Learning Meditation For Natural Health

Learning how to meditate correctly for natural health can certainly help a person to reduce their stress levels as well as help to rejuvenate both their body and soul. In fact many scientific studies now carried out have proved that by reducing our stress levels we can then help to increase the quality of the life's that we lead. In some cases it may help to prevent a person from suffering a heartache or having cancer.

Through the use of meditation a person can learn techniques which will help them to relax and learn to cope with the stresses and strains that our environment now puts upon us. However many people still consider that meditation is closely related to certain religious beliefs and this is not so.

However in order to learn the correct way to meditate a person needs to understand three certain principles associated with this. You need to learn about the way you breath, your posture and that you have the right attitude towards meditation. Below we will take a closer look at the needs for learning about these three particular principles when it comes to learning about the correct ways to meditate.

Posture

This is a very important part of any meditation session and in order for a person to learn to relax properly they need to learn about how to keep their spine straight. When the spine is straight a person will find that the circulation of blood etc., around the body is much improved to their nerves etc., which in turn results in them remaining much more alert than before.

Breathing

Also a crucial element when learning how to meditate. It is important that any one who is taking up meditation learns how to take slow even breaths which comes through down in their diaphragm. Although it takes some practice once achieved a person will find that they are soon able to relax more quickly.

Attitude

In order to feel the full benefits when it comes to learning how to meditate correctly you need to have a the correct and positive attitude. This means that you will need to clear your mind of everything except for learning on how to concentrate your mind so that your body becomes relaxed. In the beginning you may well find that your mind will wander and you start to worry about daily issues or you may even find yourself starting to day dream instead. When this occurs then you need to start learning how to refocus your mind back on to your meditation.

Photo: http://www.holisticmindz1.com/

Another Controversial Natural Health: Ginseng

Ginseng is a plump rooted herb, inhabitant to well shattered, breezy, sheltered hardwood forests. This natural health herb does not grow in full daylight, so the ordinary place to plant it is in hardwood forests, where the trees give the needed shade. Ginseng is a perennial sow, but unlike other perennials, lies latent some years and does not grow new tops every year. The root does not pass away, but lies dormant until the next year. Ginseng is one of the most required after herbs on the market. The prospect for growing ginseng looks shows potential for many years as more and more is being used at the present in the United States in adding to the Orient. All Health Food supplies, medicine stores, and even the small gas stations now trade it in capsules, powdered, etc. The demand keeps going up every time.

Ginseng refers to species within Panax, a genus of 11 species of slow-growing perennial plants among fleshy roots, in the family Araliaceae. Natural health roots grow up in the Northern Hemisphere in eastern Asia (frequently northern China, Korea, and eastern Siberia), naturally in cooler climates; Panax vietnamensis, revealed in Vietnam, is the southernmost ginseng found.

Both American and Panax (Asian) ginseng rhizomes are taken orally as adaptogens, aphrodisiacs, healthful stimulants, and in the healing of type II diabetes, including sexual dysfunction in men. The rhizome is most regularly accessible in dried form, either in whole or sliced form. Ginseng leaf, although not as greatly prized, is at times also used; as with the rhizome it is most often available in dried appearance.

As with herbalism in common, ginseng's medical usefulness remains controversial. It has been complicated to confirm the medicinal benefits of ginseng using contemporary science, as there are paradoxical results from dissimilar studies, probably due to the broad variety and excellence of this natural health root used in studies. An additional issue is the profit latent of corporate research since ginseng cannot be unproved. As an outcome, high-quality studies of the effects of ginseng are odd. By the way, one of the improved studies relating ginseng essentially uses a proprietary ginseng extract.

There are references in the literature, including apparently authoritative compendiums that emerge to show relations with ginseng. Herbalist Jonathan Treasure of the United States National Institute of Mental Health traces the growth of half truths on an alleged undesirable herb-drug interaction between the monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer). This initially was mentioned in a 1985 editorial by Shader and Greenblatt in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. Shader and Greenblatt committed a couple of lines to the case of 64 year-old woman who took an undisclosed quantity for an private time of a dietary supplement product called “Natrol High” while concurrently taking phenelzine 60 mg qd. She experienced symptoms of “insomnia, headache, and tremulousness”. Treasure called Natrol by email and discovered within ten minutes that there was no Panax ginseng in the formula, but instead eleutherococcus which was then called by the trendy name "Siberian ginseng" and it was prearranged in a subclinical dosage mixed with a diversity of other herbs. The professed interaction effects are well-known side effects of phenelzine alone, which had been known in a high dosage and are not at all indicative of eleutherococcus. However this deceived article with a misidentified herb has been picked up in literature explorations, megastudies and is now acknowledged by conventional medical authorities such as Stockley’s, and is repeated in several botanical monographs e.g. World Health Organization (WHO 1999).

Notice: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly make conform herbs and supplements. There is no warranty of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may differ. You should constantly read product labels. If you have a medical circumstance, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should tell to a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider instantly if you experience side effects.

Photo: http://www.wpr.org/

Garlic: The Death of Natural Health Onion?

Small, white, and slight ‘hot’. That’s garlic. Allium sativum L., Latin name of garlic, is a species in the onion family Alliaceae. Their close families include the onion, shallot, and leek. Garlic has been used during recorded history for both culinary and medicinal functions. It has a distinctive bitter, 'hot', flavor that smoothes and sweetens considerably with cuisine

A rhizome of garlic, the most generally used plant element, is separated into frequent discrete fleshy sectors called cloves which are used for eating or for cooking and remedial purposes. The leaves, stems (scape) and flowers (bulbils) on the head (spathe) are also suitable for eating and most regularly consumed while young and still tender. The papery, protective layers of 'skin' over a variety of parts of the plant and the roots emotionally involved to the bulb are the only parts not measured edible.

Allium sativum produces in the untamed in areas where it has become grew wild; it perhaps moved down from the species Allium longicuspis, which grows wild in south-western Asia. The 'wild garlic', 'crow garlic' and 'field garlic' of Britain are the species Allium ursinum, Allium vineale and Aleum oleraceum, correspondingly. In North America, 'Allium vineale, identified as 'wild-' or 'crow garlic', and Allium candadensis, recognized as 'meadow-' or 'wild garlic', are ordinary weeds in fields.

Garlic is extensively used around the world for its pungent flavor, as a flavor or condiment. Depending on the shape of cookery, the flavor is either mellow or intense. It is habitually matching with onion, tomato, or ginger. The parchment-like membrane is much like the skin of an onion, and is normally uninvolved before using in rare or cooked appearance. An option is to slash the crown off the bulb, coat cloves of that natural health stuff by dribbling olive oil (or other oil based seasoning) above them and cook them in the oven. The garlic softens and can be extracted from the cloves by pressing the (root) end of the bulb or separately by pressing one end of the clove.

Young scapes are gentle and edible. They are also acknowledged as 'garlic spears', 'stems', or 'tops'. Scapes normally have a milder flavor than cloves. They are habitually used in stir frying or arranged like asparagus. This wonderful natural health onion leaves are a popular vegetable in various parts of Asia, particularly Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Indonesia and Korean cuisines. The leaves are cut, hygienic and then stir-fried with eggs, meat, or vegetables. Garlic is crucial to numerous Mediterranean dishes. Combination garlic with eggs and olive oil creates aioli ("garlic and oil" in Provençal). The Spanish variation does not use eggs. Garlic, oil, and a chunky base make skordalia (from the Greek and Italian names of garlic). Blending garlic, almond, oil and soaked bread produces ajoblanco (ajo blanco is Spanish for "white garlic").

Medicinal use and natural health benefits: Myth?

Garlic has been used as both cooking and remedy in numerous cultures for thousands of years, dating as far back as the time that the Egyptian pyramids were made. Garlic is declared to aid prevent heart disease plus atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer. But Allium sativum does not possess, as many people think it does, cancer-fighting properties due to the presence of allylic sulfur compounds such as diallyl disulfide (DADs), supposed not to be an anticarcinogen.

Animal studies, and some early tentative studies in bacteria, have recommended promising cardiovascular disadvantages of garlic. A Czech study found garlic supplementation improved accumulation of cholesterol on vascular walls of animals. Another study had related outcome, with garlic supplementation radically rising the amounts of placque in the aortas of cholesterol-fed rabbits. In a different study proved that supplementation with garlic extract enlarged vascular calcification in human patients with high blood cholesterol. Nevertheless, a NIH-funded randomized clinical trial published in Archives of Internal Medicine in 2007 found that eating of garlic, in any form, did not decrease cholesterol levels in patients with fairly high baseline stages.

However, in 1858, Louis Pasteur observed garlic's antibacterial activity, and it was used as an antiseptic to avert gangrene throughout World War I and World War II. In contemporary naturopathy, garlic is used as a healing for intestinal worms and other intestinal parasites, both orally and as an anal suppository. Garlic cloves are used as a medicine for infections (especially chest problems), digestive disorders, and fungal infections such as thrush. When crushed, Allium sativum yields allicin, a powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal composite (phytoncide). It also holds alliin, ajoene, enzymes, vitamin B, minerals, and flavonoids.

Generally, I think that this white tiny onion regarded natural healthiness herb still has to be used on a doctor requirement.

Source: http://www.wikipedia.org

Photo: http://www.garlicbreakthrough.com

Apples Health Benefits For Natural Health

I believe that everybody loves apple. In entire of the World, apple can be met in every regions and countries. This beautiful fruit is the promiscuous crop of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the rose family Rosaceae. It is one of the most widely sophisticated tree fruits. The tree is tiny and deciduous, getting 5-12 m tall, with a large, frequently closely twiggy crown.

The leaves are alternately approved simple ovals 5-12 cm long and 3-6 cm broad on a 2-5 cm petiole with an acute tip, notched margin and a somewhat velvety bottom. Flowers are formed in spring concurrent with the promising of the leaves. The flowers are white with a pink dash that steadily fades five petaled, 2.5-3.5 cm in width. This natural health fruit matures in autumn, and is naturally 5-9 cm diameter. The centre of the fruit contains five carpels prearranged in a five-point star, each carpel containing one to three seeds.

The undomesticated forebear of Malus domestica is Malus sieversii. It has no frequent name in English, but is identified in Kazakhstan, where it is local, as 'alma'; in reality, the region where it is consideration to invent is called Alma-Ata, or 'father of the apples'. This tree is still found wild in the mountains of Central Asia in southern Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Xinjiang, China.

There are more than 7,500 recognized cultivars of apples. Dissimilar cultivars are presented for moderate and subtropical climates. Supposedly the world's biggest compilation of apple cultivars is housed at the National Fruit Collection in England. This natural health fruit does not blossom in tropical climates because they have a chilling condition.

Commercially trendy apple cultivars are soft but crunchy. Other most wanted qualities in modern profitable apple reproduction are a multihued skin, lack of russeting, easiness of distribution, extensive storage capability, high yields, disease struggle, distinctive "Red Delicious" apple form, long twig (to tolerate pesticides to penetrate the crown of the fruit), and well-liked flavor.

Even though most cultivars are breed for consumption fresh (dessert apples), some are cultivated exclusively for cookery (cooking apples) or producing cider. Cider apples are naturally too sharp-tasting and severe to consume fresh, but they provide the brew a rich flavor that dessert apples cannot.

Like most persistent fruits, apples usually spread asexually by grafting. Plantlet apples are dissimilar from their parents, sometimes drastically. Most new apple cultivars create as seedlings, which either occur by likelihood or are bred by intentionally crossing cultivars with talented character. The vocabulary 'seedling', 'pippin', and 'kernel' in the name of an apple cultivar recommend that this natural health fruit originated as a seedling. Apples preserve also form bud sports (mutations on a single branch). Some bud sports churn out to be enhanced strains of the parent cultivar. Some vary adequately from the parent tree to be considered new cultivars.

Food and Health profits For Natural Health
Diverse cultivars of apples have a separate different flavor, and this can be divided into two separate aspects of flavour and texture. Apples are a vital ingredient in numerous winter desserts, for example apple pie, apple crumble, apple crisp and apple cake. They are habitually eaten baked or stewed, and they can also be desiccated and eaten or re-constituted (soaked in water, alcohol or some other liquid) for later utilize. Puréed apples are commonly acknowledged as apple sauce. Apples are also made into apple butter and apple jelly. They are also applied cooked in beef dishware.

In other side, research recommends that apples may decrease the possibility of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Like numerous fruits, this natural health fruit holds Vitamin C as well as a host of other antioxidant compounds, which may reduce the risk of cancer by avoiding DNA dent. The fiber content, while less than in mainly other fruits, assists normalize bowel activities and may thus reduce the risk of colon cancer. They could also aid with heart disease, weight loss and controlling cholesterol, as they do not contain any cholesterol, have fibre (which diminishes cholesterol by preventing reabsorption), and are bulky for their caloric content like most this natural health fruits and vegetables.

A cluster of chemicals in apples might defend the brain from the type of harm that starts such neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism. Chang Y. 'Cy' Lee of the Cornell University found that the natural health fruit phenolics, which are obviously happening antioxidants originated in fresh apples, preserve protect nerve cells from neurotoxicity encouraged by oxidative stress. The researchers used red tasty apples from New York State to offer the extracts to study the effects of phytochemicals. Lee believed that all apples are high in the serious phytonutrients and that the sum of phenolic composites in the apple flesh and in the skin differ from year to year, season to season and from rising region to rising region (November/December 2004 issue of the Journal of Food Science). The main phenolic phytochemicals in apples are quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 (PMID 14558772). Apple consumption preserve aids eradicate trapped food and hygienic between the teeth, but the malic acid enclosed inside this natural health fruit is also accomplished of corroding tooth enamel over time, and during excess eating.

So, jus eat one apple for a day, and you’ll get healthy benefits. It’s a simple way to keep your body from diseases and to prevent from degeneration process that can raise risk of heart attack and other degeneration diseases.

Source and photo: http://www.wikipedia.org

Natural Health Lifestyle: Laughter May Be The Best Medicine

Humor - one of the best of natural health lifestyle - has always been an expression of the freedom of the human spirit; the ability to stand outside of life’s flow and view the whole scene—the incongruities, the tragedies outside of our control, the unexpected. I am personally convinced that humor is a part of our lives that is becoming more and more important. If we cannot see the humor in the changing, serious world around us, we are doomed to internalize it and that can bedamaging to us mentally as well as physically.
Here are some results of research into the relationship between stress, work and wellness.

• Forty five percent of a sample of coronary patients spent more than 60 hours per week on their job.
• Job stress has been associated with high cholesterol levels, increased heart rate and increased smoking.
• Blood pressure was higher among employees who said they "did not understand" what was expected of them.
• "Responsibility for people" on a job is more likely to lead to heart disease than having responsibility for things.
• Executives who are poor delegators have 8 times as many ulcers as good delegators.
• White-collar workers reporting job dissatisfaction are 5 times as likely to use tranquilizers.
• High stress occupations have suicide rates 2-6 times higher then the general population.

Many of these statistics are sobering at best. Yet with the present recession, the current trend toward company downsizing and the rising costs of doing business, what can theaverage Joe or Jane Employee do? One solution may be to "lighten" up your work environment. That doesn’t mean taking your job less seriously; jobs are very serious right now. The idea is to take yourself less seriously. Don’t be afraid to let yourself laugh a little every day. It will improve yourface value.

Interestingly enough, when a comedian uses humor you ask "Is it funny?" When you use humor in the business world, you ask, "Does it work?" There is growing recognition today that something as seemingly frivolous as this natural health lifestyle can actually promote productivity and cohesion within an organization. Many companies are beginning to take a serious interest in humor as it is used in speeches, training, employee relations, and managing stress. The value of humor also reaches into the boardroom. Executives who incorporate a sense of humor into their management styles find that it pays off in increased employee morale, decreased employee absenteeism, higher employee productivity and improvedcommunication within the organization as a whole.The role of humor as a stress reducer cannot be overestimated given today's climate of corporate calamity. Stress interferes with your objectivity and clouds your business judgment. Humor, used judiciously, can help you maintain the perspective necessary for successful decision-making and problem solving. Humor can be taught and workplacehealth is likely to improve as a result.

The positive emotions such as hope, faith, love and laughter have a direct effect on your health. Laughter is not only good medicine, it is also good business. Because laughter and play have been shown to relax tense individuals, this natural health lifestyle may be the ultimate weaponfor combating stress and preventing burnout.Laughing seems to work in relieving stress and even physical pain. Stress experts believelaughter does so by:

1. Distracting attention
2. Reducing tension
3. Changing expectations
4. And increasing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers

Laughter also produces physiological effects, which, in total, act as an internal organ massage. When the spasm of laughter subsides, the pulse rate drops below normal and the muscles relax deeply. The effect can last as long as 45 minutes.

Here are some quotes about various aspects of daily living that might give you a chuckle:

Stress

"The secret of living with frustration and worry is to avoid becoming personally involved with your own life."
Ziggy

"Relax…otherwise you might die all tensed up."
Unknown

Work

"How would you like a job where if you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and 18,000 people boo?"
Jaques Plante, former hockey goalie

"My father taught me to work, but not to love it. I never did like to work, and I don’t deny it. I’d rather read, tell stories, crack jokes, talk, laugh…anything but work."
Abraham Lincoln

"To love what you do, and to feel that it matters…how could anything be more fun?"
Katherine Graham, newspaper publisher

Goals

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals."
Unknown

"Don’t wait for your ship to come in, swim out to it."
Unknown

"The greatest of all mistakes is to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can."
Sydney Smith

Health

"This is serious, some things suppose to last the rest of my life are already wearing out."
Ashleigh Brilliant

"To avoid delay, please have all of your symptoms ready."
Notice in an English doctor’s waiting room

Laughter

"You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humor in something, you can survive it."
Bill Cosby

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two individuals."
Victor Borge

The most helpful humor involves the good-natured contemplation of life’s ups and downs. Good humor is related to a healthy self esteem, especially one’s ability to laugh at him or herself.

"When people have the ability to laugh at themselves, they start to develop a different attitude. They stop believing that life owes them certain things. They know that they have to work for what they get. They become more effective in life. It’s a kind of paradox. Until they can really accept their shortcomings, they can’t go out and do what they are capable of doing." (Dr. Frank Prevost, Psychotherapist, Western University)

Humor is important, but always remember the following tips when using this natural health lifestyle withothers:

1. Adopt an attitude of playfulness
2. See the funny side or the flip side of every situation.
3. Learn to take yourself lightly, to laugh at yourself.
4. Laugh with others for what they do, NOT what they are.
5. The key to successfully using humor is "laughing with," never "laughing at."
6. Be sensitive to the right time, the right place and the right amount.
7. Know your audience and be appropriate.
8. Consider age, level of education, values and culture. Remember, it is embarrassing tobe the one not to get the joke!

Bear in mind, in this negative world we live in, don't leave the positives to chance! Build humor into your daily work environment and reap the benefits!

Correct attribution for this article is:

Cheryl Nason, BS, MEd.
Author, Speaker and Trainer http://thepurplebrain.com

Photo: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com

Natural Health Fruit: Health Benefits Of Coconut

Coconut cream / milk

Coconut cream is widely used in curries, desserts and cakes. That's because it enhances the aroma and tastes of the dishes and can be obtained easily and cheaply. It has a thick, paste-like consistency and when diluted, it is called coconut milk.

However, people avoid coconut cream because of its high fat content. Especially those who want to lose weight. But do you know that it is good saturated fat which can be easily metabolised or turn into energy fast? That means it does not cause blockages in our arteries. I'm not suggesting you to indulge in this natural health cream, but rather than avoid it altogether, it is alright to eat in moderation. The principle fatty acid in coconut milk is lauric acid, which is the same fat found in abundance in mother's milk. When converted to monolaurin, it boosts your immune system and protects your body against many viruses, including hepatitis C, herpes and even HIV!

It also promotes normal brain development and contribute to healthy bones. It also has important anti-carcinogenic and anti-pathogenic properties which helps to prevent cancer. More importantly, coconut cream is less likely to cause weight gain than polyunsaturated oils. Never know coconut cream can be so good right? Canned or packaged coconut cream is available in supermarkets. It must be refrigerated once opened and does not last more than a week. Also, do not freeze coconut milk as this causes it to curdle when you next use it in cooking. Try different brands of canned coconut milk to find the one to your liking. Those with thick cream floating on top of the can with the watery milk below it are proofs that they are not artificially homogenized.

Virgin Coconut oil

Extracted from fresh coconut milk and meat, virgin coconut oil has such an aromatic and flavourful taste that it is used in many Just like coconut cream, this natural health oil reduces bad cholesterol unlike polyunsaturated vegetable oils such as canola, sunflower and safflower oils. It contains least calorie count among the category of monosaturated oils. You ladies out there got to know this ! Surprise, surprise ! Coconut oil does speed up metabolism and aids you in shedding off the excess fats !

People of traditional cultures, such as the South Pacific Islands and the Philippines where coconut and palm oils are plentiful, suffer lower rates of obesity and health problems. Look at our society today - we pile high on our plates food equally high in carbohydrates and polyunsaturated oils which increase our risk of heart diseases and diabetes. Yet we complain about our weight and poor health. It's a shame !

However, coconut oil is different from other animal oil. Studies have found that it aids in lowering blood pressure and regulate thyroid dysfunction. Unlike refined oils, this natural health oil does not turn rancid easily and become toxic to our bodies. If you have damaged hair, try using coconut oil on your hair and scalp. It has been proven to be a more effective treatment for damaged hair than mineral oil and sunflower oil. That's because coconut oil is the only oil among the three which effectively reduces protein loss in hair.

Virgin coconut oil is an excellent beauty care product too. Here are some benefits :

1. it penetrates and moisturises the skin
2. minimise damage from sun exposure that causes sagging, wrinkling and blemishes
3. removes dead skin cells, producing an even texture and glow 4) heals damaged or diseased skin

Sometimes, wonderful remedies can be within your reach and in abundance, only if you look hard enough. In this case, it is the Coconut.

Author: Laura Ng

An Overview Of Herbal Remedies For Natural Health by: TotalHerbal Staff

Herbal remedies for natural health are those remedies created from plants and from plant extracts. The recipes for these remedies are past on through tradition and folklore. As such, the practice of using herbal remedies for healing purposes is an ancient one that has been used on all seven of the continents. In fact, some herbal remedy recipes have been depicted in cave paintings that date back as far as 13,000 to 25,000 BC.

Today, the same herbal remedies that have been uses for hundreds or even thousands of years are still in use. According to anthropologists, these remedies have been improved over time through the process of trial and error. As the knowledge surrounding herbs and their uses has grown, so has the practice of using herbal remedies for their healing power. Even herbs for natural health commonly used to season our foods have specific healing powers. Garlic, for example, is known by herbalists for its ability to lower cholesterol, to reduce blood pressure, to reduce platelet aggression, and to provide antibacterial properties.

There are three basic forms of herbalism that are followed by most practitioners in the United States. These include:

• Western herbal medicine based on Roman and Greek herbalism
• The practice of Ayurvedic from India
• Chinese medicine, referred to as Chinese herbology

Each of these forms of herbal medicine for natural health has an ancient history with millions of loyal followers. In addition, the practice of Ayurvedic remains an important practice in India, with the President of the country even having his own personal Ayurvedic physicians. The same holds true of Chinese medicine, which is still practice by many doctors within the country.

Although each herb used in herbal medicine has its own unique properties, most herbal remedies involve mixing more than one herb together. This helps improve the flavor of the concoction while also improving its potency. One popular mixed herbal remedy is mint leaf, eucalyptus, and juniper berry, which is mixed together to help fend off colds.

When mixing together an herbal remedy, it is best to use dried herbs because most herbal remedies are based on the effects of herbs in this state. Since some the chemical structure of some herbs actually changes when dried, you may not experience the same effect if you use fresh herbs.

There are a couple different ways to ingest herbal remedies. Tea is a popular method for natural health, which involves seeping the herbs in hot water for about five minutes before drinking the tea. You may also choose to mix the herbs into your food or to take them in capsule form. For some herbs, the best method of use may be to obtain the essential oils of the plant and use it for aromatherapy purposes. Herbal remedies have been in use for thousands of years. And, since they continue to prove themselves effective to those that use them, you can expect them to be around for years to come.

Find out more about herbal remedies at www.totalherbal.com.

Author: TotalHerbal Staff

The Real Facts About High Fiber Foods

There are so many benefits of a high fiber diet that one wonders why it took so long to realize it. It provides total body support, from cleansing, detoxifying and decreasing the risk of deadly diseases. As a matter of fact, a high fiber diet promotes healthy cholesterol levels. When the wrong type of cholesterol accumulates in your blood and arteries, it can block the flow of blood to your heart and the result can be life-threatening. However, the remedy is not to banish all cholesterol, but to encourage the good cholesterol and limit the bad to maintain good heart health.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance made predominantly by the liver. It forms a part of every cell wall. That is why it is impossible to live without it. Cholesterol also creates bile salts, as well as sex and adrenal hormones. It helps the body to make vitamin D, which helps the nervous system to perform its function. But, when too much low-density lipoprotein or LDL (bad) cholesterol enters the bloodstream, it is deposited on artery walls and interferes with the blood flow. This leads to the oxidization of the arterial plaques of LDL, which can rupture and set off a clotting reaction that prevents the heart muscle from receiving the nutrients it needs to survive. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein or HDL (good) cholesterol helps keep arteries clear. According to the National Institutes of Health, your LDL cholesterol level should be below 130 mg/DL, and your HDL level above 40 mg/DL.

This is where a high fiber diet can do magic. It helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Unicity International, a global health and wellness company conducted a study and found that supplements of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber boosted HDL and lowered LDL. “The remarkable observation is that this works on two sides,” says Unicity Chief Science Officer Peter J. Verdegem, PhD. “It decreased LDL and increased HDL by significant amounts at 90 days. This approach is virtually free of side effects. When it is in the intestines, fiber decreases re-absorption of cholesterol from a meal.”

Another study focusing on more than 150 Hispanic men and women revealed that consuming soluble fiber resulted in a significant decrease in LDL levels by speeding the elimination of waste from the intestines. It also prevents bile from reentering the body.

How Much Fiber Do You Need

Most experts recommend 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day. Unfortunately, majority of Americans take hardly 10 to 15 daily grams. In some countries people take in 100 grams of fiber every day; they have very low incidence of heart diseases.

Fiber is found in vegetarian foods. In contrast, meat and other animal products are devoid of fiber. Refined foods like cakes and cookies made from white flour have had their fiber removed.

Fiber is indigestible with no fattening calories. It was considered of no consequence because it consists of carbohydrates impervious to the digestive enzymes in the gut. That explains why it was ignored for so long. However, now we know that fiber nourishes the immune-boosting, friendly bacteria that line the digestive tract.

Fiber is divided into two types: soluble and insoluble. Both of them produce different health benefits. Soluble fiber exits the stomach slowly, and takes the toxins with it through the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber sweeps toxins off the walls of the intestines. You need to consume a balance of soluble and insoluble.

Author: Brandon H. Masters

Reduce Your Cholesterol With Natural Vitamins

Because of the great efforts of the American Heart Association and other similar organizations, we have gained a lot of knowledge on cholesterol and its effects on our health. We know that high cholesterol levels increase our risk for heart attacks and strokes. We also know that lowering our cholesterol levels will reduce this risk and keep our hearts and blood vessels healthy. Additionally, we know that diet, weight loss, and exercise can help us lower our cholesterol levels. Prescription drugs that lower cholesterol have recently become available and advertised by pharmaceutical companies. However, these medications have some serious side effects including myopathy, reduction in CoQ10 levels, which can lead to heart disease, and rhabdomyaolysis, a rare, but fatal condition. Fortunately, there is a safe alternative to these prescription medications, pantethine and plant sterols, which are also known as phytosterols, are nature’s solution to high cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol, a soft, waxy, fat-like substance, is found in every cell of the body. It is needed to help digest fats, strengthen cell membranes, insulate nerves, and make hormones. Made primarily by the liver, our body makes all the cholesterol that we actually need, but we also get additional cholesterol from the foods that we eat. The highest sources of cholesterol are egg yolks and organ meats including liver and kidney. Peanut butter, avocado, and all other plant-derived foods contain no cholesterol. However, all foods from animal sources do contain cholesterol. Even though cholesterol is responsible for many important functions in the body, too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can be very dangerous. Once blood cholesterol has reached high levels, it builds up on artery walls, and therefore increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Because the heart is a muscle, it needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. The bloodstream, which transports these nutrients to the heart through coronary arteries, cannot transport the oxygen if the arteries become narrowed or clogged by cholesterol and fat deposits. Depending on the severity, this can result in coronary heart disease, angina, or heart attack.

Because cholesterol and other fats can’t dissolve in the blood, they can’t travel on their own. Instead, they are transported to and from cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. There are two major lipoproteins: low density lipoproteins (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, and high density lipoproteins (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. LDLs cause atherosclerosis because they clog up our arteries with the continual buildup of fat. On the other hand, HDL prevents fat buildup by carrying it away from the arteries to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated.

Triglycerides, which are fats used as fuel by the body, can make the blood more sluggish and less capable of transporting oxygen when in high amounts. There are many medications prescribed by physicians for people with elevated triglyceride levels. Some of the most effective, and most harmful, are the statins. The all-natural combination of pantethine and plant sterols can safely lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol.

Pantethine, which is a form of pantothenic acid that is found in liver, salmon, and yeast, is known for its ability to lower cholesterol by blocking its production. The production of cholesterol in the human body is a very complex process, involving many biochemical reactions and enzyme activity. Pantethine inhibits several of these enzymes, blocking the activity of those coenzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis by about 50%. To compensate for the lowered cholesterol production, the liver pulls LDL out of the bloodstream, resulting in a lower total cholesterol level.

Plant sterols, which are the fats of plants, are found in nuts, vegetable oils, corn, and rice. They are structurally very similar to cholesterol and are therefore able to act as a stand in for cholesterol and block its absorption, causing it to be eventually excreted. If we eat enough plant sterols, the amount of cholesterol transported from the intestinal tract to the liver is greatly reduced. And, just like pantethine’s effect on the liver, this cholesterol reduction causes the liver to pull LDL cholesterol out of the blood, which reduces both total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Because the plant sterol and pantethine found in food just aren’t enough to have much of an effect on our health, we need to take a concentrated combination of pantethine and plant sterols in just the right ratio. Plant sterols, which are bound in fibers in the plants, can not be adequately consumed even if we ate lots of raw fruits and vegetables. There are also several forms of plant sterols, with some ratios of these plant sterols being more beneficial than others. While pantethine is found in several food sources, it is hard to get beneficial amounts from our food. Manufacturers of high quality nutritional supplements offer pantethine and plant sterols in the most beneficial ratio, proven by research. The best results are found when taking a combination of 400 mg of plant sterols and 200 mg of pantethine three times a day. Recent studies have shown that lowering cholesterol in people without heart disease can greatly reduce their risk for ever developing CHD, along with heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This is also true for those with high cholesterol levels and for those with average cholesterol levels. Most physicians would never consider prescribing statin drugs to people without actual heart disease or high cholesterol levels because of the many health risks of the drugs. However, the combination of pantethine and plant sterols are very effective in helping those people with heart disease, high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, as well as those just wanting the extra health insurance for their hearts. Pantethine and plant sterols are both very safe. Although some people may experience a mild upset stomach when first taking pantethine, taking the combination of pantethine and plant sterols with meals can usually solve this problem. Pantethine and plant sterols are available at your local or internet vitamin store.

Author: Darrell Miller

Omega 3 Microencapsulation – Not In My Orange Juice - The Newest Development To Cash In

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author: Lois Smithers

Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care

Our skin is of vital importance to our health. Our skin is responsible for providing protection from environment, providing us with an emotional sense of boundary, creating sensual awareness to communication with the "outside" world e.g. feeling pleasure or pain signals that are vital to our survival and well being.. How our skin feels physically often determines the way we feel emotionally.

Our skin is one way that we communicate information about ourselves to others. We blush, turn pale, signal "worry" or "stress"with wrinkles in our forehead or around our eyes and mouth. Our skin often is used by others to form an impression of our age, how much we are indoors or outdoors and our activity, through scars, wrinkles, colors, and texture of our skin. Our skin is a signal to ourselves and others about our overall health internally, externally, physically and emotionally. "How do I look?" i.e. "What are others seeing and, perhaps, thinking about me?", is a question about the appearance of our skin. This information comes from the tone, texture, firmness, and aroma of our skin.

Our skin is one of the largest "organs" of our body composing about 10% of our body weight. Our skin entirely replaces it's surface about every 60 to 90 days. Our skin eliminates waste, toxins, sends signals to our internal bodies, and actually breathes. Disturbances in our skin, e.g. eruptions, dryness, oil, rash, "age spots" wrinkles, blotches, etc are often an indication of our internal health..

Many of us have used synthetic prescription drugs, lotions, or creams, to care for our skin. Often these synthetic substances are accompanied by undesired and sometimes harmful "side effects". Our bodies are designed by nature to absorb and use substances that are natural. When an "unnatural", i.e. synthetic substance, is introduced into or on our body, it "interprets" that synthetic, unnatural substance as "foreign"or as an "invader".Our body protects itself either through the production of antibodies from our immune system or does not absorb these synthetic substances.

In contrast, our body readily recognizes, absorbs and uses natural substances as the appropriate material to use to build, repair and sustain itself. Our skin operates in the same way as the rest of our body in terms of what it will or will not absorb and use. Natural substances are recognized by our skin, internally and externally, as "welcome" ingredients for use in building, repairing, and sustaining itself.

There are many natural anti-aging skin care products we can use topically on the outer surface of our skin. All natural anti-aging skin care products contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and aromas from nature that our skin readily recognizes as appropriate for use. All natural lotions and ointments, help our skin to maintain it's healthy tone, texture, elasticity, aroma and to repair injury, discard waste, breathe properly, sense appropriately, release used skin cells, build new skin cells, protect us, and improve our appearance.. These all natural products contain amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, herbs, enzymes, aromatherapy oils, and other natural substances that support our skin health.

Remember that the most important factor in the health of our skin is our internal physical health. An important aspect of anti-aging skin care is healthy digestion and elimination. Our intestinal system is responsible for absorbing food, nutrients, and water and for eliminating waste and toxins from our bodies. When our intestinal digestive system is overwhelmed, it places an extra burden on our skin to increase it's waste disposal function. When our skin's waste disposal function becomes overwhelmed, we develop skin disorders. This is particularly true when we are tying to digest processed foods, dairy products, or other foods lacking fiber. Food becomes putrefied and toxic because it cannot be processed or eliminated properly. Our skin then attempts to remove these toxins. Pores may become clogged, inflamed, discolored, dry, or oily. If we want healthy anti-aging skin, we need to keep our intestinal digestive system functioning properly. We can help our digestive system with all natural enzymes, essential fatty acids, probiotics and fiber.

Digestive enzymes reduce large food particles so that the body can absorb nutrients and the entire body, skin included, benefits. Discolored skin, wrinkles, or blemishes, can be signs of enzyme deficiency and the loss of collagen that accompanies it. Digestive enzymes reduce free radical damage, help us remove toxins and maintain a healthy balance of beneficial intestinal microflora. Probiotics provide and maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora, vital to our intestinal digestive health and, in turn, the health of our skin. Beneficial flora promotes the health bacteria we need and destroys harmful bacteria that can lead to illness and infection. Unfortunately, synthetic prescription antibiotics destroy the good bacteria along with the harmful bacteria. Probiotics help restore the healthy microflora and bacteria after synthetic antibiotic use. Probiotics also help the skin to have healthy bacteria it needs and eliminate the growth of harmful bacteria.

All natural vitamins such as Vitamins A, C, and E are essential for anti-aging skin care. Vitamin A is needed for skin cell growth and renewal. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, provides nourishment for the fat layer under the skin. Vitamin A deficiency results in dry, rough skin, eruptions, wrinkles, poor texture and tone. Vitamin C helps repair skin by building collagen and fighting infection. Vitamin C deficiency is connected to aging and ultra violet ray damage. Vitamin E also protects our skin from UV damage, reduces free radicals on our skin surface, and helps prevent the peroxidation of fats which results in skin cell damage.

All natural herbs improve complexion, help remove heat, toxins and swelling from our skin. Herbs can help lighten skin and maintain natural skin moisture..Herbs help prevent scar formation and facilitate new healthy skin growth.

Amino Acids fight harmful bacteria and viruses. Amino acids help carry vital oxygen throughout the body helping our skin breathe. Amino acids are part of facilitating enzyme efficiency and hormonal balance which is a major aspect of anti-aging skin care. Amino acids help stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the tissue that determines skin firmness. By increasing the production of collagen, amino acids can help our skin retain it's firmness, therefore reducing lines and wrinkles.

Essential fatty acids, EFAs, help our skin to become softer, smoother, and retain proper moisture content. Essential fatty acids have a very beneficial effect an the synthesis of prostaglandin hormones in our skin cells. Omega 3, an essential fatty acid, greatly benefits skin texture and may also help prevent the development of skin cancer and aging of our skin.

Our bodies produce Hyaluronic acid which is found to be abundant in young skin. The affects of aging and environment gradually reduces the amount of hyaluronic acid our bodies produce and maintain. Hyaluronic acid is important for our body's connective tissue, especially in our skin. Hyaluronic acid also helps to cushion, lubricate and provide needed flexibility for our skin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is becoming well known for it's anti-aging effects and is a potent antioxidant that combats skin damage and helps repair past skin damage. Alpha lipoic acid provides great free radical defense especially when combined with other anti-aging antioxidants.Alpha lipoic acid is soluble in both oil and water. Alpha lipoic acid enhances the benefits of vitamins C and E and Coenzyme Q 10.

Coenzyme Q 10 helps decrease cellular oxidation in skin that accompanies aging. CoQ10 enters the layers of the epidermis and reduces the level of oxidation.. CoQ10 helps protect against UV light. CoQ10 activates phosphotyrosine kinases which prevents oxidation damage. CoQ10 is a very important natural nutrient for anti-aging skin care.

Our natural skin requires natural anti-aging skin care. Many all natural anti-aging skin care nutrients are available for us. They include amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, anti-aging antioxidants and anti-aging skin care formulas. We can help our skin externally through the use of topical all natural lotions, ointments, creams and solutions. We can keep our skin healthy internally through the use of all natural supplements, vitamins and formulas. Our skin keeps our internal system in place and protects our internal structure. Our skin provides valuable information about our overall health. Our skin is important not only for our appearance, but more vitally, for our complete well being.

Author: Jennifer Kays

Apt to the Body, Apt to the Purse: the Affordable Herbal Snoring Remedy

Curing or remedying the sleep disorder snoring by way of herbs is very common to numerous countries all over the world. Mostly because herbs, contrasting prescribe medicines, are apparently more holistic to the human body. Herbal medicines not only reduce snoring, it also relieves the snorer his or her pocket.

Snoring is principally a widespread predicament of more or less every person in the world; even those who snore once in a while are bothered by it. The process of breathing through the mouth generates a sound that is not only disturbing but also quite shameful.

Herbal medicines not only lessen one’s snoring, it will also develop regular night-time breathing and develop the air passages. But if you are taking medical prescription on a regular basis, it would be unwise to shift herbal medication abruptly. It is best that you seek advice from your physician before shifting to herbal medication.

Now we shift our concentration to herbal treatment. Herbal medications help normalize the immune system and adjust the imbalance in your system. Furthermore, it also strengthens your energy as well as improves one’s wellbeing. And, is free from all forms of side-effects.

However, you must bear in mind that when you use herbal medication as your treatment it will depend in accordance with the symptom that you experience. The reason for that is because each and every herbal medication is from several different sources and yields several signs and pharmacological action.

Another thing that you can benefit from using herbal medication is the way it fits specific health requirements of a person. Nonetheless, when you purchase herbal medications, always opt for the traditional product that will suit your health requirements. Remember; do not opt for the regular developed product. There are some manufacturers that produce according to a single category.

These days there are numerous herbal medications that do not require cooking. These herbal medications come in a dosage form that is easy to take. These particular herbal medications are come in a form of an oral solution, tablets, pills, powders, lotion, spray, liniment, tea bag, capsules and the like. Each and every single one of these herbs have dissimilar efficacy.

Furthermore, taking herbal medications cost much less than those of prescribe medication. Therefore, if you want to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle, it is recommended that you try using herbal medications. It can treat that shameful snoring problem of yours without experiencing the hassles of the side-effects.

Author: Dirk Blurd

Fish Oil Benefits

In the quest to achieve better health and wellness, fish oil supplements have become an increasingly popular way to take advantage of many different medical benefits. Fish oil originates from the tissues of oily fish, such as carp, herring, salmon, and fresh tuna. Today, fish oil is recommended as part of a healthy diet because of the amount of omega-3 fatty acids contained, which is known to reduce inflammation throughout the body and lessen the threat of coronary heart disease (among other things).

There are two main ways to include fish oil as part of a healthy diet. The first involves the consumption of oily fish, including sardines and cod, which contain oils throughout their body and about their gut, unlike other species of fish. Depending on the species, oily fish fillets may offer up to 30% oil. Besides omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish also provides a good source of vitamins A and D.

The second approach towards increasing the amount of fish oils in a diet is to purchase fish oil capsules or supplements. Many people are said to prefer the consumption of fish oil capsules because they are easy to follow and do not require laborious measurements in making sure recommended daily values are satisfied. To explore some of the many benefits associated with fish oil supplements and consumption, a few examples can be found below:

Decreased Pain Levels and Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids may posses the power to lessen inflammation in the body, as well as ease the pain associated with arthritis and cystitis. Rheumatoid arthritis patients often report an improvement in joint pains and inflammation when taking fish oil supplements.

Treats Depression and Stress
Some individuals have been able to ease their symptoms of depression by implementing omega-3 fish oil supplements into their diet. Fish oils have also been linked to showing promise in treating bipolar and psychotic patients. Supplements may also help to promote the overall mood of patients, and may even reduce premenstrual stress.

Cardiovascular Improvements
The heart, arteries, and veins may benefit from fish oil because it has been known to help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, while at the same time improving "good" cholesterol levels.

Fights Strokes and Heart Attack
The threat of stroke and heart attack may be decreased with the introduction of fish oils into a diet because they may help to prevent blood clots and other damage to the heart. A decreased risk of sudden death and heart attacks has also been seen.

Enhances Brain Activity
Fish oil is known to boost intelligence and overall happiness in users, as well as improve the memory and ability to stay focused. In the elderly, the risk of dementia and memory loss sometimes decreases with the use of fish oil supplements. Additionally, mothers who consume or take a high amount of omega-3/fish oils during pregnancy often give birth to children with a higher IQ.

Combats Childhood Disorders
Children, who suffer from disorders, such as ADD and ADHD, have experienced a better quality of life when incorporating fish oil fatty acids into their diet. Additional conditions that respond to fish oils include dyslexia and compulsive disorders.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Author: Lori Matthews

Natural Weight Loss for Good Health and Well Being

Weight loss is becoming an unhealthy obsession dealing with body images, but in some cases can improve health and fitness. When weight loss is a result of eating healthy, exercising and/or taking natural weight loss supplements in contrast to synthetic prescription drugs with the risk of harmful side effects, weight loss can be effective, rewarding, and greatly improve overall health.

Extra weight, especially extra fat on a person's body, applies significantly increased stresses on the heart, joints and back. These stresses can be extremely detrimental to one's health. Healthy weight loss can reduce the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis and other health problems, as well as generally extending an otherwise average life span. Recently, the scientific root cause or explanation of obesity has been revealed as being part of one's physiology. The internal functions of an obese person are different than those of a healthy person, and cause intense hunger pains and food cravings.

Natural weight loss supplements can help counteract this constant hunger and lead to healthy weight loss. Unbalanced hormones are a common cause of weight gain, therefore taking natural hormone balancers and herbal supplements would help to create a healthy weight loss regimen. Restoring your health allows you to lose weight naturally, without excess frustration and effort. It's all about losing weight from the inside out.

Emotional issues always accompany change, especially changes in our bodies e.g. natural weight loss. Weight loss affects our perception body image, our sense of identity i.e. who am I?, and how we feel about ourselves in general. Weight loss also effects our social relationships in that there may be people in our family or social contacts that are emotionally invested in our remaining the same i.e. overweight with all that it symbolizes e.g. friendliness, non-threatening, protective, jovial, helpful, etc. Beyond our physical health, it can be said that "size matters" cognitively and emotionally to ourselves and others. Eating and food have come to symbolize being accepted, being cared for and comfort. Having the support of others in our efforts to naturally lose weight and regain our health is a huge advantage.

We have been "conditioned" to fear any kind of loss, including weight loss. Especially if what we may lose is something with which we identify i.e. use to tell us who we are.

The emotions of fear, anger, anxiety and depression effect our weight. We often tend to "stuff our feelings" or numb these emotional feelings or stress by overeating. We may even overeat, thinking that will ease the physical discomfort caused by excess weight e.g. physical pain, lack of sleep, and lack of energy caused by moderate depression. To improve our overall health and support us through the process of natural weight loss and the emotional dynamics around it, we can take advantage of natural sleep aids, natural depression relief and natural pain relief health care products.

Our weight and health is greatly dependent upon our having a healthy digestive system or metabolism. Our digestive system converts, on a cellular and muscular level, the foods we eat, eliminates toxins, and uses and stores glucose for energy. Natural enzymes trigger hunger signals and facilitate absorption of nutrition. Good digestion with the help of natural enzymes aids in the conversion of fat to muscle.

Allergy and sensitivity to food, parasites, yeast overgrowth and emotional stress are signals of digestive disruption and inflammation. Natural essential fatty acids work to reduce intestinal inflammation, decrease harmful acids, help the liver process proteins that grow muscle, balance hormones and facilitate the elimination of toxins. Natural essential fatty acids help clear our digestive system of heavy metals, harmful bacteria, pesticides that we are increasingly encountering in our environment. Essential fatty acids along with natural fiber help us clean out the intestinal debris that harm our health and often lead to weight gain. Essential fatty acids also help our brain's neurotransmitters to function properly in order to deal with stress, emotions, and cravings that can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Natural amino acids are the building blocks that make up proteins. Next to water, protein makes up the greatest part of our body weight. Amino acids help increase metabolism, build muscle, ease moderate depression, and help burn fat. Natural antioxidants help carry more oxygen to cells and muscles to help increase energy, burn fat, build muscle and process the foods we eat.

Hormone balance is essential for natural weight loss. Our metabolism slows as we get older because of the decrease or imbalance of hormones. This contributes to weight gain. Hormone balance also helps us deal with stress that leads to weight gain. Proper hormone balance helps to decrease cravings and binge eating. There are many natural hormone balancing products available, e.g. natural progesterone, promensil, soy isoflavones, essential fatty acids and hormone balancing formulas.

Our metabolism's primary task is to nourish our brains. We need healthy neurotransmitters to help us curb craving, ease depression, and deal with stress that lead to weight gain. Balancing our natural brain chemistry has a calming effect and allows us to feel a sens of well being and safety. There are many natural health care products to help balance brain chemistry, e.g. essential fatty acids, natural depression relief products, natural products to increase serotonin, and more. When our brain feels well and safe, it is prone to change our metabolism from calorie saving to calorie burning.

Our bodies were designed to move and be active. Movement requires muscle activity. Muscle activity uses the glycogen supply found in our muscles. When this glycogen supply stored in our muscles is used, our body is forced to use stored fat as an energy source. Using this stored fat through movement and exercise, results in natural weight loss. There is no reason for us to become athletes to accomplish natural weight loss. Low impact exercise like swimming, walking, etc, can be done slowly and without strain. In order to lose real weight rather than "water weight", it is important to drink extra amounts of water when exercising. Drinking more water will also help our digestive system and metabolism to use and eliminate extra weight.

Remember, the first objective, accomplished through natural weight loss, is to improve our physical and emotional health. This involves having a healthy digestive system, a healthy emotional system and a healthy nutritional system. We can build these healthy systems with natural vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, natural digestive aid, pain relief aid, natural sleep aids, natural emotional and mood aids, essential fatty acids and many more helpful natural health care products. We need to concentrate on improving our general health, feeling good, and living well through natural weight loss, rather than constantly comparing ourselves to someone else's idea about appearance from some magazine. Physical and emotional health is primary. Appearance may be important to us, but it is secondary. Through natural weight loss, we can live well and live long.

Author: Jennifer Kays

Ginger All The Way...

This is one of favorable cooking stuff for many Asian chefs. In Indonesia, ginger (known as jahe) has two function, which is as a medicine drink or drug and cooking stuff. It has a unique taste, likes spicy-sweet aroma. Fresh ginger is important to Asian and oriental cuisine. It is used in pickles, chutneys and curry pastes and the ground dried root is a component of many curry powders. In the West, dried ginger is mainly used in cakes and biscuits, especially ginger snaps and gingerbread.

Ginger is the general name for monocotyledonous plant BetriebsZingiber officinale. Frequently incorrectly characterized as “ginger root”, the edible section is real the horizontal underground trunk or the Rhizom of the enterprise. The ginger enterprise has a long history of the treatment well-known, in order to develop in China and to India, to Southeast Asia, to then spread to west Africa and to the Caribbean seas.
The ginger was important in the Chinese medicine during much of centuries, and is mentioned in the writings of Confucius. It is also called in Coran, the Holy Book of the Moslems, indicating that one known it in the Arab countries as of 650 A.D.

Ginger is most frequently known for its efficiency as a digestive aid. By increasing the production of digestive fluids and saliva, Ginger helps relieve indigestion, gas pains, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Ginger root is also used to take care of nausea related to both motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties assist relieve pain and decrease inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms. Ginger's therapeutic properties effectively stimulate circulation of the blood, removing toxins from the body, cleansing the bowels and kidneys, and nourishing the skin. It’s included the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory troubles by releasing and expelling phlegm from the lungs. By warming the body and increasing perspiration, ginger may also be used to help break fevers.

Allergic responses to ginger commonly effect in a rash and though generally recognized as safe, ginger can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea, mostly if taken in powdered form. Unchewed fresh ginger may result in intestinal blockage, and individuals who have had ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines may react badly to large quantities of fresh ginger. Ginger can also harmfully affect individuals with gallstones.

However, ginger’s extracts (as traditional drug) commonly is used by Southeast Asian people, escpecially from Indonesian. In Indonesia, ginger’s extracts frequently is used as healty drink. In other way, ginger’s extracts is consumed as hot drink likes coffee or tea.

NB: Any recommendation from docter is requirement.

Sources:
http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/ginger
www.wikipedia.org

Preface

Welcome to my simple informational website. It's not just simple information site. In my humble opinion, it's a opportunity for everybody to back to nature. The Earth is a mother of all medicines in the whole world. Every plant has certain purpose to grow up in this planet. And I think we often forget about power of healing in nature, such as plantation and all resources in the Earth.

I hope with this auspicious website, everybody realize that all resources in this planet can be used for public health and healthy life for all.

Thank You.