Alternative Cures by Yulia Berry

Shilajit - The Miracle of the Himalayas

2012-01-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-26T22:38:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-26T22:26:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-26T22:21:00.000-08:00

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.

A Facial Solution

2012-01-26T21:52:00.000-08:00

No one wants to “grow old gracefully” these days, and the cosmetic industry has responded by bombarding the public with procedures, treatments, skins and creams aims at eliminating wrinkles and a sagging face. These solutions can be very expensive and even have negative side effects, yet people still go for them, desperate to keep their youthful look for as long as possible. Instead of looking for a shortcut to the fountain of your through surgery, injections or creams, what people really need to be doing is exercising… their face. Facial exercises can tighten and tone the skin, eliminating wrinkles and lifting sagging skin and it costs nothing but your time.

Why not Botox?

It seems like everyone you see on television has gotten Botox injections, and most likely, more than one of your friends and neighbors have tried it. What many people do not realize is, is that you are injecting Botulism toxin, a deadly poison, into your face. What Botox does, is it paralyzes your facial muscles, smoothing out your wrinkles for several months. The problem with Botox is, is that it can end up changing your natural look over time, causing your muscles to relax and thin, resulting in a bulldog look. Also, Botox treatments are only temporary and pricey, meaning you will need to shell out more money in a few months for more treatments. Also, while Botox is considered safe, there are risks involved with using it.

Face lifts

While it can give you some dramatic results, most people do not even consider cosmetic surgery because of the high cost and long recovery time. Those who can afford it, only have to read a few tabloids to find proof that face lifts do not always turn out great. Like any surgery, cosmetic surgery comes with a lot risks and the results are permanent.

Creams

Every year, billions of dollars are spent on over the counter creams and concoctions that promise to make your wrinkles and sagging skin disappear overnight. People spend large amounts of money on toners, moisturizers, eye creams, masks, peels, and lotions, and find themselves achieving only minimal results. Many times, the only thing these miracle creams end up achieving is moisturizing the skin, which is beneficial but not the one step solution to a more youthful appearance.

Facial Exercises a win win

A facial exercise regime has none of the drawback as the other options. In fact, facial exercises can help you eliminate the sagging side effects of Botox. The only cost is a book or instructional DVD (if you cannot find it online) and you do not have to worry about injections, side effects or depleting your savings. By spending time everyday exercising your facial muscles, you can eliminate that double chin, that sagging neck, jowls, crow feet, and all the other signs of your age. Just like the rest of your body, your face has muscles as well and all you need is time and know how in order to learn how to exercise them and achieve a beautiful and natural look.

Cinnamon for the diabetic

2011-05-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

While I was watching Bret Michaels rock is way through Celebrity Apprentice the other night, I could not help but note that he mentioned cinnamon as an important spice for people who suffer from diabetes. Michaels has lived with Type 1 diabetes since he was six years old and the charity he is playing for the American Diabetes Association. While choosing flavors for his “Troppa Rocka” Snapple drink, he was determined to try to incorporate cinnamon into his diet Snapple Drink, because he said that current research points to this spice as an important ingredient in helping to maintain a person’s blood sugar levels.

According to recent health news, the rocker apparently knows what he talking about. Scientists around the world now believe that this favorite oatmeal sprinkling can help control blood sugar making it a potential weapon in the fight against diabetes. Research has show that something in the spice helps fight inflammation and can even display insulin like properties which helps decrease blood sugar spikes in the body.

At the Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Center, lab studies found that cinnamon contains a number of beneficial polyphenols including a compound known as proanthocyanidin. Polyphenols are antioxidants that can help boost the level of three different proteins that help trigger insulin response, move blood sugar through the system, and deal with inflammatory response.

Another earlier study that the Center did showed that Type 2 diabetics who took three doses of cinnamon a day for 40 days showed improved insulin sensitivity. These improvements faded after 20 days, proving that cinnamon was an important factor in the overall benefit.

While the jury is still out as to whether the Rockstar’s new cinnamon laced Snapple flavor will be a hit, at least this good news about cinnamon has been able to get out so that people with diabetes, or with family members with diabetes can now take a closer look at this popular spice and the benefits that it may potentially bring to them.

Coenzyme Q10 - Ubiquinone is everywhere

2011-05-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

The health conscious among us have most likely heard the term “coq10” being bounced around as the next big supplement. Lately, Coenzyme Q10 or Ubiquinone has literally mentioned everywhere: from a glossy fashion magazine article of skin care to a DR. OZ television special on the most important supplements. This essential nutrient that our cells need in order to produce energy and fight off free radicals has been hailed as the next best thing since Vitamin C, helping people to be active and look younger, and has now even garnered its very own display rack in many health food stores.

What is Coq10?

Coenzyme Q10, or Ubiquinone is an essential enzyme that our bodies produce that plays a very important role in cellular biological energy (ATP) production. It is also a very powerful antioxidant on par with the much better known Vitamin C, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce the effect of aging. It is referred to Ubiquinone because it is essentially needed everywhere, or at least everywhere a cell happens to be, which means are bodies need to produce a lot of it throughout our lifetime.

Now, the question that you may want to ask is: why would I need to take supplements of this stuff if it already can be found everywhere in the body? Good Question. Here is what the latest health research tells us:

While a young and healthy body can produce all the Coq10 it needs, once father time has his say, our bodies eventually start to produce less and less amounts of the stuff. In fact, many scientists studying aging actually use the enzyme as a biological marker for the aging process correlating its decline with getting longer in the tooth. This lack of adequate amounts of Coq10 can then add fuel to the aging fire, making our cells less likely to withstand stress and properly regenerate.

Studies on aging rodents have shown that those treated with CoQ10 supplements ended up living a third longer than those who were not. While researches on its effect on human longevity remain only theoretical, it has been shown to be beneficial in certain medical conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure.

Also the skin

Coenzyme Q10 can help your skin in several different ways. First, as a powerful antioxidants, it helps fight off the skin damaging effects of Free Radicals. Secondly, is can help boost your skin cells regenerative powers, and aid in the production of collagen, elastin and other important molecules that help keep you looking young. While it is still up in the air as to whether topical skin care products with added CoQ10 can actually be effective since the enzyme can be rendered inactive when exposed to air, some studies have shown promise for the reduction of crow’s feet.

Natural Skin Supplements

2011-05-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

We all need to learn to love the skin we are in. The living tissue that envelops and protects us, our largest organ, is oftentimes the most neglected. Where would we be without our wonderful skin wrapped around us: a big pile of bones and vital organs without form, definition, or identity? Our skin is our boundary from the outside world, keeping foreign things out and familiar things in. It is our wall that protects us from the invading hordes and when need to keep it well maintained in order to keep things from falling apart.

Healthy skin supplements derived from natural sources are a great way to keep your skin from breaking down and not doing its job properly. Here are some of the most important repair tools that you will need for healthy and revitalized flesh:

· DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) derived from the skin of fish (especially salmon), this natural compound is capable of providing extra collagen support in the outermost layers of your skin. Collagen is the mortar that keeps together your wall of skin cells tightly woven together and extra collagen support will make your skin firmer and reduce all those fine lines and wrinkles.

· Vitamin C is needed by your body for practically everything including proper skin maintenance. When applied as a topical, Vitamin C can help reduce sun damage. Taken internally, Vitamin C can help keep your skin looking great by neutralizing skin damaging free radicals and increasing collagen production.

· Alpha Lipoic Acid is a natural acid that can be found in small amounts in nearly everything we eat, especially liver, kidneys, heart, broccoli and spinach. It is an ultra powerful antioxidant that can help stop the effects of aging and the breakdown of skin elasticity.

· Retinol, otherwise known as Vitamin A, is necessary for skin regeneration and rejuvenation. It is also helpful for people who happen to have sensitive skin that is prone to redness and peeling. It is readily available as a supplement and can be found in abundance in certain fruits and vegetables such apples and carrots.

Supplementing your diet with these four natural skin protectors will help guarantee you a better looking and better functioning epidermal layer by providing your body the things it needs in order to maintain healthy skin tissue.

Using these four topically can also help moisturize your skin and erase any blemishes caused by acne, scarring or wrinkles.

The health benefits of actual sarsaparilla root

2011-05-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Anybody who is a fan of old westerns knows the stereotype of the old timer in the salon asking for a sarsaparilla. Aside from whiskey and beer, this old fashioned cousin of root beer was a favorite drink in the old west. Made from a combination of sassafras and sarsaparilla, it was especially tasty and refreshing drink in the hot dry day and was thought to help purify the body by inducing sweating. This saloon drink went on to become a popular soft drink flavor, and can still be found in specialty stores today, although most are now made with artificial ingredients.

Before is became synonymous with the old west, sarsaparilla’s detoxifying benefits were utilized for a number of ailments including liver disease and syphilis. Native to the Western Hemisphere and favoring the hot and dry climates of Latin and South America, Sarsaparilla was first introduced to Europe during the late fifteenth century. From the 16^th Century up until the middle Eighteen Hundreds, Europeans and their American Descendents put the thorny wooden vine to use as a blood purifier, tonic diuretic and sweat inducer.

During the latter half of the Nineteenth Century until the early Twentieth, Sarsaparilla was widely used as an additive to many patent medicines, including many who which were the Victorian Age equivalents to body building supplements and Viagra. This was due to the notion that the root actually contained testosterone. This one time belief that the herb actually contained the hormone that helped controlled a man’s sex drive may help explain why it was also so popular with the old timers in the saloons (many of which doubled as brothels).

While modern research has disproved the idea of actual male hormones in the plant, they did find steroidal saponins which are believed to mimic hormones, indicating that the cowboys and snake oil peddlers might have been on to something after all.

Today, sarsaparilla is prescribed by homeopathic practitioners as a treatment inflammation and to help cleanse the liver. With slight anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it can also be used as a treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Dried sarsaparilla root can be found in many health food stores and if you look hard enough, you just might be able to find old timey sarsaparilla soda also.

Healthy Homemade Banana Bread

2011-05-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

This past morning, the significant other and I got into a bit of a kerfuffle over whether or not my famous banana nut bread was actually a healthy snack. Her position was that since it tasted so dang good that there was no way that it could be good for you and that I should not be making it as often as I do (I just love to bake). On the other hand, I insisted that since I use only the finest, healthy ingredients and far less sugar than what the original recipe called for ( I add an extra banana instead), my tasty and delicious banana bread was much better for us than most of the other snack foods that we liked to indulge in.

Determined to prove the other one wrong, we both vowed to engage in some research in order to determine whether banana bread is a healthy snack, or really just another tasty and delicious junk food that two health conscious people have no business eating.

Here is what I found out…

While store bought banana bread made with processed sugar, processed flour, unhealthy oils, and other additives and preservatives is about as good for you as a deep fried twinkie, homemade banana bread made from select ingredients does actually have the potential to be, well, good for you.

Here is a list of the good stuff that homemade banana bread may have in it:

Bananas: rich in dietary fiber, potassium, Vitamin C, B6 and manganese, bananas are a healthy fruit that keeps on giving when partaken in moderation. Rich in sweet natural sugars, they are the perfect alternative to that morning donut.
Whole Wheat Flour: With your daily requirements of fiber, protein, manganese and selenium, whole wheat flour can give you the fuel you need to keep your energy levels high throughout the day.
Eggs: rich in protein and essential amino acids and vitamin D the incredible edible egg can help you build muscles, grow better hair and nails and even help improve your eyesight.
Walnuts (optional): Rich in protein, fiber, vitamin B and E, as well as those super beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, walnuts can help reduce the risk of heart disease by helping lower bad cholesterol.

Pretty much the only thing in homemade banana nut bread that is not particularly good for you is the sugar, and this can be offset by using natural cane sugar or even a sugar alternative such as honey or agave nectar. As long as it is homemade or baked by a trustworthy baker, banana bread can be considered a healthy and delicious snack, provided you do not smother it in a ton of butter.

Natural cures for intestinal parasites

2011-05-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Although we do not like to talk about it, even those of us who live in the modern west are susceptible to many types of intestinal parasites. Even with strict sanitary measures taken, these pesky little creatures can still get to us via water that has not been properly treated, or through food such as undercooked meat. You can even pick one of these little microscopic buggers up through your nose, or the heel of your foot.

Here are the most common types of intestinal parasites:

Hookworms
Tapeworms
Threadworms
Pinworms
Giardia

Once they make their way through your exterior defenses, intestinal parasites then make their way to your intestinal tract where they thrive and multiply be stealing the nutrients from your meals before it can make it to your blood stream. They will give you awful breath, diarrhea and dark eye circles. Some worms, such as the tapeworm will cause you to constantly crave food, yet leave you feeling weak and anemic even after you gorge yourself. Some may also make you constipated and irritate your rectum to the point that you want to drag your bottom across the floor like your dog does on occasion.

Most common types of symptoms

Diarrhea
Dark eye circles
Foul breath (not just stinky)
Constant cravings
Anemia
Headaches
Constipation (in some cases)
Pain in the Calves
Weakened legs
Unexplained Weight loss
Fever

What you can do to combat intestinal parasites

While the obvious thing to do is to make sure your water is clean and your meat is cooked properly, if you do happen to be unlucky enough to suffer from a case of pinworms or find out you have 300 foot long tapeworm growing in your guts there are some steps that you can take to help naturally eliminate this threat from your body. First thing you should consider, is eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and cut down on the stuff that helps contributes to the growth of these parasites including butter, cream, refined oils and, above all else, meat.

Garlic is also a good way to kill off of these unwanted hosts. In fact, the ancient Chinese, Greeks as well as the Romans all used garlic to help combat intestinal parasites. Garlic’s sulfuric compounds help expel these wormy intestinal leeches. The best way to get these guys through garlic is to take two to three fresh cloves in the morning, being sure to chew them really good. Raw garlic is garlic in its most potent form and crushing it releases the potent allicin compounds that are capable of killing off the parasites. Another remedy is to place a clove in each of your shoes and walk around in them, letting the garlic oil seep through the skin and absorb into your bloodstream.

Pomegranate Health Benefits

2011-05-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

Lately, you might have noticed the arrival of a new fruit and juice in your local supermarket. It is one that has been touted as the “new super food” packed with antioxidants, and loaded with other health benefits. With a strong bitter to sour taste, the pure juice is a bit hard to swallow at first, but after a while, becomes more tolerable if not preferable. The fruit itself is reddish and packed with hundred of tiny seeds that are a great sources of dietary fiber and antioxidants, provided you know how to get them out of the thick red skin that ensconces them.

This fruit is the pomegranate and despite the rumors that it was made in a laboratory by some mad fruit scientists, it has actually been cultivated and eaten by people for thousands of years. The pomegranate tree is native to ancient Persia and parts of the Himalayas, and was first cultivated in the Middle East in countries such as Iran, Armenia, and Georgia. Ancient Pomegranate groves have been discovered outside the walls of Bronze Age cities, and thanks to The Silk Road and the Moorish Empire, its cultivation and use has become widespread over the Mediterranean and Asia. It even made it to the New World, Spanish missionaries introducing it to California in the early 18^th Century.

Yet, despite the Pom’s early popularity, it never really made it as a modern mainstream grocery store staple until it was rediscovered by the western world due the many health benefits that are attributed to it. Not only is the fruit a good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B5, it is also packed with beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants that help our bodies fight off cancer and disease caused by fungal, viral and bacterial agents.

Here are some things that modern research indicates that the pomengranate does for us:

It fights breast, lung and prostate cancer
Eases arthritis
Helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries
Helps lower our bad (LDL)cholesterol while raising our good (HDL) cholesterol
Helps keep dental plaque from forming

While most of the research on pomegranate (and phytochemicals in general) is still new, I can attest that drinking a bit of pomegranate juice everyday does make you feel and move better. While pomegranate juice and juice blends are available in your grocery store, trying fresh pomegranate juice is definitely worth the time and effort is takes to make it. Living on the west coast, fresh Pomegranates always seem to be available at my local farmers market, but they are also beginning to show up at local grocery stores near you. To make some fresh juice, simply cut the fruit in half and use a citrus juicer to extract the juice. Hand juicing is the best way, since the outer skin is tough and the seed will get all over the place if you try to use an electric juicer.

Psoriasis and Aloe

2011-05-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Psoriasis is a rather common autoimmune disease that results in a scaly build up of skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp. These thick, dry patches of skin are caused by excessive skin cell multiplication which is believed to be triggered by the body’s immune system. It is an inherited disease, and while harmless, it does leave the sufferer with dry, itchy, unsightly patches.

Thankfully, for those who suffer from this ailment, there is a proven treatment that has been used for the past four millennia as a surefire treatment for all skin problems, This miracle cure, this magic balm that has been passed hand to hand for countless generations, this virtually skin problem cure all that is the is the best home remedy around is none other than Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that hails from the Liliaceae family. You have most likely seen it growing on your neighbor’s window sill or garden. It is easily recognizable with its long spiny lancelets and soothing green with faint white spot coloring. When you take break a tip off of the one of the spikes, inside you will see a sticky clear gel that is both tasteless and odorless.

This sticky clear goop is, to the Aloe users, a secret weapon against cuts, burns and scrapes as well as dandruff, acne, and, of course, psoriasis. The gel of the Aloe plant contains many different compounds, vitamins and minerals that are great for penetrating into your skin and providing instant soothing relief from burns, scrapes, scratches, and insect bites. You can even take it internally to help sooth intestinal issues and aid indigestion.

As for Psoriasis

Scientific studies done over the past two decades have shown that Aloe Vera is a great all natural way to help cure this embarrassing autoimmune disease that effect parts of the skin. In a 1995 Belgium study, Aloe displayed an 83.3% percent cure rate for Psoriasis in a double blind no holds barred clinical study. Patients using the .5% aloe extract, showed measurable improvement in the reduction of psoriasis plaques as well as reduced discoloration along with marked reduction in all the other symptoms.

The participants in the study showed no adverse side effects, and scientists who have done multiple studies on the plant are hard pressed to find any negative side effects for using aloe whatsoever. In fact, in this Belgium study, not a single participant even dropped out. It is a completely safe all natural way to combat this embarrassing skin disease and will leave your skin feeling soft and blemish free.

Where can I get this stuff?

While you can get aloe gel at most health food stores, the best way to benefit from this remarkable plant is to buy one and grow it yourself. They are very hardy plants and it takes minimum effort to keep them alive and happy.

Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor

Aloe, Ulcers and IBS

2011-05-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

A recent British Study Has shown that gel made from the AloeVera Plant may help people who are suffering from ulcers as well as people who have IBS.

Aloe Vera: While it may look like the spiky head of an alien fighter straight out of the world of Dragon ball Z, it is also a plant that has been prized for centuries for is inner gels ability to bring soothing relief from the pain and discomfort of burns, scrapes, and cuts. Aside from providing skin relief, Aloe is also a potent internal medicine capable of bringing your gastrointestinal tract back up to good working order, helping to cure everything from constipation to general malaise.

A Science research team from Queen Mary’s School in London has even found that Aloe Vera is useful in treating ulcers that have formed in the stomach and intestinal lining. Ulcers occur when the corrosive acids that digest your food began to eat away at your protective lining in the stomach or intestinal walls. Stress, bad dietary habits and certain drugs like NSAID anti-inflammatory drugs are known to cause these painful eruptions within your GI tract.

The British research team is especially excited in Aloe’sability to prevent ulcers caused by NSAID’s and have found remarkable results in the lab. The Aloe gel was tested on a culture of gastric cells which were at the same concentration that they would in the stomach after taking a dose of NSAID anti-inflammatory drugs and was shown to boost the production of certain substances that help with the healing of ulcers within the gut. This comes as no surprise to the people who have been using Aloe already as a virtual cure all for everything from acne to irritable bowel syndrome.

Speaking of IBS

Other research in Britain has shown that Aloe does show extreme potential and helping out with the difficult yet benign condition of IBS that affects millions of people worldwide. Irritable bowel syndrome can creep up on a person who suffers from it at any time and results in abdominal pain, discomfort, and bloating, intense periods of diarrhea as well as constipation.

Research at the Linus Pauling Institute has shown that partaking in aloe gel may help relieve IBS by helping increase the absorption of proteins during digestion and add more water to a person’s stool, which is one of the main ways to combat IBS.

While most people tend to use it for exterior skin problems, when taken internally, Aloe Vera is an all natural way to help people correct issues with their intestinal tract including ulcers and IBS. This comes at a great relief for people who suffer from these two painful and debilitating conditions.

Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor

Acne home remedies using Aloe

2011-05-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

Before you go out and buy yourself some chemical concoction to burn away all those zits that keep showing up, you should maybe consider going into the houseplant section and picking up a little (or big) Aloe Vera Plant. Aloe, which has been hanging around mankind since the time of the Pharaohs (Cleopatra used it as a beauty aid) is not only a great soother of burns, cuts and other boo boos, it is also a great natural remedy for a plethora of skin problems including acne.

Why Aloe is so great for your skin

The watery inner gel of the Aloe barbadensis plant, is packed full of a variety of skin friendly components including Vitamin E which is the vitamin for skin problems, long chain polysaccharides that help penetrate into the skin, amino acids that help rebuild the skin, and even compounds that are both and inflammatory and anti-microbial. When you apply this gel to your skin, it will help soothe the inflammation that is contributing to the acne, kill the bacteria that those pimples are feeding off of and penetrate into the skin to help heal it from the damage that was caused.

How to apply aloe

In order to use Aloe, you are going to need to remove a whole outer leaf from the plant. Take a serrated knife and cut as close to the base as you can in order to remove one of these fleshy green lancelets. Do not worry about the plant, it will soon close up the wound you make and start growing a new leaf.

Once you get your piece of aloe, cut a slit down the middle of it and let the yellow latex drain away. While this latex has other medicinal properties (such as a bowel cleanser) it can actually irritate the skin of some people.

Once drained, use your knife to remove the thick green skin of the leaf to reveal the inner gel. This is the stuff that you want to use. It may take some practice before you learn how to properly carve up a piece of Aloe, but soon you will be gutting it like you have been working in an cannery for a dozen years. Get that gel out and then rinse it under some cool water.

Now, cut off a piece of the gel, and apply it directly to the problem area of the skin being careful not to get any in your eyes. The gel will immediately sooth any inflammation and helps kill off any bacteria. Rub the gel in and let it penetrate your kin and do its work. Store what is left in a airtight container in the fridge.

Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor

Aloe Vera benefits for women

2011-05-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

Aloe, a member of the lily family, gets its name from the word ‘alloeh’, which is Arabic for bitter, which is a reference to its green outer layer which is indeed very bitter. While there are some 240 different Aloe varietals found growing in all four corners of the world, Aloe barbadensis miller is the one that is grown commercially and incorporated in all the various lotions, creams and shampoos that claim to have some type of aloe in them.

Why is aloe so popular today?

Everywhere you look today there are products that claim to contain aloe, making it one of the most popular additives for bath and beauty products. This is because of Aloe’s purported abilities to help heal and rejuvenate the skin. Aloe’s ability to heal has been known for thousands of years: African hunters used it as a antiperspirant and it was also a ancient beauty secret among the pharaohs. It is even mentioned in the New Testament and cited as an important medicinal plant for purgative purposes by Ancient Greek and Roman Doctors. With high water content along with vitamin E and polysaccharides, aloe has been scientifically proven to be beneficial for many types of skin conditions including eczema, warts and even dandruff. It is also non allergenic, making it an ideal additive to cosmetic products, soaps and lotions.

Even though so many products now love to advertise that they contain, many of these products contain such a miniscule amount of aloe that they can hardly be said to be beneficial. Luckily, aloe vera is an easy plant to grow in your home, requiring only a minimal amount of water and a good light source to thrive. By growing one at home and breaking off a spiky green lancelot and then utilizing the sticky aloe gel that oozes from it, you may find yourself benefitting greatly from the medicinal and cosmetic effects of this miraculous plant without having to spend a small fortune at the local drug store.

On top of its cosmetic benefits, aloe gel is also great for minor burns, cuts and scrapes, and can even be taken internally to help heal mouth sores and even the digestive process. Aloe juice is also great for constipation and research has found that it may also help boost the immune system.

Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor

Chickweed: a little known herb that you should know about

2011-05-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

AKA: Common chickweeds, Star Chickweed, Mouse-ear Chickweed, Stellaria media, Stellaria pubera

Description: Chickweed is a small herbal plant that can be found growing in throughout the temperate and arctic zones the world over. It is a succulent plant with white flowers and green leaves that kind of look like mouse ears. Chickweed plants are also known for sleeping at night, folding in their tender buds and new shoots. All varieties of the plant are edible with a taste somewhat akin to spinach. They are used as a side dish, added to salads and oftentimes cooked in stews and roasts. The chickweed is also used as a dried herb that displays many medicinal values.

Medicinal Uses

Chickweed is full of many beneficial vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Many herbalists like to use the dried plant as a form of green tea that can help relieve internal pain and even staunch stomach and bowel bleeding. When taking internally, it also serves as a good tonic for the circulatory system, helping pull toxins out of the blood and dissolve plaque in the blood vessels. It is also believed to have a overall cleansing affect on the body which in turn helps boost the immunesystem and increases energy.

Chickweed tea is also said to be effective at helping to dissolve fatty tumors, removing them from the body. With fat in general, Chickweed is said to be very effective as both a fat burner and an appetite suppressant. It has become a popular addition to much herbal based fat burning supplement.

Chickweed can also be used as an ointment, and once applied, it helps relieve pain, bring down swelling and encourage the healing process. It is a properly addition to poultices for torn ligaments, working especially well with aloe juice, which helps it penetrate the skin and reach the damage areas bringing relief from pain.

To make Chickweed tea:

Dry chickweed is available at many health food stores, but you can also used fresh chickweed if you find some growing around your yard (which is very possible). Seep one tablespoon of dry chickweed or two tablespoons of fresh chickweed in boiling water for ten minutes. Drink ½ cup right away and save the rest for a later on the day. Two to four small cups of this tea a day can help cleanse the body, shed fad and boost immunity.

Blueberry Health Benefits

2011-05-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

Long before the European settlers discovered it, American Indians prized the blueberry for its taste and health benefits. They would gather this wild berry and utilize it their meals, making stews and a sweet dessert known as Sautauthig with it. They would savor its flavor and benefit from its potent mix of vitamins, antioxidants and soluble fiber. The first European colonists also came to value this extraordinary berry, gathering up as many as they can find growing in the wild and adding them to their dishes. Soon, blueberry muffins and blue berry pancakes showed up along with blueberry tarts, and blueberry pies. They were also added to meat dishes as well as salads, making for one versatile berry indeed,

Both the settlers and the natives use the juice of the berry for a variety of medicinal purpose. They would use it to sooth coughs and help relax the mother during childbirth. Most of all, they would utilize the berries mild astringent properties to help combat diarrhea. Blueberry contains an antibiotic substance called anthocyanin which seems to work especially well against intestinal bacteria. This made the berry extremely valuable to early settler who at times had to get by on less than perfectly preserved food.

In these modern times, scientists have found that blueberries are a super food loaded with many benefits that can bring us health and longevity. In fact, according to the USDA, blueberries have the number one antioxidant rating of all fruits and vegetables that you can find on the market today. Antioxidants are the things that our bodies need in order to help combat the effect of cell damaging free radicals and eating one cupful of these powerful berries is akin to getting the antioxidant power of three whole oranges.

Scientists have also found that blueberries are rich in soluble fiber. For those who do not know, or have not seen the Cheerio’s ad, soluble fiber is what helps you lower your cholesterol. Lower cholesterol means better blood flow. Better blood flow means a healthier heart.

On top of that, fresh blueberries are also packed with the all important Vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is important for vision and is a valuable antioxidant. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant as well as vitally important for a good immune system.

The best way to get your blueberry on is eating them fresh. Canned or frozen blueberries lose a lot of their nutritional value, including all of their Vitamin C. Fresh blueberries are available year round in your grocery store, but buying them local and in season greatly improves their taste and nutritional value.

Cantaloupe Cures

2011-05-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

The Aussies like to call it Rock melon because, of the way its netted outer skin looks.

In South Africa it is called Spanspek, for reasons unknown to this author.

It is technically a Muskmelon.

The name cantaloupe is derived from a papal village where it was first grown before spreading all over the world and widely grown in the temperate climates of Texas, Turkey, Iran , And most of Central America.

Whatever you want to call it, a cantaloupe is a healthysnack loaded with many benefits for the body. It is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals making it the ideal refreshing snack for those among us who need to watch our waist line. Aside from it value as a dietary supplement, cantaloupe has proven to be beneficial to a number of other health issues.

Including:

Kidney Health

Cantaloupe contains the extract oxykine, which is loaded with superoxide dismutase. Laboratory studies have shown that this extract might help reduce cell damage within the kidneys caused by diabetes induced stress. More studies are needed, but cantaloupe my play an important role in the prevention of progressive kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy).

Cancer

You do not get any more loaded with beta-carotenes than cantaloupe. With over 130% of the daily recommended dose of the super oxidant vitamin A, eating cantaloupe can help fight off cancer of the larynx, esophagus and lungs. Also, since this is a natural source of beta carotene, it is safer for you than supplements.

Heart Health

Cantaloupe is packed with adenosine, which can help thin the blood and reduce symptoms associated with angina and heart disease. Cantaloupe is also loaded with the B complex juggernauts: Folate and B6. Research has indicated that women who get plenty of these B vitamins cut their risk of a heart attack in half.

Inflammation

Cantaloupe is loaded with enzymes known as SOD’s or Superoxide dismutases. These SOD enzymes are believed to be extremely important in cell defense, helping break down damaging super oxides which can then keep painful inflammation at bay.

So whatever you want to call it. The cantaloupe is a not only delicious, but also great for you. Its high water content can help cleans your body and its beneficial enzymes, vitamins and minerals gives it high marks by most health experts.

Cantaloupe for your lungs

2011-05-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Cantaloupe that low calorie melon that is popular addition to many weight loss programs, is not only a low cal tasty treat, it also happens to be one of the best things to eat to help combat the effects of second hand smoke.

Cantaloupe? Then cohabitate

Although it name is prized for its inclusion into many corny marriage themed jokes, Cantaloupe actually got its name from where it was first cultivated around 300 years ago: the village of Cantalup in Italy. This melon which is related to cucumber and squash is actually a musk melon and has also been called a rock melon because of the distinctive look of the netted outer skin. It likes growing in temperate climate and is in season throughout the summer (although it has become increasingly available year round.) Due to its availability and effervescent taste, it has become one of the most popular melons in the united States today.

Cantaloupe also gets an A+++ from doctors and nutritionists because of its hefty serving of Vitamin A and Vitamin C as well as its high water content and low calorie count. Cantaloupe also packs a bit of a Vitamin B complex punch, provides a good source of dietary fiber and also has as much potassium as your standard run of the mill banana. The cantaloupe can help cleanse your body and combat the effects of cancer causing free radicals making it a popular additive to many skin and health rejuvenation diets.

Cantaloupe and smokers

Recent studies have shown that there is a link between vitamin A and several lungs ailments that are common among people who are constantly exposed to secondhand smoke. Laboratory animals that were fed a diet deficient in Vitamin developed emphysema at a greater rate than those who were given enough of it. Certain carcinogens in cigarettes have been shown to rob the body of this much needed antioxidant contributing to the chances of developing emphysema. However further animal studies have shown that eating food that is extremely high in Vitamin A (such as cantaloupe which has over %100 of the daily recommended value) can actually counteract the effects of the cigarette smoke and prevent both emphysema and lung inflammation from happening.

While the best thing to do is to quit and to convince those around you to do the same, those who choose to smoke or be around smokers can benefit from choosing to eat a diet that is rich in cantaloupe. Along with the above mentioned benefits of Vitamin A, there is also the added benefit of Vitamin C which is not only a only a free radical slayer in its own right, but can also help regenerate the other important antioxidant: Vitamin E.

Hazelnuts and your heart health

2011-05-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe you have sipped a hazelnut flavored coffee, or perhaps had some roasted hazelnuts at a Holiday party. Perhaps the closest you have gotten to eating them was spreading a gob of Nutella (which is made out of hazelnuts) on your toast in the morning. Or, maybe you have never even tried them at all, and think that this oval nut that goes so well with chocolate should remain as a dessert topping or livestock feed.

Well, you better get yourself on the hazelnut bandwagon because this nut is set to soar in popularity partly because of its taste, and also because of its remarkable health benefits. Like all edible nuts, the hazelnut (or the Filbert nut like it is called in some places) is full of protein as well as beneficial fats. It is also loaded with a healthy helping of thiamine and B6, making a small handful of the nuts a nutritious, delicious snack.

Here are a few reasons why you should be eating more Hazelnuts

· Heart Healthy

Hazelnuts are packed with both monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats which, unlike that fat you get with your side of fries, are actually good fats that can help keep the old ticker ticking away. Hazelnuts nuts also share something in common with olive oil in that they contain a high concentration of oleic acid. This is another beneficial good fat that can help lower the levels of LDL (the bad) cholesterol and raise the level of HDL (the good cholesterol) keeping your circulatory system in good working order.

· Packed with phytochemicals

Hazelnuts contain a full boat of beneficial phytochemicals that contribute to better health. Included in a handful of hazelnuts are quercetin, kaempherol and proanthocyanidins. And, if you are saying to yourself: “Proanthocyanidins? Where have I heard that name before?” These are the flavonoids found in green tea and red wine that are thought to help improve blood circulation, contribute to a healthy brain, and even relieve allergy symptoms.

· Protein and fiber

Vegetarians listen up! A cup of hazelnuts has 17 grams of protein along with a complete array of those essential amino acids. They also contain 11 grams of fiber helping you stay both balanced and regular. However, these nuts are also dense when it comes to calorie, so just a handful, not a whole bag.

· Vitamins and Minerals

Along with those B complex vitamins, Hazelnuts also have a lot of Vitamin E for healthy skin along with calcium for strong bones and magnesium for improved blood pressure. A handful of these nuts can also supply up to a full third of your daily iron needs.

Lipoma Home Remedies

2011-05-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

So, you find a lump on your midsection and the first thing that you think is “Oh no I got the Big C.” But when you go to the doctor, he or she feels the lump and tells you that there is nothing to worry about, that what you have is a lipoma. Lipomas are fatty tumors that slowly grow underneath the skin feeding off of your body’s fat deposits. Most of the time, they are completely harmless, except for their general unsightliness.

After going to the doctor to make sure that they are indeed benign, there are a few things that you can try to help get rid of these lumps of fat that lie like curdled milk underneath the surface of the skin. If they are humongous (which can happen when they form on your back) you might want to get them surgically removed. However, there are a few home remedies that you might want to try first before going this route.

Herbal treatments for lipomas

· Chickweed: Chickweed tea or ointment has been shown to help reduce the size of these fatty tumors and even get rid of them altogether. You can find dried chickweed herb and chickweed based creams and ointments at many health food stores. To make a tea: steep two teaspoons of dried chickweed into boiling water for fifteen minutes.

· Thuja occidentalis: This is a type of cedar that practitioners pf Ayurvedic medicine like to use as a treatment for common skin problems such as warts, polyps and lipomas. Rub your fatty tumors with a combination of thuja extract and water two to three times a day to achieve best results.

Lifestyle changes

They do not call lipomas “fatty tumors” for the fun of it. These guys are actually composed of fat that is stored within your body. One of the best ways to reduce their presence is to cut down on the fat intake. Eat leaner meats and avoid those delicious but high fat content dairy products like cheese and butter.You can also try several herbal remedies that are meant to help boost your metabolism and burn off that fat before they add to your lipoma problem.

Green tea is a great fat burner, just be sure to drink the real thing in lieu of supplements which do not work nearly as well. There is also an Indian herb called bedellium that can help you burn fat, just be sure that you do not have a thyroid condition before taking it.

The best way to tackle these lipomas is probably to utilize a combination of lipoma reducing ointments, fat burning herbal supplements along with proper diet and exercise. Also, it will help if you do a toxin flush and take immune boosting supplements like dandelion or Echinacea. Be aware, these fatty tumors are not going to disappear overnight and it may take several months to see any real results.

The benefits of broccoli

2011-05-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

“But mom, I do not want to eat my broccoli.”

From former one term presidents to cartoon characters, broccoli has been the nemesis to countless picky eaters who have trouble swallowing down this peculiar tasting super food that comes loaded with so many health benefits. Who knows why so many people find this dark green cruciferous plant from the cabbage family so appalling. Sure, there is smell and texture of cooked broccoli that makes it taste nothing like a tasty cheeseburger (even after you cover it in cheese) and the fact that pretty much everything that actually ends up being good for you always seem to taste like, well broccoli.

Broccoli is indeed a acquired taste, but a taste that definitely should be acquired. This green little tree like plant is packed with so many different vitamins, minerals, antioxidant, omega 3 fatty acids, phytonutrients , beneficial enzymes, fiber and other components, it should almost be a law to eat it. When health experts talk about superfoods that people must eat, broccoli is most often the first thing on their list and for good reason.

Here are some of the benefits that come with pinching your nose and eating that broccoli that was put on your plate.

· Broccoli detoxifies

Broccoli is packed with vitamins and amino acids that assist the body in gettingrid of toxins that would otherwise stick around in the bloodstream and liver and wreak havoc. Its powerful spectrum of antioxidants also helps cleanse the blood of damaging free radicals, helping keep cancerous tumors from developing.

· Great for mothers to be

Perhaps why your mom liked to shove broccoli down your throat was because she knew firsthand how beneficial it was for her when she was lugging you around. With its high amounts of calcium, folic acid, iron, phosphorous, detoxifiers and vitamins broccoli is said to be the ideal vegetable for pregnant women to eat. Broccoli can help mothers to be maintain regular tissue growth making for a healthier and happier baby.

· Heart Healthy

Broccoli is an important source of fiber and can help control blood cholesterol levels leading to better heart health. It is also a good source of chromium and potassium which, along with fiber, can help control blood sugar and blood pressure.

· Too many health benefits to list

Along with helping the heart and being great for pregnant women, research has found broccoli to be beneficial with a large number of other medical conditions including Cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, osteoporosis and arthritis. It is also a great vegetable for people who find themselves vitamin deficient.

So now you know why broccoli is a taste you should try to acquire. The best way to eat it is either raw or steamed which helps preserve the nutrients (and also keeps it from being to stinky).

Fenugreek Breast Enlargement

2011-05-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

Let's face it ladies, size does matter. Especially when you are talking about bust size. Men can go on all they want about how it really does not matter how big your boobs are. The fact that they find themselves involuntarily drooling over every big pair that bounces and jiggles by is testament to the fact that the girls blessed in this department tend to have no trouble getting noticed. Being flat in the chest department is something that most women would not wish upon themselves. In fact a recent a recent survey has shown that 70% of women with small chests in the US would be willing to undergo breast enlargement surgery if the price was right and the surgical technique not too invasive.

While boob jobs have come a long way and is becoming less expensive and risky encouraging more and more women to go under the knife, it is still an invasive and painful procedure that comes with many risk factors. On the other hand, there is already a natural way to increase your bust size without going under the knife at all. A spice that has been around since the bronze age has been found to help women naturally increase their bust and is considered to be one of the best breast enhancement herbs you can find. What miracle spice is this and, what far flung country do you need to travel to in order to get it?

It is fenugreek, and you can probably find it at your local grocery store.

Fenugreek is a stout clover like plant from the Mediterranean that has been used as both a spice and herbal remedy for hundreds of years. The seeds of the plant can help aid in indigestion as well as chest congestion and are said to have a cleansing effect on your body. Fenugreek seeds are loaded with vitamins, minerals as well as steroidal saponins which help mimic the effect of certain bodily hormones.

A particular hormone like compound that fenugreek contains is diosgenin which mimics the effect of estrogen. When it comes to breast size, it is all about the estrogen levels in your body. During puberty, your body produces natural estrogen compounds which help determine the size, shape and overall fullness of your breasts. Lower estrogen counts during this crucial times equal smaller breasts. Fenugreek’s ability to mimic estrogen can help trigger natural breast growth even later on in life when your body is no longer producing this extra estrogen on its own. Fenugreek also encourages the production of hormone prolactin which also encourages breast tissue growth.

The hormonal balancing powers of fenugreek is thought to help increase the bust size of the women who make it part of thier regular diet. If you are looking to enlarge your breasts naturally, try taking up to 3 grams of Fenugreek Daily.

Breast Enhancing Herbs

2011-05-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

Do want to go under the knife, but still want bigger breasts. Here are some herbs that can help you naturally increase in your bust size.

Fenugreek:

Fenugreek has been around since ancient times, although it saw a steep decline in popularity in the early Twentieth Century. This herb, which tastes kind of like a stick of celerey dipped in maple syrups is incorpated in many curry dishes. Aside from adding depth to Indian sauces, Fenugreek is also very good for you, boastings vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Research has shown fenugreek as displaying promise in helping to signicantly lower bad cholesterol and level out blood sugar in diabetics. On top of all that this stout little clover like herb is loaded with various phyto-nutrients that help mimic the effects of certain hormones including estrogen and prolactin. These hormone balancing powers were discovered quite early, making fenugreek an early home remedy for certain hormone related problems like menstrual discomforts, low libido, and breast milk production.

Legend has it that the Harem girls during the reign of the Sultans used to be fed fenugreek in order to increase their bust size. It appears that this story may have a ring of truth to it since scientists have now found that this plant not only produces diosgenin: an important female steroid precursor, but also compunds that have been found to that help increase the formation of healthy breast tissue.

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto berries have long been used by the indegenious tribes of the Americas as a medicinal tonic with a wide array of healing properties. Since the time of Mayans, it has been used to help in crease the libido of both men and women as well as a restroing tonic. While saw palmetto is known mostly for being a "man's herb" today serving as a natural remedy serving for low libido and even baldness, this medicinal herb is also great for women. The Native Americans reported used the berries to help treat certain breast disorders and the plant is also considered a great tonic for the urinary system and the thyroid gland. Saw palmetto also contains many phyto-nutrients that help stimuate breast tissue, providing btter lift and size.

Wild Yam

Wild Yam is a wildly popular natural tonic for women's health which is know to help contribute to healthy breast tissue and help lower the risk of breast cancer. This long root found in Mexico has also been found to be helpful in helping with other hormone realted problems including PMS and menopause.Wild yam is said to work very well in conjuction with Fenugreek and both can be found in many lotions and teas for breast enhancement.

Fennel

Fennel has also been used for a long time to help increase bust size. Tradtionally used by new mother to help promote lacation, Fennel is second only to Fenugreek when it comes to mimicking the effects of estrogen and encouraing the growth of breast tissue. It is also great for libido and can even help impove breathing and blood circualtion.

Skin Deep Foods for Cellulite

2011-05-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

You can diet all you want, and still that unsightly cellulite will end up rearing its ugly lump head in your trouble zones. Cellulite is a made up name to describe the collections of fat and waste that can collect just underneath the surface of the skin. It is something that affects way more men then women and its occurrence depends upon not only on your size but also your age, your genetics and even the thickness of your skin. While there are a number of so called miracle skin creams and treatments and even invasive surgeries that you can try to get rid of cellulite, there is no such thing as a silver cellulite bullet that will totally eliminate the problem.

However, there are things that you can do to help diminish its appearance.

On of the biggest contributing factors for cellulite in an impaired lymph node system. Lymph nodes are a series of small tubes that run throughout your body, They perform several vital functions including the elimination of waste and fluids. When your lymph nodes become clogged, this leads to these pockets of fat and waste to happen, Things that contribute to unhealthy lymph nodes are issues with digestion, elimination, immunity, metabolism and inflammation.

Here are some foods that can help eliminate these types of problems.

Ginger: a warming herb that stimulates the lymphatic system and digestion

Horseradish: this spicy root can also boost your metabolism

Cayenne Pepper: hot peppers can also help do the trick: if you cannot handle the heat, you can also take them in capsule form

Pineapples: Pineapples contain bromelien which is not only a great anti-inflammatory but can also stimulate you immune system.

Apples: Eating foods with lots of fiber can also help flush out wastes and clear up your lymphatic system. Apples are very high in dietary fiber. Plus they are nature's candy.

Echinacea: This herb can help give your immune system a boost and give your overworked lymph nodes a well deserved break.

Goldenseal: This popular Chinese herb is great for detoxifying and cleansing the body.

Astralagus: This is another well known immune system booster.

B12: taking a B12 supplement is great for your immune system plus it will help your skin and give you an energy boost.

Backed Up? Try using Aloe

2011-05-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

One of the growing dangers that our aging nation is facing is the compacted colon. The modern industrial age with its refined and processed foods and inadequate amounts of dietary fiber from natural sources has resulted in a nation of constipated citizens. The inability to eliminate toxins and wastes leads to not only body odor, irritable bowels, hemorrhoids but also to life threatening cancers like colon and rectal cancer. This has forced many older Americans to start taking their regularity much more seriously than they used to.

A healthy colon defined

If you have a really healthy colon, you should find yourself having regular bowel movements once or twice a day and your stools should pass easily with minimal amounts of strain. If you find yourself stopped up for more than two days at a time and needing the fortitude of an Olympic body builder in order to pass your stools, then the chances are you have a compacted colon. In order help rectify the problem, you might want to look into colon cleansing to see if this can help maintain a healthier colon.

Solutions:

Enemas are one popular form of colon cleansing that is a sure fire way to clean you out. The thing about enemas are that they tend to get complicated, uncomfortable and messy, making them an option that not everyone is willing to take.

Dietary Fiber ia another practical solution that you might want to consider. Getting more fiber in the form of supplements and pills will help encourage regularity and soften your stools. Just be prepared to take a lot of it and be willing to wait the 12 hours to see results.

Aloe to the rescue

While Enemas and dietary fiber supplements have long been a good bowel cleansing solutions, another solution that had been around for even longer is Aloe Vera Gel. While you might know this clear gel like substance as something you use strictly for skin problems, Aloe’s popularity as a bodily cleanser goes back several thousand years to the time of the Sumerians and Egyptians. The inner gel of the Aloe Vera plant is loaded with natural fibers as well as vitamins and minerals that work to regulate bowel movements and eliminate wastes. It also contains polysaccharides which can kill off harmful bacteria and even help repair any tissue damage in the bowels. Aloe Vera gel can be found in both liquid and capsule form at your local health food stores. The plant is also very easy to grow and harvest at home.

Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor

Aloe Vera Kills Those Pimples

2011-05-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Acne sucks, and aside from getting an over the counter prescription meant to literally burn those ooey, gooey, puss filled pimples away, there is really very little that you can do about it. Zits are the result of your skin becoming clogged with naturally occurring oils known as sebum. The trapped oils become a festering ground for bacteria and soon enough inflammation and an outbreak occurs. If you are a teenager, where acne goes hand in hand with awkward dancing and braces, then it would be easy to simple tell you to “buck up” and wash your face once in while. However, there are some people who end up suffering from acne outbreaks well into their 20s and even into their 30s. This is because aside from hormonal changes, others factors that contribute to pimples are genetics, diet and hygiene.

The most common over the counter treatment heaped upon the poor pimpled populace is benzoyl peroxide. This chemical compound which gets rid of acne by drying up the face is responsible for many of the billions of dollars that the multi billion dollar pharmaceutical industry makes each year. This is despite the fact that this chemical can irritate the face and your acne will most likely come back after you are done using it. Aside from this ever popular option, there are also much more expensive prescription drugs that you can opt to have and even laser surgery available for the most extreme cases.

Since these big companies generally foot the ad revenue bills for most of the mainstream media, the fact that safe and completely natural alternatives exist is generally overlooked. One great all natural treatment for acne that might be sitting on your window sill is Aloe Vera. This little green plant features many skin friendly components and has been used as a popular home remedy to treat many skin problems and injuries such as burns, scrapes, cuts and insect bites. The same soothing properties that bring relief from a sting or a bite can also be used to bring relief from the swelling and the itching that acne causes. The inner gel of the plant also contains long chain polysaccharides which are building blocks that can help repair damaged skin. On top of that, aloe contains ample amounts of the powerhouse antioxidant: Vitamin E. Vitamin E is considered by many experts to be your skins best friend. Rubbing the inner gel of the plant on your pimple will also help remove excess oil and bacteria and protect your skin from any future outbreaks.

Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor

Aloe is Easy

2011-05-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Aloe Vera plants are one of the most popular ornamental plants in the country today. Whether you go to a super market, a home improvement store or a flower shop, chances are that you are going to run into a little stands with a few potted aloe plants on it. There are two overall reasons for Aloe’s popularity as an indoor plant. The first reason is because Aloe Vera is an attractive plant that requires minimal amounts of attention. The second and most important reason is that Aloe is a popular home based folk medicine that people have been using for centuries for skin and digestive disorders.

Easy to Care for

The reason why we busy Americans like aloe is because it happens to be a very hardy plant that can go without water for a very long time and can survive severe temperature swings. The lance like leaves of the Aloe Vera plant contain a gel like substance that helps them store vast amounts of water. This gel is also rich with long chain polysaccharide sugars that help it to fight off bacterial and fungal infections if the tough outer skin happens to get punctured or damaged.

Things to watch out for

While the plant is nearly indestructible, there are a few things that you need to look out for. Since the plant originates from sub tropical Africa and is 95 percent water, frost and below zero weather it like kryptonite to it. If you live in a colder state, it is best to keep the plant indoors at a sunny window for the duration of winter. The the plant is also so great at retaining water, it is also very easy to over water an Aloe plant and rob its roots of vital oxygen. Be sure to let the roots dry out completely between watering, especially in the winter time when the plant is more dormant.

Repotting

Since the roots of the plant tend to want to spread out rather than dig deep, it is better to go wider that deeper with your replacement pot. You can mix your own soil using plenty of perlite and sand to aerate the root system or simply use a cacti potting mix. Be sure to place pebbles of varying shapes and sizes at the bottom of the pot to help ensure proper drainage.

With a little bit of care and maintenance, this nifty little plant will be giving back to for many years to come. If you happen to get a burn, scrape or cut, simply tear off a piece of the Aloe leaf and apply theinner gel to the trouble spot. It will help soothe away the pain as well as help to heal and repair the damage. You can also ingest the gel if you suffer from indigestion and constipation. It is like having a whole medicine cabinet sitting on your window sill.

Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor