Shilajit - The Miracle of the Himalayas

The resin like substance known as Shilajit has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an all important component in the preparation of many different remedies. Also called asphaltum, mineral pitch and girijj, Shilajit is actually decomposed plant matter that has been undergone centuries of intense pressure in the mountains before it slowly oozes out during the summer heat. The resin is soft and slimy and pale to blackish brown in color. It has a heavy consistency and in soluble in water. It can be found in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, where it is harvested, purified and then used for a wide range of health concerns. 

Purified Shilajit contains many different biochemical substances including fulvic acid, humic acid, uronic acids, hippuric acid along with benzopyrones, phenolic glycosides and amino acids. Indian Ayurvedic healers have used it for large number medical problems from arthritic pain to sexual dysfunction. It has proven to have strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal treatment for arthritis, rheumatism, gout, back pain and any other joint related problems. It has also been found useful in elevating mental fatigue and strengthening the nervous system, helping out with disorders like depression, stress, and even epilepsy. 

Here are some other things that Shilajit has been used for:

Better Learning

It is believed to help with concentration, enhancing overall intelligence and learning skills.

Stomach Problems

It has been used to treat abdominal disorders including stomach pain, indigestion and constipation. It has also been helpful with piles. 

It is said to help the liver function better, allowing for better a metabolism and waste elimination.

Immune System Function

It is noted as having strong anti microbial properties, helping to purify the blood and strengthen the immune system 

Blood Pressure

It is also believed to be useful in helping to control blood pressure. 

Breathing Problems

It has even been used to help treat cases of asthma. 

Urinary Tract

It has helped relieve symptoms such as Dysurea and burning micturation 

Diabetes

Shilajit can help metabolize glucose in the blood stream 

Kidney Function

It is believed to help the kidneys function better

In the Ayurvedic System of Medicine, Shilajit is a very important substance used for all manner of treatments including the ones mentioned above. It is also believed to help with the overall strength and endurance of men and has even been called the “Indian Viagra” for its power to help regulate the sex hormones and allow for proper functioning and higher sperm count. It is also given to patients that are recovering from a prolonged illness or surgery and can help with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in people who are suffering from a deficiency.

Feeling Fatigue

Fatigue can affect anyone, from the Olympic athlete to the desk jockey to the day laborer. If you find yourself feeling tired at midday or needing to take a nap in the late afternoon, then you suffer from fatigue and what is causing it may surprise you. New studies have found that it is not necessarily what you are doing that is causing your fatigue but, rather, what you are missing that may be heightening this sense of tiredness. Mineral deficiencies, especially magnesium deficiency, have been found to play an important role in fatigue. 

A diet based on greasy fast food, overly processed foods, and foods that are high in sugar is one reason why Americans tend to be undernourished and suffering from signs of fatigue. Lacking the proper vitamins and minerals, we end up gaining weight while continuing to feel tired. Without these much needed minerals, our bodies can operate at their full potential and we start showing the symptoms of mineral depletion including food cravings, weight gain, poor immune system functioning, and fatigue. 

Magnesium is a mineral that every single cell in our body needs in order to function. It is used in over 300 different enzymatic interactions including cellular respiration and muscle relaxation. When our bodies are defiant in magnesium, we start to slow down on a cellular level, becoming more sluggish and tiring easier. People with chronic fatigue syndrome have been found to have low magnesium levels in their red blood cell count. The lack of magnesium along with calcium is also thought to contribute to nervous tension since both minerals help soothe and protect nerves and are critical for both energy production and proper nerve function. Magnesium is also important in order for the body to retain proper potassium levels. Low potassium levels in cells are also thought to contribute to fatigue since low levels of this important mineral generally means low blood sugar levels which in turn means fatigue symptoms. 

Another common cause for fatigue is anemia which is the shortage of iron in the blood. Women in their reproductive years who experience heavy menstrual cycles are especially susceptible in developing anemia. In fact, it is considered the leading cause of fatigue in women. This excess bleeding leads to a deficiency in iron-laden hemoglobin which helps carry oxygen throughout the body. This leads to oxygen deprivation resulting in fatigue. 

Many other things can end up causing fatigue including poor diet, stress, and even caffeine abuse. Whatever the cause, there are definitely ways in which you can overcome fatigue. These include eating better, exercising more and taking mineral supplements to cover your bases. By doing this, you will find yourself feeling healthier and having way more energy allowing you to do more of things you wish to do. Be sure to speak with a health care professional in order to discover the things that you need to do in order to overcome your fatigue.

Fulvic Acid and Your Health

Not to be confused with folic acid, fulvic acid is considered to be one of the overall key components for your overall health. This mineral has always had a natural presence in plants, but it has largely been ignored for its potential to energize and balance cells until now. Eating the right combination of foods and taking enough supplements to get the 3 essential fatty acids, 12 amino acids, 17 vitamins and 59 minerals needed for optimal health may not be enough. If your body fails to absorb all of these important building blocks, it is left open to disease and failed bodily functions. What fulvic acid does is it helps with the overall absorption of these nutrients by extended their life cycle and transporting them directly to your cells. This ends up giving you higher energy levels. Fulvic acid also helps remove toxins and heavy metals from the bloodstream and acts as a natural electrolyte, helping you to rebuild your immune system. 

Hailed as “Nature’s Miracle Molecule” Fulvic Acid can also be used externally to treats wounds, abrasions, burns and even fungal infections. You can use it to treat open wounds and cuts and to help heal burns without scarring, pain, or discoloration. Serving as a wide spectrum fungicide, this mineral can also be used to kill the pathogens that cause athlete’s foot. It is also an effective anti-microbial, making it ideal for the treatment of rashes, insect bites and skin irritations. It can even help neutralize both poison oak and poison ivy. 

While once abundant in the plants that we eat, poor agricultural practices have left our soils deficient in mineral like fulvic acid which we (and the plants) need in order to achieve optimal health. By focusing on quantity over nutritional quality, our food supply has not seen sufficient levels of fulvic acid in generations. Even eating foods that are supposed to be rich in this miracle molecule may not be enough making supplementation necessary in order to avoid deficiency.

Fulvic Acid is a natural electrolyte which helps balance electrical and chemical reactions in cells leading to higher cellular energy output and enhanced regeneration of cells. It is also essential for the proper absorption and utilization of vitamins and minerals allowing for more efficient production of enzymes and hormones. On top of that, it acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to eliminate free radicals and essentially detoxify the body. 

Its affect on the human body is nothing short of fascinating, making supplementing your diet with it a top priority.

Royal Jelly for Your Health

Royal jelly is a creamy ultra nutritious substance that worker bees secrete in order to feed bee larvae. Royal Jelly is only produced in small quantities in the hive, making it a pricey health food store commodity. However, due to its many nutritional benefits as a supplement, it is still highly recommended and sought after by health conscious consumers. 

The Benefits 

For many centuries, royal jelly has been used to help with a large host of different health problems.

Including:

Energy Boost

Packed with B-Complex Vitamins and protein, it is most commonly used to combat fatigue and to provide an energy boost to athletes. 

Skin and Facial Rejuvenation

Full of antioxidants and beneficial enzymes and amino acids, Royal Jelly is believed to help bring on a more youthful appearance and reduce wrinkles

Healthy Hair and Nails

Full of Crude Protein, Amino Acids and Vitamin K, Royal Jelly can also help strengthen nails and hair follicles. 

Immune System Help

Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A as well as other antioxidants, it is believed that it can also give your immune system a boost, protecting you against common ailments and sickness. 

Fertility

Royal Jelly has long been used as a way to help with the reproductive health of both men and women. 

Medical Research

While Royal Jelly is certainly not a “cure all” substance that will replace everything the doctor gives you, recent studies have found that supplementing with it may have many different benefits. Composed of 12.7% crude protein, researchers have found that the substance is packed with many beneficial amino acids as well as an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Medical Studies have found that it can help stimulate the growth of neural stem cells and can even help lower your cholesterol levels. It has also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects. 

Bee Pollen 

Bee Pollen is another highly nutritional substance produced by bees, but unlike Royal Jelly, it can be found in abundance throughout the bee hive. Considered to be one of the original energy supplements, Bee Pollen is also packed with protein, minerals, vitamins and amino acids yet tends to be far less costly then Royal Jelly. Millions of people supplement with bee pollen on a daily basis, taking in granule, capsule, or powder form. It is also sold in a potent liquid form. Oftentimes, pollen is consumed along with all of the other offerings of the honey bee including propolis, honey and royal jelly. Many people believe that combining all the ingredients from the hive together makes for a highly synergistic nutritional supplement. 

When purchasing bee product such as Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen, it is important to make sure that they are processed correctly. Many companies end up pasteurizing these supplements and killing off all the beneficial live enzymes they contain. Buying local and fresh from the hive will ensure that you are getting the best products for your health.

Fatty Liver Detox

Steatotis, also known as fatty liver, is the accumulation of fat within the liver cells. The liver’s two main functions are to regulate your metabolism and to filter your bloodstream. When too much fat ends up in the liver cells, both of these functions are affected. Your liver can no longer efficiently burn off fats and sugars leading to obesity. It also has trouble filtering out and breaking down drugs and other impurities which then. It is estimated that over 100 million Americans suffer from some degree of fatty liver and most do not even know about it. Thankfully, once you discover that you are affected by steatosis, there is a way safe and natural way to reverse the cycle and quickly reverse the problem. 

The first big step towards reversing fatty liver problems is making some changes to your diet. Eating way too much meat, especially red meat, and too few fruits and vegetables is the biggest contributing cause. By eating less meat and more veggies will put you on the fast track to a healthy liver. The second big step is eliminating any substances that may be causing your liver to work too hard. Alcohol, Caffeine, Nicotine and other recreational drugs all wreak havoc on your liver. You also want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of reducing the amount of prescription drugs you are taking. Even homeopathic remedies and over the counter remedies need to be scrutinized. By ridding yourself of these substances, you give your liver a fighting chance of healing itself. 

Certain herbs have also shown promise in helping your liver regenerate. The two biggest herbal healers for the liver are milk thistle and raw turmeric. Artichoke and linen are two other herbal remedies that you might want to look into. You can also find liver detox products that feature a combination of all four of these herbs, but there is no evidence that taking a combination of these herbs is any more effective as taking them individually. 

Going on a liver detox diet is also a very good way to kickstart the healing process. This involves avoiding solids for a full week and ingesting only vegetable and fruit juices (preferably freshly juiced). While this can help you get on the fast track to a healthy liver, this “quick fix” is essentially pointless if you do not make diet and lifestyle changes as well. Still combining it with a change in diet, a reduction in drugs, and supplementing with healthy herbs is a sure way to a healthy liver.

Having a fatty liver is not a death sentence but doing nothing about it can lead to obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, liver failure and cirrhosis. By taking the steps mentioned, you can completely reverse the problem and find yourself facing a healthier future.

Chaga Mushroom Tea

Chaga mushrooms are irregularly shaped mushrooms that can be found growing along trunks of birch trees in Northern Europe. While virtually unheard of in the West, this strange looking mushroom found amongst the bark of Birch trees has long been considered a potent health elixir for the people of Northern Europe, Russia and Siberia. Tea made from the Chaga Mushroom is believed to help strengthen the immune system and recently it has shown potential in the treatment of certain types of cancer. 

Unlike your typical cream colored mushroom, the chaga mushroom is black and charcoal like. It has a cork like texture and its insides are the color of rusted iron with cream colored veins. Being a fungus, the chaga mushroom is essentially a parasite in nature, feeding of its host birch tree and eventually contributing to its demise.

Chaga Mushroom Tea was popularized in the modern world thanks in large part to the novel “Cancer Ward” by Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn. The novel is semi-autobiographical account of the author’s own struggles with cancer and the part chaga mushroom tea played and helping to cure him. The book along with interest in the author, helped awaken the West’s interest in this potentially powerful new way to combat cancer. 

Over the years, there have been various studies done looking into the purported cancer fighting abilities of chaga mushroom tea. A 1958 study done by Finnish and Russian researchers found that the mushroom was affective at fighting cancer of the breast, liver, and uterus. Later, in the mid 1990s, Japanese Researchers found that cells exposed to chaga extracts were less likely to grow out of control and a later polish study confirmed that the mushroom does indeed inhibit tumor growth. In 2005, Korean researchers found that chaga mushroom extract infused cells were more resistant to damage caused by oxidizing free radicals. 

The reason why Chaga Mushrroms is such a potent anti cancer herb seems to be the presence of a large amount of phytochemical, polysaccharides and antioxidants found within the mushroom. The presence of this compounds is the same reason that other mushrooms such as the cordyceps, reishi, and shiitake are thought to have strong medicinal properties. On top of these powerful anti-cancer substances, the Chaga mushroom is also rich in Betulinic acid, which is a substance it derives from its host birch tree. Betulinic Acid is believed to have powerful anti viral properties and to help fight off tumors. 

The traditional way in which to partake of Chaga mushroom in Russia is to have it as a tea. To make the tea, the inner parts of the mushroom are first shredded and then left to soak in cold water for a few hours. The water is then strained and saved and the softened mushroom parts are put into a cup of hot water and stored at room temperature for two days. After that, the remnants of the mushroom are discarded and resulting tea is combined with the saved water from the first soak to make for a powerful tea that will remain potent for up to four days. The tea has a bitter coffee like taste going down but leaves no aftertaste. It is also slightly astringent.

While chaga mushroom tea is now popular as a to strengthen the immune system, promote healthy cells and to fight off tumors, it has also been used as a folk medicine for a host of ailments including aches and pains, stomach problems, hypertension, viral infections and even diabetes. Recently it has also become popular as a potential treatment for HIV. While there are no known side effects, cancer patients should always discuss using chaga mushroom tea with their physician so that it might be used as a complementary method of their existing treatment.

Exercising the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system plays a vital role of collecting toxins from your body’s cells. Some of the organs that are part of this system are the lymph nodes, lymph veins, tonsils, adenoids, appendix, and spleen. When the lymphatic system is not working properly, these cells that rely on it for elimination then become sluggish as they fill up with their own waste. When the lymphatic system is clogged up, it goes from being a life sustaining system to a breeding ground for bacteria and other parasites. Many of these invaders then become locked up in your lymphatic system leading to degenerative diseases and rapid aging. 

Eliminative organs are very vital for proper body function. When foreign substances enter into your body, it is the job of these organs (kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, bowels and lymph system) to expel it. However, when these systems are not working (because of pharmaceutical drugs for instance) these toxins end up circulating through the body leading to a number of degenerative diseases. The U.S. Healthcare system has a tendency to overlook the vital role that the lymph system plays and seldom recommends lymph system stimulation in order to combat signs of toxic build up. 

Exercising your Lymph 

The best way to help detoxify your lymphatic system is to do things to help aid in its circulation. Since the lymphatic system is not directly connected to your heart, you need rely on other activities to help push the toxins through. Vigorous exercise is one way you can do it. Massage is another way you improve circulation in the lymph system. 

Rebounding

The lymphatic system is made up of millions of tiny one-way valves which push lymph fluids upward against gravity. While almost any type of movement helps stimulate the movement of fluid in these valves, one of the most is effective ways is jumping on a rebounder. The steady up and down motion of bouncing on a rebounder, helps to cause the valves in your lymphatic system to open and close simultaneously, making lymph flow as much as 15 times more efficient. 

Massage 

One of the best ways to keep your lymph system functioning properly is to massage each lymph area for five minute each day. The nice thing about the massage is that it can be done while you are watching television. 

Keeping your lymph fluids flowing is a great way to prevent numerous disorders including allergies, prostate problems, sinuses, heart disease, skin conditions, fatigue, parasites, MS, edema, lupus, inflammation, high blood pressure, lower back pain, arthritis, obesity, and a host of other problems that your probably had no idea were connected to your lymph system.

Hearing Loss Myths Exposed

While it is generally assumed that only the elderly experience hearing loss, younger people can have hearing problem as well. While statistics are on the side of young people, it is important to realize that there are other factors other the age that affect hear loss. In fact, the number one cause of hear loss is trauma, so the more loud noise you are exposed to, the greater your chances of experiencing some type of hearing loss at an early age.

Think about all the noises that you are exposed to on a daily basis: Planes flying by overhead, construction zones, loud music blasting through your head phones, traffic. If you happen to work in a field or engage in a recreation that exposes you to loud noises, you are at an increased risk at suffering ear trauma and experiencing hearing loss before the age of 65. There are also hereditary factors that you need to consider, that have nothing to do with the onset of age. 

Hear Loss in Children

Certain hereditary factors or extreme ear trauma can end up causing hear loss in children. In fact, it is estimated that five percent of this Countries children under the age of 18 suffer from hearing difficulty. While adults may be better able to cope with losing their hearing, hearing loss in children can end up causing learning difficulties if they are not addressed. It can also lead to emotional difficulties, anxiety and depression which can further lead to problems at home and in school. Since children generally will not voice their problems with hearing, it is important for the adults around them to be aware of this potential problem and to get them tested as soon possible. The longer you let a child’s hearing problems go, the more problems it might cause them. 

Hearing aids do not involve risky surgeries or require special knowledge. In fact, they are not even medical devices, but simply devices that are capable of amplifying the sound around you. Nowadays, hearing devices can be made small enough, that they are practically invisible and are fairly easy to utilize. Whether you are getting older or still in your twenties, if you find yourself experiencing hearing problems, be sure to talk to your doctor to get a hearing test. Also, if you are a parent, be sure to discuss potential hearing problems with your child’s doctor.

Little Changes for Weight Loss

This country with obsessed with losing weight. It seems like every day there is a new fad diet or weight loss pill on the market, promising all of fat Americans rapid weight loss. While we all know that losing weight and keeping it off takes time and dedication and that trying to achieve quick results can be dangerous to our health, we still find ourselves shelling out for these new diet solutions. Instead of relying on the latest fad or going overboard on dieting or exercising, what Americans really need to do is learn the secret of how just a few small changes can lead to lasting results at the waistline. 

Drinking Water

Drinking more water is one of the best things that you can do in order to achieve your New Year’s Resolution of going down several pant’s sizes. Getting in eight glasses of water a day is high recommended to help aid with elimination and speed up weight loss. If you have trouble with drinking just plain old water, try alternating it with your favorite beverage or add some juice to it to give it some flavor. Juice can also count towards your daily water input but beware that juice is generally high in sugar and calories. 

Exercise

Burning those calories through rigorous exercise is one of the surest ways to control your weight. If you lack the will power or time to get to the gym every day, try incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Take the stairs for example, or park farther away from the store so you have to walk further. If you are committed to an exercise routine, make sure you do not over do it in the beginning and turn yourself off of exercise before you even get started. Go into gradually, building up a tolerance.

Supplements

Making sure you are getting all of your vitamins and minerals can help stave off hunger and keep your metabolism in check. A number of studies have found that getting enough calcium is important for a healthy metabolism; it was found that dieters who got enough calcium were able to burn calories more efficiently than dieters who did not. Chromium is another important mineral when it comes to weight loss. It helps to regulate blood sugar, improving your metabolism and even eliminating the symptoms of fatigue that many dieters tend to experience. 

These small changes along with a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables will end up giving better and long lasting results than any of those fad diets out there.

Vegetables for Weight Loss

First of all, it should be said that when compared to other food groups, most vegetables out there tend to perform way better than average when it comes to keep you weight under control. Vegetables are packed full of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients) and are extremely low in calories making them the ideal food for people who are looking to lose weight or about to go through weight loss surgery. However, like professional athletes, there are some vegetables out there that tend to perform better than all the others when it comes to losing weight. 

Here is a list of the top ten vegetables that you should be eating to lose weight:

!. Leafy Greens: Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, ect..

2. Cucumbers

3. Sweet Bell Peppers (any variety)

4. Tomatoes (really a fruit, but that’s ok)

5. Carrots

6. Peas

7. Yams and sweet potatoes

8. Squash

9. Onions

10. Garlic 

As you may notice, the powerhouse vegetables Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Brussels Sprouts do not make the top ten list. While these super foods are packed with lots of good nutrients and also have a low calorie count, they also tend to be a bit gassy, which is not ideal for people who are about to go through weight loss surgery. If you do not mind being gassy and are not planning to on getting surgery, feel free to add these to the list as well. 

Preparation Tips

Whenever it is possible, always go for fresh vegetables. If fresh is not possible, frozen vegetables are a good second choice. Canned vegetables are robbed of much of their nutrients during the canning process. From garden to the shelf, vegetables tend to be handled multiple times before they make it to your plate so always be sure to wash your vegetables before you consume them. Eating them raw is the best way to get all the nutrients. You can also steam them or bake them and still get a lot of the nutrient value. Boiling can leech your vegetables of all their nutritional value, so try to keep the heat lower while you are making soup.