May 29, 2006
Treating Hypertension Naturally
Maybe you've heard that there are ways to treat hypertension other than with expensive drugs. A quiet breakthrough is slowly blossoming in how hypertension is treated. Relaxation, diet, and exercise all are able to help in lowering blood pressure, recent research shows.
However, this is not the full story.
There is a hidden reason your blood pressure is elevated and you feel so much stress. Actually, stress throws your brain chemistry way out of whack. In turn, that causes stress in your life. This goes on in a vicious circle. Finally, you have a heart attack.
Beliefs that hypertension is just in your head aren't true! It's very likely that what's actually going on is that your brain chemistry is out of balance. In the past few years, a great deal of research has been done about rebalancing the brain chemistry. Although it sounds almost too good to be true, there's been a true scientific breakthrough recently in understanding and treating those feelings of
stress you might be having.
You see, it used to be very difficult, expensive and painful to measure what was really going on with your brain chemistry. Doctors had to do spinal tap tests. And after you recovered from the test, dangerous and expensive drugs were required to treat people, and the drugs didn't always work. Needless to say, this approach never became a mainstream therapy.
However, just in the past few years, an easy, painless, relatively inexpensive test has been developed that will tell you exactly how out of whack you are. Then, you can take nutritional supplements that can bring your brain chemistry back into balance and give you back your calm and equanimity, as well as lowering your blood pressure. The hypertension will fade away.
You don't have to take my word for it, you can actually test this out for yourself. You can evaluate your level of brain imbalance by taking a quick, no-cost self-evaluation at:
http://www.neurobalancenow.com
The evaluation will tell you where you stand and how you compare to others who have taken the test.
If you want to go further with this, just order a test kit from that same website that will measure your actual brain chemistry. Then you'll be able to talk about your results to a doctor who will give you an individualized supplemental nutritional plan designed to get your brain back in balance.
It doesn't use any prescription drugs whatsoever, but it can work alongside them, if necessary. Eventually, it might even replace them. Soon you'll rediscover your true self, the one who's been hidden inside for so long.
Retests can be ordered after few months so you can see whether you need to make any changes to your individual plan. It's not unusual for the brain to be healed enough to where you no longer need to continue taking these special supplements. Your life can be reclaimed now!
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About the author --
Brenda Polisher is a research associate in the field of neurobiology and brain science. You can get more articles about hypertension at
Rx Hypertension
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Posted by personalhealthnews at 11:32 PM | Comments (0)
An Overview of the Most Effective Body Hair Removal Techniques
Men and women alike are spending increasing amounts of money on the latest techniques to remove unwanted body hair. And we're not talking about the hair on men's faces and women's legs. We're talking about getting rid of hair on our arms, chests, backs, private areas, and faces. Is it possible to remove hair from such large surface areas? And more importantly, is doing so safe? The answer to both questions is, yes. Removing body hair is possible and if done correctly, and in some cases by a licensed professional, it is also safe.
If it's within your budget, the fastest way to remove unwanted body hair is by undergoing laser treatments. Although this is the most expensive approach, laser hair removal is the most effective at permanently eliminating body hair. Unlike electrolysis, where each hair follicle must be dealt with individually making the process extremely time-consuming and painful, laser therapy can impact several follicles simultaneously, which greatly speeds up the process. It's great for removing hair from the back and chest, arms and legs.
As stated already however, the costs are extreme. To do an area as large as the back will cost several thousand dollars, and that's per treatment. Several treatments are necessary because the laser technique can only impact hair that is currently in a growing stage. Also, there will be places where hair will regrow and although it will regrow finer and lighter, in order to be permanent, the hair follicle needs to be rendered incapable of growing new hair.
The next best method of removing body hair is waxing. Far less expensive than laser treatments and even electrolysis, waxing works by extracting hairs out of their shafts. Because the hair follicle is not specifically and purposely damaged, hair will regrow, but it will take several weeks for it to reappear. Repetitive application of this hair removal process may ultimately affect the follicle and cause hair growth to cease, however, this is not guaranteed which is why waxing cannot be considered a permanent hair removal method.
Waxing, or sugaring if you're sensitive to wax or prefer an organic solution, works by applying a layer of cold or hot wax or a sugar-based mixture directly on the area where hair is to be removed. After allowing to harden it is very quickly peeled away from the skin, in the opposite direction of the hair growth and viola – the body hair is pulled free from that area. The process is repeated until the entire body surface is free of hair. It is possible to do this at home, but since most of us have a low tolerance to self-inflicted pain, you'll get better and faster results if you leave this type of work to someone else, at least for the first few times.
If you think it's time to remove unwanted body hair, whether for cosmetic reasons, sports-related competitions or any other reason, go with laser therapy if you can afford it or waxing. They're the best for removing large expanses of body hair.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 11:28 PM | Comments (0)
May 27, 2006
Tips to Help You Get a Good Night's Sleep
If you are like a lot of people you may find that you wake up in the morning feeling more tired than you were when you went to bed.
Obviously this is not an ideal situation, so how can you ensure that you get a good night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the new day? Here are a few good tips to help you.
It is important to try to mentally unwind before going to bed. An overactive mind is one of the primary causes of poor sleep and broken sleep. Try to carry out a low-stress activity in the 30 minutes to an hour before you retire for the night. Examples of such activities are reading and listening to relaxing music.
A relaxed body will lead to a relaxed mind. Two of the best ways that you can relax your body are to engage in meditation or take a warm bath.
It is important not to partake of a heavy meal immediately prior to going to bed, but a light snack that is high in carbohydrates can help to relax the body.
If you are prone to sleep problems it is particularly important that you adhere to a regular sleep routine, going to sleep at the same time every night and getting up at the same time every morning. Yes, this includes weekends. If you are tempted to have a lie in at the weekend you will usually find that this leads to you struggling to get to sleep at the end of the day and feeling tired when you have to get up in the morning to start a new work week.
Try to cut out taking a nap during the day. You only need a fixed amount of sleep during any 24 hour period, so clearly, if you take a nap during the middle of the day you may well struggle to sleep through the night.
Your bedroom should be quiet and dark. If you cannot block out all noise and light you might want to invest in some good quality ear plugs and a sleep mask. It is also important that your bedroom temperature is comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold. Body temperature is ideal.
If, after trying these tips, you still have difficulty sleeping, then you should consult your doctor to ensure that there is not an underlying medical problem that is responsible for your poor sleep pattern.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
May 26, 2006
Acne Myths
Scientific knowledge about acne is gradually clearing up some of the misconceptions surrounding this condition, but there are many myths that persist. Here are some common acne myths.
Myth #1 - Acne is caused by poor hygiene. This belief may have arisen because of the skin infections associated with acne. However, lack of cleanliness is not the reason for outbreaks of acne. The mixture of sebum and dead cells which cause acne is situated beneath the surface of the skin where it is impossible to clean it away. However, gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice a day will keep the skin as healthy as possible. Be careful not to scrub too hard, however, as this may make acne worse.
Myth #2 - Acne is caused by certain foods. There is a long-standing belief that eating chocolate will cause the face to break out in pimples. There is no scientific evidence for this -- studies have shown no statistically significant relationship between eating chocolate and acne. The same holds true of other foods associated like potato chips and sugar. It is true, however, that eating too much of these foods is unhealthy, and you wish to keep as healthy as possible at all times and especially if afflicted with acne. Limiting chocolate and sugar consumption is always a good idea.
Even though chocolate and french fries do not cause acne, there are some foods which do seem to aggravate it. There seems to be a relationship between milk and acne, and foods high in iodine also seem to cause pimples. Iodine is found in seafood, so those with acne may be advised not to eat too much seafood.
Myth #3 - Acne is related to sex. At various times we heard that masturbation or celibacy causes pimples. There is no evidence for this. There is a link between sexual activity and hormone production, however, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum (the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is unclear. Anger and stress also affect hormone levels.
Myth #4 - Acne has to run its course. There are many treatments available for acne, so those who are suffering from the discomfort and embarrassment that acne causes can find relief by consulting with a dermatologist or using over-the-counter medicine.
Myth #5 - Acne is only a teenage condition. It is true that most adolescents have acne, but it also affects some adults. Acne will usually clear up by time one enters their early 20s, but some people experience acne for the first time when they are in their 30s or 40s.
Myth #6 - Acne only affects appearance. Acne is a skin condition which can also cause psychological distress. Those with severe acne are especially vulnerable to feelings of depression and low self-image. There is a strong link between severe acne conditions and social withdrawal.
Myth #7 - Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them. In fact, popping pimples may aggravate acne by spreading the bacteria which is causing it. Popping can also lead to scarring which in severe cases can be permanent.
Myth #8 - Sunbathing is good for acne. Exposure to the sun has the effect of drying out excess oils, so it does in fact have a short-term effect of improving acne. However, the skin quickly becomes accustomed to sun exposure so no long-term benefit is gained. Sun exposure may also damage the skin and increase the chance of skin cancer.
Myth #9 - Makeup causes acne. Some makeup can clog the pores which is bad for the health of the skin. Cosmetics labelled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" are safe to use and some brands may include ingredients which can treat acne.
Myth #10 - The more acne medicine the better. Some people believe that if their acne gets worse they should use more medicine. Excess use of acne ointments, however, may irritate the skin, and oral medicines can be dangerous when taken in large quantities. Always follow the directions for the acne medications.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 09:17 PM | Comments (0)
May 25, 2006
Vitamins
Why bother taking vitamins at all? Our forefathers survived just fine without multi vitamin packs, why can't we? The answer to that question is easy, go look in your cupboards. Our forefathers ate a lot better than we do. High processed, homogenized, pasteurized, canned and prepackaged fast food means less chance of natural occurring vitamins surviving for any length of time.
While some of us pick our own fruit and grow our own vegetables, most of the country chooses to rely on packaged, store bought fruits and veggies. These aren't as healthy as they look, either. The longer the apples and tomatoes are off the vine, the faster they begin to lose their nutritional value, losing vitamins during processing and shipping.
Your body needs vitamins to boost your immune system, ward off colds and other viruses, and even keep you even tempered, so to speak. Did you know with a vitamin deficiency that you are less likely to clot when you cut yourself? Vitamins play a much bigger part then we think, and the average diet does not include all the vitamins necessary to keep the body in top shape.
A good multi-vitamin is your best choice, but here again you can be misled into believing that 100% of the USDA recommended dosage is good enough. They mean 100% total, not 100% of each vitamin necessary. Think about it, they can't possibly pack the right amount of every kind of vitamin that you need into one pill a day, and most multi vitamins sold in your local grocery store are cut with fillers and preservatives.
Nope, you'll have to visit your local food co op and get some natural, all inclusive vitamin supplements. Along with eating well, these supplements contain everything you need for balanced vitamin intake, with none of the fillers and preservatives that I, for one, resent paying for.
So let's talk B vitamins as an example. You need several different kinds of B vitamins alone. B6 and B12 are just two, but the most commonly talked about. Vitamin B6 promotes the development of red blood cells, and 12 helps promote energy and fights Alzheimer's disease. You need these and other vitamins to be in the purest form possible in order to be the most beneficial.
Let's skip back for a moment, the history of vitamins, if you will. Vitamins began being "discovered" by scientists and surgeons around 1914, and the word "vitamin " comes from the word "vital" as in vital energy for life, but as far back as the 1600's sailors knew to eat citrus fruits to prevent scurvy. It wasn't until later that they knew it as vitamin C.
Now we will skip forward to the future. Many vitamins are now available as liquids. Remember cod liver oil? Well now most vitamins can be taken from a spoon rather than choked down (although if you were one of the kids forced to down cod liver oil, you were choking anyway), what's more, they taste good now as well.
Now before you get all excited and run out to stock up on each vitamin that you are deficient in, let me remind you that you can, in fact, 'overdose' on vitamins, kind of. The water soluble vitamins such as B's and C's will simply be expressed through your urine if you've taken in more than your body needs, but fat soluble vitamins such as D and E can accumulate and cause problems such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash.
I recommend contacting a homeopath to test for vitamin deficiencies before you run out and spend a lot on vitamins. Knowing exactly what you need the most and in what daily dosage will save you some money, because again, you really need to purchase each vitamin separately, rather than in a multi-vitamin pill.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)
May 24, 2006
Detecting Menopause Through Testing
by Kathryn Whittaker
Menopause comes from two Greek words that mean "month" and "to end," and the current medical definition of menopause means exactly the same: the absence of menstruation for twelve months. Menopause can occur between late thirties and late 50s, and not a single woman can avoid this period. Considering that menopause hits a woman in her most active life stage, it is not surprising that women want to prepare to menopause and avoid discomfort using a wide variety of convenient menopause tests.
Although menopause is a natural part of growing older, many women find menopause symptoms start interfering with their daily lives. Menopause symptoms include missed or heavy menstrual periods, hot sweating and flashes, mood changes, nervousness, insomnia and a general feeling of being "down".
Due to hormonal changes a woman may add some weight or her hair may thin. Then, after the stopping of menstrual periods for a full twelve months, a woman enters menopause, and after twelve months a woman is post-menopausal. And while many women may experience mild discomfort, others may have moderate to severe health problems and may want to ease their symptoms.
Menopause symptoms can be relieved, if not avoided, by timely preparation. Menopause tests help women detect menopause in its early stage. Using menopause tests may be reasonable even for women in their 30s to determine when their ovarian function changes which may mean the slow shift into the perimenopause.
Such symptoms are irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, insomnia, nervousness, decreased sexual desire, or night sweats may signal the approach of perimenopause or menopause, but they can also manifest a number of other disorders and conditions. For accurate results, menopause test employs a hormonal analysis.
The menopause test measures the presence of a hormone known as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone is produced by womans pituitary gland. Follicle stimulating hormone levels increase temporarily each month to stimulate ovaries to produce eggs. When a woman enters menopause and ovaries stop working, her follicle stimulating hormone levels increase.
Applying urine to the wick of a menopause test kit activates menopause tests. If a womans hormonal level is higher than normal, it may signal that she is approaching menopause. However, this test will not show not if a woman definitely is in menopause or even in perimenopause. Menopause test may be influenced by oral or patch contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, or estrogen supplements that a woman has been taking before the test.
There are a number of traditional menopause tests that should be done in doctors office. Typically these tests require a sample of blood that is sent to an outside lab for examination. Results are normally available three to five days later. If the menopause test results show that the hormonal levels are increased above the norm, it is standard medical protocol to perform a second menopause test.
Today, menopause symptoms can be relieved using traditional or herbal therapy methods. If you are concerned about the symptoms of menopause talk to your doctor about a menopause test.
Kathryn writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Menopause please visit http://www.menopause-guide.org and for additional articles on all beds http://www.menopause-guide.org/menopause-articles/
Posted by personalhealthnews at 07:30 PM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2006
How do low carb diets work?
By now the term “low carb” is practically a household name that is synonymous with loosing weight and getting in shape. This diet seems to work well and many people rave about it. The system seems simple enough – eat lower carbs and loose weight - but what exactly are the mechanics that make low carb dieting work?
For one thing, by removing carbohydrates from your diet you are cutting a ton of calories from your overall intake of food. By lowering those calories you are obviously eating less and this will make you loose weight.
In addition to eating less overall calories, by skipping all of the starchy and sugary carbs that you would normally eat, your body is now breaking down glycogen from the liver and from the muscles to free glucose.
What is glycogen? Glycogen is simply glucose that is stored in the muscles and liver. This glycogen contains a ton of water and by converting it to glucose the water is released so the initial weight loss is almost all water but this can be a substantial amount of weight.
After the next two weeks you will notice that the extreme weight loss experienced comes to a slowing because it was mostly water being released. This is the time when your body will start burning fat instead of releasing water, so long as your carbohydrate intake is lower than 50 or 60 grams daily.
The body is now burning fat as fuel for the duration of the diet. When the body burns fat for fuel then ketones are produced. What exactly are Ketones? Ketones are a byproduct that is caused when the body is burning fat for the fuel and energy.
These Ketones are released from the body through your kidneys. When the ketone level increases in your kidneys your appetite is also suppressed a bit more, aiding further in loosing more weight. It is highly recommended that you drink lots of water during this phase of your low carb diet to prevent dehydration.
Not everyone can handle this eating plan and how long you stay on a low carb diet is a personal choice. It is also recommended that you consult a doctor or a physician before embarking on such a sudden change in eating habits in order to loose weight.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 08:16 PM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2006
Turn Back the Clock – Vital Vitamins and Minerals that Slow the Aging Process
As we grow older, we often wish we could turn back the clock and have the vitality of your younger days. Hormonal changes turn down our inner “thermostat” which results in a change of hormone levels. This is thought to be the primary cause of aging. The first goal would be to replace hormonal levels to the level of a healthy young adult. Then there our cell receptor sensitizers that help rejuvenate the thermostat in our brains. Let’s review a few of them and what they will do.
If you are experiencing an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone levels this can cause depression, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss and unexplained weight loss. There are several over the counter, natural ways to increase your hormonal level especially in women. The soy product has been used extensively to help balance hormone levels. There are also creams on the market that provide extra hormones when they are absorbed in the skin.
Free radicals pose one of the greatest threats to our health as we progress into the twenty-first century. What are free radicals and what do they do? Free radicals are renegade, unstable oxygen molecules that collide with other particles and tissues in our bodies. This causes a burst of light on impact. They seek out other molecules to combine with in order to gain stability.
Some free radicals are good for you because they enable you to fight inflammation, kill bacteria, and help control the tone of your smooth muscles. These muscles help regulate the workings of your internal organs. When there are too many free radicals in your body, they run wild attacking not only unhealthy but also healthy parts of the body. This causes such diseases as heart disease and cancer.
Antioxidants have been found to be a successful shield against these free radicals. They alter cancer growth and act as anticarcinogens. Antioxidants are chemical substances that donate an electron to a free radical and convert it to a molecule that is harmless.
Antioxidants intercept free radicals to keep them from damaging blood vessel membranes. This helps the flow of blood to the heart and brain and can against cancer causing damage. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are rich sources of antioxidant vitamins and minerals.
Carnosine is an important amino acid and natural antioxidant found in high amounts in the brain, lens of the human eye and muscle tissue. It’s capable of protecting cell membranes and cell structures. It is effective against muscle fatigue, reducing stress, hyperactivity, and helping sleep patterns.
Lycopene is another antioxidant that we have seen a lot of on television lately. The richest source of lycopene is in tomatoes and tomato products. Aging reduces levels of lycopene in the blood. Lycopene is needed in organs such as the adrenal glands, prostate, liver colon, and testes. It appears that lycopene is a protection against cancer in the digestive tract.
Lypoic acid is a co-factor in the conversion of carbohydrates to energy as well as an antioxidant. This acid is both water and fat-soluble and can eliminate free radicals in the water compartment of a cell and protects against oxidation. It breaks down sugars so that energy can be produced and is one of the most important antioxidants. It’s called the universal antioxidant because it is able to quench free radicals both in water and fat cells.
Xanthones have strong antioxidant effects on the nervous system but it also is a bitter compound and is known to produce agreeable and delightful feelings. It is a great benefit to those who suffer from depression and acts to reduce appetites and obsessions. It produces a series of hormonal reactions that triggers the release of dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain.
Dopamine is an energizing neurotransmitter, which can increase or decrease output by brain cells causing a domino effect. Dopamine helps stimulate the pituitary glad that releases growth hormone and improving the immune response. It also helps stimulate brain activity no matter what the age. Dopamine is known to decrease with aging. Blueberries are considered a big part of reversal in motor dysfunction that occurs with aging and dopamine deficiency.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 03:25 PM | Comments (0)
Vitamins: To Be or Not to Be?
Nutrition as it applies to our daily lives means that we take in what we need to maintain our body’s healthy state. Nutrition has become an important word thanks to the involvement of the USDA in our daily food requirements, and the FDA’s involvement in determining what is and is not dangerous for us to consume.
But what is our responsibility in the nutrition game? Do we understand what our nutritional requirements are, how to fulfill those requirements, and how to look for real nutritional value in our foods? I’m not sure that nutrition has been successfully addressed in its own right. We hear nutrition in relation to our vitamin intake, our fortified cereals and milk, and in the context that we need “nutritional value” from our food choices. But we don’t often stop to think, what do we really need in nutritional supplements?
Vitamins and minerals are more readily available to us than ever before, and we’re still no better equipped to actually determine what we need to take, than we were forty years ago. Just because we see the latest advertisement about a particular vitamin and decide the symptoms of deficiency apply to us, does not mean we need to rush out and purchase the product. The symptoms of deficiency for lots of vitamins and minerals are the same or overlapping. What we need is a way to detect, on an individual basis, what our body’s lack, and then plan a suggested nutritional solution.
The complete lack of unity between our medical field and the herbal field, (this is the field that vitamins and minerals belong to) is a disgrace in a country so forward thinking as the United States. But it is also where we fall short in providing our citizenry with the tools they need to make better, informed decisions. The medical field has long resented any contact that patients might make with herbalists, vitamins and minerals, or any other proposed health aid, that wasn’t directly related to medicine.
Thanks to this prevalent attitude among most all doctors, we have missed great opportunities to advance a generation’s health. If you were to take a cross section of the population, and check for adequate levels of the most used and fortified vitamins and minerals, you would probably find the as high as 80% or the population is lacking in a least one of the vitamins and minerals. Now, that doesn’t sound too bad, until you stop to think, what if it’s calcium? A calcium deficiency brings on osteoporosis, a deteriorating of the bone. This disease alone costs millions in medical expense to the population.
Can you see how a little more cooperation and open-minded participation on the part of our medical field could result in far fewer health problems? It would also have provided the general population with a viable way to discern their vitamin and mineral needs, accurately. Blood tests, urine tests, and other simple office procedures would provide the vast majority of the information needed for us to arm ourselves, and head off to the health store. Preventive medicine comes in all shapes, forms, and tablets!
Posted by personalhealthnews at 03:20 PM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2006
Surgery: A Weight Loss Plan for the Toughest Cases
Recently, a number of high-profile celebrities, from TV weatherman Al Roker to American Idol’s Randy Jackson, have made headlines as a result of undergoing weight loss surgery. Supporters of such surgery say that it offers hope for people who seem unable to lose weight any other way. They maintain that it is difficult to lose 50 or more pounds without surgical intervention. Critics, however, maintain that surgery—especially stomach surgery—is risky business and should be approached with the utmost caution. They worry that surgery is a quick fix which does not help to resolve an individual’s problem dealing with food.
You might wonder under what conditions surgery would be recommended. Generally speaking, surgery is only an option for those who have suffered from obesity for a protracted period of time (meaning years), have a body mass index or BMI of more than 40, and whose lives could be cut short because of their excessive weight gain. Also, stomach stapling surgery is usually limited to those who have already reached adulthood.
Conversely, you would not be a candidate for stomach reduction surgery if you have been severely overweight for a short period of time; if you suffer from drug or alcohol addiction; or you have been diagnosed with mental illness. In other words, you need to be fully cognizant and have a detailed understanding of the reasons for your obesity.
You should know that stomach reduction surgery is a proven weight-reducer. You could lose nearly all of your extra weight by undergoing the procedure. Thus, surgery may negate the need for a diet plan, although there is the slim possibility that you could end up putting on additional pounds after your operation.
There are a myriad of reasons why you might consider stomach stapling surgery. For instance, if you are suffering from adult onset diabetes or heart trouble, you might want to undergo the operation. If you are so obese that you can barely walk, surgery might be for you. If your weight has gotten to the point where you literally find it difficult to get out of bed, an operation might be appropriate.
Of course, stomach stapling surgery is not without its risks. In less than two percent of the cases, death may occur. Also, there is the possibility that after surgery you may experience vomiting if you attempt to eat too much. And then there’s the psychological fallout.
If you’ve been a heavy person all your life, you may have trouble adjusting to your new thin status. You may even find that your relationships with relatives and friends change after you have undergone surgery. As a result of this, some physicians recommend that candidates for stomach stapling surgery meet with a psychotherapist who can help them develop coping mechanisms before and after the surgery.
Obviously, undergoing surgery is a serious step—one that should not be undertaken lightly. As a result, you might want to ask yourself some questions before going under the knife:
- Why do I want to undergo surgery?
- What if I discover there are unexpected side-effects from
surgery?
- Will I be able to deal with them? What are my options if I do not undergo surgery?
- Will my family and friends support my decision to undergo an operation?
- Am I considering surgery out of vanity, or because of a serious health threat?
- Will years be added to my life after I undergo surgery?
Of course, you cannot make the decision for stomach surgery on your own. You will need to consult your family physician to determine if an operation is right for you. If your doctor gives the O.K., you will then have to meet with the surgeon.
Make sure to check the surgeon’s credentials and consider having a second opinion. The more preparation you do before your operation, the better off you will be. Obviously, stomach stapling surgery is not for everyone. It carries with it physical and emotional risks. However, the prognosis for those who undergo such surgery is good. And you could end up being in much better health in the long run, if you are able to successfully lose your excess weight.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 01:18 PM | Comments (0)
May 20, 2006
Eat a wide variety of foods for a healthy diet
One of the most frequently cited reasons that diets and attempts at healthy eating fail is boredom. Many people simply do not know how to keep a healthy diet interesting day after day, and it can be quite a challenge.
Given the huge variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats and other healthy foods at the local grocery store, however, it is definitely possible to create exciting, nutritious meals that will keep boredom at bay.
Your key to healthy eating
The key to the success of any plan for healthy eating is to eat what you like, but to exercise moderation when it comes to the less healthy foods. Improving your level of health and fitness does not mean forgoing that piece of chocolate cake, for instance. It does mean, however, limiting yourself to one piece. A healthy diet contains all types of foods, including carbohydrates, proteins, and even fats. The key is choosing foods that provide the best combination of taste and nutrition. After all, if your diet consists of foods you hate, you will not stick with it.
The revised USDA food pyramid contains five major food groups – grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy, and meat and beans. When choosing foods from these groups, it is important to eat a wide variety of foods from every food group. Doing so will not only give you a great deal of variety and keep boredom from setting in, but it will provide the best nutritional balance as well. In addition the widely known micronutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, etc. all foods contain a variety of macronutrients, like fats, proteins, fiber and water. Though present in extremely tiny amounts, micronutrients are vitally important to good health. That is why a healthy, varied diet is so important.
In addition, when choosing foods from within the various food groups, some choices are naturally better and healthier than others. For instance, choosing skim or 2% milk instead of full fat whole milk is a good way to cut down on both fat and calories. And choosing poultry or lean meat is a great way to get the protein you need every day without extra fat, cholesterol and calories.
Likewise cereals and breads that carry the whole grain label are healthier than those who do not. Even in the world of fruits and vegetables some choices are better than others. For instance, peaches packed in heavy syrup add unnecessary sugar to the diet, while those packed in water or juice provide only good nutrition.
There has been a trend lately to add vitamin fortification to food, and this can sometimes be a good way to maximize nutrition. It is important to remember, however, that proper nutrition comes from a healthy diet, not from vitamin supplements. It is fine to buy calcium fortified cereal, but the bulk of your calcium intake should still come from milk, dairy products and green leafy veggies.
Choosing the best foods
Knowing the five major food groups and how much of each to eat every day is only part of the picture. The other part is choosing the best foods from within those food groups. That means things like choosing the leanest cuts of meat, using egg substitutes instead of whole eggs, choosing the freshest fruits and vegetables, etc.
Even with fruits and vegetables, some choices are better than others. Some fruits, such as avocados, for instance, are packed with fat and calories. It is important to check the nutritional qualities of the fruits and vegetables you buy, and not simply assume that all fruits and vegetables are equally healthy.
One way to maximize nutrition while minimizing cost is to buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are usually quite a bit cheaper than those that must be shipped hundreds or even thousands of miles, and they are generally much fresher too. Of course, depending on where you live, there may be varieties of fruits and vegetables that are not available locally, so the northerner in search of citrus fruits will just have to watch the sales and buy accordingly.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 09:05 AM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2006
What Causes Acne?
Acne is not fully understood, but we do know some of the biology behind it. The main culprit is the excess production of an oily substance called sebum whose function is to keep skin and hair lubricated and supple. During adolescence, the body often produces excess amounts of sebum. The sebum combines with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block hair follicles which prevents the sebum from escaping.
The resulting block up of oil beneath the surface of the skin provides an ideal environment for bacteria. The bacteria multiply and the skin area becomes red and inflamed resulting in what is commonly called a pimple.
The excess production of sebum is caused by the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone is present in both males and females, but during puberty, the body changes the way it reacts to the presence of testosterone. It is this abnormal reaction, characteristically appearing during adolescence, that causes the skin (especially on the face and upper torso) to become excessively oily. By the early 20s, the body usually normalizes its reaction to testosterone and acne clears up.
Acne seems to be partly hereditary, but we don't know exactly why some people are affected by it and others are not. Some of the factors which seem to aggravate acne conditions include stress, diet, skin irritation, certain medications, and hormonal activities such as menstrual cycles.
Medications that are associated with acne include anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding, lithium, barbiturates, halogens, and androgens. Dietary links seem to be mostly related to skim milk products. Many people associate food like chocolate and fast food with pimples, but there is no statistical evidence that this type of food causes or aggravates acne.
Recently, scientific attention has been focusing on the possibility that narrowing hair follicles could be at least partially to blame for acne. The hair follicles may become restricted due to several possible causes including excessive shedding of cells within the follicle, abnormal cell binding, or water retention which causes the skin to swell. The narrower hair follicles prevent dead cells from being expelled from the body, causing an excessive buildup underneath the skin, which combined with sebum creates the conditions for acne.
Many people are tempted to pop or squeeze their pimples, but this may only serve to spread the bacteria to the surrounding skin area making the condition even worse than before. Popping pimples may also lead to scarring which in severe cases can be permanent.
Simply touching the face can also make acne become worse. It is a difficult habit to overcome -- most of us touch our faces repeatedly throughout the day. The problem for acne sufferers is that the hands also contain oils and bacteria which will exacerbate acne symptoms. In fact, all objects that come into contact with the face must be clean. This includes eyeglasses and telephone handsets.
Hair (especially long hair) also comes into contact with our faces so it is important to keep hair clean and oil free. Clothing accessories like headbands or hats should be avoided or used as little as possible.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 09:42 AM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2006
Childhood Obesity—The Modern Health Dilemma
You see it on the playgrounds, at roller rinks, at swimming pools, and in classrooms. Obesity is a modern health dilemma for today’s children, who are struggling with weight as never before. It is a difficult problem to combat, given the fact that you want to make sure that your children are receiving sufficient amounts of nutrients in their diets. While some children may outgrow obesity, others carry it with them into their adult lives. Obesity in children can result in feelings of fatigue, worthlessness, and hopelessness. It can also place them at greater risk for diabetes and heart disease.
Just how widespread is the problem? The National Institutes of Health has determined that, over the last thirty years, the number of young people with weight problems has increased two fold. Interestingly enough, the problem is affecting children of all ages as well as children from all ethnic groups.
Children who are overweight may not develop socially as fast as their peers. They can become loners, finding it difficult to make friends. They may think that their weight is beyond their control and they may not know what to do in order to attempt to prevent weight gain. In essence, obese children can become our lost generation.
The parents of these children may not realize how detrimental obesity is to their children’s emotional health. They may consider the obesity just a passing phase and they may not understand the psychological devastation that obesity can cause. They may even dismiss the concerns of their children, hoping that the problem will simply go away.
The causes of childhood obesity can be complex. However, there do appear to be a few identifiable triggers. For instance, many families now eat on the run because of their many commitments. Parents may not think they have time to prepare nutritious meals for their children, so they rely on fast food and sugary snacks to fill in the gaps. As a result, children end up eating a diet that’s rich in fat and sugar but which offers little in the way of nutritional value.
According to the American Obesity Association, one third of parents believe their children’s dietary habits are worse than theirs were during their own childhoods.
Another key problem is inactivity. Children watch more than a full day’s worth of television each week. That’s in addition to the hours they devote to their computers. As a result, they’re not playing outside as much as children of generations past. Also, many children may feel as if they cannot participate in sports because of their weight. Feeling defeated before they even start, they pass up opportunities to engage in physical activities.
It has been shown that children tend to be heavily influenced by advertising. Unfortunately, many commercials tout foods that can be best classified as unhealthy. Children crave what they see on TV and in movie theaters and they may not realize what these foods will do to their bodies.
Luckily, childhood obesity can be successfully conquered. Here are a few tips to help your child overcome a weight problem:
- Encourage your child to take part in sports or dance. If your son or daughter is self-conscious about being a part of a team, exercise with him or her. Take out a ball and shoot a few hoops or turn on the stereo and begin to dance. You may be surprised that, with just a little encouragement, your child will get up and start moving.
- Consider limiting TV time. Research clearly shows that TV time is unproductive time for children and teens. If your children spend less time watching TV, they may spend more time exercising.
- Ban junk food from your home. With a little push, children will become accustomed to eating healthy snacks such as fruit and vegetables.
- Check with your child’s pediatrician to see if he or she can recommend some specific weight control strategies.
Childhood obesity is a problem, but it is not insurmountable. The greater the interest you show in your child’s diet and exercise regimen, the more influence you will have over your child. In time, your child can learn the strategies necessary for a healthy life.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 10:26 AM | Comments (0)
May 17, 2006
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition which most often appears during the teenage years. Commonly known as pimples, acne usually appears on the face but can also happen on other parts of the body such as the back, the shoulders, neck and chest. Even though most teenagers experience acne at some point, it is a condition which can also affect adults. Acne is universal -- it affects males and females almost equally and occurs in every race.
The proper name for acne is Acne Vulgaris. It is characterized by lesions which break out on the skin. The lesions can be whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts which form because of clogged pores. It is most commonly seen during puberty because it is at this time that the body produces an abundant supply of an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is needed to keep the hair and a skin soft and lubricated, but during puberty, the body produces more sebum than is needed. The excess can clog pores and leave the skin feeling oily.
Another change that occurs during puberty is the excess production of follicle cells. The dying cells can quickly build up and combine together with sebum to form whiteheads. This mixture of oil and dead cells creates a breeding ground for bacteria which results in redness and swelling in the afflicted area that are known as pimples.
Acne is an extremely common condition which affects about 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24. One quarter of these people have acne on other parts of the body besides the face -- most commonly the back and neck areas. 40% of acne sufferers seek medical attention because of the severity of their breakouts.
The most common area for pimples to appear is the so-called 'T zone' of the face. This includes the forehead, the nose, and the chin, although acne may also appear on the cheeks and other parts of the face. The second most common area for acne is the back, followed by the neck, the chest, and the shoulders.
By the time they are in their 20s, most people's acne has cleared up. However, it may still persist throughout the adult years in some people. Some people even experience acne for the first time when they are adults. Slightly more boys than girls suffer from the condition.
Acne can be a problem for many people because it affects appearance and self image. Since teenagers are particularly vulnerable concerning their self-image, acne can cause feelings of depression and reduced self-confidence. It may cause some to withdraw from social interactions and cause feelings of anger and frustration.
Thankfully, there are many modern treatments for acne. The first line of defence is keeping the skin clean and oil free. This can be done by gentle washing with soap and water twice a day, particularly after activities which cause perspiration. There are also a wide variety of medical treatments available for acne, both prescribed and over-the-counter.
Severe acne conditions can be treated by a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe ointments which are used directly on the skin as well as drugs like antibiotics which combat the bacteria which causes pimples. A dermatologist can also give valuable advice about diet and lifestyle changes which may help in combating acne.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 11:15 AM | Comments (0)
May 16, 2006
7 Easy Remedies to Soothe Nighttime Heartburn and Indigestion
Who hasn’t bolted upright in the night, awakened by a sudden and terrible burning sensation in the pit of their stomach? Whether you indulged in some overly spicy chili, or overdid it on those late-night leftovers, these quick heartburn remedies will soothe your fiery stomach and help you get back to sleep!
1. The first thing you’ll want to do when you’re awakened by heartburn pain, is to stand up. This helps keep the acid at bay while you go and get a full glass of cool water.
2. Drink the whole glass of water, and follow it with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and half a glass of water. Be careful though, if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant, this can cause water retention or increase your blood pressure.
3. DON’T drink milk or suck on mints to relieve heartburn. Milk might feel nice and cool going down, but it actually contains fats and proteins that cause your stomach to secrete MORE acid and make your heartburn worse! Mints, while they may feel soothing, actually relax the small valve between your esophagus and stomach, whose purpose it is to actually KEEP acid at bay! When this valve is relaxed, more acid can seep up and aggravate heartburn symptoms!
4. This is going to sound strange, but downing a teaspoon of vinegar can help soothe heartburn immediately! Why give your stomach MORE acid when it already seems to have enough, you ask? Sometimes, heartburn is caused as a result of too little acid, and vinegar helps quell indigestion by giving your stomach a little extra “juice” (no pun intended!) to do its job!
5. Certain foods can cause nighttime heartburn, including: soda pop or beverages with caffeine (which you shouldn’t be drinking before bed anyway!), alcohol, garlic, chocolate (sorry!), citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based products. Avoiding these types of food can help ease your indigestion if you frequently find yourself awakened with that intolerable burning!
6. Eating a banana each day works like an antacid to soothe heartburn. If you’re already stricken with indigestion, eating pineapple or papaya (or drinking the juice) can help settle your stomach naturally. Some people also claim that eating a teaspoon of mustard (yuck!) can work immediately.
7. Avoid eating at least two hours before you go to sleep. Those late night snacks can keep your stomach busy all night and prevent you from easing into a deep, restful sleep. You may also find that sleeping on your left side or sleeping at a somewhat upright angle can keep acid down where it belongs.
If you are awakened by heartburn on a regular basis, or the pain is severe, or if you have heartburn with vomiting, you’ll want to consult your doctor immediately as it may be a sign of a more serious condition such as an ulcer. Above all, avoid spicy, fatty and caffeine-containing foods before bed, and you should be able to drift off to sleep easily.
Sweet dreams!
Posted by personalhealthnews at 10:02 AM | Comments (0)
May 15, 2006
Food Addiction: A Craving You Can’t Seem to Control
You may overdose on potato chips or tortilla chips once in a while, but would you consider yourself to be a food addict? The answer is important, because it could be the key to determining what course of action you need to take in order to lose weight. A number of medical experts say that food addiction is just as serious as nicotine or cocaine addiction—and can potentially be just as deadly.
When you suffer from food addiction, you have an overwhelming desire for a particular food. The desire is so strong, in fact, that if you are unable to consume that food, you suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and depression. Food addicts crave the comfort that a particular food gives them. They also may engage in binge eating. Their cravings for food may be both physical and psychological.
It should be pointed out that there are different varieties of food addiction. For instance, there is compulsive overeating, where an individual goes on eating binges that can last several days. The addict may sometimes lose weight, but tends to gain it back again. Symptoms include eating quickly, compulsively eating alone, and eating when there is no evidence of hunger.
Yet another form of addiction is bulimia, in which an individual overeats, then purges either by vomiting or by taking laxatives. Signs of this condition include isolating oneself when eating, trying to consume huge portions of food rapidly, and being preoccupied with one’s weight.
Food addiction can also come in the form of anorexia, where an individual attempts to starve oneself in order to achieve an unrealistic weight. Anorexics tend to be 15 percent below normal body weight and have a phobia about being fat. They have difficulty eating with other people and appear to be obsessed with weight. They may engage in ritualistic behavior involving food and may suffer from depression.
The good news is that food addiction can be successfully treated. This treatment can come in a variety of forms. A food addict may work with a psychotherapist to develop new ways to deal with food and his or her emotions. The therapist might be able to identify the source of the individual’s fear or anger—the reason behind the individual’s addiction.
In the majority of cases, the psychologist will help the individual to develop a treatment plan which spells out expectations and goals, both for the short-term and the long-term. In the most serious cases, an individual may have to undergo in-patient treatment at a psychological facility. Treatment often involves helping the individual to return to healthy eating methods, dealing with the underlying emotional causes of addiction, and learning effective coping techniques.
Food addicts often follow the tenets of the same kind of 12-step program used by alcoholics. This involves admitting their powerlessness over food, their belief that they could be restored to sanity, and an admission of their faults and failings. In addition, food addicts often draw strength from support groups made up of people who have similar difficulties dealing with food. Just knowing that there are other people who face the same challenges can be incredibly therapeutic.
It is unclear at this point whether food addiction is a genetically-based illness. Certainly, however, there is evidence of eating patterns being passed down from one generation to the next. In fact, many food addicts may only seek help after they have determined that their illness could adversely affect their children.
It is entirely possible that a food addiction can never be cured, that it can only be treated. In other words, the recovery period for the addiction can last a lifetime. However, one should never lose hope of beating a food addiction. With patience and with time, individual addicts can learn the behavioral skills which will enable them to keep their weight under control. Of course, there will be times when individuals will be tempted to indulge in sweets or excessive carbohydrates. However, knowing the pain that they will undergo if they continue their harmful eating habits could be just the incentive they need to stay the course.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 09:20 PM | Comments (0)
May 14, 2006
Eat a variety of veggies for a healthier you
The new food guidelines issued by the United States government recommend that all Americans eat between five and nine servings of fruits and vegetables each and every day. When you first hear that number, it may seem like a lot, but it is actually much easier than you think to fit that many servings of fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. For one thing, the shelves of the grocery stores are fairly bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, vegetables and fruits are some of the least expensive, most nutrient rich, foods in the supermarket. With all these fruits and vegetables to choose from, it is very easy to make these nutritious, delicious foods part of your daily meals and snacks.
When you take into account how much a serving really is, it is actually quite easy to get five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. For instance, the recommended daily amount actually equates to a quite reasonable two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables every day. When you consider how many fruits and vegetables are available, and how low the prices usually are, it is easy to see how easy to reach this daily goal really is.
One great way to get the nutrients you need from fruits and vegetables every day is to take full advantage of the variety of these foods available. Eating the same thing every day quickly becomes boring, so why not pick a variety of fruits and vegetables, in every color of the rainbow and in every conceivable shape, size and texture, to give yourself a varied diet every day.
When shopping for fruits and vegetables, it is important to choose a variety of different colors. This is for more than purely artistic reasons. Different color fruits and vegetables have different types of nutrients, and choosing a variety of colors will help ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need each and every day.
Finding new recipes is another great way to ensure you get those five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Everyone likes to try out new recipes, and these new recipes may just provide the impetus you need to eat all those fruits and veggies.
New recipes can also provide you the important opportunity to try out some fruits and vegetables you have never tried before. For instance, everyone has eaten oranges, but have you tried kiwi fruit or mangoes? How about spinach or kale? Trying new things is a great way to find new favorites while getting the best nutrition available.
Many people mistakenly think that they do not need to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day if they just take a vitamin supplement. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. That is because fruits and vegetables contain far more than the micronutrients identified by science and synthesized in vitamin pills. While these micronutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E are important to good health, so too are the hundreds of other elements that are contained in healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. These elements are not available in any pill, they must be ingested through a healthy, balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables.
In addition, fruits and vegetables are much less costly than vitamin pills. Fruits and vegetables are very inexpensive, especially when purchased in season and grown locally. In the long run, getting the nutrition you need from the food you eat is much less expensive, and much better for you, than popping those vitamin pills every day.
So don’t forget to get your five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. It may seem like a lot, but you can meet this quite reasonable goal simply by including fruits and vegetables as snacks, as garnishes, as side dishes and as meals.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 09:26 PM | Comments (0)
May 13, 2006
Whey Protein - Nature's Amazing Muscle Builder
Are you concerned about taking care of your body before and after strenuous activities or workouts? Do you try to avoid supplements that contain additives and possible side effects?
If you are interested in better health and improved physical fitness you have surely heard that bodybuilders and other athletes are turning to a simple, natural supplement called whey protein.
WHY DO ATHLETES USE WHEY PROTEIN?
Protein levels are depleted through exercise. Muscles require amino acids to prevent deterioration, give endurance and build mass. Proteins supply these amino acids to the muscles which is why athletes use whey protein.
WHAT IS WHEY PROTEIN?
Commercial whey protein comes from cow's milk. Whey is the by-product of making cheese and was usually thrown away as a waste product. Now researchers know that whey protein is high quality, natural protein that is rich with amino acids essential for good health and muscle building. It is naturally found in mother's milk and also used in baby formula. It is being considered for use as a fortifier of grain products because of its considerable health benefits and bland flavor.
Although protein is also found in other foods such as meat, soy and vegetables, whey protein is proven to have the highest absorption (digestion) levels in comparison to all others.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER USING WHEY PROTEIN?
Whey protein has many health benefits including immune support, bone health, sports health, weight management and overall well being.
Because amino acids are 'building blocks' for the human body it is sometimes used by patients to speed up the healing of wounds or burns.
The high quality protein that comes from whey makes it a recommended choice for those who need optimal benefits from restricted diets including diabetics, those on weight management diets and even ill patients not able to consume enough protein in their diet to assist with healing.
CAN WHEY PROTEIN BE DANGEROUS?
Whey protein is a food and so it does not have have the risks associated with other supplements. That said, too much of anything carries risks. Extremely high use of whey protein can overload the liver which can cause serious problems. Moderation is always recommended.
If you are lactose intolerant you might try whey protein isolate which has less than 1% lactose and should be tolerable for most users.
Whey protein is a natural and healthy way to bring protein into your diet and increase well being.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 09:56 PM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2006
Banish Insomnia -- Sleep Safe with Amino Acids
There is something most uncivilized about living in a civilized world. What is it? It’s hard to get good night’s sleep.
Some of this punishing sleep deprivation is voluntary. Too much to do. Too much to see. Too many responsibilities. Not enough sleep.
For many people, sleep is a desperate need. People toss and turn, but sleep does not come. Others get to sleep only to awaken later in the middle of the night. In the morning, thousands (millions?) head off to work bleary-eyed, trying to be productive. It’s a vicious cycle.
Eventually exhaustion can get bad enough that a person seeks help from their doctor, who obligingly writes a prescription for some pills. At first, they work well and the sleepless person gets some much needed relief.
However, the real nightmare is about to begin. After awhile, the sleeping pills stop working. Unfortunately, by then, the person is addicted. The doctor has been told the drugs are not addictive by the drug manufacturer. Anecdotal evidence, however, suggests drug manufacturers aren’t giving doctors the whole story. There’s big money in having a “non-addictive” sleeping pill. As the saying goes, “Money Talks.”
It turns out that there is another way, but not one health insurance will pay for. Because there are no large drug companies standing behind this alternative, health insurance companies don’t recognize it as a therapeutic choice.
Contrary to what doctors usually are taught both in medical schools and from drug companies, nutrition plays a large role in getting a good night’s sleep. There are a number of vitamins and minerals that support sleep. An internet search for “insomnia vitamins” and “insomnia minerals” provides a wealth of information about these nutritional supports.
Staying away from nicotine, caffeine and alcohol helps in getting a good night’s sleep, as does having a good diet and getting regular exercise
Amino acids are lesser known for their importance in being able to get enough sleep, but they are just as vital. L-Tryptophan, for example, is called “essential” for a reason. People can’t live without it.
Without enough L-Tryptophan, or its easier-to-get cousin, 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy Tryptophan), human beings are not able to calm down. Sound familiar? Usually, about 100 mg of 5-HTP provides enough relaxation that sleep becomes an option for an average adult. Experimentation to discover an appropriate dosage is safe and easy.
Sleep becomes an option with enough L-Tryptophan in the brain. This is where L-Theanine, another commonly available amino acid, comes in. It’s a sleep time amplifier, providing more rest in less time. A dose of 100 mg at bed time is a good starting place.
Finally, GABA (yet another amino acid) works for some people. Most sleeping pills work on the same part of the brain that uses GABA. Unfortunately, for technical reasons, just taking GABA does not always work that well. Trying 200 mg at bed time is a good starting place. It may or may not work.
Anyone having trouble getting a good night’s sleep can leave the sleeping pills in the cabinet. Instead, trying some 5-HTP, L-Theanine and GABA is an inexpensive option. These supplements are a safe and non-addictive alternative.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 10:00 PM | Comments (0)
May 11, 2006
Dietary Supplements – Folic Acid
The debate about the necessity of taking dietary supplements is still raging. While many health care professionals believe we get all we need from the foods we eat, others prefer to offer extra vitamins when their patients are under a stress such as pregnancy or illness or even aging, when the body’s function is impaired or overloaded.
Studies have proven that taking extra B group vitamins, especially folic acid and B12 have reduced birth defects by 72 to 100%. And since regulations authorizing the addition of folic acid to grains have come into force, the incidence of birth defects in the USA has dropped by 19%, though sceptics claim there could be other reasons.
So what are some of the symptoms of folate deficiency? If your tongue is inflamed and you suffer from loss of appetite, shortness of breath, are irritable, forgetful and mentally sluggish, you may have a folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is one of the B group of vitamins and most animal and plant foods are poor sources of it. The exception is liver which most people don’t eat a lot of these days. Some habits and diseases also play a major part in causing a deficiency of this vitamin. Celiac disease, alcoholism and irritable bowel syndrome are three such.
Studies have also suggested that when elderly people suffer from depression it is caused by a lack of folate (B9). It should be taken with B6 And B12 to help its absorption and function in the body. These three vitamins work closely together and help relieve symptoms of depression. They do this by decreasing the amount of homocysteine, which is thought to play an active part in causing the depression. Sometimes the amount of folate in proportion to the other two may need to be increased.
Several population-based studies across the USA have found that various cancers are less prevalent in people who have high levels of folic acid. These people also consumed high amounts of beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber. One very large study of 50,000 women found that adequate intakes of folate significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer.
Some prescription medications for inflammatory bowel disease have been found to interfere with the bodies ability to absorb folate (folic acid) and the deficiency has also been linked to male infertility and heart disease.
Foods that offer the most folic acid are dark leafy greens, brewers yeast, beef liver, some seafood, orange juice and milk. Root vegetables and whole grains also provide small amounts.
Side effects from folic acid supplements are rare, though they can occur if the dose exceeds 15000 mcg. Taking any one of the B group of vitamins alone can cause a deficiency in the others, so don’t be part smart. Find out if you really do need it and make sure your health care professional knows you intend to take it. Some prescription medicines like antibiotics and warfarin can react adversely to this supplement, while others like ibuprofen and aspirin can actually cause a deficiency. Methotrexate, used to treat some cancer and rheumatoid arthritis increases the body’s need for folic acid, and its side-effects are greatly reduced by addition of this vitamin without impairing its effectiveness, so if you must take this drug, be sure see your health care professional about adding folic acid to your diet.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 02:03 AM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2006
Diet Doldrums - Is Dehydration the Culprit?
If you're stalled on a weight loss plateau despite sticking to your diet, the first thing to check is your water intake. Research suggests that most Americans unknowingly suffer from mild, chronic dehydration, and you could be one of them!
So why should you care? Because water is an essential ingredient for your weight loss. In fact, water is needed for a wide range of the body's biochemical processes, but lets just look at what water does for dieters:
Water is essential for your body to metabolize stored fat into energy - so much so, that your body's metabolism can be slowed by relatively mild levels of dehydration. And the slower your metabolism, the slower your weight loss (and the greater your fatigue), until eventually your weight loss just crawls to a halt, and you hit the dreaded diet plateau.
Water is a natural appetite suppressant. In the hypothalamus, a region in your brain that controls appetites and cravings, the control centers for hunger and thirst are located next to each other, and there tends to be some overlap. This has both advantages and disadvantages for the dieter: on the down side, it means that chronic mild dehydration can confuse these control mechanisms, leading to feelings of hunger, rather than thirst. But on a positive note, it means you can use water to reduce your appetite. For example, in one University of Washington study, drinking a glass of water reduced nighttime hunger cravings for most of the dieters studied.
Water is an essential component of the processes that enable muscle to contract. This means that water helps to maintain muscle tone. Better muscle tone means a better looking body, and isn't that what dieting and weight loss is about?
Water also helps to prevent the sagging skin that often follows weight loss - water plumps the skin cells, giving the skin a younger and healthier look.
Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss, the body has a lot more waste to get rid of, as a byproduct of all that metabolized fat. So adequate water is essential to your health while dieting.
Water can even help with constipation. When the body gets too little water, it siphons what it needs from within, particularly from the colon. This leads to constipation. But normal bowel function usually returns with adequate water intake.
More generally, mild dehydration can cause a number of health problems, in addition to your diet plateau. The symptoms of mild dehydration can include: -
- Headaches & feeling light headed, as dehydration interferes with normal body processes, including waste disposal.
- Fatigue, as the body's metabolism is slowed - mild dehydration is probably the most common cause of daytime fatigue.
- Hunger & cravings due to weakening of the thirst mechanism
- Fluid retention as your body tries to hold on to the water it already has
- Constipation, as the body works to conserve its internal water sources
Not a pretty picture, is it? But once you get your water in balance, you reach the "breakthrough point", a concept pioneered by Dr. Peter Lindner, a California obesity expert. Once you've reached the breakthrough point, fluid retention eases, the liver and endocrine system start to function more effectively, you will start to regain your natural thirst and your hunger cravings will be significantly reduced. And so the end result of reaching and sustaining the breakthrough point in your water balance is that your body is able to metabolize fat more effectively.
So how much water should you drink daily, for a healthy and 'adequate' intake? First, a couple of basic principles:
1) The easiest way to tell if you are drinking enough water is to monitor the color of your urine: It should be clear or a very pale yellow in color. (but note that some supplements and medications may also affect your urine color).
2) Get in to the habit of drinking regular and adequate amounts of water. Never wait to drink until you're thirsty, because if you're feeling thirsty, then dehydration has already started to occur!
Having said that, an adequate water intake for a sedentary but normal-weight adult during cool weather, is generally recognized as 8 x 8 oz glasses.
Note that you need additional water in hot weather, when you lose more water through sweat.
You also need additional water when you exercise. Athletes attempt to enhance their performance by maintaining an optimal fluid balance while exercising, estimated to require 6 to 12 oz of fluid at 15 to 20 minute intervals. Even if you're not concerned about your athletic performance, you should consume a similar amount of water when exercising, in order to maintain adequate hydration.
And if you're overweight, you'll need an extra glass of water for each 25 pounds overweight, because the extra weight creates extra metabolic demand
But how do you manage to drink so much water? A typical recommendation from the weight loss experts is 3 glasses of water with every meal. That's 3 glasses with breakfast, 3 with lunch, and 3 with dinner. Plus, of course, additional regular water between meals when you're exercising or when its hot.
So if you're dieting, stalled on a weight loss plateau, or suffering some of the classic symptoms of dehydration, do, first of all, ensure that you have an adequate water intake. It could be the 'missing ingredient' in your diet regime.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 08:18 PM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2006
An Example of a Perfect Meal
Good nutrition is vital to a strong and healthy mind and body. It's true what they say - you are what you eat.
This statement points out very effectively that if you feed your body with low nutritional and sugary garbage, your body has nothing to work with and you'll end up eventually feeling like garbage.
On the other hand, if you nourish your body with food that is packed with nutrients such as vitamins, fiber, healthy fats, whole grains and omega-3's, you'll notice a huge difference in how you look and feel...especially if you make this type of food a dietary habit.
Right now we're at a crossroad - we know we should be eating better, but there are so many restaurants available offering "bad" food and it's making the obesity rate skyrocket. Even restaurants that offer fish platters and other health-conscious meals end up not so well because of the amount of calories you ingest between the bread, large portions and dessert.
You have two options:
1. Stay away from fast rood restaurants - and when you eat out at restaurants, be strict about what you eat. Stay away from the bread and don't finish everything on your plate...bring the rest home for a meal you can eat the next day.
2. Make a meal at home yourself using ingredients you buy at the grocery store, not frozen entrees.
The focus of this article is on number two because by making your own meal, you can control exactly what goes into it. The end result is a meal that you know is nutritious and NOT packed with health-deteriorating ingredients.
Here's an example of the perfect meal you can make at home. It has everything you need for better health.
What you'll need is:
1 9-10 ounce bag of baby spinach
1 can of wild Alaskan pink salmon
1-2 teaspoons of olive oil
1-2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
1/2-3/4 cup of brown rice
Here's a breakdown of each food's health benefits:
Spinach - this green leaf is packed with phytonutrients, vitamins and fiber - and it's low in calories.
Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon - yes, canned! It tastes better than you think. The reason this is recommended is because the food is a powerhouse of good fats, protein and omega-3's and is low in calories and carbohydrates. The salmon you would normally buy is potentially high in mercury, which is bad. This Wild Alaskan form is free of mercury...and it's inexpensive.
In case you're wondering, Omega-3's are vital for healthy weight loss, brain health and a healthy cardiovascular system.
Olive Oil - full of good fat which your body does need. When you buy olive oil, make sure it's 100% authentic. Some brands are now mixing olive oil with refined oils...the end result is olive oil, but not really.
Balsamic Vinegar - vinegar reportedly controls your blood sugar level when eating which is important for overall health. Furthermore, it gives the meal more taste.
Brown Rice - whole grains are full of vitamins and fiber. Check out Uncle Ben's instant brown rice...it's pretty good and quick to make.
Making the meal is easy. You simply lay the spinach out on a platter- you can more or less use however much you want- and drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the spinach.
Let this sit for 10 minutes or so- this gives the spinach a chance to soak up the oil and vinegar. While this is sitting, cook the brown rice and open up the can of salmon.
When ready, simply spread the salmon over the spinach and put the brown rice either on the side or in a separate bowl.
And now the best part of all - ENJOY!
This meal will take you 15 minutes max to make and each bite will nourish your body from the inside out. And once you get used to eating healthy, you'll find yourself experimenting with all types of different meals.
This article shared with you one example of a perfect meal, but there are many many more!
Posted by personalhealthnews at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)
May 08, 2006
Causes Of Bad Breath
Acute bad breath is a very common problem caused by such things as oral dryness, stress, hunger, eating certain foods such as garlic and onions, smoking, and poor oral care.
Morning breath is a typical example of transient bad breath. However chronic bad breath is a far more serious condition affecting one quarter of the population in different capacities, and usually has a bad impact on the individual's capacity to maintain good personal and business relationship, leading to catastrophe.
Halitosis is caused by the presence of a huge colony of oral bacteria and invariably requires persistent treatment. Presently, persistent halitosis is not clearly understood or even identified as a curable condition by most medical experts, so a proper and effective treatment is almost impossible to find.
Most of the treatments available are mostly asymptotic and are limited to controlling bad breath by mouth and breath fresheners. Though many breath clinics have sprouted like mushroom, all over the world, many of them are not really successful. However, a very small number of clinics use established methods of microbiological examination to determine the varieties of odor-causing bacteria. The specific bacteria are then controlled by patient specific treatments, thus giving patients relief from the ordeal.
Though the reasons for bad breath odor are not completely understood, most unpleasant odors are known to occur due to food debris trapped in the mouth. It is really amazing to find as many as 400 different types of bacteria in an average mouth!
Trouble can occur when several dozen of these bacteria are allowed to flourish in large proportions or are genetically mutated to reproduce in a large number. Many species of these bacteria are usually found on the back of the tongue, where they find protection and security from normal mouth activity. The rough edges of our tongue usually harbor millions of these harmful bacteria, which create toxins by digesting debris, dead cells, and other residues. These toxins are harmful in creating a bad odor in the breath.
The anaerobic respiration of these bacteria will accrue residual compounds containing sulfides and ammonia. These bad compounds often mix with the breath to form an aerosol of nausea and bad odor.
Other causes of chronic bad breath may be periodontitis (gum disease), diabetes, kidney failure, sinusitis, tonsilloliths, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and a wide variety of prescription drugs.
Causes of Bad Breath
The majority of bad breath problems begin in the mouth.
- Bad breath that is of mouth origin can be traced to a sulfur compound produced by bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells release this sulfur compound, which gives the breath a bad odor.
- Bacterial plaque, debris and food waste accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue's surface is extremely rough and bacteria can reside easily in the cracks and crevices.
- Large amounts of sulfur compounds can be produced in this area, making it a frequent site of origin for bad breath.
- The tooth attracts bacteria containing plaque, debris and if not cleaned regularly and thoroughly, this can result in large accumulations of bacteria which result in bad breath.
- People who have Periodontitis disease often experience bad breath because of bacteria accumulating in areas that are not cleaned easily, such as deep fissures around teeth.
Fortunately, treatment is very effective for people who have bad breath of mouth origin.
Other reasons for bad breath are:
- Sinus or respiratory infections
- Diabetes related acetone smell
- Fishy odor in case of kidney disease
- Liver problems
- Digestive disorders
- Dieting and fasting related foul odors
Bad Breath Remedy - Free Trial
Posted by personalhealthnews at 03:03 PM | Comments (0)
May 07, 2006
Mind, Body and Soul Interconnectivity
The practice of chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between your spine and your nervous system. The spine is the structure, and the nervous system is the function. Chiropractic believes these two systems work in unison to keep and then restore your body’s health. The word “chiropractic” is taken from Greek, and means “done by hand”. This is exactly how chiropractic care works.
The chiropractor uses his or her hands to manipulate your body, and help it to heal itself. It is the branch of the health sciences which focuses on the neuromusculoskeletal system. That’s a very big word to simply say how your spine and nervous system work together.
The spine is the highway for your central nervous system; if the highway is blocked or traffic is jammed, they are usually able healers. Many cultures, the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Chinese, and even the Africans have used some form of chiropractic care for hundreds of years.
Modern alternative medicine and holistic healers believe in the power of the energy that flows through our bodies; this energy radiates from our mind as well. It is believed to be the chief from of transportation for our body’s nervous system to carry out communication.
Acupuncture is one of the key components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and operates on the premise that the body is divided into two opposing and inseparable forces, the yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, and yang represents the hot, excited or active principle.
According to TCM health is achieved by maintaining a balance state of the yin and yang. This is done through the vital pathways or meridians that allow for the flow of qi, or vital energy. The vital energy flow occurs along pathways known as meridians. These meridians connect over 2,000 acupuncture points along the body. There are 12 main meridians, and 8 secondary meridians.
Although traditional western medicine does not completely understand how acupuncture works, the proof that it does work has been shown in several studies conducted by western medical facilities.
Finally, in the last few years, traditional western medicine has come to accept the role that your mind, body and soul have in keeping each other healthy, during daily processes, or recovering from surgery. Almost every form of healing accepts and incorporates the fact that our bodies have a “vital energy force” that flows through, from top to bottom.
This “life force” as some refer to the energy, helps to keep us connected, mind, body, and soul. To come to the understanding, as modern medicine finally has, that there are certain aspects of our health that we cannot place neatly in a physical process, has been a difficult revelation for believers of the purely scientific approaches to healing and medicine.
It’s impossible to separate the mind from the body, or the body from the soul. Their interconnectivity is the basis for our life’s meaning and existence. It is because of this connection, that we are able to heal ourselves in the beginning.
Posted by personalhealthnews at 04:10 PM | Comments (0)
