast, had theirs 14 years later on at an age of 74. Both groups stayed at hospital for the similar time period, and each group had the same complications as well. However, heavy drinkers are most likely to pass away throughout the monitoring period when compared to the other group of people.

The same threats are posed on ischemic strokes exactly where blood clots take place. American Heart Association's statistics show that there is a little less than eight hundred thousand Americans suffering from a stroke each year. In 2008, almost one out of eighteen fatalities were related to strokes; the most typical, that makes up 85 percent of the people, is a ischemic stroke. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the fatalities had been caused by insufficient blood circulation to the brain, resulting to brain damage. Inadequate blood flow is then due to fatty plaques, which block the supply of blood to the brain.

Heavy alcohol consumption has always been identified as a potential risk factor for strokes. That's why it's important to remember that consuming huge amounts of alcohol plays a role in a more severe type of stroke at a younger age in individuals who held no considerable medical history in the past. Health problems are consistently associated with individuals who consume alcohol regularly, because this is a major risk factor for liver disorders, along with some types of cancer. A stroke is also not different to that rule.

As of this moment, the most common advice for individuals who do not drink, is that they should not start to drink thinking it can be good for the heart; and also for people who do drink alcohol, it is advisable to drink in moderation.

Health Benefits of Alkaline Water

Are you really curious to know about the various beneficial benefits of alkaline water? Well then, you have come to the right place. Here, you will be introduced to some of the unheard-of benefits with regards to alkaline water. So, you better keep reading right to the end so as to acquire a complete insight about alkaline water. So, what is alkaline water?

Alkaline water, also commonly called ionized water, is actually water that is neither acidic nor neutral but on the alkaline side of the pH scale. This water possesses a pH level greater than 7 and is usually prepared with the help of an Alkalizer, or a faucet-based water ionizer.

Alkaline water features a number of health benefits, and that is the reason why it is rapidly gaining popularity among health-conscious people worldwide. More and more people after knowing the impressive benefits of drinking this alkaline water are adopting it for an improved and better health.

Drinking alkaline water is claimed to be of benefit to people's health since it aids counteract the chemical imbalances of the body. A lot of people declare that dinking alkaline water on a daily basis will slow down the aging process, prevent bone loss and help combat tooth decay.


This is due to the fact that the majority of the people consume a very much acidic diet, which consequently causes their bodies to equalize their blood pH levels by obtaining essential minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, from their teeth, tissue and bones.

But that is not all. It is said that regular consumption of alkaline water can help prevent diseases related to the cellular and bone degeneration, such as osteoporosis, arthritis and many kinds of kidney disorders. Alkaline water is also considered to regularize the flow of blood as a result of regularizing the pH levels. In addition, because of the efficient way it filter through the cells, several people say alkaline water is more useful at hydrating your body in comparison to regular water.

On an aesthetic level, alkaline water can prove effective in preventing dry skin and hair. As you see, alkaline water comes with multiple benefits, why not give it a whirl. Preparing alkaline water is not that hard, and you can prepare it quite easily. Here, I will guide you how to do that.


While water ionizers are potentially the most popular source of alkaline water, such water can be generated with the help of a water distiller.

A distiller will change regular water into steam, precipitate it back into the water and will clean any impurities and eliminate the acid toxins.

However, if you wish to alkalize water on a budget, you may like to consider adding some elements to your regular water. For instance, squeezing a few drops of lime juice or lemon into a regular glass of water will make it significantly healthier, as aforementioned fruits are very alkaline rich. If desired, you can also purchase a water ionizer in order to alkalize your water.

So, this is all about the benefits of alkaline water. If you have been looking for an easy yet effective way of improving your health, alkaline water is the way to go. This water is easy to generate and can provide a number of instant and long term health benefits.

Let Your Brain Be Your Guide To Fitness

Let’s look at four ways you can use your brain to help you become successful with your training program. Fatigue might feel as if it begins in your body. You know the signs; aching muscles, waning strength etc. Research suggests that your mind plays a key role in combating these situations. Kevin Thompson, head of sport studies at the University of Canberra, Australia has found that your brain sets the pace so your body does not run out of energy. It also keeps energy in reserve. How can we tap into this for greater performance and better results?

I Think I Can, I Think I Can!

Just like the little engine that could, visualizing athletic success boosts mental toughness, according to a Journal of Applied Sport Psychology study reports. That can be the key of performance. “Imaging a situation reinforces the came neural pathways as executing the behaviour”, says study author Krista Chandler of the University of Windsor. “When you then attempt the task, your body feels as if you’ve already done it”. Try this: when you hit a strength or aerobic plateau, take 10 minutes to picture yourself conquering a heavier lift or a faster run.

Avoid Doubt, Stay Positive

Self-doubt can be a powerful saboteur. All you need to do is change your mental dialogue. “Positive self-talk reinforces your confidence and boosts your energy so you won’t quit when you feel tired or challenged”, says Nick Galli, and assistant professor of sport psychology at California State University at Northridge. Science agrees: A recent meta-analysis by Greek researchers found that positive affirmations can boost performance. So, how can this work for you? Repeat phrases like “I feel good” or “I’m swift and strong” as you workout.

Keep Your Mind Clear and Positive

Too much stress can get in the way of a good workout, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology. The reason: it commandeers areas of your mind in charge of attention; areas that would otherwise be used to support the mind-muscle connection says study author Michael Agnew. The less you worry, the more benefit you will real from your workouts. Here is a positive way to keep your mind on your side. Count to four as you inhale; then hold your breath for 4 seconds as you refocus on your training. Exhale slowly. Repeat this process at least twice, more if necessary.

You’ve Got to Have Rhythm

Scientists have long known that music can boost athletic performance. According to new British research, the key is to listen to music that you find motivating! “The music distracts you from your effort, allowing you to train harder and for a longer time”, says Edmund Acevedo, a professor of health and human performance at Virginia Commonwealth University. To get into the rhythmic mood, create your own workout mix instead of downloading a generic play-list or listening to your gym’s piped-in music. If you like what you are listening to, you are more likely to increase your performance and in turn your results.

These are just a few ways you can improve you training results. Given time you may come up with some of your own motivational habits. The key is to find ways to intensify your workouts to get better results, quicker and more effectively. Staying motivated is key; being able to increase your time or strength is necessary if you want to stay in the groove. One of the main reasons people quit is their inability to increase their workouts and get the results they want. Following just these four methods should prevent any thoughts of failure.

How Women Take Better Care of Their Health Than Men

It’s a known fact that women take better of their health than men. Why is that? It appears that men consistently misperceive their level of risk according to psychologist Will Courtenay, author of Dying to Be Men. And that misperception can allow serious ailments to go undetected. Have you ever noticed that even when something is clearly wrong, us guys sometimes endure the pain? Studies find men are more likely than women to ignore a medical problem. It is time we manned up and take a cue from the opposite wiser sex.

Doctors: Your Lifeline

It is a known fact that men are twice as likely as women to say they have not seen a doctor in the past year; this according to a 2010 CDC survey. Men also lag behind women in visits to their dentist. Women annually have a routine visit to their gynecologist. “That is just part of being a women”, says Courtenay. Men, however, do not, on average, have annual checkups. This is no wonder as fathers fail to teach their sons about regular checkups to prevent problems before they become serious. Needless to say, it is really important that you talk with your doctor about your health. Having a physical every year won’t kill you but going less often just might.

Diet: Your Body’s Medicine

The CDC survey reported that women more than men eat toe or more fruits a day (36 percent vs 29 percent) and three or more vegetables a day (31 percent vs 21 percent). This is so because women are more weight conscious, choose low-calorie foods, such as vegetables according to Paul Rozin, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Courtenay goes on to say, “While women tend to think they’re bigger and heavier than they actually are, men often think they are actually skinnier and lighter than they are”. Plus, men have higher levels of heart-damaging LDL cholesterol. This leads to a higher than average level of high blood pressure before the age of 45, and they also at a higher risk of heart disease before age 60. How can you change this? In a 2011 Greek study, it was suggested a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, nuts, produce and olive oil just might be the answer.

Mental Health: Avoid Depression
Depression can lead to health problems relating to how you deal with getting help. Of people with major depression, women are three times more likely as men to seek professional help (75 percent vs 26 percent), according to a 2012 study in Depression and Anxiety. Linda Carli, a senior psychology lecturer at Wellesley College says, “Women are more likely to talk about their emotional problems, while men are socialized to be stoic and avoid showing weakness”. Men also may be less likely to recognize behaviors like anger and irritability as signs of underlying depression, Courtenay says. Psychological pain is just as legitimate as physical pain; if you broke your arm, you would wear a cast. It is just as important to find a therapist who can help you with your depression.

Skin: Avoid Cancer

Melanoma is an ever-increasing type of cancer that affects men more than women. By the end of 2012, 44,250 men will be diagnosed with melanoma and 6,060 will have died according to the American Cancer Society estimates. That is 12,250 more cases than predicted for women, and 2,940 more deaths. We all know and see that women pay attention to their skin and take precautions early says Michael W. Steppie of the Skin Cancer Foundation. If women do this than it is important for us men to follow suit. This will help to reduce the chances of skin cancer and hopefully the number of deaths. Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeing your doctor if you notice a mole changing color, size or texture will go a long way to preventing skin cancer. At least it will allow for early detection and in doing so will become more easily treatable.

I hope this is a wake-up call for all those men who have been ignoring their health maintenance. Let’s follow those women who are leading the way to preventing any life threatening signs to our health. I for one am taking the pledge to see that I do not ignore my annual check-up and will take any action necessary to avoid serious health issues. How about you?

Monday, 3 December 2012

The Different Types and Effects of Slimming Tea Products

Slimming tea is probably the most popular herbal infusions sold today. But, did you know that there are different kinds of tea that can give a slimming or weight loss effect? Although most teas in today’s market are either composed of two or more plants, knowing the different types and effects of slimming tea can help you opt for the best. Plus, there are several herbal infusions that work wonders even if it is only composed of a single plant. You can also opt for these teas for lesser side-effects. With that, here are the different types of tea you can include in your weight loss programs.

Laxative

Laxative is probably one of the most common effects of slimming tea that can be found in every supermarket or health food stores. But, what exactly does this specific effect do to your body? A stimulant laxative like senna induces defecation. This occurs by initiating and invigorating contractions in your colon. For that reason, abdominal cramps are felt when taking laxatives among other undesirable effects such as diarrhea and dehydration.

One should keep in mind that precautions should always be done when using these tea products. Furthermore, it should only be used in severe cases of constipation. This is because it has addictive effects. With that being said, other examples of plants and products that can give laxative effects are castor oil, carscara, buckthorn, barberry and yellow dock.

Stimulating Agent

The stimulating effects of slimming tea vary depending on the amount and the plant used.  Green tea for example can increase your metabolic rate. This effect makes you more active hence burning more calories. It can also suppress your appetite as its side-effect. Basically, almost all products with stimulant effects can suppress one’s appetite when taken in large amounts. The problem is you will also experience other side-effects such as an increase in blood pressure, insomnia and sometimes agitation. Hence, relying on the stimulating effects of slimming tea to lose weight is quite unhealthy. For that reason, you should only drink the recommended cups or dosage per day. It would vary depending on the type of tea. But, it is typically indicated on the tea’s package label. Other herbal infusions that have this specific effect are Brazilian tea, white willow bark and ginseng.

Diuretic

Last in the list of the different types and effects of slimming tea is the diuretic effect. Caffeine containing tea products are the perfect examples of this. Basically, diuretics don’t help you lose weight in a long-term basis since it will only affect your water weight. Hence, infusions that have this specific effect are not really effective for weight loss. However, most slimming tea products available today have this effect. For that reason, it is strongly recommended to drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks when drinking infusions that bring forth both laxative and diuretic effects.

Recommendations

Clearly, stimulating tea is the best option you can take if you want to lose weight the healthy way. However, just by drinking these types of tea alone will not give significant results. Some may not even work depending on your diet, lifestyle and fitness program. But, if you really want to lose weight, look for an ideal weight loss program. One that allows you to eat enough calories and burn a lot it during the process. As for the different types and effects of slimming tea, you can use these products as an aid to your fitness program but you should not depend on them.