i-HealthiLicious - Health Center Medicine Fitness Blog

What can VolumePills do for me?

2008-10-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

For most men life turns into routine around the age of 30. As days and weeks slip by everything blends in the same “wake up, go to work, go to a bar, come home” that looks good for a year or two. Later on, the routine becomes harder and harder to handle, especially since the benefits don’t seem to amount to much anymore. Work is at least somewhat boring and unchallenging. The bar scene is also boring and one can hardly remember the last fun date.

Sex is also no longer as exciting as before, and, worst of all, a change of partners won’t help this time because the problem lies with you. Long hours spent at work sitting in the same chair, lack of physical activity and a chaotic daily diet are taking their toll on your sex life. You penis is no longer as quick to respond to the call to arms and the orgasm is not as good anymore. The natural response in such cases is to wonder if this is just a passing phase or something worse. Fortunately, most men going through this situation are in for nothing more than a temporary discomfort that should go away with a combination of relaxation to relieve stress and of working out to stimulate testosterone production.

But there is something else you can do to make this problem go away. Something that many men have tried before you and which helped them enjoy sex a lot more. Wouldn’t you feel good to know that your erection and orgasms last longer and that you can ejaculate more semen than ever before? This is why you need VolumePills, the high quality, perfectly natural pills which can help you come like a pornstar.

You may say that ejaculating more sperm is not that important, but think about it for a minute. The intensity and duration of your orgasm depends on how much sperm you ejaculate, which means that the more sperm travels upward from the testicles, the longer will your orgasm be. VolumePills works by stimulating the production of various substances in your body in order to accomplish certain ends. The natural production of testosterone is boosted with the help of Zinc and Dong Chong Xia Cao, which results in an increase of both the quantity and quality of sperm. Other substances help regulate the blood flow whose healthy functioning is so important for longer and harder erections.

So, what can VolumePills do for you? It can put a satisfied smile on your face. It can help you become a better lover who pleases his lady every time and makes her come back for more. It can help you get more pleasure out of your sex life. And, lastly, it promotes the psychological well being that comes with a happy and fulfilling relationship. But first and foremost, VolumePills is here for your pleasure.

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The Quick And Easy Way To Rebatch Soap

2008-03-26T07:18:00.002-07:00

There are many people today who are choosing natural bath and body products because of sensitivities they may have to the chemicals and detergents used in many of these off the shelf products. I discovered the world of natural body care when my daughter developed eczema at nine months - I found that the detergents used in regular soap can be very drying to her skin, as well as mine. This is when I began researching handmade soap and its benefits.

Handmade soap has many benefits for your skin. When making soap, you can choose the oils that you feel will suit your skin's needs. As I read soap recipes online, the process seems quite simple - choose your oils, run it through a soap calculator, weigh your ingredients, mix them, add the lye water, stir, pour into molds. However, as a mother of three little inquisitive minds ages five and under, working with the saponifying agent in soap, namely sodium hydroxide, aka lye, was not an option for me. How, then could I have the benefits of handmade soap without the dangers of lye?

Further research brought me to the practice of rebatching. Rebatching soap was a great option as I could get all the benefits of handmade soap without having to work with or store lye in my home. Rebatching soap is the process of taking fresh handmade soap, melting it down, adding your chosen oils, scent and color, then allowing to harden.

Rebatching soap is not the same as melt and pour soap, which is vegetable glycerin soap. In fact, I like to call rebatching soap, melt, wait, stir, melt, wait,stir, then spread soap. There are a few methods one can use for rebatching, but here I am going to outline the oven rebatching method that I used.

First, obtain some fresh (10 days or less) handmade soap. There are many vendors online that sell soap specifically for rebatching - find the one that works for you. The older the soap, the harder it will be to grate or chop up and the more liquid you will have to add to get it to melt smoothly. Because the soap is so fresh, it is advised that you wear gloves while handling it to avoid any irritation from the saponifying soap.

Preheat your oven to 150-200 degrees. The hotter the oven, the more you have to watch over the soap. I set my oven to the space right before the 200 degrees.

Chop or grate the soap into the smallest pieces possible - the smaller the pieces, the faster the melting process. For each pound of soap, I add about 2-3 tbs of distilled water or milk. (When I made my coffee soap, coffee was my liquid of choice.) Place the pieces into a glass casserole dish with a lid. Pour the liquid over and place into the preheated oven.

Now you wait. Check your soap every 10-15 minutes, depending on the temperature of your oven. Stir the soap pieces with a sturdy wooden or plastic spoon. If you need to, add more liquid, but keep the adding liquid to a minimum. After about 30 minutes, your soap pieces should begin to turn to a substance like applesauce or softened petrolatum jelly. Keep it heating evenly and stir until the mixture is as smooth as possible with no unmelted pieces.

At this time, you can quickly add your fragrance or essential oils as well as your color. Follow your manufacturer's directions and be sure your additives are skin safe! Stir until the additives are incorporated, then spread the mixture into your molds. I prefer to use a plastic log mold or a box (yes, a box) lined with freezer paper. Tap the molds carefully (you don't want to splash hot soap on yourself) so that the soap settles - you don't want any air pockets in your soap. Set your mold or molds aside and let the soap solidify, usually overnight depending on the size of the mold. Once the soap has hardened, pop it out of the mold, let dry for about three days and you have your customized handmade soap!

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Author: Christine Lowe-Woolard is a mother of three and the owner of neosoul.essentials, llc. Founded on the principles of natural skin and body care, neosoul.essentials, llc carries all natural, preservative free products for bath and body. Visit http://www.natural-skin-products.net for product information.

Red Scar After Mole Removal - 2 Myths About The Dreaded Red Scar Effect

2008-03-26T07:18:00.001-07:00

Hey [your name], You Still Have A Red Scar After Mole Removal?

Yes, the dreaded sentence that you receive from your family or friends after you've got rid of that mole. You are not alone and there is talk about ways to treat this as well.

Please be reminded that although you might get some advice about how to treat your red scar after mole removal you must always confirm this. Confirm this by going through the points you learned with a dermatologist.

Myth 1: There Is Nothing To Worry About That Red Scar

While the natural healing process of that red scar can be very predictable often times you have to take very good care. You have this because your skin is sensitive and prone to keloid formation.

For instance, a normal timeframe of the healing from this red scar phenomenon is 4-12 months it usually is not normal if you expose it like your other parts of your skin. Keep it protected from sunrays for at least a few months.

Myth 2: Use Vinegar Or Baking Soda To Heal It

This is a most common advice given out online and I've done some readings too. You have to remember that this is totally unprofessional advice. Anytime it involves your body you better cautious.

You cannot use some household items with a non proven method and instruction to use it to treat any red scar after mole removal in anyway. Vitamin E cream is a good suggestion but still talk to a pharmacist first.

Follow Professional Proven Advice

Of these two myths probably one of the more common ones is the advice that you see in discussion forums are user generated and not professionally approved. You need to have some sense of facts to count on before you treat that red scar after mole removal.

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Author: Learn More About Red Scar After Mole Removal, at a reliable website resource on Everything Mole Removal today.

Hypertrophic Scar Treatment

2008-03-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

When it comes to hypertrophic scars, there are very few successful treatments currently available. The reason for these limitations in available treatments mainly has to do with the difficulty of eradication the scar since it is most notably reported as a reoccurring scar. What this means is that while many of the treatments may seem like they work immediately following the procedure, after a few months they come back. It is not yet clear as to why the hypertrophic scars for this but many dermatologists have their theories associated with it.

In any type of injury to the dermis, the body's natural reaction to it is to form a scar. This scar being formed is similar to that of a callous forming when you work too hard. It is just a natural defense mechanism to prevent any further injuries. In most cases the outermost layers of skin are damaged and therefore the scar can easily be remedied by removing these layers of skin. Unfortunately with the hypertrophic scars, they form under the papillary layer of skin which means it cannot just be eradicated with the normal scar remedies.

The worst type of scar you can get is of course a keloid with the scar being in a close second. The reasons for this is that just like a regular scar the hypertrophic scar only affects the traumatized area of skin but the keloids affect outside of this area.

The reasons that many people are looking at remedying a scar is that it is more common than that of a keloid scar and can even occur as a direct result of a surgical procedure. While they are reoccurring the hypertrophic scars also digress quicker which means that they are more likely to respond to a scar treatment than a keloid would.

The treatments that are available for scars vary on the actual scar. If it is a very noticeable scar it is also more likely to be harder to eradicate. If you have a scar and are looking at getting rid of it then your best option is to seek out a certified dermatologist who is better equipped at giving you the best treatment options for your scar.

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Author:
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scar formation
Hypertrophic burn scars
Dr. Jim Greene would like to invite you to visit the above resources if you are interested in learning more about hypertrophic scars.

How Permanent Is Permanent Hair Removal?

2008-03-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

What does permanent mean? In the realm of hair it means that those follicles will not grow back. Ever. It means a life free of body hair. How does this apply to laser treatments, what kind of results do they offer? The simple answer is prettygood, lasers does offer fantastic results. However, just how great these results are is based on a person to person basis. The problem arises with the fact that that laser clinics, medical spas, plastic surgeons, and dermatologist are often fast and loose with the term "permanent hair removal."

Currently the FDA only allows for electrolysis to be marketed under that definition. That's not to say Laser Hair Removal is not FDA approved, it is, but it's approved for permanent hair reduction. Laser technology faces a much stiffer review process than electrolysis did, and lasers could very well be even more efficient.

The Difference Between Hair Removal and Hair Reduction

Permanent hair removal refers to the fact that hair will not grow back, you will be as bare today as the day you were born, whereas hair reduction allows for the chance of regrowth. Reduction says that it's long lasting, there's a possibility for permanency, but it allows for small chance that it's not. This does not mean that you should expect hair regrowth after laser treatments, most clients do not have any sort of regrowth. Some people experience results that can last a lifetime, while other patients the results may only be significant for 3 or 5 years.

Laser Hair Removal provides reduction of up to 90% of hair growth. You may not be able to remove all hairs with laser technology, but you can expect to loose the vast majority of it. Laser Hair Removal can't claim permanency without acknowledging that 10% chance. This is why the FDA would prefer the term permanent hair reduction over hair removal. And let's not forget that 90% hair loss is still vastly superior over waxing or tweezing, which offers a zero percent chance of permanent hair reduction.

Laser Technology vs. Electrolysis

Electrolysis accomplishes the removal of hair by individually electrocuting each hair, follicle by follicle. It's an effective process for getting rid of hair, but an extremely time consuming one as well. Expect a treatment to last 2 to 3 hours! While an effective method for small areas like the upper lip, electrolysis can become problematic for larger areas like the back or chest. And while the technology of electrolysis is long lasting in theory, it doesn't account for human error. Imagine having to pluck out all your leg hairs individually, after hours of plucking there's no way you could keep up a high level of focus. Laser epilation offers efficiency and control anywhere on the body: from the back to the face to the bikini line.

While, technically laser treatments may not be deemed permanent hair removal, it's as long lasting as hair removal can be. Nothing on the market today offers better results than Laser Hair Removal.

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Author: Check out what the FDA has to say about Laser Hair Removal and permanent hair reduction.
Mia Hepburn is a former health care liaison and writes the Cosmetic Blog at SignatureForum.com

Acne Vitamins

2008-03-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

In the section on "Skin Diet," vitamins received needed mention. Still, the importance of vitamins can not be overstated. Vitamins contribute greatly to the maintenance of a healthy, acne-free skin. For that reason, this section offers even more details about the vitamins that help to prevent acne.

Starting with the vitamin of greatest importance for those concerned about acne (and also starting at the beginning of the alphabet), this article will first examine the benefits of Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps the skin cells to produce vital proteins, thus strengthening the protective tissue of the skin. At the same time, Vitamin A lowers the level of oil production in the sebaceous glands.

Toxins can form within the skin, If not eliminated from the skin; then those toxins can irritate the skin, adding to chances for the development of acne. Consumption of foods with Vitamin A helps to move toxins out of the body. Please note that this section has advised looking to foods (fruits and vegetables) as a source of Vitamin A. Do not look to supplements for Vitamin A that can work to prevent acne.

Each of the various B Vitamins plays a part in the effort to keep skin free of acne. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) provides cells with the tools for metabolism. Metabolism creates energy. A diet of only carbohydrates does not give the body its needed Vitamin B1. A body in need of thiamine can obtain that chemical from digested garlic, parsley, leek, oranges, kale, pineapple, plum, cauliflower and tangerine.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) lends assistance to Vitamin A. Those two vitamins work together to maintain the mucous membrane of the gastro-intestinal tract. Unlike Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 sources in food can be effectively supplemented by using the proper vitamin tablets. If you want to rely on such supplements, take 100 mg three times a day.

Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) also contributes to the functioning of the cells' metabolic pathways. In addition, Vitamin B3 insures the smooth flow of blood through the circulatory system. For supplementation of B3 in the diet, take 200 mg three times a day.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) reduces stress, a condition that can cause acne. Vitamin B6 (pyroxidine) enhances the functioning of the immune system (the elements that fight the bacteria in the skin).

In addition to vitamins, skin cells need minerals. Chromium helps to speed the disappearance of infections. Most of today's processed foods lack chromium. To get enough, use tablets that provide your body with 150 micrograms per day.

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Author: Steve Stoark
Acne Treatments
Nodular Acne
Acne Inversia

Which Is The Better Chemical Peel For Acne Treatment, Alpha-Hydroxy Acid Or Beta-Hydroxy Acid?

2008-03-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Acne has been tormenting millions of people in the US. Many acne products have been popping up in the market but there is one acne treatment that had existed for thousands of years. That is the chemical peel. It was recorded in history that Cleopatra had been bathing in sour milk to maintain her skin smooth and nice. Lactic acid found in sour milk is effective in peeling the skin removing dead skin. Lactic acid belongs to a group called Alpha-hydroxy acid.

A recent study by researchers from Saint Louis University School of Medicine has found that Alpha-hydroxy acid and Beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels are found to be both equally highly effective in combating mild to moderate facial acne.

20 patients suffering from mild to moderated acne were studied in that research. There are 17 males and 13 female in the studied group. Alpha-hydroxy acid peel (30% concentration of glycolic acid) was applied on one half of the face, while Beta-hydroxy acid peel (30% concentration of salicylic acid) was applied on the other half of the face of each patient. The treatments are done every two weeks for duration of three months. A non-bias evaluator was used to examine the effectiveness of each acid peels on the reduction of acne. Both the evaluator and the patients did not know which sides of the faces were applied with Alpha-hydroxy acid or Beta-hydroxy acid.

At the examination during the second treatment, both sides of the faces have found to have significantly reduced the numbers of pimples. However there are more severe side effects found on the sides of the faces that were applied with Alpha-hydroxy acid during the first examination. All these side effects generally were reduced to minimal after further treatments. Some common side effects of Alpha-hydroxy acid and Beta-hydroxy acid are stinging sensation, redness, dryness and peeling.

An examination was done to check for post treatment effect one month after all 6 treatments had been completed. It was found that 94% of the patients still continued to see good reduction in the numbers of pimples on both sides of their faces. Alpha-hydroxy acid and Beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels were still able to maintain their effectiveness one month after all treatments had been done.

Another examination was done two months after all treatments had been done. Beta-hydroxy acid had shown a bigger improvement in treating acne than Alpha-hydroxy acid. The non-bias evaluator gave 81 percent of the sides of faces applied with salicylic acid chemical peel fair or good improvement in acne condition, while only 75 percent of the sides applied with glycolic acid received fair or good improvement. There were also a few numbers of new pimples popping up on the sides that were applied with glycolic acid. However the numbers of new pimples were insignificant to be bothered.

The researchers concluded that both salicylic acid and glycolic acid chemical peels are equally effective in acne treatment. Salicylic acid was able to continue its effectiveness and had lesser side effects than glycolic acid. Overall Alpha-hydroxy acid and Beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels are successful treatment of acne.

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Author: Visit How to Get Rid of Pimples Fast for more pimple treatment methods

Which Is The Better Chemical Peel For Acne Treatment, Alpha-Hydroxy Acid Or Beta-Hydroxy Acid?

Chinese Medicine Schools

2008-03-06T06:06:00.002-08:00

Seeking an alternative health education in Chinese Medicine? Instructing students an ancient healing art; Chinese medicine schools teach students how to balance the body's "chi" (life force) through energy channels. These channels are believed to be the body's internal balancing mechanism; able to bring about natural and self healing.

Providing students with fundamental knowledge of the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, herbal medicine, therapeutic exercise, and nutrition, Chinese medicine schools also provide comprehensive instruction on a variety of health treatments including moxibustion, a form of heat therapy application that is believed to prevent or possibly cure disease. Additionally, students who enroll in Chinese medicine schools may opt to take in-depth courses in Qi Gong and Tai Chi.

Educating students about dietary intake comprised of nutrient-rich foods; herbs; minerals; vitamins and other necessary supplements, Chinese medicine school philosophy and educational training is built upon the basis of the Yin and Yang, the Five Elements and Zang Fu.

Chinese Medicine Schools teach a wide curriculum of therapies that are used for allergies, arthritis, weight loss, quitting smoking, stress, TMJ, PMS and other menstrual problems, back pain, musculoskeletal problems, fatigue, digestive problems, and urinary problems, in addition to many other common or chronic health issues.

Though over 2,000 years old, today Chinese medicine is still considered alternative or complementary to traditional Western medicine; but its remarkable treatments and therapies are gaining headway in mainstream healthcare. Prospective practitioners can anticipate great personal satisfaction and substantial growth in this particular career choice.

To learn more about Chinese Medicine Schools and other programs of study, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved by SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

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Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Natural Healing Directory and find Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

Chinese Medicine Schools

Chinese Herbalism and Chinese Herbal Medicine

2008-03-06T06:06:00.001-08:00

The Chinese herbal tradition is believed to date back some 4,000 years to the Emperor Shen Nong (or Chien Nung). He is said to have described over: 300 medicinal plants and their uses in a book called the Pen Tsao. Although versions of several ancient pharmacopoeia still exist today, the main surviving text on herbalism is the book by the physician Li Shih-chen describing almost 2,000 herbs and 10,000 herbal remedies, and written in the 16th century.

As well as the herbalism of trained physicians, there is also a folk tradition of herbal medicine in China. Many families had their own remedies, which were passed from generation to generation.

Traditional medicine came under question in the 20th century, but was reinstated under the communist regime. The barefoot doctors in the country districts were skilled in administering herbal prescriptions, the ingredients of which they had usually gathered and prepared themselves. Today, Chinese herbalism is very much an orthodox form of therapy and preventive treatment in China, and it is increasingly practiced in the West.

The so-called raw ingredients of herbal preparations are usually dried materials. They are often prescribed as "soups," decoctions, or teas but may be taken in their raw form or processed into pills, powders, ointments, liquid tonics, or teas.They are classified according to their properties, such as "warming" and "cooling," and by their taste. The majority are of plant origin but a few are derived from minerals or from animal sources.

Usually the herbs are combined into formulas that are often adapted to suit changing circumstances as the client progresses. The careful adjustment of the remedy to suit the individual client is characteristic of Chinese medicine. Chinese herbalism can be used for a wide range of ailments, including asthma, skin diseases, menstrual problems, digestive disturbances, and migraine, and is effective when used on its own or in conjunction with another therapy such as acupuncture.

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PhotoCredit: http://static.howstuffworks.com

Author: Read out for Natural herbs Check out home remedies and homeopathic remedies

Chinese Herbalism and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Natural healing With Chinese Medicine - An Alternative Medicine For Drug Free Health

2008-03-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

Although Chinese medicine is conceived as alternative medicine outside of the Far East it is still considered the primary medical system in China, and has been for thousands of years. Because Chinese medicine relies on natural healing rather than synthetically produced drugs, more and more people in the Western world are turning to this branch of medicine.

Whilst Chinese medicine is thought to date back for 5,000 years the origins are far from clear. The first recorded history is thought to date back over 2,000 years with the first written document concerning Chinese medicine thought to be Hung-Di Nei-Jing(Cannon of Internal Medicine) and is attributed to the Yellow Emperor, although there is confusion over the dates and authors and is still the subject of much debate.

Most people are familiar with the primary methods of healing within Chinese medicine, which are herbal medicine and acupuncture with other methods such as massage, qi gong, or food therapy playing a secondary role. But few know that restoring harmony and regaining balance rather than treating the disease is the aim of all traditional treatment.

A lack of harmony is seen as the main cause of any illness. Whereas modern medicine treats bacteria and viruses directly by the use of antibiotics or vaccines, Chinese medicine has a holistic view and targets the imbalance with the philosophy that well-balanced human bodies can resist most everyday illness and disease.

While more and more medical schools are including classes on alternative medicine in their syllabuses, the relationship between TCM and Western medicine is still contentious. Older Western doctors are far more likely than their Chinese counterparts to view Chinese medicine with superstition.

This is not to say that the techniques are of no value in the West. In fact, drug companies have acknowledged the value of traditional medicines and teams of scientists in many parts of the world are employed to accumulate knowledge from traditional medical practitioners. In addition, many Western hospitals and increasing numbers of clinics now offer T'ai Chi Ch'uan or qigong classes as part of their inpatient and health programs.

Chinese Medicine is not considered alternative medicine to over three quarters of the world’s population and it is precisely in the areas of prevention and dealing with physical or emotional illnesses that it excels. It has been developed over the years as a form of non-invasive, therapeutic and risk free treatment.

Attitudes towards Chinese medicine are changing by the day and an increasing number of people are finding relief in this form of alternative medicine after failing with modern medicine and prescription drugs. But rather than as a last resort as was often the case it is now becoming a first recourse and more and more people are having regular treatments to maintain their health at an optimum level or to help with addictions or dietary problems.

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PhotoCredit: http://static.howstuffworks.com

Author: John Philips is the author of Chinese Healing an informational website with various articles about Chinese Medicine. To read more observations from various sources on Chinese Medicine visit http://www.chinese-healing.info

Natural healing With Chinese Medicine - An Alternative Medicine For Drug Free Health

Forced Reps Are A Waste Of Time!

2008-02-27T20:44:00.000-08:00

That's right, the popular weight lifting technique known as "forced reps" are a huge waste of time and precious energy, regardless if your main goal is to gain pure strength or muscle building. Forced reps is when a weight trainer takes his set to failure. Once he reaches that point in which he can no longer complete a full repetition under his own strength, he / she then has their training partner help them lift the weight as they also complete the rep. Thus, you are "forcing" more reps than you normally would be able to do under your own power.

Well, this is another garbage technique that millions are led to believe will help them pass any "plateaus". According the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, a study was done where athletes were divided into three groups and assigned different weight lifting programs, each of which included the bench press.

Each group was told to do a different number of forced reps for each training workout session. Although all groups improved both their peak and mean power on the bench press, there was no significant differences in strength or power gains between them. Researchers concluded that once lifters reached rep failure, neither additional forced reps nor additional set volume further improved their strength gains.

Did you get that? Even though these weight lifters expended more energy, time, and intensity to complete the additional reps in "forced rep" style, they saw no improvement in strength or performance. And what's even more interesting is that all of these additional forced reps chips away at precious energy needed for the following repair / recovery / muscle building period. I don't know about you, but if I'm going to spend more time and effort with a certain training technique I better see some pay back in return.

This just goes to show that just because something may sound good on paper, or "in theory", it doesn't necessarily mean that it will work out in your benefit in the real world, where it counts. Too many of us looking to gain weight or build muscle mass naturally are constantly placing our hopes on complicated techniques, such as forced reps only to see no results, which just adds to our frustration.

And forced reps isn't the only one out there that will get you no where fast. What's sad is that many that don't get the results they desire quickly begin to think that they aren't gaining the muscle they would like because they aren't using some new bodybuilding supplement that's out on the market. They then go and spend their hard earned money on some pill, powder, or shake, continue to use improper weight training techniques... then 12 months done the line that still look exactly the same in the mirror.

Like I always say in all of my writings.....gaining weight and building muscle mass naturally comes down to two main factors: the correct weight training routine and calories. And let me save you the headache... don't bother with forced reps, unless want to risk suffering a major injury.

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Author: Forced reps are just one of many misconceptions that 99% of weight trainers believe... all of which lead to NO RESULTS. If you want to read about more of them, and which ones do work to build muscle, go here: http://www.muscle-weight-gain.com/get-rid-of-chronic-pain-by-weight-lifting/

Forced Reps Are A Waste Of Time!

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How to Prevent Hair Loss - Things to Remember to Prevent Premature Hair Loss

2008-02-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

Nobody wants to go bald especially when they are still young. However, you need to remember that the very people that say that they don't want to go bald do everything in their life that can cause them to go bald early in life. This is why it is important for you to know what the causes of hair loss are in order for you to know how to prevent hair loss.

The first thing you need to remember is that hair also needs proper nourishment. People today eat a lot of junk that contains little or no nourishments at all. Because of this, premature hair loss will happen. Try to eat healthy foods especially foods that are healthy for your body and your hair. If you are particularly concerned about your hair and you want to prevent hair loss, then eat foods that contain iron and zinc. These two minerals are considered to be hair food which can keep your hair healthy and strong.

For women who are suffering from hair loss, you may want to take a look at your birth control pills. You have to remember that birth control pills can unnaturally unbalance your hormone levels. And, when this happens, hair loss will occur. To prevent hair loss, you will either want to stop taking contraceptives or you can consult your doctor about it and get your doctor to recommend you a birth control pill brand that doesn't contribute to hair loss.

Everyone knows that shampooing the hair is important to keep it clean. However, you need to know that using the wrong kind of shampoo can also lead to hair loss. You have to remember that there are different shampoos for different types of hair. Make sure that you use a shampoo that is specifically designed for your type of hair in order to prevent hair loss.

Hair dyes and other chemicals to make your hair look more beautiful can do the exact opposite. You have to remember that the chemicals in hair dyes are very strong and very harsh for your hair. So, lay off the hair dye. If you have to use hair dye, then try not to use it frequently. After dyeing your hair, you have to wait at least 3 months before dyeing it again.

Stress can also contribute to hair loss. To prevent hair loss caused by stress, try to relax a little. You can always go to the spa or get into aromatherapy. This will help you relax and also encourage your hair follicles to grow new hair.

Too much sun exposure can cause hair damage and ultimately, hair loss. So, whenever you go out in a hot day, you may want to cover your scalp with a hat.

Another cause for hair loss is by not rinsing your hair thoroughly after bathing in a swimming pool with chlorine in the water or in the sea. Salt and chlorine are deadly elements for your hair. So, after bathing in pools and the sea, you should rinse your hair thoroughly in order to get rid of chlorine and salt.

These are the causes of hair loss. By knowing about it, you will be able to know how to prevent hair loss. With these tips, you can be sure that you will be able to spend many more years with your head full of hair.

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Author: John Tulley manages the Provillus Alpha7: hair loss treatments web site. Our web site has more detailed advice and information on what causes hair loss and how to prevent hair loss.

How to Prevent Hair Loss - Things to Remember to Prevent Premature Hair Loss

Using Castor Oil for Acne - A Natural Skin Care Discovery

2008-02-23T21:47:00.000-08:00

Can using castor oil for acne treating skin care products really clear up your skin? Believe it or not, the answer is absolutely yes! This natural oil has wonderful moisturizing and healing properties that few can match.

OK, so you understand the healing properties part, but why exactly would keeping your skin moisturized help your acne? After all, doesn't moisture clog pores and cause immediate break outs in the first place? In reality this is a very common fallacy that many have wrongfully accepted... including me at one time.

For years I tried everything in my power to keep my skin as dry as possible only to find that my condition became worse and worse. Not only did my acne break outs increase, but I had red, scaly and chronically dry skin. Only after I stopped this practice and started moisturizing regularly in a healthy way did I start to see improvements.

Now don't run out to your local drug store and pick up the first moisturizer that you see! Store bought lotions and moisturizing soaps usually incorporate synthetic elements and harmful carcinogens in order to decrease costs and increase shelf life. Unfortunately, in the cosmetic industry ingredients don't need to be disclosed to the consumer. In other words... you have no clue what you're putting on your skin!

So how do you moisturize in a "healthy way"? Simple... By using homemade all natural soaps. You can either make soap yourself, or you can buy handcrafted soaps from a reputable company that is most concerned with producing a quality product and not passing last quarter's sales goal. The important part is that you steer clear of "fake" ingredients and go 100% all natural.

There are a ton of different oils and fats that can be used to make soap, but I believe that castor oil for acne treating soaps is definitely the best because of its ability to moisturize and quickly heal the skin.

In order to make soap out of castor oil you will need to mix it with lye (sodium hydroxide) in order to create a chemical reaction called saponification. During saponification, the oil (acid) reacts with the lye (base) to form a salt (your soap). I bet you never knew that soap was actually a salt!

Never use just castor oil in a soap making recipe as it will produce a soft bar that will become rancid prematurely. I recommend combing the castor oil with a percentage of avocado oil, coconut oil and palm oil to produce an amazing finished product that will withstand the test of time.

Give homemade soaps a try. I don't think you will ever regret it! Getting rid of the "fake stuff" and using only natural ingredients on your skin could be the missing link in your skin care regimen that will make all the difference in the world.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

PhotoCredit: http://www.botanical.com

Author: To learn more about using castor oil for acne visit Steve's site http://www.soap-making-resource.com/. Here you will find detailed soap making tutorials along with skin care ingredient profiles and other helpful information.

Using Castor Oil for Acne - A Natural Skin Care Discovery

How Long Does It Take Pimples To Form?

2008-02-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

What causes pimples and how long does it take for them to form are good questions. The answers are a bit confusing as till date science has not been able to pinpoint at the clear reasons for the formation of acne. Still, the conclusion that has been reached in this regard is that the oil glands in the skin that secrete oil cause these pustules. These glands become larger at the time of puberty making it obvious why teenagers struggle against acne the most.

Are you also troubled by pimples or have just got a teenie-weenie one yourself. A single zit or many zits are all acne. Either way, whether young or old- who in the whole wide world would ever want a pimple? It is an embarrassment and makes your self-esteem take a nose dive. You might have already asked around to know how long it takes pimples to form. If you have, it is good, for the more information you have at hand about acne, the better prepared you would be to effectively treat them and prevent new ones from forming.

Their Root Cause

Pimples start out in the hair follicles more than 2 weeks before you can even see them. So once you know you are getting one or more, you should immediately start off a preventive treatment regime.

To understand how long it takes these annoying blemishes to form, you have to first understand how pimples relate to hair follicles. Hair follicles contain oil glands that contain a substance called as sebum. This sebum after being formed in the hair follicle slowly travels its way upwards towards the surface of the skin. Hormones that are released in the body all along play a vital role in deciding how much sebum will be produced by your sebaceous glands.

The hormone Androgen and Progesterone trigger excessive production of sebum in both men and women and those who have high levels of these hormones have acne prone skin. Sebum en-route to its way to the skin surface picks up dirt and debris as it gets nearer to the surface. Then it goes and blocks the skin pores, clogging the hair follicles. Bacteria attack the skin when it is clogged by sebum or perspiration. This bacteria scientifically known as P. acnes live on your skin and turns into a malicious harmful agent of acne, thriving and growing in the clogged hair follicles.

All this takes anything from 2-4 weeks, ample time for you to take action rather than grieve over your wrecked skin condition.

Types And Causes

Acne comes in various forms and the most common ones are blackheads and whiteheads. These are harmless non-inflammatory acne but make the face quite unsightly.

Now if bacterium infects a whitehead, a papule or pustule- a pimple forms. Such acne is inflammatory by nature and can be from mild to severe in nature. In very severe cases of acne, cysts and nodules develop, rupture and spread infection thereby causing permanent scars.

Everyone secretes oil from their glands but unfortunately some secrete it more than others. Genetics plays havoc here and so does pregnancy and other hormonal fluctuations in the body. All cause acne. Other modern day factors like stress, pollution and changing diet are also causes of pimples. The dead cells on the skin that seem harmless enough can also clog the hair follicles and because a cause for distress- pimples.

Basically, there is no single reason for acne and no fixed time for acne to form. Pimples are formed by a number of reasons and the time that they take to form also varies from person to person. You can fight the problem of acne right at its initial stage with proper care.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: I hope you found this article helpful! Discover an effective cure for acne, and uncover the secrets to finding an acne free treatment that works for you, by going to: http://www.OnlineAcneRelief.com/

How Long Does It Take Pimples To Form?

Why Ginkgo Biloba Is The Best-Selling Booster For Brain Function

2007-12-28T07:09:00.000-08:00

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The preparations of ginkgo biloba commonly sold as herbal supplements are derived from the leaves of the ginkgo trees, which are probably the longest living in the world Individual trees are believed to live for up to 1,000 years and are found most commonly in southern and eastern areas of the US, southern France, China, and Korea.

Traditional Chinese medicine has made use of the nuts of the ginkgo tree for around 5,000 years, but the use of the leaves is a relatively recent European development. Widespread recognition of the active properties of the plant have made ginkgo leaf extract products the best-selling of all herbal medicines and supplements in Europe, and also placed them in the ten most popular in the USA, where it’s classed as a dietary supplement. In fact it’s estimated that around 2 billion 120 mg doses of supplement have been sold in the last twenty years alone.

The principal active elements of ginkgo leaf extract are the flavonoids which, like those derived from other sources (green tea, for example) are a powerful anti-oxidant; and terpene lactones.

As an anti-oxidant, ginkgo biloba is particularly effective in neutralizing the most damaging superoxide free radicals and thereby helping to prevent the atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which is a common precursor of serious cardiovascular disease. And most of the benefits of ginkgo stem in fact from its effect in improving the circulation of the blood - as numerous research studies have demonstrated.

Ginkgo enhanced circulation in the minute capillaries of the eye has been credited with protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Improved circulation in the ears may also protect against tinnitus and hearing loss.

Studies using supplementation at 240 mg also demonstrated improved exercise tolerance and reduced pain in those suffering from intermittent claudication, or peripheral vascular disease, –a painful and potentially dangerous problem with the circulation in the legs.

But as valuable as these effects undoubtedly are, it’s as a stimulant for the brain and a protector against the dreadful effects of Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia that ginkgo biloba is best known. Although conventional medicine, as ever, retains its tendency towards caution when considering the possible effects of “alternative” remedies, it’s generally conceded that ginkgo biloba has significant therapeutic effects in the treatment of the early stages of Alzheimer’s. The benefits, in fact, are closely analogous to those of conventional drug therapies, and although not, of course, offering a cure, may significantly slow down the progress of this most devastating disease.

Research studies have also indicated clinically significant improvements in performance in standard tests of memory and learning when healthy adults were given supplements at the level of 180 mg of ginkgo biloba a day for a period of six weeks. Similar benefits, however, were not shown at lower levels of supplementation.

The common sense hypothesis is that ginkgo biloba improves the blood supply and circulation to the brain as it does to other parts of the body, which can only have a positive effect on the memory and other cognitive functions of the organ. Moreover, improved circulation along with ginkgo biloba’s anti-oxidant properties play a major role in protecting against the circulatory problems which can lead to stroke, still one of the major causes of premature death or incapacity in the Western world.

Although the 180 mg daily dose has been shown to be beneficial, some alternative medical practitioners recommend higher doses, even as high as 360 mg. The generally recommended composition of supplements, and that found in most commercial preparations, is in the proportions 24% ginkgo flavonoids and 6% terpenes.

Ginkgo biloba is recognized as a safe medication and very rarely produces any side effects in the otherwise healthy even in the high doses mentioned above. But it’s effect in improving the circulation by reducing the “stickiness” of the blood mean it is strongly contra-indicated prior to surgery and for those already taking blood thinning drugs such as warfarin.

In summary it may be said that conventional medicine recognizes ginkgo biloba as a potentially effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and as an aid to good circulation with some positive effects in cases of cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease in the legs. Alternative practitioners insist that ginkgo biloba is also effective in improving memory, learning and general cognitive function in healthy adults, but orthodox medicine remains reluctant to endorse these claims.

PhotoCredit: http://www.dkimages.com

Author: Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/GinkgoBiloba.htm

Why Ginkgo Biloba Is The Best-Selling Booster For Brain Function

Benefits of Green Tea

2007-12-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

(CNN) -- Studies suggest that tea -- especially green tea -- provides healthy benefits.

Green tea leaves are the least processed and have lower levels of caffeine than other types of tea. The leaves contain high-level antioxidants thought to fight different types of cancer and also protect the heart by relaxing blood vessels, which prevents blood clots.

Other studies suggest tea increases bone density, therefore reducing the risk of fractures from osteoporosis.

For more information visit: Avatrim.com

Author: baLooTisme

Benefits of Green Tea

Benefits of Ginseng

2007-12-07T07:04:00.000-08:00

Ginseng is an English term given to a Chinese word ‘renshen'. The literal meaning of this term is "man root". It has a characteristic forked shaped look that resembles the legs of a man, hence the name. Originally, the term Ginseng was used as substitute for several plants having medicinal properties. Though Ginseng now refers to ‘genus Panax', researchers believe that the original plant used in ancient China was different. Ginseng root is native to eastern Asia and North America, and has been in use as a folk medicine and tonic for thousands of years.

Ginseng is a perennial plant; it is often found in densely wooded areas and requires rich soil to grow. Ginseng takes several years to grow-up. It requires about 3-10 years time for the roots to get cultivated properly. However, after several years, the plant and its root can begin to degenerate, and the root may loose its medicinal capabilities. The Ginseng plant in itself is very attractive to look at. It has well shaped green leaves with bright red berries, but it is only the root that possesses medicinal properties. It is primarily a member of the Araliacae family.

In today's fast-paced world, people dream of having something that can cure them within a wink of an eye. Ginseng is not the answer to all problems, but possesses certain properties that can help in curing many diseases. It has such a high demand that the supply is never enough to meet the demand. Some of the benefits include its medicinal properties to help cure cholesterol related problems. It is widely used to lower cholesterol, increase energy, and endurance, reduce fatigue and effects of stress. It is also viewed as help for people with diabetes.

There are many known benefits of Ginseng, but one of the most important benefits is its support in cancer treatment. It helps rebuild cells and give strength to muscles, which are needed in cancer treatment. Other benefits include improving memory, increasing vitality, extending endurance, relieving body stress, fighting fatigue, bolstering immunity, balancing metabolism and many more. Ginseng also helps in curing sexual dysfunction for both sexes. Ginseng is beneficial for women suffering from post-menopause symptoms. One of the major factors for its high demand is because of its ability to affect aging. It is used as a supplement in various anti-aging medicines.

PhotoCredit: http://www.wpr.org

Author: Author Rich Marsiglia, Natural Health Products at YourHealthyPlace

Benefits of Ginseng

How To Lose 9lbs Every 11 Days

2007-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Weight Loss Facts:

Low Fat Foods DON'T WORK.

You cannot lose weight using Low Fat Diets. Low fat foods have been popular for many years, but yet our society is getting more overweight as each year passes. This fact alone should tell you that eating a purely low fat menu is not the answer to losing weight.

Low Calorie Diets DON'T WORK.

You won't lose weight using a Low Calorie Dieting Plan either. In fact, eating low calories is the worst thing that you can do to your body, since that will only slow down your body's fat burning engine and ruin all chances of losing weight.

Low Carb Plans DON'T WORK.

You'll probably find it extremely difficult to get slim using a Low Carb Dieting Plan. Low carb diets have recently become popular over the last couple years, but the problem with low carb menus is that they are too strict and TOO HARD TO FOLLOW for average people.

What about Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig Dieting Plans?

Weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers (and Jenny Craig) usually involve slower dieting progress over a longer period of time, since such programs generally promise only 2-3 pounds of weight loss per week. Also, programs such as Jenny Craig usually involve buying special meals and/or dietary supplements during the initial phases of the program. While some people may like these types of dietary programs, we prefer a dieting plan which focuses on faster weight loss.

How To Lose 9lbs Every 11 Days

Air Purifiers – Will Air Purifier Help You?

2007-11-12T22:39:00.000-08:00

The market for air purifiers has become big business these days. More and more people are buying them, or those reading this report are probably in the process of selecting an air purifier for the home. It is without doubt that we are living in a world where air pollution is becoming more of a problem. For some it can be worse than others, having a huge impact on their quality of life. We have written this report to look at some of the issues surrounding air purifiers in order to keep you better informed.

What does an air purifier do?

Allergens that exist in the air come in many forms. They may be dust particles, pollen, from pets or hazardous gases and smoke particles. These can cause misery for some people, which is where the need for an air purifier comes in. Air purifiers come in many different designs, but all work on the basis that they will remove high percentages of these allergens from the air. Air purifiers might use ionic filters, charcoal adsorbents or mechanical filters. Many people who suffer from such conditions as asthma, emphysema, allergies, chronic bronchitis, or any one of the many other respiratory illnesses, will probably tell you that they have benefited greatly by installing an air purifier in their home.

Do they work?

There is much controversy surrounding the effectiveness of air purifiers. To date there has only been limited testing into the benefits. Users will claim great results, but some experts have raised concerns of possible placebo affect due to claims that many air purifiers are ineffective at removing pollen, pet dander and some pollutants. It is also an area where the amount of money you spend could have big affects. The cheapest air purifiers on the market may be pretty much useless. The main controversy at the moment surrounds the ionic air purifiers, which people doubt the effectiveness of creating negative ions. Also these types of air purifiers omit ozone, a harmful pollutant.......

What do I need to look out for?

When purchasing an air purifier you should look for one that uses HEPA filters. The HEPA filters have to meet stringent requirements and must be able to filter a minimum 99.97% of pollutants from the air. You should watch out for anything that describes itself as being “HEPA-like” or “HEPA-type” as it his highly unlikely that these would be genuine HEPA filters. Also look for the CADR of the particular air purifier you are looking at. This stands for Clean Air Delivery Rating and is a good indicator of how effective one air purifier will be compared to another.

Is there anything else I can do?

It is probably a good idea that you consult your doctor. They should be able to give you sound advice on whether your particular condition is likely to be improved by purchasing an air purifier. It might be an idea to invest in some good filters for any air vents that you have in your home, and spend some time making sure cracks in old door frames or windows are sealed properly. Many people also find positive results just through dusting and hovering more often, and getting rid of old mattresses and covering the new ones with covers that protect against dust mites.

As we said previously, many people find they really do benefit from having an air purifier so it is worth taking your time to look around and find out what all the options are.

Author: William Bell writes for http://www.a1airpurifiers.com

Air Purifiers – Will Air Purifier Help You?

Treadmills vs. Ellipticals vs. Bikes?

2007-11-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

Consumers are faced with many different equipment options to try and meet fitness goals, and sometimes it can be confusing. So here is an easy-to-use reference guide that will help determine what type of equipment is best suited to you.

Directly below is a summary comparison of elliptical trainer vs. treadmill vs. exercise bike training options to show the physiological benefits of each. This information presents an effective way to decide which is best for your individual needs, and help you get started on the right path to fitness.

Treadmills - Maximum opportunity to increase cardiovascular, weight loss and bone density.

• Burn more calories than bike or elliptical
• Build maximum lower extremity bone density
• Customize workout with Decline / Incline features
• Minimal impact with SOFT deck technology

Elliptical Trainers - The benefits of weight-bearing exercise without the impact.

• Low impact workout that's easy on body and joints
• Arm handles allow for a full body workout
• Lower perceived rate of exertion
• Burn fewer calories per hour than a treadmill

Exercise Bikes - Low impact. High performance.

• Low-No impact workout easiest on body and joints
• Available in upright and recumbent, for virtually every performance level
• Most economically priced piece of equipment
• Lowest calorie burn / hour compared with a treadmill and elliptical

Treadmills:.......

This popular form of weight-bearing exercise offers you the best opportunity to build bone density in the lower extremities and greatly improve overall muscle tone. Unsurpassed for a cardiovascular and fat-burning workout, the treadmill can help you to burn 50 to 250 more calories an hour versus a stationary bike or an elliptical machine.

While running and walking generally create more impact on your bones and joints than exercise bikes or elliptical machines, most high-end treadmills are constructed with surfaces that help to absorb impact and pounding. This provides a big advantage over outdoor workouts on asphalt or concrete.

Most treadmills also include electronic features and settings that allow you to customize your workouts to meet your specific fitness needs. Almost all models include speed and incline settings and can be programmed for individual calorie-burning, speed and mileage goals.

Besides offering all the benefits of an outdoor walk or run (without the hassles of obstacles or the environment) in the comfort of your own home, the treadmill has proven to be the clear training choice for achieving maximum fitness results in the shortest amount of time.

Ellipticals:

Part treadmill, part stairmaster, and mimicking the pedal movement of an exercise bike, the elliptical trainer offers a unique combination of fitness benefits, without the impact on knees, back, hips or joints. This weight-bearing exercise allows you to burn calories more efficiently than non-weight-bearing workouts, plus effectively builds bone density.

More than just a lower-body exercise, arm handles combine with leg motion to provide a total body workout. In addition, the elliptical helps to create a lower "perceived rate of exertion" - you do more work and burn more calories while feeling like you're producing less effort.

This cross-training-style machine can also typically be programmed through electronic settings to meet your specific goals of calorie burning, speed and distance. One other unique advantage is that the elliptical can also be "pedaled" backwards in addition to forward, to effectively work a full range of leg muscles.

The elliptical has proven popular with those who are looking to receive the benefits of a full-body, weight-bearing workout, without the stress and pounding.

Exercise Bikes:

Although they have been in existence for years, exercise bikes have returned to the forefront of the workout scene. This is due in large part to advances in technology, improved designs and the immensely popular "spinning" programs that allow participants to simulate outdoor cycling in the comfort of their own homes or a group classroom setting.

Unlike other forms of "weight-bearing" exercise (such as running or walking), exercise bikes offer participants an opportunity to increase their heart rates without substantial stress on knees, ankles, feet or hips. In addition, built-in resistance features allow you to tailor your workout to your specific goals, by simulating hills, flat ground and rolling terrain. Many models even offer electronic features, which allow you to program the bike for a specific goal or workout. This is very helpful for achieving effective, measurable results.

Generally available in recumbent or upright designs, stationary bikes are designed for practically every level of performance and body design, whether you're an experienced cyclist dedicated to improving your peddle stroke or a weekend warrior simply looking to break a sweat.

True Fitness Technology, Inc. specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of premium quality cardiovascular and flexibility products. TRUE’s innovative and award-winning products are among the best in the fitness industry and enable users to look better, feel better and play better.

To learn more about True Fitness product lines, either look for their line of Home Fitness Equipment or Commercial Fitness Equipment. at http://www.truefitness.com

Treadmills vs. Ellipticals vs. Bikes?

Swim to Lose Weight and Stay Fit

2007-11-08T01:03:00.000-08:00

Showing up is all it takes.

Swimming is a terrific way to tone the body and get in shape with very little stress on the joints. This makes it the perfect exercise for any age; all you need is a swimsuit and to find a suitable time at the pool, many have designated adult swim times or family sessions. However, sometimes the prospect of getting in the pool, especially if you consider yourself less than accomplished, can be daunting. The following is my response to a question on how to start on a major weight loss target, and highlights my main mantra which is, "keep on showing up".

“Let me take your points one by one. The first one about not swimming too well. That means you do swim a bit, and a bit is all you need to get this thing rolling. When I came back to swimming after 30 years off, I started easy, I did what I could because I knew that as time passed I'd get a little bit better and a little bit better until I was really getting somewhere. Now when I say easy, I mean easy, like 25 meters and then a rest, then another 25 meters and so on. Never push it past where it's fun, and don’t put pressure on yourself, just wait, keep showing up at that pool and doing what you can, and soon what you can will be quite a bit. It's the keeping on that's the trick. Forget the "burn", who needs to be in discomfort all the time, just keep on "doing what you can" and the consistency will win the day. It's like water on stone, the outcome is never in doubt, and the little drip will go right through that stone.

As for your second point "how do I even get started", well you have started, you know an exercise you can do and improve on, and you need to focus on the first 5 lbs. not the rest. If you look at too big a task, you'll say, "oh forget it, it's too tough to lose 96 lbs.". But how about 5 lbs. to start, is that do-able? Then let's do it!! And when we've got that wall knocked down, we'll go for 8 lbs. next time. So take it in little pieces, that's what I'm doing with my program, I do what I can and I don't fret over what I can't, that would be a waste of my energy. Let's do what we can, set a "do-able" target and GO FOR IT. But don't tell yourself, it's "only the first or whatever", IT IS THE ONLY TARGET!! Focus, keep it in front of you and REACH it before you even think of the next step. Water on Stone!!”

Author: Gordon Black is a world-ranked Master swimmer and Canadian national record holder. A member of the British swim team in the late ‘60s, after thirty years out of the pool, last year Gordon returned to competitive swimming in the Masters forum. He offers an online weight loss, fitness and motivational coaching service through his web site http://www.gordonblack.com where his competitive comeback is chronicled.

Swimming To Lose Weight

Why Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 2

2007-11-08T00:45:00.000-08:00

How to Maximize The Results You Get From Your Protein Powder. Timing Is Everything!

Whether it be for fat loss or muscle gain, I always recommend taking a good protein supplement. The reason for this is simple: it is a convenient way to get high-quality protein without excess calories.

Be aware, however, that in no way am I advocating that you live on protein powder (like the dangerous Liquid Protein diets that used to be popular) alone. The key point to understand here is that a protein supplement is exactly what the name suggests: a supplement. It should be taken in addition to a nutritious diet in order to achieve a certain purpose, in this case increased protein intake.

Protein powders and protein bars can also be used as meal replacements on occasion, especially when you are on the go. They are far more nutritious than a fast food meal and more convenient.

The most popular and highest quality protein powder is whey protein. Whey is very digestible and is used efficiently in the body.

You can maximize the effects you get from your protein supplement simply by knowing exactly when to take it. Here is a list of the when, why and how of effective protein supplementation, ranked in order of importance.

1. Immediately After A Workout

If you only take protein once per day, this is the absolute best time to take it. Immediately after you finish your workout, your body needs raw materials to rebuild and recover with. If you don’t supply the raw materials through eating, your body will break down muscle from elsewhere in your body in order to rebuild the damaged areas. This is very counterproductive as you can well imagine.

By taking in some protein (20 to 30 grams or so) within minutes after exercise, you provide your body with the raw materials it needs to recover without breaking down it’s own muscle tissue.

2. An Hour After A Workout

About an hour following a workout, your body has settled down from the excitement and is ready to really start rebuilding. The protein that you took in immediately following the workout has been metabolized and your body is looking for more. Another protein shake at this time is a good way to help speed recovery. Try to take in another 20 to 30 grams about an hour after working out.

3. First Thing In The Morning

Immediately upon waking, or as soon after that as you can manage, take a scoop of protein powder. Your body has just been through an (approximately) 8 hour fast and is hungry for nutrients. Feed your body!

Protein powder is more quickly assimilated than solid food and gets into your muscles faster. This protein shot gives your metabolism a boost, which can help with fat loss. Be sure to follow it with a good breakfast, of course.

4. Last Thing At Night

Prepare your body for the long overnight fast by giving it a little something to work with. A good combination for this purpose is to mix a scoop of whey protein in with a small glass of milk.

Whey is what’s known as a "fast" protein, meaning that it’s digested quickly, while milk protein (casein) is what’s known as a "slow" protein, meaning it’s digested relatively slowly. At night, you want your protein to be metabolized slowly so that your body gets a more even supply over the course of the night. By mixing "fast" and "slow" proteins, you get the benefits of the higher-quality whey with the slower digestion time of the milk.

5. In-between Meals

A quick protein shake can be a great snack in between meals. It helps keep your body supplied with protein all day long. This is especially useful if you tend to have long periods of time in-between meals. It could mean the difference between losing muscle and building or keeping muscle!

6. With Meals

Taking a protein supplement with meals is a handy way to increase the protein content of a meal. This is perfect for when you make a meal that is somewhat low in protein.

7. In The Middle Of The Night

This is a trick that bodybuilders sometimes use in order to keep their muscles supplied with protein throughout the night. Keep a pre-mixed protein shake right beside your bed. Although some trainers have been known to set alarms to wake up to drink it, I prefer to have it there waiting just in case I wake up, but I don’t try to wake up on purpose. If I don’t wake up, it’s right there ready for me to drink first thing in the morning! This strategy is more targeted for muscle growth rather than fat loss.

WARNING!

Never drink a protein supplement immediately before working out!

Some people do this thinking that it will give them an energy boost or give them a head-start for post-workout recovery. Basically, all it does is sit in their stomach and bloat them up. Valuable blood that should be going to working muscles gets sent to the digestive system to try and digest it. The same warning goes for taking protein during a workout. Don’t do it!

By following these protein-intake recommendations, you will increase the effectiveness of your supplementation. Even if you choose to take advantage of only one or two of these timing techniques, you will certainly see an improvement in your recovery ability.

Author: Nick Nilsson is Vice President of BetterU, Inc., an online exercise, fitness, and personal training company. Check out his latest eBook "The Best Exercises You've Never Heard Of" at http://www.thebestexercises.com or visit http://www.fitstep.com. You can contact him at betteru@fitstep.com or subscribe to BetterU News, his fitness newsletter at betterunews@fitstep.com.

Why Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 2

Why Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 1

2007-11-08T00:30:00.000-08:00

I Didn’t Realize How Important Protein Was For Fat Loss Until I Discovered Something That Blew My Mind...

The year was 1992. I had just finished a long cycle of weight gain whereupon I had moved my bodyweight up from about 150 pounds to about 215 pounds. And let me just tell you, it wasn’t all muscle!

I hadn’t been all that careful about my diet previously but I thought I knew pretty well what I was doing. It was time to lose some of that fat.

The first thing I did was make the biggest mistake a dieter can make: in my focus of trying to eat only low fat foods, I unwittingly and drastically reduced the amount of protein that I was eating.

The result? I lost weight and plenty of it. The problem was, I lost mostly muscle! I was smaller, weaker, lighter and nearly as fat as I was before. Not quite the results I was looking for.

In retrospect, I know exactly what I did wrong and it’s something I’ll never do again.

I FORGOT ABOUT PROTEIN!

Protein is an extremely important nutrient whether your goal is to lose fat, gain muscle or just tone yourself up. It is the main structural nutrient in your body, making up the bulk of your muscles and organs. Protein is essential for proper hormone function and immune system health.

Most importantly, for our purposes, protein is used for building and repairing muscle tissue.....

When you are trying to lose fat, you reduce your calories. Unfortunately, your body views fat stores as more precious than your muscle tissue and will tend to eat up muscle tissue before it goes to fat for energy. This physiological adaptation used to protect our ancestors from famine but works against us now.

This is very unfortunate because muscle tissue is a great calorie-burner. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn even when you’re doing absolutely nothing! Protecting your muscle tissue makes fat loss so much easier, it will amaze you. Not only that, it will help you keep that fat off permanently!

What can you do to protect your muscle tissue?

The first thing you can do is exercise. Exercise, especially resistance training, provides a stimulus for your body that sends it a signal saying "keep this muscle, you’re going to need it."

The second thing you can do is provide your body with enough protein. This can be in the form of food or supplements.

Good food sources of protein include chicken, fish, eggs, lean meats, legumes (beans), soy, and dairy products. Protein supplements are derived from food sources but are concentrated for convenience and effectiveness.

How much protein do you need?

The standard recommendation for athletes is between 1.2 to 1.7 grams per kilogram of bodyweight per day (or 0.5 to 0.7 grams per pound of bodyweight per day), though some research indicates a ratio as high as 2 grams per kilogram of bodyweight per day (0.9 grams per pound) is beneficial. This means if you weigh 150 pounds, you should try to eat between 75 and 105 grams and up to around 135 grams of protein per day.

Essentially, you should experiment with your protein intake to find out what works best for you. As far as importance in your supplement program goes, I would rank protein as next in importance to a good multi-vitamin.

When I made my first grand attempt at fat loss, I made the mistake of neglecting protein and it cost me. Don’t make the same mistake I did!

Author: Nick Nilsson is Vice President of BetterU, Inc., an online exercise, fitness, and personal training company. Check out his latest eBook "The Best Exercises You've Never Heard Of" at http://www.thebestexercises.com or visit http://www.fitstep.com. You can contact him at betteru@fitstep.com or subscribe to BetterU News, his fitness newsletter at betterunews@fitstep.com

Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 1

Get Rid Of Dark Circles and Look Younger

2007-10-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

While inner beauty may essentially define a woman, obtaining external beauty is strongly desired by many women globally. What woman does not want to look her best?

Of course, we all want to look our best wherever we go, whatever we do. It is natural for you to enhance your beauty by adopting various beautification techniques.

Since the beginning of time, beauty has almost been synonymous with womanhood. Often one of the best compliments you can give a woman is to acknowledge her beauty.

Countless women enjoy warm and uplifting feelings when their beauty is recognized. This might lead us to wonder what really counts the most when enhancing a woman's beauty.

There are a variety of answers to this question. But, in my opinion, a woman's beauty is determined by her eyes. Beautiful eyes speak for themselves and can be mesmerizing. I could go on and on describing the power of beautiful eyes.

When you realize that your eyes are blessed with such power, then it is in your best interest to protect them. However, eyes face several problems including the common emergence of dark circles under the eyes.

Dark circles refer to the shadows under your eyes that are caused by a variety of factors:

* There is a natural fat pad under the eye that begins to lose shape as you age. This process causes shadows under the eyes.

* Sometimes, these dark circles are just a reflection of the blood vessels and capillaries that are present in large numbers in the area under your eyes.

* Often, the shape of your face and features seem to make these dark circles appear prominent. For example, if you have prominent or protruding cheek bones and deep-set eyes, the dark circles under your eyes are more visible.

* Some people might have attacks of allergies, sinus problems, and, more serious, leaking capillaries that will make dark circles more prominent.

* The medical reasons for dark circles under your eyes are poor diet, lack sleep, and poor or irregular blood circulation.

Dark circles do not need to be a problem. There are a number of promising treatments to help deal with dark circles under your eyes. Don't lose faith. Remember, there are many other women worldwide who experience the same problems.

Most importantly, there is certainly hope for you in the form of effective solutions that presently exist for dark circles.

* Some ingredients that are purported to help are: water, glycerin, cyclopentasiloxane, polysilicone 11, silica, and more than a dozen other elements. In about a month of using creams with these types of ingredients, the dark circles under your eyes will likely become less noticeable.

There are many products available to treat dark circles. Despite the promise of such products, you cannot expect chronic dark circles to disappear overnight.

Dark circles may have been forming unseen and unnoticed for months or years. Only when they reach a noticeable stage do you start searching for solutions. Even the best eye creams will take some time to work their magic for you.

To allievate dark circles under your eyes, you may want to look into a new product called Eyederma(TM). We have read good and encouraging things about this new under eye treatment. Eyederma(tm) was created to effectively fight and prevent signs of aging and fatigue around the eyes. Pictures we have seen of results seem to indicate that this product is extremely effective in diminishing dark patches under your eyes. Eyederma™ is available at reputable eTailers such as Amazon.com and http://www.bodestore.com

Consider using these creams to enhance the vibrancy and beauty of your face and eyes. Eyederma(TM) and some eye creams can help rejuvenate the appearance of your eyes and make them more beautiful and attractive. I hope these tips are useful in helping erase those dark circles under your eyes once and for all and enhancing your overall beauty and appearance in the process.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Written by the V-Team, courtesy Kamau Austin, publisher. The V-Team writes articles for the health and fitness enthusiast. Their timeless health and fitness tips are at the Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful news and tips about reducing dark cycle around the eyes with Eyedermaat http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm

Get Rid Of Dark Circles and Look Younger

What is Cholesterol

2007-10-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like material that is made by the liver. Cholesterol serves many vital functions, and is part of every cell in the body. Our bodies require cholesterol to maintain healthy cell walls, make hormones, make vitamin D, and to make bile acids.

The food we eat can also play a big part in the amount of cholesterol in our bodies. If we eat an excess of food containing saturated fat, the liver will produce more cholesterol than the body needs. Our bodies will also absorb cholesterol directly from food that contains cholesterol.

In nature cholesterol is only found in animal based foods, but some food processing can cause other foods to have cholesterol as well. Foods fried in animal fat or tropical oils, have also been found to contain cholesterol. Saturated fat is also found primarily in animal based foods.

Cholesterol on its own can not dissolve in the blood. Tiny particles called lipoproteins deliver cholesterol to and from the blood cells. There are two lipoproteins that work with cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “Bad” cholesterol, carries cholesterol in the blood stream to the tissues, where it can be used or stored by the body. The reason this type of cholesterol is referred to as “Bad” is that this is the cholesterol that can build-up and clog arteries. This is what happens when there is too much LDL in the body.

HDL cholesterol, often referred to as “Good” cholesterol, carries cholesterol in the blood stream from the tissues to the liver. The liver then expels this cholesterol from the body. A high HDL level will tend to protect against heart attack and stroke.

There are other factors that can affect your blood cholesterol levels. Some of these factors include being overweight, lack of exercise, inherited health traits, increased age, and gender. Women after menopause tend to have higher cholesterol than before menopause. Women also tend to have a higher HDL level throughout there lives than men. This may help to explain why women under the age of 80 usually experience lower rates of heart disease and stroke than men.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a high cholesterol level is considered to be over 200 mg/dL for your total cholesterol. Total cholesterol is calculated as (LDL + HDL). This however, is not the only figure that you should be concerned about. You also need to have a HDL level greater than or equal to 45 mg/dL, to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Total Blood Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: less than 200 mg/dL

Borderline: 200-239 mg/dL

High: 240 mg/dL or higher

HDL Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: 45 mg/dL or higher

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: less than 130 mg/dL

Borderline: 130-159 mg/dL

High: 160 mg/dL or higher

Find more articles like this: http://www.GreatestHealthSupplements.com

Author: Patrick Lewis Founded Greatest Health Supplements in mid 2006. Patrick had worked in Information Technology for over 20 years, and had struggled with stress related illness for the past 7 years. Patrick soon discovered that there was a lot of misinformation out there about proper health and diet, some of which was actually coming from his doctors. Patrick has since set out to debunk some of these myths, and to provide alternative points of view, based on research and information found on the internet.

What is Cholesterol

Link Exchange With iHealthiLicious

2007-10-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

Since this blog is very new, about a month ago, this blog will need more link to other blog and site.If you are interested in making link exchange with this blog, email me at baLooT(dot)MX(at)Gmail(dot)com for requests. Also tell us what is your blog title, url and description. And make sure you linking to us first because I want to make sure you linking well to my blog. If your blog is related to my blog (about health or beauty or fitness), please tell so. I will linking your blog in BlogRoll widget. You also must link to me in your widget, not post.

Below I list a blog and site that had make link exchange with me.

Here's the list:

Link2Me Link Exchange Directory - The Best Link Exchange for SEO Professionals
Quality directory of webmasters actively seeking link exchange. Improve your search engine rankings and link popularity the easy way. Work clever not hard.

Author: baLooT Inc

Health and Fitness

Bodybuilding on a Budget

2007-10-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Believe me…

I’ve had my fair share of large bills especially when I’m trying to bulk up and gain weight.

Am I right about this so far?

Don’t’ worry… there are some really overlooked and rather inexpensive methods to get all the food you need without breaking the bank. But I have an even better idea… let me just start off with a quick list of foods that you can find at most grocery stories and warehouse locations that are cheap and are excellent sources of protein, carbohydrates and fats.

Low Cost Bodybuilding Foods (no particular order):

1. Tuna
2. Nuts
3. Olive Oil
4. Whey Protein Concentrate, in bulk
5. Pasta
6. Chicken legs
7. Beans

Of course you’ll want to get servings of fruits and veggies but normally it’s the other foods that are expensive in bulk. With just the above foods, you can get many of them in bulk or for discounts and have plenty of wholesome foods for your bulking, cutting and bodybuilding endeavors.

By now, you’re probably wondering…

Okay, that’s a nice list of general foods I can use but I am taking some supplements. And they aren’t so cheap. I’d like to try everything I see in the latest muscle magazines but I really only have time for what works. Where’s the cheap list of supplements?

Inexpensive (best bang for your buck) supplements:

1. Multi-vitamin
2. Fish oil
3. Whey concentrate
4. Dextrose
5. Creatine Monohydrate

Fact is…

I try a lot of supplements myself. I’m curious. I want to know what works and sometimes I stumble across something that is worth it. But the above list is the basic supplement list that I always return to no matter what. It’s part of the vitamin closet in the kitchen. If I have no time, no money or no desire to try anything new, I know that above is the only stash I need to make any gains I’ll need.

So let me summarize and review…

Bodybuilding on budget is real. If you look for specific foods that are great sources of protein, carbs and healthy fats and mix and match, you have a really well rounded selection to make many meals. No matter if you are on a bulk phase, cutting phase or just want to eat healthy, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive things you’ve ever done.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Marc David is a bodybuilder, writer, and author of the the e-book "The Beginner's Guide to Fitness and Bodybuilding" (BGFB): What Every Beginner Should Know but Probably Doesn't. The Beginner's Guide is oriented towards fitness minded men and women who are just starting or have worked out for years without results. To learn more about the Beginner's Guide, visit Beginning-Bodybuilding at: http://www.beginning-bodybuilding.com

Bodybuilding on a Budget

Omega 3 Microencapsulation: The Newest Development

2007-10-24T01:12:00.000-07:00

In an effort to add Omega 3 from the right source (fatty fish) to our grocery store products, the latest attempt to cash in on the Omega 3 band wagon is micro encapsulated Omega 3 fish oil in of all things, orange juice (Tropicana), butter (I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter) and yogurt. Suffice it to say, micro encapsulation is a complicated process that requires a scientific background to explain.

What I do know is, I never wish to add fish of any kind, in any form, encapsulated, freeze dried, flaked or otherwise to orange juice, butter, yogurt, or any food for that matter. It’s not only tremendously unappealing, many people are deathly allergic to fish. Will they have to read labels of orange juice, butter and yogurt to make sure dried or encapsulated Omega 3 fish oil is not lurking within?

We are inundated by commercialism, clever advertisers, hype, powerful food and drug companies complicated by our own time limitations to dig deep for answers. So we do our best to keep up, read a bit here, listen a bit there and assimilate information often on the run. When we walk into our grocery stores and see Omega 3 on products, our first reaction is to buy knowing we need to add Omega 3 yet so few know they just added more seed oils to their bodies. And with today’s textbook science clearly showing seed oils are the culprit behind chronic inflammation affecting Americans’ health today, it is not a stretch to call the behavior of food manufacturers unscrupulous in their duping of the American consumer in the most dreadful way – not the cash in their hand but the very health they are trying to either keep or restore.

Research once showed ALA from seed oils was beneficial to heart health and other diet-related diseases, yet those conditions continued to climb and studies began emerging linking an over-abundance of ALA and other seed oils to chronic inflammation (arachidonic acid) being at the core of those diseases. And unless you’ve stayed clear of fast food restaurants, prepackaged foods, treats, and your favorite sit down restaurant, you’ve unknowingly been consuming huge quantities beyond any healthy recommendation that was suggested just a few years ago.

The first attempt at misleading labeling was conscienceless but the newest of dropping tiny caplets of micro encapsulated Omega 3 fish oil into juice and dairy products defies logic. My mind, nor my palate, can tolerate the thought of the taste or texture. At first glance it might appear as a step in the right direction by at least adding fish oil that we need but do you want fish oil delivered to you in those products? And if we throw Omega 3 microencapsulated fish oil into a wide array of grocery store products, how will we know if we’ve consumed a gram a day as suggested by the AHA or ten grams a day? It is estimated that by 2011, sales of Omega 3 enriched products will soars to $7 Billion Dollars.

A simpler solution is educating the American public as to the difference between food grade Omega 3 fish oils that offer no benefit and pure pharmaceutical grade fish oil from the right fatty fish that do. Purifying fish oil requires years of skill utilizing molecular processes. Suppliers who purchase 50 gallon drums of fish oil to turn into capsules for resale can afford to buy one, get one free and offer a two month supply for $25.00. Your health is precious and finding a quality source of fish oil only requires a little looking beyond the labeling.

Find a fish oil manufacturer (not a fish oil reseller, retailer or supplier) who began the process of producing fish oil by contracting with deep sea fisherman to deliver it to their lab. Make sure they either own the pharmaceutically lab purifying the oil or are aware of the lab’s standards. If not, your supplement passed through so many hands, it’s amazing it made it to the shelf in tact. Check for testimonies from real, satisfied customers who have experienced significant health changes. There are great fish oil products out there.

Author: Lois Smithers, former avid equestrian who fractured two vertebra, spent years researching Omega 3 she credits with ending debilitating chronic inflammation. With Debra Morgan, they own Sea-Based Health, LLC. Sign up for their newsletter and product recommendations, visit http://seabasedhealth.com

Omega 3 Micro encapsulation: The Newest Development

Vitamin D – A Closer Look At Cancer Prevention

2007-10-24T00:50:00.000-07:00

Vitamin D is the nutrient long known for it's critical role in the body's processing of calcium and subsequent maintenance of the bones and teeth. However, studies are revealing more and more evidence supporting the role of vitamin D in protecting the body by significantly cutting the risk for most forms of cancer. In fact, new research published most recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that vitamin D supplements may lower the risk factor by as much as 77 percent.

The following reveal exciting evidence of the exceptionally strong cancer-protective effects of vitamin D.

Breast Cancer – most recently the results of a study were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggesting that pre-menopausal women who maintain high levels of vitamin D and calcium in their diets have a significantly lower risk of breast cancer. More importantly, high levels of calcium and vitamin D among this group seemed to reduce the most aggressive breast tumors, including those that are likely to spread to the lymph nodes, which contain the most dangerous types of cancer cells. The two nutrients function together to block or interfere with the effects of the IGF (insulin-like growth factor) hormone, which is known to stimulate breast and other cancer cells.

Colon/Rectal Cancer - More than fifty years ago, while realizing the correlation between sunlight and vitamin D blood concentrations, curious scientists began studying weather data around the country, along with health statistics anticipating a relationship between areas with the highest amount of sunshine and lower rates of colon cancer death. New research conducted at the Creighton University School of Medicine in Nebraska has revealed that supplementing with vitamin D and calcium can reduce your risk of colon cancer by nearly 80 percent.

Pancreatic Cancer – known for having one of the highest mortality rates, pancreatic cancer is frequently called the "silent killer" typically because its presence is seldom diagnosed prior to reaching the advanced stages generally considered incurable. Results of two studies that began over thirty years ago, with a combined 170,000 male and female participants revealed evidence that at higher intake levels of vitamin D (at least 600 IU per day) there was a significant reduction in the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Prostate Cancer - Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States. However, an abundance of clinical research is providing evidence that vitamin D may be a key factor in reducing or eliminating the risk of contracting the disease. Most recent results include a new study indicating that vitamin D generated from about 15 minutes of sunshine per day may help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Other epidemiological studies also show correlations between the risk factors for prostate cancer and conditions that can result in decreased vitamin D levels. And, additional clinical research has shown that the presence of vitamin D inhibits the growth of human prostate cancer cells.

Lung Cancer – is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in America, so it is with great promise that a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention revealed that Vitamin D from a combination of dietary sources and sun exposure appears to improve the survival of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for 75% to 80% of all lung cancers. It's interesting to note that group participants who had surgery during the summer months gained a 13% survival advantage over those receiving surgery during the winter.

Recent research indicates that anyone totally avoiding the sun will need an intake of about 4,000 IUs of vitamin D a day! Now, if you do the math this means that it will be impossible from a practical means, to get enough vitamin D from either natural foods or nutritional supplements. Consider the requirement of 40 glasses of milk or 10 multi-vitamin tablets a day. Such an alternative would be an unrealistic and physically dangerous undertaking, to say the least.

Most of us make about 20,000 units of vitamin D after about 20 minutes of summer sun, but if for some reason you're not getting vitamin D from sunshine, you need to take supplemental vitamin D3 cholecalciferol. Since most of us do in fact receive much more vitamin D from the sun than we actually realize, it's reasonable to assume then that the majority of us need to supplement our intake with an additional 2,000 IUs per day, to ensure the risk reduction benefits against all cancer related illness.

For additional information and important resources, please visit http://www.newdaynutrients.com/

Author: Harry Monell is writing articles and maintaining New Day Nutrients.com, a website dedicated to promoting better health and vitality by providing useful information, advice and the latest news covering a wide range of health and nutritional topics. For additional information and resources, please copy into your web browser http://www.newdaynutrients.com

Vitamin D – A Closer Look At Cancer Prevention

How To Get Rid of Stretch Marks

2007-10-22T09:29:00.001-07:00

If you have stretch marks, you are likely haunted by how they look. When you first got them they were light pink or purple lines along your skin, then the color faded and they changed to a different color of flesh, becoming classic stretch lines.

These marks are caused by the extensive stretching of skin. Those lines are actually small tears in the top 2 layers of the skin. It is the scars from that damage to the skin that you refer to as stretch marks. If you have stretch marks you likely already know the result; the discolorations are embarrassing, and are something that you would love to get rid of.

There are a number of items on the market that have been created to do just this job. For the most part they are oils or creams that need to be massaged into the affected areas and are supposed to help firm up the skin, make it suppler, and also diminish or get rid of the stretch marks altogether. The ingredients that do the trick are Vitamin E oil and cocoa butter. For the best results, use of these creams should begin as soon as you realize stretch marks are forming. The sooner you begin using them, the better the results.

There are also some prescription products that are known to help reduce the look of stretch marks. A commonly heard of item is Retin-A. This medicine can only be acquired with a doctor’s note, but for those who have relatively new stretch marks, this can be a great healer. It is known to remove the redness in those new scars and make the resulting lines much less pronounced. Unfortunately it can only be used on stretch marks that are less than a year old.

By far, the most successful stretch mark treatment is going for full out cosmetic laser security. While it is very costly, many people who have thousands of dollars at their disposal will use this method of stretch mark removal because of the success rate. Many of those who have taken this route to try and have their marks removed have done so because they have had the scars for a number of years, and no other methods worked. The way laser treatment works is to actually break down the tissue in the skin to change the appearance to be more like the surrounding skin. But it will not be perfect the first time. It could take a half dozen or more laser treatments to notice real results, and it will not work on all people.

The best solution to deal with stretch marks is not to get them in the first place. Since stretch marks are actual damage to the skin and it’s tissue, many times, they cannot be repaired. So, the better option is to stay healthy and keep close tabs on weight gain and muscle building. Also, make sure to keep up with a vitamin and mineral rich healthy diet, as well as drinking a lot of water.

Author: Dianne Keenan is writer, and a mother of four. Having gone through four pregnancies, she knows all about stretch marks. You can read more about her personal experience of getting rid of stretch marks at http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Get-Rid-Of-Stretch-Marks

How To Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Technorati Profile

Build Own Fitness Home Gym

2007-10-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to build a home gym this year, there are some important criteria that should be taken into consideration. A good home gym offers versatility, the ability to have a few pieces of exercise equipment perform a wide variety of exercises. It must be durable and be able to handle the rigors of hard resistance training over a long period of time. Exercise equipment shouldn't take up a lot of space. There are many exercises you can do with your own body weight and a mat, so the home gym equipment shouldn't clutter up the workout space, nor be difficult to store. Finally it should be affordable. No one likes investing in a $1000 home gym just to use it as a coat rack or have it collecting dust in the corner within 3 months. This list of exercise equipment should offer solutions in each category listed above and it should provide a challenging and fun workout environment.

Exercise Ball

One of the most versatile pieces of exercise equipment, the exercise ball can be used in place of a bench for any supine or seated exercise. The exercise ball comes in a variety of sizes and depending on brand, is made of varying material. Because of the stress placed on a ball during a workout, it is important to look for a ball that is burst proof and it will not pop under you during a workout. To obtain the right size, a ball that sits with your hips and knees at 90 degrees is most likely what you should use for a majority of the exercises. For most, a 55cm or 65cm ball is sufficient. An exercise ball can be purchased for around $25-$60.

The exercise ball will provide an element of instability that cannot be duplicated by a bench; therefore you can improve core stability, and strengthen the integrity of your joints including shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. The more stable you become, the stronger you will be and will drastically reduce the incidence of injury.

Dumbbells

A good home gym isn't complete without a few sets of dumbbells. 5-50lbs in increments of 5 will make a complete set for every type of exercise. Dumbbells are good for full body exercises that resist gravity. Exercises such as lunges, squats, shoulder press, bicep curl and chest press are just a few on the list of dumbbell exercises. They are durable, versatile, and a good set will last you a lifetime. A good set of dumbbells may cost $50-$100 for 3-4 sets of varying weight.

Foam Roll

A hard foam cylinder is used for self myfascial release, or self massage. A supplement to stretching, a foam roll can help to increase flexibility in a way that stretching cannot. In addition, it can help to relieve knots and adhesions within muscle tissue. If you don't like being sore after a workout, a foam roll can help to alleviate the soreness and therefore should be a staple item for your home gym. Invest $20 in a good foam roll that will take away your pain and soreness after a tough workout.

Xerdisc

The Xerdisc is an air filled rubber disc used for improving balance, and stability. The same exercises that you do while standing (ie..shoulder press, squat, bicep curl) can all be done while standing on an Exerdisc. Improving joint integrity and balance will allow you to become a more stable, stronger individual and the exercises are fun and challenging. It can also be used for ab exercises such as crunches, and anything you can do to make ab exercises harder has to be good! A quality Xerdisc may run about $40.

Xertube

Tubing comes in a variety of sizes based on the level of tension you want. Tubing can be used for most exercises in place of dumbbells and they will provide a variable tension. The plus side to using tubing is that you can gain resistance from a lateral position that dumbbells cannot provide. Exercises such as wood chops, torso twists, and pulling exercises like the bent row and lat pull are just a few that you can do with tubing that you can't get with other forms or resistance. Tubing is also safe for seniors looking to stay active as there is no risk of dropping the weight. Tubing is color coded in relation to the resistance it provides. I suggest 3-5 different tubes from thin to thick to give you opportunity to perform many exercises with small and large muscle groups. They are usually about $5-$8 a piece and can be used around doorknobs, in door jams and any other stationary post.

This exercise equipment should provide everyone from the novice to the advanced, a well rounded home gym that you can invest in for less than $200 total. The level of versatility, durability, and challenge that is provided by these pieces of equipment is unmatched by any single unit you can buy, and should give you years of workouts that can be changed and progressed as you continue to get into better and better shape. Consult with your personal trainer as to what exercise equipment may be best for your home gym.

Author: Charles Carter, BS in Exercise Science is President of LIVE, llc of http://www.liveleantoday.com/page.cfm?name=FitnessPlans - visit the website for more information on weight loss, core fitness programs, optimal diets, and online personal trainer and dietician services. For more information on products go to http://shop.liveleantoday.com

Build Own Fitness Home Gym

When To Workout

2007-10-18T04:14:00.000-07:00

When To Workout

What should I eat? When should I eat it? And when’s the best time to work out? Should I hit the gym when I wake up in the morning, during lunch hour, or late afternoon? Everyone has a different opinion, whether they are an entrepreneur, a freelance photographer, a school teacher or a diehard fitness freak. So HCM took the query to the training professionals to get their take on the problem.

Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter, author of Your Performing Edge and member of the medical staff at Stanford says, “The best time of day to exercise is first thing in the morning. You lower your stress and increase your metabolic level. If you wait until later in the day you may put the workout off and not do it at all.” (Website for helpful articles and success tips: www.YourPerformingEdge.com)

Dr. Yariv Rothman, a Venice, California chiropractor also prefers the A.M. workout. “A morning workout can be very helpful, especially if you’re shedding those extra pounds post pizza night.” Cardiovascular exercise or circuit training in the AM stimulates the endocrine system, releasing endorphins and enhancing mood. Dr. Rothman says, “My patients who work out in the early morning report that they have more energy throughout the day and deal with stressful situations at work better.”

Guy Grundy, Mr. Australia, is a morning person, too. He says, “By training first thing in the morning you are able to take advantage of certain factors. You release more growth hormones (GH) at this time due to the low blood sugar levels. The more GH you release the better.”

If you are looking to gain bulk or become more lean, your meals will be a little different. To bulk up, Mr. Australia suggests, “A high protein, high carb snack is great before the workout as you will have additional nutrients in your system while you are training.” Dr. Dahlkoetter suggests a sports bar or a bowl of oatmeal.

If you are looking to drop body fat Guy Grundy offers a suggestion before pumping weights, “Go with a shake. It’s easy to digest and will ensure you have enough protein in your system while you train.” Remember, if your body is low on carbs it will use protein as an energy source.

Grundy says, “I always make sure I have a little more protein in each meal as I like to stay lean and therefore eat less carbs. I build muscle and drop more body fat with this method.”

The most important meal is the one immediately following your workout. You should look to get between 25-50% of your daily carbohydrate intake. And the amount of carbs needed during a post workout meal varies between people. Guy Grundy says, “My favorite is egg whites, flank steak, and three blueberry and banana multigrain pancakes.”

There’s a good reason for all these carbs. After a workout your body has depleted its carbohydrate reserves. Your body is releasing more insulin, sending needed carbs back into the muscles. These calories and nutrients absorbed during post-workout meals are directed into the worn muscle mass which leads to a better gain in muscle and cell growth.

Guy Grundy says, “Using creatine with your post workout meal and a high amount of water will provide even better results.”

Dr. Rothman says, “Your body needs refueling as well as protein, which is necessary for muscle repair.” He suggests a turkey sandwich or a few scrambled eggs with fruit.

There is a downside to the morning workout. Since muscles are still asleep from a long night’s rest, they need some waking up before strenuous exercise. Spend a few minutes warming up. This could be five minutes on the stationary bicycle and stretching exercises, which will avoid unnecessary strain on muscles and ligaments.

Ryan Kravetz, a Bally Total Fitness trainer and former Team USA ice hockey forward, knows a morning workout gets the metabolism going, but he has practical concerns. “The crowd hits the gym in the early morning and late afternoon.” This is the time when people have to wait to do their bench presses or leg lifts. “The equipment is available without a wait during midday,” says Kravetz.

Not everyone can jump out of bed in the morning and pump iron. There is a school of thought that agrees with Kravetz, but for a different reason. Led by Dr. Phyllis Zee of Northwestern University, this group cites a good explanation for the P.M. exercise. Muscle strength is at its peak, and people are most alert. Therefore, athletes are less apt to injure themselves.

There’s some science to back this opinion, too. It has to do with circadian rhythms, our internal biological clocks. These rhythms time our sleep, wakefulness, and body temperature. During the afternoon our internal clocks have increased our body temperature by one to two degrees. Consequently, muscles are more supple lowering the risk to injury. For most people this happens between 2:00-4:00 P.M.

Exercise before bedtime is frowned upon. According to Dr. Dahlkoetter, sports psychologist, “If you exercise at night, you will become dehydrated and have more difficulty sleeping.” A workout before bedtime will keep you up. Sure, you’ll be wide awake for Letterman or Leno, but you’ll have trouble waking up for that early morning appointment.

Maybe it’s an A.M. workout you prefer to start the day with an energy boost. Or a P.M. workout suits you best when your muscles are warm and you need to relieve some stress. Take your pick. Choose one and stick with it. And remember to eat smart before and after you exercise. Maintaining a regular workout schedule with an appropriate diet could extend your life and definitely improve your mental and physical health.

Author: Dane Fletcher is THE Training Authority and writes exclusively fro SteroidPimp.com, a leading provider of weightlifting supplements and alternatices to anabolic steroids. For more information please visit http://www.steroidpimp.com

Increase Your Metabolism to Lose Weight

2007-10-15T23:36:00.000-07:00

If you need to lose weight, one great way to start melting pounds away is to increase your metabolism. By increasing your metabolism, you'll be able to process food faster and therefore will store less fat in the body. In fact, with a better metabolism, you're body will even begin burning away existing fat in order to get the energy it needs to support itself.

How Metabolism Works

Your metabolism can either work for you or against you. The main way we all get energy is from glucose, commonly known as our blood sugar.

When our blood sugar runs low, our metabolism burns the fat in our bodies in order to make more energy. However, when our blood sugar runs high, our metabolism stores fat in our bodies to use later.

So now let's look at how you can get your metabolism to work for you.

Go Ahead and Eat

Many people believe that the key to losing weight is to stop eating. Well, that will actually have a negative effect on your metabolism. Eating less will cause your metabolism to slow down because it will sense that you don't have enough food.

So when you finally eat, your blood sugar will jump through the roof and your metabolism will store the extra glucose as fat.

Instead of starving yourself, eat many smaller, healthy meals that are low in calories and fat. Also, consume plenty of water, fruits, and vegetables.

By eating smaller portions you'll not only curb your appetite, but you'll also trick your body into thinking that it's getting plenty of food. Therefore, your metabolism will kick into a higher gear. Then when it doesn't get the glucose it needs for energy (because you're eating healthy) then it will begin to take that glucose from the stores of fat that are already in your body.

Get Yourself Moving

Exercise is a guaranteed way to increase your metabolism. Always check with your doctor for what is the best exercise regime for you. Most of the time, walking as little as twenty minutes a day, will help increase your metabolism.

Exercise actually helps you lose weight in two ways:

First, exercise builds muscle and muscle burns calories on its own.

Secondly, when you exercise your body is forced to come up with enough energy to support your activity. So, it begins burning fat in order to give the energy you need.

Don't be put off when I say exercise - there is no need to be pounding away furiously on a treadmill for hours a day.

A simple yet effective mini routine is all that is needed to give your metabolism a boost.

Some Final Words about Losing Weight

If you need to lose weight, you're certainly not alone. Millions of people are in the same boat. However, most people don't realize what it takes to first lose the weight and then to keep the weight off.

If you increase your metabolism, you'll see that over time, your fat will melt off your body and your weight will gradually drop. The two best ways to increase your metabolism are to eat smaller meals more often and to exercise regularly.

Author: Matt Falconer's latest guide helps you shift pounds, boost metabolism and burn fat without spending hours in the gym sweating away on the treadmill. Visit http://www.12MinuteWorkoutPlan.Com

Acidity verses Alkalinity

2007-10-15T02:33:00.000-07:00

While I originally started to avoid this subject like the plague, I felt the need to at a minimum address it because there are so many widely differing view points on what this actually means, what to do about it and how this really affects your overall health.

I was very happy to find that the Chief Science Officer at Univera LifeSciences, Steven Cherniske, had published a very informative article, “The Acid Alkaline Mystery Solved”, on this very subject. For any of you that have read any of Stephen Cherniske’s work, you will not be surprised to see that it comes complete with all the references that you could hope for and the straight hard facts on this very confusing subject. As a result of this finding I am not going to attempt to do the subject justice, by trying to recreate an article of equal caliber. Verses re-inventing the wheel I am going to simply hit some of the high points for those of you who would prefer the cliff notes version. For those that would like to read all of the details I will leave that to Stephen and his article, “The Acid Alkaline Mystery Solved”.

First of all what is an Acid or for that matter an Alkaline substance? These substances are measured on a pH scale with water being neutral at 7.0. With values less than 7.0 being acid and the lower the pH value the stronger the acid. As you may have guessed alkaline (or base) substances have a value greater than 7.0 up to a maximum of 14. By now you may be wondering where our bodies should fall on this scale. First of all when we speak of an acid/alkaline balance in the body we are talking about the pH balance of our blood and tissues that should remain in a fairly narrow range of about 7.4 – slightly alkaline.

The real heart of the matter here is the byproducts of the digestion of foods that we consume and absorb. The biggest contributors to the fact that ACIDOSIS is at an all time high are the facts that most Americans are consuming beef and/or poultry multiple times per day, Americans are now consuming more soft drinks than water, consumption of coffee (caffeinated & decaffeinated) and lastly the processing of many of our foods have removed all of the alkaline forming minerals. When thinking about the foods that we consume you can not take the natural state of a food as the prime indicator of how that food will interact with our bodies. As an example, most fruits when consumed will result in an alkaline ash residue once digested even though naturally they maybe very high in acid in their natural state, even oranges.

The primary acid forming foods in your diet contain the minerals, sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Typically you will find these minerals in proteins, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, grains, most nuts and soft drinks (due to the high phosphate levels).The minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium form alkaline reactions in the body and are found primarily in fruits and vegetables, and so these foods are classified as alkaline forming foods. As many of you are aware the consumption of alkaline-forming vegetables and fruit is at an all-time low. This has resulted in an increase of acidosis which accelerates catabolic damage and impairs our bodies anabolic repair processes. One of the best examples is the fact that it has been known for a long time that diets high in protein greatly increase the risk of osteoporosis. While there are many theories on this subject it appears that the body is simply taking from one part of the body to help support other systems that have been depleted due to the body staying in such a high state of acidosis.

In an attempt to help us make this shift in our diet Univera LifeSciences has created MetaGreens™. MetaGreens™ is extraordinary mix of land and sea vegetables, all of which are rich in alkaline minerals. I take great comfort in knowing that these greens are pesticide-free, grown on high-nutrient soil that has never been chemically fertilized. Additionally, Univera LifeSciences takes great care to ensure that the vegetables are harvested at the peak of their nutrient value and then these ingredients are processed by low-temperature dehydration to retain all the raw food goodness and manufactured in small batches to maximize freshness.

While the words “stomach acid” have a negative connotations for many of you it is because you have been brain washed over the years by the non-stop advertisements about how excess stomach acid is causing all of your discomforts. While I would be able to spend days address this issue I will pass. For those of you that want to read a very well presented explanation of why our stomach acids are in fact a good thing please read Stephen Cherniske’s article. For myself I continue to rely on Univera LifeSciences Aloe Gold product to help keep my digestive track in order and functioning properly. For those of you that have not tried Aloe Gold take a moment to ask anyone that have used the product and I am very certain you will hear fantastic praises about how it has helped them with numerous digestive track disorders.

I hope that you have found this latest entry to be of interest and most of informative. While I have barely scratched the surface here I hope that I have helped to clear up some of the confusion associated with the Acid Alkaline debate. For those of you that are hungry for more on this I can not recommend highly enough that you read Stephen Cherniske’s article the Acid Alkaline Mystery Solved.

Reference:

1) AcidAlkalineMysterySolved - http://www.aginghealthier.com/pdfs/AcidAlkalineMysterySolved.pdf

2) Stephen Cherniske, M.S., The Metabolic Plan, The Random House Publishing Company, 2003, ISBN: 0-345-44102-8, http://www.themetabolicplan.com/

3) Natural Health School - http://www.naturalhealthschool.com/acid-alkaline.html

Author: Glenn Antoine has spent 25+ years researching and learning about nutrition, supplementation and physical fitness in an attempt to not only improve his quality of life, but the lives of all those that he comes in contact with. Please visit http://blog.aginghealthier.com for great information on the topics of Anti-aging, Wellness and physical fitness. Checkout http://www.aginghealthier.com for some of the best products available on the market.

Pure Bottled Water and Your Body

2007-10-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

The benefits of good health cannot be overemphasized for those who wish to lead a happy lifestyle. While good health does not guarantee happiness it is certainly a key building block for a future of well being, contentment and serenity.

Pure Bottled Water is a good starting point at building a healthy lifestyle.

What are the basics of good health?

Like most events in nature, development and maintenance of good health and a healthy lifestyle are simple in concept but take some work and dedication to achieve.

* Healthy diet
* Exercise
* Minimize stress on a daily basis

Almost all of the common diseases that threaten us today can be avoided to a great degree by eating right, adopting a program of regular exercise, and stress reduction through techniques like meditation.

The Role Of Pure Water as part of a Healthy Diet.

Daily consumption of pure water is essential to a proper diet. Basically, the human body can survive for extended periods without food but can only last for a few days without water. Water is the essential element of your body: water cools the body and is essential for the proper functioning of all the major body processes.

Is Our Drinking Water Pure?

In the whole world only 3% of all the water is drinkable and of that 3%, pollution is taking its toll. Much of the potentially drinkable water is now so polluted that it is undrinkable. Municipalities in the western word attempt to supply drinking water but only do so with contaminants and bacteria that is covered up by significant amounts of chlorine.

Scholars Have Noticed

There have many studies of contaminated water and its effects on the human body. Many scholars recommend the use of purified distilled water as a healthy substitute for contaminated water. Many experts have published opinions on the subject (see: Water Purification: http://mizar5.com/distill/BestPurification.html)

Other experts such as Dr. Andrew Weil (http://www.aquaprix.com/archive/drw_cda.html) explore the benefits of distilled water and explode many of the myths surrounding this form of purified water.

The basic question many scholars as is “Why do people harm their health with adulterated drinking water when pure water is available?”

How Much Pure Water Do You Need?

To stay hydrated, you need to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of pure water (spread out over the day). Therefore, if you weigh 150 pounds, you need at least 75 ounces of pure water a day. Remember, you cannot drink too much pure water-the more the better.

How Do You Know If You Are Hydrated?

Your urine should be almost clear once every 24 hours. Remember: Thirst is not a good guide-by the time you experience thirst, you are already 2-3% dehydrated, which means your energy is depleted by 20-30%.

What Counts Towards Your Pure Water Intake?

The following sources of pure water can count towards your daily quota

Distilled/Oxygenated water is the best choice. Distilled water is purified and It is rated purest and cleanest by National Science Foundation, containing the least parts-per-million contaminants. Some water suppliers add oxygen in a process that enhances the pure water taste.

Spring water is water bottled from a natural spring source. The majority of bottled water is spring water. Be careful of your sources because spring water is subject to the same natural and man made contamination as other unpurified water such as well and tap water.

Tap or Well Water

It is best to avoid tap and well water, because most North American water supplies contain a myriad of toxins including: anti-biotics, hormones, chlorine, heavy metals, and pesticides. Test all well water for contaminants because the water table that supports well water is often polluted. A high quality filtration or distillation system is recommended for all tap/well water.

There are Many Forms and Qualities of Bottled Water

Although bottled water is perceived as a healthier, safer choice over tap water in consumer surveys, that is not necessarily always true. Most tap water is bad for your body but many bottled waters are not purified and therefore not much better than tap water.

Twenty-five percent of all bottled water is actually repackaged tap water The more a consumer knows about the realities of bottled and tap water, the better they can be about selecting water based on purity and taste.

Is Bottled Best?

In a recent Gallop survey, most consumers indicated they drink bottled water based on their perception it is safer and purer than tap water. Taste was the second leading reason, while bottled water's convenience was also a factor.

Bottled water is considered a food, and thus regulated by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tap water is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Both varieties are subject to testing for contaminants, and some bottled and most tap water contains contaminates such as bacteria, arsenic, lead or pesticides. Independent tests by groups such as the National Resources Defense Council have found: Distilled/oxygenated water however, does not contain contaminants.

Other Facts:

-- Sixty to 70 percent of all bottled water in the United States is packaged and sold within the same state, which exempts it from FDA regulation. One in five states does not regulate that bottled water.

-- While most cities meet the standards for tap water, some tap water in 19 U.S. cities tested was found to contain arsenic, lead, and pesticides.

-- In 1,000 bottles of 103 different brands of bottled water, 22 percent contained synthetic chemicals, bacteria and arsenic.

Most healthy adults can tolerate trace amounts of contaminates if exposed, but some people are more vulnerable and should be more aware of their water source. These people include cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients who are HIV+ positive or recovering from a transplant or major surgery, and pregnant women, children, and elderly adults.

Bottled water that is purified by a distillation/oxygenation process eliminates even the most minute traces of contaminants. It is best however to buy purified water from a supplier that is approved under FDA regulations.

Why take a chance on your health because of the water you drink?

Author: Jon M. Stout is Chairman of the Board of Element H2O. For more information about bottled water, private label bottled water and bottled water delivery go to http://www.elementh2o.com

What Are The Effects Of Sleeping Pills On My Body?

2007-10-02T01:55:00.000-07:00

You have spent countless nights tossing and turning in bed, trying to find a way to fall asleep. Then, we you do finally fall asleep hours later, the slightest noise or movement jars you awake once again. It is a frustrating scenario, and unfortunately, it plays over and over again each night without fail. You want to visit your doctor and find a remedy to this problem, but you are scared of what the effects of sleeping pills will be on your body.

You are no doubt scared because of the horrible stories publicized on the news of the side effects of sleeping pills on patients. Who hasn't heard of people sleep walking, driving, eating or even going to work while technically still sleeping? These scenarios are no doubt the worst nightmares of people and will keep them from seeking treatments that really can help the problems.

So, before visiting your doctor, it's wise to research what the effects of sleeping pills can be so you will be aware before the doctor prescribes something to you. Any sleeping pill that your doctor will prescribe is either a sedative or tranquilizer, meant to relax your body and muscles.

The effects of sleeping pills on your body are generally the same no matter what type of sleeping pill you take, because they all have similar actions. The effects of sleeping pills vary from person to person, but can range from mental to physical effects and can be mild or severe.

Examples of physical effects of sleeping pills are difficulty eating, nausea, upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness or dry mouth. These usually occur because of the chemical reactions that take place in your body when on the medication. The medication is strong and can upset the sensitive lining of your stomach.

Examples of mental effects of sleeping pills are irritability, confusion, tremors, nervousness and hallucinations. Ironically, some types of sleeping pills can even make people have difficulty sleeping! The effects are different on each patient, all the more reason why to visit your doctor to find out what will work for you.

If you are pregnant, you will not be able to take sleeping pills because of the medicine's ability to cross over the placenta and to the baby.

If this scares you and you don't want to take sleeping pills because of the potential for side effects, visit with your doctor. He may be able to recommend other treatments to help cure your insomnia and get a good night's rest. These treatments can include hypnosis, lifestyle changes or changes to your diet and exercise regimen.

Do not spend another night tossing and turning until you see the morning sun. Research your options and then visit with you doctor to determine the best course of action for you. Working together, you will find the best treatment for your body. At the end of the day, you won't regret it. You will be sleeping instead!

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Rory Herts http://www.askthesleepexperts.com
Do you want to learn more about the effects of sleeping pills on your body? If so, you can find that information along with general information on ambient cr zolpidem and the latest research on ambient and sleep disorders at our web site! We are the Sleep Experts and want to help you get a better night's sleep. Stop by today!

Effects Of Sleeping Pills

Laser Surgery To Remove Scars

2007-10-02T01:49:00.000-07:00

Most people would probably have scars which they want to remove for aesthetic or other reasons. Facial scars could be the in thing now if you have watched the Pirates of the Caribbean. Some even consider it a fashion statement. However, most people would probably like their facial scars to be removed.

There are many methods being used to remove scars and one of the most convenient methods would to remove scars by cosmetic laser surgery. However, we must first understand what scars are.

A scar is the body's natural way of healing itself by replacing lost or damaged skin. Scars may occur for many reasons such as from surgery, injuries, cuts, infections or inflammation of body tissues. Scars can come with different appearances and forms like just being flat, lumpy, sunken, colored, itchy or even being painful. The look of a scar will depend on factors such as skin type, location on the body, the direction and type of the injury, age of the person and his/her nutrition.

Scars usually fade with the passing of time and many scars do not disappear completely. Cosmetics and make up can help to cover light unsightly scars. Some scars can be minimized or lightened by certain dermatological treatments.

Some of the techniques that help to remove or improve the scars are dermabrasion, chemical peels, collagen injections, cryosurgery, skin grafts, surgical scar revision, laser resurfacing, and autologous fat transfer just to name a few of the many methods.

The laser scar removal technique can reduce the appearance of keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, and atrophic scars. Unfortunately, people with darker skin may not be able to use laser scar removal. People who suffer from skin disorders such as psoriasis, cystic acne, and dermatitis may also not be able to undergo laser scar removal method. People who are on medication such as isotretinoin for acne must stop using the medication for at least half a year before they are able to undergo the laser treatment.

During laser scar removal, the laser is moved along the scar. This vaporizes or removes a layer of skin and exposes a more natural-looking skin, which heals over time to minimize scar appearance. There are several types of laser treatments and each has its own benefits.

The laser scar removal procedure is often performed under local anesthesia. Sometimes, general anesthesia may also used if treatment is made over a large area of the body. The laser surgery is usually performed from just a few minutes to an hour long or so depending on the patient's condition and the methods used.

The patient's recovery process can begin as early as three to four days after the laser treatment. Speed of skin regeneration will largely depend on the type of laser surgery method used, personal healing ability and adherence to medical instructions.

The most common side effect of laser scar removal surgery is skin hyper pigmentation. This condition can be made worse through sun exposure. Infection or allergic reactions are also possible side effects.

Do consult with your dermatologist to get an informed opinion to see if you are suitable for laser scar removal surgery.

Aging Well With Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

2007-10-02T00:28:00.000-07:00

More attention is being spent in this country on the topic of aging than every before. As more and more Americans enter their fifth, sixth, and seventh decades, they are looking for ways to feel younger, look younger and age healthfully. Millions of dollars are spent annually on vitamins and food supplements, cosmetics and cosmetic procedures, exercise equipment and gadgets in an effort to ward off, and even deny, the “ravages” of old age.

In our culture, we tend to think of aging as a breakdown or a decline in health, almost as if our bodies are failing us. However, the Chinese have a different perspective. According to Chinese Theory, aging are not considered a breakdown, but rather a normal life transition. How you age and live in your later years depends on your lifestyle in the preceding years. There are many factors, some you can control and some you can’t, that affect how you will feel and look as you age.

To understand aging from the traditional Chinese framework, we need to understand the concept of Essence. Essence is one of the most important substances in the body, and is responsible for birth, growth, development, and maturation. It is also the foundation for all other substances in the body.

We inherit one kind of Essence at the moment of conception, called Congenital Essence. Congenital Essence is not only responsible for growth and maturation, but also genetic traits and constitution. As we age, Congenital Essence becomes depleted, and when this Essence is completely used up, according to Chinese theory, we die. While Congenital Essence cannot be replenished, it can be used judiciously through good lifestyle habits, and it can be augmented by another kind of essence, called Acquired Essence.

Acquired Essence is made up of nutrients from the food we eat, and can be built up by eating well. Good health, strength, and high levels of energy manifest an abundance of Acquired Essence. Any excess of Acquired Essence is stored in the Kidney, along with Congenital Essence.

Essence is stored in the Kidney, which in Chinese medicine is a system of functioning, not necessarily the kidney organ. The Kidney, according to the Chinese, is responsible for growth, maturation, sexuality and fertility. It also governs the bones and teeth, the brain, and is associated with the ear and hearing. Essence is strongly associated with the Kidney, and is often referred to as Kidney Essence.

The gradual depletion of Kidney Essence is the mechanism responsible for aging. It can be seen in weakening and brittle bones, loss of teeth, hearing loss, confusion, and memory problems—all manifestations associated with the Kidney. Weakness and lack of energy is also a common condition of depleted Kidney Essence, along with lumbar pain, as the Kidney is housed in the lower back.

Eat Well

So how, according to Chinese Medical theory, does one preserve Kidney Essence to age well? While there are many factors, good diet is the most obvious. Chinese dietary therapy is a whole discipline by itself, and many books have been written on the subject. One focus of Chinese dietary therapy is on eating and preparing foods in a way that they are easily digested. Foods that are difficult to digest use up energy, or Qi, and over a long period of time can deplete Essence. Some guidelines for eating well include:

-Avoid spicy or greasy foods.

-Avoid very cold foods, such as ice cream or iced drinks.

-Drink fluids that are room temperature or warmer.

-Lightly steam or stew vegetables and fruits, as raw foods can be difficult to digest.

-Avoid drinking too much alcohol.

-Talk to a practitioner of Chinese medicine about what foods are best suited to your specific condition or constitution.

Manage Your Stress and Moderation

Managing stress is another way to protect our health as we age. Unfortunately, many of us find stress an acceptable by-product of the busy, and often overwhelming lives we lead. Some of us don’t even realize that we are under incredible amounts of unrelenting stress because we are so busy trying to get everything done. In either case, stress exhausts us physically, disrupts relationships between organ systems, creating unhealthy imbalances, and depletes essence.

Equally exhausting to our internal organs, especially the Kidney and the Spleen, (which is responsible for digestion) is overwork. This means long hours spent working or studying without adequate rest. Damage due to overwork can also be caused by excessive exercise. Therefore, working in moderation and getting adequate rest is essential to preserving Essence.

Moderation is also key with regard to your sex life. Because the Kidney is responsible for reproduction, according to Chinese medicine, sexual practices can also affect Kidney Essence. Having too many children too close together, or having sex too frequently can deplete the Essence and cause premature aging.

Adhering to the principles of Chinese medicine, by incorporating proper diet, adequate rest and moderation in all things, can go a long way toward aging with energy, vitality and good health.

Author: Lynn Jaffee is a Licensed Acupuncturist practicing in St. Louis Park, MN. For more articles or information about acupuncture go to http://www.acupunctureinthepark.com

Alternative Health Medicine Vs. Standard Medicine

2007-10-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

Is there any way to accurately compare alternative health medicine to standard medicine? This is a question that many people have on their minds. After all, if you are sick you may want to look into both ways of doing things. The only problem with this is that you need to know the pros and cons of both alternative health medicine and standard medicine. Compiling this information on your own can be a difficult task to say the least.

There is one main reason that many people look into alternative health medicine. Do you know what it is? In most cases, the reason for this is that standard medicine is not working for them. If you find yourself in this position, alternative health medicine is something to look into. After all, if it is going to help you to get better does it really matter how it happens?

Most people who avoid alternative health medicine do so because they are afraid of what it is all about. Remember, alternative health medicine is not nearly as popular as more traditional methods. For this reason, you get a lot of people who stay away from alternative health medicine because they are simply afraid of what it will bring.

If you are interested in learning more about alternative health and standard medicine, you should look into the pros and cons of each one. You may even want to see doctors who practice both types of medicine. This will give you the best chance to determine the pros and cons of each type of medicine.

Overall, both alternative health medicine and standard medicine have a lot to offer. There is no way of saying for sure which one is better for you. Only you can determine if alternative health medicine is better for you, or vice versa.

Author: Laurie J. Raphael. Visit my Alternative Medicine website featuring Feng Shui life and Herbal Remedy Medicines, Chinese Herbal Medicine and much more: http://www.AlternativeMedicineBasics.com

Ginseng Tea

2007-10-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

Ginseng tea is great for short periods; this tea can alleviate many symptoms of common aliments and lessen fatigue. Ginseng is the main ingredient to many of the medicinal teas. However, prolonged use can lead to insomnia and heart trouble, so be sure to consult your physician before drinking ginseng tea regularly as an alternative to coffee for that afternoon pick me up.

In China, ginseng is held in high regard. It is believed that ginseng has rejuvenating powers and provides stimulation to the whole body. Ginseng also offers protection against fatigue. Ginseng is known to be a stimulant for the central nervous system. This root can also help with inflammation, fever, and hormonal imbalances to name a few.

The tea is usually made from the Wisconsin ginseng root. Slices can be steeped to create a tea that is a strong as the consumer would like, or purchased as a powder and brewed using tea balls. Both of these methods let the drinker control the amount of tea used. There are ginseng tea bags available from specialty stores, but it is not recommended to buy the tea without reading all the ingredients as some packaged teas are sold as ginseng but in fact have very little of this herb in them, instead using mostly fillers

Consult an herbal practitioner or naturopath as to the right type of ginseng and how to brew your tea. The tea can be sweetened with a little honey or stored cold in the refrigerator, as this tea is quite good served iced.

Take note, if you are pregnant use ginseng sparingly or not at all.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: David Chandler. For more information, visit these sites: http://www.teainfocenter.com and http://www.herbsinfocenter.com

Why You Are Fat – Natural Weight Loss Dieting Program

2007-10-01T02:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why you are fat and have considered going on a weight loss dieting program? If you did, then you must know why certain food makes you fat.

Most if not all of us are somewhat carbohydrate addicts. We have pastas, pizzas, white rice, spaghettis, bread, refined flour food and confectioneries in almost if not all our meals. Just look at the queues at the fast food joints on a regular day and you will know what I mean. Bread and sweet sugary drinks are the menu of the day, naturally.

Some of us are reluctant to embark on a weight loss dieting program to lose that excess baggage (body fat) because we think it is an exercise in sheer willpower and futility.

"You are asking me not to eat bread/rice/pizzas/hamburgers, chocolates and ice-creams my entire life? You must be nuts!" Sounds familiar? For those who incessantly snack on biscuits and chocolates between meals to stave off hunger while working at the office, here is why.

You unwittingly and naturally reach for such snacks because of the food you chose to eat earlier at an earlier meal. If you start the day with three or four slices of white bread spread with fruit jam or margarine and then wash it down with coffee and sugar, you can be sure you will be craving for snacks by mid-morning even though your breakfast was a filling one.

When your food made up primarily of carbohydrate, especially refined carbohydrate like white bread and pizzas, with little protein or fat, not to mention high in sugar, your blood glucose surges crazily following that meal.

To counter the effect of extreme glucose surge in your blood stream, your pancreas will pump more insulin than usual to bring your blood glucose level down. What happens then is that your blood glucose surges will then dip lower than your pre-meal level. When this happens, you start to get hungry and crave for more sweet stuff and more carbohydrate. This is why you reach for sweet snacks and drinks instinctively. Thus the vicious cycle continues again and again and you are eating more and more calories. So choosing the food in your meal is important so that you will not get hungry fast and then consume more calories to satisfy that hunger upsetting your natural weight loss dieting program.

When more carbohydrate is consumed than can be stored by your liver and muscles as glycogen, they are naturally converted to fat. So what should you do?

Well, you can start to limit your carbohydrate consumption (note that I said limit and not stop) and on top of that, choose slow digesting carbohydrates especially carbohydrate with fibers like fibrous vegetables, fruits, legumes, brown rice and brown bread, your insulin spike will not be so eccentric and therefore you will not get hungry or having your sweet tooth so often.

Now think about it, if you do not reach for your snacks and sugary drinks that often, it means that you are consuming fewer calories. So if your caloric consumption is less than your caloric expenditure, you are right on a natural weight loss dieting program without even realizing it. Better still, you are not going on a hunger and starvation diet because you will not get hungry that easily.

Just imagine now that you are losing weight naturally, what if you incorporate an exercise routine into your natural weight loss dieting program to burn off some more calories? Your natural weight loss result will be amazing wouldn’t it?

Now that you know why you are fat, let’s get started on this natural weight loss dieting program.

Author: Chris Chew is a fitness personal trainer of actors, fashion models, male pageant winners and other celebrities. See his health and fitness websites at http://www.sgfitness.com and http://www.sgfitnessonline.com

Tweaking Your Fat Loss Diet

2007-10-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Ray, I keep forgetting to book an appointment to sit down to try and lose more fat off my tire, so I'll try and type out my diet thoughts here. It's going to get long winded but here it goes. I'm sitting at 195lbs down from 242lbs after reading your book, and of course it's not good enough for me. I have been eating the same portions and food since day 1 when I set up the meal plans for 226lbs. Here's my game plan, let me know of it makes sense or not please.

- Doing the wild rose cleanse this week starting Thursday.

- At this point changing portions to adjust to 195lb BBE calculations but up the protein from .8/lb to 1g/lb. Not a lot of change for my diet actually for the cleanse except for fish instead of poultry, plan to keep protein levels high just using fish (likely lots of salmon), everything else is a match, or close to it anyway.

- When I am done the cleanse and go back to poultry, cottage cheese etc, I am looking at a few changes. The carbohydrates are a no brainer, just cut back a bit. For proteins I eat a pretty standard set of foods: Meal 1 - cottage cheese 2- chicken / turkey 3- chicken or salmon 4-chicken / turkey 5 & 6- burgers or pork chops, just something other than chicken or turkey. My thoughts are to keep the daily proteins the same except maybe more emphasis on turkey, but change the night meals to white fish or some type - crab, cod, halibut, stuff like that with very low fat contents, or should I be switching everything to white fish to try and cut fat from the diet?

- Still have a protein shake at 10 am and eat ice cream at night (usually an ice cream bar) Ice cream is because I found myself getting dizzy a lot and realized it was lack of sugar, have felt a lot better since starting this. Anything I can do different as I realize its not the best thing for attaining a 6 pack!

Work outs: Going to start running 3 miles, 2 or 3 days a week before work (this assumes I can drag my butt out of bed) to see if I can get things moving some more, otherwise I am fairly active in the evenings, more so when my shoulder smartens up. Thoughts?

Thanks again, Mack

From Ray:

First I think you should start looking at body fat percentages now instead of the scale. I saw you the other night and you are getting really lean. I don't know if you have a certain number you want to see on the scale, but if not, I would be more concerned with body composition than getting that scale to go down any more. After all, do you want to fight at 160 lbs and 10% body fat or 190 lbs and 10% body fat? Just a choice so let me know.

Now on to the diet. The cleanse is going to make you feel awesome after and I think you will see great benefits from it. So that is a go. As for the BEE calculations, I wouldn't drop as low as 195. I would only go for a 210 for now. Big changes usually cause the body to freak out and rebel. You don't want that, you have to just tease it a little and not totally tick it off.

With your activity level, I would not decrease the carbohydrates for the increase in protein. This is my opinion but I feel that if the carbohydrates are not available then your body is going to go after the protein next since it is not the macronutrient that is needed for survival, fat is. So it is extra muscle you are after, then add the protein on top but don't decrease your carbohydrates right now. Not for an athlete.

As for fat, you do not want to cut it out totally. Fat should be at least 15% of your calories. You need this for hormone production buddy. I like the way you cycle your protein sources, keep that up and I would actually go for more fatty meats at night along with fibrous carbohydrates if fat storage is a concern. If that makes no sense to you then we can talk about the science on that later.

As for the ice cream at night, this is weird. You are considering cutting back on carbs for the sake of increased protein but then eating ice cream at night for the sugar you need. See what is happening there? This is another good reason why you need to keep your carb intake at the present levels or even bump them up just a bit. You only need to add a few grams of complex carbs here and there and the light-headedness will go away. Try some oatmeal with a banana any time you need a sugar/carb fix. It will break down fast at the start and slow burn on the end from the banana and oatmeal combo.

Now for the extra activity. I know you know the math of fat loss. 3500 calories per pound of fat is the magic number. Now how many calories are you in deficit when you calculate your classes, gym sessions and good eating. If you are in deficit then the extra running should only be because you like it or need to improve your performance in running. Doing excess work to burn calories can throw you into over training really fast. Watch yourself. I think you are doing enough activity already with the MMA, my class and the gym. If anything I would go with sprints in the morning if you must go for a run. 10 sprints for 100 yards with 30 seconds rest in between.

Hope that helps buddy! Keep going, your looking great!

Author: Ray L Burton is a personal trainer and author of the best selling internet ebook titled, Fat to Fit - The Journey. You can learn more about exercise and weight loss at http://www.buildingbodies.ca and read more about his weight loss book at http://www.fattofitbook.com

Does Toothpaste Help Get Rid of Acne?

2007-10-01T02:21:00.000-07:00

Home remedies for acne come in all flavors of strange. There's the egg yolk mask, handyman soap scrub, lidocaine rub and even a urine toner. And like any trial therapy, homemade treatments may work sheerly because of the placebo effect. But, does toothpaste posses any properties that support its usage as an acne treatment?

The first place to begin answering this question is to consider the ingredients in common toothpastes and what effect they have on the skin.

Fluoride:

In almost any tube of toothpaste you'll find sodium monoflurorophosphate, or simply put, some chemical variety of fluoride. Fluoride prevents tooth cavities. But in the skin, fluoride typically causes more damage that it corrects. For example, medicals studies have reported that large does of fluoride could cause systemic poisoning. Though the amount of fluoride in tooth paste is less than one percent you may not want predispose yourself to risk.

If toothpaste does help acne prone skin, it's most likely not due to the fluoride because this chemical can irritate or burn the skin and sometimes provoke skin allergies.

Glycerin, sorbitol and alumina:

Skimming down the list of toothpaste ingredients, we arrive at agents with the potential to delete zits like hydrated silica, sorbitol, alumina and glycerin. Silica and types of aluminum are used to treat acne via dermabrasive products. However, in the toothpaste, they are too fine to profoundly exfoliate the skin. Sorbitol is a flavoring agent while glycerin makes the toothpaste feel good in your mouth.

Moving on, we come to sodium lauryl sulfate, or the toothpaste bubble maker. You don't need suds to get rid of zits. Next!

Getting rid of calcium:

Now we encounter sodium pyrophosphate, or some relative of this chemical resting in our toothpaste. Sodium pyrophosphate limits tartar deposits on the teeth by removing calcium and magnesium from saliva. It is with this calcium evicting phosphate that we may find a potential acne curative.

Skin levels of calcium directly influence skin cell growth and differentiation. One of the traits of acne includes improper shedding of the skin or improper skin cell separation. And according to research done by Chia-Ling L. Tu and colleagues, too much calcium in the epidermis skin causes more hair follicles to grow, makes the skin more susceptible to outside attacks and increases cell growth.

None of these activities help contain acne so taking away a little calcium from acne prone skin may eliminate a cluster of zits. So we allot a point to pyrophosphate as a possible acne taming agent.

Try these ingredients in a better product and they will help with acne:

Rounding out the toothpaste ingredients are minimal amounts of titanium dioxide and or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). As far as the skin is concerned, these two agents are wonderful exfoliators, yet in some toothpastes, their presence may prove too small to positively affect the skin.

These guys may also absorb excess facial oils which will definitely help bumpy skin heal faster. As predominant skin care ingredients, titanium dioxide and baking soda sever as wonderful dermbrasion agents, so you may want to try them in this form.

In short. proving whether or not your toothpaste will get rid of acne would require some costly research and you would still have to face the ominous doubt cast by the placebo effect. Toothpaste does contain agents with the potential to control acne like pyrophosphates that improve skin cell shedding, and skin exfoliators like titanium dioxide and baking soda.

The only problem is, toothpaste is formulated to treat and prevent cavities, not pimples. You really can't fully benefit from toothpaste's zit fighting agents because they are not concentrated enough. Instead, use acne products that contain right proportions of bump fighting ingredients, whether you buy them at the drug store or make them at home.

Sources:

Tu, Chia-Ling L; Oda, Y; Komuves, L & Bikle D. The role of the calcium-sensing receptor in epidermal dierentiation. University of California Postprints; 2004; vol 35, no3, pp 265-273.

Author: Naweko Nicole Dial San-Joyz created the acne trigger approach to naturally controlling moderate to cystic acne in her internationally published work, "Acne Messages". San-Joyz continues to serve the acne community by developing customized acne scar dermabrasion treatments for the face and body. If you want free tips for getting rid of acne scarring, visit http://www.Noixia.com

7 Simple Steps To Beginning Bodybuilding (Part 2 of 2)

2007-09-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

This is part 2 of the 2-part "7 Simple Steps To Beginning Bodybuilding" series.

4. You Must Track What You Eat

That's right! Needless to say... not a lot of people do this. They just bulk so they eat anything in sight. Or they want to burn fat so they just quit eating. If you don't track what you are eating, you are just guessing.

And guessing is no way to meet a goal. Once you know how much you need to eat, you can easily track that and meet your daily goals. Once you get into a routine (certain foods and portions) you'll have a very good idea of what you eating.

Tracking what you eat is a must. At this point, in only 4 steps, you've just outlined the foundation for nutrition!

5. Choosing An Exercise Routine

Here's a clue... it involves every major muscle group. A good basic workout should include:

• Legs (squats, lunges, leg extensions, leg curls, leg press) • Shoulders (military press, dumbbell raises, side laterals) • Chest (bench press, flyes, dips) • Back (pull-ups, rows, deadlifts, lat pull-downs) • Arms (ez-bar curls, barbell curls, dumbbell curls) • Abs (hanging leg raises, incline crunches) • Cardio (for the heart)

I could go on and on with this question and post 500 routines and reps and sets and you’d still be confused. So let me ease the confusion by saying this.

THERE IS NO GOLDEN ROUTINE THAT WILL WORK FOR EVERYONE!

I've tried several routines. Max-OT, Tom Venuto's supersetting, Optimum Anabolics and I'll tell you something. I've gotten gains out of all of them and they all have various philosophies. For less then $100, I have enough programs to try for a year.

Here's proof.

Do you see the same people in your gym, doing the same things, and a year later they look the same? It's really quite simple. If you keep doing what you've always done, you will keep getting what you've always gotten.

There's many variations on exercises and routines you can do. And you'll find out a ton of them while browsing around on forums and reading fitness sites. And while you might be tempted to stick with just one. Don't. Try it, evaluate it, and try another one. After about 6 months, you'll know your body very well and what it responds to. You will have tried many exercises and you'll know if you like something and if something else just doesn't work out.

6. Deciding On Supplementation

While 97% of your progress will come from nutrition and training there are still a few basics to consider. There's also a point when you might want to go beyond the basics if you want the optimal amount of gains.

But what are the basics of supplementation?

Daily multi-vitamin Omega 3 and 6 EFA complex (fish oil, flax seed) Whey protein (specifically for after workouts)

Just that small amount of supplementation is all you should need to bring your nutrition levels to 100%. Those are the basics. It's pretty simple.

As you progress down the line, you might want to consider going beyond the basics.

7. Monitoring Your Progress

I cannot tell you how many people do not follow this rule. If you don't take measurements, track your progress or inspect yourself in a mirror, it's pretty difficult to impossible to know where you've been to know where you are going.

Making small daily goes is a wonderful method of keeping the momentum moving forward and keeping yourself motivated to reach your goals. This is difficult when you don't keep track of what you just did in order to beat a personal best.

It’s also the #1 reason why people get so frustrated with nutrition and training and progress in general. They just look at themselves at that very moment and decide immediately if the last 4 months of effort was worth it. They don't take into account they did better then the last workout and they don't quite realize they lost a pant or dress size. They just make judgments on what they perceive to be reality at that moment.

Methods of tracking your progress include:

Tracking what you eat Tracking your workouts in a notebook or other method Taking periodic measurements of standard body areas using a variety of methods Taking periodic photographs

When you measure your progress on a frequent but not daily basis, you will soon see that your efforts are paying off. And if there is a course adjustment necessary you can quickly correct it before it's too late. This critical stage is often overlooked because most people barely can figure out what to eat let alone be bothered to track their progress.

You will start to notice people around you year after year complaining of the same things they complained about the year before.

Would you build a house without tracking its progress? Would you drive your car without monitoring its performance and getting regular tune-ups? For those of you with children, you look at report cards and homework quizzes as a method of tracking your child’s scholastic performance. You know where there might be a problem and can correct it before it becomes a major issue. Many of you track the performance of your portfolio holdings.

So why not track the progress of your workouts?

With just a few simple fundamental steps, you can ensure that all of your workouts and waking moments are spent on the right path to fitness. No matter what your goals may be, male or female, if you follow these steps, you will ensure your success.

Author: Marc David is giving away free memberships to his Teach Me Bodybuilding ‘private list’. To get your own subscription, visit http://www.beginning-bodybuilding.com while charter subscriptions last.

7 Simple Steps To Beginning Bodybuilding (Part 1 of 2)

2007-09-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

When I was 16, I asked myself this very same question that I received from a frustrated 16 year old. It went something like this...

"A Little Help Please! I am 16 and I am VERY skinny! I don't have much fat on me so... you could almost see my bones if I am not wearing anything baggy. I only weight 105 lbs and I know I am tooth pick mainly because I don't eat too much." - Frustrated and Skinny

You have NO IDEA of how close that cry for help sounds like me. When I was 16, I took a picture of myself in front of the family Christmas tree. Somehow I convinced my sister to take the picture and I flexed with all my might.

For those who are curious to see what I really did look like, the picture is at:

http://www.beginning-bodybuilding.com

Scroll down. You'll see it. It's 100% un-edited. I didn't even remove the glow in the dark plastic eagle necklace I found somewhere.

Anyway, your question was the same thing I wondered myself. I was 16 and tired of being skinny. I thought I did everything I could to gain weight but I was wrong. And I'm going to give you 7 simple steps you can do today to get on the right track to healthy weight gain and make that cry for help, a shout for joy!

If I could get into a time machine I would go back and hand myself a small brochure called:

7 Simple Steps To Beginning Bodybuilding

This would be written by me for me. But I'm positive the next few steps will apply to you as well and any other 16 year olds out there who are frustrated but are in a position to waste a lot of time if they start down the wrong path.

Please don't be confused... these simple steps are for anybody, no matter what age, male or female, who might be looking to start off on the right foot and not waste a lot of time.

Okay, so what can you do? Let's go step by step and figure this out.

Pre-Requisite - Body building isn't just about getting massive. It's not just for men. The word should actually be two words all the time so there's no confusion. You are building your body. That can mean anything to anybody. So the first step is...

1. Pick A Goal

No matter what, if you don't have a short term and long term goal in mind, you'll just wander around, like a zombie with your arms out, going to anything in sight. And 5 years later, you'll wonder what the heck happened!

Having a clear goal is the ONLY way to start. If you want to gain, maintain or lose, that is a goal. Know what you want before you start.

You'd be floored to find out just how many people are frustrated with their results but when asked exactly what they are trying to do, they have no idea.

2. Figure Out How Many Calories A Day You Need

In your case, you say you are skinny and tooth-pick like. But in the next sentence you state you know you don't eat.

[Snap Rubber Band On Wrist Here For Behavior Modification]

When I was 16, I didn't eat either, I skipped many meals (especially on weekends) and I tried all kinds of protein powders and supplements when I was clearly failing at nutrition.

My mom would cook big meals and I'd barely finish my plate before running off to do something. All the while wishing I was bigger and not so skinny.

There's so many simple ways to calculate your calories. That should be your very next step. Once you know what you want to do, you need to know your nutritional intakes in order to obtain that goal. It's not going to be hard at all but if you don't know, you cannot possibly get anywhere.

In other words, if you don't know how many calories a day you need for a certain goal, then don't expect anything different.

3. Figure Out How Much Protein You Need A Day

It's the building blocks of muscle and it's also the only way you are going to build more muscle or keep the muscle you already have today.

Even for burning fat, it's proven that getting enough protein will actually make you leaner.

Again, there's very simple formulas for this that do not require a degree from MIT to perform. And once you know how much protein you need every day, it's really easy in Step 4 to find out if you are getting what you need.

These steps will be continued in part 2

Author: Marc David is giving away free memberships to his Teach Me Bodybuilding ‘private list’. To get your own subscription, visit http://www.beginning-bodybuilding.com while charter subscriptions last.

Bodybuilding Diet Secret: How To Bulk & Cut At The Same Time

2007-09-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but we've all heard that you can either bulk or cut, but you can't do both at the same time.

So we go about everyday believing that this is true, so we don't even try to understand how it's possible to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time. That is to get ripped pretty quickly. And it's great for summer when we've got to show off our bodies.

So in this article, we're going to talk about how to do it.

We need to understand that it's going to be a combination of a good workout, with a very precise diet plan.

It takes a bit of adjustment to our diet, but when you get it, you'll find that you're able to show off your muscles, as you'll have less fat covering them all up!

But you have to do it in a specific way. Here's the scoop.

The first step is a great workout. If you're not doing this, the rest of the plan won't work.

You'd want to workout a muscle group, with good intensity every 5 to 7 days.

Some do supersets, or some list to failure over 6-15 reps, the optimal partly depends on your body type. This will stimulate your muscles to grow, yet allowing enough time for the muscle to grow between gym sessions, so you actually gain muscle bulk..

There's more that we can go on about to get bigger quicker, but we won't delve into the details here.

Now, what about the diet? Listen up as this is where you can make it or break it.

You need to have a diet that:

1. Provide enough protein to gain muscle,

2. Stimulate testosterone production,

3. Stimualtes a high metabolism, and,

4. Avoiding the wrong type of calories that cause the opposite effects to the above

But how's this done?

Here are the 5 steps in your diet to start this process today:

1. Eat lean sources of protein. Think about foods such as egg, fish, lean chicken, and whey protein. Have a good portion of this straight after your workout.

2. Thinks about the monounsaturated fats. Why? These stimulate testosterone production. They're found in avocado, and extra virgin olive oil. Don't go overboard as they contain dense calories. Just try 2 teaspoons a day of olive oil for example.

3. Straight after your workout, have a high GI carbohydrate, such foods as honey or jam. This will satisfy your sugar fix, yes. But also it will help you absorb the protein and creatine (if you're taking this).

4. Have no high GI carbs in the evenings before bed. If you're doing this, this may be the only thing you have to do to get your body going in the right direction. Your metabolism is slowing, so no high GI carbs at this time please! It's the worse time to have it, and some guys get fat just with this one action.

5. Eat 6 meals a day, as it increases your metabolism. Many Hollywood celebrities do this, as it works. But keep the meals reasonable. Eat til you're 80% full, not excessively, and you'll feel more even during the day - no hunger pangs and no binging.

Got it?

If you want to get ripped in no time, and be healthy at the same time, have a look through these rules carefully.

There are more tips available on my website to refine your diet further, for example, if you're finding that you're not gaining muscle despite a good diet, or, you're putting on fat at the same time as muscle.

So get to it, and eat and train well.

Author: Lucas Ryan helps you to gain muscle and lose fat so that you can show off your bodybuilding efforts and look ripped in no time. For more valuable tips on how to do this easily, visit: http://www.bodybuildingdiets.info/htmlsitemap.php

Bodybuilding Diet Secrets

Six Keys to Successful Bodybuilding

2007-09-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

To make clear the simplicity of bodybuilding I've arranged a list of six basic keys to successful weight training. They're nothing new and read like the same stuff in any motivational book on the market today. Yet they offer valuable insight and are essential to getting started with your exercise program... and sticking to it.

1. Set a realistic goal - short and long term.

2. Plan an orderly and thorough routine to train the entire body.

3. Make a commitment to stick to your routine for 4-5 weeks - - to begin to see changes and benefits, develop perseverance and create a habit.

4. Enthusiasm for training must be recognized as the main and driving force to perform successfully.

5. Ease into a training program with a wholesome, thoughtful nutritional plan - proper food, order and amount of consumption.

6. Be confident from the beginning that the application of these sound principles will produce the desired results.

GOAL SETTING

Be realistic in your goal setting. It's important from the very beginning and throughout your training to experience victory in each and every workout. Ease into your training with good energy, being careful not to overload yourself and fall victim to mental and physical burnout. Planning to look like Rambo by the end of summer will be frustrating and you may give up your training entirely.

ORDER IN TRAINING

Decide how much time you have to devote to your training - how many hours per day and how many days per week. Based on this schedule, design an orderly and efficient routine that includes only basic exercises. Working your mid-section first, followed by chest, back shoulders, biceps, triceps and legs is always a good rule of thumb. Choose two exercises per bodypart, three to four sets of 8 to 12 reps with a day's rest between muscle groups if you're just getting started.

In organizing an exercise program, keep your eyes and ears open. Scan the Web, magazines and books, visit the gyms and get input from your friends and mentors. An orderly and intelligent training routine is the major tool in achieving your bodybuilding goals.

COMMITMENT

We now come to commitment, the Big Power Switch of our mental mechanism to see if we have the juice to crank over the engine and keep it running. Commitment is your personal promise - your word of honor - to realize your challenge and is vital in aspiration. The naturally occurring ingredients of commitment are consistency, persistence and determination. These gut disciplines engaged with patience and faith set you in positive motion toward your muscular goals.

ENTHUSIASM

Each workout is a unique and separate experience unto itself. Events of the day, mood, energy levels and tensions effect every performance differently. Gather up as much enthusiasm as possible before each workout so you enter the gym with energy and a positive attitude. Your training must not become drudgery or a chore that has to be done. This is negative energy, producing negative results and must be willfully resisted.

PACE AND ATTITUDE

Keep your workouts tight and efficient, leaving no room for boredom or idle thought. You should quickly develop a mature training attitude allowing no interruptions in the flow of exercise from start to finish. This is not to suggest that you hurry in your training. A hurried attitude produces anxiety, nervousness and agitation, resulting in negative performance and loss of concentration. Quite the opposite, here I encourage a steady lean on your training - setting a vigorous pace that reflects excitement, confidence and determination.

Become totally involved with each workout, each set and each rep. Focus on the performance of the exercise, the muscles involved and the feelings that result. Look for your particular groove and sense the burn. Training form is your priority and practice makes perfect. Learn to lift weights smoothly, sacrificing the poundage used to gain quality in your performance. Don't be anxious to overload your body and struggle to lift more than you can handle. This will create poor style and result in disappointment. These register as failures and drain your resources.

These oh-so-basics points will determine the success of your new exercise program.

Author: Mr. Universe Dave Draper's free motivational email columns will educate and inspire you in your workout efforts. Success awaits you at his site, http://www.davedraper.com, where you'll also find workout routines and advice, an active discussion forum and, of course, a hefty instructional blog.

Herbs For The Flu

2007-09-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

For those who are concerned about avoiding or treating influenza, there may be an herbal and homeopathic alternative. Flu shot medicine or vaccine contains only three strains of dead viruses. Leaving a number of strains, including the strain referred to as the bird flu, that is currently making people very ill in parts of Asia and India.

Echinacea is one herbal and homeopathic alternative. Flu shot medicine is designed to create an immunity to specific strains of flu virus. These viruses are constantly changing, thus the reason for a different vaccine each year. Echinacea is recommended because it stimulates the entire immune system and studies have shown that it is effective in the treatment of influenza. One study in Volgograd showed that echinacea, not only contributed to quicker recovery, but also reduced the risk of post-flu complications. No studies have been done concerning echinacea as a preventative herbal and homeopathic remedy. Flu shot medicine is still considered by most doctors and the Center for Disease Control to be the most effective flu preventative.

There is no herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine, meaning there are no herbs, botanicals or other natural products that will cause the body to build up an immunity to specific strains of the flu. All herbal and homeopathic products can do is stimulate the immune system allowing the body's natural immunities to these viruses to take over. People who have strong immune systems get fewer colds and flu viruses. People with chronic illnesses and those who have weakened immune systems should not rely on an herbal and homeopathic alternative. Flu shot medicine is still the best choice for these people.

Healthy people consider products that boost the immune system as herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine. Taken regularly, particularly during cold and flu season, products containing echinacea, beta glucans and other herbal flu remedies (bilberry, green tea, ginseng, turmeric, etc) may prevent colds and flus and complications that may arise from them. Even people who take the flu shot can benefit from these herbal products. They have no side effects and scientific studies, as well as historical use as treatment for colds and other infections, have shown that they can be effective and are completely safe.

In addition to the already mentioned herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine or remedies, extra vitamin C and essential minerals such as copper, manganese, magnesium and zinc are all important to assist the body's natural immune system in fighting off viruses. Add these to proper diet, adequate rest, an immune system booster and you have a recipe for improved health, as well as a possible herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine. For more information about how to boost your immune system and protect yourself from colds and flus this year, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com

Author: Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience as a health care professional and currently writes informational articles for the Immune System Booster Guide. Read more at http://www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

Diabetic Herbs

2007-09-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

Yacon and Pata de vaca are two natural diabetes herbs from Peru. They are found in a new natural diabetes herbal supplement from Amazon Botanicals. Yacon is a unique plant in that it is sweet but is low in calories and contains oligofructose a sugar that is not absorbed into the body because the carbohydrates in Yacon are in the form of insulin not starch.

Pata de vaca, meaning literally "the cow's hoof" is a small plant that grows to a height of 5-9 meters and has leaves that are shaped like a cow's hoofs. Pata de vaca is an important medicinal herb in Brazil. The plant has been used for over sixty years as a natural diabetes herb in controlling blood sugar. Its effects are supposed to be so good that it has earned the sobriquet "vegetable insulin". In Peru and Brazil it has been clinically studied and is used extensively as a natural diabetes herb.

"Sugar Control" combines the goodness of these two natural diabetes herbs to provide you with a reliable, safe and natural treatment for diabetes. Amazon Botanicals use only organically grown or ethically harvested herbs thus assuring 100% purity without fillers. Other companies may use stale herbs bought from middlemen that buy from questionable sources with little concern for the Amazon environment.

The herbs are available from Amazon Botanicals in two forms – tincture and tea. The tincture is made by extracting Yacon and Pata de vaca in distilled water and 45% alcohol. The recommended dosage is 60 drops (2 ml) twice a day, taken under the tongue or added to water or juice.

The tea is prepared from 100% pure Yacon and Pata de vaca leaves and is available in the form of tea bags. The tea bags are to be infused in hot water for ten minutes and taken once a day.

Those under medication for diabetes should take medical advice before starting on these natural diabetes herbs, as they have an effect of lowering blood sugar levels and hence may require adjustments in the existing medication and their dosages, as well as monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Author: Patricia McDougall B.Sc. (Biology) Originally from Peru, Patricia is the Director of Research and Development for Amazon Botanicals LLC of Newark Deleware.

http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Natural_diabetes_herbs_s/46.htm

Insomnia Herbs - Brewing Your Way to Sleep

2007-09-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

Worries have plagued mankind since ancient times, and the effect is nights of sleeplessness. Insomnia herbs have been used for as long as sleeplessness was around. With the advent of modern medicine came a proliferation of drugs and sleep aids to help give modern people their craved-for rest--as well as other dangerous side effects. The risks take us crawling back to the insomnia herbs of the old days, and we have thus rediscovered that natural cures are often still the healthier choice.

Caffeine is a habit-forming drug. While it keeps you invigorated on nonetheless lethargic mornings, it will likewise keep you from having some much-needed sleep at night. Because of disturbed sleep, you'll be craving sleep again the next day, not to mention jumpy and touchy and you'll stagger towards the coffeemaker the first chance you get.

It's a self-perpetuating cycle, and it must be stopped. If you cannot wean yourself off caffeine totally, at least try to lessen your intake. Doing this includes stopping drinking and eating colas, chocolate, and yes, the ubiquitous Starbucks. Have some insomnia herbs instead.

Valerian root is the best there is. It is "the safest and most effective sleep aid with no side effects," according to British scientist turned herbal guru Dr. Malcolm Stuart, who says the best time to drink it would be around 8 PM. Thirty minutes before taking to bed, use one to two teaspoons of the dried root to make a sleep-inducing tea. Unlike sleep aids, valerian causes no heavy feeling the day after. And as opposed to its counterpart synthetic cures, which may bring on an addiction, you will not develop a dependency on this herb.

Just like valerian root in terms of its sleep-inducing effects is catnip. Not only is this herb used as a answer to insomnia, but it is also thought to be a solution to nervousness, anxiety, and even migraines. The administration of catnip is again similar to valerian--one to two teaspoons of the dried herb for one cup of boiled water and set aside to infuse for around ten minutes. Do not boil the herb along with the water as this may destroy some of its active ingredients.

Chamomile is milder and is recommended for children to take, more so when they are restless. The usual dosage is two teaspoons of dried chamomile flower for a cup of tea.

Lavender also makes for a very soothing drink at night (three flower heads to one cup of boiling water, immersed like catnip), and taking a whiff of a few drops of its oil or mixing it with your bath water has the same soothing effect. It may also be rubbed onto your body during a massage and its flowers and seeds stuffed into your pillows.

In Chinese medicine, the longan fruit and sour jujube seed are also known to soothe the spirit. The former is used to help insomnia, while the latter complements stronger cures.

While the insomnia herbs mentioned above may be ingested alone, you may also mix an herbal cocktail if you prefer. Try blending valerian with chamomile, catnip, or some other mild herbs like hops and passionflower. Add a small amount of the natural sweetener stevia if you like if you find the taste slightly too strong to your taste. Don't consume too much to spare yourself from sleep-disturbing trips to the loo.

While there is nothing fundamentally bad with relying on insomnia herbs, homeopathy, and aromatherapy to go off to slumberland, it is still best to let nature take its course and let your body to drift off to sleep left alone, the way it's made for. To let your body to perform at its best, a lifestyle overhaul should be undertaken.

To prevent sleep disorders, having an exercise regimen, proper stress management, and committing to a healthy diet made up mostly of fruits and vegetables is the the healthiest way to go, aside from consuming your favorite concoction of insomnia herbs. While you're at it, why don't we have a cup of antioxidant-rich and comforting Valerian-laced grape juice? Cheers!

Author: Michael Lee. Get the amazing FREE course that reveals secret tips to cure insomnia and fall into energizing deep sleep at http://www.20daypersuasion.com/sleep-secret.htm courtesy of self-help expert, Michael Lee.

Aging Well With Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

2007-08-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

More attention is being spent in this country on the topic of aging than every before. As more and more Americans enter their fifth, sixth, and seventh decades, they are looking for ways to feel younger, look younger and age healthfully. Millions of dollars are spent annually on vitamins and food supplements, cosmetics and cosmetic procedures, exercise equipment and gadgets in an effort to ward off, and even deny, the “ravages” of old age.

In our culture, we tend to think of aging as a breakdown or a decline in health, almost as if our bodies are failing us. However, the Chinese have a different perspective. According to Chinese Theory, aging are not considered a breakdown, but rather a normal life transition. How you age and live in your later years depends on your lifestyle in the preceding years. There are many factors, some you can control and some you can’t, that affect how you will feel and look as you age.

To understand aging from the traditional Chinese framework, we need to understand the concept of Essence. Essence is one of the most important substances in the body, and is responsible for birth, growth, development, and maturation. It is also the foundation for all other substances in the body.

We inherit one kind of Essence at the moment of conception, called Congenital Essenc e. Congenital Essence is not only responsible for growth and maturation, but also genetic traits and constitution. As we age, Congenital Essence becomes depleted, and when this Essence is completely used up, according to Chinese theory, we die. While Congenital Essence cannot be replenished, it can be used judiciously through good lifestyle habits, and it can be augmented by another kind of essence, called Acquired Essence.

Acquired Essence is made up of nutrients from the food we eat, and can be built up by eating well. Good health, strength, and high levels of energy manifest an abundance of Acquired Essence. Any excess of Acquired Essence is stored in the Kidney, along with Congenital Essence.

Essence is stored in the Kidney, which in Chinese medicine is a system of functioning, not necessarily the kidney organ. The Kidney, according to the Chinese, is responsible for growth, maturation, sexuality and fertility. It also governs the bones and teeth, the brain, and is associated with the ear and hearing. Essence is strongly associated with the Kidney, and is often referred to as Kidney Essence.

The gradual depletion of Kidney Essence is the mechanism responsible for aging. It can be seen in weakening and brittle bones, loss of teeth, hearing loss, confusion, and memory problems—all manifestations associated with the Kidney. Weakness and lack of energy is also a common condition of depleted Kidney Essence, along with lumbar pain, as the Kidney is housed in the lower back.

Eat Well

So how, according to Chinese Medical theory, does one preserve Kidney Essence to age well? While there are many factors, good diet is the most obvious. Chinese dietary therapy is a whole discipline by itself, and many books have been written on the subject. One focus of Chinese dietary therapy is on eating and preparing foods in a way that they are easily digested. Foods that are difficult to digest use up energy, or Qi, and over a long period of time can deplete Essence. Some guidelines for eating well include:

-Avoid spicy or greasy foods.

-Avoid very cold foods, such as ice cream or iced drinks.

-Drink fluids that are room temperature or warmer.

-Lightly steam or stew vegetables and fruits, as raw foods can be difficult to digest.

-Avoid drinking too much alcohol.

-Talk to a practitioner of Chinese medicine about what foods are best suited to your specific condition or constitution.

Manage Your Stress and Moderation

Managing stress is another way to protect our health as we age. Unfortunately, many of us find stress an acceptable by-product of the busy, and often overwhelming lives we lead. Some of us don’t even realize that we are under incredible amounts of unrelenting stress because we are so busy trying to get everything done. In either case, stress exhausts us physically, disrupts relationships between organ systems, creating unhealthy imbalances, and depletes essence.

Equally exhausting to our internal organs, especially the Kidney and the Spleen, (which is responsible for digestion) is overwork. This means long hours spent working or studying without adequate rest. Damage due to overwork can also be caused by excessive exercise. Therefore, working in moderation and getting adequate rest is essential to preserving Essence.

Moderation is also key with regard to your sex life. Because the Kidney is responsible for reproduction, according to Chinese medicine, sexual practices can also affect Kidney Essence. Having too many children too close together, or having sex too frequently can deplete the Essence and cause premature aging.

Adhering to the principles of Chinese medicine, by incorporating proper diet, adequate rest and moderation in all things, can go a long way toward aging with energy, vitality and good health.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Lynn Jaffee is a Licensed Acupuncturist practicing in St. Louis Park, MN. For more articles or information about acupuncture go to http://www.acupunctureinthepark.com

Alternative Medicine Vs. Standard Medicine

2007-08-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

2007-08-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know they are just a little bit pricey. However, growing your own herbs is easy and so much fun!

Here are just a few of the herbs you might want to consider for a tea garden:

Chamomile: Remember the favorite tea of Peter Rabbit? Only the flowers of this fragrant herb are used when making tea. Chamomile tea can be enjoyed by itself or you might enjoy adding mint or lemon verbena.

Lemon Balm: This herb is lemony with a touch of mint and makes a soothing cup of tea. It's easy to grow (almost too easy) so remember to keep it clipped back.

Lemon Verbena: An excellent herb to grow in a sunny spot, it makes a delicious tea. You might try combining it with orange mint or spearmint.

Mints: There are many mints available. Generally, they are aromatic plants and they are aggressive. It may be a good idea to plant mint in a pot and then put the pot in the ground so it doesn't take over your herb garden. Spearmint, peppermint, orange mint all make wonderful teas, alone or along with chamomile or any of the lemon herbs.

Herb teas can be made with fresh or dried herbs and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.

For one cup of hot tea, use one teaspoon of dry herbs or up to 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs. Bruising the leaves of fresh herbs will help release the flavor. Pour boiling water over the herbs in a glass or china pot. Metal pots can sometimes leave a metallic taste. Let steep for 5 or so minutes. Strain and enjoy with a little honey to sweeten.

Sun tea can be made simply by filling a jar with water, throw in a handful of crushed fresh herbs, and set in the sun for 3 or 4 hours. Stir in a little honey to sweeten, pour over ice and enjoy.

Trying different combinations of herbs is fun. Remember you can also add spices you have on hand, such as cinnamon, cloves, etc.

There are many benefits to growing and making your own herbal teas. Gardening itself is very relaxing and rewarding. With herbs from your garden you can soothe away your troubles with a cup of chamomile tea or make yourself a refreshing cup of peppermint tea after a hard day at work.

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Look in the perfumes of flowers and nature for peace of mind and joy of life. --Wang Wei

Author: Cyndi Roberts' website, "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" will show you ways to save money everyday. Receive a free e-course on saving money at the supermarket! To learn more, visit http://www.cynroberts.com
frugal_friend1@yahoo.com

Alternative Medicine Treatment - The Basics

2007-07-24T03:59:00.000-07:00

Alternative medicine is a term that refers to medical practices outside of conventional medicine. Alternative solutions are sometimes new and untested in the scientific realm of conventional medicine, stamped with approval of the federal government. Also, they sometimes focus around or contain a religious, spiritual or metaphysical element. Here are some popular alternative medicinal solutions.

Acupuncture – This is the art of inserting tiny needles underneath the skin that stimulate targeted body spots. Acupuncture is most often used to relieve pain and heal the body.

Apitherapy – Better known as Bee Therapy, this practice makes use of honey and venom from the honeybee for treatments. Popular ones for health and beauty products and healing treatments are raw honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis.

Biofeedback – This refers to a machine that gives feedback on the body. The feedback helps health care providers chart bodily functions to help with treatment. These machines are used to chart internal functions with more accuracy than a human alone is capable of, and the results are used to determine and then gauge how well the treatment is working. Biofeedback has been used to help people with their emotional disorders, digestive disorders, stress, migraines and heart irregularities. The machine alerts people to the idea of how their own emotions and thoughts can come into play with regards to illness and treatment options.

Chiropractics – This form of back treatment has been around for awhile and focuses on the vertebrae not being aligned properly, thus contributing to a variety of pain, illnesses and diseases. Many also focus on stress, overall health and lifestyle. In general, a chiropractor applies pressure in small amounts to various vertebrae, helping them realign. Plus many help treat common diseases like asthma, troubled backs and arthritis.

Feng Shui - This is a philosophy that is said to bring harmony into lives, that features not only the four basic elements of earth, fire, water and air, but a fifth; metal. By aligning these elements throughout clutter-free homes, work, outdoor and other environments, peace and tranquility are said to follow.

Healing Crystals – These minerals turned crystalline are said to boast certain healing powers. For example, ancient grave sites house them as a means of protection in the afterlife. In the modern world, many believe these crystals house healing power. For example, to treat stomach pain, some healers place charged quartz on the lower abdomen area to help restore energy there.

Herbal Remedies – Applying herbs, either home grown or store bought, to certain ailments helps with healing for many conditions. Among popular treatments are a half-and-half solution of witch hazel and water to help clear up acne, lavender scented oils and candles to sooth stress and garlic on top of warts to remove them.

There are many more alternative medicine treatments out there. Search your favorite search engine for more.

Download your free report entitled "Natural Herbal Remedies & Antioxidant Vitamin Wonders" from http://www.herbalvitaminwonders.com

Handy First Aid Tips

2007-07-24T03:56:00.000-07:00

When someone is injured or suddenly becomes ill, there is usually a critical period before you can get medical treatment and it is this period that is of the utmost importance to the victim. What you do, or what you don't do, in that interval can mean the difference between life and death. You owe it to yourself, your family and your neighbors to know and to understand procedures that you can apply quickly and intelligently in an emergency.

Every household should have some type of first aid kit, and if you do not already have one, assemble your supplies now. Tailor the contents to fit your family's particular needs. Don't add first aid supplies to the jumble of toothpaste and cosmetics in the medicine cabinet. Instead, assemble them in a suitable, labeled box (such as a fishing tackle box or small took chest with hinged cover), so that everything will be handy when needed. Label everything in the kit clearly, and indicate what it is used for. Be sure not to lock the box - otherwise you may be hunting for the key when that emergency occurs. Place the box on a shelf beyond the reach of small children, and check it periodically and always restock items as soon as they are used up.

Keep all medications, including non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, out of reach of children. When discarding drugs, be sure to dispose of them where they cannot be retrieved by children or pets. When an emergency occurs, make sure the injured victim's airway is not blocked by the tongue and that the mouth is free of any secretions and foreign objects. It is extremely important that the person is breathing freely. And if not, you need to administer artificial respiration promptly. See that the victim has a pulse and good blood circulation as you check for signs of bleeding. Act fast if the victim is bleeding severely or if he has swallowed poison or if his heart or breathing has stopped.

Remember every second counts.

Although most injured persons can be safely moved, it is vitally important not to move a person with serious neck or back injuries unless you have to save him from further danger. Keep the patient lying down and quiet. If he has vomited and there is no danger that his neck is broken, turn hin on his side to prevent choking and keep him warn by covering him with blankets or coats. Have someone call for medical assistance while you apply first aid. The person who summons help should explain the nature of the emergency and ask what should be done pending the arrival of the ambulance. Reassure the victim, and try to remain calm yourself. Your calmness can allay the feat and panic of the patient. Don't give fluids to an unconscious or semiconscious person; fluids may enter his windpipe and cause suffocation. Don't try to arouse an unconscious person by slapping or shaking. Look for an emergency medical identification card or an emblematic device that the victim may be wearing to alert you to any health problems, allergies or diseases that may require special care.

This article is provided by Carol Bond Health Foods. Carol Bond Health Foods has been serving natural health consumers for over 25 years. For the best vitamin supplements and health foods visit http://www.CarolBond.com

Howard and Carol Bond were in a Houston shopping mall in the year 1976. At a health food store, they were intrigued by the health-related possibilities of the vitamins and supplements on the shelves. Howard had achieved a substantial background in human anatomy, and Carol had studied the effectiveness of nutritional care. Based on conversations with the representative in the health food store, both Howard and Carol began a regimen. They quickly noticed an improvement in their vitality and vigor.

HOW TO CHOOSE A RAPID FAT LOSS DIET

2007-07-13T00:14:00.000-07:00

Today, more people are realizing and doing what they have to in order to become and stay healthy by using diet programs and exercising. Losing excess fat is a common problem for both men and women, especially prior to a large gathering or event such as a wedding or party of some sort.

Due to these types of events, sometimes you do not have a lot of time and need a rapid way to lose fat quickly, even if it is for just a few extra pounds so you can fit in to that dress or suit you wanted to wear but its a little to tight right now.

The more health conscious you become the less you will have to worry about this. Also with the pressure of time at hand, you need to know what weight loss diet plan will work or what types of exercises will help do the trick.

There are many different fat loss diet programs available and seems like every day a new one pops up. So how do you determine which one will work for you, you can't try them all, right!

Here are a few suggestions to finding the right rapid fat loss diet for you: - get recommendations from people you know who have tried a diet - research the diet program on the internet - read reviews from customers for the diet plan - review costs of program and guarantees - find out how long the company has been in business - have they received any rewards, certificates - are they apart of the BBB (BetterBusinessBureau)

When you are looking for a good fat loss diet program, you want to have the facts, after all it affects you and your health. Some sites may offer free quiz's, diet generators, diet recipes as well as some more rapid fat loss diet tips.

Most diet information points to the fact that the best diet programs are flexible and sustainable, and that a successful plan must be adaptable to the individual. The plan should take into consideration not only the weight you want to lose, but also your personality type, level of activity, do you live or work in a stressful situation. Other people living in your household, and any special situations or conditions that are likely to affect your attempt to lose weight.

When choosing a diet program, remember that you will be eating this way for the rest of your life if you want to maintain your new healthier weight. It will probably mean a conscious effort to change habits, since the old habits got you where you're at and you don't want to go there again. The two biggest reasons people give up their diet programs are impatience and unrealistic expectations regarding the time, effort and results of a safe and lasting weight loss process.

Health, fitness and diet programs are a great way to learn efficient ways to get healthy and in shape. To help dieters do this, many professional weight-control programs offer special dietary and exercise plans, as well as psychological support. Most diet programs are designed for people with no specific health problems, but all recommend checking with a doctor before starting their diet program.

Before making your decision on a fat loss diet program, you should do some basic research. This could take just a few minutes or a hour, but you should know what your getting yourself into: the costs, is it guaranteed, what you should expect from the program.

Some fat loss diet programs include the types of meals that can be prepared, those that are delivered are the most costly and convenient. You should consider the ones that you have to prepare yourself as these will be more to your liking. The downside to this is it will involve more work for you.

Author: John creates informative articles related to losing weight and staying healthy.

FISH OIL AND WEIGHT LOSS

2007-07-11T04:05:00.000-07:00

Many people still struggle to lose weight despite the huge number of weight loss products and diet supplements on the market which would suggest that they might not be the ideal solution. However, one recent study has found that simply taking fish oil supplements on a daily basis could help promote weight loss and combat obesity.

The study was conducted by the University of South Australia in 2006 and without making any modifications to diet, those taking fish oil supplements and walking or running for 45 minutes three times a week lost an average of two and half kilograms of weight over the period of the trial whereas there was little difference in the other groups. Not only that, instruments used to measure body fat composition found that those taking the fish oil also had a significant reduction in body fat. The results suggest that weight loss can be accelerated when fish oil is combined with moderate amounts of exercise.

So why would fish oil make such a difference?

Fish oil contains the essential Omega 3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and as these fats cannot be synthesised in the body, they have to be obtained from the diet. Most of us do not get adequate amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids in our diet and some health professionals believe that this is responsible for a number of diseases that are on the increase in the 21st Century such as heart disease, inflammatory diseases, allergies and even depression. So what impact does Omega 3 fatty acids have on our weight?

Many people who try to lose weight believe that they have to cut out as much fat as possible. This is simply not the case and indeed, extremely low fat diets can be harmful as the body needs a certain amount of fat to survive. The secret lies in getting the right kind of fat. The types of fats to be avoided are the "trans" fats or hydrogenated fats that are found in abundance in processed foods. This type of fat will not facilitate weight loss and indeed is harmful to the body in general. Omega 3 fatty acids on the other hand can improve fat metabolism.

Another important consideration is the amount of pro-inflammatory Omega 6 fatty acids that are consumed in relation to the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 6 fatty acids are also essential but are generally abundant in Western diets in meat and dairy products, in vegetable oils and in processed foods. The important Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are only found in any significant quantities in oily fish like Salmon, Sardines, Tuna and Mackerel, and of course in fish oil supplements. The other plant based Omega 3 fatty acid is alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and this can be found in dark green leafy vegetables and flax seed oil but the body is not efficient at converting this into the really important EPA and DHA.

The truth is anyone who restricts calorie consumption and increases the amount of calories they burn off will eventually lose weight. However, it is healthy weight loss that is the ideal as this is the only way that the weight will come off and stay off. The South Australian study suggests that weight loss can be achieved by taking fish oil and some exercise without making any changes to the diet. It would be reasonable then to surmise that even greater results might be achieved by making some alterations to the diet along with taking fish oil and some moderate exercise.

Fish oil supplements

There are other health benefits to taking fish oil supplements than promoting a healthy weight loss. Fish oil is known to reduce inflammation and offer protection against heart disease and depression and a whole host of other health problems. You could also try adding more fish to your diet but the current recommendation is to limit consumption of fish due to the amount of toxins they can contain, like Mercury and PCBs for example. So, fish oil would seem the ideal way to get enough Omega 3 fatty acids into the diet to make a difference, however, a word of warning. As fish oils are produced from fish, they too can contain unhealthy levels of toxins unless it is high quality fish oil that has been through processes such as molecular distillation to remove these toxins so shop around for a good one first.

Conclusion

More research is required to establish just how effective fish oil is at promoting weight loss but in the meantime, there is every reason to believe that fish oil is certainly worth a try, not only might you shed some extra pounds, you could improve your general health too.

Author: Dave McEvoy is an expert in omega 3 fish oil EPA with over 20 years experience; for more information about fish oil and how it can help with weight loss please come and visit our site.

YOGA STYLES: GUIDE TO THE MOST POPULAR TYPES

2007-05-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

The image of yoga has changed during the past years. If once, the first picture that popped your mind was of a group of white wearing weirdoes standing on their heads and breathing loudly, now you are probably thinking about Madonna's well shaped arms. Currently, yoga is one of the most popular fitness activities worldwide. One of its appeal is that it can be practiced by elders and it can improve the overall physical fitness of athletes.

If you want to start practicing yoga, here is a quick guide to the basic types of yoga. While most of them are based on the same ancient postures, each yoga style has a different focus. Some of the yoga styles focus on strengthening the body while others focus on flexibility. Other types of yoga focus mainly on breathing, relaxation, and meditation.

Most of the yoga styles that were adopted in the west, were derived from the Hatha Yoga, which is a general term that refers to the physical branches of the ancient Indian philosophy. The purpose of the traditional Hatha Yoga was to achieve balance between mind and body through moral discipline and physical exercises, which are expressed by a series of asana: postures, panorama: breathing and meditation.

Western culture adopted mainly the physical aspects of the Hatha Yoga and ignored the moral aspects, usually even the breathing and meditations aspects. All the yoga styles that were derived from the Hatha Yoga share the same basic principle that mental balance can be achieved through practice of physical exercises and postures. Each yoga style chooses to focus on different aspect.

Ashtanga Yoga:

This focuses on the flow of postures in order to improve strength, stamina and flexibility of the body. During a Asthanga Yoga class, the participants jump from one posture to another. Therefore, this type of yoga is not the ideal for beginners. People who are not well fit may find it too difficult and demanding. However, if you are interested in improving your strength, flexibility and stamina and you are fit enough to deal with an hour of jumping from one posture to another, Asthanga Yoga can suit you.

Power Yoga:

This is an American development of the Asthanga Yoga that also adopted several elements from other types of yoga styles. You can find Power Yoga classes mainly in fitness and health clubs. Power Yoga focuses on strengthening the body by performing Hatha Yoga postures for a longer time to improve both physical flexibility and mental focus. Power Yoga can be a good exercise for athletes, people who practice types of fitness activities and people who want to tone their body.

Bikram Yoga:

A Bikram Yoga class features a series of 26 Hatha Yoga postures practiced in a heated room. It is also known as Hot Yoga. The purpose of the heat is to allow the participants to get into each of the yoga poses in a deeper and safer manner. The heat also helps clean the body from toxins promoting sweating. Bikram Yoga focuses more on the workout of the entire body, including the internal organs and less on flexibility. Bikram Yoga is not recommended to pregnant women and people who suffer from high blood pressure and heart conditions, but it can improve the physical fitness of people who recover from injuries.

Iyengar Yoga:

This focuses on the physical alignment of the body and the accurate performance of each posture. Some of the Iyengar Yoga postures are practiced with the assistance of props such as blocks and belts that are designed to help the participants achieve the most accurate posture and to protect their bodies from injuries. Since the flows between postures are not practiced, Iyengar Yoga classes are less intense and therefore more suitable for people who are less fit. Iyengar Yoga improves body strength and flexibility and can fit people of any age and every physical condition.

Author: Jack Reider has been practicing Iyengar Yoga for over six years and he highly recommends it to everyone. You can find more of his articles at the guide to online casinos at http://www.gambling-portal.com that features updated information on yoga and other self relaxation methods.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENT

2007-05-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Before wasting your money on a pile of bodybuilding supplements you really need to work out what you are hoping to achieve. Don't lose sight of the fact that sound nutrition forms the basis of any muscle building program and no amount of supplementation with the latest and greatest products will make up for bad eating habits. The bottom line is, bodybuilding supplements should be used IN ADDITION to regular food, not INSTEAD OF it.

Now that we've got that out of the way, let's go on to think about what supplements could be of use and this is something that can only be determined by your physical and performance goals. Don't make the mistake of copying your training partners or believing all the garbage spouted in magazine ads. Decide first what you want to achieve and then choose the supplements that will help you reach your goals.

To help you make an informed choice, the most popular and useful bodybuilding supplements available today are listed below, broadly divided into two goal-related categories.

Determined to build muscle? This cannot be achieved without dedication, sheer hard work and sound nutrition. With a solid foundation in place you can help the process along with supplements like creatine, whey protein, prohormones, testosterone boosters and amino acids.

Need to lose fat? There is no point in building awesome muscles if they're covered by layers of fat. Once again, the key to success is hard work but you can boost fat loss by using products from supplement categories that include fat burners, stimulant-free products, appetite suppressants and carb blockers.

Many more supplements are available to support your bodybuilding endeavors. These include energy boosters and products aimed at enhancing the condition of your mind and body. As we progress through this series of articles we'll look at each of these in turn. In the meantime you can find out more by visiting the web site listed below.

For more information about Whey proteins, Multivitamins, Antioxidants and Creatines click here: http://homebusiness.nexuswebs.net/wheyprotein.htm

BENEFITS OF GINSENG

2007-05-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hoodia Gum Really Effective Appetite Suppressant

2007-05-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hoodia gum is one in a line of specialty hoodia products that have hit the market in the past couple years. Other products that have hit the market include hoodia chews and hoodia pops. What all of these specialty products have in common is that they all claim to have the ability to be highly effective and almost instant appetite suppressants. The idea behind these products is that if you can control your appetite, you'll eat less and you'll lose weight.

While that sounds fantastic, I doubt these products have any affect on appetite and do very little for weight loss. For starters, I doubt that any of the hoodia gum products contain authentic hoodia gordonii. The hoodia gordonii plant is found only in South Africa and contains a molecule called P57. This molecule is the active ingredient in the hoodia plant that tricks the brain into thinking you are full. There are several varieties of hoodia, but only the hoodia gordonii variety has the ability to suppress appetite.

Hoodia gordonii is very scarce right now and there simply isn't enough to meet demand. As a result, it is very expensive. Hoodia supplements and products have been very popular the past few years so many companies have jumped on the bandwagon. You have everything from hoodia gum to hoodia tea available today. Unfortunately, many companies have tried to cut corners to reap the profits of this high demand herb by either diluting their products so there is very little hoodia gordonii in them, or simply not using any at all – but still claiming their product contains it.

The reason these companies have been able to get away with this is because hoodia supplements are not regulated. It is up to the consumer to get educated on the facts about hoodia products such as hoodia gum to make sure they don't get scammed. The majority of the hoodia supplements and products on the market today are fake - meaning they contain very little, if any, hoodia gordonii. One expert says that the percentage of fake hoodia supplements could be as high as 80%!

There are several things you can look for when buying hoodia gum and other hoodia products to ensure that what you are buying is real, but the two most important are CITES certificates and independent lab test results. You'll find these documents on websites that sell and market hoodia gums and other hoodia supplements. If you can't find them, then it is very likely the product doesn't contain authentic hoodia gordonii.

You will be hard pressed to find these documents on any hoodia gum website. I have researched many hoodia gum websites and have yet to find both of them clearly displayed. This is the primary reason why I doubt that any hoodia gum product can be a "powerful and fast-acting appetite suppressant" as many claim to be. If you can't find these documents, then the product probably doesn't contain authentic hoodia gordonii and as a result, has virtually no ability to effectively suppress appetite.

However, let's assume that these hoodia gum products contain authentic hoodia gordonii. I still believe they would be highly ineffective when it comes to suppressing appetite because they contain very little hoodia gordonii. Hoodia gum products typically claim to have anywhere from 20-150mg of it per stick of gum. That isn't going to be nearly enough to effectively suppress appetite.

Some experts and doctors say that it can take as much as 3,000mg of hoodia gordonii per day to effectively suppress appetite. At a minimum, most people need anywhere between 800-1,500mg per day to suppress appetite. Assuming you're able to get by with 800mg per day to suppress your appetite, you'd still need to chew several sticks of gum with each stick only containing 20-150mg of hoodia gordonii!

Finally, the other concern I have about hoodia gum products is that most claim to be made using hoodia concentrates, or extracts. These supposed concentrates contain only the active molecule in hoodia gordonii, P57. The problem is, the process to do this hasn't been perfected yet and only one company has the legal authority to do so and that company is Phytopharm.

Phytopharm is a British pharmaceutical company that was given the patent to extract P57 for use in weight loss products. They have spent several years and millions of dollars trying to figure out how to extract P57 to use in weight loss products on a mass scale. Despite the time and money spent, they still haven't been able to do it. How then can a hoodia gum product claim to use a hoodia extract?

The bottom line is I doubt that any of these hoodia gum products contain authentic hoodia gordonii, which is necessary to effectively suppress appetite. Furthermore, even if they do, they contain so little of it that it would probably do very little to suppress your appetite. If you are serious about trying hoodia supplements to suppress appetite, I strongly suggest you stick with traditional hoodia diet pills.

Author: Convinced hoodia gum probably isn't the best option to suppress appetite? Find out what are the best rated hoodia supplements to effectively suppress appetite at http://hoodiaandweightloss.com

Massage Therapy

2007-04-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

A System That Has Been Practiced And Been Proven Over The Hundred Of Years

There are many benefits to getting massage therapy. Even though getting a single massage at a time is beneficial, getting continuous massage is still preferred for the long term benefits that are obtained. Massage being one of the oldest and simplest forms of therapy, can be given by anybody that is trained in the technique and people are known to have their favorite masseurs to whom they trust their minds, bodies and souls to get the much needed relaxation and even healing of wounds done by them.

The history of massage go back a long time and massage therapy has the advantage of being simple to perform as it involves a system in which the masseur strokes, presses and kneads different parts of the body in order to provide relief from pain, stress, injuries as well as relax and soothe, stimulate and tone the body. Through massage therapy, much more than just creating pleasant and soothing sensations is achieved because it will work on the softer tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments and thereby develop a much better tone of muscles.

Even though it may be thought that massage therapy only touches on the muscles that lie just beneath the skin, this is not so because the effects can also be felt by muscles embedded deeper into the human body and it may also provide relief to the organs themselves. There is additional benefit to be obtained from massage therapy because the overall blood circulation improves and assistance is given to the lymphatic system by helping to eliminate the waste produced by the body.

There are a number of benefits to massage therapy and these include relaxation, soothing feeling, healing of wounds and injuries, feeling much more reassured, easing of tension, stiffness and pain, makes breathing better, helps to circulate the blood better, as well as giving an enhanced feeling of an overall well-being. Massage therapy should not stop at just single massage sessions because, when spread over a number of sessions, its cumulative beneficial effects will have a longer lasting and be more effective on the human body.

Through regular massages, the skin tone improved while the human body mechanism is strengthened, thereby helping to eliminate stress, tension and unnecessary injuries. Other benefits also include strengthening the overall structure of the body. Massage therapy has a significant and positive effect on stimulating and calming our nervous system and so reduce fatigue and making the receiver feel more rejuvenated. The positive results of massage therapy can be demonstrated from the fact that it helps to make the individual's mental, physical and spiritual well-being get restored to a higher level.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND GETTING RID OF HEARTBURN

2007-04-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

Apple cider vinegar and getting rid of heartburn? The two don't seem to go together. In fact, the thought of drinking even the smallest amount of vinegar when acid is backwashing into your throat and esophagus sounds counterproductive. Vinegar has a high acid content. You want to curb the acid. Why would you expect apple cider vinegar to do the job?

Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy for getting rid of heartburn. In fact, it is the TOP folk remedy for heartburn and acid reflux.

Recipe for Relief

Taking apple cider vinegar for heartburn relief is quite simple. Simply stir 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into 1/2 cup of water or apple juice. Drink this immediately after each meal. If your problem is acid reflux, and you have just had a heavy meal, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar and decrease the amount of water or juice.

Another option is to mix a "cocktail" of the following:

* 1 quart apple juice
* 1 pint purple grape juice
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Drink 1/2 cup after every meal for heartburn relief.

Recipes that use apple cider vinegar for getting rid of heartburn vary greatly. This is because individual bodies also vary greatly. Try different amounts of apple cider vinegar until you find what works for you.

Some people have found that one brand or another works better for them. Again, the difference is due to the variations in physical makeup.

How Apple Cider Vinegar Remedies Heartburn

Little research has been done on the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for heartburn relief. Consequently, it is difficult to say how apple cider vinegar remedies heartburn. It appears that the acid content in vinegar somehow tells the stomach to stop producing more acid. Perhaps, in that way, apple cider vinegar is like the prescription medications that "shut down" the stomach's acid pumps to stop heartburn.

"Nexium," for example, is said to relieve heartburn symptoms "by inhibiting the secretion of acid produced in the stomach." (from the Ask Doc Web)

It is possible that apple cider vinegar relieves heartburn symptoms in the same way.

Apples May Help as Much as Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar does not taste good to most people. Because of that, some have tried eating a few slices of apple after a meal, and have gotten rid of heartburn that way. Not every apple works for heartburn, though. Some stick to green apples such as Granny Smith. Others recommend Jonagold apples for heartburn relief. Some recommend eating a few slices of Jonagold apple with a coupe of dill pickle spears. It's apple cider vinegar for heartburn without resorting to basic vinegar.

Helpful Tip: If you can get over the taste of apple cider vinegar, you will find it one of the most important natural remedies in healing the body.

Caution: The author is not a medical profession. The information in this article is for educational purposes only. If you have persistent heartburn, please see a physician for advice.

8 Factors Cause Acne

2007-04-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Acne, also known as pimples, whitehead or blackhead, is a kind of skin disease that can happen on any part of the body, but usually on the face, neck and upper body. Whitehead occurs when the plug remains below the skin surface. Blackhead happens when the plug is forced to the skin surface by the pressure of sebum and dead cells.

People can tell you many factors that cause acne. In summary, below are the key 8 factors that bring you to this unwanted skin disease. The 8 factors can be simply classified into 4 internal and 4 external factors.

4 INTERNAL FACTORS

1) Bacteria

The bacteria, named Propionibacterium Acnes (P. Acne), are typically live on our skin and cause to acne. The presence of P. Acne attracts white blood cells produce enzyme that causes local inflammation and redness. The presence of P. Acne does not cause by dirt or poor hygiene. Reducing P. Acne numbers through treatment can effectively reduce acne inflammation.

2) Sebum

Naturally, sebum, produces by sebaceous glands, "fill up" the hair follicles and the "over filled" sebum gives the skin surface an oily appearance. Sebum good to our skin as it makes our skin waterproof. Also, sebum helps to carry dead cells to exterior of skin. For reasons that are unknown, some hair follicles become obstructed and the sebum that trapped inside the hair follicles can cause P. Acne to grow. Eventually, it causes inflammation and redness to our skin.

3) Hormones (Androgens)

Many acne causes come from hormonal change or imbalance. Hormone changes due to stress, menstruation, pregnancy, starting or stopping birth control pills. The hormones that cause acne are called "androgen"'. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands and secrete sebum to the surface of the skin. Combination of sebum, P. Acne and toxin-blocked-pore aggravate the skin and causes inflammation and redness.

4) Genetics

Although not been proven, possible cause of acne is heredity or genetics because it does influence thickness of skin, oily tendencies of the skin and basic hormone responses. Even some studies have shown that acne development can be passed down from one generation to the next. However one's parent has acne does not necessarily mean that next generation will suffer from acne.

4 EXTERNAL FACTORS

5) Improper skin care products

Improper skin care products can cause irritation to your skin. These include any products that can block oil pores. Besides, avoid applying herbal medication that has not been proven or approved. It might give you toxic reactions.

6) Over exposed to sunrays

Over exposure to sunrays cause skin damage and worsening existing acne. Some common acne medications can make your skin sensitive to the sun and lead to worse skin condition.

7) Picking and squeezing

Picking and squeezing acne is not recommended. Picking pushes bacteria deeper into the skin cells or spread the bacteria already beneath the surface of the skin. Squeeze acne using fingers can cause acne to become serious. In the situation that picking or squeezing is unavoidable, only dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, but not the swollen and red goobers.

8) Washing face too often

Too much washing can stimulate oil glands. Wash your face with mild soap and warm water 2 to 3 times a day. Again, acne is not caused by dirt and hygiene. Washing too often or too vigorously may actually make acne worse.

In conclusion, you can find thousands of resources related to acne skin care products, acne remedies, acne therapies and so on. Be aware of those who given mislead or wrong information. Also, many of them over claim their products over there. So, be a smart shopper, make sufficient survey and study before you spent money.

PRINCIPALS OF AYURVEDA

2007-04-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda is an ancient system of health care, principal to the Indian sub-continent. The word "Ayurveda" is an amalgam of the word ayus meaning "life" and the word veda, which refers to a method of "knowledge". Therefore "Ayurveda" more or less translates as the "knowledge of life".

Ayurveda is a system that helps maintain wellbeing in a person by using the intrinsic principles of nature. In essence Ayurveda has been in existence since the beginning of time as we have always been governed by nature's laws.

Many Ayurvedic methods were handed down by word of mouth and were used before there were written records. Two ancient books, more than 2,000 years old, are thought to be the first texts on Ayurveda--Caraka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.

Ayurvedic Elements

Ayurveda believes that every human being is a made up of five primary elements. These five primary elements combine and create various physiological functions in the human body.

Ether or Space
Air
Water
Fire
Earth

These elements combine to form three doshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Ayurveda believes humans are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These ratios of the doshas vary in each individual. Each person has one predominant dosha in their constitution.

An imbalance in the doshas is the cause of any disease. Imbalances may be caused by an unhealthy diet, too much or too little mental and physical work, or from the weather, chemicals, or germs.

Doshas

Vata dosha.

Ether and air combine to form what is known as the Vata dosha. Vata administers to the principle of movement and is considered the most powerful of all doshas. It controls the very basic body developments such as cell division, heart, respiration, and the mind. Vata can be out of balance by, staying up late at night, or eating before the previous meal is digested. People with vata as their main dosha are thought to be particularly prone to skin, neurological, and mental diseases.

Pitta dosha.

Fire and water combine to form the Pitta dosha. Pitta controls the hormones and digestive system. When pitta is out of balance, a person experiences harmful emotions and has physical symptoms such as heartburn. Pitta is upset by, eating spicy or sour food; being angry, tired, or fearful, or spending too much time in the sun. People with a predominantly pitta constitution are vulnerable to heart disease and arthritis.

Kapha dosha.

The elements water and earth combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is considered to help keep up strength and immunity and to control growth. A symptom of kapha imbalance is nausea immediately after eating. Kapha is aggravated by, sleeping during the daytime, eating too many sweet foods, and eating and drinking foods and beverages with too much salt and water .Those with a predominant kapha dosha are exposed to diabetes, gallbladder problems, stomach ulcers, and respiratory illnesses.

Ayurvedic Medicines

Ayurveda operates on the principle that materials of vegetable, animal, and mineral origin have an assortment of medicinal values. The medicinal properties of these materials have been established by the practitioners of Ayurveda over a period of 2,000 years.

Ayurveda has been used for centuries to cure illness and maintain good health. Ayurvedic medications are made from herbs or blend of herbs. Ayurveda also uses herbs in combination with minerals, metals and other ingredients of animal origin. The metals, animals and minerals are cleansed by diverse procedures before being used for medicinal purposes.

In Conclusion

Ayuerveda is a pure holistic treatment in sync with nature. It is health, not disease, specific and takes into account the patient's entire individuality - body, mind and spirit before treatment.

TOP 10 BENEFITS OF TRIPHALA

2007-04-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

It has now been established that almost all the disease that occurs in our body is due to gastrointestinal disturbances. This is a primary principle of ayurveda that was laid about 5000 years back and is now scientifically proven.

Our digestive tract is the main source for us to draw energy from. It has the ability to extract the required energy from the food we take. But if for some reasons there is some kind of anomaly, it leads to a condition know as indigestion or ajirn, as per ayurvedic terminology. It might seem a small problem and has been frequently occurring to almost every one but if it regular in appearance then it has the capability to push you towards a diseased condition. Below are some of the disease that are frequently seen in people suffering from indigestion.

· Pain in abdomen
· Constipation
· High cholesterol levels
· Hypertension
· Low immunity
· Loss of appetite
· Acidity
· Fatigue
· Skin ailments
· Low vision
· Headache
· Diabetes
· Liver related ailments

I know you never gave a deep concern on your indigestive problems and has accepted it as a part of your life. But I can suggest you something that has the potential to make you free from all these problems. It is called triphala. It is sure that you must have heard about this herbal drug. Well if you are not aware of the wonders of triphala then read below.

Triphala is a classical ayurvedic preparation that has three main ingredients. These are Amalaki, Bhibitaki and Haritaki. These are known as Emblica officinale, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia belarica in biological terms respectively. It is considered the most potent herbal preparation due to its multiple applications.

Below are ten golden benefits of triphala:-

· Firstly it acts as an antioxidant agent preventing any free radical formation in the body. This property of triphala helps it to prevent early aging signs like wrinkles and premature graying of hairs.

· Secondly it is helpful in regularizing the normal peristaltic movements that are very essential for proper passage of food from one organ to another. This helps in aiding the digestion of food in proper amount of time.

· Thirdly it acts as an appetizer as it helps in proper digestion of the food.

· Fourthly it is very effective in stimulating the liver for its functioning to the optimized level. More over it also helps in secretion of the bile juices that are very much required for fat metabolism.

· It is very much helpful in reducing the plaque formation in the arteries thereby reducing the risk of heart related problems caused due to arteriosclerosis.

· Triphala helps in maintaining the proper levels of the cholesterol in the body thereby preventing us from fatal and deadly heart problems. It helps in curbing the formation of low density lipoprotein (LDL).

· It is very much effective in suppressing any kind of infection or foreign invasion in the blood thereby helpful in preventing any kind of skin related diseases and other infectious conditions in the body.

· It is helpful in maintaining the proper secretions of the endocrinal system that are responsible for maintaining the proper homeostasis in the body and aiding the proper functioning of all the physiological processes in the body.

· It is an excellent remedy for eyes related problems and helps in improving the eye vision and strengthens the muscles of the eyes.

· Last but not the least, being a mild laxative it helps in evacuating the bowel and therefore is considered as one of the best body detoxifier and facilitates expulsion of toxins out of the body.

YOU NEED FOOD HIGH IN FIBER FOR CONSTIPATION RELIEF

2007-04-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

Food high in fiber is found in fruits, vegetables and grains. It is the complex fiber structure that gives produce and grains their shape and keeps them from falling apart. Fiber is a subclass of carbohydrates. It consists mostly of cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose and pectin.

In the stomach fiber bonds are broken apart so nutrients and fiber particles and strands can do their magic in your stomach, small intestine, colon, and anus. Once food high in fiber is completely digested in the small intestine, fiber moves into the colon to complete its cycle in your body. If you have eaten enough fiber during a meal, your stools will have a certain shape, size, color and consistency and chances are you will not have constipation.

If you have not been eating food high in fiber, especially for many years, then mostly likely you will be struggling with having regular bowel movements.

Eating the right amount of fiber is not only necessary for keeping free of constipation but it is tied to your overall health. In the past, no one knew much about fiber. It was thought that it had no value as it entered and exited the body. But now, we know that if you don't eat food high in fiber you will live a short and painful death. Here are some of diseases that are related to not eating enough fiber.

Heart disease
Diabetes
Appendicitis
Breast cancer
Colitis
Prostate cancer
Gastrointestinal disorders
Hemorrhoids
Hiatus hernia
Ulcers
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
All types of colon diseases

These are only a few diseases that you could develop. Do you see any of the diseases in this list that people come down with as they age? Did they eat enough fiber today? Will you eat enough fiber in the future? I hope so.

How should you eat fiber?

A general rule is to eat fruits and vegetables every day. Eat fruits in the morning to assist in purging out fecal matter that has accumulated in your colon and removing urine that your kidney has created by cleansing your blood during the night.

By eating fruits for breakfast you help remove toxins out of your colon by promoting a bowel movement. The fiber in fruits helps to clean your colon walls of tacky matter that accumulates there. This tacky matter is created when you don't eat enough fiber and your stools are mushy and sticky.

When you eat lunch or dinner, always eat vegetables with these meals. Vegetables are needed when you eat meat which does not have fiber. Vegetables are needed when you eat processed food that has no fiber. Always eat vegetables when eating bread since processed bread has no fiber. When bread is eaten without vegetables, fecal matter, chime, in the colon is hard to move and is sticky. It is this sticky matter that clings to your colon walls, which prevents your colon from being strong, flexible, healthy, and non-toxic.

Always chose to eat food high in fiber everyday. This is a necessity. You were built to thrive on fruits and vegetables. Without them you commit yourself to a life of pain and disease. And it all starts in the colon with constipation.

Fight Cancer With Your Spice Rack

2007-04-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

A recent study, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians proves that the common household spice turmeric is a powerful anti-oxidant and cancer-fighting agent. Turmeric has been used in curry dishes for centuries. The evidence of turmeric’s curative powers is overwhelming, and clinical trials have begun on cancer patients all over the country.

New reports suggest that the spice Turmeric (curcuma longa) may be a potent anti-cancer fighter. Recent studies have shown that turmeric, commonly used in curry dishes, is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric may also block the formation of cancer cells. According to CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians; pre-clinical trials revealed that turmeric can slow metastasis (the transmission of cancerous cells from an original site to one or more sites elsewhere in the body).

The active cancer-fighting ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Curcumin, naturally yellow in color, gives curry powder its vibrant color. It has been used safely as a natural food additive for years. Yellow mustard is one example.

Previous research shows that Curcumin is also effective against Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, arthritis, and a slew of other illnesses. Curcumin is so effective for wound healing that Johnson & Johnson sells band-aids with curcumin (in India).

These initial studies are so promising that the University of Texas Anderson Cancer Center is funding additional trials on turmeric’s healing properties. Its affect on breast and pancreatic cancer patients will be studied later.

And even more good news-- curry tastes great, and has been used as a household spice for thousands of years. The only known side affect is stomach upset in some sensitive individuals. So add a little turmeric to your meal, it’s the spice with some major health benefits!

Why Should I Exercise?

2007-04-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, now that is a tough question. NOT!

Hmm, let me think. Just off the top of my head, a few of the benefits of exercise are:

1. Lower risk of coronary heart disease
2. Lower risk of heart attack and stroke
3. Lower risk of diabetes
4. Lower risk of high blood pressure
5. Lower risk of becoming overweight or obese
6. Less fatigue
7. Look better
8. Feel stronger
9. Improved self-esteem
10. Lower direct medical expenses

The first 9 on the list are probably familiar but number 10 might be a new one. If all Americans became physically active, potential savings in health care and medical expense would be around $76 billion dollars annually!

Think about that figure.

That is a lot of money that can be saved simply if people would make a more concerted effort with to improve their weight management, caloric intake, and exercise.

Yup, that’s what it is all about…………………………………..

Health professionals recommend 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week. The thirty minutes of activity does not need to be continuous and can be broken down into two or even three daily sessions. For maximum cardiovascular benefit, you should increase the intensity to increase your heart rate. You should select a variety of activities that you enjoy and find ways to incorporate them into your daily routine.

You don’t have to go out and buy any fancy equipment. For example to walk for thirty minutes, all you need are tennis shoes pus a couple of exercise shirts and pants or shorts.

People say, “I don’t have time to exercise.” Make time. You have time to work, to eat, to sleep, to cook, to clean, so why not time for exercise?

The bottom line is that the benefits of exercise for are worth the effort it takes to put in 30 minutes 5 days a week.

Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Isn’t it time to get off that couch and do something?

Author: Lisa Newton CEO Weight1Minute

Treating Eczema

2007-04-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

Eczema is a condition that is chronic. It is going to be something that is with you for your whole life. It is a condition that might cause you lots of discomfort, but it is a condition you can live with, even though at this time there is not cure for eczema.

It will usually be a lifelong therapy that you will have to do in order to control the symptoms of your eczema. You will probably have flare ups and remissions of psoriasis for your whole life.

Eczema is basically a case of dry skin. This is the way that it is most commonly referred to. However, it can be so much worse than this for some people. Some of the worst cases of eczema cause patients to actually have lesions on their skin and to be in great pain.

It is a condition that can develop early in life, and can often be very hard to treat. There is no cure for eczema, so if you have it, it will be with you for your entire life.

Sometimes, your eczema is going to be so severe that you might break out in lesions all over your body and will have to be hospitalized. These extremes represent both sides of the spectrum when it comes to eczema. Most people will have a case of eczema that falls in between the extremes, however, and need to find a suitable treatment for their unique case.

There are many different treatment courses that you might get for eczema. Depending on the severity and type of eczema you have, you will have different treatment options. It might be that you have a case of eczema that is so mild you do not know that you have it.

You may not be able to cure eczema, but dealing with your diet is a good way to prevent it from controlling your life. Many times eczema flare ups are caused because you are allergic to a certain food and you are eating it anyway.

One of the big causes of eczema is diet. So, the first step in preventing eczema flare ups is to take care to watch what you are eating. If you are eating certain foods and are noticing that you are having problems with your eczema after you eat them, you might be allergic to these foods.

Try to not eat them and see what happens. Once you have determined which foods cause a problem for you, you will be able to create a diet that is carefully balanced to your exact needs.

Many times there are certain foods that people eat which effect their eczema and they do not even realize that they might be being affected by it. Some of these foods include meat or fish, wheat, or citrus products, and also dairy products.

Because these products are often included in the ingredients of many different products, people might be eating foods that hurt their eczema without even knowing that they are doing so.

To treat your eczema, try to create a diet for yourself that is low in any of the above mentioned products. If you do not know what you are allergic too, try cutting out each of the different groups and seeing if that makes a difference.

Try to eat no dairy for awhile and see if there is a difference in your eczema. If there is no difference, try to cut out a different type of food. Your doctor will also be able to recommend easy ways to help your eczema by changing your diet.

There are also lotions and creams that are used to treat your eczema. These can be found both over the counter and by prescription.

Author: Keep YOURSELF looking and feeling great with these great FREE. Beauty Tips from http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk

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Type Of Eczema

2007-04-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Eczema is a type of chronic skin condition in which areas of your skin can become inflamed, itchy, and sore. While doctors have yet to unlock the deep secrets regarding the reasons behind eczema, they have plenty of good information that can help calm eczema flare-ups and prevent future ones.

Before you can begin treating your eczema, however, you must know what type you have. Though your skin is one large organ, different areas of your body may acquire eczema, and each one can be different from another.

It is important for you to know what type your eczema is classified as and where it can be found before you start treating it. Having all the information possible can help you get the most out of your treatments and free you as much as possible from the annoyances of eczema. Adult Seborrheic Eczema. If you are between 20 and 40, you can become affected by this type of eczema. Some specialists think this can be caused by yeast. It can begin as mild dandruff, but can spread to other areas such as your face, chest, or ears.

You may find your skin becoming red, inflamed, flakey, and you may also find patches of skin that are scaly, and yellow. You may have also heard this type referred to as seborrheic dermatitis.

Varicose Eczema. If your legs have poor circulation, you could acquire this form of eczema. Late in life you may find itchy and inflamed areas on your lower legs and ankles that appear dappled. It has also been referred to as stasis eczema.

Discoid Eczema. Found in adults, this form of eczema has also been called nummular eczema or gravitational eczema. Patches of skin that can appear almost anywhere on the body, but usually on the torso and lower legs. It appears in disc-shaped itchy spots that can potentially exude fluid.

Dyshidrotic Eczema. This form appears on the hands, fingers, and feet and will arise as blisters that are particularly itchy. Though the cause is not known, there is some speculation on various reasons, and it is believed that stress assists in aggravating the condition further. It can become more serious and lead to fluid seepage and cracking in the skin.

Contact Eczema. Dry flaky and itchy areas can appear due to constant contact with items that continuously irritate your skin or if you happen to be allergic to the item. Chemicals and latex are two possible allergens that can affect people. Avoiding prolonged contact with items that bother your skin can help you recover from this form of eczema.

Light Sensitive Eczema. This is a rare form of eczema that affects a person's hands, arms, and face. Though caused by sunlight, some products such as soaps, creams, and medications can act as catalysts to eczema appearances in sunlight.

Juvenile Plantar Eczema. A form that is more common in males and caused by constant irritation on the soles of feet due to footwear that is not fitting correctly. You may find that the sole of your foot has become sore, red, feels hot, and has a glazed appearance to it. Switch your footwear to make sure feet do not rub against the inside of the shoe to help clear up any problems, wear cotton socks to aid in further prevention, and if necessary, put ointments or other soothing products on feet.

Eczema Craquele. People who are older tend to develop this form of eczema as their skin is thinner and more prone to becoming dried out. It is also known as asteatotic eczema and creates large itchy scales on the skin, sometimes produced because of lingering soap from a shower or bath.

Eczema Herpeticum. When a person already has a form of eczema and he or she becomes infected with the herpes simplex virus, they can develop eczema herpeticum. Small groups of blisters or ulcers appear on the skin and can occur anywhere on the body. If left untreated and allowed to spread, this form of eczema can become fatal.

Atopic Eczema. This is the most common form of eczema and believed to be caused by allergens and other various skin irritants. It can be hereditary and affect both children and adults and appears as itchy, flaky patches of skin that are inflamed, red, and when scratched too often can lead to fluid seepage. Remember, it is important for you to completely understand your particular form of eczema in order to give yourself the best treatment. The more you know, the closer you are to steering clear of problems now and in the future.

Author: Keep YOURSELF looking and feeling great with these great FREE. Beauty Tips from http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk

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Bodybuilding Supplement

2007-04-06T00:56:00.000-07:00

To supplement or not to supplement - that is the question on more bodybuilder's lips than ever before. Are they safe? Have you ever wondered what works and what doesn't?

Lets have a look at the basics.

There are various reasons why athletes may be interested in supplementation.

* Concern about getting adequate nutrients from our food supply.
* Suspicion of pharmaceuticals.
* Belief that diet alone will not achieve optimal nutrition

Supplements include the following:

* Vitamins
* Minerals
* Amino Acids
* Herbs

The concerning thing about supplements is that anything classified as a dietary supplement is not required to meet any FDA or other standards! Think about that! there are no regulations in place that guarantee the safety or purity of something sold as a supplement.

They are also not made to meet the similar safety requirements as prescription drugs or any other manufacturing standards. They are not required to meet product potency or purity ratings and are not required to prove the effectiveness of any health claim that is made.

Studies suggest that a number of supplements may deliver on advertising claims. However, trainees are spending large sums of money on products that have little or no proven usefulness.

Personally I find the use of supplements over rated and as with strength training, supplementation asks the same question

"If a little is good then maybe more has to be better"

Supplementation and steroids started to proliferate when volume strength training became the training system of the day. Young strength trainees slaving in the gym for five to six days a week was seen as normal. All this without making any progress or putting on any size whatsoever.

They then turned to the latest supplement or steroid thinking that this is the magic bullet to put on that added muscle when all the time they were just plain

"Overtraining"

The cold hard facts are that the majority of the regular trainees in your gym are overtraining. The sad reality is that the type of training that you find in bodybuilding books and magazines (and used by the stars) are irrelevant to the majority of
the population and has a high failure rate.

If more bodybuilders started using more infrequent, short, high intensity weight training sessions, followed by the required amount of time to recover and become stronger...

"Most of the Muscle building supplements and steroids available today would not be needed"

. The bottom line on weight gain supplements

* Before taking a supplement try to make modifications to your diet that might achieve the same goals.
* Only choose products that show the amount of active ingredients on the label that are required.
* Be aware that "natural" does not mean 'safe'
* Some herbal supplements may have unpleasant side effects.

Listed below are some popular bodybuilding supplements available on the market today:

Creatine monohydrate

Creatine was first introduced to the market place some eight years ago and has since become the most popular bodybuilding supplement of all time.

Creatine is said to significantly increase lean muscle mass, improve performance, increase energy levels and speed up recovery rates.

Creatine also stimulates the uptake of amino acids in the proteins, which means that the more that it's used the more muscle that may be grown.

Dosage: A loading phase of 20grams a day for the first five days then a maintenance phase of 5grams a day from then on.

Whey Protein isolate

The highest yield of protein currently available and is extracted from milk. This is another popular supplement for athletes and bodybuilders because of its high proportion of amino acids.

It is supposed to be high in potassium, which is essential
for muscle growth and is an antioxidant and a good immune system builder.

Dosage: 20gms - 100gms a day.

Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus terrestris is a plant that grows in many tropical and moderate areas of the world and is very rich in chemical compounds such as saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids.
Tribulus terrestris is supposedly a testosterone enhancer and increases sex drives in both men and women.

Dosage as per bottle.

Glutamine

Is a non-essential amino acid, which makes up to 60% of the amino acids in the bodies muscles. Glutamine containing products are protein shakes and good quality protein powders; it can also be added to protein shakes for added potency.

Dosage: 5grams to 15 grams per day.

So there you have it, a supplement is something added to the diet to make up for a nutritional deficiency or imbalance, they are not intended to substitute for eating a balanced diet. If they are to be taken at all they should only be used to supplement the diet and not replace it.

Supplements For Diabetes

2007-04-06T00:49:00.000-07:00

Diabetes:

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which body does not produce or produce less insulin compared to healthy individual or body develops resistance to insulin (body does not respond to insulin).

Most foods that we consume finally enter into the blood in form of carbohydrate, fat & protein. From blood, these nutrients enter into cells. Insulin is required for this entry of glucose into cells. Body cells utilize carbohydrate & fat for energy & growth.

Because of less insulin or resistance to insulin in diabetes, blood sugar cannot enter into cells & remain in blood resulting in high blood sugar.

Studies have shown that supplements like chromium, alpha lipoic acid & vanadium plays an important role in the management of diabetes.

Chromium supplements in diabetes:

Diabetes is associated with low concentrations of chromium in blood, so, an early, long-term addition of chromium to the standard therapy has been recommended in several studies. Some latest clinical reports also support the safety and therapeutic value of chromium supplementation for the management of high cholesterol and sugar in subjects with diabetes.

Chromium increases insulin receptor numbers & insulin binding to cells. Since chromium acts by increasing insulin efficiency, so lower amount of insulin is required in presence of chromium.

A clinical study published in ‘Diabetes Care. (2006, August)’ has shown that chromium supplementation in subjects with type 2 diabetes significantly improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control. Chromium supplementation also reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation

A latest review article published in Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 December has mentioned that 13 of 15 clinical studies involving a total of 1,690 subjects reported significant improvement in at least one outcome of glycemic control. (Glycemic control is a medical term used for blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes) Beneficial effects of chromium supplementation included reduced blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and reduced requirements for drugs for diabetes.

Reduction in blood sugar & improvement in insulin sensitivity with chromium results in decrease risk for diabetes complications.

Alpha lipoic acid in Diabetes:

Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant, which is produced in the body & also present in food. High blood sugar in diabetes increases free radical formation in body, which leads to additional complications of diabetes like atherosclerosis, heart problems, nerve damage & cataract. Antioxidant decreases free radicals in body & decreases risk of complications.

There are number of publications confirming beneficial effect of lipoic acid in therapy of many diseases, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, degenerative processes in neurons, diseases of joints,

A recent clinical study on diabetic patients treated with alpha lipoic acid was published in ‘hormones (Athens). 2006 Oct-Dec 5(4)’. The result of the study has proved that short-term oral alpha-lipoic acid treatment increases peripheral insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Improvement in insulin sensitivity could improve both blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Peripheral insulin sensitivity gives an idea about how body cells respond to insulin. In diabetes, because of decrease response to insulin by body cells, blood sugar cannot enter into cells causing high blood glucose. Alpha lipoic acid enhances glucose uptake by cells in type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage is a complication of diabetes. It is a progressive disease, which can cause pain, loss of sensation and weakness, in the feet and sometimes in the hands. Studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid is effective in management of diabetic nerve damage called neuropathy and it reduces pain associated with neuropathy.

Vanadium supplement in diabetes:

Vanadium is a trace mineral required by the body in small quantities. Numerous studies have shown that vanadium has insulin-like effects in liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. It may improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Along with chromium & alpha lipoic acid, some other supplement like evening primrose oil, fenugreek & some herbs also help in management of diabetes.

WHAT IS ECZEMA ?

2007-04-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Eczema actually refers to any inflammation of the skin and can take a multitude of forms. However, many people are referring to Atopic Dermatitis (AD) when they say the word eczema. Approximately 15% of the global population, 17 million of which are American, suffers from eczema.

It begins in childhood, and quite often goes into relapse for periods. Some of these remission periods can last many years, much to the relief of the patient. Eczema is not contagious but can only be controlled, not cured.

AD tends to cycle through periods of flare ups and remission throughout the lifetime of the patient and science has yet to understand the exact cause of this form of eczema. It is understood that genetics play a factor in combination with various outside triggers (irritants, allergens, stress, and other things).

The immune system also seems to play a part in AD. When people with eczema come into contact with one of their triggers, inflammation producing chemicals are released into the skin that immediately cause swelling, redness, and itching. The system tends to over produce these chemicals and does not quit once the trigger is not there.

Symptoms: Each person has symptoms that may look different, often very different. The most common symptoms are itching, red skin, silvery scaling, and slight swelling. Often you will find the affected area to be a bit feverish. Scratching tends to cause breaks in the skin which result in open lesions that drain clear pus and crust over with a honey yellow crust.

You may see tiny blister like pustules (like you see in poison ivy, which is a form of eczema). These tend to break when scratched and spread because of the allergen which is still held there. In cases like poison ivy, contagion is possible simply because so many other people are allergic to it.

Contagion of poison ivy is only possible through direct contact with broken blisters in the affected area. Any part of the body may be affected and many of the forms of eczema are directly linked to certain body areas. AD is not so specifically linked. It may show up anywhere, but is most prominent on the face, neck, torso, and extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet).

The insides of the elbow and the back of the knee are the number one locations for the disease to manifest itself.

Itching is caused from the affected area coming in contact with a variety of things that irritate it, such as clothing, soaps, chemicals, etc. These things are referred to as itch triggers.

Eczema tends to affect both men and women equally, but affects Caucasians more than other races. Age sometimes looks like a factor as children are more often diagnosed than older people, but it needs to be taken into account that just a few decades ago, the disease was often misdiagnosed.

Many adults that have recently been diagnosed may have had manifestations as children, but were not correctly informed as to the condition. Eczema most often appears during early years, infancy and toddler stages, of a individuals life.

People affected tend to have a family history of allergic reactions (hay fever and asthma) or eczema. Many patients also display respiratory ailments due to allergies. A daily antihistamine may be of help to eczema sufferers because of this.

Treatment varies, but generally patients are prescribed a topical (applied to the surface of the skin) medication. The most prescribed topical medications are corticosteroids and have a variety of strengths. If topical treatment does not relieve the symptoms, patients may receive phototherapy, with is a concentration of specialized UV rays focused on the affected area.

Third phase treatment or treatment for very server cases is prescribed systemic medications. These are medications that are taken into the body, whether orally or by injection. Systemic medications tend to be steroids. Researchers are currently working on new possibilities in treatment.

Things that patients can do to help keep their eczema under control include:

Keep the skin clean using mild soap that is fragrance and dye free, but do not over bathe. A cream or petroleum based moisturizer should be applied to wet skin after baths and any other contact with water (such as hand washing). Pat skin dry instead of rubbing.

Recognize and avoid triggers Avoid stress Wear 100% cotton next to the skin Cleanse the skin as soon as possible after perspiringHealth Fitness Articles, remembering to apply moisturizer Avoid sudden changes in temperature as much as possible.

Author: Keep YOURSELF looking and feeling great with these great FREE. Beauty Tips from http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR METABOLISM

2007-04-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

The one thing people most often say to me is, "my metabolism has slowed down", but very few individuals truly understand what metabolism is or how to improve it.

Metabolism is the term used for all of the physical and chemical reactions in the body. The chemical reactions of metabolism take the food we eat and transform it into fuels and building blocks for the body. These chemical reactions are necessary for providing energy for activities such as movement and thinking, and for organ function such as digestion, and the formation of urine. These reactions are also critical for breaking down old tissue and building new tissue.

The foods that we consume are chemically complex. They must be broken down by the body into simpler chemical forms called nutrients. Nutrients are taken in through the intestinal walls and transported by the blood to the cells. The processes involved are called digestion, absorption, and metabolism.

Digestion begins the process through a series of physical and chemical changes by breaking down the food in preparation for absorption from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. Digestion actually begins when chewing breaks large pieces of food into smaller pieces.

The next step in this process is absorption. Absorption takes place primarily in the small intestine, where its surface area is comparable to a quarter of a football field and its length is 20 feet. That's pretty amazing, isn't it?

Nutrients are taken up by the intestines and passed into the bloodstream to facilitate cell metabolism. Within 3 to 4 hours after a meal has been eaten, the body must find a way to absorb millions of nutrient molecules including amino acids (proteins), monosaccharides, monoglycerides, glycerol (carbohydrates), fatty acids and glycerol (fats), vitamins, and minerals.

A whole lot of stuff goes on here, with villi (several hundred cells covered with microscopic hairs) in constant motion, trapping nutrient molecules and digesting and absorbing them into the cells.

By the time we get to metabolism, the handling of food within the body has reached its final stage. The process of metabolism involves all the chemical changes that nutrients undergo from the time they are absorbed until they become part of the body or are excreted from the body. Metabolism is the conversion of the digested nutrients into components for energy or for building material for living tissue.

Metabolism happens in two general phases that occur simultaneously, anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism (uses energy) involves all the chemical reactions that the nutrients undergo in the construction or building up of body chemicals and tissues such as blood, enzymes, and hormones.

Catabolism (releases energy) involves the reactions in which various compounds are used to do the body's work, to produce heat, or to be stored for later use.

Energy from carbohydrates, fats, and protein for the body's cells, comes from their conversion to glucose, which combines with oxygen in a series of chemical reactions that form carbon dioxide, water and cellular energy. The energy is used for body functions, and the carbon dioxide and water are waste products that are carried out of the body by the bloodstream.

The process of metabolism requires that extensive systems of enzymes be maintained to facilitate the thousands of different chemical reactions that must be performed, and also to regulate the rate at which these reactions proceed. The presence of protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for these enzymes to perform their functions at their very best.

One of the biggest problems I see with individuals is the lack of time they take to consume their food - their very essence of life. Not only are they eating junk food, or foods with little nutritional value, they are also consuming them rapid fire. Eating while agitated, fatigued, or all stressed out may give rise to gastrointestinal disturbances.

If a person is under stress, digestive secretions are reduced and the blood is routed to the muscles more than to the digestive tract. This action impairs efficient absorption of nutrients. To digest and absorb food best, one should be relaxed and tranquil at mealtimes. Hurried meals under tense conditions are not beneficial to normal digestion.

The information presented here is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition. It is imperative that you take your health into your own hands and empower yourself by researching all of your options. With the vast amount of information available on-line, you can arm yourself with an arsenal of information that will assist you and your healthcare practitioner in creating the best plan of treatment for your needs. Here are a few resources to get you started:

http://www.ivillage.com/diet/metabolism - 61 Ways to Boost Your Calorie Burn

http://www.metabolism.com/ - Here you will find information on Weight Loss/Weight Gain, Nutrition ProgramsFree Web Content, Ask the Expert and much more. Very informative site.

http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/0698metabolism.htm - Great article on dieting and metabolism

HOW TO RELAX IN A CROWD

2007-04-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

Relaxing and meditating at home is easy but how do you relax when you are in the middle of a crowd of people?

You know how it is? You're in the middle of a crowd, tension's at breaking point, and you've just got to relax but there's people all around you.

First off, don't panic! Relaxing in a crowd or within a group of people is really easy once you know how and this is how you do it. Begin by going through the ritual of tensing and relaxing your muscles starting at your feet and ending at your head (or your hands if you do it that way). If you can, close your eyes, otherwise relax your gaze and try to look at something unchanging.

If you have never done this before, you tense and relax each part of your body from your toes to your legs, then your tummy, your chest, your neck and head and finally your arms and fingers.

As you do it, say to yourself: “I am tensing my feet – now I am relaxing my feet” and so on for all the muscle groups. It is important to do this because it takes your mind away from events going on around you and puts the focus where you want it: on your body.

Now breathe slowly and a little more deeply. Your body will automatically begin to relax if you breath slowly and deeply, this is an automatic reaction that your body does on it's own,

To begin the relaxation process you need to take the present moment out of your mind and so you need something to replace it. Choose a word or phrase that you can repeat over and over again. If you do not already have a suitable word or phrase try something like 'Peace and stillness within me and without' or a single word like 'Oneness' or, perhaps, a word or phrase from your religion.

The actual phrase doesn't matter as you will say this to yourself slowly and rhythmically as you breath and it will soon lose any meaning that it had. Again, this has the automatic result of clearing your mind and getting you to focus on what is happening within your own body.

If you are experienced in meditation, you simply continue to do this as if you were at home and let your mind and body relax. Experience will tell you when to stop and you then simply allow yourself to slowly rejoin the world around you.

If you are not so experienced then relaxation is harder to do, especially with people around you! Just try as best you can to block out the world and concentrate on the word you are saying. It you want, you can try several times, perhaps getting a little further each time but stop when you feel you need to.

When you have finished, don't suddenly open your eyes and look around you. Allow yourself to rejoin the world at your own pace by becoming aware of the sounds around you, the smells and finally the sights and people. If it helps you can say to yourself: “Now, I'm listening to the world...now, I'm smelling the world...and now, I'm seeing the world!”

Remember, you don't have to be any special sort of person to do this and don't worry if you find thoughts intruding while you are trying to relax or if the outside world is still there. It's OK to just do the best that you can.

That's it! That's all you have to do. At some point you will 'surface' and resume waiting or whatever you were doing. As a final thing, say to yourself: “It's OKBusiness Management Articles, the world is a good place and I am a strong person within it who can cope!”

The difference now is that your mind will be recharged and you will feel relaxed and at one with the world and those around you.

EATING MORE FISH IS HEALTHY REGARDLESS RISK OF TOXINS

2007-03-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

Eating more fish is definitely a heart-healthy benefit. You might be a little weary, however, of the risk of toxins, like mercury found in some kinds of fish. The safety of farm-raised fish, wild fish and fish you catch is also a concern for many people. Use this article as a resource to help you learn how you can eat fish safely.

Some of the health benefits associated with eating fish includes:

• Generally low in calories
• Generally low in saturated fat
• Generally low in cholesterol
• It is a good substitute for poultry and meat because it is generally low in calories, saturated fat and cholesterol
• Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and herring are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to decrease risk of coronary artery disease, may protect against irregular heartbeats, and help to lower blood pressure.

There are potential drawbacks to eating fish even though it is good for your health. Some types of fish may contain contaminants like mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins or other chemical pollutants. Fish get these toxins from pollutants in lakes, rivers and oceans. Other disease-causing organisms, bacteria, viruses and parasites also infect fish just the same way that poultry and meat can be infected.

Although the Food and Drug Administration regulates seafood to reduce potential hazards, you still need to safely store, prepare, cook and serve fish to help reduce your risk of contracting food-borne illnesses.

One of the major contaminants found in fish is mercury. Large, predatory fish like tilefish, swordfish and king mackerel tend to have higher levels of mercury. The Environmental Protection Agency report that for most people the amount of mercury they consume by eating fish is not a health concern.

There are two locations from which our fish purchased in the grocery store come from. They are:

• Fish caught in the wild such as an ocean, river or freshwater lake
• Fish raised on a fish farm

Farm-raised fish may have more total fat, calories and higher levels of contaminants due to toxins present in the feed given to fish. Farm-raised fish is more readily available and often cost less. State or federal governments set harvest limits on commercially harvested fish that make them more expensive. The United States requires labels on consumer fish products that states either “farm-raised” or “wild.” Wild fish may also be harvested for personal consumption by sport anglers.

Fish caught by sport angling are not held to the same standards as fight caught commercially. The FDA regulates commercial fish to help ensure safety. Advisories in each state is responsible for protecting residents from the health risk of eating wild fish, for example, which types and much fish is safe to eat. If you are unable to find local advice, the FDA and EPA recommend you limit consumption of fish from local waters to about 6 ounces a week.

Most people do not eat enough fish and have no need to worry of eating too much to cause a health concern. The American Heart Association recommends at least two, 3-ounce servings of fish – preferably omega-3-rich fish – each week. For most consumers, especially those at risk for heart disease, the omega-3 benefits of eating fish regularly outweighs the potential risks.

For women who might become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children younger than age 5, the FDA and EPA recommend the following:

• Avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish due to the high levels of toxins
• Eat up to 12 ounces per week of fish and shellfish that contain low levels of mercury. Sources include: shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock, catfish. Limit intake of albacore tuna to 6 ounces per week.

You don’t have to avoid seafood altogether if you are in any of the above groups. In fact, some studies suggest that not enough seafood during pregnancy may contribute to poor verbal skills, behavioral problems and other developmental issues during childhood.

In addition to the many governmental safety precautions in place, you still need to safely store, prepare, cook and serve fish. Review the following tips:

• Never consume raw seafood, particularly raw shellfish
• Wrap fresh fish in a plastic bag securely and store in your refrigerator
• Eat fresh fish within two days, most preferably the day of purchase
• Store frozen seafood no more than six months
• Do not refreeze fish.
• Defrost frozen seafood in the refrigerator just before cooking or for quicker thawing, place frozen fish in a sealed bag and immerse in cold water.
• Wash hands, cutting boards and utensils with soap and water after coming in contact with fish
• Allow 10 minutes cooking time for every inch of thickness for medium-cooked fish.
• Use a fork or the tip of a knife to cut into the fish to see if it is done. When done the fish should separate into flakes and appear opaque throughout.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2007)

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

COFFEE - PROS/CONS OF HEALTH

2007-03-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

A new cottage type industry has sprung up over the past twenty-five years that has looked at the health aspect of coffee drinking. It’s no surprise because worldwide over four hundred million portions are drunk daily. However, health experts have questioned its safety. Recent studies have shown that the benefits may outweigh the risks.

The prime ingredient in your cup of cappuccino is caffeine. It a known type of stimulant. Blood pressures rise, heart rates increase and sometimes this can result in irregular beats. However scientists are sure the effects are only mild and only temporary. In contrast to this, new information suggests certain healthy aspects.

A cure for cancer? No – plenty of evidence shows that it may help minimalise any risk of colon cancer, but only if you drink four plus cups a day. Unfortunately that level of drinking could have counteraffects also.

Heard the saying, everything in moderation? Well this is also true of coffee. As with wine, coffee has antioxidants that do protect you against heart diseases and some cancers. It removes the cells that destroy oxygen from your blood. However, others contend that you get more from apples, cranberries and tomatoes. Others suggest vitamins, minerals and fibre in vegetables and fruit are best.

Chinese scientists show that drinking your coffee can reduce the horrible symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Drinking regular and decaffeinated coffees, according to the Scandinavians and Americans may also reduce type 2 diabetes. Note - Scandinavians have the highest consumption worldwide.

It is also said that it may help in the reduction of kidney and gallstones. Improvements in digestion because of the increase in the stomach’s acid are also apparent.

If you are an asthmatic, ask your doctor about evidence that it can help lower constrictions in airways. Interestingly, coffee has theophylline, a well-known bronchiodialator.

Unfortunately there also risks. It is known that male sperm swim fast, go further and last longer in coffee laced fluids, but female fertility can suffer. Others may suffer high amounts of homocyteine levels in their blood, which can cause heart disease if you drink too much. Harmful LDL cholesterol has been found due to increased levels of cafestol produced during the European water boiling process. Thankfully filters and percolators remove most of it.

There has been a noticeable rise in calcium loss and a decrease in bone density in coffee consuming women versus those who don’t. Four cups daily may give you incontinence. Others may find sensitivity to caffeine that in my personal experience with one main coffee-house can cause hormonal changes to the point of getting non-malignant breast tumours.

Fortunately the benefits do outweigh the risk as long as you stick to moderate drinking. However for those truly caffeine addicted folk, especially those who cannot survive on moderate levels, try drinking a cola. You can get your fix with 1/3 caffeine to every ounce. There again maybe a cola versus a latte is not worth the gamble.

HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOU ARE GETTING TOO MUCH CAFFEINE

2007-03-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

Nine out of 10 Americans consume some type of caffeine on a daily basis. Beverages that contain caffeine are among the most popular behavior-altering drug or beverage available without prescription. Within an hour the affects of caffeine include a wide-eyed alert feeling, more energy and a drive toward productivity. It is no wonder so many people rely on daily doses of caffeine to battle fatigue and ill dispositions.

When is caffeine use considered to be too much? There are certain circumstances that call for reducing the amount of caffeine you consumer. Study after study suggests moderate caffeine intake is not likely to cause harm, however, too much can affect your health, and too much caffeine can be different for each individual. Heavy daily caffeine consumption is defined as more than 500 to 600 mg. a day, or about four to seven cups of coffee. Think about your daily caffeine habits and review the following. If any of these physical symptoms apply, you may need to cut back on your caffeine consumption.

• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Muscle tremors
• Sleeplessness
• Headaches
• Nausea, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems
• Abnormal heart rhythms

If you have caffeine sensitivity just small amounts may cause unwanted physical symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness and irritability. The more sensitive you are to caffeine, the less you need to consume on a daily basis.

Each person’s caffeine sensitivity may depend on many factors that include:

• Body mass: If you have a smaller body mass you will probably feel the effects of caffeine sooner than those with larger body masses.
• History of caffeine use: If you are not a regular user of caffeine you may be more susceptible to its negative effects than are people who do.
• Stress: All types of stress can increase a person’s sensitivity to caffeine.
• Age
• Smoking habits
• Drug or hormone use and other health conditions such as anxiety disorders

Additional Factors that May Influence how your Body Reacts to Caffeine:

Chronically losing sleep due to the consumption of too much caffeine results in sleep deprivation. Sleep loss accumulates. Nightly decreases can add up and eventually start to disturb your daytime functioning. Sleep deprivation can cause impaired memory, mood swings, lack of concentration and poor performance at work or school. If you determine the cause of your sleep deprivation is too much caffeine, you need to cut back on the amount of caffeine you consume.

Some antibiotics such as Cipro and Noroxin can increase the length of time caffeine remains in your body and cause unwanted physical symptoms.

Theophylline used to open up bronchial airways sometimes has caffeine-like effects. Theophylline use along with caffeinated foods and beverages may increase the concentration of theophylline in your blood. Physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and heart palpitations may result.

The herbal dietary supplement of ephedra increases risk of heart attack, stroke, seizures and death. Ephedra combined with caffeine is even more risky. The Food and Drug Administration has banned ephedra in the marketplace because of the health concerns. The ban only applies to dietary supplements and not herbal teas that may contain the herb.

Your doctor or pharmacist is the best source to tell you whether or not caffeine might affect your prescription drugs.

Tips on How to Reduce Caffeine Consumption:

• Gradually reduce the amount of caffeine you consume. Drink one less can of soda, one less cup of coffee or a smaller cup of coffee each day.
• Replace caffeinated coffee, tea and soda with decaffeinated beverages
• Brew tea for less time to cut down on caffeine content, or choose herbal teas without caffeine stimulant
• Switch to caffeine-free versions of over-the-counter medications you take

For most adults, caffeine is a part of daily life and most often does not pose a health problem.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2007)

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

Summary: When is caffeine use considered to be too much? There are certain circumstances that call for reducing the amount of caffeine you consumer. Study after study suggests moderate caffeine intake is not likely to cause harm, however, too much can affect your health, and too much caffeine can be different for each individual.

SLOWING THE PROGRESSION OF OSTEOPOROSIS

2007-03-15T17:12:00.000-07:00

Our skeletal system consists of bones of a variety of different shapes and sizes. It serves many different functions including providing a framework for the body in which to support the tissues and protect the vital organs. It acts as levers, working with the muscles to produce body movement. It also works to produce red blood cells within the marrow and serves as a reservoir for calcium and phosphorus.

Calcium is one of the primary minerals required for normal bone formation as well as for many of our biological functions. As we grow, the body uses calcium to create new bone. At around the age of around 35, we achieve peak bone mass. After that, bone mass gradually and steadily declines and which if left unchecked can cause our bone tissue to become weak and brittle. Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone or when too much calcium is reabsorbed back into the body to support its necessary biological functions or both.
Often thought of as a women’s disorder, osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease, a disease in which the bones become fragile and more likely to break. Many times individuals who have decreased bone density don’t even know it. Progressing gradually over many years, often times the first indication of a problem is when a bone suddenly breaks such as in the hips, wrists or spine. The truth is, any bone can be affected and activities as insignificant as laughing, coughing or light lifting can cause a fracture.

There are two different kinds of osteoporosis – Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Osteoporosis is only found in post-menopausal women and is directly related to estrogen deficiency. Type 2 osteoporosis can be found in both men and women and is due to both aging and a prolonged calcium deficiency. Other causes of osteoporosis can include Cushing syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, being confined to bed, bone cancer and a family history of osteoporosis.

If you smoke, have an eating disorder, have low body weight, consume a low calcium diet, consume alcohol in excess, experienced early menopause or are taking certain medications including steroids and anticonvulsants you may also be at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is not a new health disorder and there are a large number of tried and true natural and alternative health remedies that can be used to prevent or minimize bone loss.

Recommendations For Wellness

If you are concerned about your bone health, talk to your doctor about having a bone density test done, especially if you are a woman over the age of 50.

Consume a diet of calcium rich foods. Calcium can be found in all milk products as well as in tofu, salmon, sardines (with the bones) and dark leafy green vegetables.

Supplement your daily food intake with supplemental calcium to ensure you are getting the recommended amount of calcium daily.

Go outside and get some sun. Exposure to the sun causes our body to produce vitamin D – a vitamin that aids in calcium absorption. If that’s not possible, add a vitamin D supplement to your daily health routine.

Start an exercise program. The best exercises for bone health are weight-bearing exercises which force you to work against gravity. Activities such as lifting weights, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs and dancing are all excellent for your bones.

Quit smoking, eliminate caffeine and carbonated soft drinks and reduce your salt intake, each of which enhances calcium loss from the body.

Limit alcohol consumption. Heavy alcohol use can lead to decreased bone formation.
Talk to your doctor or health care practitioner about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to help prevent bone loss and increase bone density.

Some studies indicate that foods such as spinach, chard, beet greens and chocolate! Contain substances that can prevent calcium absorption.

Herbs such as horsetail, oat straw and alfalfa have been traditionally used in North America as effective remedies for osteoporosis.

Studies suggest that magnesium may help to improve bone density and assist in calcium absorption. If blood levels are low, magnesium supplementation may be helpful.

The mineral zinc is required in a number of biological processes which include the formation of a strong bone structure. Scientists have discovered that individuals with osteoporosis often have low zinc levels.

WEIGHT LOSS THROUGH SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

2007-03-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

Being overweight is quite certainly one of the greatest health risk people over the world are facing today. Medically, this condition is known as obesity. Obese people are very vulnerable to a large number of lethal diseases, such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, diabetes, paralysis and gangrene. Hence, doctors and medical experts all over the world stress on maintaining a healthy weight to keep most diseases at bay.

In Ayurveda, there are several dietary and herbal techniques by which people can reduce weight. Just like it does in other treatments, Ayurveda does not believe in any kind of debilitating treatment methods; instead its treatments are centered on making the person lead a healthier lifestyle. The following article is about some of the best remedies and methods that people can do within their homes to achieve a healthier profile.

Treatment with Simple Home Remedies

Remedy # 1

This one is not actually a remedy, but it is the most important thing you must do in order to keep your weight in a normal level. And that is, stick to a healthy diet. The following are the dietary guidelines you must follow in order to keep your waistline healthy: -

1 Do not overindulge in eating any one type of food. Keep your diet balanced.

2 Keep the intake of sugars and fats to a minimum. The fats to be avoided are the saturated fats and the trans-fatty acids.

3 Too much carbohydrates build weight. Hence, the intake of rice and potatoes must be reduced. Wheat, barley and maize are ideal substitutes for rice in people who has weight problems.

4 You must have at least one bitter vegetable per day. This helps in the proper metabolism of fats and do not allow them to accumulate in the body.

5 Never eat to full capacity.

6 Consume a lot of fluids in the day. This helps to eliminate the undigested foods effectively.

7 Exercise is extremely important. It is necessary to indulge in mild physical activity after each meal even if you cannot make time to go to a gym.

Remedy # 2

Have a totally salt-free diet once a week. This helps reduce weight. Also skip a meal once in a month.

Remedy # 3

Prepare chutney of mint leaves. This must be taken with every single meal. It helps in the proper breaking down of the fats. Also begin your day with a cup of mint tea.

Remedy # 4

Vitamin C is very good for people who are looking to reduce their weight. Since amalaki (Emblica officinalis, Indian Gooseberry) is the best source of vitamin C in the world, it is good to eat two three fruits of the amalaki each day. Also have a glass of any one citrus fruit – orange, lemon, etc. – each day. Green leafy vegetables also have good vitamin C content. They can be consumed raw in the form of salads.

Remedy # 5

Honey is very good for mobilizing the fats in the body. Take a spoonful of honey half an hour after every meal. A good remedy is to mix a teaspoonful of honey and lemon juice and have it twice a day. Alternatively, you can take a bowl of warm water, put a teaspoonful each of honey and lemon juice and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. This is a very good remedy to dissolve the excess fats.

Remedy # 6

The Indian plum, i.e. jambula, is renowned for its weight controlling properties. Jambula dissolves the excess fats and gets them properly utilized in the body. Take four leaves of the jambula plant and soak them in a glass of water overnight. In the morning, discard the leaves and drink the water on an empty stomach. If you do this everyday, then you will find a positive reduction in your weight in three weeks or a month.

Treatment with Special Ayurvedic Methods

Ayurvedic experts would first try to ascertain what dosha type the patient is, because the treatment of obesity depends on that. Generally, Vashti Karma is prescribed, a therapy that is quite like giving an enema. This flushes the toxins from the body. Then other methods are employed to reduce the excess fats.

There are various herbs and preparations that are prescribed in order to treat obese people. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and the Triphala choorna are definitely prescribed. It must be noted that the Triphala contains amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki; all of which are extremely potent in dissolving the excess fats. Shilajit is also prescribed quite often, as it removes the unwanted constituents from the digestive system and provides the body with a good mineral balance that it requires. Most importantly, the significance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle is stressed upon the patient.

IS IT NECESSARY TO TAKE VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS

2007-03-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

For most people, taking a vitamin supplement sounds like a good idea, when they remember or get around to it. It is not very high on most people’s priority list, and that is unfortunate, because it is becoming more and more unhealthy.

Now I know most readers are thinking how can not doing something like taking a vitamin supplement make your health situation worse? I eat a good diet, if I have not been taking vitamins supplements up until now and I've been doing OK, why do i you think I will be less healthy in the future?

The simple answer is that the foods you eat are getting less and less nutritious. A study performed by the US department of agriculture, illustrated this perfectly. In that study 100 grams of spinach from a specific farm was processed to determine the exact amount of iron it contained. The study showed that in 1940 100 g of spinach yielded 158 mg of Iron. In 1965 100 g of spinach yielded only 27 mg of Iron, and in 1995 100 g of spinach yielded just 2.2 mg of Iron.

This study clearly demonstrates the growing problem of mineral and vitamin depletion in the farming soil. Farmers have tried different measures to combat this with little success. Air pollution, chemicals, pesticides, over utilization, Steroids and growth hormones have radically reduced the fundamental nutrition in our fruits and vegetables.

Here are a couple of alarming quotes from US Senate Document Number 264 "No man today can eat enough fruits and vegetables to supply his stomach with the mineral salts he requires for perfect health, because his stomach isn't big enough to hold them! And we are turning into big stomachs." "The alarming fact is that foods (fruits, vegetables and grains) now being raised on millions of acres of land that no longer contain enough of certain minerals are starving us ... no matter how much of them we eat."

This is just one of the many reasons the modern diet is growing more and more deficient. There are many other reasons that contribute to the problem. With all of this in mind, vitamin supplementation is no longer a luxury we can continue to put off. It is now essential to supplement your diet to achieve optimal health and vitality.

VEGETARIAN DIET SECRECTS: VEGAN FOODS REDUCE RISK OF HEART DISEASE

2007-03-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

The major source of heart disease is cholesterol circulating in the blood stream. Scientists agree that the levels of cholesterol should stay balanced in order to avoid serious health conditions, like heart attacks or blood pressure problems. If you suffer from heart disease your doctor will prescribe all sorts of chemical medication to reduce cholesterol.

Now scientists have come up to the conclusion that eating vegan foods like vegetables, seeds, nuts and other "Green Foods" may be as effective at reducing cholesterol as medicines. Experiments involving different types of vegan foods proved that a balanced vegan diet with vegetables, soy products, bread, fruits and nuts could be a possible drug-free alternative to reduce cholesterol and protect your body against heart threats.

What is really important when implementing this diet is to combine all sorts of food. Researches proved that a combination of vegan foods can cut cholesterol by up to three times more than when you insist on eating a single vegan food (e.g. only vegetables and soy products).

Here's the diet I recommend for a typical weekday.

- In the morning consume soy milk, cereals, fruits and nuts. You can also eat some bread with vegan butter and honey.

- For lunch you can have a vegetable soup with lots of bread and fruits for dessert.

- For dinner you can have a fruit salad or a vegetable salad combined with nuts like almonds or walnuts.

A similar diet was adopted by a dozen of people during experiments done by Canadian scientists. The results were amazing. Their cholesterol levels had dropped by almost 30% in just a few months. This combined diet could be as effective as medication according to the researchers.

Even though a lot more experiments and research are needed before the diet could be recommended to people, one thing is certain. There is hope for a natural treatment that doesn'r involve chemicals, for people with heart disease or high cholesterol.