on 1:36 PM

Finding a safe, effective and natural colon cleanser can be difficult, particularly when you begin to wade through the wealth of information that is available today regarding your colon?s health. Combine the articles that combine myriad opinions on the efficacy of natural colon cleansing with the enormous array of companies and individuals with cleansing mixtures for sale, and it can be difficult to know where to turn for an unbiased overview on the subject. If you have been drowning in an ocean of information while searching for your personal recipe for natural colon cleansers, then look no further. Here is a brief guide to what you need to know.

More than ever, we are aware of what we put into our bodies, and have come to discover, either through reading about various illnesses and conditions on the Internet, or having the misfortune of experiencing one of them for ourselves, that the health of our digestive system is paramount. The colon is an important part of this system, being the last stop for the waste that our body has accumulated before it leaves our body.

It makes sense that cleansing this region would be imperative to our health, and with our ever-growing body consciousness, that we would prefer all natural colon cleansing if possible.

While some people argue that the colon is, in fact, capable of performing such a cleansing procedure by itself, many others believe that even a healthy colon needs the help of a natural colon cleanser from time to time. Whether the urge to cleanse this area stems from an uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, bout of constipation, or the belief that the build up of toxins in the colon are causing a range of other, more diverse symptoms, even those who claim that colon cleansing is unnecessary would agree that a natural colon cleanse, performed properly, does no damage, and possibly a great deal of good.

For any natural colon cleanse to achieve optimal effects, a healthy diet must be adhered to during, and ideally after, the cleanse itself. Plenty of water should be consumed in order to more easily facilitate the passage of waste while a frequent component of the recipes for natural colon cleansers is the adoption of a liquid diet for the duration of the cleanse.

Many people find, in fact, that these simple dietary changes are sufficient to act as a natural colon cleanse in their own right, but for those still encountering problems, a more powerful cleanse can be achieved by the addition of such herbal substances as psyllium husks, which act as roughage, and probiotics, which help increase the number of healthy bacteria in the colon area, helping you to maintain the healthy colon achieved by your simple and all-natural colon cleanse.

And if you do undertake a complete colon cleanse then remember that you still have to look after yourself after the cleanse, that just doing a cleanse on it?s own won?t have long lasting benefits.

Visit Peter's Website about Colon Health and find out about Peter?s own experience of Colon Cleansing at http://www.colonhealthcounts.com/myexperience.php and more about colon health and constipation as well.

on 11:42 PM

The nature cure practitioners at present are making increasing use of moistened earth in the treatment of diseases. The use of mud packs has been found highly beneficial and effective in the treatment of chronic inflammation caused by internal diseases, bruises, sprains, boils, and wounds. This mode of treatment is normally adopted in conjunction with a proper scheme of dietary and other natural therapies.

The advantage of mud treatment is that it is able to retain moisture and coolness for longer periods than cold water packs or compresses. The cold moisture in the mud packs relaxes the pores of the skin, draws the blood into the surface, relieves inner congestion and pain, promotes heat radiation and elimination of morbid matter.

A mud pack isprepared with clay obtained from about ten cms. below the surface of the earth, after ensuring that it does not contain any impurities such as compost or pebbles. The clay is then made into a smooth paste with warm water. This is allowed to cool and then spread on a strip of cloth, the size of which may vary according to requirements. The dimensions of the pack meant for application on the abdomen are generally 20 cms. X 10 cm.X 2.5 cm. for adults.

Mud packs have been found to be a valuable treatment of diseases relating to general weakness or nervous disorders. It can also bring down fever and is beneficial in the treatment of scarlet fever, measles and influenza. The mud pack is prescribed for swellings, eye and ear troubles, gout, rheumatism, stomach troubles, kidney and liver malfunctions, diptheria, neuralgia, sexual disorders, headache, toothache and general aches and pains. The mud bandage, after being placed on the body, should be covered with flannel or other protective material. The pack is applied for 10 to 30 minutes.

As the abdomen is the seat of most diseases, mud pack applied to this part of the body can cure many disorders including all forms of indigestion affecting the stomach and bowels. It is most effective in decreasing the external heat and breaking up the morbid matter. It also aids the inactivity of labour pains and for this purpose, the pack may be renewed every hour or two.

The mud pack is also helpful as an alternate treatment. The area under treatment is first given fomentation for five to 10 minutes until it is well heated. Mud is then applied directly to the skin for five to 15 minutes, depending upon the reaction required. Hot and cold applications are useful in relieving chronic pains, intestinal cramps and lumbago.

Alternate application helps to relieve discomfort caused by flatulence and intestinal obstructions.

It is also helpful in amoebiasis, colitis, enteritis and other inflammatory conditions of bacterial origin.

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

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

on 7:36 PM

Not all that long ago I used to attend art exhibitions in Sydney, Australia. No, I'm not an artist but just a person who happened to live in the trendier parts of town. It was a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon - browsing new paintings by up-and-coming local artists. More often than not they would offer the guests small portions of various cheeses along with a selection of moderately priced wines. I had a great time, but I didn't know that what I was doing was also giving me a health boost bonus! You see, wine and cheese are the Batman & Robin dynamic duo for lowering your blood pressure.

When was the last time you had a wine and cheese party? You don't need to be an artist to enjoy one; it's a great way to entertain guests and a good excuse to get together. It's also a nice way to ward-off high blood pressure.

Cheese & wine parties are excellent for larger get-togethers as well. You can make it lots of fun by having every guest bring a bottle of wine and an exotic cheese. It's a great way to sample new wines and cheeses ... and a perfect way to get to know your friends better with free-flowing wine and conversation.

What better way to kick-back and relax ... both you and your arteries. Wine is good for lowering your blood pressure ... and so is cheese. But not just any old wine, make it a red one. Read on to find out why.

~ A glass or two of red ~

The flavonol called resveratol is a protective antioxidant. Free radicals are agents that affect chemical reactions in the body; they can cause cell damage resulting in cancer and other problems such as high blood pressure. Resveratol as the protective antioxidant protects your arteries against the damage done by free radicals and also assists in preventing the hardening of your arteries.

Flavonol also benefits you in another important way. The clumping together of blood platelets causes blood clotting and thrombosis - not something you want to have to deal with as both can be deadly serious problems! Flavonol is active in stopping your platelets from bunching up together; a glass of red wine helps your body to prevent these nasty problems by keeping your blood smoothly flowing through your arteries.

And some more good news ... recent studies have shown that drinking red wine also helps to improve the operation of your artery linings. When the linings of your arteries are working properly they freely dilate bringing down your blood pressure. The only question is how much of the good red is too much?

Nobody is suggesting you go out and buy a crate of red to be consumed immediately, but a glass or two a day is ideal for most people ... this is the perfect consumption to keep your heart and arteries young - and maintain your blood pressure at healthy levels. Which red wine is best? The darker varieties are best as they are higher in the protective resveratrol flavonoid. As far as white wine is concerned, you really shouldn't bother ... it has much less benefit than the mighty red.

~ A Chunk of Cheese ~

When we think of cheese we tend to think of how much fat it contains, and whilst cheese does have more than enough saturated fat, a little is actually good for you. The key is, of course, moderation. Just like red wine, if you don't go overboard, it can be healthy. Too much of it and your cholesterol levels can rise.

When cheese is being made and the milk is fermenting ... peptides are released from the milk proteins. Peptides, which are related to proteins and amino acids, help to control your blood pressure by impeding the enzymes that convert angiotensin. Angiotensin are made up of any of the three polypeptide hormones, one of which is a powerful vasoconstrictor (something that constricts a blood vessel). When the protein angiotensin gets converted to angiotensin II it constricts your arteries and increases the retention of water and sodium. This whole process has a rather adverse affect on your blood pressure - it pumps it right up!

You can stop the reaction that forces your blood pressure up by taking in the other peptides - those found in fermented milk products like cheese. Eating a small wedge of cheese blocks the enzyme that creates angiotensin II, helps your arteries to stay relaxed, and thereby keeps your blood pressure down.

~ Take it easy with a nice glass of Shiraz and a Slice of Gruyere ~

Having been at the grinding wheel all day ... when the tension built up during the day has pumped up your blood pressure ... why not enjoy some nice cheeses with a glass of dark red wine. Relax your mind, relax your body, relax your arteries ... get your blood pressure back to a normal level. It will be greatly appreciated by your heart!

Kery Bellis is a long-time natural health advocate and a strong supporter of an exciting new program helping victims of high blood pressure. Start living a healthier life now ... go to http://www.coolestebooks.com/products2.html

on 1:30 AM

This is a local application using a cloth which has been wrung out in cold water. The cloth should be folded into a broad strip and dipped in cold water or ice water. The compress is generally applied to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and back.

The cold compress is an effective means of controlling inflammatory conditions of the liver, spleen, stomach, kidneys, intestines, lungs, brain, pelvic organs and so on. It is also advantageous in cases of fever and heart disease. The cold compress soothes dermities and inflammations of external portions of the eye. When the eyeball is affected, the cold compress should follow a short fomentation.

Healing compress

This is a cold compress covered in such a manner as to bring warmth. A heating compress consists of three or four folds of linen cloth wrung out in cold water which is then covered completely with dry flannel or blanket to prevent the circulation of air and help accumulation of body heat. It is sometimes applied for several hours. The duration of the application is determined by the extent and location of the surface involved, the nature and thickness of the coverings and the water temperature. After removing the compress, the area should be rubbed with a wet cloth and then dried with a towel.

A heating compress can be applied to the throat, chest, abdomen, and joints. A throat compress relieves sore throat, hoarseness, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. An abdominal compress helps those suffering from gastritis, hyperacidity, indigestion, jaundice, constipation, diarrhoea, dysentery and other ailments relating to the abdominal organs. The chest compress also known as chest pack, relieves cold, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, fever, cough and so on, while the joints compress is helpful for inflamed joints, rheumatism, rheumatic fever and sprains.

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

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

on 4:00 PM

Colds are caused by over 100 different viruses and the symptoms can last from 7 to 14 days regardless of any treatment. Not all viruses will cause you to have a ?temperature? ? however if this does occur and the temperature stays below 102 F (39 C), then the increased temperature will help get rid of the virus a little faster.

Because there is no effective treatment for the virus, the best thing to do is to keep your immune system in top condition ? and that means avoiding certain foods and giving your immune system the nutrition it needs.

Natural cold remedies includes:

  • Vitamin C to bowl tolerance and bioflavenoids, Vitamin A and bioflavenoids.
  • Garlic (very good natural antibiotic) and Echinacea (widely use in Europe ? improves production of immune system proteins).
  • Chicken soup! ? believe it or not, even Harvard and many other Universities have proven this as one of the best natural cold remedies. The protein in the soup helps to replace that which is lost through mucus and contains an amino acid (cysteine) that helps to thin the mucus.
  • Reduce your intake of milk and milk products as well as refined carbohydrates such as sugar, biscuits, bread etc. Avoid juices especially orange juice ? contains fructose sugar and can worsen the condition.
  • Drink plenty of water and lots of rest. Caution against over-exercising ? particularly if you have been taking antibiotics for a secondary infection (such as bronchitis or pneumonia). This can and does regularly lead to cardiac failure in otherwise healthy people including athletes.
  • Omega 3 essential fatty acids help boost the immune system. Conversely, fried food and vegetable oils (omega 6) depress the immune system.
  • There are many essential oils that can be used as natural cold remedies by inhaling, adding to a bath, and as a rub or massage including ? lavender, lemon, lemongrass, Roman and German chamomile, marjoram, ginger, tarragon, manuka, cedarwood, peppermint, ravensara, myrrh, orange, pine, oregano, frankincense, thyme, Eucalyptus globulus and E. radiata, rosemary, tea tree and thyme.

Recommended Supplements for Colds

  • All 90 essential nutrients ? including a full range of minerals, amino acids, vitamins and essential fatty acids.
  • Selenium ? is an immune-boosting supplement and important antioxidant.
  • An Echinacea/garlic supplement ? particularly useful before the ?cold season?.
  • Paul Newland is a health writer, sports training consultant and martial arts instructor and manages the Global-Longevity.com website. He is the author of numerous health information books and guides, including the Wellness Report, The Ultimate Antioxidant Report, The Selenium Report, The Bird Flu Report, The Ultimate Nutrient Guide and The Essential Fatty Acid Report and The Ultimate Sports Nutrition Guide - available Free (for a limited time) through Global-Longevity.com

    on 3:54 PM

    There is a lot of debate surrounding the effectiveness and necessity of skin toners. Whether or not you choose to use skin toner within your own skincare routine is up to you.

    Some people object to create their own skin toners as opposed to going out and buying it. The benefits of this method of creating your own recipes is obviously that you will know exactly what is going into you or skin toner concoction because you are the one designing it.

    Obviously you should be fairly comfortable with reading your own toners if you're going to utilize this method. But for those of you who are might want to consider the costs associated with having certain natural ingredients such as rose petals and any number of organic natural recipes.

    Some skin toners are made from harvest fruit or vegetables and will wide not only a natural solution for a toner but will make you look especially tasty, heh.

    Just from reading the first few paragraphs of this article you should already begin to imagine the amazing number of possibilities not only in the creation of a skin toner or the acquisition of skin toner but in terms of the application. However if you simply just want to get this process done within your skincare regimen you should just go buy from your corner grocery pharmacy or supermarket.

    Natural skin care product items that are home made may require an initial investment in time, but may be worth it for you. The choice is yours- please visit http://www.skin-care-1.com for more articles.

    on 7:51 PM

    Sports medicine or sport medicine is an interdisciplinary subspecialty of medicine which deals with the treatment and preventive care of athletes, both amateur and professional. The team includes specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, other personnel, and, of course, the athlete.

    Illness or injury in sport can be caused by many factors ? from environmental to physiological and psychological. Consequently, sports medicine can encompass an array of specialties - cardiology, orthopaedic surgery, biomechanics, traumatology, etc. For example, heat, cold or altitude during training and competition can alter performance or may even be life threatening. What about the female triad of disordered eating, menstrual and bone density problems, and the pregnant or the aging athlete? In addition, the management of dermatological and endocrinological diseases and other such problems in the athlete demands expertise and sport-specific knowledge. The use of supplements, pharmacological or otherwise, and the topics of doping control and gender verification present complex moral, legal and health-related difficulties.

    Then there are the particular problems associated with international sporting events, such as the effects of travel, acclimatization and the attempt to balance an athlete's participation and her or his health. Much of this represents new fields of study where extensive clinical and basic science research is burgeoning.

    Finally, prevention is an area of increasingly specialized knowledge, interest and expertise.

    For More Details Click Here

    Specialized in Herbs, Vitamins, Enzymes, Diet & Weight loss and Nutritional supplements

    on 7:45 PM

    These home remedies for nausea are based on simple, traditional Chinese ways to relieve and prevent this common and uncomfortable symptom. Several remedies use ginger for its ability to harmonize and settle the stomach. These particular ginger remedies for nausea can therefore also be used in cases where vomiting occurs as well. Note though that ginger has a warming effect on the body, so if you feel uncomfortably hot or flushed or perhaps have a headache after taking it via one of these remedies for nausea, reduce the amount of ginger next time, or try a non-ginger remedy.

    Home Remedies for Nausea

    Remedy 1. Ginger Milk: Boil 250ml of fresh, whole milk, 25ml of ginger juice (made from crushing fresh ginger) and 25g of brown sugar for 10 minutes. Sip slowly while it's still hot.

    Remedy 2. Ginger Water: Put 3 slices of fresh ginger in a cup, add boiling water, and brown sugar to taste. Drink warm. Leave the ginger in the cup and top it up with more water 1 or 2 times throughout the day if necessary.

    Remedy 3. Ginger Tea: Put 3 slices of fresh ginger and 2-3 grams of black tea (or a tea bag) in a cup. Add boiling water, then let it steep for several minutes. Drink warm. As above, leave the ingredients in the cup and top it up throughout the day if necessary.

    Remedy 4. Pu Er Tea: From Yunnan province in China, and widely available, this tea is highly regarded for its beneficial effects on digestion. It may be used in cases of nausea, vomiting and even obesity. Put 5 or 6 grams in a cup, add boiling water, then let it steep for several minutes. Drink it warm. Re-use it throughout the day, as above.

    Remedy 5. Orange Peel: Perhaps the simplest of all these home remedies for nausea, but not necessarily the least effective. Peel an orange and bruise the skin by twisting and crushing it with your fingers. Hold the skin to your nose and sniff the scent.

    Remedy 6. Acupressure: Applying thumb pressure to a specific point on your wrists makes for another very simple, yet highly effective remedy for nausea. This point is well known by Chinese medicine practitioners for its ability to relieve anxiety, stress, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. For full illustrated instructions on locating and pressing the point (referred to as Point 1), see:

    http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com/reflexology-for-anxiety.html

    For greater effectiveness it is recommended that you combine some of the above home remedies for nausea. For instance, choose one ginger remedy and take it once or twice a day, plus do the acupressure several times a day. Note also that if you're pregnant and suffering from morning sickness, ginger is one of the most common and safest Chinese home remedies for nausea and vomiting. Check with your health professional first though if you're unsure about this.

    Matthew Scott is a professionally trained Chinese medicine practitioner from Australia, living in China since 2000. His website http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com offers classic, time-tested exercises & techniques to stretch, strengthen, energize, relax, ease pain and improve your overall health.

    on 1:00 PM

    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 confectionaries 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.

    About The 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.

    on 7:06 PM

    Research indicates that self-confident people perform well at work and have secure relationships. Great looking skin makes one feel good and adds to self-confidence. While some people are born with flawless skin, others have to work hard to achieve it. Even individuals blessed with a lovely complexion need to take care of their skin regularly.

    Natural skin care involves the application of naturally occurring materials to cleanse, refresh, and nourish skin. These materials are readily available, inexpensive, and harmless unless one is allergic to any of them.

    Different skin types require different skin care products and beauty regimens. People with normal skin can use a number of natural aids to enhance their looks. A mask made of fresh apple juice and honey can be applied on the face and neck and rinsed off after 20 minutes. A mix of orange-peel powder, oatmeal, and milk can also be used effectively.

    Oily skin tends to be problematic, especially during adolescence. A mask of raw egg whites and freshly squeezed lemon juice can help to reduce the oiliness. This mask should be washed off with warm water. A mask made with grated cucumber and rosewater can also work magic on oily skin.

    Dry skin tends to get drier with age and to look rough. A concoction of mashed ripe banana, honey, and olive oil can be applied to refresh and nourish dry, tired-looking skin. Ripe strawberries, mashed and mixed with fresh cream can also be used.

    Two masks should ideally be applied on combination skin, simultaneously. One mask should take care of the T-zone and the other, the rest of the face and the neck. Alternatively, one can add olive or almond oil to the same mask to take care of the drier areas. A mask made of oatmeal and yogurt can be applied to the T-zone. Honey can be added to this mask, for the drier zone.

    To sum up, natural skin care can improve the texture of all skin types, at a minimum cost. However, this care has to be supplemented with a nutritious, low-fat diet, regular exercise, and plentiful sleep to obtain glowing skin that earns praise.

    Skin Care provides detailed information on Skin Care, Skin Care Products, Natural Skin Care, Anti Aging Skin Care and more. Skin Care is affiliated with Natural Skin Care Products.

    on 6:00 PM

    It is true that forms of depression cannot be avoided, although, it has also been proved that a healthy life style can play a major role in alleviating depression or even preventing some forms from even occurring. Mild types of depression can develop from poor diet and nutrition. Lack of exercises, stress, poor, little, or no sleep, traveling, lack of necessities, withdrawl from an addiction, and lack of sunlight have also been linked to some cases of depression.

    There are many natural ways of relieving depression, but like i said, it can be prevented by a proper life style and diet. Here are 2 all natural and healthy methods in preventing depression and alleviating it.

    Herbal remedies for depression:

    -2 Parts St-John's-Wart (Hypericum Perforatum)

    -1 Part Oat (Avena Sativa)

    -1 Part Lavender (Lavandula Officinalis)

    -1 Part Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris)

    Take this mixture in 5mL servings three times a day.

    Depressive symptoms are exacerbated by nutrition deficiencies, there for a well-balanced diet is important to insure the proper daily intake of vitamins and minerals.

    Supplement Remedies for depression:

    -Vitamin B Complex - 400 mcg/day

    -Folic Acid - 400 mcg/day

    -S-Adenosylmethionine - 800mg/2x day

    -Selenium - 100 mcg/day

    Recommended daily dose of the amino acid supplement L-tryptaphon. This amino acid is known to increase the synthesis of serotonin and in turn relieve depression. L-tryptaphon is found in foods such as turkey, chicken, fish, soybeans, cooked dried beans, peas, yeast, and peanut butter. The proper intake of carbs should also be taken to help the brains uptake of L-tryptaphon.

    Got a question? Try the Forums

    Tyler D Falls - Info researcher

    on 1:01 PM

    The Lemurian Seed Crystals were apparently discovered in Brazil along the face of a hillside where Quartz crystal was being strip-mined. These naturally formed generators and amplifiers of energy were found alone partially buried in sand.

    They were single, or seed crystals, meaning they were not attached to clusters as other quartz is found to be in that area. Because of this anomaly these Lemurian Seed Crystals immediately got attention.

    Most of the crystals found were suffused with a pink or reddish glow and instead of being shiny, like most clear quartz; they were frosty or dull, appearing to have a matte-like finish.

    What sets these crystals apart from any I have ever seen is there characteristically unique series of horizontal striations that run up one, or more sides of the crystal. Most, but not all, of these horizontal striations end in a triangular face that forms the apex of the crystal.

    Both of my Lemurian Seed Crystals have at least three or more sides with horizontal striations and are optic, completely clear with no inclusions, giving them the largest capacity for healing that a crystal can have.

    Both of them also form an apex at the top of the crystal which is helpful for directing Chi or life force energy flow, as well as drawing in or pulling out energy, depending on the requirements of the situation.

    It is believed that these Lemurian Seed Crystals were left by the Lemurians, an ancient race that seeded our planet eons ago; who departed from earth when conditions became too inhospitable and life could no longer be sustained.

    The legend goes that the vast majority of Lemurians left planet earth for other star systems while others elected to remain and continue to dwell in other dimensions of our inner earth's system, acting as guardians and protectors for the seed of our human race.

    It is these inner earth dwellers who are thought to be responsible for the discovery of these Lemurian Seed Crystals at this time. It is also thought that the Lemurian dwellers of inner earth continue to maintain a clear and conscious telepathic connection with their fellow Lemurians who traveled eons ago to other star systems.

    This highly evolved race of beings continues to preserve and thrive from their unity consciousness. The Lemurian Seed Crystals carry the wisdom of unity consciousness and have not, as yet, been fully activated.

    Since their discovery they have been attracted to people who are actively assisting in anchoring the energies that will aid our planet to grow in awareness of the primal unity of all things.

    I have been frequently engaging with the energy of my Lemurian Seed Crystals since their arrival. I experience them as powerful allies that are activating an opening of my heart chakra. They seem specifically attuned to clearing, balancing and charging each of my chakras and the interrelationships between my chakras.

    The more aligned and open I become to the Lemurian Seed Crystals' energy transmissions for unity consciousness the more they affect a transformation and healing of my being.

    In Part III of Healing with Lemurian Seed Crystals I will speak more about the legend of the Lemurian Seed Crystals, as well as discuss my empirical findings when using them in practice, and how I am using them to amplify the effects of PurePlant Essentials.

    KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG's DVD & book, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. To learn more & purchase PurePlant Essentials: PurePlant Essentials Menu Please refer to KG's Essentials Safety Guide before using any aromatic oils! KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

    on 1:26 PM

    The popular media has recently caught the scent of the growing importance of yoga within the blossoming lifestyle trends towards improving individual health and the wholeness of consciousness. Some of these articles have made a caricature of the yoga mama portraying only a tiny tip of the iceberg while missing the enormous impact that this lifestyle trend is creating within our society. But as they say, All publicity is good publicity and we all welcome the recognition and attention towards ways to improve our quality of life, health and awareness.

    The science, philosophy, practice and art of Yoga are vast. At its basis, Yoga is Union, union with the simplest form of awareness - Pure Consciousness. The many different branches and schools of Yoga all have the same goal which is the complete integration and perfect functioning of body and mind.

    Because Yoga integrates and strengthens all aspects of our mind, body and awareness, the benefits from the practice of Yoga are wide and far reaching with improvements in cardiovascular efficiency, the respiratory system, muscular and structural flexibility and suppleness, greater emotional and mental balance, increased energy, reduced stress, increased mental clarity, and improved health.

    The clothing that you wear when practicing Yoga should help you on the Path and not be a distraction. Your yoga clothing should allow you to move easily and freely in the different asana postures without strain or restriction. Keep these qualities in mind when selecting your yoga clothing:

    • Comfortable. Yoga clothes should be comfortable and allow free movement for your body in the various Yoga positions. Some people prefer loose fitting clothing that allows plenty of room to move and some prefer close-fitting, stretchy clothing with a bit of lycra so your clothes don?t get in the way of your movements. Either can work well and it is largely a matter of choice. Make sure that your clothing also is suitable to your level of modesty and that as you stretch and bend your clothing doesn?t expose more of yourself than you feel comfortable with.

      When choosing your yoga wear chose clothing made with pure organic cotton or hemp as these provides maximum comfort by allowing the body to breathe properly which is an essential for yoga apparel. Another important feature of Yoga clothes should be sweat absorbency to help keep you dry and comfortable. Besides being softer, the longer fibers of organic cotton have much greater moisture absorbency than chemically grown and processed conventional cotton. Hemp has the greatest absorbency of all the natural fibers and is a good choice for yoga and activewear clothing.

      For ladies, it is wise to invest in a good sport bra which can help considerably with support and comfort. This will enhance and bring self confidence during your yoga practice.

    • Healthy. Our desire to improve our health through the practice of Yoga should be supported by wearing healthy, organic clothing. Cotton is the most popular natural fiber but conventionally grown and manufactured cotton is the most chemically-intensive fiber grown with devastating consequences to the environment. Conventionally grown cotton consumes 25% of the pesticides used in the world. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found that the nine most common pesticides are highly toxic ? five are probable carcinogens.

      Protect your health and the health of the environment by selecting organically grown and manufactured clothing.

    • Durable. The stretching, bending, and twisting of some yoga asanas can strain some seams and fabrics. Select well-constructed clothing with double seams and durable manufacturing. The longer fibers of organic cotton and hemp are naturally stronger, wear longer and are more comfortable.

    • Life Sustaining. Practicing yoga will help us establish balance within ourselves and a balanced lifestyle in harmony with our environment. Part of this balanced lifestyle is acknowledging the right of all people to be paid a fair and just wage for their labors. When purchasing your yoga clothes look for clothing that has been manufactured in a Fair Trade, non-sweatshop environment.

    We can gain many benefits to mind, body, and spirit from the practice of yoga. Get the most from your yoga practice by selecting yoga clothing that will help give the maximum experience. And enjoy.

    Michael Lackman is a long yoga practicioner. He is also the founder of LotusOrganics.com, an online organic clothing store offering purely beautiful and healthy organic clothing for yoga, exercise, casual wear and sleepwear.

    on 7:59 PM

    Below is an overview of various Fibromyalgia Treatment options available to the patient.

    Acupuncture

    Acupuncture stems from the Chinese philosophy of energy flowing in the meridians that lie below the skin. Energy imbalances in these meridians is used for the diagnosis of disease. Acupuncturists insert very fine needles into the skin to balance energy as in fibromyalgia pain treatment. Acupuncture is often used to help control pain and is beneficial for pain management in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

    Allopathic

    Typically Allopathic physicians recommend the following medications for patients with Fibromyalgia Symptoms:

    ?Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID?s) - These over-the-counter pain relievers may ease the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia, however, their effectiveness varies with individuals.

    ?Antidepressants - These medications are prescribed to patients with depression. The medication affects the levels of Serotonin in the brain.

    ?Muscle Relaxants - If muscle relaxants are taken before sleeping, they may help reduce pain and spasms.

    ?Narcotics - Physicians don't usually recommend narcotics for treating FMS because of the potential for dependence and addiction.

    Chiropractor

    Chiropractic treatment is based on the premise that restricted movement in the spine may lead to reduced function and pain. Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy a chiropractor uses to treat restricted spinal mobility. The goal is to restore spinal movement and, as a result, improve function, decreasing pain. Manipulation does not need to be forceful to be effective. A Chiropractor may also use soft tissue massage in the treatment of FMS, stretching muscles that are shortened or in spasm.

    Diet And Nutrition

    A natural Fibromyalgia Treatment and balanced fibromyalgia nutrition diet can be helpful in counteracting stress, removing toxins from the body, and restoring the natural balance of nutrients. Homeopathy medicine, FIBRO-HELP products, help patients by combatting stress, replacing deficiencies, and supporting the immune system. Patients are recommended to limit the amount of sugar; caffeine; alcohol; and fried, processed, fatty foods consumed. These substances have been shown to irritate muscles and stress the system increasing FM pain. Even for those patients who do not have severe food triggers or allergies, eating a healthier diet can have long-term benefits in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Supplementing the present diet with greater quantities of raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables, and substituting meats that are high in fat with fish or lean poultry, are also beneficial practices.

    Exercise

    Fibromyalgia Exercise is one of the most powerful remedies in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Increasing scientific evidence has shown that exercising for a minimum of 20 minutes per day will help fibromyalgia patients as a natural fibromyalgia treatment. Exercise becomes a key component in healing FM Syndrome patients because a properly designed routine will improve the body tissues, decrease pain, and increase mobility. The fibromyalgia exercise program must be slow and gradual. The goal is to improve overall health while decreasing FM symptoms.

    Homeopathy

    The word Homeopathy (or Homoeopathy) is derived from the Greek words ?homoios?, meaning ?like? or ?similar?; and ?pathos?, meaning ?suffering? or ?disease?. Homeopathy is a system of medical therapeutics for treating based on the principle of ?similae? or ?simile.? ?Disease is eliminated through remedies able to produce similar symptoms.? The principle is that certain substances (herbs, minerals, inorganic salts, and other organic materials, etc.) in full strength yield the same symptoms as does a known disease, and that those same substances when potentised (or diluted and vigorously agitated) can provide relief of those same symptoms. Titrated dilutions and succussions of a particular substance can often be the means for fibromyalgia treatment. Today, unlike nutritional substances, Homeopathy substances are considered medicines, recognized as powerful entities which allow specific medical claims to be made about them.

    Massage Therapy

    Massage involves the use of different manipulative techniques to move the body's muscles and soft tissues. Massage Therapy aims to improve circulation in the muscle, increasing the flow of nutrients, eliminating waste products. Massage can relax muscles, improve range of motion in the joints, and increase the production of the body's natural painkillers. It often helps relieve stress and anxiety for those afflicted with the symptoms of pain.

    Naturopathic

    Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine are educated with the same general medical curriculum as traditional Allopathic doctors, but also study traditional natural therapeutics emphasizing lifestyle changes, disease prevention, and optimal wellness. They perform physical examinations, laboratory testing, gynecological exams, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis, and allergy testing. They may order diagnostic testing, as well as incorporate a wide variety of natural therapeutics for natural fibromyalgia treatment. .

    Osteopathy

    Osteopaths are licensed to perform many of the same therapies and procedures as traditional Allopathic doctors. One area where Osteopathy differs from conventional medicine - but is similar to Chiropractic medicine - is in the use of manipulation to address joint and spinal problems. This is beneficial in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms

    Physiatry

    Physicians who specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are called Physiatrists. Doctors of Physiatry specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in 3 major areas of medical care: musculoskeletal injuries and pain syndromes, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and rehabilitation of patients with severe physical impairments.

    Physiotherapy

    Physical Therapy is a health care profession that helps the patient restore the use of muscles, bones, and the nervous system. The basics of the physical therapy profession include the use of modalities like ice, heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. Therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, manual therapy, and hydrotherapy-aquatic therapy are all used for pain relief and fibromyalgia treatment.

    Self Care

    Self Care is critical in the treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Some important tips for self care:

    ?Reduce Stress - Avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress. Allow time to relax daily practicing stress reduction techniques such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation for FMS treatment. Sleep - Fatigue is one of the major symptoms of FM, getting enough sleep is essential. In addition to allotting enough time for sleep, get into a routine of sleeping and waking up at the same hour each day. Take short naps to restore energy in the body. Fibromyalgia Exercise - Regular exercise will help improve chronic pain symptoms. Stretching, optimum posture techniques, and relaxation practices are also helpful.

    ?Pacing - Keep a balance on daily activities. If too much is done on a good day, take time off the following day, and rest to avoid bad days.

    ?Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle - Eat a balanced diet, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and do a leisure activity which is enjoyable and fulfilling as a complete FIBRO treatment.

    About The Author
    Leela Fraser is the the editor for The Fibromyalgia Treatment Center http://www.back-fibromyalgia-pain.com which provides extensive resources on Fibromyalgia Treatment and natural medications.

    on 7:53 PM

    Progesterone cream, used during hormone replacement, is a natural product from plants. Fermented wild yams and soybeans produce a substance called diosgenin that can be used as a raw product to produce artificial progesterone. This product can be also used to produce synthetic estrogen, cortisones, and other similar hormones. This process can be done only in a laboratory.

    Natural progesterone is similar in structure to the hormones produced by the body and is useful if the body does not produce enough progesterone independently. The cream is often used before menopause and can sometimes be used to assist in premature deliveries.

    Problems such as PMS, insomnia, depression, and infertility caused due to lack of progesterone in the body can be avoided by using natural progesterone. Since these are caused due to hormonal imbalance in women, it can be rectified using this product. Even men can use this in cases of acute depression and insomnia.

    One natural progesterone cream available in today?s market is ?Estro-All?. The product claims to provide relief for most of the menopause related issues. Since this is natural progesterone, it is easily absorbed into the skin with very less side effects.

    Natural progesterone can be used when the body no longer produces enough progesterone to keep estrogen in check. This might lead to a variety of problems such as breast cancer, breast cysts, endometrial cancer and such. Natural progesterone can be used to normalize oxygen levels in the body as well as for blood clotting and sugar level in the blood.

    Progesterone Cream provides detailed information about progesterone cream, how to use progesterone cream, natural progesterone creams and more. Progesterone Cream is affiliated with Stretch Mark Removal.

    on 2:45 PM

    If you are thinking why acne affects only you, you are terribly wrong. Acne is the most widespread skin disorder in the world, according to statistics. That?s the reason why experts and laboratories spend a lot of time doing research to determine how acne forms and how it is eliminated. Different treatments, medicines, and products have been produced to help control and eliminate this skin disorder.

    In traditional medicine there are about 7 different treatments that are used in prevention and elimination of acne. There are also much different products that use these treatments in one way or another.

    Some of these acne treatments that help to reduce or eliminate acne problems are: Accutane, antibiotics, Benzoyl Peroxide, herbal remedies, Retin-A and Salicylic Acid, among others.

    Accutane (Isotetinoin) is a powerful drug that is normally prescribed for severe acne in cases where other treatments have failed to work. It is normally taken for a 4-6-month period.

    Antibiotics were designed to fight bacteria. These are used to control acne mainly from the inside. Some topical antibiotics (clindamycin) are applied directly to the skin. Other antibiotics (tetracycline) are in pill form.

    Benzoyl Peroxide is an anti-bacterial agent that has been used to control acne for many years. It has been proven to work very well in the elimination and prevention of acne.

    Herbal Remedies are a relative newcomer to mainstream acne fighting. It is thought that certain herbs are effective in regulating oil levels and other body functions that are cause of acne.

    Retin-A (tretinoin) is a combination of retinoic acid and vitamin A acid. It was designed to treat acne, sun damage, and wrinkles. It unplugs follicles and turnovers over dead skin cells.

    Salicylic acid helps to slow down the shedding of cells inside the follicle and it is available in many treatments purchasable without a doctor's p The best way to prevent post-inflammatory changes caused by acne is to prevent acne lesions from occurring. This is done by understanding the factors that cause acne and using the appropriate treatments for the different acne types.

    Choose with a professional guidance your treatment, go to your dermatologist and explain the symptoms you are developing. Most acne treatments fight the symptoms of acne, while ignoring the biological processes that actually allow oil to build up in the first place.

    If your acne has not improved within two to three months, your treatment may need to be changed. In these case you must also visit your dermatologist who, according to the type of acne and providing an updated history of what you are using on your skin or taking internally, will indicate the right new treatment.

    Indeed, there are no nippy fixes in treating acne and acne scars. It may involve a lot of processes and products which may vary depending on how you will utilize them or what your doctor will prescribe.

    Although, many of these acne treatments (even those that claim not to cause dryness) can still end up agitating your skin and causing more harm than good. Unfortunately, natural acne treatments are often just too weak to give people the results they need. Hopefully, there?s a new natural product that works like a skin regenerating activator.

    Natural Bio Skin Care Cream is made with a natural substance gathered from a little creature that nature has endowed with the ability to repair his skin quickly when damaged, and to protect it from environmental hazards and pollution.

    Bio Skin Care Cream is a gentler, yet most effective solution. It actually utilizes biological activators of skin growth factors collected from mucins produced by land snails to regenerate their own skin and shell when injured and to protect themselves from the sun and environmental hazards.

    Now, for the first time, BIO SKIN CARE CREAM brings you an effective skin renewal product that incorporates natural skin renewal activators to gently exfoliate the worn out cells while at the same time triggering the reproduction of new collagen and elastin cells, resulting in a coordinated biological regulation of the skin renewal process and thus advanced skin rejuvenation.

    About The Author
    Martha Fitzharris is a free lance journalist for http://www.naturalbioskincare.com a website offering a new biological natural skin care product that activates skin renewal for Strech marks.

    on 1:08 PM

    There is no quick fix for the flu pandemic

    If vaccines and drugs are available too late to stop bird flu, then what can be done to battle H5N1 avian influenza if it spreads to people? Not a lot, experts say. If a pandemic emerges in the coming year, there will not be enough supplies of drugs or vaccines to stop it and basic medical equipment that could slow its spread is also lacking.

    Ladies and Gentlemen it is time that you take health care into your own hands. With headlines like you just read, you can see that you and your loved ones are facing one of the greatest challenge that pose a threat to mankind. You cannot rely on our current health care system or your government alone to protect you.

    You have been reading about the Spanish Flu, SARS, and Bird Flu for several years now, and, frankly, at this time you should be real concerned. The threat is real, and it is darn right scary if you look at all the information surrounding this alarming problem.

    You need to understand what you can do to protect yourself and your family from viruses such as the bird flu, the Spanish flu, SARS and many other flu strains. I don?t know about you, but I am not one to take a chance and think that I will be one of the few lucky ones to obtain the vaccine for this epidemic called the bird flu plague that is being predicted!

    Your best defense is the human immune system. More specifically your immune system.

    The human immune system is a truly amazing constellation of responses to attacks from outside the body. It has many facets, a number of which can change to optimize the response to these unwanted intrusions. The system is remarkably effective, most of the time.

    The key statement is most of the time. You need to understand exactly what you need to do to support your body so that your immune system is as strong as it can possibly be all of the time not most of the time.

    When functioning properly, your immune system fights disease-producing organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. A strong immune system provides you with powerful natural defenses against disease. Conversely, with a weakened immune system you are more vulnerable or more susceptible to colds, flu, and more serious illnesses.

    Pollution, drug overload and nutrient-poor diets compromise our immune health. Drugs aren't the answer for immune enhancement. The immune system is not responsive to drugs for healing. Antibiotics used to fight infections actually depress the immune system when used long-term.

    The world is filled with disease-causing organisms; and your body is filled with natural defenses to resist them. The key to self-healing is a strong defense system, which protects you from everything from the flu germs to cancer cells.

    All disease and illness in their various manifestations are a result of the failure of the immune system.

    Antibiotics fight infection, but they don't affect whatever factors caused a weakened the immune system. We are designed to eat natural foods such as fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, pure clean water, plant roots, meats that have no antibiotics or growth hormones.

    Over the past several years we have been exposed to commercially prepared foods, synthetic foods, foods overloaded with sugar as well as the chemicals these foods contain - chemicals that our bodies simply aren't meant to handle. Today we have more stress in our lives caused by a multitude of factors that is compromising your body's immune system responses.

    Our current supply of foods are missing key nutrients that our bodies must have in order to build a strong healthy immune system. ?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. No man today can eat enough fruits and vegetables to supply his (or her) system with the minerals he requires for perfect health because his stomach isn't big enough to hold them ? The truth is that our foods vary enormously in value, and some them aren't worth eating as food ? Our physical well-being is more directly dependent upon the minerals we take into our systems than on calories or vitamins or upon the precise proportions of starch, protein or carbohydrates we consume.? The preceding quote is from Senate Document 264, dated 1936

    Recent studies suggest that vitamins and minerals delivered to the human body by fruits and vegetables may have declined as much as thirty to forty-percent since 1960.

    So what happens when your immune system response is not functioning the way it was designed?

    The answer is it will not protect you the way it was meant to!

    If you are exposed to a flu like the Spanish Flu, SARS, or the Bird Flu and your immune system is dysfunctional you are more likely then not to contract that flu virus that you were exposed to.

    The particular influenza strain that the World Health Organization fears may break out as the next pandemic at any time is called H5N1 bird flu virus. If this occurs as they fear the numbers of people affected would be in the tens of millions.

    We have seen it before, where there is a shortage of a specific vaccine. If they do not have a vaccine readily available the result will be disastrous. Just imagine if this occurs, imagine this killer flu spreading around the world instantaneously through person to person in various public places, on airplanes and from city to city. Medical facilities would be overwhelmed.

    How can you protect yourself from the bird flu pandemic?

    By building a strong immune system. It is like a shield of armor, defending your body and protecting it from harm. That may be easy to say but extremely difficult to do. Your immune system is a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to defend your body against attacks by foreign invaders.

    Good nutrition is essential to developing and keeping your immune system healthy and strong. Nutritional deficiencies may be responsible for chronic immune problems as it is easier for bacteria or viruses to take hold when important nutrients are missing.

    Therefore the most important nutrients are the ones that are missing in your diet!

    More than 75,000 chemicals are permeating our environment. Chemical exposures can damage the immune system, decreasing the ability to fight off common infections, viruses such as the bird flu and other serious diseases such as cancer.

    Things you can do to strengthen your immune system; A well balanced nutritious diet, specific food supplements, good clean purified water, a healthy mental attitude and emotional well-being, a nontoxic environment, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics and vaccines, low stress, and plenty of rest and exercise.

    A strong Immune System will help you to fight off all manner of diseases, colds and flu's. Learn how to support your body's natural ability to balance your immune system and restore cellular wellness.

    Recent science has determined the significance of a function in the human body called cellular communication. Your cells communicate information through a series of glycoproteins that cover every single cell in your body.

    The significance of this discovery called glycobiology is literally how your body?s immune system functions. In other words it is the operating system of the human body.

    The immune system is an extraordinarily complex system that relies on an elaborate and dynamic communications network that exists among the many different kinds of immune system cells that patrol your body though the cell surface structures called glycoproteins.

    True health cannot be achieved unless your immune system is operating as nature intended. The human immune system needs specific powerful nutrients that supply your body what it needs to exhibit active defenses against infectious diseases such as the bird flu.

    You have to understand that the function of cellular communication can not occur properly unless you have an ample supply of nutrients called glyconutrients so that you body can balance your immune system and restore the proper cellular communication function. Just like the other essential nutrients, glyconutrients are not readily available in your current food supply in the amounts that you require to function at an optimal level.

    Discover the nutritional application called glyconutrients that supplies nutrients so your body can support the structure that facilitates cellular communication which in turn supports a strong vibrant immune system. There is nothing more important then strengthening your immune system

    Kerry Greening is a health and wellness consultant helping you address the underlying causes of disease so you can restore and have dynamic vibrant health.

    Learn how you can maximize your immune health and protect yourself from colds and flus

    http://www.diseaseeducation.com/diseases/Bird-Flu-Virus.php

    on 12:17 PM

    You would probably think that I was writing a lot of old rubbish, but please stay with me, as I can assure you that it is very possible and there are many cases reported worldwide to back up my statement.

    A number of medical experts recommend that everyone should drink eight glasses of water per day, which is about two litres. This old chestnut has been pulled out of the fire, so many times over the years, that no one really knows where the recommendation came from in the first place, or what the benefits to your health would be, if you followed this regime.

    A survey that was sponsored by large companies that sell bottled water, state that everyone should consume between one and a half, to two litres per day, of Natural Mineral Water, of course, makes you think, when they paid for the survey.

    There is a lot of confusion about how much water should be taken daily, and when you look around, you will see numerous people carrying their water bottles of natural mineral water everywhere, probably more ladies than men.

    Excessive consumption of water can lead to a condition known as, Hyponatremia, which means ?water intoxication?.

    People are encouraged to drink water for detoxing purposes, and yes, it does that very well, it can flush most of the toxins out of your body, this is one of the things that it is meant for, but, when you overdo it, the minerals and sodium levels in the blood can become too low, because they are also being flushed out of your system, this can lead to complications, coma and even death.

    This situation has often been seen in Athletes, especially runners when they collapse on the track, this is frequently caused by a low level of sodium in the athletes? blood, and there are instances where it has had serious consequences.

    A young man of 23 years of age was rushed to hospital, after going in to a coma, he was diagnosed with Hyponatremia, his sodium levels was dangerously low, and his brain was starting to swell, of course there is not much room available for the brain to swell, because it is surrounded by the hard skull, this causes the brain to be compressed and it does not like this one little bit.

    Drinking too much water can flush out the essential nutrients and minerals and if you are drinking mineral water to excess, it can lead to high levels of calcium, magnesium or other minerals that is in the water. Some of these minerals are needed, but not in excess quantities.

    A large number of water drinkers think that Natural Mineral Water is better for you health than the ordinary water that is supplied by your local authority.

    I have written before about the dangerous concoction of chemicals that is put into the water supply, Fluoride, Chlorine and goodness knows what else, but please consider the following: Bottled water is frequently supplied in plastic bottles, this can give bacteria a very good environment for breeding, the water is sometimes taken from natural springs, no one knows what is in that water. You will think that this natural mineral water would be fresh, but, when you consider that it has been in the warehouse, before being shipped to the supermarket, some of these waters come from various overseas countries, so by the time you purchase the water off the supermarket shelf, it could be anywhere up to two years old. Does that make you think?

    My personal way of having water is by the use of a rainwater tank, the rain comes from the sky, falls on the roof picks up some dust and probably some bird droppings on the way to the tank. I therefore recommend that the tank is cleaned out on a timely basis, also that a quality filter is fitted in the supply line and that the water is boiled before drinking I use it for drinking water, tea, coffee and for cooking purposes only. Not all local authorities will allow you to have a rainwater tank, but if they do, I honestly feel that even though this is not perfect, it is the best quality water that you are going to get. In today?s environment.

    Look upon drinking water as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, rather than as something that you have to do every day. Some days you will drink more than on others, if its hot, you will want more, if its cold, you won?t be so keen and it will depend on just how thirsty you feel and how hard you are physically working.

    My old Grandmother always said to me. ?Everything in moderation my boy? it is so true about drinking the essential water and almost everything else that you do in this life.

    My websites can supply you with all the essential sugars, minerals and vitamins with Glyconutritionals, or Goji (Wolfberry) Juice.

    Article by Alfred Jones
    Glyconutritionals The essential sugars that heal.
    Goji (Wolfberry) Juice, The health secret of the Himalayas
    http://www.RUSweetEnuf.com
    http://www.SugarsR4U.com
    http://gojijuice.atspace.com

    on 10:24 AM

    All vitamin supplements available in the market are not the same in terms of quality. Three basic types are available: tablets, capsules, and liquid form. Tablets are the most common, formed by mixing organic or inorganic binders and compressed into tablet form. They have poor absorption rate, often less than 30%. The absorption also depends on the quality of binders used. High-quality vitamin supplements use expensive organic binders, which makes their nutrients get absorbed in the upper intestinal walls straight into the blood stream.

    Liquid vitamin supplements, claimed to have high-absorption rates, are available in a wide range of flavors. However, the claim that these are capable of effecting an almost 90% absorption must be regarded cautiously. They cannot be assumed to be better than tablets, since faster absorption is not the key issue, but better assimilation and optimum utilization of the nutrient for the body?s well being. Vitamins, when suspended or dissolved in a fluid, can become quite unstable. They cannot carry the enzymes in a usable form for more than a few hours. Hence, the nutrients get destroyed when they reach the stomach acids before they reach the upper intestine, where the highest absorption occurs. The same enzyme can be a useful, stable agent in a high-quality tablet vitamin supplement. However, people who have trouble with swallowing, as well as those for whom absorption of solids is difficult, have been observed to get good results with vitamin supplements in their liquid forms.

    Natural foods are the best source of vitamins and nutrients, which work wonders for the body in a holistic manner. For example, natural vitamin E is clinically proven to be far more effective than synthetic vitamin E. Fortunately for the consumer, the nutraceutical industry has taken note of this and begun encapsuling and packaging nature?s best vitamins and nutrients, retaining their natural forms and making them available to the discerning vitamin seeker without the perils of chemicals, binding agents, and preservatives.

    Vitamin Supplements provides detailed information on Vitamin Supplements, Natural Vitamin Supplements, Liquid Vitamin Supplements, Best Vitamin Supplements and more. Vitamin Supplements is affiliated with Multi Vitamins.

    on 4:41 PM

    Heartburn is caused by the build up of acids within the stomach, usually caused by specific foods that will then be regurgitated up into the esophagus. It causes discomfort in the chest area, near the breast bone. The pain rises into the neck area and into the throat.

    In its worst cases, it?s burning and terribly painful. In some rare cases, though, the damage can be enough to cause cancerous cells to develop in this area. Others will suffer from painful inflammations that may also need their own treatment.

    So, it?s essential to treat it well and even to find out how to prevent it.

    Prevention is the best course

    Out of every 100 patients that suffer from heartburn, 95 of them will know what is causing their heartburn before they get to their doctor. If you know what the cause of your heartburn, you cab stop it from hurting and destroying your quality of life. But, if you do not, you can easily learn about it.

    Foods are the main trigger. Keep that in mind.

    To find out which food, keep a journal of what you eat for several days. Yet, the longer you keep it, the better. Mark down the days when you get heartburn. Check out the kind of foods that you eat. Try to avoid them.

    Yes, it?s as easy as that.

    Some Important Treatment Options

    One of the most common types of medications for heartburn is those that are called antacids. They work for about 25% of the people that take them. This may seem like a low number.

    But these medications are ideal for use when you are experiencing lower levels of intensity in the heartburn. They are also a good choice for those that do not experience heartburn all of the time. These are usually purchased as over the counter medications and are made by many different distributors.

    If those medications can?t help, the best thing to do is visit your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe medications that can actually turn off the acid producing pumps in your stomach. They will stop the heartburn from happening.

    Take It Seriously

    Many of those that are suffering from heartburn right now are actually experiencing more than just a little discomfort.

    Chronic heartburn is a real problem. It can actually cause a lot of damage to your body?s internal organs. If you have them often, you might be harming your esophagus. Only your doctor can tell you the damage level.

    If you have never had heartburn but are feeling it now for the first time and you are over the age of 40, you should contact your doctor right away.

    If you have heartburn more than three times a week, you should seek get a professional help.

    About the author: Riana Lance has a deep concern on health. That brings her to create essential tips on how to become healthier. Get her inspirational e-mail guides on Heartburn Treatments & Preventions at http://www.healthifica.com/reports/heartburn.php Also, grasp her other motivational health tips at http://www.healthifica.com, a worth-to-visit daily updated blog.

    on 10:13 PM

    Constipation occurs when waste material moves through the bowel too slowly. It is characterized as infrequent bowel movements and the passage of hard and painful stools.

    Many people do not realize that constipation can cause body odor. The body releases toxins through emptying of the bowels. When your bowels are ?backed up,? the toxins may be released through the skin, thereby causing body odor. Remember the last time your toilet got backed up? I?m sure the smell wasn?t pleasant.

    Other symptoms associated with constipation

    • Low abdominal pain
    • Flatulence and gas
    • Bad breath
    • Sallow skin
    • Vomiting
    • Fever

    The best solution to eliminating constipation is a preventive regime. Constipation is prevented by exercise, high fiber diet and drinking lots of water. More aggressive but still safe and natural methods are enemas, stool softeners and dietary supplements.

    Tap Water Enema

    A very effective cleansing enema is a tap water enema. Tap water stimulates bowel activity through irritation of the lower bowel. Tap water is commonly used for adults and older children but should not be used for infants because of the danger of electrolyte imbalance. Seek the advice of your physician before administering a tap water enema to a child.

    In order to use a tap water enema, you will need an enema bag kit. This can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Fill the bag with lukewarm tap water. Add a few shavings of a bar of white soap into the bag. Soap suds stimulate bowel activity. The soap should not have been previously used to prevent unwanted bacteria from entering the rectum. Shake the bag mixture, attach the tube that comes with the kit and insert into the rectum according to the kit?s instructions. Bowel movement should start within a matter of minutes.

    Dietary Supplements

    Dietary Supplements that aid in the digestion and cleansing of bowels are:

    • Garlic destroys harmful bacteria in the colon.
    • Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids has a cleansing and healing effect.
    • Chlorophyll Liquid eliminates toxins and bad breath.
    • Multienzyme Complex aids digestion.
    • Vitamin E helps heal the colon.
    • Aloe Vera heals and cleans the digestive tract and softens stools when

      taken internally.

    • Ginger stimulates the digestive system and helps food pass through the

      intestines.


    Kaaryn Walker is an contributing editor of http://www.KidsHygieneAndHealth.com, a website offering causes, remedies and support about childhood hygiene and health related issues.

    on 2:12 PM

    For some people, increasing testosterone by supplementing the body?s depreciated blood level with natural testosterone is preferable to increasing testosterone using synthetic testosterone.

    To increase testosterone naturally is viewed by many as a much safer route over using synthetic testosterone.

    Although potential side effects exist with almost every means to boost testosterone this does not mean the majority of people will suffer such side effects. We will first discuss prescriptions and then get into non-prescription methods.

    As a side note, there are people who refer to some of these prescription methods as natural whereas other people believe natural testosterone has to come from such things as diet, herbs, and non-prescription means to get the body to manufacture more of its own testosterone.

    Whatever you happen to believe, we will discuss all of these methods briefly in this article.

    Using transdermal systems is now one of the most highly regarded ways to increase testosterone.

    Transdermal patches that can be applied to areas of the skin is considered an effective approach to increase testosterone hormone. This is because as much as 92% of men tested for increasing testosterone this way received an adequate level of the hormone.

    There are currently two types of patches on the market for increasing testosterone. One is applied to a shaved area of the scrotum. Testoderm is an example of this. The other way to use a patch is to stick it on the torso or appendages. Androderm is an example of this kind of testosterone.

    Androderm is applied to the abdomen, lower back, thigh, or upper arm. For greatest effectiveness it should be applied at the same time every evening between 8 p.m. and midnight.

    A scrotal patch is defined as non-permeable. Using Androderm to increase testosterone naturally is considered permeable. In effect, this consists of increasing testosterone by having the body absorb the testosterone into the bloodstream through the skin.

    Another transdermal way of increasing testosterone is through the use of a testosterone cream. Testosterone cream is becoming more and more popular because it does not irritate the skin as much as patches or the other transdermal testosterone form, testosterone gel.

    Testosterone cream is applied once every 24 hours increasing testosterone also through releasing testosterone into the bloodstream. This form of natural testosterone can be spread on different areas of the body including the upper arms, shoulders, thighs, and stomach area. Testosterone cream can only be used in eight week intervals before a break is required.

    Transdermal gels are additional forms of testosterone delivery. To increase testosterone using gels apply once daily to the clean dry skin of the upper arms or abdomen. When increasing testosterone with gels it is important to allow them to dry before getting dressed. This form of testosterone must be spread on the body at least six hours before bathing or swimming.

    A way to increasing testosterone that is not transdermal is to use injections of testosterone into the skin. This manner of increasing testosterone has a disadvantage: the blood level of testosterone varies with time. The way to deal with this is to administer the shots every two weeks to increase testosterone in as uniform a manner as possible.

    Yet another method to increasing testosterone consists of implanting pellets under the skin. These pellets discharge constant time released dosages of natural testosterone increasing testosterone for a period of six months before having to be replaced. This form of boosting testosterone has the advantage of not needing to be fussed over on a daily basis.

    An interesting form of boosting testosterone as an indirect method to increase testosterone naturally consists of using an herb called tribulus terrestris

    Tribulus terristis has a long history of being used by many different cultures to treat sexual disorders. It does so by increasing a lesser sex hormone known as lutenizing hormone. Lutenizing hormone stimulates the pituitary gland to produce testosterone.

    To increase testosterone naturally by using this method takes advantage of the body?s own physiological capacity for increasing testosterone. Many athletes and bodybuilders now use tribulus terrestris as a legal way to boost their testosterone levels without having to resort to illegal steroids.

    Lastly is diet. Eating certain foods helps the body to increase testosteorne naturally. Some of the best foods to eat are oysters, eggs, beef, garlic, and broccoli.

    Learn more about how to increase testosterone naturally and discover a natural testosterone boosting product with tribulus terrestris at http://www.testosterone-booster-guide.com

    on 7:04 PM

    Wheatgrass is a highly effective remedy for anal fissure.(AF)

    An anal fissure is a split in the wall of the outer end of the anal canal, most often at the posterior or back side of the anus.

    The main symptoms of AF are:

    Pain and/or
    Bleeding after or during a bowel movement.
    The pain can often be severe and debilitating,
    but blood loss is usually minor.

    AF can take days or weeks to heal
    spontaneously, but some can persist for many
    years causing the patient substantial distress
    and discomfort.

    I have been treating anal fissure successfully with a wheatgrass-based cream since 1995. My success rate is greater than 85 percent. One of my patients suffered for 21 years and was relieved of her symptoms just two weeks after commencing wheatgrass therapy. Many others have avoided expensive surgery because wheatgrass healed their fissure.

    Compared with standard pharmaceuticals, wheatgrass can lead to rapid resolution of symptoms and in time usually heals the fissure as well. Added benefits include absence of side effects and low cost.

    I use a wheatgrass extract in a cream base and get the patient to apply a small amount just inside the anal canal twice daily.

    Why wheatgrass works so well is a mystery, but it clearly contains a biological active(s) with powerful healing properties. Also, it is not clearly understood how fissures develop in the first place. I have rather different views to the standard teaching of the cause and treatment of anal fissure.

    View many testimonials illustrating wheatgrass healing of anal fissure at http://www.drwheatgrass.com.au/testimonials/af/index.php

    Please note: If you notice blood loss when you go to the toilet, and the cause has not been diagnosed, you should see your doctor immediately.

    Dr. Chris Reynolds.
    Born 1941. Perth, Western Australia.

    Educated at Scotch College and John Curtin Senior High School. In 1957, joined British mercantile marine and travelled the world for seven years as a navigating officer before entering medical school at the University of Western Australia.

    Graduated M.B.,B.S. (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) 1973. Spent most of professional career as a general practitioner in Perth and Melbourne except for four years working with refugees in Hong Kong and a year in Moscow with the International Organisation for Migration.

    Currently works at a general practice for Japanese patients in Melbourne, Australia.

    Special interests: dermatology, thalassemia and the immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties of wheatgrass.

    on 12:45 PM

    It is easy to think my skin looks fine, I'll worry about it when I am older, but that is not a sound way to view the health of your skin. A proactive skin care approach is where you adopt a skin care regime to prevent premature aging of your skin before it starts, rather than having to 'fix' problems later.


    If you think about it, why should you treat your skin any different from some other valuable asset like your car? Why do you get the car serviced? It is just because you want to spend some money, or is it because you need it and do not want expensive repair bills?


    A proactive skin care approach is no different and investing in the health of your skin is the same as investing in health insurance, care maintenance, house insurance, etc. We brush our teeth several time as day, why? ? not because they have holes in them, but we want to prevent the holes and avoid expensive trips to the dentist...


    We take our skin very much for granted and spend little time thinking about it. Maybe because of the many Skin Cancer Ad Campaigns, we will apply sunscreen lotion when going outside, but beyond that, we don?t seem to spend much time looking after our skin.


    Similarly, a proactive skin care approach takes the quality of skin care products into consideration, however to often we buy skin care by smell and how good the packaging looks. Neither of which guarantees a quality product. On the contrary, often the expensive, good looking products contain artificial perfumes, synthetic essential oils, chemical emollients, preservatives, and many other ingredients that have been shown to be toxic if used over a long period of time.


    Natural Skin Care Products are the only way to approach your skin care regime. Natural products, not just natural ingredients that have been added to an otherwise non-natural base, are a great way to take a proactive step towards promoting and maintaining healthy skin.


    In addition to taking a proactive skin care approach, you should also consider doing the same with your diet. Foods that can benefit the skin will also benefit other parts of your body and promote healthy body tissues.


    Similarly, exercise and other physical activity will promote blood circulation to the outer layers of your skin, providing it with nutrients and oxygen that will help in promoting the health of your skin.

    So, a proactive skin care approach while there is nothing wrong with your skin is the best way to prevent problems from occurring later on.

    Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.


    Join our Natural Skin Care Newsletter ? it?s fun, free and Informative and you receive a free eBook on natural skin care.
    ? Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2004 - 2005

    on 8:54 PM

    Acne is a skin condition that has plagued teenagers and adults for centuries, and there are a lot of myths about what causes acne and how to cure it. The fact is we still don?t know exactly why some people suffer from acne and others don?t.

    Basically, acne starts and pimples form because sebum gets blocked in the pores of your skin and bacteria begins to grow. Science doesn?t yet have a definite answer when it comes to acne causes, but several myths relate to eating junk food, stress, cosmetics, and exercise. Each of these things may be an acne cause, but not all doctors agree. The general consensus is that the strongest cause of acne is genetic, although these other factors may contribute to acne as well.

    Adult Acne and Teenage Acne

    Acne in teenagers is caused by the changes in hormone levels that occur as teens enter puberty. Not all adolescents experience teenage acne as they enter puberty, but many do. Most non-prescription acne products use ad campaigns that target teens, because teenage acne tends to have a great psychological impact on adolescents.

    Adult acne is somewhat different, because it isn?t typically caused by hormonal changes. However, some women suffer from acne due to higher than normal levels of testosterone. Usually, adult acne is related to stress and diet, although these are not conclusive causes.

    Natural and Alternative Acne Solutions

    Consumers are always clamoring for natural solutions to medical problems, and acne natural treatments are no exception. There have been many suggested natural remedies used for acne treatment over the years, but recently some alternative methods have proved somewhat successful.

    Some recent studies, for instance, have shown that acupuncture may help treat acne. Acupuncturists usually try to treat the root problems in the body, and acne happens to be a symptom caused by other factors such as hormonal imbalances. This why your acupuncturist may suggest a change in diet or some form of stress relief.

    Tea tree oil has acquired a good reputation as a natural acne treatment too. As an acne solution, it helps kill the bacteria and cut down the amount of inflammation and redness on the skin. In some cases using tea tree oil can help traditional acne products penetrate deeper as well.

    Home Acne Products

    The most common home acne product available is benzoyl peroxide. This is the active ingredient in many acne treatments including Clearasil, ABY, AcneControl, and Proactiv Solution. It works by killing the bacteria that causes acne, and it also has a mild peeling effect which can reduce breakout and inflammation. Some sources say the bacteria can actually build up a resistance to benzoyl peroxide, making it less effective the longer you use it. Also, beware that a small percentage of people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, and if you experience any excessive skin irritation when using it, you should try a different acne product.

    Salicylic Acid is another common acne treatment that is the active ingredient in many home acne products. It works by unclogging the pores of your skin and works best when used in conjunction with an antibacterial agent like benzoyl peroxide. Some products such as Clearasil 3-in1, Neutrogena, and Proactiv Solution Deep Cleansing Wash use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together.

    A trip through the Health and Beauty section of most grocers will supply you with plenty of options for acne products that contain these ingredients. The best acne solution may be to develop a regimen that cleans your skin, unclogs your pores, and kills acne causing bacteria. Choose your acne products based on this daily regimen.

    Martin Stephens is a professional author and speaker who is constantly researching new treatment methods for acne. Part 2 of this article is available at http://acne-treatment-steps.com Part 2 discusses natural health treatments

    on 5:46 PM

    I started making facial masks after reading several books on natural cosmetics. Common ingredients used in home made facials are eggs, lemon, milk, honey, cucumber, tomato, essential oils and lots more fruits, herbs and other ingredients.

    The assumption I had was that home made cosmetics, being all natural and preservative free were much safer than the commercial masks you found in stores. A wrong assumption. You know the saying. Never assume anything. It makes an ASS of U and ME. Did you know some of the deadliest poisons on earth are 100% natural?

    There are complaints about preservatives irritating the skin and all that. That may be true especially for a person with very sensitive skin. But preservatives actually make cosmetics safe to use. Preservatives kill or at very least, inhibit the bacteria, mold, viruses and nasty things that would otherwise thrive in the cosmetics we use. Commercial preparations usually contain some preservative or other to make these products safe for use. Some of the very high end cosmetic formulations are packed in sterile capsules to do away with or at least, minimimize, the need for preservatives.

    If you make your own skin care for use later in the week, chances are, unless you are anal about sterilizing everything and freezing every batch once it has cooled, thawing it only when you are going to use it, and keeping your cosmetics away from the raw meat in the freezer, eventually, you could find yourself using contaminated home made cosmetics, which could lead to a skin irritation.

    I used to make my own skin care but found all the precautions I had to take such a hassle, now I buy mine off the shelves.

    Even if you make your facial products for immediate use, you have to be careful about using only the freshest ingredients. A mouldy fruit or anything that is spoilt can lead to disastrous results on your skin.

    Then there is the safety of the ingredients used in your skincare products.

    I once told a pharmacist about the lemon remedy I was using on my pimples. She was horrified. Lemons are highly acidic. Lemon juice is pH 2. Sulphuric acid is pH 1. Lemons can cause a nasty acid burn if you are not careful.

    We had a discussion about this. She told me about a customer who showed up with an acid burn. Turns out, she had a sunburn. Back in Australia, she would soothe that sunburn by rubbing cut cucumber over her skin. The juices would ease the sunburn. This time around, she was unlucky. The cucumber she used was more acidic than the ones she was used to and she ended up with a really nasty acid burn.

    Though cucumber is soothing, cucumber contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids as do most fruit and some of the other ingredients used in homemade beauty recipes.

    You see, in home made skin care, the exact chemical makeup of the ingredients you use may vary, leading to unpleasant results if you are unfortunate. That is why, everytime you make any facial mask, test it on the inside of your wrist first, before you let that mask touch your face.

    I was lucky. The lemon facial I did helped clear my skin by killing the bacteria, without burning my skin. The pharmacist said I was fool hardy. As did my cousin who has been making her own beauty products for years already.

    Lemon can thin the skin. It is so acidic. The pharmacist thought the other things, like the almond meal I mixed with the lemon juice helped neutralize the extreme acidity. Also, when I used freshly squeezed lemon juice directly on my face, I would dilute it with water first.

    Yet the books I read with home made beauty recipes often include lemon in their recipes. After all, lemon has lightening properties. Lemon juice is often used to lighten freckles. Lemon was even recommended in a book by a former model, for use as a toner.

    Not all ingredients are that dangerous though. Oats is an excellent ingredient for use in soothing facials. That was recommended to me by a doctor. For my toddler's rash. Cooked oats in a bag in the bath water is a home remedy to soothe itchy skin. Here is a facial that uses oats and rose water. http://www.womanht.com/facials/RoseOatsFacial.htm

    A home made face mask can be as simple as putting some mash fruit your face. Fruity facials tried and tested outlines such experiments with fruit.

    Different skin types require different ingredients. Dry skin can use richer, nourishing ingredients. Really dry skin would love the moisturizing effect of sweet almond oil or olive oil. Oily skin, on the other hand would break out in pimples if you try massaging these oils on your face. What works for your best friend may be disastrous on you.

    The easiest thing to do nowadays is to simply buy a great mask for your skin type off the shelf for your home facial. I use commercial masks these days after some disastrous experiments trying to find new ingredients for new home made facial masks for my site. The successful facials were published with at http://www.womanht.com/facials/.

    The writer is the writer of the articles in Home Made Facials.

    on 2:33 PM

    Research is always ongoing into new and better medications for arthritis which is a very good thing. But where is all this leading us?

    Of course we need effective pain medication for arthritis to enable sufferers to live normal lives. But are all these expensive medications controlling the disease or simply masking the symptoms?

    Here?s a ?quick and dirty? lowdown on what?s currently available both ?over the counter? (OTC) and on prescription only.

    For mild cases of arthritis -

    Some milder cases of arthritis never make it into the doctor?s surgery. Indeed the sufferer might not even be aware that they are suffering from arthritis at all. They may be feeling a few ?aches and pains? which they put down to old age or even the cold damp weather.

    That may be all well and good, but even OTC medications can be dangerous if taken over a long period of time. The concept of ?more is better? can also happen if the pain gradually becomes worse. This can lead to serious side effects.

    OTC medications include aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications can cause intestinal bleeding and kidney damage in large doses. Aspirin also destroys vitamin C in the body leading to lower immunity.

    For More Advanced Arthritis-

    By this stage most people have consulted their doctor. Prescription medication at this stage normally consists of the Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS. These do target the pain and inflammation of arthritis symptoms but have a range of side effects including stomach upset, abdominal pain, and ulcers.

    People with high blood pressure, those with kidney problems and especially people who have heart problems are especially at risk with NSAIDS.

    Enter the COX-2 inhibitors. These have been designed for people whose stomach problems cannot tolerate the above. Unfortunately the risks remain for chest pain, heart attack and stroke victims.

    For Advanced Arthritis-

    For those suffering extreme pain and swelling the medical profession brings out the heavy artillery - Corticosteroids. These drugs contain man made cortisone and can be injected directly into the affected joints or taken orally.

    Long term use of these can produce sleep problems, weight gain, osteoporosis and loss of immunity. Also available to those for whom nothing else seems to work are Biologic Response Modifiers (Biologics). Biologics are derived from live sources, plants and animals and are not manufactured chemically. They are mainly used for sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis and are given intravenously or by injection. They can?t be taken in tablet form.

    Biologics suppress the immune system which leaves people prone to infections. They are also very expensive and can?t be stored without freezing.

    Also available mainly to Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers are Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) These work by stopping the immune system from attacking the joints. DMARDS may take up to three months to reduce symptoms but they do help to stop joint damage even though they can?t repair any previous damage.

    Although these drugs are a boon to many, they work mainly at masking the symptoms of arthritis and can?t reverse the damage already caused. Most people thinks this is impossible, it isn?t!

    Natural treatments for arthritis do exist and can significantly stop some cases of arthritis, relieve pain and inflammation and in some cases, reverse joint damage.

    Definitely worth a try!

    Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen

    Find out about the healthy way to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and fibromylagia. Visit: http://www.natural-arthritis-medication.com and sign up for our 6 part course. Wendy Owen is a health researcher and author.

    on 2:39 PM

    An acid reflux diet typically restricts the intake of certain foods that are known to increase stomach acid. Some people even claim that there are foods that ?cure? the syndrome.

    You can currently find for sale acid reflux diet books, alongside other popular diets and cookbooks. One author states that apples ?cured? his acid reflux. He is now selling a report in which he details ?three natural remedies? for acid reflux.

    These are supposed to be foods that cured his acid reflux. He does admit, however, that they may not work for everyone. In our opinion, it may be more effective in the long run to design your own acid reflux diet, using a food and symptoms diary to record what foods seem to trigger symptoms.

    Natural remedies for acid reflux include changing the foods you commonly eat and even when you eat, how much you eat, and in what circumstances you eat. Such changes, believe it or not, may be effective for reducing symptoms of acid reflux.

    Most doctors and other healthcare professionals recommend that in order to control symptoms, an acid reflux diet should exclude certain foods that are known to increase stomach acid. Tomatoes and citrus fruits, for example, are highly acidic. So is chocolate. And fried or fatty foods can also increase stomach acid and worsen symptoms.

    You may think that an acid reflux diet must be bland, but while some spices trigger symptoms, some commonly used cooking herbs are considered natural remedies for acid reflux.

    Changing from garlic and chili powder to ginger, fennel seed and turmeric may help. Ginger, fennel seed and turmeric were used in traditional medicine to treat indigestion and heartburn. Modern herbalists have combined some of these ?herbs for heartburn? to create natural remedies for acid reflux.

    In addition to following an acid reflux diet that limits highly acidic foods, experts say that eating less than three hours before bedtime increases the likelihood that you will have nighttime symptoms.

    This is because lying down after eating allows gravity to work against you and makes it easier for stomach acid to creep up into the esophagus. Knowing this, some companies sell wedge-type pillows calling them natural remedies for acid reflux, but some doctors who specialize in treating the syndrome maintain that these pillows may actually worsen symptoms by ?folding? the stomach.

    These doctors recommend raising the head of the bed (with blocks, for example) 6 inches higher than the foot of the bed, so that gravity can still help keep acid in your stomach, without ?folding? and creating extra pressure on the stomach.

    If it isn?t what you eat or when you eat, it could be how much you eat. An effective acid reflux diet plan may include several small meals every few hours throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals. The more food that is in the stomach, the more likely that acid will reflux.

    Another one of the often suggested natural remedies for acid reflux is simply losing some weight. Extra pounds put extra pressure on the stomach and more acid creeps up. At night, this can lead to sleep disturbances, coughing, snoring and even sleep apnea.

    Following an acid reflux diet plan that is low in fatty and fried foods and calls for meals every couple of hours is not only one of the effective natural remedies for acid reflux, but it could help you lose weight since it primes the metabolism.

    Doctors typically recommend antacids or proton pump inhibitors, at least for short-term use, to prevent or neutralize stomach acid. There are a number of herbal and botanical products that may do the some thing.

    For example, mangosteen juice (a health drink), taken before meals, effectively dilutes stomach acid and may be considered one of the natural remedies for acid reflux. An acid reflux diet alone may not be enough. If not treated, acid reflux can lead to damage of the esophageal lining, which can lead to esophageal cancer.

    Components of the mangosteen have been shown to reduce inflammation and actually prevent the formation of cancerous tumors in laboratory studies. Tell your doctor about which acid reflux diet and what natural remedies for acid reflux you are using and get regular check-ups, even if your symptoms seem to be under control.

    Mike Leuthen is chief editor of http://www.restore-your-health.com. Visit us to learn more about natural remedies for acid reflux.

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