healthy breakfast meals

Symptoms Of Gingivitis And What You Can Do About It

2008-09-24T21:59:00.001-07:00

one time or another suffer from this gum condition. Other suggest that as many as 80% of the population have at this very minute at least some symptoms of gingivitis. Whatever the true number, it's clear that the problem of gum disease is a chronic problem for many people.

There's a lot of gingivitis going around. Some estimates show that almost all adults will at one time or another suffer from this gum condition. Other suggest that as many as 80% of the population have at this very minute at least some symptoms of gingivitis. Whatever the true number, it's clear that the problem of gum disease is a chronic problem for many people.

To understand the problem we need to find the cause of the problem. With gingivitis, it's caused by bacteria in your mouth that feeds on plaque. Now a build up of plaque starts out soft and then hardens or calcifies on your teeth. It's that plaque material, along with microscopic food particles and bacteria that accumulate around the gum line causing irritation and gingivitis.

Gingivitis, although considered inflammation of the gum tissue, like many conditions has different levels of severity.

The first stages:

Gum Sensitivity. You may notice your gums may hurt a little when eating certain foods or when brushing.

Later Stages Common symptoms along with the first stage symptoms:

Bleeding gums. This can be a lot or a little but it almost always will include pain when brushing.

Substantial Pain: Your gums will hurt even when you're not eating.

How they look: Your gums will look inflamed and swollen in the areas where gingivitis has taken hold. It may even seem as if tissue torn and may look like an surface wound.

How they feel: Your gums will feel soft to the touch. They will feel mushy like instead of firm.

Receding gums: This last symptom is very serious. If gingivitis is allowed to continue, your gums will start receding away from your teeth. Gums that recede cause tooth loosening and loss.

The good news is that gingivitis is treatable and can be prevented to a large degree. Inflammation of the gums is then caused by plaque that builds up on your teeth. The answer is to remove the cause of the gum disorder and your gums will heal. The best way to eliminate this disease is through good dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth regularly and flossing between each tooth structure can keep the plaque buildup under control.

In the earlier stages of gingivitis, it's possible to reverse the condition with good dental care and mouthwash. The goal is to keep your mouth clean so the gums can heal. Brush your teeth, floss daily, use a mouthwash and if your gums aren't to swollen and sore, carefully brush the gums as well. This massaging stimulates the gum tissue and removes bacteria and any loose skin layers.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, travel, and business. For more information on Gingivitis and Teeth health visit the site at http://www.4-home-teeth-whitening.com/gingivitis.html

Cost Conscious Contacts

2008-09-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

Today, many people are choosing to do away with the bulky glasses and opt for the lighter, more convenient contact lenses. The problem is, with so many different advertisements on television, radio and the Internet; it can be difficult to determine where you should buy your contacts. While everyone offers a different price, they each include the statement that they are the cheapest option available to you. Is this true? Well, only you have the power to know the answer to the question. The answer will come to you, if you do your homework and research all of your contact lens purchasing options before settling on any one source.

So what are your cheapest contact lens options? Basically you can purchase your contacts from your doctor?s office, in an optical store or on the Internet. Which one is the best and cheapest? This is where you need to do your homework. In this article, we will do some of the homework for you, but you will need to make the ultimate decision.

The Doctors Office

Your doctor?s office will help you in all aspects of your contact lenses, from trying them on, learning how to fit them and much more. Additionally, you will have the peace of mind in knowing that you are receiving the best care possible. At first, you may think that your eye doctor is the most expensive of all your options. This may or may not be true. Some doctors are competitive in pricing and want your business. While they may be a little higher than some other options you are considering, you will likely get a lot for that price. For example, with the price the eye doctor charges, you probably get the contact lenses, the exam, office visits and lens care products.

An Optical Store

An optical store offers much the same services that your eye doctor does, except in less time and sometimes at a cheaper price. You can probably find an optical store such as the popular Lens Crafters and have everything ready for you in no time at all. Again the price of this would include the contact lens, the exam, office visits and eye care products.

The Internet

This may be the most cost-effective option for purchasing cheap contact lens. However cheap the contact lens may be, it is important that you have your guard up when exercising this option. The Internet makes getting your contacts easy, convenient and scary all at the same time. When shopping online, you will want to look for those web sites that are reputable, trustworthy and offers complete information about the company. There are several popular Interent contact lens sites that can provide cheap contact lens. Currently a handful of these sites can provide good nationally know products at competitive prices. Most usually keep a large inventory, so they are able to ship your order quickly.

Before choosing a company, make sure you check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure that the company is reputable. Also use a major search engine like Google or Yahoo to find reviews of that company, make sure they have customer service and test it out and that they have a return policy.

Michael Moody is a successful Webmaster and publisher of CheapContactLens.net. He provides information about various considerations regarding buying cheap contact lens that can be read on the Internet in the comfort of your own home.

Optimum Cholesterol Levels for Liver Health

2008-09-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

Typically assumed to inflict solely negative consequences, cholesterol is actually a necessary component of a healthy body. Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood, critical in the digestion of dietary fats, the building of cell walls and in manufacturing vitamins and hormones. One of the secrets to securing a healthy body, including a healthy liver, is to maintain an ideal balance of cholesterol levels.

If cholesterol levels are too high, a person is at risk for coronary artery disease, heart disease, a metabolic disorder or even liver disease. Embedded in vehicles known as lipoproteins, cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream to be used or excreted throughout the body. When these inhabitants of our blood become overpopulated, traffic jams can result, blocking subsequent blood flow in the vessels. Impeded circulation is a primary factor in most types of illness.

Cholesterol and the Liver Excessive cholesterol in the blood can deposit plaques along the vessels, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries. While atherosclerosis is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, it can also have negative consequences on the liver. The relationship between the liver and blood cholesterol is multi-faceted:

? Synthesis of bile acids ? Essential to the digestive process, the liver synthesizes bile acids from cholesterol. Bile acids emulsify dietary fat, allowing for its absorption in the intestines.

? Liver circulation - Liver disease, particularly cirrhosis, can lead to portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is the result of high blood pressure within the portal vein, where the blood enters the liver. When blood cannot flow easily through the liver, internal pressure increases, posing the risk of ruptured blood vessels. Cholesterol deposits may also contribute to decreased blood flow in the liver, further restricting the vessels that safely handle the liver?s duties.

? Removal of cholesterol ? High-density lipoproteins (HDL) help remove excessive cholesterol from the body by transporting it to the liver for its breakdown and excretion. As a diseased liver?s function decreases, do does its ability to remove excessive cholesterol from the blood supply.

What is Excessive Cholesterol? According to the American Heart Association, about 20 percent of the U.S. population has high blood cholesterol levels. When getting your cholesterol checked, there are four numeric values that come into play - total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoproteins), HDL (high-density lipoproteins) and triglycerides.

? Total Cholesterol ? A comprehensive measurement of the cholesterol in your blood, it is desirable to have a value less than 200 mg/dL. A person carries a borderline level of health risks if the total cholesterol is between 200-239 mg/dL, and is considered high risk if total cholesterol exceeds 239 mg/dL.

? LDL - This cholesterol is the primary cause of harmful fatty buildup in arteries. The higher the LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, the greater the health risk. Ideal LDL levels are below 100 mg/dL, while values exceeding 159 mg/dL carry a high risk of cardiovascular disease.

? HDL ? This form carries blood cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be eliminated. HDL helps prevent a cholesterol buildup in blood vessels. While values typically range from 40 to 60 mg/dL, an HDL under 40 mg/dL puts the individual at risk for cardiovascular disease. Studies suggest that high levels of HDL cholesterol reduce your risk of heart attack.

? Triglycerides - Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body. Triglyceride levels under 150 mg/dL are normal, while values exceeding 199 mg/dL carry a high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Due to the delicate balance of useful cholesterol and damaging cholesterol, most physicians rely on specific ratios of these four numeric values to determine healthy blood cholesterol.

Liver Benefits from Good Cholesterol Ratio The public is being increasingly educated on the various ways to maintain the best possible cholesterol levels. These include lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation, regular exercise, a diet high in fiber and low in saturated fat, as well as reliance on cholesterol lowering medications.

Awareness of cardiovascular risk by improving your cholesterol ratio will benefit not only your heart?s health, but also your liver?s health. While the heart muscle pumps blood throughout the body, the liver must cleanse the blood and extract ingredients critical to sustaining life.

Just as the heart and liver contribute to blood maintenance health, all of our organs and body systems work in unison to support the proper functioning of our bodies. Factors that affect one system will likely affect every other. So if optimal liver health is desired, then steps to increase HDL and decrease LDL and triglycerides are definitely called for.

References:
Henkel, John, Keeping Cholesterol Under Control, FDA Consumer Magazine, January/February 1999.
www.abouthypertension.info, Health Issues Associated with Hypertension, NCERx LLC 2006.
www.americanheart.org, About Cholesterol, American Heart Association, Inc., 2006.
www.liverdisease.com, Cholesterol and Liver Disease/Hepatitis, Melissa Palmer, MD, 2004.

This article was prepared for LiverSupport.com. Visit us to learn more about liver health.

Are You Jolting Up Your Weight Loss Program?

2008-09-22T10:00:00.001-07:00

Did you know that around 40% of the times it is you who blow up your weight loss program? Don?t you believe it? It surely will sound incredible since you believe that you are taking utmost efforts to reduce weight and lose excess fat. But there are many things we do knowingly that deter us from our desired goal. In the following section we have named 10 common ways by which we ourselves destroy our weight loss campaign (check out where you went wrong). We have also given what needs to be done on these counts.

?Follow a strict dieting schedule:
A strict dieting schedule where individual promises to eat only a particular food group/groups is particularly difficult to stick to. So do not cut out entire food groups or decide intake of only one type of food.

?Emotional eating The more depressed you are, the more you eat. Are you one such type of person? The disorder you are suffering from is known as emotional eating. Deal with the disorder professionally or else you would continue adding more weight to your body. Also trying to engage in alternative activities will help deflect attention.

? Going it alone: Dieting is an onerous process, with the individual having to undergo many a rough patches during the period. Unless he has someone to discuss with and support him in his venture, he is susceptible to dither away from his goal, i.e. reduce weight. So have a good support system to ensure that there is someone to counsel you every time.

?Excessive fasting: It has always been a misconception associated with weight loss- stop eating and you will lose weight. Fasting, unless for a smaller span of time such as 24 hours is no solution to weight. Instead one begins to lose fewer calories as fasting period extends. Human body is programmed to react in such situation by slowing down the metabolism as it perceives the situation as famine.

?Skip the breakfast This is an extension of the myth discussed in the earlier paragraph. Skip breakfast and you consume lesser calories; so more weight loss. Is it true? No! At supper you eat more voraciously. So, no skipping of breakfast. Breakfast is an important meal of the day and gets metabolism going.

?Keep a food diary: A food diary is like a common budget. How much are you eating and how many calories do this produce is written on one side. On the other side is the standard written about the amount and food and calories that a normal healthy person is required. This will help get a real grasp of how one is faring in his weight loss program.

?Set realistic goals: The goals set by the dieter must be realistic. Unrealistic goals like cutting all soda from the present consumption of 2 liters a day is unachievable. They will largely affect the dieters? motivations to continue with dieting.

?Weight in every day: Some dieters are so very excited and impatient with their dieting program that they will weigh themselves everyday. Does weight loss program or dieting produce such instant results? No! Moreover, the changes in the person may not always be quantifiable. This is incorrect since it lowers the motivation.

?Exercise regularly but within limits: Exercise regularly everyday. But do not overdo the exercise. This will not produce muscles in a day. Nevertheless, there are risks of overuse injuries.

?Strictly deny your favorite dishes: You resolve to cut the consumption of your favorite dish. But your heart fails to forget it. Will you be able to stick to your resolution? No, there will enough frustration. Instead cutting the quantum of the dish gradually will help.

Rome was not built in a day. The same applies to your body. The changes will be perceived and visible with time, not overnight. So patience is the final answer.

Gauri Rajesh has been associated with the health care industry for long. She has a degree in pharmacy. In her leisure time, she writes informative articles on several topics dealing with general health care.

Benefits Of Elliptical Machines

2008-09-21T14:04:00.001-07:00

In the history of fitness and aerobics, elliptical machines are the only aerobic products who made a breakthrough. Almost all gyms, fitness clubs and even homes have already acquired their own elliptical machines. Elliptical machines continue to be popular. Users and buyers of these machines even reached 2.8 million in 2005.

Why are elliptical machines popular? What do users get from them? There are many benefits that can be enjoyed by using an elliptical machine.

Elliptical machines are able to provide healthy bodies by maintaining a healthy bone density. Researches have shown that the bone density has an impact on how healthy the person would become. A person is healthy if he has a healthy bone density.

The exercises needed to maintain a healthy bone density include running, aerobics, weight lifting and exercises where the person remains on his feet. However, these activities may cause jarred bones, which is very dangerous.

With the elliptical machine, all exercises to maintain a healthy bone density can be performed. Using an elliptical machine, the person will be standing on his own feet on a platform wherein he will be bearing weight.

Stepping up and down the platforms causes pedaling with an oval movement. This is very similar to the movement done when walking or running. This only means that the elliptical machine is able to provide the same benefits people can get with these exercises. Plus, they do not experience harmful stress that can impact the bones and muscles.

Safety is ensured with elliptical machines. Using the machine will allow a person to perform exercises smooth and flowing. This minimizes the risk of being injured when performing workouts. The muscles are safe since the pressure is evenly distributed on all the muscles of the body. This will prevent the person from stressing and harming a certain muscle group.

Elliptical machines were also proven to provide workouts best for the cardiovascular system. This is because of the many movements that can be made using the machine. All the muscles of the body are working which is good for maximizing the cardio impact in the body.

Many people would like to maintain a healthy body or even lose weight the easier way. However, they would not like to risk the benefit they can get in doing harder exercises. With the elliptical machines, users are able to do exercises the easy way without sacrificing the amount of weight they would lose.

Many manufacturers have developed elliptical machines and incorporated high technology with them. Many were designed to provide natural motion of body when using the machine. They may be priced higher than other aerobic products but people can be assured that the physical benefits they would like to get will not be neglected.

Buyers can choose from a wide variety of elliptical machines that are now sold in the market. They may come in different forms, in prices and most are incorporated with the highest technology there is in aerobic products. People may still opt to buy the more traditional elliptical machines, which continue to be bestsellers.

Elliptical machines will continue to develop and provide optimum workout for its users. These machines will continue to grow in popularity since they appeal to almost all users. Anyone who uses the machine can be assured of a total workout and the same time will allow burning of fat and calories.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides elliptical machine resources on http://www.aboutellipticalmachines.info

The Most Researched Performance Enhancing Nutritional Supplement

2008-09-20T18:01:00.001-07:00

Creatine ? The most researched performance enhancing nutritional supplement

Does creatine supplementation work?

The February 2004 issue of the Strength and Conditioning Journal, the official publication of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, had an article about creatine loading. Why? Because it works!

How does it work?

I never really liked biochemistry, so I will give you the cliff notes version. Creatine is amino acid derivative that enables the body?s muscle to produce ATP quickly. ATP is the muscles main source of energy.

Is Creatine safe?

Yes. Creatine is the most researched supplement when it comes to increasing athletic performance. The only side affects believed are muscle cramps and water gain.

How does Creatine help athletic performance?

By increasing the concentration of creatine within the muscle cell, there will be an extended supply of ATP (the main energy source for muscle contraction). This allows the muscle to maintain muscle contraction for longer periods of time, thereby reducing muscular fatigue. By reducing muscular fatigue your can achieve higher athletic performance during short-duration, high intensity activities (e.g., weightlifting, sprinting, etc.).

How much Creatine supplementation is need?

There are numerous research studies that have show that 5 grams of creatine consumed 4-6 times daily for one week can substantially increase total muscle creatine concentration by 20-40%. However, if time is not an issue, 2-4 grams daily should be sufficient to fully saturate skeletal muscles within a month.

To date creatine is by far the most effective supplement for enhancing athletic performance, I have personal used creatine to assist my training programs for years, and it is one of the few supplements I never want to run out of.

Please feel free to publish this article in your Newsletter or on your Website (with Resource Box included).

About The Author

Dr. Jeffrey Banas is a Chiropractic Sports Physician practicing in Mesa, AZ. If you would like to contact Dr. Banas, he can be reached at his office at 480-633-6837, or by visiting his web site at www.personal-weight-loss-help.com

drjeffbanas@yahoo.com

Blood Pressure Monitors 101

2008-09-20T04:49:00.001-07:00

What exactly do Blood Pressure Monitors do?

Simply put, every time your heart beats, oxygenated blood is pumped to the organs and tissues of your body through pipe like structures known as arteries. Blood pressure monitors measure the force that is exerted on the walls of these tiny hoses every time that the heart contracts. This is known as your blood pressure.

Whilst blood pressure is essential in ensuring the effective functioning of the body, when the pressure elevates too high it becomes a threat to a person's health. It is estimated that over 40 million people in the USA alone suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension as it is medically termed. The precise causes are difficult to determine. Factors such as age, weight, sex, genetics, and salt intake all play a role in susceptibility as do stress and complications such as diabetes and kidney disease. The good news is that although there is as of yet no cure for high blood pressure, once diagnosed it is usually easily treated and controlled.

Effective treatment include changes in diet and lifestyle, reduced sodium consumption, herbal medication and complimentary therapies such as acupuncture and ayurvedic medicine. In extreme cases, it may be necessary for individuals to begin taking a combination of prescribed high blood pressure medication including diuretics, CNS depressants and vasodilators.

On the opposite side of the spectrum is low blood pressure or hypotension. While medical experts are in agreement that lower blood pressure levels are definitely healthier than high ones, when blood pressure drops too low it can result in unpleasant side effects. These include dizziness, fatigue, nausea and poor circulation. If blood pressure drops below levels of 90 mmHg and 60 mmHg diastolic such as in the case of a heart attack, the body will react by going into shock. If left untreated, this will eventually lead to a coma, followed by death.

The best way in which to keep track of blood pressure levels is through the use of a cuff or sphygmomanometer. Due to its proven accuracy, this type of blood pressure monitor is still often used by medical professionals. A sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure levels through the use of a d ring cuff and a stethoscope which records the sound that the blood makes as it is pumped into the artery in the upper arm.

Other popular types of blood pressure monitors include aneroid, digital, wrist and finger blood pressure monitors. Aneroid monitors measure blood pressure levels through the use of an extremely sensitive pressure spring, whilst digital ones rely on inbuilt incredibly sensitive computer chips. Finally, wrist and finger blood pressure monitors are the perfect portable alternative for those suffering from arthritis or a similar condition which makes the use of traditional arm cuffs painful and impractical.

Ann Knight

For treatment relating to low blood pressure please visit Guide4Living.

How To Use Contact Lens Solutions For Hard Contacts

2008-09-18T06:01:00.001-07:00

If you own contact lenses you will want to know how to use contact lens solutions for hard contacts. Contact lens solutions for hard contacts are made to use in a certain and proper way to ensure the health of your eyes.

Before you use any contact lens solutions for hard contacts you should wash your hands. It is important that you use the right kind of soap before you use any of the contact lens solutions for hard contacts. Neutrogena, Ivory bar soap, Opti-Soap, Joy clear dishwashing soap and Dial bar or pump soap are safe.

You need to use contact lens solutions for hard contacts in the proper order. The first of the contact lens solutions for hard contacts to use is the daily cleaner. You need to clean your lenses as soon as you remove them using the first of the contact lens solutions for hard contacts.

The next of the contact lens solutions for hard contacts is the saline solution. This should be used to rinse the contact after you have rubbed it in the palm of your hand with the daily cleaner. Contact lens solutions for hard contacts also include a soaking solution which is what you need to use at this point. Just place your lens in the soaking solution in your contact case.

Two contact lens solutions for hard contacts will be used when you are ready to wear your contacts. You will rinse each lens with new saline solution and apply the wetting solution.

You will need to use four contact lens solutions for hard contacts once a week to clean your contacts. These four contact lens solutions for hard contacts are the enzymatic cleaner, saline solution, daily cleaner and soaking solution.

It is easy to find these contact lens solutions for hard contacts. Contact lens solutions for hard contacts are available at vision centers and drugstores. You can also order contact lens solutions for hard contacts online.

Contact lens solutions for hard contacts are easy to use if you follow the packaging directions. When you use contact lens solutions for hard contacts you are protecting your vision and adding life to your contacts.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Vision-Doctor.com. He provides more contact lens tips and discount contact lenses that you can research and purchase in your pajamas on his website.

Canadian Pharmacy School

2008-09-17T10:01:00.001-07:00

Pharmacists in Canada are now moving over and going beyond routine duties like sitting behind the counter, collecting drugs and counting them. In fact, the industry is now witnessing a paradigm shift and pharmacists are at the centre of this new development in that country.

Canada is now grooming a new generation of pharmacists who are now even counseling patients and giving them advice on the best and cost effective drugs. This new dimension to the career of a Canadian pharmacist has been attributed to the developments in the industry as a whole and the need to adapt to new market trends. Pharmacists are now being trained to adopt a patient centric approach, which also includes taking over some of the duties, hitherto performed by doctors.

Budding Canadian pharmacists are also being taught to identify, mitigate and prevent problems related to medication. While the field of pharmacy is ever changing and evolving, pharmacists are now required to be on their toes all the time and adapt to changes in all the three modes of drug sale including online, mail order and conventional methods. Pharmacy schools are now giving special training in these aspects. A pharmacist should learn to cope with the bulk of information flowing in or he could be overwhelmed just by the number of new drugs that are hitting the market every year.

Special emphasis is also placed on learning about the laws and regulations that are in place in Canada and the prevalent public health policy at the provincial or national government levels. Pharmacists are also required to liaise with community support groups and with ailment related groups like the local associations like the local lung association and local diabetics association. This mandates the knowledge of public relations work not to mention possession of good communication skills. The curriculum followed by Canadian pharmacy schools has evolved well in the last few years to cover these emerging areas and to provide students with the edge needed to obtain employment after obtaining their degrees.

Drug manufacturers have been roped in by many reputed pharmacy schools to aid pharmacy students in choosing their streams from a wide range of options. Pharmacists are also being guided to grow into the excellent community pharmacists who go on to become the first link in the health care system. They are expected to play a significant role in ensuring that the patients receive the best drug therapy. Pharmacists can also specialize in fields like oncology, infectious disease, psychiatry, etc. Specializations help them in playing their role in various health care teams.

The industry also wants pharmacists in areas like clinical research, marketing and public relations. They are also being involved in preparing information materials related to drugs and in educating pharmacists, physicians and patients.

As of now, 9 universities in Canada are having pharmacy schools. The admission requirements usually vary from one university to another. After obtaining a Bachelors degree in pharmacy, one has to pass a national board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. After this, one can also get some practical experience through an internship program. Different provinces in Canada have put forth different requirements for becoming a licensed pharmacist.

In 2002, the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) began recognizing the accreditations awarded by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) for programs leading to a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy.

Canadian Pharmacy provides detailed information about Canadian pharmacy, Canadian discount pharmacy, Canadian mail order pharmacy, Canadian online pharmacies and more. Canadian Pharmacy is the sister site of Side Effects Of Antidepressants.

Obesity In Children

2008-09-16T14:01:00.001-07:00

Obesity is a condition that can shorten your life and can seriously affect you mentally and physically. It often has its roots in childhood. Obesity in children is growing at a frighteningly fast rate. There are more obese children now than ever before. Parents are letting their carelessness with their own diets spill over into their children?s lives.

Here are a few points to think about when trying to prevent obesity and health problems for your children.

Small children are normally energetic and often require snacks in-between meals. It is most important to choose healthy snacks for your children.

Alternative snacks can include:

Vegetable snacks like carrot sticks and celery boats are a good and fun alternative to chips and ?junk food? snacks. Fruit can be substituted for candies and sugar snacks. Soda and sugar snacks like candy produce hyperactivity in many young children and will sow the seeds for problems later in life. It also leads to dental problems and the beginnings of obesity. It is good to keep these foods in check and use alternatives if possible. Sugar is a known addictive food in that the more you eat the more you want to eat. This can quickly escalate into a serious eating problem and can lead to obesity as the body stores excess sugar as fat.

Breakfast cereals are perhaps the biggest problems in children?s diets. Everyone is in a hurry in the morning and it is easy to reach for the cereal packet for a quick family breakfast. However be careful of these presweetened cereals as they give unnecessary large amounts of sugar to your child?s system laying the grounds for sugar addiction. Now there are many alternatives to presweetened cereals. There are many good tasting ?healthy? cereals providing added fiber and less if any sugar. These are good for your children as they will provide them with a much more nutritious breakfast and not just fill them up with sugar and excess carbohydrates.

Fast food habits also begin when children are quite small. This is reinforced by extensive TV advertising and propaganda for these foods. It is almost inbred in us to eat hamburgers chips and other fast food. Children have an inborn liking for these foods and can easily become quite addicted to them. It is wise to try to keep these foods in limit, as they are not the healthiest foods to eat, especially for children who are growing and need nutritious foods to develop properly.

Good eating habits begin when children are very young. It can start from the time they first start to eat. It is very important to a child?s health to start good eating habits at a young age. It is possible to lay the foundations of good and healthy eating habits when children are still quite small. It is just a question of educating ourselves and passing on good habits to our children. When you do this you reduce the possibility of obesity in your children and all the mental and physical risks involved.

Zach Thompson is a Glyconutrients Consultant. His clients range from pro athletes and actresses, to cancer patients and children with Learning Disabilities. Learn the truth about nutritional supplements at: http://nutritionalreview.com/79.php.

Weight Watchers: An Overview

2008-09-15T18:01:00.001-07:00

Weight Watchers was thought up by Jean Nidetch who founded Weight Watchers in the mid 1960s. Her goal was to offer services and assistance to people who were looking to lose weight. She offered different products that helped in dieting and losing weight, and has turned her early success into a world wide company that operates in 30+ countries and goes by the trademark name of Weight Watchers, but normally translated into the local language of a given country.

Weight Watchers is split up into two different programs that a dieter could follow the POINTS program and the Core program. Each program is followed alongside a support group that helps with a backbone to help when needed most in group discussions and accountability to make sure the target weight loss goal is reached.

The Point System is a simple way to put a numerical value on a person?s burning of energy and caloric intake. Each serving of food is given a number of points, and conversely different types of exercise are given negative points. So, overall a person has a certain number of points per week to try and hit according to their overall goal of weight loss and current weight.

This is where Weight Watchers is drastically different than the South Beach Diet and the Atkins Diet, because a person is not limited to what foods they eat, but how much of that given food they are allowed to eat. If a person wants to splurge on a food that has a high point value, they must then do the appropriate amount of exercise and also watch what other foods they eat throughout the rest of the week to counterbalance their overindulgence. Overall, the amount of exercise in the Weight Watchers plan is directly correlated to how much exercise a person wants to do. If they don?t want to exercise then they can?t eat as many points compared to someone who exercises a lot, can eat more foods with higher point values.

This diet is not for everyone because it makes a person accountable and doesn?t give any room for cheating. If a person wishes to cheat, they are only hurting themselves and their overall goal of losing weight. The record-keeping part of Weight Watchers is annoying and cumbersome to some people because they have to make sure that they record every single food item they eat throughout the whole day and make sure that they give a point value to that food, if not then they won?t necessarily succeed in their overall goal of shaking off the extra pounds.

The POINTS formula The formula for calculating the POINTS content of a specific food serving uses a formula described in US Patent 6,040,531:

p = c/ 50 + f/ 12 - min(r, 4)/ 5

Where p is the number of points, c is the number of calories, f is the grams of fat, and r is the grams of dietary fiber (if the dietary fiber is greater than four, use four). The POINTS value is always an integer, with fractional values rounded to the nearest point. (An alternative format, mentioned in the patent and used on some websites, rounds values to the nearest half-point.)

This formula can be confusing and so can the POINTS system in general, so I will certainly try to make this explanation of the POINTS system a little more understandable in the next article that I submit so bear with me while I try to make sense of the point system and can better explain it to my readers. You can also log on to http://www.eweightlossblog.com for other helpful ideas and weight loss articles and blog entries.

Weight Watchers has helped many people lose weight and keep the weight off by following simple guidelines, and they even can do it without doing much excercise if they chose. If you are looking for other great diet plans and interesting Blog entries and Diet articles, then you can visit either http://www.eweightlossblog.com or you can visit http://www.edietblog.com. Both blogs are updated on a daily basis with new content and interesting practical articles that will help anyone who is looking for that ultimate goal of losing weight.

Workout Sneakers Cause More Harm Than Help If They Aren't Right for Your Feet and Your Activity

2008-09-14T22:01:00.001-07:00

While sneakers constitute casual wear, you shouldn't be casual when choosing your workout footwear. With the onslaught of high-tech designs, innovative materials, and trendy styles, buying the right workout sneakers can be an intimidating experience. But finding the right shoe with the right fit is crucial for performance and injury prevention. Armed with the following information, you'll know what to look for in an athletic shoe, when to shop, and what to avoid.

If your budget is tight, realize that the most important purchase you can make for your workout gear is good-quality footwear designed for the activity you plan to do. For instance, if you walk for exercise you should not wear running sneakers--if you do, you?re asking for trouble with your feet. Sneakers that are designed with a particular activity in mind are constructed to offer the most support during a specific motion, such a jumping, walking, or lateral motion. I?m not a big fan of cross-trainers because they aren?t the ideal shoe for any particular activity. If you really need to perform more than one activity wearing the same shoes, I?d go for the most basic running shoe you can find. Also, realize that the footwear you?ve worn during exercise for the past 3-6 months generally won?t provide much support and should be replaced, unless you are one of the lucky few that you could even exercise barefoot with no problems. If this is the case, you probably didn?t need the support of the sneakers anyway, and could probably get away with stretching them longer than the recommended 3-6 months.

Before you head to the store, determine the sports and/or fitness activities you do most often. This will help the sales assistant guide you to the correct shoes (be careful, though, for unknowledgeable salespeople especially in large chain stores). For example, if you jog and play tennis, your best bet is to invest in two pairs of shoes, as the forward motion of running and the lateral movements of tennis require different cushioning and stability. If you split your time between walking, cardio machines and weight lifting, however, a bare-bones basic model will probably suffice.

You'll also want to determine if you overpronate or underpronate, because these conditions can be counteracted with the right shoes. Pronation itself is a good thing: it's a natural occurance, and refers to the inward roll of the foot, which provides a natural cushioning each time you take a step. However, if your foot rolls inward too much, you will likely experience ankle and knee problems. On the other hand (or other foot!) if you foot doesn't roll inward ENOUGH, you underpronate. Not sure if you overpronate or underpronate? Examine an old pair of workout shoes. If the inside heel is visibly compressed and the heels lean toward one another, you overpronate and should look for shoes that have a dual density material under the inner heel or a firmer plastic or rubber insert, called a medial post. Motion control and Stability shoes fit the bill here. If the outer heels are compressed and the shoes roll outward away from each other, you underpronate and should look for soft shoes named cushioning shoes.

With this information in mind, it's time to head to the store. It?s usually best to shop later in the day, because feet tend to swell as the day goes on. Wear a pair of exercise socks while you try on shoes, and be sure to measure both feet and fit the shoe to the largest one. If you wear orthotics, bring them along and ask for styles with removable insoles. Always try before you buy. Check the length and width carefully. Allow for a minimum half-inch space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Make sure the shoe laces up comfortably, meaning that it provides enough support without being too tight. If you need narrow or wide shoes, visit a store that carries an assortment, or consider ordering a different width online once you find the ones you like. Make sure you stand and walk a bit in your shoes, and test them out with the type of motion you plan to do (run a few steps, pivot, jump, etc.).

Finally, always try something in addition to your usual brand, and don't just buy the same shoe if it's a new year's model. Shoe companies revamp their designs regularly, and you'll want to test the latest options. Sometimes another brand or style is actually more like your old shoes than the one that bears the same name! Please leave fashion considerations for your casual shoes--it?s much more important that you get the correct support for your workouts.

Gina Paolino is a certified personal fitness trainer with the AMPFT. She is the owner of the in-home fitness training business, Home Bodies. She is also the author of the weight loss book, Mind Over Fatter: A 30-Day Overhaul of the Mindset That Has Sabotaged Your Fitness and Weight Loss Success. Her programs have helped hundreds of people in MA and NH shed inches and pounds and re-gain health, youthfulness and vitality. Learn more about her programs and read other articles by Gina at www.homeexercisecoach.com.

Don't Be Surprised!

2008-09-14T02:01:00.001-07:00

Life wasn't easy for cave men. They had to hunt all day, kill their dinner with a club, and drag the carcass to the cave. Then they had to butcher the animal and rub sticks together for a fire to cook it. They made clothes from the leftovers. And I think I have it rough when the husband wants me to cook instead of picking up carry out!

Life wasn't easy for our ancestors who crossed oceans seeking freedom. It wasn't easy for pioneers who fought wild Indians, and settled the wilderness. Life has never been easy for past generations. It won't be any different for us.

I used to think I would arrive some day at that magical age when everything would be easy and problem free. Now I've wised up and learned this simple math equation: life = problems.

Trouble is a natural part of life like taxes, Big Macs, bad hair days, and Leave it to Beaver reruns. If you expect to have an idyllic life like Ward and June Cleaver, you may be in for disappointment. No matter how good life can be, there will always be some difficulty mixed in. Expecting to face some trouble can help us deal with it more effectively.

When Herbert Hoover decided to go into politics, he knew he would get criticism, but he went ahead anyway. Later he said, When the criticism came, I wasn't surprised; I was better able to handle it.

The Bible confirms that hardships should not surprise us. The apostle Peter wrote, Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. (1 Peter 5: 12, 13)

So why am I sometimes surprised when hassles come my way? Loved one get sick or hurt, people lose jobs or homes. These things happen in life: car trouble, financial trouble, and in-law trouble. Unfortunately, none of us is exempt from problems. Do you sometimes feel that trouble attacks you like a swarm of angry bees? You swat one, and two more sneak up and sting you from behind. But don't let that depress you; we have hope!

I was shocked when I realized life isn't just about what I want, and I'm not here just to enjoy a pain-free life. When I asked myself what my life's purpose was, I realized God created me to get to know Him, to serve and glorify Him, and to become more like Him. The Bible says we need to be transformed. (Romans 12:2) That's not a miraculous happening. It's a process that involves problems. Problems are not only a normal part of life, but they're a necessary part too. They prepare us for the future. Not just the future five years from now, but also for the future that comes after our earthly lives end.

Only in heaven is life perfect and easy. But with each problem comes a chance to fulfill your purpose on earth, to learn something new, and to develop a more godly character. It can be difficult to remember this, though, when you're buried in heartache.

The good thing about pain is that it helps me put my focus where it should be, on the only one who can help me cope. When I practice depending upon Him rather than myself, I fulfill my purpose.

People often learn lessons during tough times that they could never have learned if life had been easy. I've found that I more fully enjoy beauty, since I nearly lost my ability to see it.

Think about a frightening circumstance you were forced to endure, and ask yourself what positive result came from it. Chances are you gained some special gift or grew spiritually in some way, not in spite of your ordeal, but because of it. That's why I say this life is merely a practice run or testing ground. It teaches us, stretches and sharpens us, strengthens us, and prepares us for eternity.

There are many unhappy endings in this life, but we can embrace hope knowing that the next life will not only be happier, but it will have no end.

When we understand that difficulties are inevitable and that we can't handle them on our own, we realize why it's important to develop a relationship with the all-powerful God before those trials come. It's good to know that we have a close relationship with, and are dearly loved by, the only one who can provide the strength, perseverance, and courage we will undoubtedly need throughout life. He's just waiting for us to ask for His help. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. (Isaiah 30:19)

Author Marsha Jordan is founder of a nonprofit charity called Hugs and Hope for Sick Children (http://www.hugsandhope.org). More of her articles on depression are in her book, Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter, a compilation of essays illustrated with drawings by critically ill children.

Pain is never easy, but it's more bearable with the healing power of laughter; and you'll laugh with the author as she recounts, in Erma Bombeck style, her search for the perfect purse, camping adventures, her badly behaved toy poodle, and her experience with a new magnifying mirror. Some chapter titles include, Limburger Attitude, The Joy of Shopping, Is Broccoli Hazardous? and Life in the Manure Pile. She also outlines ten tips for beating depression, written from her own experience of battling this illness for most of her life.

Other essays in thee book include, More Than I Can Handle, Ten Tips For Beating Depression, Why Doesn't God Answer My Prayer? and What Did I Do To Deserve This? Order the book or learn more at http://www.hugsandhope.org/book.htm

Best Skin Care Products

2008-09-13T06:01:00.001-07:00

When you want to look and feel your best, sometimes you need a little help from one of the best skin care products on the market.

When looking for one of the best skin care products, you may want to find something that will not only leave your skin feeling clean, but moisturize the skin as well.

Some of the best skin care products on the market are in the form of a face cleanser, lotion, or moisturizer.

When it comes to the best skin and face care products, you should know there are a variety of price ranges and quality that are available for a consumer working with any type of budget.

Below you will find a list of some of the best skin care products that are broken up into different categories.

Best Skin Care Products - Face Cleansers The next time you are at a drugstore, don?t forget to pick up Cetaphil, a product recommended by dermatologists. This item does not contain chemical or scents that create irritated skin.

When looking for the best skin care product containing shea butter, you may want to look into Clarin Gentle Foaming Cleanser, which also leaves the skin moisturized.

If you have oily skin, some of the best skin care products to combat this particular appearance, includes Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash, which is soap and oil-free.

Other selections include Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser and the Lancome Clarifance Oil-Free Gel Cleanser.

For normal to combination skin, Dove Essential Nutrients self-foaming cleanser takes care of oil, as well as removes dead skin cells.

Looking for an aromatherapy cleanser? Bloom Facial Cleaners contain the fragrant scent of lavender and grapefruit oils.

Working with sensitive skin? The inexpensive Avon Clear Skin Foaming Cleanser is a gentle option, as well as the moderately priced Aveda All-Sensitive Cleanser.

Some of the best skin care products for blemished skin includes the popular Neutrogena Pore-Refining Cleanser, which does not dry out the skin.

If money is no option, you may want to try out the Murad Acne Kit for $60, which offers a cleanser, pore-cleansing gel, exfoliating lotion, as well as spot treatment.

Best Skin Care Products - Moisturizers The moisturizer that is perfect for you should never irritate or create burning sensations on the skin. When applied, it should feel smooth, smell good, and feel good.

Some of the best skin care products are those that have passed the tests of dermatologists, as well as an assortment of opinions from the top of the health and beauty world.

If you have dry skin, some of the ingredients to seek out in your moisturizer include glycerin, dimethicone, as well as hyaluronic acid.

Dove Sensitive Essential Day Lotion is light and void of scents or dyes.

Looking for a great product with natural ingredients? Check out the Lancome Absolute Night Treatment, which contains sea algae, soy and wild yam extract. An expensive choice in this category is called Cr?me de la Mer, which is considered one of the best.

Oily skin consumers should look for products that are oil-free, as well as non-pore clogging. They may find a solution within choices such as Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion UV Defense Combination/Oily, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 15, and Lorac Oil-free Moisturizer.

A gel formula is the best bet for consumers who have normal/combination skin. Some of the best skin care products for this type of skin includes Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer and Clarins Hydration-Plus Moisture Lotion SPF 15.

For more information and skincare products

For more information on skincare generally as well as a great range of skincare products to protect your skin and even turn back the signs of aging visit our website.

More skin care products information and FREE exclusive diet and health magazines, are available on our web site: http://www.net-planet.org

How Impressive is the Weight Loss Mantra with a Diary Diet?

2008-09-12T10:01:00.001-07:00

It certainly does not appeal to every body as all obese patients are not ardent milk drinkers. But those who can manage to gulp down three glasses of low fat milk every day have a new weight loss plan in hand, The Diary Diet Plan.

Recent research on the importance of calcium in the form of milk in weight reduction has given health experts a new dimension to work on. Are we already seeing novel ways which will help fight the dangerous disorder namely obesity? A very interesting research has been conducted by researchers at the University of Tennessee to study the role of diary foods in weight loss among a group of 32 obese adults over 24 weeks. There were three groups of participants, the first group had a low calcium low diary eating plan, the second group consisted of participants who followed a high calcium supplement coupled with a low diary plan and the last group had individuals who were on a high diary eating plan.

Each group was given the essential diet facilities like consultations with dieticians, diet procedures and there were doctors to answer queries on this diet diary procedure. Results after a short study indicated positive effects on the use of diary products as it led to rapid weight loss. Though there are a lot of clinical studies which should follow the research analysis, the new theory has caught attention among many eminent researchers.

In short, diary diet therapy has been tested effective for weight loss treatment. But the extend of its weight loss magnitude has to be thoroughly studied before it is been made open to obesity treatment. With fast weight loss methods like diet pills [Phentermine, Bontril, Didrex a new addition in the form of diary products can be an added advantage. Patients can use the pills and follow the diary diet if it?s been proved successful.

With competing medications in the drug market, a natural weight loss phenomenon with no side effects as such can interest many a curious weight watchers. Although it cannot be used as the one stop treatment for obesity, as explained earlier diary therapy can follow any diet plan and guide a speedy weight loss. As studies go further, all of us including the doctors who are eager to find a cure for obesity patiently await a proper diet treatment to kill it.

Author is an experienced health and diet expert.

Sources of Fibre

2008-09-11T14:01:00.001-07:00

The most significant food sources of fibre are unprocessed wheat bran, whole cereals such as wheat, rice, barley, rye, millets; legumes such as potato, carrots, beet, turnip, and sweet potato; fruits like mango and guava; and leafy vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, and celery.

The percentage of fibre content per 100 gms. of some foods are:

bran 10.5-13.5
whole grain cereals 1.0-2.0
nuts 2.0-5.0
legumes 1.5-1.7
vegetables 0.5-1.5
fresh fruits 0.5-1.5
dried fruits 1.0-3.0.

The foods which are completely devoid of fibre are meat, fish , eggs, milk, cheese, fats and sugars.

Bran, the outer coverings of grains, is one of the richest sources of dietary fibre. And it contains several types of fibre including cellulose, hermicellulose and pectin. Wheat and corn bran are highly beneficial in relieving constipation. Experiments show that oat bran can reduce cholesterol levels substantially. Corn bran is considered more versatile. It relieves constipation and also lowers LDL cholesterol, which is one of the more harmful kinds. Besides being rich in fibre, bran has a real food value being rich in time, iron and vitamins and containing a considerable amount of protein.

Dr. Dennis P. Burkitt, a noted British physician remarks, Grain roughages, such as rich bran and wheat bran, are an essential part of a healthy diet, and a preventive against diseases like piles, constipation, bowel cancer, varicose veins and even coronary thrombosis. Dr. Burkitt worked for many years in Africa and found after a series of observations that rural Africans who eat bulk of fibrous foods rarely suffer from any of these diseases. Legumes have high fibre content. Much of this fibre is water-soluble, which makes legumes likely agents for lowering cholesterol. Soyabeans, besides this, can also help control glucose levels.

The types of fibre contained in vegetables and fruits contribute greatly towards good health. The vegetables with the biggest fibre ratings include sweet corn, carrots, potatoes, parsnips and peas. And among the high ranking fruits are raspberries, pears, strawberries, and guavas.

To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:

Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy

Lose Weight with Yoga

2008-09-10T18:01:00.001-07:00

Yoga might not be the first thing anyone thinks of when they think of an exercise to help them lose weight. Think again ? though the results may not be as fast as with other types of exercise, the long term benefits of yoga (in terms of weight loss and overall health) are great.

Yoga is a system of exercise that is thousands of years old. Conceived in India, it is now practiced world wide. The type of yoga that is most often practiced in the west is known as ?hatha? yoga ? however, this is by no means the only type of yoga. Others include kundalini, which involves breathe work and is quite a bit different from other types of yoga.

Some athletes are rather disparaging of yoga, wondering how something so gentle can cause you to lose weight or significantly increase your fitness level. The fact is, however, that it can, and at the same time, it can increase your concentration, clarity, and sense of well being. There is really no reason not to take up yoga, if you are at all attracted to the idea.

Choose a beginner?s yoga class at first, and go slow ? it can be harder than you think. Hatha yoga involves putting yourself into a variety of different positions, some more challenging than others. The goal is not to do them quickly, or to work up a sweat; the goal is to take those few positions and to perfect them ? do them as precisely as you possibly can. That way, your body is being trained in a precise skill and discipline, and the position itself can have various benefits for your health and your mind, as well. The different positions have their own benefits. For losing weight, positions that bring the chin down to stimulate the thyroid gland are helpful ? such as the classic shoulder stand, for instance. However, yoga in general is helpful for weight loss because it makes you more conscious of your body, of how you hold yourself and how you stand, while it also tones your muscles and makes your body more flexible, easier to move. Even before you start losing weight, yoga can make you look as if you?re thinner and more attractive by getting you to stand up straighter. Some people even claim that yoga has made them taller ? one woman claims to have grown a full three inches! Of course, she didn?t really, but once she started to stand up straighter, people responded to her as if she were really taller.

Karen Zebroff, who used to have a TV yoga exercise program, is credited with having brought yoga to the North American public in the 1970s. Yoga literally changed every aspect of her life. She lost weight ? about twenty pounds ? and the weight she continued to carry was distributed better on her body. As a result of this, the depression she had been experiencing lifted, and she felt better about herself.

Interestingly, though yoga is a great weight loss measure, it?s also used to treat girls with eating disorders such as anorexia. There are several reasons why that approach is effective. First, anorexic girls feel anxious if they can?t exercise, as many of them used over-exercising as a means of weight control. Once they are in treatment, of course, they can?t be allowed to jog or do other exercise that might prevent them from making progress with weight gain. Gentle yoga is different, though. Practiced in a low-impact setting, it can provide some exercise without making an already emaciated girl thinner. Yoga also eases the anxiety of these girls, and it makes them more conscious of their bodies.

In fact, it does the same thing for people with the opposite type of eating disorder ? binge eating or compulsive overeating. As a matter of fact, that condition and anorexia are not as different as you might assume. Yes, one causes overweight and the other can bring on starvation, but both stem from a fundamental discomfort with the body and underlying emotional issues. Yoga can help with all of these issues, and if you are looking to lose weight, it can be a great choice for you.

For more great information visit Gabae Weight Loss the premiere resource for weight loss, diets, nutrition and living a great healthy life style!

Also if you're looking for more informative articles check out Gabae Weight Loss Articles.

Tofu History and Health Benefits

2008-09-09T22:01:00.001-07:00

Tofu History

* Tofu is a soft, cheese-like food, made out of Soya milk that is curdled with a coagulant and usually used to blend with other food types, because it easily absorbs their flavor. Tofu is very popular in the Orient and is started to gain more and more ground in Western diets too.

* The history of Tofu starts in China, over 2000 years ago. The first evidence that the Chinese of those times used Tofu in their diets is a mural incised on a stone slab that shows a kitchen scene where both Tofu and Soya milk appear. This stone slab was proven to be from around 100 A.D. The oldest written reference about Tofu is known to also come from China, at about 1500 A.D., when poet Su Ping wrote a poem dedicated to Tofu, called ?Ode to Tofu?.

* The Tofu started to spread amongst Asia with the appearance and development of Buddhism. In Japan, Kento priests who went to China to study Buddhism brought back Tofu recipes home (this happened at around 750 A.D.). It was eaten as part of a vegetarian diet for priests and was often used as an offering at an altar. Tofu gradually became more and more popular among the Japanese nobility and the samurai class, who needed healthy diets in their constant and rigorous training.

* In the Western world, tofu began to be popular in the late fifteen century. The first written reference about Tofu is in the 1603 Spanish dictionary ?Vocabularion da lingoa de lapam?. By the time the colonization era was over, Tofu had spread all across the World being a well-known element from almost every culture?s diet.

Tofu Health Benefits

* It?s been proven that Tofu has a lot of proteins, almost as many as you would get from the same weight of chicken meat, without the cholesterol and saturated fats. Cholesterol and LDL levels can go down by 30% if you build a diet that constantly has Soya proteins within. This is a very important benefit for those that have cardiovascular problems or those that want to lower their triglyceride levels. Tofu also has all the essential amino acids found in animal proteins. Having a low ration of calories, it?s a very popular dish in weight loss diets and because of its high calcium value, it?s ideal for those who want to strengthen up their body.

* A very important, scientifically proven fact, is that Tofu reduces the chance of your body becoming cancerous. In addition, it also helps women have a softer, less uncomfortable menopause period. The chemical elements of Tofu act as weak estrogens, which help a woman?s body be more balanced during this uncomfortable period. Also, women experience accelerated bone loss during menopause, Tofu reducing this risk with its high calcium value.

* Additional health benefits of Tofu include its high iron value (providing almost 35% of the required daily value), manganese value (providing 36% of the required daily value) and copper value (11% of the standard daily value). These percentages are calculated for 4 ounces of Tofu.

Conclusion

* With Tofu being such a nutritious, protein-rich and delicious foot, it?s no wonder people from all over the world find it an increasingly necessary component of a diet. Being one of the most versatile foods, it can be served with all kinds of meals, ranging from salads and second courses, to desserts or appetizers.

Author: Robert Eaton
Copyright 2005 WikiPublishing.com
Article originally found on: CookbookWiki.com

Back Massage What A Relief!

2008-09-09T02:01:00.001-07:00

After a long week at work wouldn?t it be nice to get a good back massage-or to be able to give one to your spouse or significant other? Before you get started you might want some instruction on how to make this a great massage; one that will leave the recipient relaxed and comfortable rather than tired and tense. A massage that is not done correctly can actually cause even more pain than the person had before the massage. Giving a back massage is not difficult but it does take a little bit of know-how.

A Few Pointers:

For a general massage of the back, have the person lay on their stomach and sit by their head. Their head should be turned to the side and their arms should be resting at their sides. With your fingers just below the neck, slide your hands slowly down both sides of the back bone and then back up the sides of the body, and out over the shoulders. For the next part of the back massage, begin at the base of the neck again and rub in circular motions out toward the shoulders. With your thumbs make a rolling motion all over the bottom of the neck and top of the back to finish the job.

Lower Back

The lower back is the one most commonly injured and sore and benefits greatly from a back massage. Using your pinky and index finger on each hand, and sitting to the side of the recipient move your fingers along either side of the spine, moving one hand over the other in small rhythmic movements. For the next step of the back massage, you should start at the base of the spine, and using massage oil, make movements up the spine and down the sides of the body. Then, after you have done this with the oil, make rough rubbing motions from the bottom of the spine up to the rib cage. Finally for the last step of the back massage, make big gliding motions over the spine and lower back and then to the hips which should also be given a deep massage with large circular motions.

Upper Back

The upper back massage is accomplished by putting the recipients arm behind their back with the elbow bent, and one had cupped on the shoulder blade while the other hand massages around the shoulder blade in upward motions.

Remember

When you are giving any massage, you should be careful not to rub too hard on the backbone, or just rub to the sides of it. All movements in the back massage should be gentle and not too fast even when you are moving from one part of the body to another. You should also make sure that the recipient has adequate body support with pillows under the upper chest, the ankles, and under the breasts (for women.) Then your back massage should be a great success.

Author Margarette Tustle. Learn more about backs on diback.com.

Draw Backs with Low Carb Diets

2008-09-08T06:01:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of low carb diets out there such as the very famous Atkins diet. Low carb diets have been the perhaps most popular diet type for a few years now. But are there any drawbacks to consider.

The basic idea behind low carb diets is that you should force your body to burn fat from the bodies fat depots for energy. This is done by restricting the calorie intake making sure that the body doesn?t get enough carbs to cover the bodies energy demand. The process of burning fat for energy in the body releases something called ketones into your bloodstream. The ketones are then later expelled from your body with your urine. The process of expelling the ketones from your blood increases the strain on your kidneys. This might lead to kidney problems in the long run.

Other draw backs with a low carb diet includes the fact that your body doesn?t get all the nutrients it needs which can cause problems if a low carb diet is kept over a longer period of time. A low carb diet excludes too many food types and nutrients to be a suitable long time diet option.

A low carb diet may also cause your body to burn protein that it takes from muscle tissue. It is for this reason very important to train your muscles regularly if you keep a low carb diet. Muscles can count for a large percentage of your weight loss during a low carb diet if you don?t train during the diet.

Low carb diets also often causes you to expel large amounts of water which can account for a large percentage of the weight loss during a low carb diet. Water weight that you lost during your diet will quickly return after the diet has ended.

A low carbs diet can also make you feel that you have less energy (which you in fact have) and it can therefore be hard to perform more intensive training. The muscles don?t have their best fuel to work with, carbs. You might therefore be forced to train less intensive during a low carb diet. This makes low carb diets less suitable for those who are used to intensive training especially in the long run.

Low Carb diets has several draw backs but can be a very good diet form in the short run and can be used to help get you started on your way to a more slender body. It is however not suitable to be used over long periods of time. The good old way to lose weight is best in the long run, a stable diet and training.

A good diet is important for permanent weight loss and a good part of such a diet is Tilapia fish. Tilapia is low fat, low calorie and easy to cook. Tilapia can be cocked in a number of ways, all tasty like for example Crunchy Oven Fried Tilapia

Are You Too Tired To Lose Weight?

2008-09-07T10:01:00.001-07:00

If you are having trouble losing weight, it might be that you are not getting enough sleep.

It is one of those things that doesn?t seem reasonable at first. But it is true. It is very hard to lose weight if you are not sleeping enough.

You might think that the longer you are up and active the more calories you burn. You think that more activity would lead to weight loss, and that when you are in bed you aren?t burning up any calories. But that is not true.

The main thing that determines how many calories you burn is how much muscle mass you have. That is why super-low-calorie diets do not work for permanent weight loss. Because they cause muscle to be lost as well as fat, and when you lose muscle your body can?t burn up the calories.

But even if you are eating a good diet, and even if you are doing exercise, you still might not lose weight. And part of the reason for that just might be lack of sleep.

There is a simple reason for that. Your body rebuilds during sleep. It is not just resting when you go to bed. Your metabolism at night changes, and it is at this time that the proteins you took in throughout the day start to build new muscle tissue.

If you don?t sleep enough your body will not have the time it needs to build this new, healthy tissue. And since it is this muscle tissue that burns calories, if you don?t build up your muscle mass, it will be almost impossible for you to take off those extra pounds and keep them off.

You might not be aware that you need to build up your muscles to lose weight. Maybe you have the idea that muscles are only for bodybuilders. You tell yourself that you just want to be skinny.

But if you really want a lean sexy body you don?t have a choice. You can?t do it without building lean, healthy, firm and toned muscles.

So do yourself a favor. Get enough sleep. And finally get on the way to having the body you have always wanted.

Dan Curtis, M.D. Can help YOU lose weight. Sign up for our free newsletter: Dr. Dan?s Super Weight Loss Tips, Tricks and Secrets. It's free! Click here-- http://www.superweightlossplan.com/newsletter/

Celebrity Weight Loss How You Can Use The Diet And Weight Loss Programs Of The Stars

2008-09-06T13:59:00.001-07:00

Why is it that celebrities always seem to be thinner, sexier and more beautiful that us? What weight loss secrets do they use to get that way? Is it a diet, a diet pill, Weight Watchers, or what? It seems that if we could only get the inside information on the new celebrity weight loss program or weight loss pill, then we?d be almost guaranteed to experience fast weight loss of our own.

Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff, Denise Richards, Janet Jackson, Daryl Hannah, Whitney Houston, Kirstie Alley and many other celebrities have all been in the news lately because of their own personal weight issues. This article looks at what weight loss strategies have worked for these and other celebrities, and how we can apply these same tactics to our own situation.

-> First Of All, Celebrities Don?t Always Get It Right:

Before we go any further with this discussion, it?s important to note that the stars aren?t always successful in their weight loss efforts.

A 5? 4? Janet Jackson weighed in at a slim 117 pounds in May 2002, but three years later had climbed to a too-high 160 pounds. Kirstie Alley, only 5? 8? tall, weighed 207 pounds as recently as October 2004 (source: STAR Magazine 11-14-05). And who can forget those unpleasant pictures of Anna Nicole Smith?

Most celebrities have had the same weight issues we?ve all experienced. The difference is that, with paparazi hanging around all the time, when the stars gain some extra fat everyone in America knows about it.

-> Most Celebrities Are Thinner Than Us:

Despite the few celebrity weight loss failures, there?s no denying that most celebrities look better than we do. Models, for example, are 23 percent leaner than the average (source: annecollins.com). Perhaps their trim appearance is part of the reason why we, as a nation, have such a fascination with the celebrity lifestyle.

Indeed, we typically reward and idolize the more slender celebrities. Just a quick look at People Magazine?s list of the ?50 Most Beautiful People 2005? reveals that only the lean made the list. People?s ?Most Beautiful Women of 2005? list reveals the same thing ? celebrities (at least the popular ones) are more thin than we are.

Even when we do find a celebrity that doesn?t look like a stick figure, invariably we find that they have recently lost some weight. ?No longer a crash dieter, Oprah Winfrey?..who at her heaviest was 237 lbs., has been eating right, sticking to lean protein and hitting the gym as she aims for her safe zone in the 150-lb. range. Maybe for the first time, she's doing it for all the right reasons, says trainer Bob Greene of the talk-show queen's workouts (source: people.aol.com).

-> Celebrities Make Weight Loss Mistakes, Too:

To be completely honest and straightforward, if there?s a diet program out there that doesn?t work, the stars will find it. With an almost unlimited budget, celebrities are willing to try every fat burner and fat loss gimmick that hits the market. Rather than look for the best weight loss program, many stars look instead for just easy weight loss. Consider the following examples of the goofy things celebrities have tried to lose weight fast:

?Toccara Jones, former America's Next Top Model contestant, and Wendy Kaufman, the Snapple? lady, who also participated in the first Fit Club, agree to try a New Age weight-loss procedure without knowing what it is. They arrive at Soothing Solutions in Burbank, CA, to discover that they have signed on for a colonic. We gently flow water in and out of your colon and it flushes everything out, the attendant tells them? (source: et.tv.yahoo.com).

?Jani Lane, lead singer of the rock group Warrant, who sustained an injury when the Fit Club was boxing, goes to Eden Surgical Center in Calabasas, CA, and undergoes a needle injection. It is a process which liquefies the fat so the cells shrink. Then came the emotional weigh-in. A few of the celebs made their weight-loss goal, most didn't and a few even gained weight? (source: et.tv.yahoo.com).

-> How Do They Do It?

Even though celebrities do make diet and nutrition mistakes, the majority of them are still thinner than us. So how do the stars achieve quick weight loss when we battle and fight just to lose a few pounds? Is there some secret weight loss product or weight loss plan they?re keeping hidden from us?

The secret is that there is no secret. Celebrities try the same diets we have, including the South Beach Diet, the Zone Diet, the Atkins Diet and countless others. There is no mysterious diet plan or diet product that works for every celebrity all the time, just as there is no such plan that will work for every one of us. (For more information on this topic, see our e-book titled Fast And Easy Weight Loss Using Diet Programs And Diet Pills by going to http://www.letspickupthepace.com/ and clicking on Pick Up The Pace Store.)

Celebrities that are successful in achieving a healthy weight loss generally do so with a nutritious weight loss diet and regular exercise. Take a look at these examples:

I think Oprah Winfrey wins the weight battle of 2004 -- she looks fabulous?..Look at her, she's never looked better. She's been skinnier -- that's true -- but she's never looked better. Oprah should set the standard for Hollywood weight loss, Paula says. She's been very open about it. She's been up, she's been down, she's been wide, she's been skinny. She continues: She didn't do the surgery and she doesn't really do the fad diets. She eats healthy, she has a personal trainer and she works really hard at it (source: et.tv.yahoo.com).

Denise Richards put on 30 lbs. while carrying Lola (born June 1), but Richards had a secret weight-loss weapon: ?It?s called the Stress Diet,? she says, half-joking, ? and alluding to having filed for divorce (from Charlie Sheen) in her sixth month of pregnancy. But mostly she can thank her work with trainer Garrett Warren: She's been kickboxing and doing abdominal exercises four to six times weekly ? and adhering to a portion-controlled diet (source: celebrity.aol.com).

All eyes were on the miraculous weight loss of Hollywood in 2004, Paula says. But there's no real miracle about it, it's exercise, it's eating right and sometimes -- it's surgery! (Source: et.tv.yahoo.com).

-> Why Does It Work For Them And Not For Us?

It?s no surprise that eating the right foods and exercising regularly will help us achieve our ideal weight. So why is it that celebrities seem to have so much more success than we do? There are three reasons why the stars lose weight faster than the average American: * Celebrities have more time than we do.

* Celebrities have more money than we do.

* Celebrities have a bigger incentive to stay fit and trim.

Although they do work long hours while touring or filming, there?s no denying that the stars have more disposable time than we do. When you?re rich enough to hire a nanny, a driver, a personal chef and many other assistants to take over the time-consuming tasks of life for you, it?s easy to find more time to exercise.

?Singer Jessica Simpson started a new exercise routine to get in shape for her role as Daisy Duke in the upcoming Dukes of Hazard movie. Her workout includes two hours a day of squats and lunges and has motivated her to create a new workout video. I have a white-girl bootie, so I'm doing all my squats to lift it a little bit and get some junk in my trunk, says Jessica (source: kidzworld.com).

?Usher's been workin' on his abs since he was 16, but claims that it's all because of good genes?..hard work and being disciplined - oh yeah, and 1,000 crunches a day. Usher also has a daily routine he calls forty minutes of funk which includes stretchin', skippin' and jumping jacks. Then he moves onto push-ups, leg raises and tricep dips?..can you say fitness freak!? (source: kidzworld.com).

Not only do celebrities have the time to exercise for hours on end, but they typically have the money to hire the absolute best weight loss support team. Julia Roberts, for example, earns an estimated $25,000,000 each year. Cameron Diaz earns $20,000,000 annually. Angelina Jolie pulls down about $12,000,000 each year and Reese Witherspoon gets a $15,000,000 yearly paycheck (source: bankrate.com). With that much cash on hand, the stars can easily afford to hire the best personal trainers, the best nutritionists, the best dietitians and the best personal chefs.

?Celebrities also have the luxury of personal trainers and nutritionists to help them with rigorous diet regimes? (source: abcnews.go.com).

With a personal chef to prepare every meal, celebrities find it easier to follow a low fat diet. A registered dietitian in the house makes it easy for stars to get a unique diet recipe or any other weight loss information they want. Simply put, having the salary of a celebrity makes it easier to lose weight.

Indeed, it?s that same high salary that gives celebrities their incredible incentive to stay slender. The blunt truth of the matter is that Hollywood and the entertainment industry is not kind to overweight stars, often shunning them in favor of ?thin beauty?. Celebrities see a very real connection between their weight and their earnings power, which gives them the motivation they need to keep trying when many others would give up.

Statistics show that approximately two-thirds of Americans are overweight. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that 80 percent of overweight individuals and almost 87 percent of obese individuals are trying to lose or maintain their weight. As a nation, we?re trying to win the battle of the bulge, but we often lack the motivation to consistently exercise and eat right. How much easier would that struggle be if there were a $25,000,000 prize waiting for us when we reached our goal weight?

-> How We Can Use The Diet And Weight Loss Programs Of The Stars:

Although most Americans can?t afford the same support staff hired by the celebrities, we can learn from their success and use that information to achieve our own health and fitness goals. Here?s what we can do to copy the weight control tactics of celebrities:

* Find an exercise program that takes less time.
*Search for free diet information and free weight loss information.
* Earn and keep more money by losing weight.

First of all, it?s time to face reality that most of us will never have hours each day to dedicate to exercise like the celebrities do. That?s not an excuse to quit! Instead, find an exercise routine that will get results in a shorter period of time. A great example is circuit training, where you get aerobic and resistance exercise at the same time. By combining these two types of workout into one, it?s entirely possible to get real fat loss results in only thirty minutes each day.

Some time-strapped celebrities use circuit training to achieve their fitness goals. Matthew McConaughey, for example, ??..was circuit training ? combining cardiovascular exercise with muscle-strengthening moves?..? (source: STAR Magazine 11-14-05).

Circuit training works, especially for those of us short on time. Pick Up The Pace, 30-Minute Workout For Women, is a health club that offers hydraulic circuit training and has seen gym members accomplish incredible results. Pick Up The Pace member Minnie lost 10.5 inches during the month of February 2005! Vymell C. lost 9.5 inches the same month! Betty K. joined Pick Up The Pace in January, 2003. By September, 2004 she had lost 50 inches, and dropped from a size 18 to an 8. Stacie Y. lost 68 pounds, 54 1/4 inches, and dropped 6 sizes!

The next thing we can do to mimic celebrity weight loss success is find free diet information and free weight loss information. The truth about health and fitness is out there, and much of it is free. For example, to get more than fifty pages of free weight loss tips check out http://www.letspickupthepace.com/articles.asp. For those seeking information on rapid weight loss, it?s also a good idea to subscribe to free health and fitness newsletters like the one found at http://www.letspickupthepace.com/newsletter.asp.

Finally, we can copy celebrity weight loss by giving ourselves a real cash incentive to lose weight. While we probably won?t ever hit that $25,000,000 payday, we can earn and keep more money by losing weight. It's true! Losing weight will help us earn and save more money. Studies have consistently shown that obese employees are paid less than normal-weight employees doing similar jobs (source: HealthNewsDigest.com).

A comprehensive study of wages in 1998 found that obese workers earn significantly less than than non-obese employees. How much less? About $3.41 per hour! This discrepancy was found only in those workers who had employer-sponsored health insurance, perhaps suggesting that the higher costs of insuring obese individuals was being passed on to the employees themselves. (Source: Bundorf and co-author Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at the Center for Health Policy/Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research).

So it's possible that losing weight could eventually add substantially to our paycheck! But did you know that losing weight may also lower the amount of money we personally pay out in medical costs? According to a study published in Health Affairs recently, obese Americans pay $732 more for health care each year than do normal-weight adults. Is that as much as a celebrity earns each year? Of course not ? but it is a cash incentive for us to lose weight!

Celebrities will always have the advantage when it comes to weight loss. But with some extra effort we can achieve the same results!

* Copyright 2005 Pick Up The Pace. Permission is not required for the distribution of Pick Up The Pace articles as long as they are used in their entirety, are properly credited to Pick Up The Pace, and are accompanied by our website link: http://www.letspickupthepace.com/.

* The information in this article and on this site is for general reference purposes only and not intended to address specific medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, you should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. No information in this article or on http://www.letspickupthepace.com/ should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.

Tracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, a 30-minute exercise studio for women, focusing on fitness, health and nutrition for maximum weight loss. Please visit http://www.letspickupthepace.com for more information.

Favourable Effect of Raw Juice

2008-09-05T18:00:00.001-07:00

The favourable effect of raw juices in the treatment of disease is attributed to the following facts:

1. Raw juices of fruits and vegetables are extremely rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes and natural sugars. They exercise beneficial effect in normalising all the body functions. They supply needed elements for the body?s own healing activity and cell regeneration, thereby speeding the recovery.

2. The juices extracted from raw fruits and vegetables require no digestion and almost all their vital nutrients are assimilated directly in the bloodstream.

3. Raw juices are extremely rich in alkaline elements. This is highly beneficial in normalising acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues as there is over-acidity in most conditions of ill-health.

4. Generous amounts of easily assimilable organic minerals in raw juices especially calcium, potassium and silicon help in restoring biochemical and mineral balance in the tissues and cells, thereby preventing premature aging of cells and disease.

5. Raw juices contain certain natural medicines, vegetal hormones and antibiotics. For instance, string beans are said to contain insulin-like substance. Certain hormones needed by the pancreas to produce insulin are present in cucumber and onion juices.

Fresh juices of garlic, onions, radish, and tomatoes contain antibiotic substances.

To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:

Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy

Working Smart: 4Easy Ways to Get Fit Faster!

2008-09-04T22:00:00.001-07:00

Let?s face it, getting and staying in shape can be a costly investment. And, if you?re not careful, its greatest cost is the one commodity you could use the most of: time (keeping monetary costs in check is another volume, entirely). Yet, even many seasoned exercisers often have difficulty changing their bodies with regular workouts. And worse, many think the more hours spent training heavily, the better the result. Not true! Often this break-neck pace leads only to fatigue, burnout, and injury.

What most people also may not realize, there are several, easy ways to redistribute your time and create ?smarter? workouts. These common sense, turbo-chargers cost little or no money, will help change your body in a positive way, and all without giving up a lot of time.

Here, I?ve given you four simple strategies that can help you turbo charge your workout (and your body), too:

Warm Up and Cool Down Sufficiently. In short: take 10. Strive to take 10 minutes before heavy exercise to get blood flowing with light aerobic activity (walking, or a series of slow arm and leg circles) to get the large muscle groups moving and prevent injury. At the end of your workout, try to opt for 10 minutes of light stretching, aiming at the major muscle groups: arms, back, chest, and legs. This will help re-absorb lactic acid (metabolic waste that builds up during exercise and can lead to soreness).

Drink More Water. Just eight-8oz. glasses of water per day will carry away waste and toxins from your body. It will also help keep you cool during exercise and replace the fluids lost during your workout (you will usually lose 1 liter per 1-hour workout).

Get Adequate Rest. The body requires a sufficient amount of sleep for rest and tissue repair (usually around 7-8 hours per night for the healthy person). Sleep also provides the body time to lower levels of bacteria in the body. It actually stimulates the immune system! If you can?t get your eight hours, try to take a quick 10-20 minute power nap sometime during the day.

Go Easy on the Starchy Carbs. Try to ?balance? starchy carbs (cereals, breads, white potatoes, rice) with protein and veggie alternatives.

My own personal case study: Even though I?d been exercising for years, I couldn?t shake the extra 10 pounds I?d gained in college. I exercised for about an hour every day rotating my routine between cardio and resistance training. Did I need to exercise more? I wondered. Maybe, but I couldn?t fit another hour into the day. So, I took a good look at my diet. What I found was, every day I was loading up with starchy carbs! Lots of cereal and toast. Lots of potatoes and white rice. Resolve: Just by balancing my meals with egg whites, sweet potatoes, green leafy veggies, and lean meats, I lost what remained.

If you could use a Jump-start in you workout or haven?t seen changes in awhile, these four ideas are well worth your consideration. Plus, just by changing one small thing, you could make quite a difference in your shape. It will add a new element of vigor to your workout! So, reap the big rewards of these small changes, they will pay dividends on your investment.

About The Author

Laura Turner, Certified Personal Trainer has developed a series of health fitness and nutrition tips available at www.1brand-new-body.com In 21 days you can create healthy new you, let her show you how! Subscribe to her free newsletter *Fitness Focus* Send a blank email to: mailto:hiperformbody@getresponse.com *Plus get her free report: 7 Steps to a High Performance Body*

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Yoga and The Da Vinci Code

2008-09-04T01:59:00.001-07:00

What can a Yogi learn from the Da Vinci Code? Many lessons can be learned, when you understand the power of absolute control and misinformation. What are the present and past agenda?s? How can the truth be sorted out? What good can come out of all this?

Let?s look at the present: Dan Brown has skillfully weaved a tale of fact and fiction that created a Best Seller. Many authors did this before, and even since the release of his best selling book. This has spawned ?copy cat? books that give Leonardo Da Vinci credit for everything, including the Shroud of Turin.

It has created a sensation, but the truth can still be found if you want to do the research. The History Channel has done some interesting work of separating myth from the facts. Also, there are reputable books available that go into detail about the Gnostic Gospels, the Cathars, and the Templars.

Look back into history objectively, and you may wonder what Roman Emperor Constantine?s real agenda was at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. What was the real purpose of gathering all of the Christian sects ?under one roof?? It possibly has more to do with power than it has to do with purity or protection.

So what in the world does this have to do with Yoga? Beware of organizations that desire to bring Yoga under one roof. The real agenda may be the pursuit of power. Once power is achieved, free thought is ?squashed;? then - history is rewritten by the victors. This is the formula for gaining power in anything.

Recent best selling misinformation will now make Christians pursue the real truth. In the long run, this may be one of the best things to happen to Christianity in a long time. Yet, it took many centuries for this to happen. Just look at how long it has taken to clear Mary Magdalene?s name from alleged reformed prostitute to a person who had the inside story on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

When a philosophy, government, or a religion answers to a ?central command,? all free thinking will cease to exist. Let me point out that the nine classic styles of Indian Yoga have similarities, and so do the many sub-styles of Hatha Yoga, but if you attempt to govern them, valuable and innovative thought will be lost.

Yoga is many things, but it must be allowed to evolve in many directions for the complete health maintenance of humankind. We do not have thousands of years to rediscover creations that could be lost. When priceless books, scriptures, and documents are burned, everyone loses.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: Yoga in Practice, and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Depression Among College Students An Essay

2008-09-03T05:59:00.001-07:00

Depression among college students, with a focus on Freshmen.

Who is at risk, and what can be done?

Graduation time rolls around, and you already know where you will end up next year for college. Your two best friends will be joining you there, where you will all live in the same apartment complex. You have already put your first payment, and deposit in preparation. Now you wait.

When the time comes around, you pack up and move thousands of miles just to go to college. You haven't heard from either of your friends yet, and you can feel the anticipation welling in your gut. You are so excited, you haven't heard from them all summer. Then you find out they never came. Both decided on going to a different college without you, or telling you. You keep telling yourself you will cope, and make new friends, but you still feel lonely and rejected. Once you are actually in college, things are harder than you expected. You don't have a car, so it is harder to get around buying food, finding a bank, and getting school supplies. Often times you find yourself taking naps, or just sleeping, because you can't focus, or feel overwhelmed. One of the many signs of depression.

Money is tight, and you don't have a job, because you can't find any job openings within walking distance, you are afraid to ride the bus, because it is such a big city, compared to the one you came from. You biggest fear is getting lost, and not being able to make it home.

You often times feel overwhelmed by homework and such. You can never do it quite good enough, and are often times to shy to ask for help, so you sit in silence, confused, and helpless, like a grain of sand on a beach. Not noticed and not much potential.

This is the story of a college freshman. Probably many. That guy who sits next to you in math class, struggling with theorems, or that girl in your chem. class, under pressure to learn her Periodic Table of Elements. Who ever it is, they are there.

Depression effects 76 out of a 100 college students. Mainly freshmen entering a new world so to speak. Often times you won't see it right away or not at all. This is an age group that's tricky, states a psychologist at Davidson College in North Carolina, DeWitt Crosby said, They are adults by law, but they're still dealing with making decisions on their own.

More attention is spent on alcohol consumption, and crimes among students, so that little energy or money is left for the awareness or the treatment of mental health. Often times the only funding is for counselors who will perform ? scattershot therapy. They don't actually treat what is wrong, but try to cover many possibilities of what could be wrong within a short period of time.

USA TODAY states in a recent study 14% of the 701 students who took a survey in the Boston area showed significant symptoms of depression, and over half of them could qualify as having major depression. If treatment of the depression was sought, at least 80% would get better.

The National Survey of Counseling Center Directors reported an 85% increase in severe psychological problems over the past five years. Also 30% reported at least one student suicide on their campus within the last (2001/2002) school year.

A hard part in treating depression is recognizing it. Some major symptoms of depression as told by www.campusblues.com are as follows.

1.Sadness, anxiety, or empty feelings
2?Decreased energy, fatigue, being slowed down
3.Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
4.?Sleep Disturbances (insomnia, oversleeping, or waking much earlier than usual)
5?Appetite and weight changes (either loss or gain)
6?Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness
7?Thoughts off death or suicide, or suicide attempts
8?Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
9?Irritability or excessive crying
10 ?Chronic aches and pains not explained by another physical condition

It's normal to have these feelings at one time or another, but five or more, for a two week or longer period is something to pay attention too. Also watch for changes in the way the person functions. The anxiety is normal in college, when you are studying for classes, or preparing to take a test, but when it rules your life, and they way you think and act is a time to seek help and gain control again.

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Musicians Injuries: Discover The Chiropractic Advantage (Avoid Repetitive Strain Injury For Good!)

2008-09-02T10:00:00.001-07:00

Ouch! Does it seem like every note you play on your guitar or musical instrument results in pain? Maybe it?s a nagging ache in your neck and shoulder. Perhaps you?ve had long rehearsals for that important gig or recital, and now you notice severe pain and loss of strength in your elbow and wrist. Or maybe you are trying to cope with hands that are increasingly numb and clumsy. Well it?s all part of being a serious musician, right? You?ve got to keep practicing ? too much depends on it! Sound familiar?

Guitarists and instrumental musicians are a special risk group for repetitive strain injuries, with sizable percentages of them developing physical problems directly related to playing their instruments. In fact, ?RSI? or repetitive strain injury in musicians was around centuries before the term was recently coined for computer injuries. Incorrect posture, overuse, stress, insufficient rest, excessive force and incorrect ergonomic technique all contribute to chronic pain and injuries that spell the end to careers. For many musicians, repetitive strain injuries are more feared than stage fright or an unresponsive audience. If they are also heavy computer users (my category of experience!), their risks are further compounded.

Doctors and therapists have long known that musicians are notoriously hard to convince that playing should be reduced or stopped to allow time for injuries to heal. Many guitarists and musicians are afraid to find out they might have a severe injury, and much prefer the head-in-sand approach of ignoring the pain and pushing on. This is a disastrous policy for a musician ? if it hurts, it should be checked out!

As a systems accountant consulting to small business, I spend most hours of my working in front of a computer. Not surprisingly, this has resulted in several serious repetitive strain injuries over the years. In similar fashion to the approach of many guitarists and musicians, I spent a long time trying to ?ignore the pain and push on?. It is only in recent years that I have discovered the optimum program for managing the injuries and avoiding future repeats, with regular chiropractic care well and truly established at number one on my list of priorities.

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?

Meaning ?done by hand?, chiropractic is a method of restoring good health through adjustments of the spine. The basic chiropractic premise is that the spine and nervous system control the body completely. Any interference to nerve function by spine misalignments can therefore result in poor organ function, resulting in any number of seemingly unrelated diseases and ailments. Chiropractors generally subscribe to the theory that technically, they don?t ?cure? anybody, but simply help the body to heal itself.

In the past, chiropractors traditionally had trouble gaining the respect of medical doctors. Although basic philosophical differences between medicine and chiropractic still exist, chiropractic care is now considered mainstream and is routinely recommended by members of the medical profession.

WHAT TREATMENT DO CHIROPRACTORS GIVE?

Ever wondered what happens at the chiropractor? Perhaps you?ve heard they?re just ?bonecrackers, not doctors!?. Not so.

In the US and many other countries, the educational program for chiropractors includes training in the basic medical sciences, including anatomy with human dissection, physiology, and biochemistry. Thorough training is also obtained in differential diagnosis, radiology and therapeutic techniques. This means, a doctor of chiropractic can both diagnose and treat patients. (This separates them from non-physician status providers, like physical therapists.)

As with all healthcare practitioners, chiropractors follow a standard routine to secure the information needed for diagnosis and treatment. When the source of pain involves musculoskeletal structures, chiropractors manually manipulate or adjust the spinal column. This typically requires the chiropractor to bend and twist the patient into various positions, which may cause some patients (myself included!) to tense up. Other more gentle methods, such as the activator method, deliver a high-speed, gentle, thrust to the vertebrae via a small rubber tip.

Atlas orthogonal chiropractors focus on the atlas bone (the first bone that the spinal cord passes through). Using x-rays and precision measuring equipment, the atlas bone is gently realigned without using manipulation techniques. I can personally vouch for this chiropractic specialty, which worked like magic on the most recent and severe of my repetitive neck injuries.

Many chiropractors also use water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric, and heat therapy and may apply supports such as straps, taping and braces. They may also counsel patients about wellness concepts such as nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes, and stress management, but do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. Some chiropractors also specialise in orthopedics, sports and musician injuries, neurology, nutrition, internal disorders, and/or diagnostic imaging.

HOW CAN MUSICIANS BENEFIT FROM CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

The benefits of chiropractic care for guitarists and musicians are widespread and numerous. Chiropractors can help with relief of specific pain being experienced at the moment, or as part of an overall wellness program, which also includes exercise, proper nutrition and rest. Many musicians understand that the position they assume while playing stresses their body, and are seeking to offset this stress and prevent further problems from developing.

Chiropractors evaluate and analyse the spine with an understanding of physics and how gravity and distorted postures can stress areas of the spine, ribs, neck, shoulders and hips. Specific adjustments are used to offset these distortions.

Chiropractors who specialise in helping musicians repetitive injury problems usually examine the musician patient and the instrument together. By thoroughly analysing their patient's posture, movement patterns and range of motion with the instrument, the chiropractor can detect areas of dysfunction in and around the spine. They also make recommendations as to what guitarists can do, both while playing and before and after playing, to keep the stress from returning. They teach their musician clients exercises to offset the repetitive stress placed on certain joints while playing a particular instrument.

Chiropractic care is reportedly simple, yet it is profound in its ability to help the body regain and maintain its health. Bob Birch, Elton John?s bass player and background vocalist said his chiropractor showed him pictures and told him ?muscle stuff? that no other doctors ever did. Certain things that he had wrong with him, like the extensive pain in the left shoulder blade that shot up the side of his head (which other doctors pooh-poohed) were explained and put right with chiropractic adjustments.

Make no mistake about it, regular chiropractic care for guitarists and musicians is the way to go. If you play and instrument, and want to avoid repetitive strain injuries for good, go find a musician-friendly chiropractor now!. Scores of famous musicians agree with me!

Jean Littman is co-owner of the popular guitar resource site, GuitaroJam.com Learn the essential keys to musicians' health and injury prevention. Subscribe to your free newsletter by visiting: http://www.guitarojam.com

What are the Facial Lifts of Cosmetic Surgery?

2008-09-01T14:00:00.001-07:00

The various lifts of the face can restore the effects of aging.

A facelift can improve many areas: sagging, loose tissues of the mid-face, deep folds of loose skin at the sides of the nose and mouth, jowls or loss of definition of the jaw line, and excess fat or loose skin causing loss of definition and ?hanging? of the tissues in the neck area. A facelift is a great cosmetic and plastic surgery procedure. Dr. David Metzner performs the facelift procedure in his New location in Manchester, Vermont. Look at his facelift photos online at http://www.plasticsurgeryvermont.md/facelift.shtml

It is crucial for you to discuss your areas of concern during a consultation and the physician can demonstrate the degree of correction you may be able to achieve in each area.

A facelift does not stop the clock. It simply resets it. How long a facelift lasts depends on many factors including the inherent characteristics of your tissues. Also, people tend to age in ?spurts? (look at Presidents before and after serving). If you are in, or entering, an aging cycle, your facelift will not last as long as someone who is not in such a cycle.

You'll notice some loosening within a few months following a facelift, but you may never regain the degree of your original aged appearance. On average, patients may request a less extensive tightening procedure in 7-10 years to maintain the best possible appearance.

A forehead lift corrects the sagging or low position of the eyebrows. It also softens creases across the forehead and frown lines between the brows. The result is a more relaxed and refreshed appearance. Tiny incisions are hidden within the hair, and no scalp or hair is removed.

Eyelid surgery removes the excess fat and wrinkled, droopy skin of the upper eyelids. It also eliminates bags under the eyes and tightens the lower eyelid skin. Eyelid surgery helps to eliminate the appearance of being constantly tired, resulting in a more youthful and rested appearance. Eyelid Surgery is expertley performed by Dr. David Metzner in Manchester, Vermont.

The Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty) is a family of treatments that can address problems with the fat, muscle and skin of your neck and jaw line. Is your neck overly full and out of proportion with your face? Have you lost weight only to find sagging skin in your neck? A Neck Lift can help correct a fleshy neck, jowls, plastysma or neck banding, or that turkey waddle.

If, however, the skin of the neck is loose, hanging, or crepey, even if there is excess fat, liposuction alone will not produce the desired result. A full Neck Lift may be used to address problems with slack skin, slack neck muscles, or both. Most patients over 40 will require some surgical skin tightening. Each person will have very different requirements for improving the appearance of their neck.

If you are interested in any of these cosmetic surgery facial lifts, contact Dr. David Metzner's office for a consultation to determine the best treatment for your situation. Go to: http://www.plasticsurgeryvermont.md

Dr. Metzner combines his special surgical skills, artistic
insight and good communication abilities to achieve a very
natural appearance for his patients.
Dr. David Metzner - Manchester, VT 05254
Call us at (802) 362-5655
Go online http://www.plasticsurgeryvermont.md

Depression is the Number One Cause of Disability in the United States

2008-08-31T18:00:00.001-07:00

According to the World Health Organization, 4 of the 10 leading causes of disability in the United States and other developed countries are mental disorders, including major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Approximately 23% of American adults each year have a diagnosable mental disorder and as many as 5.4% of American adults have a serious mental illness.

Depression has received increased attention recently because of the growing recognition of itsprevalence. Once misunderstood and stigmatized, depression now is regarded as a biological condition. Management of depressed patients increasingly involves healthcare professionals other than psychiatrists. To assist these healthcare professionals, this article provides a basic description of depression and describes currently available pharmacotherapies for treating depression, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Neurostimulation is the next frontier in the treatment of chronic depression. The FDA is expected to approve vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for chronic depression within the next thirty days. You can learn more about this remarkable therapy at http://www.VagusNerveStimulator.com

Vagus nerve stimulation is a ninety-minute out-patient procedure performed by a surgeon. A prescription by your psychiatrist is required. The vagus nerve stimulator is pacemaker-like device implanted in the patient's upper left chest. One lead wire is tunneled underneath the skin and coiled around the left vagus nerve in the neck. It is not related to brain surgery or shock therapy and is more effective than ECT.

Charles Donovan was a patient in the FDA investigational trial for vagus nerve stimulation and depression. He testified to the Panel at the Advisory Meeting on June 15th. After 25 years of chronic depression, vagus nerve stimulation completely cured his chronic depression. The author is so grateful and humbled by this remarkable device. He is the founder of the http://www.VagusNerveStimulator.com web site.

An Introduction To Rheumatoid Arthritis

2008-08-30T22:00:00.001-07:00

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second major type of arthritis - exceeded in number of cases only by osteoarthritis. It is a very serious ailment caused by inflammation of the joints. The pain associated with the disease is at times so severe that it almost completely disables sufferers. It affects women more often than men.

Rheumatoid arthritis advances in three stages starting with painful swelling and stiffness of the joints. In the second stage the pain aggravates and the bones and cartilage are severely affected thereby restricting the movement of the person altogether. By this time the diseases becomes chronic and just defies all treatment.

It is in your best interest to immediately consult a doctor as soon as you have pain in the joints. This means that don?t wait for any other symptom appear. Also, you should never try treating the disease by taking over the counter medicines. Chances are that you may aggravate the ailment.

It is important that you ask your doctor to diagnose whether you are actually afflicted with Rheumatoid arthritis and if so, start taking the treatment that he prescribes. If you go by your doctor?s advice you can save yourself a lot of damage by reducing the severity of the attack of the disease. Any delay in diagnosing and treating the disease may aggravate to an extent that you may have to undergo surgery. This will not only entail great pain, but also require huge costs of treatment.

Besides seeking a doctor?s advice early, you may take general precautions like protecting your affected areas from stress of exertion. You should also try to reduce your weight if you are obese. Also contact your physiotherapist. Seek his or her advice about certain kind of exercises that may be specific to your kind of rheumatoid arthritis and take these exercises regularly as per the expert?s advice.

Arthritis provides detailed information on Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Arthritis Pain, Arthritis Treatments and more. Arthritis is affiliated with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Family Health: The Dangers Of Lead Poisoning & How To Protect Yourself & Your Family

2008-08-30T02:00:00.001-07:00

Lead poisoning is more common than you may realize.

Know the possible signs of lead poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, irritability, listlessness, hysteria or convulsions.

Lead has long been recognized as a harmful environmental pollutant.

There are many ways in which humans are exposed to lead and most of the time we may not even be aware of it.

Here are some family health insights to help you to protect yourself and your family.

Airborne lead enters the body when an individual breathes in lead particles or swallows some lead dust.

Until recently, the most important airborne source of lead was automobile exhaust.

Since 1975, there has been a 95 percent reduction in the use of lead in gasoline due to the Environmental Protection Agency's Phase Down Program and the replacement of older cars with newer cars that require the use of unleaded gasoline.

Seeking out sources of lead in the household and surrounding areas can be crucial in safeguarding your family members, especially children and pets.

It has now been determined that the effects from lead paint, household dust, lead crystal and some imported pottery.

Children are considered to be at the greatest risk of exposure because they have such intimate contact with the environment.

Their faster metabolism causes them to eat more for their body weight and to breathe faster.

Children also tend to play and breathe closer to the ground where lead dust concentrates. They are also likely to put their hands in their mouths, which can bring lead just directly into their bodies.

Parents can take several steps to help protect their children from the effects of lead within the home environment.

Cover peeling or exposed paint with wood paneling or vinyl wallpaper. Stripping off the paint will release more lead into the environment, and a new coat of paint can itself peel, re-exposing the paint beneath it.

Also, lead and lead salts are toxic to pets. Pets are naturally curious and are prone to claw, scratch and pick at peeling materials.

To minimize the risk to your pet, watch what they pick up in their mouths!

These toxic lead salts can be found in such common things as insecticides and linoleum.

Be careful when doing any kind of remodeling such as removing old paint, replacing linoleum on floors, counters, etc. Keep pets and children away from work sites and building materials.

Properly dispose of any leaded materials and remove them promptly from the premises.

When a pet shows gastrointestinal as well as neurological symptoms, lead poisoning could be the culprit and you should contact the vet as soon as possible.

Many water mains are still made of lead, so household water should be tested for lead content. If lead is present in the water, allow it to run for a few minutes before using it.

Use cold or bottled water to prepare foods or infant's formula because hot water tends to leech more lead.

Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem among one and two year olds that predisposes them to eating nonfood substances and causes them to absorb more of the lead taken into their bodies.

If lead exposure is suspected, consult your health department about appropriate removal and clean-up procedures.

Also, people who may have been exposed to lead or lead dust recently should have the lead levels in their blood tested by their doctor or local health department.

May these family health insights help you protect yourself and your family from lead poisoning so you may live a healthy and happy life.

Warmly,

I-key Benney, CEO

Visit Maychic's website at: http://www.maychic.com

And also Maychic's Amazon.com Store at: http://www.maychic.com/amazonstore

Download free TMT Power Secrets Book-1 at: http://www.tmtworldwide.org

5 Steps to Clear Skin

2008-08-28T10:00:00.001-07:00

Step One: Reduce excess oil secretion

Accutane is a derivative of vitamin A and reduces the secretion of oil by the oil glands.

Foods that supply the body with Vitamin A and beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A by the body) include: Liver, oily fish, whole eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.

Step Two: Encourage extreme shedding of the skin

Using a peel is the easiest method to promote shedding of the skin. Exfoliation releases the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in the pores, which could lead to the formation of blemishes.

Extreme peels
Peels come in varying degrees, from mild to harsh. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is an extreme peel that can cost from $100 to $1000 depending on the degree of the treatment. It is only performed in a doctor?s office. The TCA is not a save all however. The peel can make the skin sensitive to the sun cause hyper-pigmentation.

Home use peels
Several over-the-counter peels contain papaya enzymes or glycolic acid. These peels lightly exfoliate the skin and are safe for weekly use.

Step Three: Reduce the spread of bacterial infection

Using an astringent such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar to disinfect the skin significantly reduces the presence of bacteria on the face. This reduction limits skin inflammation and the likelihood of a pimple developing.

Step Four: Enhance Fat Metabolism

Free fatty acids can irritate the skin and provoke acne eruptions. Reducing intake of foods containing hydrolyzed fats will improve fat metabolism. However, do consume essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are found in foods such as salmon and olive oil. These essential fats aid the gastrointestinal tract eliminate pro-inflammatory substances, which reduces the possibility of experiencing acne lesions.

Step Five: Reduce inflammation

A strong immune system serves as a buffer against inflammation. Stress reducing activities such as exercising, eating a well-balanced diet and sleeping well boosts the immune system. A diet supplemented with B-Complex, zinc and vitamins C and E likewise enhances the effectiveness of the immune system.

These steps work via creating a bodily environment that is not conducive to acne. By adhering to the nutritional and aesthetic steps above, anyone can attain clear skin while simultaneously augmenting their health.

Health author and Noixia campaigner Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include ?Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne? (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work ?Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we?re still not getting this dieting thing? (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005.

For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com

CommercialQuality Star Trac Model 1800 Treadmill

2008-08-27T14:00:00.001-07:00

The Star Trac Model 1800 Treadmill is designed by the world?s Number-1 health club quality treadmill manufacturer. It is guaranteed to meet the needs of even the most enthusiastic fitness buff.

The Star Trac 1800 series was designed for health clubs, resorts, and spas. It is used in physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, corporate workout facilities, and apartment and hotel complex fitness rooms.

The 1800 offers settings that will suit everyone from beginners to experienced runners alike. Its features offer comfort and durability, so it is a reliable machine that will please customers for years.

Because it is so cost-effective, the Star Trac 1800 treadmill will be a worth-while addition to any gym, spa, or fitness facility. The control console is easy to use, and it comes equipped with self-diagnostic and self-calibrating features that help you maintain the equipment.

This model provides constant scanning, and gives feedback on heart-rate, distance, calories burned, mph, time, etc. There is a graphics display window that offers vistas of hills and valleys, so treadmill users will forget they are in a gym and imagine they are running through nature.

Additionally, there is a cool-down function and speed +/- and incline adjustment keys, that allow runners constant control of their own workout.

The Star Trac Model 1800 treadmill is used in top-quality facilities for a reason ? it offers superior features, durability, and comfort for every user. Because it is so cost effective, many facilities place orders for multiple units, so many of their patrons can enjoy the benefits the 1800 has to offer.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Treadmill-Solutions.com He provides more treadmill reviews, treadmill ratings and treadmill buying information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

World Health Organization Still Assessing Bird Flu Threat

2008-08-20T02:01:00.001-07:00

Bird or Avian Influenza has killed more than 68 people in several Asian countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and news reports. Although health officials say panic isn?t warranted at this point, the evidence is ample to create serious concerns.

Whether the potentially-lethal H5N1 strain of the disease has made the leap from bird-to-human to human-to-human transmission has yet to be determined, said Daniel Epstein, information officer with the WHO?s Washington, D.C.-based regional office. WHO is the United Nations specialized agency for health and among the foremost organizations dealing with the infectious illness.

?I think we?re at the stage of still assessing the threat,? Epstein said. On the WHO?s scale, the Avian Flu situation ranks at a No. 3, with the least problematic threats coming in at No. 1 and the most serious at No. 6.

That No. 3 rating is based on no or limited human-to-human transmission of the disease, Epstein said, adding health officials worldwide are studying whether human-to-human transmission is occurring. People living on the same farms in some areas of the world have come down with the disease, but it?s uncertain whether they picked up the illness from each other or from fowl on those same farms, Epstein explained.

If evidence surfaces that the ?unpredictable? Avian Flu virus has started moving through human-to-human transmission, the seriousness of the situation will rise to a No. 4 ranking, he said. There are other, conflicting reports as to whether human-to-human transmission has occurred. Even so, those reports point to limited transmission only.

Generally, the disease attacks birds or, less commonly, pigs, However, it continuously mutates and is spread through bird migration, ultimately attacking humans, making it more of a potential threat outside Asia.For example, the disease was recently reported as appearing in the Arab world for the first time.

In addition, a subtype of H5N1 has turned up in North America, at a west-coast Canadian poultry farm. Even though the virus found in a commercial duck there was deemed to be a ?low pathogenic North American strain,? according to the Canadian Press, that find prompted the slaughter of 60,000 birds as a precaution against the disease?s spread. The U.S. has also taken trade action against the Canadian province of British Columbia as a result, although far bigger and costly bird culls have gone ahead in other jurisdictions to prevent the spread of the virus in the past.

?This confirmation means we?re looking at a virus capable of causing only a mild disease (in birds), if any at all,? Cornelius Kiley, a veterinarian and Canadian Food Inspection Agency worker, said of the British Columbia situation. The expanding geography associated with H5N1 is one of the reasons many are concerned a pandemic ? a worldwide spread of the disease ? is possible.

But the lack of available information on bird migration pathways and the influenzas that hit avian populations is, among other things, making it tough for public health experts to battle the disease. ?We would be so far ahead of the game right now if we knew more about the actual natural history and what the wild-type viruses actually do in these waterfowl populations or bird populations in general,'' David Stallknecht, a Bird Flu specialist at the University of Georgia's college of veterinary medicine in Athens, told the Canadian Press. ?The lack of funding and the lack of appreciation for knowing what these wild-type viruses do, I think has put us behind,? he said. The maintenance of general good health through nutrition, vitamins and exercise to ward off the Avian Flu has been recommended by health officials. Even getting a regular flu shot ? available for free from some public health groups in North America ? has been suggested as a way to help ward off the flu.

For people who eat chicken or other fowl, cooking it at a minimum of 70 C or 158 F will kill any virus it contains, health officials on both sides of the Canadian-American border have said. In addition, laboratory studies suggest that prescription medicines including Oseltamivir (commercial name: Tamiflu) and Relenza, which were licensed in the United States and Europe in 1999, could ward off the disease. Even so, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) warns that flu viruses might become resistant to these drugs. More studies are needed to prove the medicines? effectiveness, according to the organization?s Web site.

As for the WHO, it isn?t pushing either medication to combat the Bird Flu, Epstein said. ?(The drugs) will ease (Avian Flu) symptoms,? he said, but they?re not a cure for the disease. However, other WHO officials have recommended that some countries stockpile Tamiflu in particular, as it prevents viruses from spreading from one infected group to another. ?(Tamiflu) is a broad spectrum drug,? Dr. Frederick Hayden, a clinical virologist at the University of Virginia, said in the Canadian edition of Reader?s Digest magazine. Flus can have nine different NA proteins and Tamiflu ?has been shown to be effective against all of them. It reduces the duration of illness and the risk of complications and hospitalization,? Hayden said.

The drawbacks to Tamiflu are its relative high cost and short supply, Dr. Bruce Gellin, director of the U.S. National Vaccine Program Office, said in the magazine. But since 2003, Roche ? a Swiss firm and the world?s only manufacturer of the drug ? has stepped up Tamiflu production, boosting its output of the medication eightfold in the past two years. In addition, U.S.-based manufacturing facilities to produce the drug are in the works, according to the magazine.

The WHO is not recommending the use of virus-fighting face masks, which cover the nose and mouth, at this time to prevent the spread of the illness, Epstein said. Such masks were used in Toronto, Canada in 2003 to combat the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus in that city. SARS also emerged in several other cities throughout the world. The WHO is working with public health agencies globally regarding the Bird Flu, Epstein said, to help ensure such things as communications plans ? to keep the public informed in the event of a major outbreak ? are in place.

Eric Schmiedl is a freelance journalist and a contributor to http://www.avian-flu-symptoms.com

Health Benefits of Soy Candles

2008-08-19T06:00:00.001-07:00

Soy is everywhere these days, including in your milk, chips, nuts, and even burgers adding health benefits through and through, now it seems soy is also in your candles. Soy candles are a new and emerging type of candle the offers great benefits to those candle heads in the world that can?t live without fresh aroma burning each and every day in their homes.

?If it lasts longer it?s okay with me? said a friend of mine once during a casual dinner. Take that comment for what you will, my friend could?ve meant a variety of things by it, but in general consumers prefer long lasting items to those that are short in life span. Soy candles last 30 to 50 percent longer then traditional candles. Your average 14 oz candle, similar to a Yankee candle large size, will last about 75 hours. If you were to have that candle be a soy candle, it would last over 100 hours and smell just as sweet as the traditional candles do.

Traditional candles are known to cause soot in and around the general area they are burning. For those that aren?t familiar with our friend soot, think grayish black smoky smelling fog that clouds the top of your candle jar, on your walls, and even on ones ceiling. Soot is caused by the toxic elements in the traditional candles that are released when ignited. Soy candles are all natural and do not contain any toxins, thus no soot will come of them.

Carcinogens are released into the air when a traditional candle is burning. Carcinogens can cause cancer, and other health related problems. New research is showing links between candles, charcoal, and other burning devices we use in our home lives as cancer causing. Research is just beginning on this issue; however it is a fact that soy candles do not produce carcinogens. When thinking about buying soy candles think of the old clich?, better safe than sorry.

Clark Covington provides tips and information on soy candles and gel candles for Candles 4U - your guide to candles and candlemaking.

What Do You Know About Hemorrhoids

2008-08-18T10:00:00.001-07:00

Hemorrhoids are masses or clumps of tissue within the anal canal that are made up off blood vessels and supporting tissue, which is made up of muscle and elastic fibers. The anal canal is the last four centimeters that stool passes from the rectum. Even though people assume that hemorrhoids are abnormal, everyone has them.

It is only when they become enlarged are they considered abnormal or a disease. Only about four percent of the public experience problems with hemorrhoids. They are found equally in men and woman and usually occur when a person is between 45-65 years old.

It is unknown what truly causes hemorrhoids to enlarge, but there are many theories. The high intake of fiber could be one. It is theories that they are caused from sitting too long on the toilet or having chronic constipation. The only clear theory is pregnancy. It is not clear why, but it is common in pregnant woman.

Tumors that are in the pelvis area can cause the enlargement because they press on the veins. Another theory is from the force of hard stool. The passing through the canal, it can drag the hemorrhoid cushions downward. Sometimes with age, the hemorrhoid tissue begins to deteriorate and slides down the anal canal.

Some of the symptoms of hemorrhoids are when you get pains in your lower abdomen or when you feel pressure near the intestines. When the hemorrhoid continues to enlarge, it will pull down a portion of the rectum lining and protrude from the anus.

This is called relapsing internal hemorrhoid. You may also find blood in stool. This is a sign of hemorrhoids. You may also experience anal itchiness, but this is less common. Sometimes mucus secretes from the rectal lining, it will cause the area to be constantly moist, and that will cause itching. Hemorrhoids do require some medical attention, because they can cause gangrene.

In general, if you feel any bulges or pressure near the anus, you could have hemorrhoids. When they are smaller, you may not feel anything because they have no effect on the function of the anus. External hemorrhoids are the ones that can cause the most problems. It can be very painful and requires medical attention. External hemorrhoids will heal, eventually, but scarring or discomfort when bathing maybe a side effect.

When you seek medical attention, your doctor will put you on a grading system. First-degree hemorrhoids will bleed but not protrude from the anus. Second-degree hemorrhoids are protruding, but retract by them and can bleed. Third degree hemorrhoids are protruding and can be pushed back with a finger. The fourth degree hemorrhoid is protruding and cannot be pushed back in. They contain blood clots and pull much of the rectum through the anus.

An Introduction to Pilates

2008-08-17T14:00:00.001-07:00

Pilates is a series of exercises designed to improve flexibility and strength through a variety of stretching and balancing movements. It was developed by Joseph Pilates, a prisoner of war during the Second World War, and has become increasingly popular.

From when he was very young, Pilates took inspiration from the ancient Indian art of yoga, Zen Buddhism, and physical exercises of the Greek and Roman empires and conducted experiments that helped him gain strength.

Pilates introduced his exercises to the inmates of the German internment camp, helping them keep physically fit. He also introduced mat workout and physical exercise equipment made from bed springs.

Today Pilates has become particularly popular among dancers, athletes, celebrities and models, because in addition to helping to develop flexibility without causing a strain on the muscles, it also helps improve posture.

A regular Pilates regimen results in a flatter stomach and a thinner waist and thighs, as well as increasing mobility in joints. Like yoga, it also relieves stress and anxiety.

Chiropractic consultants recommend Pilates for strengthening the back and the spine. Physiotherapists also recommend Pilates, to those seeking rehabilitation after injuries to their limbs.

Pilates is also recommended for the elderly, people suffering from osteoporosis, and people who are overweight.

Pilates has become quite popular among athletes, dancers and actors because the workout improves not just the body but mind as well. Pilates? balanced approach ensures that no muscle group is overworked and as a result the body works as an efficient, holistic system.

Pilates is for everyone - the young, the old, the sedentary, the athletic, and those who have a physical disability.

Pilates helps improve strength, tone, flexibility and balance, and makes the body less prone to injury. It reduces stress, relieves tension, and boosts energy through deep stretching.

It creates a stronger, more flexible spine, promotes recovery from injury, increases joint motion, improves circulation, heightens neuromuscular coordination, corrects muscle groups, enhances mobility, agility and stamina, and improves the look and feel of your body.

Pilates Info provides detailed information about Pilates exercises, equipment, videos, classes, studios, certification, and more. Pilates Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Refrigerator Water Filters Work for Your Health

2008-08-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

Refrigerator water filters are an excellent option for individuals or families that are looking for a way to combine the health benefits of a water filter and the enjoyment of chilled water. This type of water filter is designed to be installed on the inside of a refrigerator. Although many refrigerators are designed with a built-in water filter, any refrigerator that has an ice-maker or water dispenser on the door can be outfitted with a water filter. In additions to refrigerators, this type of water filter can be used in conjunction with water fountains, ice machines, commercial coffee makers or water coolers.

Most refrigerator water filters run in the price range of sixty to one hundred dollars depending on the quality of filtration they offer, along with their life span. The majority of refrigerator water filters can be connected to the desired device via 1/4? plastic or copper tubes. The filters use a high-pressure connection to provide a steady flow of cool, filtered drinking water. A refrigerator water filter can remove impurities such as chlorine, rust, lime and dust from tap water. By removing these impurities, the filter greatly improves the safety of the water, along with making the taste and odor much more pleasant. Although the filter removes impurities, it does not get rid of minerals and fluoride that are actually beneficial to consume.

Different brands of refrigerator water filters employ a variety of methods and devices to turn tap water into water that is appropriate for consumption. However, all of the filters have certain elements and processes in common. Water is first forced through a filter to remove large impurities, such as silt or sand. Once the larger, un-dissolved particles are removed from the water, water normally flows through a blend of copper and zinc, which is vital in the removal of chlorine. The final stage of the filtration process involves carbon. Carbon is a very porous substance, which provides a large surface area for water contaminants to collect. Carbon has the ability to remove any impurities that have not been previously filtered. Carbon also removes the unpleasant taste and odor that plagues the majority of tap water.

As mentioned earlier, one of the major advantages of refrigerator water filters is the combination of a filtration system and the ability to dispense cold water. The disadvantage of most refrigerator water filters is that they have a much shorter life span than most other types of water filters. If you plan on buying refrigerator water filter with a longer life span, such as ten, twenty or thirty thousand gallons, you will have to pay a much higher price than other refrigerator water filters. The other downside to refrigerator water filters is that they do not offer any portability, and can require a substantial amount of time for installation.

Mike Tracy writes water filter guides and reviews for http://WaterFilters.Blueble.com. Have you changed your fridge filter lately

Understanding Antibiotics Probiotics and Bacteria Resistance

2008-08-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

What is an Antibiotic?
An antibiotic is an antimicrobial substance produced synthetically or from a microorganism that attempts to arrest or limit the growth of disease producing bacteria. The term biotic pertains to life. Ironically, pharmaceutical antibiotics [anti (against) biotic (life) lower immunity and therefore weaken your life force as they attempt to kill harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, antibiotics kill beneficial as well as harmful bacteria.

What Happens When You Use Antibiotics?
The more you use pharmaceutical antibiotics, the more bacteria become resistant to them. How does this happen? The answer lies in the marvel of nature and the abilities that it bestows upon its inhabitants to protect themselves against predators. For example, when you use a pharmaceutical antibiotic, it kills off only the susceptible bacteria and is powerless against bacteria that is resistant.

Bacteria are resistant because they have genes coded for antibiotic resistance. Like other creatures, bacteria live by the law of survival of the fittest. Bacteria continue to evolve toward a stronger strain to fight against the myriad types of antibiotics. They can also evolve within regional differences to resist antibiotic attack. For example, antibiotics used for ear infections in one region of the country may not be useful for the same type of infection in another region.

Antibiotics lower the immune system and destroy essential intestinal flora. Without intestinal flora to suppress fungus, the fungus begins to grow within the body. Even though the antibiotic may kill the bacteria, it supports detrimental Candida albicans yeast / fungal overgrowth that is linked to numerous ailments such as ear infections, itchy skin, intestinal gas, bloated abdomen, rash, furry tongue, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, etc.

Antibiotics in the Food Supply
Do you take antibiotics? Most people who do not take prescription antibiotics would answer no to this question. Therefore, to be more specific I should ask, How often do you take antibiotics?

If you consume non-organic meat, eggs or dairy products, most likely you are overindulging in antibiotics. Why? Most of the creatures that provide these products, routinely receive antibiotics in one form or another because of their poor health. The antibiotics then pass into the human food supply. For example, most chickens raised for food must live in unsanitary conditions that invite various infections in these birds.

Other than from chickens, penicillin commonly finds its way into your body through the consumption of dairy products and beef. Cows receive this antibiotic in their feed to prevent mastitis, an inflammatory disease, and other illnesses. Antibiotics injected into cows and other animals raised for food become a part of your meal. You may be taking daily doses of antibiotics whether or not you use prescription antibiotics from your pharmacy.

Probiotics: Nature's Way of Caring for the Body
In nature, specific plants exist that can be used with all of their naturally occurring elements intact (rather than isolated as with drugs) to boost immunity, and to fight bacteria, viruses and fungi without the adverse side effects of the pharmaceutical antibiotics.

Other than antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, some botanicals that act as a probiotic [pro (for) biotic (life) also interrupt the process of platelet aggregation: the clumping of platelets in the blood that may cause strokes and various heart conditions. Furthermore, certain plant constituents can demobilize and break down the spikes of viruses that bore through healthy cells and leave the host prey to infection and disease.

Your Choices Determine Your Health
How you choose to care for your life extends to the choices you make for your health. When chemical substances are isolated as with pharmaceutical antibiotics, adverse reactions may develop due to a disruption of the body's natural processes. Pharmaceutical antibiotics are known to lower immunity and therefore weaken your life force.

Probiotic formulations -- life enhancing formulations -- boost immunity by nourishing the cells, organs, and various other life giving aspects of your body. These natural formulations work with the body during the healing process without adverse side-effects. Furthermore, they aim not only at the susceptible bacteria, but also at viruses and fungi.

Nature works with nature. Human beings are natural entities. Understanding and implementing natural methods of self-care greatly improves your health.

? 1997-2005 by Mary L. Rodio, Ph.D.
Formulator of Dentizyme? and other natural remedies, Dr. Rodio is an Ethnobotanical Research Scientist and the Director of Natura Health Services, Inc. in Scottsdale, Arizona. She researches how plants, foods, and customs influence the health of cultures around the world - socially, emotionally, and physically.
You can access the Natura website at http://www.NaturaRx.com or call 480 451-0168.

Natural Herbal Cures Ancient Treatments and Home Remedies

2008-08-15T02:03:00.000-07:00

There aren't many subjects I know as well as traditional chinese herbs. After all, I studied them for four years in school, prescribed them to patients, and wrote a book that spends a lot of time helping regular folks choose the right traditional chinese herbs for themselves.

Of course, traditional chinese herbs are best prescribed by a Chinese medicine herbalist. The reasons for this are numerous.

1. Traditional chinese herbs are usually taken in multiherb formulas

2. These chinese herb formulas are sometimes written from scratch for each individual patient

3. Even if a classical standard herbal formula is chosen, it takes the expertise of the herbalist to diagnose you according to Chinese medical theories and choose the appropriate traditional chinese herb formula

4. If the wrong traditional chinese herbs are used, the patient can get worse, or not heal and just waste their money.

Still, there are some traditional chinese herbs that almost anyone can take, that will promote health in nearly everyone. Many of them are well known already. The following is a list of traditional chinese herbs that are good for promoting health in most people. Still, you should consult with a local herbalist to be sure that they'll help you, not harm you.

Also, you should buy my book Powerful Body, Peaceful Mind: How to Heal Yourself with Foods, Herbs, and Acupressure and find out what other essential traditional chinese herbs you need to have at home before you need them.

Ginseng: this traditional chinese herb has been studied as much as any other chinese herb. It promotes healing, increases your energy level, and improves blood sugar profiles. However, too much (or any in the wrong people) can cause headaches, hypertension, and insomnia.

Ginger is a great digestion chinese herb. If you've had sushi, you know ginger is one of the two other things you eat with it- it promotes digestion, prevents nausea, and warms you up. It's also a nice adjunct for mild winter colds. You can cut up some of the raw form of this traditional chinese herb and boil it into a fresh, warming tea.

Astragalus is a energy and immune system booster. It's a good herb to take in the winter before you get a cold - don't take it after you get sick, but but before. It's also good for those who are tired and sweat without exertion.

Cinnamon sticks promote circulation, warm you up, and help you fight winter colds.

All of these can be boiled into teas.

There are many other traditional chinese herbs - we studied only about 500 of them in my four year Masters program, but there are perhaps 10,000 out there. Likewise, we learned about 200 major chinese herbal formulas, but there are hundreds more classical ones, and still more modern ones based on traditional plus pharmacological knowledge.

Traditional chinese herbs are not only great herbs, but part of a sophisticated system that treats everything from colds and sinusitis, to menopause and impotence, lupus and chronic fatigue, all the way to AIDS and cancer.

Brian Carter, MS, LAc is the founder of The Pulse of Oriental Medicine, teacher of medical terminology at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and author of Powerful Body, Peaceful Mind: How to Heal Yourself with Foods, Herbs, and Acupressure. Visit his eBay herbal store, Natural Herbal Cures.

The Best Protein Powder

2008-08-13T22:44:00.000-07:00

What is the best protein powder to buy? I get this question all the time, and really, there is no best protein - many are very good for different reasons! In my opinion, it is futile and possibly detrimental to stick to only one brand for the following reasons:

a) I always recommend that you cycle your supplements so that your body does not get used to them thereby decreasing their effect,

b) for variety sakes alone, it breaks the monotony and allows you to try different brands,

c) to take advantage of the unique qualities offered by various brands, and

d) it is a good idea to switch the powders you use on a frequent basis to not develop any food intolerances or even worse allergies (I have an article coming out on this subject in the near future.) A blend that combines various protein sources (i.e. casein, egg, whey, and even beef if you can find it) is your best bet. I highly recommend the following: MD+ Myosin Protein Complex, Beverly International Muscle Provider, Biotest Low-Carb GROW!, and Dorian Yates Approved ProPeptide.

High-quality whey protein powders are excellent choices for post- workout nutrition since they get into your system fast to feed those depleted muscles. Casein, on the other hand, is a slow releasing protein as it recurdles into a solid in your gut prolonging digestion - this would be an ideal choice prior to your workouts or before going to bed.

Anyhow, as far as whey powders are concerned, amino acid complex profile determines quality. I have in my possession a list of protein powders that were analyzed for quality by an independent laboratory, but since I don't want any of these companies breathing down my neck, I will only divulge that information to my clients. Remember one thing, you get what you pay for! Keep that in mind. Also, some people are quite sensitive to aspartame and lactose so you will have to find free versions of those. Taste will ultimately determine whether you purchase that powder again. Write in with some of your feedback on these products - I'd love to hear your comments.

One more thing, you could even mix protein powder into other foods to up the protein content and improve the flavor. Mixing protein powder in (slow-cooked) oatmeal is one option, but here's another. I call it my bedtime concoction. Add a scoop of Xtreme Formulations Ultra Peptide (vanilla) to a mixture of ricotta (whey) and cottage (casein) cheese. Not only does this provide both an anabolic and anticatabolic effect during sleep, it also tastes amazing - it's like eating the cream filling of a cannoli without the pastry shell! Try it.

John Paul Catanzaro is a certified kinesiologist and professional fitness and lifestyle consultant with a specialized honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Science. He owns and operates a private gym in Toronto, Ontario providing training and nutritional consulting services. For additional information, visit his website at http://www.BodyEssence.ca or call 416-292-4356.

Check out John Paul's new DVD, Warm-Up to Strength Training, for some powerful techniques to increase strength and improve performance! Discover some unique, cutting-edge methods like how to increase arm strength by up to 10% instantly! It has been recommended by many experts including Drs. Eric Serrano, Mark Lindsay, and Ken Kinakin as well as Olympic strength coach, Charles Poliquin. Visit http://www.StrengthWarmup.com for more information.

What are Hoodia Diet Pills?

2008-08-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hoodia diet pills are fast growing in popularity as more and more consumers tout their effectiveness. A purely natural herbal medicine that provides fast healthy weight loss and no reported side effects sounds too good to be true, but isn?t. Derived from a plant found only in dry regions of South Africa, it is said that it has been used by natives in the region for thousands of years.

Now, Hoodia Gordoni diet pills are being praised nationwide for their value as well as their safeness, but only if you get the real thing. Many companies are now manufacturing their own versions of pure Hoodia diet pills that contain fillers such as cellulose, silica, phosphates, magnesium and stearic acid- all which definitely proves that they are not natural or pure. (In order to ensure that you getting the real thing, make sure to check the label before you buy and that they contain nothing else but the herb. True Hoodia Gordoni diet pills have none listed under the ?Other Ingredients? column.)

With the increase of obesity and decrease in overall health that the human race is facing, many people are trying to find natural alternatives to what is out there. Turning to herbal medications, that use natural ingredients, to help us become healthier is becoming more of the norm than it use to be. People are finally figuring out that the more synthetic substances that we ingest into our bodies, the more chemicals we have to get rid of in the long run. Fighting toxic? with toxins just doesn?t work. Hoodia diet pills not only help you to lose weight, but to also fight the poisonous enemies that make it hard for you do so.

Of course, Hoodia Gordoni diet pills suppress your appetite, they wouldn?t be considered a weight loss medicine if they didn?t. (In fact, studies have shown that by taking this supplement you can reduce your caloric intake by up to 1,000 calories a day!).Let?s face it though, not everyone eats just when they are hungry. This tiny capsule also assists in improving your emotional wellbeing, helping to eliminate food triggers such as emotional moments or times of just simple boredom. It also gives you a natural boost in vigor. This in turn, means that you will automatically become more active because you?ll feel like doing something.

Hoodia diet pills do not motivate you with stimulants that leave you feeling jittery or nervous; they give your body what it needs to provide energy on its own. Unlike prescription diet pills, there are no reported side effects whatsoever by users. The natives that have used it for generations consider it a must have cure-all for their all-over physical and mental health.

To find out for yourself how good you will feel and look by incorporating this natural wonder into your life, read more about hoodia gordoni diet pills and discover if it is right for you. You will not only find sites that offer the product (remember to check for authenticity), you can also read dozens of testimonials from consumers on its effectiveness. Research the facts yourself. Except no imitations and you?ll have nothing to lose except that stubborn weight.

David Bloom is a health enthusiast and contributor to many fitness sites. He is the author of Hoodia Gordoni Diet Pills, a section of Herbal Supplements Guide Weight Loss, dedicated to natural ways to help you shed excess pounds.

Extremely Quick Weight Loss

2008-08-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

A diet very low in calories is unlikely to provide adequate nutrition, so it leaves you feeling hungry, deprived and resentful. People have different reactions to this; some rebel, while others are convinced that they don't deserve to eat normally and that they'll never be able to, without gainin weight. In other words, crash diets set the stage for future eating disorders.

Also, very quick weight loss seldom stays off. That's because most people's bodies tend to have two metabolism 'settings', probably left over from those of early humans. When food is plentiful, it is consumed as needed, and the excess is stored in the form of fat. But when food is scarce (like during a restrictive diet) your body is convinced that it's going through a 'famine' time, and metolism slows down to conserve energy. If you're after quick weight loss, that's the last thing that you want, of course. And after you start to eat normally again, your body might still think that it's in a famine and needs to hold on to every bit of energy it can. In fact, some chronic dieters succeed in permanently slowing down their metabolism to the point where they end up gaining more weight than they ever lost in the first place. That's because lost muscle weight can sometimes be replaced by an equal volume of fat.

The real key to quick weight loss, therefore, is not cutting calories but increasing activity so that you burn more of them more quickly. Consider the fact that ballet dancers can lose up to five pounds in a single performance - now that's quick weight loss! Of course, most of us will never be active enough to lose weight that quickly, but certainly a daily workout, long or short, can help get you on the road to quick weight loss. An exercise program coupled with watching what you eat is absolutely optimal in allowing you to lose weight fast. Don't be tempted by gimmicks or pills, though; at best, they are likely to be waste of money, and at worst, they can be downright dangerous.

Are you sick and tired of being overweight? Please visite www.diet-advices.com

Diet-advices.com is the easiest way to find solutions for your overweight! Please provide more informations on http://www.diet-advices.com.

Army Report Validates Prediction of VaccineInduced Epidemic

2008-08-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

The more we do to you, the less you seem to believe we are doing it. - Joseph Mengele

The Army is still in denial but now admits the epidemic of Gulf War Syndrome II which I predicted would result from its own blatantly unethical vaccine policy (see warning here: http://www.winstonsmith.net/dontbeaguineapigpart2.htm ).

The Las Vegas Sun recently reported:

More than 1,200 military personnel who received the anthrax vaccine before going to Iraq have developed serious illnesses, according to an Army report released last month, though local military officials contend the shots still are safe and necessary. (June 16th, 2005)

At least the military is now reportedly allowing service members to refuse its deadly vaccines without having their careers destroyed. According to the Sun, Maj. Brian Blalock, public health flight commander at Nellis Air Force Base, said the anthrax shot is no longer mandatory for service members who are willing to sign a waiver releasing the military from liability. (We've come a long way from the first Gulf War when recalcitrant soldiers were held down and forcibly injected with experimental vaccines.)

But still touting the necessity of government vaccines, Blalock continued: There are terrorists who are intent on using biological agents and there are countries that certainly have the capability.

Indeed there are. While the US government initially attempted to scare the public and military into taking its dangerous vaccines by blaming Iraq as the source of anthrax in ?terrorist? attacks on the US (among other things), it has been revealed that the source of the disease is likely to be none other than the US government itself. The New York Times reported years ago that

The dry powder used in the anthrax attacks is virtually indistinguishable in critical technical respects from that produced by the United States military before it shut down its biowarfare program, according to federal scientists and a report prepared for a military contractor. (December 3, 2001)

I summarized the 2001 anthrax attack ties to the long-running vaccine experimentation program conducted by the US government in my report, subtitled: Who Are The Real Terrorists?. It was in this 2002 report that I asked, Are we being set up for another Gulf War Syndrome disaster? (www.winstonsmith.net)

If the veracity of a theory is proved by its ability to predict future events, the thesis that the US government is deliberately inducing preventable epidemics through tainted vaccines is now undeniable. (For the initial predictions on Gulf War Syndrome, please see links below.)

If an epidemic can be so easily started in a population captive to an institution with a long and varied history of human rights abuses in the midst of public warnings and federal rulings against vaccines known to be unsafe, how many more convenient epidemics have been quietly started by nominally humanitarian institutions (now known to be working with the military biowarfare inftrastructure and infiltrated with Nazi war criminals) using other vaccines in unsuspecting populations? And how long has this been going on?

Jerry Leonard

7/3/05

p.s. If you are feeling patriotic this weekend, please consider sending this to anyone who knows a soldier and help relay the good news: thanks to the efforts of real heros like Michael Donnelly, they may no longer be required to be a lab-rat for Uncle Sam and his biological warfare infrastructure, which was built with the aid of Nazi war criminals who, immediately following the war, were turned loose to experiment on American soldiers on American soil.

For previous warnings, please see:
http://www.winstonsmith.net/GWSyndromeII.htm
http://www.winstonsmith.net/dontbeaguineapigpart2.htm

The reason Gulf War Syndrome happened is that no one did anything about AIDS. The reason AIDS happened is that no one did anything about MKULTRA. The reason MKULTRA happened is that no one did anything about ongoing U.S. complicity in Hitler's crimes. --Jerry Leonard, http://www.winstonsmith.net

Jennifer Aniston Sedu Hairstyles

2008-08-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

When Jennifer rose to stardom about ten years ago on the smash hit TV show Friends, her renowned layered hairstyle with turned up ends went along for the fast success ride with her. Not a person to relax on her quick rise to success, She had her fanatics constantly wondering each time with a succession of developing hairstyles, from quite short, to this periods extra long, and extremely strait. Is this simple? Not really, was the view expressed by a top leading hairstylist, from sunny California. A lot of my customer as hairstyles have wave in them, he says, and a small bit of frizz. Very little have their hair lying as straight and as smooth as Jen's natural hair.

Jennifers Hairstyles Tips - Start off by conditioning your hair with a conditioning shampoo. Dry it well with a towel flat and put in a keep in hair conditioner. This will assist in straightening your hair and make it extremely soft and flexible. Carry on with a blend of identical amounts of shaping gel and calming serum, and run it gently through your hair. Dry your hair with a hairdryer using a big round hair-brush, being certain that you direct the tip of the dryer down parallel to your hair. Doing the opposite will only cause the hair cuticle to become rough, creating unnecessary frizz. As soon as your hair is dry and as flat as possible, break out the sedu flat iron. And follow the sedu flat iron instructions.

Jennifer Joanne Aniston was born in Sherman Oaks, California, America on the 11th of February 1969, possibly most recognized for her role as Rachel Green on the hit TV show Friends, and of course her extremely exposed marriage to actor Brad Pitt. She is the daughter of well known actor John Aniston and his wife then Nancy Dow. Aniston's god father is actor Telly Savalas, a very good friend her father. Jennifer experienced most of her childhood in New York City, where her Dad won a role in the sitcom Love of Life and afterwards Search for Tomorrow.

Click Sedu Hairstyles for hairstyle help, or Click Here! for sedu flat irons!

The Glycemic Index and Dieting

2008-08-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

The field of nutrition is awash with charts, tables, diagrams, models, acronyms, and abbreviations; more than the average person can memorize. As such, one often comes across someone who has simply burnt out trying to keep track of how much to eat, when to eat it, how to find the calories from fat, the RDI, the DV, and so on. There is an overkill of useful information within the nutrition field, and it can ironically provoke one to grow weary and exhausted, tune out, and go grab a fast food burger.

Yet every once in a while, a concept within the nutrition field emerges that truly demands attention. Over a decade ago, the USDA?s ?Food Pyramid? was one such concept because it helped eaters discover how many gaps existed in their typical daily diet. Now, as the Food Pyramid begins to take a new shape, and as the nutrition field works to establishes itself as the most important branch of health care in the 21st century, an invention called the Glycemic Index is taking center stage.

The Glycemic Index (GI) is not new; it has been around for more than 2 decades. Yet until recently, its exposure beyond the world of diabetes has been limited [i.

The Glycemic Index indicates how ?high? or ?low? blood sugar levels change in response to carbohydrate intake. A ?high? Glycemic Index indicates carbohydrates with a swift breakdown, whereas a ?low? Glycemic Index indicates carbohydrates with slow, gradual breakdown. Both terms are of equal importance to diabetics, because there are times with high Glycemic Index foods are required, and times where low Glycemic Index foods are required.

Indeed, the Glycemic Index itself is not new, but its application far beyond the borders of a diabetic dialogue is notable; especially for dieters.

People striving to lose weight often face a nemesis much tougher than establishing an exercise regimen or introducing healthier foods into their diet. The problem is one of energy. Many dieters are surprised ? and disturbed ? to learn that their diet program is causing them to lose more than inches and pounds: they are losing energy.

This is often expressed as a complaint, as in ?I?m feeling weak?, or even ?I can?t stay awake?. Many dieters and those advising them have erroneously chalked this up to a matter of attitude, or will power, or some non-biological cause.

The plain truth is that many dieters have been oblivious to the Glycemic Index, and hence, to the fact that many of the diet foods they have eaten ? or are eating right now ? score very high Glycemic Index levels. As such, these foods are providing a quick boost to blood sugar levels, and then setting up the dieter for the inevitable fall. This is because high GI foods typically increase blood sugar values, which in turn trigger the hormone insulin to clear sugar from the blood. Since blood sugar (a.k.a. glucose) largely dictates the body?s energy levels, it stands to reason that this process manifests as an initial boost in energy, and then as a depletion of energy. This rise and fall of blood sugar ? and energy ? is often described by dieters using a ?roller-coaster? analogy: one minute they feel confident and strong, and the next, they are about to pass out and require some kind of stimulant in order to make it through the day.

Regrettably for many dieters, that stimulant is usually more high Glycemic Index foods, such as sugary snacks or soft drinks. It is easy to see how this experience can lead an individual to stop dieting. After all, before the diet, the individual was merely gaining weight. On the diet, the individual is gaining weight and is exhausted for most of the day. It is better to quit the diet.

The above scenario only takes place, however, when a dieter unwittingly eats high Glycemic Index foods. Research has shown that low Glycemic Index foods, which raise blood sugar levels much more gradually than high Glycemic Index foods, are very helpful for dieters [ii. This is because a dieter will experience less of a ?roller-coaster? ride while on the diet, and furthermore, will be less inclined to snack because energy in the form of blood glucose is being released slowly and gradually. Low Glycemic Index foods are much more efficient sources of energy than high Glycemic Index foods, because the body needs less insulin to convert food into energy [iii.

Despite the growing awareness that low Glycemic Index foods are beneficial, the world of diet foods has not kept pace. This is because many manufacturers are searching frantically to find low Glycemic Index carbohydrates sources for their products, and overlooking a basic, simple fact: the lowest possibly Glycemic Index is no carbohydrates at all.

These zero-carbohydrate/zero sugar nutritional supplements ? which are quite rare in the market ? do not deliver any sugar to the bloodstream. As a result, dieters do not have to worry about riding the ?roller coaster? of energy spikes and pitfalls.

Yet there is an even greater benefit for dieters who choose a ?zero sugar? nutritional supplement. If that low Glycemic Index nutritional supplement is rich in complete protein, then it will act as a sort of antidote to high GI foods by helping to combat their adverse consequences.

For example, a dieter who eats a high Glycemic Index candy car can mitigate the roller-coaster spike in blood sugar levels by eating a nutritional supplement that has very low Glycemic Index and has a rich source of complete protein. This is because the protein in the nutritional supplement mixes with the high Glycemic Index of the candy bar, and effectively lowers the overall Glycemic Index. This is welcome news to dieters who would otherwise be seeing those extra carbohydrates transformed by insulin into triglycerides, and stored in adipose tissue; also known as body fat.

Currently, only a handful of nutritional supplements are designed to offer zero carbohydrates and thus score as low as possible on the Glycemic Index. And of these zero-carbohydrate products, even fewer offer a rich source of complete protein that effectively helps counter the blood sugar spike impact of high Glycemic Index foods.

It is inspiring to note that Glycemic Index is getting some well-deserved attention from outside the diabetic community, where it has helped millions of people eat wisely. Now, dieters and obese people can enjoy the wisdom that this index promotes.

ABOUT PROTICA

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com

You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com

REFERENCES

[i Source: ?The G.I. Diet: A Food Drill?. CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/03/04/earlyshow/living/main604138.shtml

[ii Source: ?The Glycemic Index?. The Healthy Weight Forum. http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/articles/glycemic-index/

[iii Source ?Glycemic Index?. WebMD. http://my.webmd.com/hw/healthguideatoz/uq2846.asp

Roly Poly Children (Make) Roly Poly Adults

2008-08-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

TRUE, TRUE, TRUE.

I just look in the mirror and the truth hits me square between the eyes.

I just recently listened to a women speaking about obesity in our children. She made me think back to my childhood and the way I raised my two children.

Today food choices and nutritional value are very different from when I was in charge of the food consumption of my children.

Today food is loaded with chemicals and when we eat this food where is the nutritional value?

Vitamins supplements are walking out the doors of the stores that sell them. It is now a multi-billion dollar business. I know for myself I would try to heal myself of whatever ailment I have naturally than take a prescription or over the counter drug.

What does this have to do with our children and their food choices?

Plenty if you ever watched your children eat and see what they select to put into their mouths, which goes down through the throat and then settles into their stomachs, you would want to vomit.

SODA, SODA, SODA, SODA, SODA, SODA, SODA, SODA, and SODA.

Soda our children?s best friend it tastes great, and it comes in so many flavors:

STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP!

How do we stop this avalanche of soda drinkers that start in childhood and continue on into adulthood? We can start buy removing it from our homes. This would be one less place the child can receive this sugar and caffeine fix. We can not control what they spend money on when they are with their friends but we have to start somewhere.

When my son was about eight years old he was all ready for bed. Somehow, he sneaked into the refrigerator and ate a piece of pie. I though he had gone crazy. He was running around the house and jumping off the furniture. Just minutes before he was half asleep on the living room floor.

I had just purchased that morning a five pound bag of sugar I took the full bag and flushed it down the toilet. Good Riddance.

When I explained this to his doctor the doctor said, There is no conclusive studies that prove sugar can cause children to become hyperactive.

I am just a parent. I have eyes and ears and know what I witnessed. When is the medical world going to wake up and realize that some of these children, which are paraded into their offices with attention deficit and hyperactivity might not need medication. Just remove the sugar and caffeine from there daily diet.

WATER! WATER! WATER! WATER! WATER! WATER! WATER! WATER!

The last few years I have stopped drinking soda and caffeinated coffee. I am now drinking bottled water. I do not miss the sugar or caffeine and feel so much better. But I am an adult; children need to be helped to make the correct decisions.

MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK! MILK!

What is wrong with drinking milk? It is food for our bones and teeth. It is only a thought.

FRENCH FRIES, CHEESE AND CHIPS:

Who doesn't want to eat french fries and chips instead of vegetables and salad. We need the fat, the salt and the cheese after all it only clogs our arteries.

This is another huge problem parents must face today. French fries, cheese and chips are not going to go away as long as the income from these products are astronomical.

How can we change this or at least balance it between fruits and vegetables? Everybody has an opinion and the only person that can implement this change is you.

As an adult I find it hard to control what I eat. I recently attended a wonderful dinner at a friend?s house. The menu was not what I ordinarily eat because of the content of the ingredients.

But I was with friends we were all sitting around the table laughing and talking and enjoying each others company; consequently, I ate too much of the wrong food.

Our children are put into this situation everyday and they have less control of what they eat and I am the mature adult.

WHAT DO WE DO?

If there was an easy answer to this question I would be a millionaire. We need to stand back and take a look at this problem from a child?s prospective and then make changes.

SCHOOLS:

The schools are where are children daily are consuming their meals. Sometimes breakfast and definitely lunch everyday. The food choices available are all the child can choose from unless they bring boxed lunches.

Maybe that is what is needed. Maybe all children should start bringing their own lunches to school and the parents can send a message to the school cafeteria STOP POISONING OUR CHILDREN.

(1) These are our children. Our own flesh and blood. They are precious to us and we could not live without them.

(2) Why is it so hard for you to understand good nutrition make for healthier minds and bodies.

(3) We take precious time off our employment for their medical care.

(4) We take care of them when they are ill.

(5) You are creating massive medical and dental problem from which the snowballing effect is now being felt.

CHILDREN? HEALTH:

Believe it or not children?s health issues are now stair climbing to the top floor faster than this problem can be fixed.

(1) Heart Problems

(2) Diabetic Problems

(3) High Cholesterol

(4) Asthma

(5) Obesity

These are just a few stairs that lead up spiraling out of control. Let us find a solution to this massive problem and step down.

FAST FOOD:

Fast food is wonderful for busy families and as a treat on occasions. Fast food restaurants have made a huge start in catering to the children and adults who do not want to eat sandwiches and french fries with every meal. Now you can substitute a salad.

Good job fast food restaurants!

Now that you have taken the first step maybe you can take another baby step. Have fresh fruit available to be purchased, if desired. You might be surprised that your customers will actually eat it.

Maybe you could take a look at your menu with a parent?s eye. What would I like my child to eat in the way of nutritional value? Maybe you could become creative and develop some tasty, attractive, dish the children will love.

ACTIVITIES:

There are many positive activities your children can get involved in. Listed below are a few:

l. Sports

2. Dancing

3. Music

4. Reading

5. Instrument

6. Swimming

7. Drama

PARENTS AND CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES TOGETHER:

(1) Taking a walk

(2) Flying a kite

(3) Playing catch

(4) Bicycle riding

(5) Roller blading

(6) Swimming - A day at the pool or beach.

(7) Reading a book followed by a discussion.

(8) Try writing a short story or poem together.

(9) Write a cookbook together.

(10) Cooking

(11) Try cutting out food groups together from magazines and making a colorful picture you can post on your refrigerator or other places around your home.

The ideas are endless since each child and parent has their own special interests and they do not need to cost a fortune. In the long run your children want to spend time with you.

When your children are healthy and busy they are less likely to get themselves into trouble. For children and teenagers trouble is lurking everywhere if they choose to look for it.

PARENTS:

As a parent I could have improved my food choices for my children and myself. As I am maturing I now notice for myself that I make better choices. But I am older and wiser with high cholesterol and slightly overweight.

I find when I am grocery shopping and eating in a restaurant I am overwhelmed at the food choices.

LABELS ON CANS AND BOTTLES:

Reading labels on cans and bottles in the grocery stores is confusing. I read, and read and read and in the end I don't know which item to buy? Do you feel that way too?

Maybe the food industry should try using plain English in labeling their food. What really is in it? Do you not want us the consumers, which buy and consume your food, to know the truth in the ingredients in your products?

In a restaurant it seems that each enticing dish has excessive fat, cheese and salt. All the ingredients that make your palate dance with enjoyment but oh what it does for your internal and external body.

As a parent you need to set an example in your daily diet and exercise. You may not think your children are noticing but they are.

When my children were growing up my husband did not care for vegetables. I loved vegetables and I wanted my children to eat them. My husband would constantly complain every time I would incorporate vegetables into the main dish. My daughter a very picky eater to this day, now a young lady will not eat vegetables.

GET KIDS COOKING:

Let your children, depending on their ages, help you in the kitchen. Let them choose the menu and let them prepare it. Most children who have a hand in the preparation of the food will eat it.

IN CLOSING:

This subject is so large and vast it makes my head spin just thinking about it.

As a mother, and grandmother I am not a professional in anyway but these are my thoughts. If your child is not receiving a well balanced diet daily make sure they are getting a good vitamin/mineral supplement.

I feel many problems children face today with attention deficit problems, behavior problems and medical problems stem from not having a nutritional balanced diet.

Let us not make the Doctors and Dentists richer. Let us keep our hard earned money in our own pockets.

That is my opinion.

What is yours?

Please feel free to check out my other articles. I would love to hear from you.

Linda has wonderful memories of the years her children were young. Obesity in children is such a huge issue now and needs to be addressed immediately. Our children are precious!

Currently she is the author of Ghost Kids Trilogy, three books in one book. CHRISTY 12, AND HER BROTHER BRAD, 16 MOVE INTO AN OLD HOUSE ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN AND MEET TWO GHOST KIDS. Meet a Magical Blue Vase. Join Christy and Brad on a Pirates' Treasure Hunt. ADVENTURE/MYSTERY Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages.

Visit my website at http://www.lmeckler.com my email lmecky@tns.net. Order my book at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.buybooksontheweb.com With an order of 5 books = 40% discount. An order of 20 books free shipping and handling. ISBN 0-7414-2273-5.

Restaurant Meals Can Be Healthful

2008-08-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

Everyone can enjoy an occasional meal in a restaurant and order whatever they want. But if you have to eat in restaurants several times a week, you need to devise ways to make healthy choices and avoid the temptation to over-eat. If you are trying to control weight, diabetes, cholesterol or high blood pressure, you need to must find ways to meet your special requirements.

First, choose restaurants that gives you a fighting chance. Find a restaurant with a good salad bar and load up on fresh vegetables. Order broiled fish for your entree. Ask to have it prepared with lemon juice instead of butter. Have steamed vegetables as an accompaniment, without added butter, and fresh fruit or fruit ice for dessert.

Asian restaurants often have a wide array of tasty dishes with lots of vegetables. Thai and Vietnamese restaurants and Mongolian grills are good choices if you stick to the vegetarian and seafood entrees. Go easy on the white rice.

Your chances of finding whole grains in a restaurant are slim to none, but if you travel a lot, you might want to pack or shop for your own cereal to eat in your hotel. Large cities and college towns often have vegetarian restaurants that offer varied, flavorful meals made with vegetables, beans and sometimes even whole grains. Whatever you order, watch out for the huge portions that many restaurants serve. Divide it up at the beginning of the meal and save some for the next day's lunch, share with a friend, or just leave it.

The restaurants listed below are a few of the national chains that offer good to excellent salad bars and some other healthier choices for people on the go.

Black Eyed Pea
Bob's Big Boy
Chili's
Denny's
Golden Corral
Long John Silvers
Lone Star
Olive Garden
Ponderosa
Ruby Tuesday
TGI Friday's

If you have found other good choices let me know and I'll add them to this list (send an email through my web site, below)

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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Unhealthy Foods: Five Sneaky Foods Revealed

2008-08-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

With the array of different diets and diet foods available to help with weight loss and health, it?s sometimes hard to figure out what?s healthy and what?s not. Of course, part of the problem is that people have different health needs: for example, while fruit juice is often a good source of vitamins and other nutrients, some people with diabetes may find that some fruit juices have more sugar than they can tolerate. So what sounds healthy may not be healthy for you. How to tell? Look past the advertising to get label-savvy and nutrition aware so that you can avoid sneaky foods that seem like a good idea but may clash with your health needs.

Check out these examples:

1) Bottled waters: Water seems like the one thing on earth that has to be natural? But many bottled waters, even ones promoted by athletes, may contain things besides water, including minerals and salts. Some bottled waters contain a big chunk of sodium, so if you?re on a low-sodium diet, check that label before you buy.

2) ?Low fat? foods: By law, foods labeled ?low fat? contain less than 3 grams of fat per serving. But check the label so you know what you?re getting. First, check serving sizes: if serving sizes are very small, and you?re planning a traditionally-sized serving, your intake of fat may be larger than you expect. Second, make sure you?re not trading off the benefits of lower fat foods for extra sugar and salt. Manufacturers may increase salt, sugars or artificial flavorings to compensate for the loss of flavor in low-fat foods. So, if you?re trying to lower your blood pressure (for example) check to make sure you aren?t getting a big dose of salt; if you?re trying to move towards a more organic or natural diet, you may want to compare levels of artificial sweetening.

3) ?Low carb? alternatives to regular prepackaged foods may also trade off carbohydrate content for other things that you might be trying to avoid, so get savvy about reading labels on prepackaged food. Keep in mind that the FDA has not yet fully determined what the qualifications are to be a ?low carb? food, so double-check the label to see if the carb content fits your needs. In addition, a number of reports suggest that ?low carb? labels are being used inappropriately, so look at the label to see the actual number of carbohydrate grams.

4) Guacamole: Avocados look like vegetables, but they are actually the fruit of an avocado tree. Fruits and vegetables are generally considered to be healthy foods ? just look at the number of servings that are recommended in the new FDA pyramid. But avocados are a sneaky fruit ? unlike most others, they are full of fat, which accounts for their less sweet taste and waxy feel. One medium sized avocado has about 31 grams of fat, equivalent to a Baskin Robbins milk shake! So if you?re trying to reduce the amount of fat or cholesterol in your diet, watch that guacamole. If on the other hand, you?re looking to increase vitamins C and A in your diet, avocados pack a positive punch.

5) Fish: Fish can be a great source of nutrition, with lean protein and many nutrients. Make sure that if you?re eating processed fish, it?s packed in something that you don?t mind eating ? if you?re cutting down on fats, tuna packed in oil isn?t for you. Lastly, not all seafood has the same nutritional content as fish ? unlike other fish, shrimp has a lot of cholesterol, even before you add butter or mayo.

Clinical Reference Systems, Adult Health Advisor, ?Food labels,? 2004.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ?Fact Sheet: Carbohydrates,? 2004

Schafer, E., et al, ?Bottled Water: to drink or not to drink?,? Iowa State University, PM 1813, 2000

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ?What you need to know about mercury in fish and shellfish,? EPA-823-F-04-009, 2004

U.S. Department of Agriculture, ?National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference,? 2004

Learn more about health, diet and exercise at our weight loss forum.

PhenForum.com is a popular discussion forum for weight loss programs, diet advice, and tips to help you burn fat.

All the best,

Ian Mason

Natural Health Choices for Women

2008-08-11T03:53:00.000-07:00

Quite obviously, men and women are different in very many ways, but most especially in their physical appearance. This is certainly the most distinguishable difference, but there are many other different internal factors as well, such as the regulation of hormonal secretions and the type of secretions; in addition, women are more prone to certain diseases than men.

Natural health is making a huge difference in the lives of women, and if you decide to take natural health approach, you will need to address these differences in the regimen you create. You might know that it is important to eat low-fat foods, unrefined foods that do not contain preservatives, but do you know what vitamins and nutrients women are more likely to lack?--And do you know why not addressing those needs can significantly decrease your quality of life ? both at work and at home?

You know from experience that a poor health habits will have an affect in everything you do. It will show on your skin and in your eyes. You will lack energy and it will show. Your body will reveal your lifestyle. The old saying is still true, if not more so today, ?you are what you eat.?

Natural women's health is one method you can use to reverse the effects of your poor health lifestyle. In addition to getting more sleep and drinking more water, a natural women's health regimen should include proper nutrition. This is especially important if you are pregnant or planning to conceive in the future. If you want to have a child, you must ensure your body is functioning properly by restoring yourself to good health through natural methods; and if you are currently pregnant, you need to ensure that your body is replacing the nutrients your baby is consuming.

That is, however, not the only reason natural women?s health should focus on nutrition. It is also because there are certain foods that normally benefit women?s metabolisms, which can be very beneficial, as it is often harder for women to lose weight than men.

Natural women?s health is also an important part of regulating your PMS and menstrual cycle. It is a way of ensuring that while your body is performing all its natural functions it is still able to get all the nutrition it needs to keep going.

One excellent place to find free information about natural women's health is the Internet. There are a number of websites that offer information and reference resources on natural health changes that could greatly improve your quality of life.

That is why so many women are thinking about changing their lifestyles to focus on a more natural approach to health. Today?s woman has enough to worry about and deal with daily. Why not give yourself a fighting chance at being the best you possible? When you?re healthy and functioning at your best you will be able to tackle all of the other issues that come up. Be proactive in creating a healthy lifestyle for yourself. Your body will thank you.

About the Author: Sherry Frewerd is a 'Marlo Quinn' Founding Team Leader specializing in helping women achieve their dreams of financial freedom and natural health: http://www.marloquinn.net/index.asp?consultant=15 Visit 'Natural Bath Body and Home' to learn more about pampering yourself naturally: http://naturalbathbodyandhome.com

Top 5 Worst Foods You Can Eat That People Think Are Healthy

2008-08-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

1- Fermented Cheese. Fermented, or ripened cheese is one of the most toxic foods known to man. The smallest quantity has a catastrophic effect on the system. It disturbs digestion and makes everything ferment in the digestive tract, so foods eaten don't benefit the body. According to Albert Moss?ri, a European natural hygienist and researcher, fermented cheeses can create or exacerbate the following conditions: infection, fever, headaches, nausea, cold sensitivity, bad stools, bad digestion. Fermented (or ripened) cheese includes many French cheeses such as: camembert, roquefort, parmesan, blue cheese, aged goat cheese, brie, etc. Fresh or cooked cheese, aren't as bad, but are not recommended either. Their consumption leads to other problems. So in conclusion, no cheese is recommended for health, but fermented cheese should be avoided like poison.

2- Fish and Seafood. Fish is getting a good reputation these days. We are told to eat fish due to its richness in omega 3 oils. That is too bad, because fish and seafood are some of the worst foods we can eat.

Fish has a tendency to putrefy much faster than meat - perhaps because it contains more protein. If you put a piece of meat and a piece of fish next to each other in the open air, you'll see that fish will go bad much faster. In our digestive tract, heat and humidity encourage this putrefaction. The poisons then created from the putrefaction of flesh foods, particularly fish, are dangerous to the system.

On top of that, there is absolutely no safe fish on this planet anymore. They are all more or less contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury, whose effects on the human body are extremely detrimental and difficult to deal with. We know that 40 tons of mercury are released into the US by power plants using coal combustion. The mercury contained in coal moves through the air, finds its way into the water and then accumulates in the flesh of fish that live in it. For that reason, there is no safe fish anymore. Just one serving can contain enough mercury or other heavy metal to contaminate a person. For all of those reasons, I would recommend avoiding fish like your life depended on it. Is seafood any better? It's actually worst. Animals such as lobsters, oysters, etc., are literally filters of the ocean. A large quantity of water goes through them which makes them some of the most contaminated ?foods? on this planet.

3- Spicy Food. Spicy food is any food where strong (or mild) spices has been added to it. Spices include: black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger, chili peppers, raw garlic, raw onion, etc, and all the foods that contain them: kimchee, hot sauces, Tabasco, etc. The consumption of spices is extremely detrimental to health. They irritate the entire digestive tract, create mucus (that the body produces to protect itself), and wreck digestion. Spices were first used as medicines, out of superstition, and then in food. People became quickly addicted to the stimulation they provide and found themselves progressively unable to enjoy food in its natural state. The worst food you can eat is spicy food, such as Indian, Thai, Mexican, etc. In someone not used to it, it will cause diarrhea. The person that is used to it has undergone a process of morbid adaptation, where the protecting itself from the harsh spices by hardening its surfaces. This protects against the harmful effect of spices to some extent, but at the same time it greatly diminishes assimilation, no the food eaten doesn't benefit the body very much. Children and anyone with normal instincts refuse spicy foods. Personally, I refuse to eat spicy food, whether the spices are in a raw dish or a cooked one.

4- Coffee, Black Chocolate and Cacao ? First premise: coffee, chocolate and cacao (raw or cooked) are stimulants. They contain certain substances (caffeine and theobromine) that disturb the nervous system. If a person is eating a more natural diet, these poisons have an even more disturbing effect on the system. For a raw- foodist, one cup of coffee has the effect of maybe four cups for someone eating a standard American diet. Personally, half a cup of coffee taken in the morning will disturb my sleep at night, while my dad can drink a cup in the evening and still fall asleep. However, as Shelton wrote: ?toleration to poisons is merely a slow method of dying. Instead of seeing in the phenomena of toleration something to be sought after, it is something to seek to avoid the necessity for.? A detoxified person is much like a child: she will strongly react to the smallest dose of any intoxicant.

So there is no room for compromise with caffeinated drinks and cacao products, which include: coffee, hot chocolate, black chocolate, raw cacao beans, black tea, green tea, mat? tea, etc.

5- Wine, and alcohol ? According to toxicology (the branch of pharmacology that deals with the nature and effects and treatments of poisons), alcohol is classified as a protoplasmic poison, because it is poisoning to both plants and animals - from the smallest microbe to the most complex animal. Alcohol kills microbes but also kills the cells of a complex organism, such as the human being. It is an intoxicant that ruins millions of lives and kills people by the thousand each day, directly or indirectly.

Unfortunately, it has become a social habit in many parts of the world to intoxicate oneself with alcohol. This poison habit is so prevalent and is such an intricate part of our lives that is now considered abnormal to abstain from this popular intoxicant. Most health professionals are aware of the ill effects of alcohol, but few will recommend to give it up completely. They will talk about ?moderation.? ?Drink, they will say, but be moderate.? How can someone be moderate with such an unhealthy and addictive product? To my understanding, moderation is only valid for the healthy factors of life, not unhealthy one. For example, no doctor will tell you, ?be moderate in smoking,? although that is what they used to say. Can we be moderate with cocaine too?

Now, my readers should understand that when someone eats a healthy diet, alcohol has an even more disastrous effect on the body. That is because the body has stopped protecting itself from the various poisons found in a modern diet, because it is no longer or less in contact with them. Just like a child who has never taken alcohol will strongly react to it when drinking it for the first time. So my dear readers, even that little glass of wine has a catastrophic effect on the system. And when drunk with a meal, it makes everything ferment in the digestive tract. No if you cannot resist that glass of wine, only have a little and on an empty stomach only, not with a meal.

Young entrepreneur, Frederic Patenaude, is the author of the best-selling e-book ?The Raw Secrets? and is known for his no-gimmick, BS-free approach to health and nutrition. To learn more about ?The Raw Secrets,? and to read his FR*EE how-to articles and newsletter, visit http://www.askfrederic.com

What Do You Need to Eat?

2008-08-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

We eat junk because it feels good. Instant gratification is what drives the current evolution of the human species. But junk food doesn't feel so good once the fun is over.

In the short term, it takes forever to digest, making you slow and lethargic which leads to a lack of activity and a slower metabolism. In the long run, giving in to those tasty little treats increases your risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and stroke

High calorie comfort foods will actually stop chronic stress dead in it's tracks and allow you a short reprieve. However, if you are continuously stressed and seeking the proverbial tub of Hagen Daaz, stop. You need to find a way the relieve your stress without damaging your health.

The majority of us do not eat enough protein and eat too many carbohydrates and fat. The food guides of Canada and the US outline diets that are very similar to those fed to fatten up cattle. It's sad really, that our governments would sell us out because some farmers wanted to be assured that there product was deemed healthy consumption.

I used to eat junk food most of the time - I considered microwave pasta to be healthy. When I began eating natural, whole foods with very small amounts of starches (bread, pasta, rice, potato) I got severe headaches for three days. I found out that I had consumed so much sugar, it had become like a drug in my system - the headaches were withdrawal symptoms.

Now, I eat small portions 4-5 times each day. This keeps my metabolism up so that I have more energy all day. I don't even crave junk food very often. When I go overboard and eat to much starch, it feels like a ball of lead sitting in my belly and it's a long time before I crave it again. I can eat a bite of a chocolate bar and put it away for the next day.

We need to reprogram ourselves. Listen to your body, it honestly knows what to do. Try to ignore your tastebuds for a while. They say it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. I went cold turkey into 21 days of clean eating.

The extreme change was quite a shock to my system and if you're as bad off as I was, you should probably ease into it. I forced myself to eat 5 times a day - I felt like I was constantly eating and never really getting full. I really missed being full after a good meal, but now it feels gross to be full.

I don't even have to look at the clock for meal times anymore - I get instantly hungry at the right times and reach for my food. It seems like you spend a lot of time eating at first, but once you find your groove, you'll find you have a lot more time and energy.

Next time you get a craving, stop and take a look at who's asking for that chocolate bar. If it's your taste buds, grab a ripe peach - works every time. You just have to love your self!

Ivy Mills has been researching chemical sensitivity and natural alternatives for over five years and has brought her knowledge to the marketplace in her company, Valhalla Essences. Her personal experiences have fed a passion to help others with the same problem. Ivy welcomes others to share their stories and experiences on her blog, Peaceful Power.

Great Way To Boost Fiber Intake

2008-08-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

I found a great way to increase the fiber in my diet- a far easier to swallow alternative to those those horrid fiber drinks! I figure I'd share for those that might find this helpful.

So what was my solution? Baking. Baking bread. Yes, I know- sounds great, but who in the world has the time nowadays?!! Problem #2 solved as well, thanks to my mother-in-law. She had given me an old breadmaker a while ago, but lost the instructions for it. For weeks I stared at the contraption trying to figure out how in the world it worked since it seemed impossible to find the instruction manual anywhere! Finally, I found a few recipes online and got a general idea of how much of what to use in my breadmaker and just dove into a few trial and errors. I can safely tell you it was worth the effort! I was shocked at how this thing worked- just dump in the ingredients and it does everything else. Takes about 5 minutes of my time and best of all there was no sink-full of bowls and baking pans to wash after!

For anyone concerned about eating healthy or increasing fiber in your diet I highly recommend you try this and make a nice whole wheat bread! Absolutely nothing beats knowing exactly what's in your food and the pride you feel because you made it. After doing a search around the net I found breadmakers typically range from $40-$100. Matter of fact, I think I'll consider getting another one...

I spent a little while trying to perfect a recipe that was as healthy as I could possibly get it without tasting like I was chewing on sawdust batter, and I finally got one together I'm pretty happy with it. Actually I think it's pretty darn tasty and I look forward to the mornings with a slice with a tad of cream cheese on it. (drool...) Anyway, here it is- enjoy!

1 and 1/4 cups milk

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon buttermilk powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon safflower oil or sunflower oil

1/2 cup ground milled flax seed

1/2 cup oatmeal

1 and 3/4 cups wheat flour

one package of active dried yeast (.25 oz)

I just dump this all in on the wheat bread setting with a light crust on my breadmaker. After it mixes for a minutes or so I add about a tablespoon bread flour, only to help with the consistency. Then I walk away and let the breadmaker do it's magic!

You can find more articles by this author at Chambers Essentials- Our blog for beauty, health, home, and soul...

Nutritious and Delicious Three Summer Vegetables to Increase Your Health

2008-08-10T03:49:00.000-07:00

Eating seasonal vegetables is a great way to improve your health, and the health of your family. Locally produced seasonal fruit and vegetables are often higher in beneficial ingredients; vitamins, minerals and cancer-busting and anti-ageing ingredients. I want to challenge your taste buds with 3 seasonal vegetables that you will find in the farmers market;

?Broad Beans (fava beans); last year I accompanied a school trip to a local farm to teach the children about how food is produced. The high-point for me was watching fifty children under the age of ten munching their way through fat new pods of broad beans; they couldn?t get enough of them. You may have negative feelings from childhood about these less-than-beautiful legumes, but put those feeling to one side. Fresh new-season broad beans gently steamed are unbeatable, and very fresh new beans are delicious raw. They can be added to salads, stews, or served drizzled with olive oil and black pepper as a side-dish. Broad beans are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins C, B vitamins, zinc and copper. They also contain mood-boosting chemicals, yippee!

?New season beetroot is just delicious; no stop pulling a face, it really is. But wait! Don?t boil the poor thing to death, steam it for 40 minutes or until you can slide a knife into it, then rub the skin off and chop into cubes. Serve on a bed of rocket or new-season lettuce, with some goats? cheese, and dress with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chopped walnuts. Beetroot are also great roasted with olive oil and thyme for a sweet and filling addition to any meal or barbeque. Beetroot is crammed with powerful antioxidants (cancer fighters) and is thought support liver function, and cleanse the intestines. It is crammed with vitamin C, Calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, and folic acid; that is food with attitude.

?The strawberry season has started which means that British summertime has truly arrived. Can you remember when you only ate strawberries in June and July? The chances are that you have become so used to the bland, dry, odorless supermarket strawberries that taste of nothing and are white in the middle, that you have forgotten that strawberries should be sweet and flavoursome, pink all the way through, and that the juice should run down your chin when you bite into them. They are so delicious that they really do not need any cream or sugar. A handful of strawberries will give you more than your entire day?s requirement of vitamin C, only 45 calories, plenty of fiber and folic acid as well as other anti-ageing and cancer-fighting ingredients.

I hope that this has given you some ideas for some healthy seasonal food. Indulge and enjoy!

Vikki Scovell is a consultant in Nutrition and Healthy Living, she also teaches fitness classes, Yoga, and works to promote healthy food choices with children. To find out more, read articles, or sign up to her FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER please visit http://www.getfitter.net

Heart Healthy Diet Plan Made Simple

2008-08-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

When it comes to maintaining a healthy heart it's important to have a plan - a heart healthy diet plan that is.

Following is a list of wonderful ingredients to have on hand when you're coming up with a good heart healthy diet plan.

*brown rice
*whole wheat pasta
*bulgur
*couscous
*canned beans
*chick peas
*lentils

A heart healthy diet plan should also consist of fruit and vegetables like

*canned fruit (in light syrup or juice)
*canned vegetables to make pur?es
*frozen fruit
*frozen vegetables (frozen fruit juice concentrate is ideal for dressings and glazes).

Other things to include in your heart healthy diet are:

*low fat mayonnaise type dressings
*evaporated skim milk to substitute for cream
*oils - canola, sunflower, olive oil
*margarine that is low in saturated fat (soft and non-hydrogenated)

It's also important to keep the following heart healthy cooking tips in mind.

*Allow the fat to run off your meat by grilling and barbecuing.
*Instead of frying, steam your food.
*Use broth or tomato juice to braise your meat.
*Always skim off any fat before serving homemade soups and stews. This is done by refrigerating the soup or stew overnight and then skimming before your reheat them.
*Keep deep fried foods to a minimum.
*Use non-stick frying pans and woks to eliminate the need to add oil.
*Trim all visible fat from meats as well as the skin from poultry and fish.

Sherrie Le Masurier is a freelance writer who writes extensively on nutrition, fitness and family health. For more heart healthy diet tips visit http://www.hearthealthydietideas.blogspot.com
and http://www.healthandwellnessmatters.blogspot.com - Copyright.

The InOffice Emergency Nutritional Kit

2008-08-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

Tired of having stare-downs with those boxes of Krispy Kremes, trays of brownies, and platters of cookies some well-intentioned but nutritionally clueless co-worker brings into the office? Be prepared for these and other nutritional setbacks at your office by stocking up on a few key items that will have your desk a veritable nutritional emergency kit.

Water: Bottles and bottles of water. Small bottles, big bottles, plastic bottles, glass bottles, whatever it takes. Having enough water within your reach everyday will keep you well hydrated as well as keeping your stomach filled when you?d otherwise fall prey to the lingering office munchies.

Fruit: Each week, bring a bag of fresh fruit to the office and store it in your desk. And don?t just stick with the common fare of apples and oranges. Berries, mangos, kiwi will keep for several days, more if you have access to an office refrigerator, and provide variety to whet your appetite for something other than those fudge brownies.

Protein bars: You can also use these as part of one of your daily meals. Be careful and read the labels. Many nutritional bars are nothing more than candy bars in deceptive packaging. Stay away from the ones with high sugar and fat content.

Vegetables: Bring a couple of small ziplocked bags of baby carrots, celery or your other favorite veggies that will keep.

Low-fat cottage cheese/low sugar yogurt: Small containers of these on hand will provide nutritional meal options.

Ricecakes: A bag of low-sodium ricecakes tucked away can satisfy a need to eat something crunchy. Just stay away from the ones loaded with flavored sugar coating.

Toothbrush/Mouthwash: I learned this trick from a friend who was a competitive bodybuilder. During pre-contest dieting, he would attempt to deflect the temptation to eat blacklisted foods within his reach by brushing his teeth. He said the last thing he wanted to do after brushing with minty toothpaste was chew a gooey piece of fudge or candy. Not bad for keeping your breath fresh, either.

Utensils: Make sure you have a serving or two of utensils at your desk, along with something to cut your food if needed.

Thermal-Lunchbags: Perfect for storing food when a refrigerator is not available. Available in many sizes.

The first step to staying on track with your eating, particularly at work, is planning. You don?t have the power to control what your co-workers bring into the office, but you can help ward off temptation by stocking up on a few items of your own. Remember, the point is to not make your own desk resemble a supermarket aisle, but to have enough options on hand in order to substitute for the really bad stuff should the need arise.

About The Author

Jon Gestl, CSCS, is a Chicago personal trainer and fitness instructor who specializes in helping people get in shape in the privacy and convenience of their home or office. He is a United States National Aerobic Champion silver and bronze medalist and world-ranked sportaerobic competitor. He can be contacted through his website at http://www.jongestl.com.

jongestl@jongestl.com

Nutrition It's What's Eating You That Counts

2008-08-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

?It's not what you eat, it's what's eating you that counts.?

Before we talk about food, the most important nutrients we put in our bodies are air and water. Forget about air if you live in Los Angeles, or now Kona, it?s bad there. Also pure tap water is now next to impossible to find in most cities. Even in beautiful Hawaii most people drink purified or filtered water. Our bodies being a high percent of water (about 75%) it becomes imperative to not drink polluted or chlorinated water. By adding chlorine in water we are attempting to purify it, maybe from some bacteria, but we don't take out any of the toxic chemicals that end up in our water source. Besides, chlorine has been linked with heart disease and who knows how long term use may affect our health. Boiling water only kills some bacteria, it makes more sense to get a good water filter, because much of the bottled water is questionable. Well there is smart water, there are new water products in the market with treated water, usually it has been ionized, or chemically altered, the best one I know is Angel FIre water, from New Mexico, Hi guys.

FAT

We are all aware of the fat revolution; Battle of the Bulge. Even my fifteen year old daughter reads all the label to see how much fat or other junk is in the products we buy. She has now decided to be a vegan, and so I have the opportunity to teach and remember why I became a vegitarian once myself.

We know that it's eating the wrong kind of fat that can hurt the immune system and put that extra fat on our body. For many years we thought that it leads to heart disease as well. There is some new research that heart disease is more linked to stress than to fat consumption. Well maybe moderate amounts of fat, are ok. Most doctors are still telling us to cut down fat anyway, both the saturated (meats and milk products) as well as other fats and Polyunsaturated (oils) fats.

Saturated fats are; chicken, beef, lamb, pork, duck and milk products. You want to be able to reduce these high-fat foods and modify your favorite recipes. Especially if you eat them more than three times a month. A good number is to keep fat at about 15 or 20% of your diet (Good fats are better).

Most people are making an effort to cut saturated fat in their diets by reducing the eating of meat, taking the skin off chicken, whole milk is almost eliminated, most people that drink milk are using 2%, I recommend cutting out dairy products all together and going into soy, or almond milk. Cut down on butter, never use margarine, vegetable shortening, and all products made with tropical oils or partially hydrogenated oils, these are not any good for human consumption. Read the labels they are in lot's of stuff you buy.

Polyunsaturated oils are not that good for us either but less harmful they are; safflower, sunflower, corn, soy, but especially avoid cottonseed oil, it's downright toxic. These oils are unstable and many experts feel they react with oxygen and can damage DNA and cell membranes. Especially hazardous are the solid vegetable shortening, butter is better than margarine, but we should try to eliminate these from the diet for optimal health. Hydrogenated oils are in lots of products as well, these are toxic to our cardiovascular system and should be eliminated as well.

Unsaturated fatty acids when heated form TFA's or Trans-Fatty-Acids. Many doctors believe this damages the body at the hormonal level as well as our natural immune system.

I have always loved olive oil as my oil of choice and it turns out that monounsaturated oils are the best for the body; that includes virgin olive oil, canola, peanut and avocado. These oils can help reduce the bad cholesterol in the body as well. Olive oil being the best and it's best use is raw, in salad dressings, or to dip your bread into. Another good fat we can increase the consumption of is Omega 3 (fatty acid) by eating the appropriate fish such as; Tuna (Yellow or blue fin), sardines, mackerel, herring and salmon, salmon having the most oil. Other great sources which many people are taking now are hemp or flax oil, or flax meal, a good source I prefer to get the seeds and powder them as oils can go rancid.

CARBOHYDRATES

We have heard all these theories of weight loss, stop carbos they are the enemy, eat all proteins, the blood type diet, eat less, eat more, it's confusing. It seems every few years we see a new diet for weight loss. I personally have tried many diets, not for loosing weight but to experience them first hand. Carbo's are still a great food for clean burning fuel in the body and especially good for athletes. Carbos are only fattening if you're not burning enough calories, as we know that fat and carbos burn clean. It's only protein that does not burn clean, it actually creates toxic residue, see below. For athletes to get the benefits from carbo-loading you need to carbo-starve for three days first, then carbo-load for three days before a competition.

PROTEIN

We need protein to grow, maintain and repair our tissues. Very few people actually don't eat enough protein, quite the contrary, most people in modern society eat too much protein. Because of the complex molecules, protein is harder to digest. The essential nutrients cannot be duplicated by the body nor found in other foods these key components are the amino acids (see next article).

Most people still rely on animal products for protein such as: meat, chicken, fish, and milk or it's products. These however are not as good an energy source for the body. Primarily because it's hard to digest and worse it actually creates toxic residue, in the form of nitrogen, which can irritate the immune system. Also another waste product called ammonia, a very toxic substance. Because it is so toxic, the body protects itself by turning the ammonia into urea, which is then carried to the kidneys and excreted. Balance is the key, to get enough protein so that your body has enough for repair and growth, but not so much that it's overburdened with trying to eliminate the excess and overworking the digestive system. All this extra effort can lead to your body to actually having less energy, more toxins and overall a weaker system.

Some good vegetable sources of protein are; beans, grains, seeds and some nuts at times spouts can give amino acids or even a product called Dr. Braggs Amino acids. The difference between animal and vegetable sources is that meat is very concentrated, whereas the vegetable sources have lots of edible starch and fiber. Another important component for a well functioning digestive system, fiber is one of the things too much meat eating is lacking. We need that roughage for a better functioning colon.

How much protein does the body need? We have all heard many approaches to this and if we take the information from the Blood Type Diet what type of protein you eat is also important. Most doctors say from 4 to 6 ounces a day is plenty. Some cultures do fine on less. For some diabetics they recommend 4 ounces per meal. I think you should feel it out for yourself. Some vegetarians say you don't need animal protein at all. If you are a vegetarian and your body works great, well then great. However I was a vegetarian for fifteen years, now I eat some fish and occasionally organic, buffalo or eggs you just have to feel it out I sometimes saw some very unhealthy vegetarians so you need some information. There is also information that says that you can't get all the amino acids from vegetable sources. I don't really know myself for sure, but again, there is lot's of confusion on that subject. Once again the key is try something and see how you feel. One meal a day with protein seems to be the recommendation, according to most. They key for most bodies is to increase vegetable and grain intake and reduce animal protein.

Grains and beans are a great source of fiber and protein. It's always a good idea to get organic foods, and hormone free meats, what they put in their feed and inject into them these days is scarry.

Nuts and seeds, like almonds and sunflower seeds, are great sources of vegetable protein, they do have some fat (mostly polyunsaturated) so moderation is still important. My yoga teacher once said only eat a handful of nuts or seeds a day. In fact there is a theory that you should always eat only when hungry as well as eat less and more often. Once again try some of these on your own body, and see how you feel.

Soybeans have the most protein as well as significant amounts of polyunsaturated fat. Soy protein is not only made into tofu, but all kinds of products. I personally feel we overdid the soy bean revolution. Also make sure you get organic. Everyone replaced meat with tofu when we where vegetarians. I didn't think it was that great of a food not having much roughage and being high in fat. Many people feel it's a great source of protein, there is cheese, tempeh, yogurt, milk, wieners, burgers and lunch meats made from soy now. Most health food stores carry these products. There may be great health benefits to soy that is just coming to light (I quote Dr. Weil). Two of the best known soy phytoestrogens -genistein and daidzein-are now being explored for their ability to moderate human hormonal imbalances.

Eggs are a good source of protein, just don't overeat them either. Get fertile natural range fed chickens that scratch on the earth to get their minerals, and no hormones please. Avoid raw eggs, there is salmonella in them quite often. Eat eggs once or twice a week, if you are going to eat them, not daily.

To summarize eat less protein. Begin to replace animal protein in the diet with fish, vegetable and soy products. Eat more vegetables and create meals that have smaller servings of animal proteins. Eat more whole grains, legumes and products made from whole grains the best breads are sprouted breads, like bible bread, because in sprouting the seeds they become more digestible and less alergetic. Eat more fruit, yogurt and raw juices. Reduce your calorie intake by eliminating high-fat foods, canned sodas are slow death, the diet kind the worse. Variety is clearly important, eating the same foods all the time will not give you the different nutrients a varied diet can give.

Do not use polyunsaturated vegetable oils for cooking. Use only good quality olive oil. Cut out cotton seed oil, palm oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, or partially hydrogenated oils (trans-fatty acids). Read the labels, they put some of this stuff in all kinds of foods, keep it simple and natural.

Eat more omega-3 fatty acids by eating the right fish (Salmon and Tuna) and by adding hemp seeds or flax seeds to your diet.

Much of this information is readily available in most books on nutrition, just remember don't be fanatical, it's more important to enjoy life and realize we have eaten junk food for many years. Getting off that is difficult, take it easy, don't shock yourself and consult with your doctor. The body can do wonders with poor eating and bad food, but only so long.

VITAMINS

Taking vitamins is another controversial subject, however most doctors now recommend vitamins, and the best are the natural source vitamins. One key is taking them at the right time and with the right foods. To most experts vitamins are our insurance program as well as our protection from toxins, and heavy metals, as well as most vegetables now have low nutrient level due to spraying, chemical fertilizers and high tech. breeding systems. If you can find liquid, or sublingual vitamins they are said to be the best, see Dr. Robert Young?s (Ph Miracle) vitamins and supper greens.

A real simple vitamin program suggested by Dr. Weil (buy his book Spontaneous Healing).

At breakfast: Take I,000-2,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 25,000 IU of natural beta carotene.

At lunch: Take 400-800 IU of natural vitamin E and 200-300 micrograms of selenium.

At dinner: Take 1,000-2,000 milligrams of vitamin C.

At bedtime take another 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C

To summarize what to do about toxins in foods:

Reduce the percentage of processed foods in your diet and to choose only products made without artificial additives. Cut down the consumption of meat products and buy products certified to be free of drugs and hormones. Especially poultry, they are loaded with toxins, growth hormones and antibiotics.

Reduce eating foods known to contain natural toxins, such as black pepper, celery, alfalfa sprouts, peanuts and some commercial mushrooms.

Eat a varied diet rather than eating the same foods every week.

Wash and peel fruits and vegetables especially if they are not organically grown. Better yet buy organic when you can.

Attempt to buy only organically produced apples, peaches, grapes, raisins, oranges, strawberries, lettuce, celery, carrots, corn, green beans, soy beans, potatoes and wheat flour. These products tend to be sprayed worse than the rest of the foods and because they are grown in large numbers are usually also chemically fertilized.

Grow a small garden, sprout seeds or look for sources of local organic produce farmers markets are everywhere now. A lot more vegetables are available in health food stores and even some major chains, now carry organic foods.

Stop eating fast and deep fried, processed foods, preservatives, chemical dyes and artificial sweeteners.

DRUGS, & COSMETICS

Remember what you put on your body is absorbed into your skin. Shampoos, make- up, creams and all the other drugs we take can have long term detrimental side affects to our health. This includes prescription as well as illegal drugs. Know what you are taking or putting on your skin.

Most doctors use drugs to treat disease, it's all well and good and we are lucky to have some of these drugs. However, it's important to be well informed of any drug you are taking as well as to look at the alternatives; such as herbs, Chinese medicine as well as naturapathy, or homeopathy. One of the widest use of drugs is in athletics, steroid use is very dangerous and there is enough research out that proves this.

It's easy to get confused with so much information on nutrition, my intention is to make the reader aware of substances that can help you heal and resist the effects of toxins, stress, and aging in your body. As well as help you feel, perform better and improve the quality of your life. There is lot's to learn and we are discovering more powerful nutrients to help us every day. One of the most revolutionary products out is deer antler extract or Igf1 which is a pre-cursor to HGH (Human Growth Hormone) which I don?t recommend without a professional doctor treating you. Deer antler not new, the Chinese have been using it for thousands of years as a tonic. It's sexual powers are just one facet, it actually contains all the amino acids, as well as promoting the human growth hormone (HGH) which can get our metabolism on track again. It's good for increasing muscle mass, reducing fat, building new cell tissue, giving a boost to our immune system, natural anti- inflammatory, good for arthritis and much, much more.

Being Mexican I have always eaten lots of onions, chiles and garlic. Eating more garlic, onions and ginger; not only help the food taste better, the benefits; like lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, blood clotting, antioxidants, aiding digestion are well known. There are more benefits coming out every day. We have not done much research with ginger in the states, but it is a great tonic as well and used very extensively in the Asian cooking.

If you drink coffee eat something with it, it's very damaging on an empty stomach. It can make your adrenals work extra. You can buy organic as well and on some days, switch to green tea, or herbal teas.

If you have been exposed to toxins or feel you have a high toxic overload. Take milk thistle to help your body recover, as well as the suggested vitamin program of Dr. Weil.

If you are generally weak or lacking energy, or you catch all the bugs that come around. Try a cleansing diet, work out, walk more, or see a specialist and find out why you have low energy. Experiment with Siberian ginseng, Dong Quai or cordyceps, change your diet. Give your body a break, try a fast by eating only raw foods one day a week, come off gently with soup. Move into raw juice fasting, or the master cleanser diet. Read some books, experiment with your body. Not all bodies are the same we each must find the perfect eating system for our needs.

This is all very simple and can be implemented into your lifestyle very easy, it just takes desire, remember don't get fanatical and go easy. Your body will go into shock if you jump into fasting too fast. Consult with your doctor, get informed have fun.

This is not an article to prescribe or diagnose any disease. Eating is the natural way to take good care of your body. Much of this information is suggested by Dr. Andrew Weil (buy his book Spontaneous Healing) and John MacDougal MD. and not intended as medical advice.

One of Dr. Weils? best sayings is Do not seek help from a conventional doctor for a condition that conventional medicine cannot treat, and do not rely on an alternative provider for a condition that conventional medicine can manage well.

As my good friend Dr. Bruce Parker says, It's not what you eat, but what's eating you that counts.

For more information or other articles see http://www.molinamassage.com

Othon has been involved in the health field as a massage therapist, manual therapist and personal trainer for over thirty five years. He was one of the first therapist to teach in the University of Hawaii and had one of the first licensed massage schools in Hawaii. He has studied with some of the top doctors and healers of our times. Like The Touch for Health foundation, Bernard Jensen DC., John Christopher ND., Everts Loomis MD., Ram Dass, Tony Robins, Rolling Thunder, and many more to list here. His specialty is treating sports injuries, back problems, and teaching others how to improve their health or athletic competition using nutrition and other fitness technologies.

Some of his specialties are Kinesiology, Polarity therapy, Reflexology, Iridology, Nutrition, herbs, Native American Indian Medicine, Neuro-Lynguistics and sports medicine with an emphasis in body mechanics. He has been an athlete and runner all his life, and competed in many triathlons, 5k's, 10k's and marathons. Competing at an elite level gave him the experience to help train...

Secrets of Food Combining

2008-08-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

The observance of rules of food combining is neither faddish nor eccentric. It is a simple, scientifically-based system of selecting foods, from among different types, which are compatible. This facilitates easy and efficient digestion and ensures after-meal comfort.

Digestion is not merely chemical or physical process, but also a physiological one. When food enters the body, it undergoes several changes before it is broken down into its constituent parts and assimilated. But no food can be assimilated by the system and used by various organs unless it has first been digested and then absorbed in the digestive system known as alimentary canal, while the residue, unfit for absorption is eliminated from the system.

The chemical part of digestion is accomplished by a series of juices and their enzymes. The juices alternate between alkalies and acids, and their character is determined by the requirement of the enzymes they contain. These enzymes remain active in suitable media of well defined acid-alkaline ranges and are destroyed in unsuitable media. For instance, the salivary amylase ( ptyalin ) or starch-splitting enzyme of the mouth is active only in an alkaline media and is destroyed by a mild acid. The gastric enzyme, pepsin, which initiates protein digestion, is active only in the acid medium and is destroyed by alkalies.

A noteworthy feature of the digestive secretions is that the body suits its fluid and enzymes to the character of the food eaten. There are, however, severe limitations in this process. It is possible to suit the juices to a particular food, however, complex it may be, but not to a variety of foods taken together. It is the combining of many varieties and incompatible foods at a meal that causes 90 per cent of digestive disorders.

There is a marked tendency to gastro-intestinal fermentation with certain combinations of foods. There is no fermentation and digestion will be much more satisfactory when the foods comprising a meal are of the same type. This generally means eating similar foods at one time in order to accomplish the most complete digestion. The most important rule for combining foods is to avoid mixing protein and carbohydrate concentrated foods. Although every food contains some protein , those regarded as protein concentrated foods demand the longest digestive time. They are held in the stomach for some hours until the gastric juices has performed its task. This may vary from two-and-a-half to six hours, depending upon the complexity of the protein in the food. If a protein food is mixed with starch-concentrated or sugar-concentrated foods, it will usually result in fermentation. This may lead to indigestion and gas in the stomach.

Animal-food proteins, such as meats, fish and cheese, require very high concentration of hydrochloric acid. Their gastric digestin will be greatly inhibited by carbohydrate fermentation in the stomach. This will produce more gas and increased discomfort. Eating meat, potatoes, bread and sweets should, therefore, be especially avoided.

Protein foods are best digested when eaten with fresh vegetable salad. Primary protein foods such as nuts, seeds and soyabeans also combine very well with acid fruits like oranges, pineapples, grapefruit and lemons, and fairly well with sub-acid fruits, like grapes, pears, apples, berries, apricots and peaches. These vegetables and fruits are rich natural sources of vitamin C which aids protein digestion.

The second important rule for food combining is to avoid mixing proteins and fats at the same meal. Fat in foods inhibits the secretion of gastric juice through the small wall. Thus when fat-concentrated foods are taken with protein foods, gastric catabolism will decrease by the degree of liquid concentration in the stomach. Fat will remain undigested in the stomach until gastric juices complete their work on the complex protein molecule. Although all primary protein foods contain high concentration of fat, such lipids will be held in suspension, awaiting catabolism in the intestine , without impeding gastric action. Free fats like oil, butter, and milk tend to coat the gastric mucoa, thereby inhibiting its effort to secrete gastric juice. Fat surrounding fried foods is also regarded as free fat and it interferes with gastric catabolism.

Another important rule for food combining is to avoid mixing carbohydrates and acid fruits in the same meal. The starch-splitting enzyme ptyalin in the saliva plays an important role as the food is chewed. It converts the complex starch molecules into simpler sugars. Ptyalin requires a neutral or slightly alkaline medium for proper functioning and this is the normal condition of the saliva in the mouth. However, when acid foods are taken, the action of ptyalin is halted. It is, therefore, necessary to avoid acid fruits in the same meal as sweet fruits or starches. Thus tomatoes should not be eaten with starches especially potatoes or bread. Refined sugar products are also acidic, both in the mouth and in the bloodstream. The acidifying of the saliva by sucrose is one of the main causes of tooth decay. It can also cause severe damage to the digestion.

Food combining is designed to facilitate easier digestion. In a nutshell, starches, fats, green vegetables and sugars may be eaten together as they require either an alkaline or neutral medium for their digestion. Similarly, proteins, green vegetables and acid fruits may be eaten together as they require an acid or neutral medium for their digestion.

But starches and proteins, fats and proteins and starches and acid fruits should not be eaten together as a general rule, if the best results are required from the ingestion of the food eaten.

This in brief is the whole basis for successful food combination. An important point to remember about meals is that the smaller the number of courses they consist of, the better it will be. They should approximate to a one-course meal as much as possible. Simple meals in every way are more conducive to health, than more elaborate ones, no matter how well they may be combined.

A meal consisting of proteins,carbohydrates and fats may remain in the stomach for six to seven hours before the stomach is emptied. If carbohydrates are eaten without proteins, they remain in the stomach for a relatively short period. A fruit meal remains in the stomach for even shorter time. It is advisable to eat these different foods at different meals - a fruit meal, a starch meal and a protein meal. The ideal practice is a fruit meal for breakfast, a starch meal with salad and non- starchy vegetables for lunch, and a protein meal with a salad and non-starchy vegetables for dinner.

Proteins: Nuts, seeds, soyabeans, cheese, eggs, poultry* meat*, fish*, yogurt.

Fats: Oils, olive, butter, margarine.

Starches: Whole cereals, peas, beans, lentils.

Vegetables: Leafy green vegetables, sprouted seeds, cabbage cauliflower, brocoli, green peas, celery, tomatoes, onions.

Sweet Fruits: Bananas, fits, custard apples, all-dried fruits, dates.

Sub-acid-fruits: Grapes, pears, apples, peaches, apricots, plums, fruits guavas, raspberries.

Acid fruits: Grapefruit, lemons, oranges, limes, pineapple, strawberries.

To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:

Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy

Improve Your Health with Natural Foods

2008-08-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

Remember the movie that came out recently where the fellow ate nothing but fast food for an entire month? If you saw the movie then you know the results of the month of junk food on the man?s body, mind and spirit. He basically felt and looked awful because of his poor food choices. Are you considering making big changes in your health by eating healthier? If you are ready to make that jump from junk food and quick meals to natural health food, then must accept that it will take a considerable amount of effort and patience on your part.

The United States population has an obsession with junk food; that?s certainly not news. We?re a fat, unhealthy nation, with quick, processed foods far too easily obtainable. All the junk food that you have been feeding your body will have eroded your body; and once you start living a healthier lifestyle, your body is in for a battle of change.

What?s the alternative to fast food? Eating that which Mother Nature provides for us is the first place to start. Natural health foods are usually organic or contain little or no preservatives. Many natural health foods are also low in cholesterol and saturated fat. This means that sticking to a natural health diet by consuming healthy foods will help you eliminate energy reserves and lose weight in the process.

By consuming healthy foods that contain low levels of fat, you lower your level of hunger in the long run, as your body will be getting all of the nutrients it needs from less food. Natural health lifestyle is a way of getting the best out of nature.

You will find that you are much happier and easy going. You will also notice a great change in your mood, since your body is healthy, making you happy. These basic improvements in your health will reinforce your diet, pushing you to eat healthier, lose more weight, and even tighten up your diet further.

Healthy foods will also ensure that you are bustling with energy; and once you have loads of energy you will have to find a way to use it. That will mean that you will find yourself going to the gym or taking up some new hobby, since your energy has to be used up some how. You will be amazed to see how easy it is to actually maintain a natural health lifestyle. All your friends will notice as you become more energetic and productive.

Natural health also encourages positive thinking and is a gradual process. There is no fast and quick solution; only the reality of time. And if you are aware of that, then you know that you are on the right track to making those crucial life changes that will only benefit you in the future.

Organic Eating Habits Are They Attainable For Children?

2008-08-09T08:20:00.001-07:00

Some adults would say, ?Well, of course they are? while others would retort, ?you must not have children!? However it is possible to give them this healthy advantage but it does take some effort. Many parents have children that scream at the mention of vegetables let alone the sight, or smell. A majority of kids are raised on fast food that is full of unhealthy ingredients. Of course they are possibly given a cucumber here and there, but will only eat it when dipped in ranch dressing that is full of MSG. These unhealthy eating habits are detrimental to our children?s health. These habits have to change.

Many parents have been frustrated while trying to encourage a healthy and organic lifestyle for their children. There is hope however in getting junior to eat broccoli, request cauliflower, and get second helpings of stir fry. Here are a few tips for you parents who are striving to give your kids a healthy future. First off if you have an infant make sure to introduce him/her to the wonderful world of solids without offering them bites of fast food. If they don?t taste it they won?t miss it. I?m always shocked when I hear a parent say, ?I was eating pizza and I gave my son a bite and he LOVED it.? They say it as if it?s a wonderful miracle that he liked it. What?s happening is they are ruining his taste buds. He will become accustomed to the salty, fatty taste and when you try to offer him healthy foods that aren?t laden with salt he will refuse. The same goes for sugar.

By the time the child is two these same parents are saying, ?My child just doesn?t like vegetables and there is nothing I can do about it?. This is not true, however your road will be much harder. The second tip is to try and find foods that are similar to the ones they are used too your. Many of their favorite snacks can be found in your nearest health food store or online, only a healthier version. Look for snacks that aren?t sugar laden and do not contain MSG or hydrogenated oils.

Thirdly presentation can be everything. Don?t toss the new crackers that actually contain whole wheat at them and say, ?I know these aren?t the best but just try them.? Get excited to try the items with them. Arrange them on a platter with some hormone free cheddar cheese and sit down with them to enjoy an afternoon snack. Which brings me to my fourth tip and that is to lead by example.

Now for my fifth tip do not change every single item in your household at once if you are dealing with older children. If you change every single item at once they are likely to become bitter towards the idea of eating healthy. Remove your worst offenders first, such as items containing MSG, hydrogenated oils, and refined sugars. Use a variety of foods, don?t just continuously try to shove broccoli down there throats over and over. Have fun creating meals and enjoy watching your children grow into healthy young adults.

I am the owner of the Kalista Organics website offering organic, chemical free body care to you and your families. http://www.kalistaorganics.com

Health Benefits Of Flax Seed

2008-08-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Flax seed has become a buzzword in our society, as we are becoming more conscious about our health and wellness. This seed is highly recommended for general well being and whole body nutrition. The seeds are also considered as the nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids ? one of the vital requirements for the health of all body systems.

At first glance flax seeds look like sesame seeds that are used on hamburger buns. The color is generally yellow, while some flax seeds come in brown color. However, the color of flax seeds doesn't change their nutritional value. Whatever the color is, flax seeds bear all the nutritional ingredients in them.

Flax seeds are available everywhere ? at your nearby health food store or the place where you get natural foods sold in bulk. You can buy the seeds or can buy the vitamin supplements of flax seeds in pill form.

Nutrients in flax seed

Flax seed is the best source of Omega 3 fatty acid, one of the best nutrients for brain and concentration. Because of the presence of Omega 3, consuming flax seeds increases our ability to think faster and concentrate better.

Following are the nutrients we get from flax seeds:

Fiber: Flax seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. The seeds also contain a special fiber called mucilage, which is a natural laxative and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Lignans: These are natural plant chemicals that boost the production of a substance attached to estrogen and carry it out of the body. Flax seed contains more lignans that other vegetables and grains.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Protein: Flax seeds are a rich source of protein too, as every 100 Gms of flax seeds provide 25-30 Gms of protein.

Fat: Flax seed is one of the best sources of essential fatty acid ? alpha linolenic acid. This is very important for bodybuilding, since it enhances insulin sensitivity within muscle cells.

Vitamins and Minerals: Flax seeds contain Vitamin E, and B group of Vitamins. These seeds are also rich in minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, nickel, manganese, calcium, sulfur, silicon, molybdenum, chromium, and cobalt.

Benefits of flax seeds

Flax seeds are the most effective solution of constipation problem. The seeds are astringent and have a laxative action. So you can have these seeds for mild to moderate symptoms of constipation.

You can have flax seeds in various ways: Simply chew the seeds in their natural form. Grind the seeds in a grinder (you can use a coffee grinder) to make the powder and eat the powder. You can mix the powder in juice, cereal, or nondairy smoothie and have it. You can sprinkle the powder on salad and consume it to get the nutrition of both salad and flax seeds.

However, you should drink plenty of water after consuming flax seeds. Be careful about having the quantity of flax seeds. Up to 3 tablespoons twice a day can give you best result while large amount can cause toxic effect.

Flax seeds are also useful to remove acne, because of the presence of fatty acids that help control the production of androgens (hormone that causes acne). Apart from this, the androgen control mechanism of flax seeds also helps building muscle, burning fat and reducing water bloating that occur due to excess androgens.

So what are you waiting for? Flax seed is not even expensive and you can easily get them in your nearby health food store. So when the entire health conscious society is joining the wagon of wellness you should also experience the benefits of one of nature's best health foods ? the flax seed.

For more infomative health and beauty articles or to browse our wide variety of quality herbal supplements visit http://www.natural-health-4-life.com

Weight Loss Success Results from Finding the Right Balance of Calories and Exercise

2008-08-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Weight loss is not just about changing what you eat, it's also about adding more exercise activities during your week.

We need to change our eating habits, to stop eating the junk foods and highly processed foods and replace them with good, healthy foods. You need to eat foods that supply you with all the nutrients that are required to keep our bodies healthy.

Before making any changes, I recommend that you start a food and activity journal. In this, you not only write down what you eat, but where, when, and what you were feeling at the time. This will help you will see what triggers your hunger and what satisfies your appetite. What foods do you routinely shop for? What snacks do you keep in the pantry?

Once you start to see patterns in your journal, you're ready to start taking action. But keep in mind that deciding to reduce the calories, fat, saturated fat, and sugar in your diet is a big step, and trying to do that at the same time you endeavour to make a drastic change in your physical activity level, may be biting off too much change at one time. Which, sadly, can set you up for failure. Instead of trying to make all the changes at once, I recommend that you set smaller, more realistic goals for yourself and plan to add in a new challenge each week.

Don't plan to starve yourself, either. This won't help you lose weight. It's much better to eat small, regular meals five or six times a day, so that the body never feels threatened and tempted to hold on to its fat stores. Eating regular meals also helps to maintain your blood sugar at a constant level so that you don't start craving sugary food when your blood sugar levels drop.

Adding fibre to your diet -- such as whole grain cereals, legumes (lentils and beans), vegetables, and fruits -- can help you feel full with fewer calories.

Another great tip: Prepare your meals and snacks at home. This is a great way to save money, eat healthy, and spend time with your family. When preparing meals, choose low-fat/low-calorie versions of your favorite foods.

Snacks can comprise simple of a piece of fresh fruit, cut raw vegetables, or a container of low-fat yogurt. These are portable and an excellent choice to tide you over until mealtimes. Take these snacks with you for a healthy alternative to chips, cookies, or candy.

As I mentioned earlier, weight loss success also requires that you increase your physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes (adults) or 60 minutes (children) of moderate intensity activity for at least three or more days a week. If you are just starting to be physically active, remember that even small increases provide health benefits. Check with your physician first, and then start with a few minutes of activity a day and gradually increase, working your way up to 30 minutes. If you already achieve 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day, you can gain even more health benefits by increasing the amount of time that you are physically active or by taking part in more vigorous-intensity activities.

The balance of calories consumed against your activity level will either cause weight loss or gain. The more calories you eat, the more physical you need to be. For example for every 100 calories you consume and not burn a day, you will gain about 1 pound in a month. That's about 10 pounds in a year. The bottom line is that to lose weight, you must reduce your calories and increase your physical activity.

About The Author
Gill Webster is dedicated to helping people, especially women over 40, learn how to live a healthy beautiful life, while succeeding at weight loss. To learn more, jump to http://slimyouwin.com, sign up for her free newsletter on health and fitness and receive her free e-book. Signup is a simple sign and Gill guarantees a no-spam policy!

Eating Healthy is What I Want Where do I Start

2008-08-08T23:17:00.001-07:00

This article could also be called ?Having the Perfect Weight is what I Want, Where do I Start?? because eating healthy and having natural weight management go hand in hand. If you follow the principles of healthy eating, you will naturally loose unwanted weight and be fit and trim as you would like permanently!

Here are a few short suggestions to get you started on your road to living a healthy lifestyle ? eating better, feeling better and acquiring the weight you desire.

1) Change the place you shop! Really, this is one of the biggest, most effective steps you can take to make significant changes in eating better. There are a number of great health markets available now and they are becoming more popular. Even though healthy foods may be a little more expensive, they are higher in nutrition and quality. You will have more healthy choices of good foods to choose from, though you should still always read labels to insure you are getting good quality foods.

2) Incorporate raw foods in every meal, every snack, and everything you eat. Raw foods are high in nutrition, low in calories, and aid good digestion. Fresh fruits do not combine well with most other foods, so fruits are best eaten in the morning. They can be combined with raw nuts, whole grain cereals, and smoothies (with raw nuts, soy milk, and even veggies). Do not eat fruits for dessert ? they will only ferment in the stomach. A large portion of raw vegetables should always be served at lunch and dinner ? more than just a carrot stick or two. We need lots of greens and other vegetables, plus raw nuts and sprouts which are full of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber of which we need.

3) Stick to whole grains as much as possible. Especially if you are trying to loose weight, omit flours from your diet and the weight will drop off easily and naturally. Yes, breads, pastas, etc. can be replaced with more whole grains. How? Instead of eating sandwiches or breads on the side, add whole grains to your salad. Eat them for breakfast if raw fruits and nuts aren?t filling enough. Get familiar with a good variety of whole grains (millet, quinoa, amaranth, barley, brown rice, etc.) and serve them in a variety of ways for every meal.

4) Eat a small amount of protein with each of your meals. The first mistake people make when cutting down on animal products, is replacing them with an abundance of carbs. Don?t do that. You still need your protein and can get great healthy sources of proteins from raw nuts, legumes (beans, peas) and sprouts. These are full of protein and good for you. Soy milk, tofu milk, and almond milk are great milks for when you need them. These milks are not ?substitutes? - they just come from vegetable sources instead of an animal. Don?t overdo it, but a handful of raw nuts, raw seeds, sprouts or beans on a salad, or any of these on the side, are good proteins that we need.

5) Omit milk products from your diet. To some they may seem necessary, but keep in mind that it?s the milk producers that have engrained that thought into our heads and put it into our textbooks. Humans are the only mammal that drinks milk after they are weaned, the only mammal that drinks it from another mammal, and the only one that drinks it pasteurized - which process makes it an indigestible source of calcium anyway. The way dairy milk is produced makes it an entirely poor source of food. Our best sources of calcium actually come from our leafy greens and our raw nuts and seeds (raw sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin).

6) Remember, the biggest flaw in today?s eating is the one thing we usually have a hard time letting go of: convenience foods. These are all highly refined foods, high in calories, fats, unhealthy additives, preservatives, colors, flavors?..the list goes on and on. We don?t need any of them. Yes, we do like things that are convenient, so prepare things so they are convenient for you:

* have fresh fruits available to grab at a moment?s notice
* package your own baggies or raw nuts and dry fruits
* pack an emergency bag in your car with healthy things to eat so you are not tempted to stop while you are on the road: raw nuts, healthy snack bars, fruit leather, etc.
* cook up 3-4 whole grains at a time and keep them in the refrigerator for quick use
* cook up 1-2 varieties of beans ahead of time for quick use
* learn to sprout ? get started and keep them going, one after another

7) Change your mind set to think wholesome and whole ? eating the foods God gave us in their natural form: raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Then if you eat unprocessed and naturally fed meat sparingly, small amounts of oil for salads and other meal preparations (olive oil, cold pressed oils, omega-3 oils), and prepare healthy recipes with minimal preparations ? this kind of diet is much simpler, more convenient, and definitely more nourishing. You won?t have the cravings for unhealthy food items, but you will have the health and wellness you desire!

8) Don?t forget the water. As foods are our builders, water is our pure and perfect cleanser. We need lots of it, especially with today?s foods as well as our environmental impurities. Most adults need a minimum of 3 quarts of water daily, and if you are live in a warm climate, work out, or are sick, nursing or overweight, that amount should increase another 1-3 quarts. Yes, we need the cleansing power of good pure water ? not any other drink!

Our bodies do not need or want polluting and toxic foods or drinks. Our bodies want and need nutrition! Everything we take into our bodies should either NOURISH or CLEANSE. This is a much more simple way of eating, and a more sensible way too!

Erleen Tilton Author, Health Educator, Consultant Start today energizing and revitilizing your system with a free 15 minute phone consultation! Nature's Healthy Choices www.erleentilton.com

www.healthandnutrition.blogspot.com

contact@erleentilton.com 480-326-5233 phone 480-988-9045 fax

A Different Weight Loss Tip

2008-08-08T23:17:00.000-07:00

This is no diet but a weight loss tip that is a little different than most of the weight loss tips around. It is targeted to people suffering from food addiction, especially overweight people that love to eat unhealthy, fat food in huge portions. It is a psychological weight loss approach for changing food or eating habits by erasing the mind pattern that holds the old food habits and replacing them with a new and healthy pattern. Your job is to repeatedly perform an exercise where you associate strong positive feelings to losing weight and negative feelings to eat your favourite food. Here is what you do:

Imagine yourself overweight and heavy, eating your favourite food; hamburger, french fries, potato chips, bacon or whatever. Think of this food as garbage that you have picked out of a trash can, that someone else has not been able to finish and has discarded. With cats and dogs eating side by side with you, hoping to get what you don?t finish. Imagine that the hamburger meat is not cooked to your satisfaction, possibly under-cooked and cold besides, with a smell less than inviting coming from all the added condiments which are running from the sides of the partly cooked, partly eaten burger which may have your stomach turning upside down. Think of all the nasty, unhealthy things that may have happened to your ?less than good for you? food before you got to it. Perhaps horse meat or even dog mean was mixed together with toxic fillers and flavouring added just to mislead you into believing you?re eating fresh and tasteful food?. Your heavy stomach is growing bigger and bigger, it?s about to blow up, your heart rate is accelerating, you having problems breathing, your stomach starts to hurt tremendously? you feel pressure from in your stomach like the rotten food wants to come up? Are you still hungry? Are you nauseated? Do you want to vomit? Go and vomit! Keep on elaborating on this image until you can?t stand it anymore ? only your fantasy sets the limits.

Now, make a list of all kinds of fresh, healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, various sorts of grain, nuts and seeds. Imagine these foods arranged attractively on your plate. Imagine yourself eating this food as a healthy, sound, slim and strong person radiating your soundness, joy and great self image. You feel better than ever before. You are a successful person that succeeds in everything you do. You are eating living, fresh food from Mother nature, no flavours added, no chemicals only the fresh, healthy food that God has provided for you. You look at yourself walking or jogging along the beach, people smiling at you and you smiling back as you experience a feeling of energy and the joy of being alive. You see yourself having conversations with people you meet in a nice and trustful atmosphere. You know you have an excellent looking, healthy and strong body and that you only eat food that make you strong and healthy; tasteful and fresh food directly from nature. You?re feeling great, you?re feeling secure with yourself and you?re loving life. Keep on elaborating on this image as well.

Continue to eat as you did before but practice these exercises every day; when you find yourself about to eat what you know is not beneficial to attain and sustain a healthy body, imagine the first practice mentioned above before you eat and after that takes effect, take your imagination to the second practice. Once you start with a routine of eating better, eating healthier, soon the second practice will not be in your imagination but become a reality. It is vital that you repeat this exercise as often as needed. If done consistently and focused, you will surely change your food habits for the better. While the first imaginary practice may have been a bit gross, it is up to you and your imagination to create what will to the trick for you.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet marketer. He runs the website 11-Weight-Loss.net. Terje enjoys to give advice and help people with healthy foods like negative calorie food and exercise weight loss tips

Something That Tastes Good and Is Good For You

2008-08-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

One good thing about a lot of the new medical research being reported is that things once considered forbidden for any health conscious individual are now okay again.

Of course some people might question why substances like wine, beer, coffee or bread which were perfectly acceptable foods to countless generations that came before us, suddenly turned into such sinister things. That question is beyond my ability to answer.

So let?s look at the latest good news. Researchers in Italy studied the effects of chocolate on health and came to the conclusion that rich dark chocolate is actually good for you.

It seems to have some of the same affects that vitamin C exhibits, namely in helping the body to use insulin more effectively and lowering blood pressure.

The study compared dark chocolate and white chocolate ? which isn?t really chocolate since it contains no cocoa solids.

Those who enjoyed 100 grams of dark chocolate daily for 15 days had lower blood pressure and better insulin function. The theory is that dark chocolate contains flavonoids that lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Those who ate white chocolate exhibited no such change.

Another study of older men in The Netherlands, known for its luscious chocolate, indicated those who ate the equivalent of one-third of a chocolate bar every day had lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of death.

Dark chocolate is high in fat and dense in calories, so it might not be the best food to live on, especially if you?re already overweight.

And recent studies on the effects of fat on women?s health threw the whole nutritional establishment on its ear.

Dr. Jules Hirsch, Physician in Chief Emeritus at Rockefeller University, who has spent his career studying the effect of diet on weight and health has stated that ?They (the studies) should put a stop to this era of thinking that we have all the information we need to change the whole national diet and make everybody healthy.?

So who knows if chocolate will cure all ills? I strongly suspect it will do no harm if eaten in moderation.

If you want to try this out, have a piece or two of nice dark and rich chocolate with a glass or two of a fine red wine at night. Your life will be fuller for it and, if you?re lucky, you?ll live longer because of it.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice. Do not make any changes in your diet without consulting your physician first.

By: Jean Bowler. For more articles on diet and nutrition, visit http://www.ageless-beauty.com/antiaging-nutrition.html

Do Your Body a Favour Naturally Natural Health Alternatives

2008-08-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

You live a busy, hectic life. There?s never enough time left in the day to do everything you think you need to do. Your job, family and extra curricular activities keep you going at a pace that often can result in over-load, causing your body to very often rebel and simply not work as well as you are capable.

Your body does so much for you and should be treated with respect, so why not return the favour. Natural health is one of the ways you can learn to appreciate all that Mother Nature has to offer in the ways of ingredients that help your body.

Natural health is also about being pro-active; taking charge of your own health, life and destiny. You need to understand that if you want to be happy and healthy for years to come, then you must be dedicated to making your life and especially your body healthy.

Living healthy is not about being a health freak, but about becoming health-conscious. It is about making the lifestyle work with and for you. To truly appreciate what natural health has to offer, consider investing in a natural health book and some good natural food cookbooks.

If you have been living the junk food and quick meal life, then you will need to incorporate vitamins into your natural health regime; to be successful in this, you will need to obtain knowledge on what vitamins your body lacks.

Through your research on natural health, you will quickly discover that there are many options open to you to help you in your aim of living the natural health way. Natural health also means incorporating more naturalistic solutions into your life. You will be able to enjoy the pleasures of life with a body that functions at its optimum at all times.

And if you are truly dedicated, you will succeed, and the best part is that once you start living better, you start feeling better; and that is crucial in dealing with everyday stresses and depressions.

Take time out of your busy, hectic life to learn more about living a healthy lifestyle by incorporating natural health alternatives to your daily routine. Your body works hard for you, and it?s time to return the favour.

The Acai Berry: An Antioxidant Superfood That Has Everything

2008-08-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

The acai berry is one of the world's most interesting and unique foods. It may also be one of its healthiest. Chock-full of antioxidants, amino acids, AND essential fatty acids, the tiny little acai berry packs a nutritional wallop rarely seen in the natural world. In fact, some experts consider it to be the world's most complete natural food.

Acai berries come from the acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) palm tree of South America. The native peoples of Brazil have eaten the berry for centuries and there are, in fact, many local legends about acai's incredible healing and sustaining powers. It remains a popular health and energy food in that country today. Fortunately for North Americans and Europeans, in the last few years acai berry products have made their way to foreign shores. Now just about anyone can (and should) try this incredibly healthy food for themselves.

To give you an idea of just how powerful this fruit really is, consider the nutritional profile of acai berry pulp:

- 10-30 times the anthocyanins (strong antioxidants) of red wine - an almost perfect essential amino acid complex (the building blocks of protein) - 60% Oleic acid, an omega-9 monounsaturated essential fatty acid - 12% Linoleic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid - a full array of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements - large amounts of plant sterols (phytochemicals with numerous health benefits) - significant amounts of natural dietary fiber - natural calcium!

As you can see, there aren't many things that the acai berry doesn't have! But the good news doesn't end there. Acai has a vibrant taste that most people find very, very pleasing. Though difficult to describe, some people compare the flavor of acai to tart, chocolate-covered cherries or blueberry ice cream with a hint of chocolate. Not bad for something so healthy!

A few of the more common benefits reported by people who consume acai berries on a regular basis include:

- Greater energy and vitality - Increased stamina - Improved circulation - Improved digestion - Better sleep - Improved sexual function - Healthier, better-looking skin - Increased sense of overall well-being

By now you're probably aching to try this super-fruit for yourself. Fortunately it's becoming more and more widely available throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Look for acai smoothies and acai berry juices at your local health foods shops. There are also several health supplements on the market which contain dried acai berry powder... but it would be a shame to miss out on the delicious and unique taste of this amazing berry!

Jamie Clark is a health and fitness writer who loves smoothies made with acai berry juice and guarana. To learn more about acai berries and acai products, be sure to visit: http://acaifacts.com

The Shocking Secrets Behind Superfood

2008-08-08T08:30:00.001-07:00

Superfood is the term for the best nourishment you can find in order to have your body function properly. Superfood contains essential nutrients your body needs most. That's why superfood is 'hot' right now. Certainly for everyone on a diet or looking to improve their lifestyle and eat healthier..

Here's the reason for the healing power of superfood.

As you probably know, the daily intake of food is the fuel for your body to function properly. Your metabolic system is the engine that uses this fuel to supply to your body the necessary energy to perform tasks (catabolism) and the building blocks to replace all sort of cells (anabolism).

The rebuilding of your body happens every day. Millions of cells have a very short life span and are being replaced frequently. About 7% of your body weight is blood fluid and blood cells, most of which are replaced in about 115-120 days. Your skeleton every three months, your skin every five weeks, your FAT-tissue every three weeks and the cells that line the inside of your stomach every couple of days!

Each year 95% of your body is replaced and here's the most important part of this wonderful system:

Your body uses everything that goes in through your mouth as building material.

That means everything, including bad fats, sugars and all the other wrong nutrients that you take in will be used to replenish all old cells.

Your body doesn't really care what the input is, it is programmed to take everything it gets and make the best out of it.

Therefore consuming wrong food over a period of time can lead to diseases. After all, your old cells are replaced with new ones using wrong, bad or insufficient elements from your food.

But here's the big secret. The opposite is also true:

Cells built using wrong nourishment,
can be replaced by good ones ...
simply by eating healthy superfood!

Did you get that? If not, read that sentence again. It's amazing, isn't it? That's exactly why superfood is so important, even if you haven't taken them before.

Consuming superfood will benefit you and your body. Because doing so will drastically improve the building process of your cells.

Now, here's something that may shock you.

You may be aware of this and take the risk. Why? Because your lust for food is stronger than your desire to live longer and healthier. That's ok. It's YOUR body and you are responsible for it, right?

WRONG!

Scientists find more and more evidence of so called 'Genomic Imprinting', the passing on of genes that are switched on or off depending on environmental circumstances. That's a shocking discovery, because it's probably not only YOUR body that you are affecting, but also that of your children and grandchildren.

Aren't all of your alarm bells ringing yet? Isn't it time to at least consider superfood?

Read more about Superfood at http://www.obesital.com/superfood.php

Case Stevens publishes health related information in his Obesital Optimum Health Newsletter. You can subscribe here: http://www.obesital.com/obesital-subscription.php

Healthy Eating while Vacationing and Eating Out!

2008-08-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

Vacations and traveling seem to be a part of summer time. Can you still eat well while on the road and traveling? Of course you can! We do!

Here are a few suggestions that we have found successful as we travel, which can be adapted whether driving or flying.

The key to any successful vacation is planning ahead, so ask yourself these questions as you think of healthy eating and foods. Where will you be going? What time will you arrive? Will it be meal time at a certain check point or before you get there? Will there be an available grocery store (or health food store) to shop for staples (such as fruit, sandwich fixings, etc.)?

?If traveling by car, you can take an ice chest to chill items for breakfast and lunch such as: fresh fruits, yogurt, sandwich fixings, veggie sticks and dips, salsa, and whatever else (healthy!) you like. Remember that many hotel rooms don?t have a refrigerator, so consider taking a collapsible ice chest for some small items such as: sandwich fillings, veggies, etc. Hotels always have ice for use in a small chest.

?Drinks: we don?t allow any drinks in our vehicles but water, so we buy the largest size water bottles ? one for each person ? write each one?s name on theirs, and buy gallon jugs of water on the way for refills. That way everyone has their own water and there?s no mess with pouring drinks. If flying, we take 2-3 small water bottles per person and carry in our back packs, refilling when possible. Water can be very expensive in airports and hotels.

?Breakfasts: We find it helpful to eliminate the cost and poor choices for one meal by bringing our own. On the road, you can pack a bag full of fresh fruit (apples, pears, bananas), granola or breakfast bars, muffins, raw nuts (almonds, pine nuts, etc.), raisins or other dried fruit. When flying, you can still pack granola bars, raw nuts, dried fruit, and a few fresh fruit.

?On the road snacks: rice cakes, whole grain crackers, raw nuts, fresh fruit, popped popcorn (not buttery), granola bars, fruit leather (though too sticky for small children) and more.

?Lunches: besides sandwiches, we like vary our lunches on the road. We enjoy rice cakes and filling toppers such as: raw almond butter and honey, tofu and veggie spreads, and guacamole. We also like to have lots of fresh cut veggies (celery, cucumbers, carrots) and crackers to go with these dips. If we are not able to shop for our own foods, we look for something quick and easy like a restaurant with a salad bar (which often can include baked potatoes and good soups), sandwiches, etc.

?Dinners: an important part of the traveling experience is in tasting the different cultural foods. That doesn?t mean you can?t eat healthy though. There are always lean foods, whole grains, vegetables, salads, and water. That is always the incredible part of traveling. The food dishes can be so different but very health oriented as well if you are looking for that. Usually if you are bringing foods for the first two meals of the day, a good dinner meal is really important.

Making good choices at fast food restaurants is important. And if you want to eat healthy, you usually can do so. Let?s take a look at some nutritional value of food comparisons in fast food restaurants which may be found world wide.

McDonalds
Quarter Pounder w/cheese - Calories: 510 - Fat gr: 25
Fillet-O-Fish - Calories: 400 - Fat gr: 18
Large Fries - Calories: 520 - Fat gr: 25
Chicken McNuggets (6 piece) - Calories: 250 - Fat gr: 15
Caesar Salad w/Crispy Chicken & dressing - Calories: 560 - Fat gr: 36

Wendy?s
Jr. Hamburger - Calories: 280 - Fat gr: 9
Classic single w/everything - Calories: 430 - Fat gr: 20
Spicy Chicken Fillet Sandwich - Calories: 510 - Fat gr: 19
Baked potato w/ spread - Calories: 330 - Fat gr: 7
Baked potato w/ broccoli & cheese - Calories: 440 - Fat gr: 15

Taco Bell
Beef Taco - Calories: 170 - Fat gr: 10
Bean Tostada - Calories: 250 - Fat gr: 10
7-layer Burrito - Calories: 530 - Fat gr: 21
Chalupa ? Baja Chicken - Calories: 400 - Fat gr: 24

Subway
6-inch Chicken & Bacon Ranch - Calories: 530 - Fat gr: 25
6-inch Veggie Delight - Calories: 230 - Fat gr: 3
Turkey Breast Wrap - Calories: 190 - Fat gr: 6
Crispy Chicken & Spinach Salad w/Ranch - Calories: 340 - Fat gr: 25

You may be as surprised as I was to see this nutritional information. If you would like more nutrition facts on these restaurant?s foods, go online to any of these (plus .com). We can see here that many of us might go towards chicken, fish, and salads for better eating, yet the chicken and fish is often fried, and the salad dressings are very high in - Fat and - Calories. Reviewing the facts should help us make better choices on what we are eating.

Enjoy your travels and vacations! Plan ahead and make it enjoyable with foods that promote good health and energy. Eating healthy foods is always important, and always possible!

Erleen Tilton- Author, Health Educator, Consultant Start today energizing and revitalizing your system with a free 15 minute phone consultation! Nature's Healthy Choices http://www.erleentilton.com
http://healthandnutrition.blogspot.com/
contact@erleentilton.com 480-326-5233 phone 480-988-9045 fax

Improve Your Life Naturally

2008-08-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

There?s always room for improvement. We?ve all heard this phrase; some of us may have been given this advice by well-meaning friends or family. Do you need to make changes in your career, your love life, your health? Whatever your need, there really is room for improvement for most of us. One area that you can make immediate changes, and feel results is in your health.

With all of the ads in the media bombarding us with quick fixes to everything that ails you, many people fall prey to the lure of pills and other concoctions that make promises that few actually keep.

Natural supplements and healthy foods is your first line of defence against germs or viruses that will inevitably try and attack you on the inside. It is never late to start making improvements to your lifestyle. These changes will make you feel better inside as well as looking better on the outside. Natural health is one of the best ways to keep your body going and to keep it in good working shape.

When faced with an illness that requires some form of medication to alter symptoms or cure a disease, make sure to do research and become well informed on all of the alternatives that are available to you. Discuss these with your physician, and do not eliminate the idea of going with a natural alternative if at all possible. Rather then taking some form of drug that will probably make you well, but severely destroy your body?s immune system in the process, seek instead a healthy alternative to bypass the forced chemical reaction you will get with traditional medicine--and instead facilitate your body's healing at its own pace.

In general, however, these natural supplements will not instantly eliminate all of your symptoms, as chemical medicines do; instead, they will facilitate the healing process and at the same time infuse you with essential vitamins to fortify your body against future attacks. Natural health alternatives are not a quick fix all.

What about your everyday life and making improvements naturally that will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle; preventing potentially life altering diseases and symptoms? Natural vitamin and mineral supplements are a great alternative if you are not getting enough of the required amounts in your daily food. Remember to follow the recommended guidelines as overdosing is a waste and possibly hazardous to your health.

There is always room for improvement in our lives, and making positive changes in your health is one of the best places to start, and where you can take charge and feel results.