Sunday, August 30, 2009
Colostrum and Pregnancy
Newborns need to fight against disease and infection from the moment they come into the world. But nature, which provides life, provides mothers with a weapon to help their babies survive. And that weapon is colostrum.Usually, colostrum begins in the breasts of pregnant mothers in the third month of pregnancy. In some, it may not appear until after the birth. Both are normal circumstances. When colostrum is being produced, breasts grow and veins may be seen through the skin. As these changes take place, the areola becomes larger and darker and nipples become more erect. The breasts now become heavier, preparing mother to breastfeed. Some mothers may experience slight blood leakage through the nipples. This is due to the increased number and rapid growth of blood vessels in the growing ductal system and is no cause for alarm. There is a difference between colostrum produced in the mothers of premature babies and the mothers of full-grown babies. The colostrum produced in the mother of a premature baby is designed to suit the needs of a premature infant, whereas colostrum produced in the mother of a full-term baby contains nutrients and immunes required for growth in a fully term baby. Colostrum is the most important food a newborn can receive in order to fight off bacteria that begin colonization on his skin and in his mucosal membranes at the moment of birth. The colostrum coats his intestines and protects him from bacteria and viruses. Unlike milk, colostrum is easily digestible by the newborn. Researches have proved that babies that receive colostrum from their mothers' breasts grow up to be stronger and healthier than those who are artificially fed
Your Complexion and Pregnancy
You were looking forward to that pregnancy glow and instead you've got…pregnancy acne? If you're experiencing a sudden outbreak or acne or a worsening of your already existing adult acne, then you are not alone. While many women experience clearer skin then they've ever had during pregnancy, other women experience quite the opposite. Some women get mild outbreaks of acne once or twice during their pregnancy and other women experience severe acne eruptions throughout the entire nine months.What causes pregnancy acne and how can you deal with it?First, hormones rage in the pregnant woman, making her susceptible to a wide range of hormone-related conditions, acne included. Androgens (a type of hormone) increase and along with them come increased levels of sebum, blocked pores, a backup of bacteria, and, the end result, acne.If you're acne-prone, you're acne-prone, There's not much you can do to prevent it, but there's lots you can do to cut back on the severity and to reduce inflammation, redness, and occurrence. First, keep your skin clean. Use a mild soap or a soapless cleanser twice a day and don't use anything (like a rough washcloth) against your skin. Use an oil-free moisturizer and try your hardest not to pop or even touch affected areas.Prescription acne medications can be a problem during pregnancy, especially Accutane and Retin-A, tetracycline, doxycycline,, and minocycline. Some topical creams and antibiotics may be okay, like erythromycin, but check with your doctor to be sure.That pregnancy glow doesn't need to be a thing only in fairy tales. If you take good care of your skin, you can keep blemishes and acne to a minimum. And with that beautiful bulging belly and your proud grin on your face, no one will notice a pimple or two anyways!
Breast Cancer
Cancer is the number 2 killer in the United States. Is there something you can do to help prevent cancer? You bet there is. It is estimated that 1/3 of cancers are linked to diet. In addition, 3 to 4 MILLION cancer cases could be prevented EACH YEAR simply by making dietary changes!! Now that is wonderful news. The choices you make today can affect your quality of living tomorrow.
It is a known fact that populations with higher rates of cancer have different dietary habits than those with lower rates. This article will cover several different nutrition issues related to breast cancer. For the most part, the same dietary recommendations that help reduce the risk of other cancers, heart disease, and osteoporosis apply to breast cancer risk reduction.
Research has shown that women who eat their fair share of fruits and vegetables have much lower rates of breast cancer. The minimum recommendation is to eat 5 servings per day, aiming for 10 servings. If you need help determining exactly what a serving is, here is a link to NutrActive's free Serving Size Guide, Click Here.
Specific nutrients naturally found in fruits and vegetables seem to play a role in reducing risk. Some of these nutrients include vitamins C and E, and phytochemicals such as pycnogenols and carotenoids. The most popular carotenoid is beta carotene. Word of caution: If you desire to boost your intake of specific nutrients by taking supplements, beta carotene is not one that has not shown favorable results in studies. Taking an isolated amount of any one carotenoid can throw the natural balance that you obtain through your diet out of whack. It is far better to eat a handful of baby carrots to get a boost of carotenoids the way mother nature intended. As far as vitamins C and E, if you wish to supplement your diet, these are both relatively safe and effective supplements. My recommendation for vitamin C is do not take more than 500 mg per day in supplement form. For vitamin E, do not exceed 400 IU per day.
Another nutritional element that may help reduce breast cancer risk is fiber. Some of the fiber in your diet binds to estrogen. High exposure to estrogen throughout one's life is one of the high risk factors for breast cancer. Fiber intake can be increased by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Carrying around extra baggage is a strong risk factor for developing breast cancer, especially if it is added during your adult years. Some health experts used to think there was no harm in packing on a few extra pounds with each passing year. It is now believed that even a 10 to 20 pound increase in weight over an adult's life span can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Why? Possibly because increased body weight seems to result in increased circulating estrogen levels. For weight loss services and products, Click Here.
Effects of Fat:
Unfortunately, research on the role of total fat consumption is inconsistent. There has not been a lot of good research due to the fact that people who eat high-fat diets are typically overweight. Even if future research were not able to find an association between total fat intake and breast cancer risk, consuming a diet low in fat makes it much easier to maintain a lean body weight.
The standard advice is to consume no more than 30% of your calories from fat. Some health professionals say it is better to limit fat calories to 20% of your food intake. Here is an example to show you how to calculate how many grams of fat you can eat and be following the above guidelines. Let's say you typically eat 1800 calories a day. Multiply 1800 times 30% (or .30). You get 540 which is the total fat calories you can have that day. To calculate grams of fat, divide 540 by 9. You can have 60 grams of fat per day. The number 9 is used because there are 9 calories per every 1 gram of fat. If you are not a math wizard or you have no clue as to how many calories you eat each day, you might like to have your nutritional intake analyzed. This will clue you into just how many calories you consume each day plus how many calories are from fat, Click Here.
There is evidence that saturated fats may increase breast cancer risk. Sources include foods from animal origin, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and cocoa butter. Monounsaturated fats may actually help decrease breast cancer risk. Sources include olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.
Of particular interest is olive oil. Aside from being a monounsaturated fat, olive oil contains important phytochemicals and a significant amount of vitamin E. Phytochemicals and vitamin E possess antioxidant activity meaning they help protect against oxidation, a process by which cancer can develop. Greek women typically consume 42% of their calories from fat versus 35% consumed by American women. Yet, Greek women have substantially lower rates of mortality due to breast cancer when compared to American women. How can that be? Unlike the typical American diet, most all of the fat in the Greek diet comes from olive oil or fish. Fish has promising benefits, too. Studies involving the use of fish oils seem to indicate that fish oils can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
Keep in mind that the speculations associated with olive oil are fairly new. There is no reason to start taking olive oil by the spoonfuls. Because it is a beneficial fat, there is absolutely no harm to included it in your diet. Just keep in mind that it is a fat and fats provide a significant amount of calories. The biggest key is to keep your weight under control.
Effects of Alcohol:
Alcohol consumption: Three out of four Americans say there is too much conflicting information when it comes to eating a healthy diet. This can be particularly true when it comes to alcohol. Some say a drink a day can provide health benefits, some say not so. So what are the facts?
Strong evidence suggests that consuming more than 3 to 4 drinks per week increases your risk of breast cancer. One drink is equal to 12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine, 1.5 oz liquor. If you have included red wine to your diet to help reduce heart disease risk, why not eat red grapes or drink purple, 100% natural grape juice. The protective phytochemicals are found in the grapes, not the alcohol. Tea and onions are another source of these protective phytochemicals.
However, there is no denying that alcohol in moderation is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. A large body of evidence supports this. But, there is convincing evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may lead to modest increases in breast cancer risk.
In 1994 experts reviewed 38 case-controlled studies involving alcohol and breast cancer. Their findings indicated that 1 drink per day resulted in a 10% increase in breast cancer. More recently, a pooled analysis of data published in 1998 showed that for every 10 grams per day of alcohol consumption, breast cancer risk increased 9%. Did it matter what type of alcoholic beverage was being consumed? No. In addition, this pooled analysis showed that women who drank 2 to 5 drinks per day had a 41% higher risk - OUCH!
What is my advice? If you are a woman who is at high risk for developing cancer, I would advise that you limit your consumption to less than one alcoholic drink per day.
Because heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women, I cannot advise you to eliminate alcohol altogether. There is a greater chance you will develop heart disease than breast cancer. A consistent finding in studies shows the lowest risk of death from heart disease is among moderate drinkers. Weigh your risks. Discuss them with your doctor. Then hopefully you can make an educated decision about whether or not you should include alcohol as part of your "healthy" diet regimen.
Effects of Meat Consumption:
Evidence that meat consumption increases breast cancer risk is growing. Two culprits are speculated to be the saturated fat and the type of animal protein in meat. Red meat consumption has conclusively been linked to colon cancer. The conclusive evidence is not as strong for breast cancer. Nonetheless, I would recommend limiting red meat to no more than two servings per week (2-3 ounces per serving or about the size of a deck of cards).
Third culprit: When meat (such as beef, poultry, or fish) is exposed to high temperatures, harmful substances called heterocyclic amines - HCAs - are formed. HCAs are known to be harmful to the pancreas, colon, and prostate. Recently the Iowa Women's Health Study published a report stating that women who consistently ate their red meat cooked well done had almost FIVE times the risk of breast cancer as those who ate their meats rare or medium. (Note: I am NOT recommending you eat your meat cooked rare. It is well known that undercooked meat carries its own health concerns, namely exposure to harmful bacteria.)
In addition to limiting the amount of red meat you consume,
I recommend the following:
(1) Trim fat from meat BEFORE grilling
(2) Avoid foods that have been charred (black)
(3) Before grilling, marinate meat AND microwave the meat for 3 to 5 minutes to cut down on carcinogens (substances that cause cancer). [This step is important because it limits the meat's exposure to high-temperatures.]
Effects of Soy:
You have probably heard a lot of recent news about soy. You have probably even heard that soy can help reduce your risk of cancer. Interest in soy's role in preventing breast cancer developed after scientists observed that Asian women have significantly lower rates of breast cancer than women in the U.S. Asian women typically consume a diet that is rich in soy products. Women in the U.S. typically do not.
Experts are not ready to make strong claims concerning soy and its ability to prevent cancer. However, there is substantial data that links soy to the prevention of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers. A recent study in England found a strong association between a high intake of soy phytoestrogens (to be discussed in a minute) and a lower risk of breast cancer. Even still, experts will not say with certainty that soy does reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Because there is a large amount of evidence suggesting that soy is beneficial, I recommend incorporating soy into your diet.
So, what are phytoestrogens? Phytoestrogens are plant hormones that are similar to human estrogens. Of importance is the fact that phytoestrogens are weaker than human estrogens. Phytoestrogens are believed to be among the key substances in soy that helps reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers. As weaker versions of estrogen, phytoestrogens seem to play a dual role. When there is too much estrogen, the phytoestrogens actually block estrogen's harmful effects. When there is not enough estrogen, phytoestrogens make up for the difference. In addition, phytoestrogens seem to act as antioxidants, thus further protecting cells.
Other foods besides soy products contain phytoestrogens. The best source without a doubt is soy. Flaxseed is a strong second. Studies are lacking in support for getting your phytoestrogens from a pill. Food sources are absolutely your best bet.
How can you start incorporating soy into your diet? Do not look to soy sauce or soybean oil for the benefits associated with breast cancer risk reduction. These products may be made from soy, but they contain none of the beneficial phytoestrogens and no soy protein. Below is a list of soy products and the amount in milligrams (mg) of the beneficial phytoestrogens contained per each serving size listed. To reap soy's benefits, I recommend that you try to include 30 to 60 mg per day.
1/2 cup fresh or frozen soybeans 70 mg
1 cup soy milk 20 mg
1/4 cup soy nuts, roasted 84 mg
4 ounces tofu 38 mg
1/4 cup soy powder 60 mg
Fresh or frozen soybeans, sometimes called edamame, are mild, sweet-tasting green beans. Boil them for 15 to 20 minutes and get ready for a real treat!
Soy nuts are dried soybeans that have been roasted and usually salted. They make a good alternative to peanuts with half the fat and a lower price tag.
Don't like soy milk straight?
Strawberry-Banana Shake:
In a blender, place 1 ripe banana,
1/2 cup frozen strawberries,
1 cup soy milk,
1/3 cup soy protein powder,
and 1 TBSP honey.
Blend until thick and creamy.
[100 mg phytoestrogens]
Let's put everything into perspective:
Here is a list identifying "cancer protectors":
* Fruits and Vegetables, especially those dark in color, aim for 5-9 servings/day
* Fiber, especially for colon cancer, aim for 25-35 grams per day
* Antioxidants, such as carotenes and vitamins C & E (get carotenes through your diet, not a pill !!)
* Selenium, especially for prostate cancer, do not take more than 800 mcg/day as a supplement
* Calcium, aim for 1200-1500 mg per day
* Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil), try to include fish in your diet at least 1 to 2 times per week
* Soy, aim for 1 to 2 servings of soy products per day
* Tea (black or green), aim for 3 to 5 servings per day
* Exercise, aim for 30 minutes most days of the week
Here is a list identifying cancer promoters:
* Overweight, limit weight gain in adulthood to 10 pounds or less
* Dietary fat, try to use canola and olive oil in cooking
* Red meat, especially colon cancer, limit to 1-2 times per week - 3 oz. serving size
* Burned food, avoid charred foods when possible
* Nitrates and nitrites, avoid cured meats when possible
* Alcohol, MEN: Limit to 2 drinks or less/day, WOMEN: Limit to 1 drink or less/day
"The Best Overall Anticancer Diet"
(Source: Environmental Nutrition/vol.22/no.10):
* Eat a diet that is largely vegetarian (certainly low in red meats), centering on legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
* Eat fish once or twice a week.
* Eat five to nine servings a day of fruits and vegetables. Include citrus fruits or other foods rich in vitamin C, dark leafy greens, high-fiber produce and cruciferous vegetables.
* Limit fat intake to mostly monounsaturated and omega-3 fats (from olive oil, canola oil, nuts, and seeds).
* Choose whole grains (whole wheat, oatmeal, brown rice) over refined grains.
* Include a source of calcium (from diet or supplement).
* Include soy and flaxseed in your diet.
* Relax with a few cups of tea a day.
* Exercise regularly.
Exercise
What role does exercise play in fighting cancer?
Regular exercise (30 minutes or more on most days of the week) helps protect against colon cancer and possibly breast and lung cancers. In addition, exercise helps reduce the cancer risk associated with obesity by helping you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
Below is an easy solution for those of you who are too busy to fit in a good workout on most days.
Squeezing in what has been coined as "fit bits" of physical activity (activity for short as a minute or two spread throughout the day) can keep you healthy and fit. The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas demonstrated that subjects who performed lifestyle fitness lost as much weight as a group doing a 20 to 60 minute aerobic session 3 to 5 times per week. They also increased their aerobic endurance, although not as much as the control group.
So, what does that mean? Got a minute, do something physical. Below is a list for you to gauge calories burned per activity. The amount you burn will vary, but this serves as a guide. The calories shown are based on a 140 pound woman.
* Sweep for 5 minutes = 20 calories
* Push a stroller a half-mile in 10 minutes = 50 calories
* Garden for 15 minutes = 55 calories
* Play ACTIVELY with the children for 15 minutes = 60 calories
* Park in far corner of parking lot at work.
Walk 5 minutes briskly to desk = 25 calories
* Walk briskly back to car, when leaving work, 5 min. = 25 calories
* Four flight of stairs both ways = 40 calories
* Walk briskly to store and then back in 8 minutes = 35 calories
* Here is a quick way to rack up calories burned:
Jump rope for 15 minutes = 150 calories!
It is a known fact that populations with higher rates of cancer have different dietary habits than those with lower rates. This article will cover several different nutrition issues related to breast cancer. For the most part, the same dietary recommendations that help reduce the risk of other cancers, heart disease, and osteoporosis apply to breast cancer risk reduction.
Research has shown that women who eat their fair share of fruits and vegetables have much lower rates of breast cancer. The minimum recommendation is to eat 5 servings per day, aiming for 10 servings. If you need help determining exactly what a serving is, here is a link to NutrActive's free Serving Size Guide, Click Here.
Specific nutrients naturally found in fruits and vegetables seem to play a role in reducing risk. Some of these nutrients include vitamins C and E, and phytochemicals such as pycnogenols and carotenoids. The most popular carotenoid is beta carotene. Word of caution: If you desire to boost your intake of specific nutrients by taking supplements, beta carotene is not one that has not shown favorable results in studies. Taking an isolated amount of any one carotenoid can throw the natural balance that you obtain through your diet out of whack. It is far better to eat a handful of baby carrots to get a boost of carotenoids the way mother nature intended. As far as vitamins C and E, if you wish to supplement your diet, these are both relatively safe and effective supplements. My recommendation for vitamin C is do not take more than 500 mg per day in supplement form. For vitamin E, do not exceed 400 IU per day.
Another nutritional element that may help reduce breast cancer risk is fiber. Some of the fiber in your diet binds to estrogen. High exposure to estrogen throughout one's life is one of the high risk factors for breast cancer. Fiber intake can be increased by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Carrying around extra baggage is a strong risk factor for developing breast cancer, especially if it is added during your adult years. Some health experts used to think there was no harm in packing on a few extra pounds with each passing year. It is now believed that even a 10 to 20 pound increase in weight over an adult's life span can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Why? Possibly because increased body weight seems to result in increased circulating estrogen levels. For weight loss services and products, Click Here.
Effects of Fat:
Unfortunately, research on the role of total fat consumption is inconsistent. There has not been a lot of good research due to the fact that people who eat high-fat diets are typically overweight. Even if future research were not able to find an association between total fat intake and breast cancer risk, consuming a diet low in fat makes it much easier to maintain a lean body weight.
The standard advice is to consume no more than 30% of your calories from fat. Some health professionals say it is better to limit fat calories to 20% of your food intake. Here is an example to show you how to calculate how many grams of fat you can eat and be following the above guidelines. Let's say you typically eat 1800 calories a day. Multiply 1800 times 30% (or .30). You get 540 which is the total fat calories you can have that day. To calculate grams of fat, divide 540 by 9. You can have 60 grams of fat per day. The number 9 is used because there are 9 calories per every 1 gram of fat. If you are not a math wizard or you have no clue as to how many calories you eat each day, you might like to have your nutritional intake analyzed. This will clue you into just how many calories you consume each day plus how many calories are from fat, Click Here.
There is evidence that saturated fats may increase breast cancer risk. Sources include foods from animal origin, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and cocoa butter. Monounsaturated fats may actually help decrease breast cancer risk. Sources include olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.
Of particular interest is olive oil. Aside from being a monounsaturated fat, olive oil contains important phytochemicals and a significant amount of vitamin E. Phytochemicals and vitamin E possess antioxidant activity meaning they help protect against oxidation, a process by which cancer can develop. Greek women typically consume 42% of their calories from fat versus 35% consumed by American women. Yet, Greek women have substantially lower rates of mortality due to breast cancer when compared to American women. How can that be? Unlike the typical American diet, most all of the fat in the Greek diet comes from olive oil or fish. Fish has promising benefits, too. Studies involving the use of fish oils seem to indicate that fish oils can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
Keep in mind that the speculations associated with olive oil are fairly new. There is no reason to start taking olive oil by the spoonfuls. Because it is a beneficial fat, there is absolutely no harm to included it in your diet. Just keep in mind that it is a fat and fats provide a significant amount of calories. The biggest key is to keep your weight under control.
Effects of Alcohol:
Alcohol consumption: Three out of four Americans say there is too much conflicting information when it comes to eating a healthy diet. This can be particularly true when it comes to alcohol. Some say a drink a day can provide health benefits, some say not so. So what are the facts?
Strong evidence suggests that consuming more than 3 to 4 drinks per week increases your risk of breast cancer. One drink is equal to 12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine, 1.5 oz liquor. If you have included red wine to your diet to help reduce heart disease risk, why not eat red grapes or drink purple, 100% natural grape juice. The protective phytochemicals are found in the grapes, not the alcohol. Tea and onions are another source of these protective phytochemicals.
However, there is no denying that alcohol in moderation is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. A large body of evidence supports this. But, there is convincing evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may lead to modest increases in breast cancer risk.
In 1994 experts reviewed 38 case-controlled studies involving alcohol and breast cancer. Their findings indicated that 1 drink per day resulted in a 10% increase in breast cancer. More recently, a pooled analysis of data published in 1998 showed that for every 10 grams per day of alcohol consumption, breast cancer risk increased 9%. Did it matter what type of alcoholic beverage was being consumed? No. In addition, this pooled analysis showed that women who drank 2 to 5 drinks per day had a 41% higher risk - OUCH!
What is my advice? If you are a woman who is at high risk for developing cancer, I would advise that you limit your consumption to less than one alcoholic drink per day.
Because heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women, I cannot advise you to eliminate alcohol altogether. There is a greater chance you will develop heart disease than breast cancer. A consistent finding in studies shows the lowest risk of death from heart disease is among moderate drinkers. Weigh your risks. Discuss them with your doctor. Then hopefully you can make an educated decision about whether or not you should include alcohol as part of your "healthy" diet regimen.
Effects of Meat Consumption:
Evidence that meat consumption increases breast cancer risk is growing. Two culprits are speculated to be the saturated fat and the type of animal protein in meat. Red meat consumption has conclusively been linked to colon cancer. The conclusive evidence is not as strong for breast cancer. Nonetheless, I would recommend limiting red meat to no more than two servings per week (2-3 ounces per serving or about the size of a deck of cards).
Third culprit: When meat (such as beef, poultry, or fish) is exposed to high temperatures, harmful substances called heterocyclic amines - HCAs - are formed. HCAs are known to be harmful to the pancreas, colon, and prostate. Recently the Iowa Women's Health Study published a report stating that women who consistently ate their red meat cooked well done had almost FIVE times the risk of breast cancer as those who ate their meats rare or medium. (Note: I am NOT recommending you eat your meat cooked rare. It is well known that undercooked meat carries its own health concerns, namely exposure to harmful bacteria.)
In addition to limiting the amount of red meat you consume,
I recommend the following:
(1) Trim fat from meat BEFORE grilling
(2) Avoid foods that have been charred (black)
(3) Before grilling, marinate meat AND microwave the meat for 3 to 5 minutes to cut down on carcinogens (substances that cause cancer). [This step is important because it limits the meat's exposure to high-temperatures.]
Effects of Soy:
You have probably heard a lot of recent news about soy. You have probably even heard that soy can help reduce your risk of cancer. Interest in soy's role in preventing breast cancer developed after scientists observed that Asian women have significantly lower rates of breast cancer than women in the U.S. Asian women typically consume a diet that is rich in soy products. Women in the U.S. typically do not.
Experts are not ready to make strong claims concerning soy and its ability to prevent cancer. However, there is substantial data that links soy to the prevention of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers. A recent study in England found a strong association between a high intake of soy phytoestrogens (to be discussed in a minute) and a lower risk of breast cancer. Even still, experts will not say with certainty that soy does reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Because there is a large amount of evidence suggesting that soy is beneficial, I recommend incorporating soy into your diet.
So, what are phytoestrogens? Phytoestrogens are plant hormones that are similar to human estrogens. Of importance is the fact that phytoestrogens are weaker than human estrogens. Phytoestrogens are believed to be among the key substances in soy that helps reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers. As weaker versions of estrogen, phytoestrogens seem to play a dual role. When there is too much estrogen, the phytoestrogens actually block estrogen's harmful effects. When there is not enough estrogen, phytoestrogens make up for the difference. In addition, phytoestrogens seem to act as antioxidants, thus further protecting cells.
Other foods besides soy products contain phytoestrogens. The best source without a doubt is soy. Flaxseed is a strong second. Studies are lacking in support for getting your phytoestrogens from a pill. Food sources are absolutely your best bet.
How can you start incorporating soy into your diet? Do not look to soy sauce or soybean oil for the benefits associated with breast cancer risk reduction. These products may be made from soy, but they contain none of the beneficial phytoestrogens and no soy protein. Below is a list of soy products and the amount in milligrams (mg) of the beneficial phytoestrogens contained per each serving size listed. To reap soy's benefits, I recommend that you try to include 30 to 60 mg per day.
1/2 cup fresh or frozen soybeans 70 mg
1 cup soy milk 20 mg
1/4 cup soy nuts, roasted 84 mg
4 ounces tofu 38 mg
1/4 cup soy powder 60 mg
Fresh or frozen soybeans, sometimes called edamame, are mild, sweet-tasting green beans. Boil them for 15 to 20 minutes and get ready for a real treat!
Soy nuts are dried soybeans that have been roasted and usually salted. They make a good alternative to peanuts with half the fat and a lower price tag.
Don't like soy milk straight?
Strawberry-Banana Shake:
In a blender, place 1 ripe banana,
1/2 cup frozen strawberries,
1 cup soy milk,
1/3 cup soy protein powder,
and 1 TBSP honey.
Blend until thick and creamy.
[100 mg phytoestrogens]
Let's put everything into perspective:
Here is a list identifying "cancer protectors":
* Fruits and Vegetables, especially those dark in color, aim for 5-9 servings/day
* Fiber, especially for colon cancer, aim for 25-35 grams per day
* Antioxidants, such as carotenes and vitamins C & E (get carotenes through your diet, not a pill !!)
* Selenium, especially for prostate cancer, do not take more than 800 mcg/day as a supplement
* Calcium, aim for 1200-1500 mg per day
* Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil), try to include fish in your diet at least 1 to 2 times per week
* Soy, aim for 1 to 2 servings of soy products per day
* Tea (black or green), aim for 3 to 5 servings per day
* Exercise, aim for 30 minutes most days of the week
Here is a list identifying cancer promoters:
* Overweight, limit weight gain in adulthood to 10 pounds or less
* Dietary fat, try to use canola and olive oil in cooking
* Red meat, especially colon cancer, limit to 1-2 times per week - 3 oz. serving size
* Burned food, avoid charred foods when possible
* Nitrates and nitrites, avoid cured meats when possible
* Alcohol, MEN: Limit to 2 drinks or less/day, WOMEN: Limit to 1 drink or less/day
"The Best Overall Anticancer Diet"
(Source: Environmental Nutrition/vol.22/no.10):
* Eat a diet that is largely vegetarian (certainly low in red meats), centering on legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
* Eat fish once or twice a week.
* Eat five to nine servings a day of fruits and vegetables. Include citrus fruits or other foods rich in vitamin C, dark leafy greens, high-fiber produce and cruciferous vegetables.
* Limit fat intake to mostly monounsaturated and omega-3 fats (from olive oil, canola oil, nuts, and seeds).
* Choose whole grains (whole wheat, oatmeal, brown rice) over refined grains.
* Include a source of calcium (from diet or supplement).
* Include soy and flaxseed in your diet.
* Relax with a few cups of tea a day.
* Exercise regularly.
Exercise
What role does exercise play in fighting cancer?
Regular exercise (30 minutes or more on most days of the week) helps protect against colon cancer and possibly breast and lung cancers. In addition, exercise helps reduce the cancer risk associated with obesity by helping you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
Below is an easy solution for those of you who are too busy to fit in a good workout on most days.
Squeezing in what has been coined as "fit bits" of physical activity (activity for short as a minute or two spread throughout the day) can keep you healthy and fit. The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas demonstrated that subjects who performed lifestyle fitness lost as much weight as a group doing a 20 to 60 minute aerobic session 3 to 5 times per week. They also increased their aerobic endurance, although not as much as the control group.
So, what does that mean? Got a minute, do something physical. Below is a list for you to gauge calories burned per activity. The amount you burn will vary, but this serves as a guide. The calories shown are based on a 140 pound woman.
* Sweep for 5 minutes = 20 calories
* Push a stroller a half-mile in 10 minutes = 50 calories
* Garden for 15 minutes = 55 calories
* Play ACTIVELY with the children for 15 minutes = 60 calories
* Park in far corner of parking lot at work.
Walk 5 minutes briskly to desk = 25 calories
* Walk briskly back to car, when leaving work, 5 min. = 25 calories
* Four flight of stairs both ways = 40 calories
* Walk briskly to store and then back in 8 minutes = 35 calories
* Here is a quick way to rack up calories burned:
Jump rope for 15 minutes = 150 calories!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
About the Vulva - the Female Sexual Organ
The vulva begins over the pubic bone and extends between the legs of the woman far back to only a short distance from the rectal opening. In young girls or some women the vulva begins fairly far up at the lowest part of the belly. As the pubic bone grows during maturing, the vulva is often pushed further downwards between the legs. The parts of the vulva that are most easily seen are the outer genital lips, called the great lips or the Labia majora. Between the upper parts of the lips lies the clitoris, a knob-like structure with a hood like the penile foreskin. Beneath the clitoris and continuous with the clitoral foreskin are the small or inner genital lips, the Labia minora. These surrounds a deepened area called the vaginal vestibule. The urethra opens in the vaginal vestibule and just beneath the urethral opening is the vaginal opening. THE GENITAL LIPS AND THE AREA BETWEEN THE LIPS The Labia majora join each other at the lower part of the belly, just over the pubic bone and extend backwards between the woman's legs where they also also join each other. The inner lips, the labia minora, vary much in shape and size. They may extend out from the great lips or lie fully within the area of the great lips. The inside of the genital lips excrete an oily fluid from sebaceous glands, and there are also sweat glands that deliver salty secretions. This fluids blend with fat-rich skin cells rejected from the inner surface of the lips and friendly bacteria to make a whitish substance called sebum. The sebum has a protective and lubricating function. THE URETHRA AND PARAURETHRAL GLANDS The urinary opening is situated between the inner lips in the vestibule some distance from the clitoris, sometimes it is placed even at the upper rim of the vaginal opening. At each side of the urethra there is a gland that secrete the same kind of fluid as the male prostate, the paraurethral glands or Skene's glands. The glands tend to empty themselves before and during orgasm and can this way contribute to the phenomenon called female ejaculation. THE VAGINA The vaginal opening lies just below the urethral orifice. In Jung girls it is mostly closed by a thin membrane called the hymen. The hymen will at some time rupture and leave only residuals at the rim of the vaginal opening. The vagina leads up to the womb or uterus. The inner vaginal wall consists of an epithelium over an elastic connective tissue sheet and around that there is a sheet of muscles. In the walls of the vagina, there are a lot of glands that secrete a lubricating slime. This secretion tend to increase just before and during puberty. It occurs all the time, but increase during sexual excitement. The vaginal wall do not have much nerves that can recognize sensations but nerve endings controlling the glands an the muscles. On both sides of the vagina fairly far back there are situated two glands, the Bartholin's glands, that secrete a slime, especially just before the female orgasm. Also this secretion may contribute to female ejaculation. THE CLITORIS AND THE ERECTILE BODIES The clitoris has a hood like the penile foreskin and this hood can be continuous with the minor lips or extend downwards at both sides of the minor lips so that it look like the women has even one more pair of lips. The visible clitoris has the ability to become blood-filled, engorged and erect just like the penis. It has a set of erectile bodies that do not only lie within the clitoris but extend inside the structures of the vulva, so that the whole vulva has the ability to get blood-filled and engorged.The erectile bodies are a mesh of very elastic blood vessels in a framework of elastic connective tissue. In the lower part of the clitoris lies the erectile body corpus bulbospongiosus. This body divides itself into two branches, the bulbs of vestibule, that continue as two great bodies at each side of the vaginal vestibule and frame the urethra and vagina, These bodies are partly surrounded by a muscle called the bulbospongiosus muscle. In the upper part of the clitoris are the erectile bodies corpora cavernosa at both sides that each extends inside as two bodies, called the crura of clitoris or legs of clitoris. These go along the inner rim of the pubic bone under each of the great lips. These bodies are also partly surrounded by a muscle, the ischiocavernosus muscle.. The clitoris has a very rich density of nerve endings through the whole structure. Many of these lies inside small connective tissue bodies that are capable of transmitting and focusing impulses like pressure and vibration towards the nerve endings. THE G-SPOT AND INNER SENSUAL AREAS OF THE VULVA From the clitoris down at both sides of the urethra towards the upper vaginal wall, goes a sensitive structure with a swampy appearance because of a meshwork of blood vessels. This structure can be stimulated from the clitoral side by pressure and vibration or from within the vagina. The part of this structure laying nearest the vaginal wall is often called the G-spot. When a women has orgasm, sensations in both the clitoris and the whole structure down to the vaginal wall play a role.Sometimes most of the sensations are registered at the clitoris, and the orgasm is then called a clitoral orgasm. Other times most of the sensations are registered in the area over the vaginal wall, and this type of orgasm is called G-spot orgasm or vaginal orgasm. THE INNERVATION AND BLOOD SUPPLY OF THE VULVA The clitoris and the central portions of the vulva are innervated by the perineal nerve which is a branch of the pudendal nerve, a nerve that control many important functions in the pelvic region. The peripheral parts of the vulva is controlled by branches from the posterior femoral cutaneus nerves which also controls the surfaces of the thighs. These nerves contain fibers to transmit sensations, fibers to control voluntary muscles in the vulva and parasympathetic fibers that control glands, blood vessels and involuntary muscular functions. Much of the blood supply to the vulva comes from the internal pudendal artery on both sides. This artery has branches that go towards the labia, towards the clitoral region towards the rectum and other places in the pelvic area.
Addressing Your Breast Health Concerns
Breast health is a very important aspect of a women’s health. This is because there are many risk factors that affect the breasts, most of which may result in serious conditions such as breast cancer. In some instances, a woman may not be even aware of having some form of breast disease until it is already advanced and too little can be possibly done. This is why it is important to seek medical attention even at the slightest of changes that a woman may notice on her breasts. Perhaps one of the greatest ironies that include women’s health is the fact that the breasts—the very part of their body that is vital to nourish life—is the same organ that can be easily affected with several forms of diseases that can have fatal results. This is an unusual twist of nature that the means to nourish life is also the same organ that can take life away. Moreover, what is more alarming is the fact that diseases affecting the breasts suddenly appears and in another sense of cruelty, they show symptoms only when it has become rather too late to counter them. What Are the Common Signs of Breast Problems? In most breast diseases, such as breast cancer, symptoms appear only in the last stage of the disease, making it very difficult to treat. In order to catch any breast problem at the earliest stage possible, the following are the most common signs that may give a clue to possible breast problems: * Pain in any part of the breast * Unexplained and sudden swelling of the breast * Redness of the breast, sometimes due to inflammation * Discharges from the nipples * Tenderness and firmness of the breasts When any of the abovementioned signs are experienced, one should not waste time in seeking immediate medical advice. What Should be Done once Breast Problems are Observed? Once a woman suspects that something is the matter with her breasts, she should seek immediate medical attention. Depending on the severity of problems, a doctor may recommend a variety of means to counter the disease such as changing her lifestyle, infusing a new diet, and taking in food supplements to provide the body with much needed nutrients. However, in the more advanced cases, surgery offers the only hope for better health by eliminating the source of the problem. Are There any Ways to Prevent Breast Diseases? It is still unclear to doctors the process or causes that bring about most breast problems. In the end, what they recommend is to practice a healthy lifestyle, specially avoiding those activities and foods that may be harmful to the breasts. In terms of lifestyle, it is suggested that one should avoid drinking and smoking as well as wearing the right kind and fit of bra to offer enough support to the breasts. A woman must also make sure that she is getting enough of the proper nutrients to strengthen the body’s immune system and keep diseases at bay.
The Fibrocystic Breast
Fibrocystic breast condition refers to a situation wherein a woman’s breasts have lumps that are non-cancerous. These lumps can cause a great deal of discomfort and other problems. The situation commonly comes about as a result of hormonal changes due to the woman’s menstrual cycle. A woman’s breasts are made up of several mammary ducts that are surrounded by glandular connective tissues that enable the mammary ducts to produce and secrete milk at the last stage of pregnancy or during breastfeeding. Moreover, a woman’s body is very responsive to hormonal fluctuations during menstruation. These hormonal changes sometimes cause women’s breasts to retain fluids that result in breast enlargement, tenderness, and the characteristic lumps. The condition is brought about when the tissues that support the milk glands thicken causing the milk ducts to swell. Afterwards, the sacs become filled with fluids and are now called cysts. The infection may start with one breast but may gradually spread into the other, worsening the condition. The lumps may vary in sizes. However, a small consolation for women is that fibrocystic breast condition is not cancerous, despite huge similarities with breast cancer. The Causes of Fibrocystic Breast Condition The exact causes of fibrocystic breast condition are something that continues to evade medical experts. However, with continuous research, there are findings which points to the following as possible causes of the condition: * Excessive salt intake. Taking in large amounts of salt increases the body’s ability to retain fluids. As a result, women who experience the condition should limit their salt intake. In relation to this, one should drink no less than about 8 glasses of water a day. This is because a steady supply of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic drinks “informs” the body that there is no need to retain fluids, such as what happens in fibrocystic breast condition. * Frequent consumption of fatty and oily foods. Studies seem to show that fatty and oily foods increase the incidence of fibrocystic breast condition. As such, what experts recommend is a low-fat diet that also includes servings of fresh fruits and vegetables. * Caffeine. Drinking caffeinated products regularly is also a known factor in causing fibrocystic breast condition. Treatment for Fibrocystic Breast Condition Although not cancerous, fibrocystic breast condition can cause a great deal of pain. Moreover, the condition can also be annoying. However, there is little known as far as treatment of the condition goes. As such, most intervention is geared toward minimizing symptoms for the reduction of the uneasiness that a woman may feel. The following are the most common means to reduce the symptoms of fibrocystic breast condition: * Medication. Taking pain reliever is the easiest and most convenient way to reduce the pain associated with the condition. * Wear the proper and exact-fitting bra. This is to provide the breasts with sufficient support. In some instances, it may be even needed to wear a bra even when asleep. * Apply heating pads or towels soaked in hot water to provide relief from the discomfort.
Menstruation - Causes and Treatments
Generally menstruation is a natural biological process in women’s body. Also menstruation is a sign of a girl growing up to be a woman. In the maiden time a girl starts having the menses are called the menarche. And after that the menstruation continues till menopause. Actually menstruation is a natural process of preparing a woman’s body to attain motherhood in her life. The Major causes of Menstruation It is very important to understand that the abnormalities of menstruation are a symptom, it is not a disease. If at all possible, then an underlying cause should be also searched for and the treatment should be directed at the actual cause. If a woman has abnormal menstrual cycles, then the cause can lie either within the uterus, within the hypothalamic pituitary system, within the ovary, or because of some other natural illness or due to hormonal disturbance. As androgen (male hormone) disorders are very common in women with a life-long history of the irregular periods. The physical causes for menstrual irregularities:- Some hormones like estrogen and progesterone have a definite effect on the menstruation since they actually regulate the ovulation during the menstrual cycle. So without a balanced level of these hormones in the women bodies, the women are unable to properly ovulate producing abnormal (anovulatory) menstruation and also that will lead to the menstrual irregularities. So that is why maintaining a healthy hormone levels is important to avoid and control the Menstrual irregularities. It is believed that one of the factors that cause these discomforts is stress. When the body has very high levels of stress produces more prostaglandins. These discomforts can be extended for up to two days and usually in the lower abdomen and lower back. If the woman has suffered from these pains started menstruation is called primary dysmenorrheal. Treatment for common menstrual Every woman needs to find a treatment that works for her. Perhaps the most common treatment, especially in the past, has been to lie down at the first sign of pain. It used to be that many women's restrooms contained a cot or a couch so that a woman who felt "indisposed" could lie down. A bed in the school nurse's office served the same purpose and girls were routinely excused from physical education or other classes because of menstrual cramps. Current recommendations include not only adequate rest and sleep, but also regular exercise (especially walking). Some women find that abdominal massage, yoga, or orgasmic sexual activity help. A heating pad applied to the abdominal area may relieve the pain and congestion.
Simple Ways to Reduce Common Headache in Children
These days all kids get headaches, lots of them thanks to technology. Sometimes, parents make the mistake of not believing their child, reasoning they might be too young to get them or worse that they're trying to get out of school - but by some research estimates nearly 75% of children under the age of 15 will experience at least one severe headache.
Headaches are commonly assumed to be the domain of stressed out adults, but with many children who are loaded with eight hours of schooling, homework and extra curricular activities, iPods, cell phones, portable video games, TVs, laptops, headaches are actually quite common-place amongst the under 18 set.
One thing scientists are discovering is that the brain activity responsible for headaches is actually one of the most preventable forms of illness in children. Yes, this means that parents can actually play a dramatic and active role in helping to prevent their children from developing patterns that cause chronic headaches, including migraines, in their children.
Below is some of the research that has recently become available in being able to sharply reduce headaches in children:
Video Games
You don't need a brain surgeon to tell you that staring at a computer screen or television screen for hours at a time is not healthy for you, nor is it healthy for a developing mind. Sustained bursts of light and radiation can give anyone a headache. Studies are beginning to show that children who stare at computer screens and television monitors for at least 3 hours daily are five times more likely to develop severe headaches than children who have a more diversified lifestyle. The eyestrain is considerable and can definitely pave the way to chronic migraines as an adult, depending on the length of prolonged exposure to a television or computer terminal.
Solution:
LIMIT your child's playtime on the TV and computer-it can be that simple or that difficult. Engage with them outside in the sunshine or play a board game. Not only will limiting their exposure to the internet teach them to develop social skills, but their eyes will get a break, and hence, a reduction in headaches.
Sodas, Starbucks and Chocolate, Oh My...
The sad truth about children today is that their little bodies probably consume MORE caffeine proportionally than you as a parent do, today. Caffeine is a vicious drug and when not fed it can unleash the equivalent a never-ending jackhammer in the head. Soda, chocolate and coffee or teas can easily re-wire a child's brain to become chemically dependant on caffeine very quickly, like, in as a little as a week.
Solution:
If your child has been hitting the soda bottle for quite some time or really enjoys his Twix or M&M's, this might take some time and patience. You definitely need to explain to your child the consequences of food/beverages that have caffeine and what they will do to his/her brain (they will understand). Make a plan to begin gradually scaling back their exposure. You may need an analgesic like Tylenol or Advil to ease the first and second day headaches-but use them sparingly.
Forget the Butler, the iPod Did It.
Kids have so many handheld devices these days that all them in unison can easily give them a headache if used for a prolonged period of time. But the main culprit can be a MP3 player, especially if the volume is jacked up. Young ears are especially sensitive to most auditory vibrations and even mildly loud music is enough to do some significant damage to both the ear canals and parts of the brain, resulting in headaches and ear ringing. Not only can listening to sustained decibels of loud music irreversibly destroy a child's hearing, it can produce sensitivity that can easily trigger massive migraines for the rest of their adult lives.
Solution:
If your child complains of headaches often, ask them to abstain from listening to their MP3 player for one week and see the difference a week can make. Explain to them the how their volume setting is creating the headaches.
Is your Child allowed to be a Kid?
Children these days can have just as active a school and extracurricular life as their parents. And all of this stress may be eating away at your child. If your child is expected to be the scholar, the star athlete and the perfect sibling, you may be inviting an unhealthy amount of stress that can easily cause headaches on a daily basis for your child.
Solution:
Let your child be...a child. Carve out chunks of time for them to do anything they want, no matter how frivolous or goofy. Free, unstructured time is vital in this digital age where everyone is an email away from work. Protect your child from the stressors of adulthood. This can ease their burden significantly and let them unwind from the pressure of school and sports competitions. Everyone needs a healthy release.
Analgesics
Do you run to the medicine cabinet the minute your child gets a throbbing sensation in the head? Overuse of analgesics like Tylenol or Advil can actually make headaches worse if used for a prolonged period of time. The body adapts to the effects of the medicine and eventually the stress can overwhelm the effects of the medicine. And, you should NEVER administer more than the recommended dosage of medicine to a child.
Solution:
Break the addiction to painkillers. Teach your child some simple breathing and meditation techniques. Lying on a bed and taking ten deep breaths can go a long way to helping a headache. Teaching a child to be still and breathing can be more powerful in reducing stress than any prescriptive painkiller. In addition, placing a blind fold over the eyes can further help the child calm down to a point where the pain and any inflammation can be reduced in a short amount of time. If he or she has a sinus pressure headache, begin using a neti pot on a regular basis to clean out the internal sinus cavities, it can make a significant difference.
Headaches are commonly assumed to be the domain of stressed out adults, but with many children who are loaded with eight hours of schooling, homework and extra curricular activities, iPods, cell phones, portable video games, TVs, laptops, headaches are actually quite common-place amongst the under 18 set.
One thing scientists are discovering is that the brain activity responsible for headaches is actually one of the most preventable forms of illness in children. Yes, this means that parents can actually play a dramatic and active role in helping to prevent their children from developing patterns that cause chronic headaches, including migraines, in their children.
Below is some of the research that has recently become available in being able to sharply reduce headaches in children:
Video Games
You don't need a brain surgeon to tell you that staring at a computer screen or television screen for hours at a time is not healthy for you, nor is it healthy for a developing mind. Sustained bursts of light and radiation can give anyone a headache. Studies are beginning to show that children who stare at computer screens and television monitors for at least 3 hours daily are five times more likely to develop severe headaches than children who have a more diversified lifestyle. The eyestrain is considerable and can definitely pave the way to chronic migraines as an adult, depending on the length of prolonged exposure to a television or computer terminal.
Solution:
LIMIT your child's playtime on the TV and computer-it can be that simple or that difficult. Engage with them outside in the sunshine or play a board game. Not only will limiting their exposure to the internet teach them to develop social skills, but their eyes will get a break, and hence, a reduction in headaches.
Sodas, Starbucks and Chocolate, Oh My...
The sad truth about children today is that their little bodies probably consume MORE caffeine proportionally than you as a parent do, today. Caffeine is a vicious drug and when not fed it can unleash the equivalent a never-ending jackhammer in the head. Soda, chocolate and coffee or teas can easily re-wire a child's brain to become chemically dependant on caffeine very quickly, like, in as a little as a week.
Solution:
If your child has been hitting the soda bottle for quite some time or really enjoys his Twix or M&M's, this might take some time and patience. You definitely need to explain to your child the consequences of food/beverages that have caffeine and what they will do to his/her brain (they will understand). Make a plan to begin gradually scaling back their exposure. You may need an analgesic like Tylenol or Advil to ease the first and second day headaches-but use them sparingly.
Forget the Butler, the iPod Did It.
Kids have so many handheld devices these days that all them in unison can easily give them a headache if used for a prolonged period of time. But the main culprit can be a MP3 player, especially if the volume is jacked up. Young ears are especially sensitive to most auditory vibrations and even mildly loud music is enough to do some significant damage to both the ear canals and parts of the brain, resulting in headaches and ear ringing. Not only can listening to sustained decibels of loud music irreversibly destroy a child's hearing, it can produce sensitivity that can easily trigger massive migraines for the rest of their adult lives.
Solution:
If your child complains of headaches often, ask them to abstain from listening to their MP3 player for one week and see the difference a week can make. Explain to them the how their volume setting is creating the headaches.
Is your Child allowed to be a Kid?
Children these days can have just as active a school and extracurricular life as their parents. And all of this stress may be eating away at your child. If your child is expected to be the scholar, the star athlete and the perfect sibling, you may be inviting an unhealthy amount of stress that can easily cause headaches on a daily basis for your child.
Solution:
Let your child be...a child. Carve out chunks of time for them to do anything they want, no matter how frivolous or goofy. Free, unstructured time is vital in this digital age where everyone is an email away from work. Protect your child from the stressors of adulthood. This can ease their burden significantly and let them unwind from the pressure of school and sports competitions. Everyone needs a healthy release.
Analgesics
Do you run to the medicine cabinet the minute your child gets a throbbing sensation in the head? Overuse of analgesics like Tylenol or Advil can actually make headaches worse if used for a prolonged period of time. The body adapts to the effects of the medicine and eventually the stress can overwhelm the effects of the medicine. And, you should NEVER administer more than the recommended dosage of medicine to a child.
Solution:
Break the addiction to painkillers. Teach your child some simple breathing and meditation techniques. Lying on a bed and taking ten deep breaths can go a long way to helping a headache. Teaching a child to be still and breathing can be more powerful in reducing stress than any prescriptive painkiller. In addition, placing a blind fold over the eyes can further help the child calm down to a point where the pain and any inflammation can be reduced in a short amount of time. If he or she has a sinus pressure headache, begin using a neti pot on a regular basis to clean out the internal sinus cavities, it can make a significant difference.
A Mother's Story
Guest editorial by Mental Health Activist and Executive Director of Citizens Commission on Human Rights Laurie Anspach and mother and Human Rights Advocate, Linda Averett
The word “science” is defined as a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws. In 2008, the American Heart Association (AHA) made a "scientific statement" regarding cardiovascular monitoring of children with heart disease who are on stimulant drugs for ADHD.
To base the entire AHA statement on the premise that ADHD exists serves only to forward a false concept, not fact or truth. Therefore it leaves the public in the dark about what they really need to know in order to make informed decisions regarding the psychiatric drugs that are used for this and other diagnoses. The Associated Press reported that "about 2.5 million American children and 1.5 million adults take medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, according to government estimates". Minimally, there are about 4 million people who deserve to know the full story on the subject of ADHD, psychiatric drugs and the harmful and fatal side effects of these drugs.
Once again, this is a discussion of mind-altering drugs that are being administered to children for a "disorder" that cannot be medically or scientifically evidenced. This is different from the use of antibiotics for medically evidenced illnesses, different than the use of insulin for medically evidenced diabetes, etcetera.
According to the AHA article, the FDA stated that “the number of cases of sudden deaths reported for Adderall is only slightly greater, per million prescriptions, than the number reported for methylphenidate products, which are also commonly used to treat pediatric patients with ADHD. Adderall XR generally should not be used in children or adults with structural cardiac abnormalities”. Additionally, a boxed warning on the FDA patient information sheet for Adderall states, “Misuse of amphetamine may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular events.”
The official statement by the AHA is that "We acknowledge that the current level of knowledge about these drugs and the specific risks they may impose on children with "heart problems" is limited at this time….After a diagnosis of ADHD has been made, but before therapy with a stimulant or other medication is initiated, a thorough evaluation should be performed as indicated below with special attention to symptoms that can indicate a cardiac condition such as palpitations, near syncope, or syncope. Detection of these symptoms or conditions should warrant an evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist before initiation of therapy".
Linda Averett, a Florida mom, is deeply concerned about parents not getting all the information on these psychiatric drugs. Here is what she has to say: "As a parent I am not only concerned for my son’s well being, but for all children being diagnosed with ADHD and being prescribed stimulant medications. First of all, after doing much research, I found that there is no evidence that ADHD actually exists. My son was on Adderall for a short period of time and experienced heart palpitations and rapid heart beat. Studies have shown that stimulant medications like those used to treat ADHD can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Certain heart conditions increase the risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD), which occurs when the heart rhythm becomes erratic and doesn't’ pump blood through the body. But some of the cardiac conditions associated with SCD may not be noticed in a routine physical exam. This is what the AHA American Heart Association is suggesting that these children get an exam before putting them on these potentially dangerous drugs. Many of these conditions are subtle and do not result in symptoms, or have symptoms that are vague such as palpitations, fainting or chest pain.
My son did not have an underlying heart condition. However, if he would have stayed on these stimulants I could almost guarantee you he would have had more complications. I KNOW his condition was caused from the medication. It was quite a scare.
Children accounted for 19 of the deaths and 26 of the nonfatal cardiovascular conditions. How dare the AHA suggest that these drugs are safe and that your child just needs an exam for any underlying heart condition. Who are they trying to fool? Are you willing to take a chance with your child's LIFE? It could be the last time you make a decision concerning your child’s health. Make sure it is an informed one”.
The word “science” is defined as a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws. In 2008, the American Heart Association (AHA) made a "scientific statement" regarding cardiovascular monitoring of children with heart disease who are on stimulant drugs for ADHD.
To base the entire AHA statement on the premise that ADHD exists serves only to forward a false concept, not fact or truth. Therefore it leaves the public in the dark about what they really need to know in order to make informed decisions regarding the psychiatric drugs that are used for this and other diagnoses. The Associated Press reported that "about 2.5 million American children and 1.5 million adults take medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, according to government estimates". Minimally, there are about 4 million people who deserve to know the full story on the subject of ADHD, psychiatric drugs and the harmful and fatal side effects of these drugs.
Once again, this is a discussion of mind-altering drugs that are being administered to children for a "disorder" that cannot be medically or scientifically evidenced. This is different from the use of antibiotics for medically evidenced illnesses, different than the use of insulin for medically evidenced diabetes, etcetera.
According to the AHA article, the FDA stated that “the number of cases of sudden deaths reported for Adderall is only slightly greater, per million prescriptions, than the number reported for methylphenidate products, which are also commonly used to treat pediatric patients with ADHD. Adderall XR generally should not be used in children or adults with structural cardiac abnormalities”. Additionally, a boxed warning on the FDA patient information sheet for Adderall states, “Misuse of amphetamine may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular events.”
The official statement by the AHA is that "We acknowledge that the current level of knowledge about these drugs and the specific risks they may impose on children with "heart problems" is limited at this time….After a diagnosis of ADHD has been made, but before therapy with a stimulant or other medication is initiated, a thorough evaluation should be performed as indicated below with special attention to symptoms that can indicate a cardiac condition such as palpitations, near syncope, or syncope. Detection of these symptoms or conditions should warrant an evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist before initiation of therapy".
Linda Averett, a Florida mom, is deeply concerned about parents not getting all the information on these psychiatric drugs. Here is what she has to say: "As a parent I am not only concerned for my son’s well being, but for all children being diagnosed with ADHD and being prescribed stimulant medications. First of all, after doing much research, I found that there is no evidence that ADHD actually exists. My son was on Adderall for a short period of time and experienced heart palpitations and rapid heart beat. Studies have shown that stimulant medications like those used to treat ADHD can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Certain heart conditions increase the risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD), which occurs when the heart rhythm becomes erratic and doesn't’ pump blood through the body. But some of the cardiac conditions associated with SCD may not be noticed in a routine physical exam. This is what the AHA American Heart Association is suggesting that these children get an exam before putting them on these potentially dangerous drugs. Many of these conditions are subtle and do not result in symptoms, or have symptoms that are vague such as palpitations, fainting or chest pain.
My son did not have an underlying heart condition. However, if he would have stayed on these stimulants I could almost guarantee you he would have had more complications. I KNOW his condition was caused from the medication. It was quite a scare.
Children accounted for 19 of the deaths and 26 of the nonfatal cardiovascular conditions. How dare the AHA suggest that these drugs are safe and that your child just needs an exam for any underlying heart condition. Who are they trying to fool? Are you willing to take a chance with your child's LIFE? It could be the last time you make a decision concerning your child’s health. Make sure it is an informed one”.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
10 Killer Tips for Rapid Weight Loss
In order to make the most of your weight loss program, finding the most effective ways to burn fat will maximize your results and minimize your waistline! Follow these 10 tips for fat burning if you want to lose weight and lead a healthier way of life.
1.) Drink More Water One of the best weight loss secrets is to ditch the sodas and stick to water! Experts say you should drink approximately eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy. Instead of turning to calorie-laden or sugar-rich drinks, grab a refreshing glass of water. In addition to flushing toxins out of your system, drinking water encourages you to build muscle.
2.) Eat More Meals
A traditional three-meals-a-day plan just will not cut it if you are in the market to burn fat. Your body is not able to metabolize large meals and will quickly turn any excess into fat. Many experts believe you should eat six small meals a day. Be sure you cut back on your food consumption at each meal, or else you will be doubling your intake—and doubling your fat storage!
3.) Work Out with Weights
One great way to maximize the amount of fat you are burning is to add a weight program to your work out routine.
Weight training will not only tone your physique, but will strengthen your body and improve your general health.
Lifting weights will also burn calories and fat more quickly than traditional exercising, and it will also boost your metabolism.
4.) Choose Protein
Choose protein-laden foods for boosting your metabolism and enabling your body to burn fat rapidly. In addition to burning fat, consuming a protein-enriched diet will help you rebuild muscle after work outs and maintain leanness of that muscle. Wisely choose proteins for your diet. Take great care to pick proteins low in fat so you do not consume extra calories.
5.) Cut Calories Wisely
It may be tempting to drastically cut your calorie intake when starting a healthy lifestyle. Instead, use a step method when cutting your calorie intake to minimize risk.
Reducing calories too quickly results in your body rapidly burning all available calories, which will lower your metabolism. Furthermore, you are more likely to maintain your healthy lifestyle through this step method.
6.) Reward Yourself
When it comes to successfully dieting to burn the most fat, be sure to reward yourself. Everyone has temptations and favorite treats—so allow indulgence. You will be less likely to cheat on your new diet if you grant yourself small rewards. If you are a chocolate lover, treat yourself to a small square of chocolate or single chocolate kiss each evening.
7.) Avoid Marathon Work Outs
The biggest mistake people make when looking to burn fat and lose weight is to have one long, extensive work out session. Instead, break up your work out plan into small chunks throughout the day. Take a brisk walk in the morning, enjoy a work out at lunch, and then exercise more in the evening. In addition to staying active all day long, breaking up your work out will better maintain your metabolism.
8.) Mix It Up
Choosing to engage in a variety of quality exercises will keep your interest and best allow you to maintain your goal of burning fat. Instead of doing the same exercises each day—mix it up! Opt to swim laps one day, jog another, and bike the next. Rotating your activities will not only allow you to experience a variety of athletics, it will also allow you to better tone your body.
9.) Skip Happy Hour
For those individuals who want to burn fat quickly, avoid alcohol. Rich in sugars and carbohydrates, alcohol is a calorie-rich substance. These empty calories can add up quickly and take away from necessary nutrients that should be included in your daily diet. Furthermore, alcohol acts as an inhibitor for burning fat, allowing your body to store it more quickly.
10.) Try a Low GI Diet
A low GI diet is an excellent method of burning fat quickly. This diet encourages individuals to consume high amounts of foods with low rankings on the Glycemic Index. These foods are nutritious and will aid your body in burning fats and calories at a quicker pace. This diet includes many of your favorite fruits, vegetable, meats, dairy, and grain products.
1.) Drink More Water One of the best weight loss secrets is to ditch the sodas and stick to water! Experts say you should drink approximately eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy. Instead of turning to calorie-laden or sugar-rich drinks, grab a refreshing glass of water. In addition to flushing toxins out of your system, drinking water encourages you to build muscle.
2.) Eat More Meals
A traditional three-meals-a-day plan just will not cut it if you are in the market to burn fat. Your body is not able to metabolize large meals and will quickly turn any excess into fat. Many experts believe you should eat six small meals a day. Be sure you cut back on your food consumption at each meal, or else you will be doubling your intake—and doubling your fat storage!
3.) Work Out with Weights
One great way to maximize the amount of fat you are burning is to add a weight program to your work out routine.
Weight training will not only tone your physique, but will strengthen your body and improve your general health.
Lifting weights will also burn calories and fat more quickly than traditional exercising, and it will also boost your metabolism.
4.) Choose Protein
Choose protein-laden foods for boosting your metabolism and enabling your body to burn fat rapidly. In addition to burning fat, consuming a protein-enriched diet will help you rebuild muscle after work outs and maintain leanness of that muscle. Wisely choose proteins for your diet. Take great care to pick proteins low in fat so you do not consume extra calories.
5.) Cut Calories Wisely
It may be tempting to drastically cut your calorie intake when starting a healthy lifestyle. Instead, use a step method when cutting your calorie intake to minimize risk.
Reducing calories too quickly results in your body rapidly burning all available calories, which will lower your metabolism. Furthermore, you are more likely to maintain your healthy lifestyle through this step method.
6.) Reward Yourself
When it comes to successfully dieting to burn the most fat, be sure to reward yourself. Everyone has temptations and favorite treats—so allow indulgence. You will be less likely to cheat on your new diet if you grant yourself small rewards. If you are a chocolate lover, treat yourself to a small square of chocolate or single chocolate kiss each evening.
7.) Avoid Marathon Work Outs
The biggest mistake people make when looking to burn fat and lose weight is to have one long, extensive work out session. Instead, break up your work out plan into small chunks throughout the day. Take a brisk walk in the morning, enjoy a work out at lunch, and then exercise more in the evening. In addition to staying active all day long, breaking up your work out will better maintain your metabolism.
8.) Mix It Up
Choosing to engage in a variety of quality exercises will keep your interest and best allow you to maintain your goal of burning fat. Instead of doing the same exercises each day—mix it up! Opt to swim laps one day, jog another, and bike the next. Rotating your activities will not only allow you to experience a variety of athletics, it will also allow you to better tone your body.
9.) Skip Happy Hour
For those individuals who want to burn fat quickly, avoid alcohol. Rich in sugars and carbohydrates, alcohol is a calorie-rich substance. These empty calories can add up quickly and take away from necessary nutrients that should be included in your daily diet. Furthermore, alcohol acts as an inhibitor for burning fat, allowing your body to store it more quickly.
10.) Try a Low GI Diet
A low GI diet is an excellent method of burning fat quickly. This diet encourages individuals to consume high amounts of foods with low rankings on the Glycemic Index. These foods are nutritious and will aid your body in burning fats and calories at a quicker pace. This diet includes many of your favorite fruits, vegetable, meats, dairy, and grain products.
How to Heal a Cold Sore Fast
Knowing how to heal a cold sore quickly could be crucial if you have an important event coming up soon.
There is no good time to have a cold sore. But why do cold sores always seem to happen at the very worst possible time? Most often, cold sores occur because of physical or mental stress. Anxiety about an upcoming wedding, job interview, or other special event in your life will create stress. This stress will affect your pH balance, your hormones, and your immune system. Quite often illnesses such as cold and flu will also trigger a cold sore.
The herpes virus has an early warning system because it lives in your nerve cells. It can sense the slightest change in your temperature, stress levels, immune strength, and pH balance. When the conditions are favorable, the virus will head to the surface along your nerve fibers. Once at the surface, it will create new virus through its replication procedure thus producing the cold sore blister.
Your body knows how to heal a cold sore and will do so without any additional help or expensive cold sore treatment. Provided you do not get a secondary bacterial infection, the duration of your cold sore could be three to four weeks. If you are like me, you do not want to suffer that long. The quicker you heal your cold sore, the sooner you can get on with your life.
The cold sore virus needs three things to successfully replicate.
1. The virus needs plenty of arginine in the cell. Arginine is a protein that is a critical building block for creating new herpes viruses. Lysine, another protein, has proven helpful in healing and preventing cold sores. Lysine does this by replacing some of the arginine in the cells, thus reducing or preventing the cells ability to create clones of the virus.
Basically, if the herpes virus gets to the surface and cannot find enough arginine in the cells, it often retreats. Many folks eat high lysine foods prior to or during a cold sore event, and avoid high arginine foods. For many folks, healing cold sores fast has been as simple as taking 1,000 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams of lysine in capsule supplements during an outbreak.
High lysine foods to eat are most meats and dairy products. Cheese, milk and yogurt are excellent. High arginine foods to avoid would be nuts, seeds, grains, and chocolate. You need to find your own personal balance here for healing cold sores.
2. The cold sore virus needs a warm, moist environment. Applying ice as soon as you feel that first tingle or itch will greatly reduce or delay the cold sore. Delaying the cold sore just a few days can get you through that important event. Any cold object will do - such as a can of Coke. The quicker, the better.
3. The herpes virus prefers an acid environment. When in tip-top health, your pH balance should be around 7.4, which is slightly alkaline. When it drops below 7 on the pH scale, then your system is turning acid. Any stress, flu, colds, or too much sun will cause your body to move toward the acid side of normal. Avoid eating acid foods, such as tomatoes, citrus, carbonated soda or anything with vinegar if it will touch the cold sore area. You want nothing acid around that sore. Following this rule alone for healing a cold sore, along with continual cleaning of the wound with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, could cut your cold sore healing duration by 50%.
You are unique. If you are to eliminate cold sores, you should take what works for others and fine tune it for your particular needs. Hopefully, now that you are armed with the knowledge of what works for others, you will have a better idea on how to heal a cold sore.
8 Tips for a Healthy and shining Skin
Tip 1: Drink Water
Water has long been considered as the most efficient natural treatment or an almost free treatment for any skin condition because of its being alkaline, with pH 7.3. It prevents dehydration which is capable of producing sebum or oil from the sebaceous glands. Your skin needs water in order for it to function best, thus doctors and nutritionists suggest that a daily intake of between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is highly needed.
Tip 2: Watch Your Diet
Nutrition plays a vital role in skin health too. Specific foods such as those acidic foods and dairy products are said to be effective in causing an allergic reaction in some people. Also, one of the widely debated topics in the area of nutrition today is chocolates. Some say that chocolate does affect the condition of the skin, while others say it doesn’t. Whatever the result may be, the best advice is just to follow a nutritious diet that has a number of fresh fruits and green-leafy veggies, as well as fiber.
Tip 3: Consider Exfoliants
Many experts say that exfoliating your skin is another great way to attain a beautiful skin. So, try to invest in a good body exfoliant or “loofahâ€, as it is commonly called, as it is capable of eliminating the dead skin cells from your body. Accordingly, this should be done once or twice a week so to free the skin to breathe. What’s more, exfoliants help to put off ingrown hair from developing.
However, it is essential to avoid using any body exfoliant on the skin on the face. The main reason for this precaution is that the facial tissue is more sensitive and finer than those tissues of the body.
Tip 4: Consider a Healthy Routine for Facial Care
When it comes to facial skin care, getting into a healthy beauty routine is not bad. Most of the doctors today greatly suggest that you cleanse, moisturize and tone your skin twice every day. When cleaning, never fail to remember cleaning the area on the neck, including your face. Apply a moisturizer or neck cream after.
Before going to bed at night, always bear in mind to remove all make up. Clean your skin before you sleep, no matter how tired you may feel. It was found out that during the night, the skin goes through a process of elimination and cannot breathe properly if it is clogged with make up. And, you may also find out that sleeping with your make up on will cause your skin to “break out†with spots on it.
When it comes to shaving for men, some men may experience shaving rashes. For many, these rashes lower their self-esteem, but this is actually not a big problem to think about. There are a lot ways to avoid rashes. Perhaps one of the best is to make sure that when shaving, the razor strokes are following the direction of hair growth. That’s simply it!
Tip 5: Heal Your Feet
When it comes to skin care, the feet are often neglected. So, if care you found no time for a professional pedicure, try to fill a football or basin with warm water and add your favorite essential oil. Soak your feet for about fifteen minutes. Then, dry them and apply a rough skin remover onto them. Rinse this off and dry you feet well. And, if you consider pedicure, simply add some body cream to your feet for an easy and quick fix pedicure.
Tip 6: Avoid Too Much Exposure to the Sun
One of the most common precautions when it comes to skin care is avoiding too much exposure to the sun. As you may know, over exposure to sunlight causes sunburn. So, while current sun blocks only block out the UVB rays and still let in harmful UVA rays, it is still wise to cover up before venturing into the hands of Apollo. If possible, use a wide brimmed hat while tending your garden to keep the sun from your face.
Tip 7: Exercise
Aside from considering a healthy diet, exercising your body also helps keep your skin healthy. Note that a proper exercise does not only keep the body fit by regulating the oxygen; it also improves the glow of the skin as well.
Tip 8: Take Enough Rest
One common problem that face people is stress; the one which is not normal. It was found out that when a person is stressed, the adrenal cortex converts adrenal androgens to the hormone testosterone in male and female, which in turn results in overactive sebaceous glands. These adrenal androgens are released causing a double amount of testosterone, causing the face to be oily, while other areas of the body are still dry from dehydration. So, taking proper rest that includes 6 to 8 hours of undisturbed sleep daily is the best way to rejuvenate the skin
Water has long been considered as the most efficient natural treatment or an almost free treatment for any skin condition because of its being alkaline, with pH 7.3. It prevents dehydration which is capable of producing sebum or oil from the sebaceous glands. Your skin needs water in order for it to function best, thus doctors and nutritionists suggest that a daily intake of between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is highly needed.
Tip 2: Watch Your Diet
Nutrition plays a vital role in skin health too. Specific foods such as those acidic foods and dairy products are said to be effective in causing an allergic reaction in some people. Also, one of the widely debated topics in the area of nutrition today is chocolates. Some say that chocolate does affect the condition of the skin, while others say it doesn’t. Whatever the result may be, the best advice is just to follow a nutritious diet that has a number of fresh fruits and green-leafy veggies, as well as fiber.
Tip 3: Consider Exfoliants
Many experts say that exfoliating your skin is another great way to attain a beautiful skin. So, try to invest in a good body exfoliant or “loofahâ€, as it is commonly called, as it is capable of eliminating the dead skin cells from your body. Accordingly, this should be done once or twice a week so to free the skin to breathe. What’s more, exfoliants help to put off ingrown hair from developing.
However, it is essential to avoid using any body exfoliant on the skin on the face. The main reason for this precaution is that the facial tissue is more sensitive and finer than those tissues of the body.
Tip 4: Consider a Healthy Routine for Facial Care
When it comes to facial skin care, getting into a healthy beauty routine is not bad. Most of the doctors today greatly suggest that you cleanse, moisturize and tone your skin twice every day. When cleaning, never fail to remember cleaning the area on the neck, including your face. Apply a moisturizer or neck cream after.
Before going to bed at night, always bear in mind to remove all make up. Clean your skin before you sleep, no matter how tired you may feel. It was found out that during the night, the skin goes through a process of elimination and cannot breathe properly if it is clogged with make up. And, you may also find out that sleeping with your make up on will cause your skin to “break out†with spots on it.
When it comes to shaving for men, some men may experience shaving rashes. For many, these rashes lower their self-esteem, but this is actually not a big problem to think about. There are a lot ways to avoid rashes. Perhaps one of the best is to make sure that when shaving, the razor strokes are following the direction of hair growth. That’s simply it!
Tip 5: Heal Your Feet
When it comes to skin care, the feet are often neglected. So, if care you found no time for a professional pedicure, try to fill a football or basin with warm water and add your favorite essential oil. Soak your feet for about fifteen minutes. Then, dry them and apply a rough skin remover onto them. Rinse this off and dry you feet well. And, if you consider pedicure, simply add some body cream to your feet for an easy and quick fix pedicure.
Tip 6: Avoid Too Much Exposure to the Sun
One of the most common precautions when it comes to skin care is avoiding too much exposure to the sun. As you may know, over exposure to sunlight causes sunburn. So, while current sun blocks only block out the UVB rays and still let in harmful UVA rays, it is still wise to cover up before venturing into the hands of Apollo. If possible, use a wide brimmed hat while tending your garden to keep the sun from your face.
Tip 7: Exercise
Aside from considering a healthy diet, exercising your body also helps keep your skin healthy. Note that a proper exercise does not only keep the body fit by regulating the oxygen; it also improves the glow of the skin as well.
Tip 8: Take Enough Rest
One common problem that face people is stress; the one which is not normal. It was found out that when a person is stressed, the adrenal cortex converts adrenal androgens to the hormone testosterone in male and female, which in turn results in overactive sebaceous glands. These adrenal androgens are released causing a double amount of testosterone, causing the face to be oily, while other areas of the body are still dry from dehydration. So, taking proper rest that includes 6 to 8 hours of undisturbed sleep daily is the best way to rejuvenate the skin
5 Ways to Treat Eczema Naturally
First, before we discuss these natural options, it's important to know WHY natural alternatives are ideal. Research has shown that eczema is often caused by underlying psychological (usually stress) trauma, food habits, or dehydration, and not external causes. That being the case, rubbing a steroid cream on your itchy skin may temporarily relieve the itch, but it won't solve your problem. You need to go further than just skin deep.
Try these natural eczema treatments to get to the root of your itchy skin problem:
1. Do a diet check. You eczema could actually be the result of a slight allergic reaction. Try and avoid foods that can cause eczema flare-ups, like citrus fruits, eggs, shellfish, chocolate, wheat, and cow's milk. Cut back on animal fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and overly processed foods. Stick to whole grains and eat a lot of Vitamin A and potassium, like carrots and spinach.
2. Treat dry skin with severe hydration. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
3. Invest in a vitamin. Your body could be lacking a certain nutrient that's making your skin go haywire. Vitamin C and Vitamin F are often helpful in hydrating skin from the inside out.
4. Try some herbs and oils. Herbal remedies can be calming, which can help rash-prone skin, and with direct contact, can relieve itch and treat eczema. Visit an herbalist who is trained in Chinese Medicine or Ayurvedic Medicine.
5. Relax, relax, relax. Our skin often responds to whatever is going on inside us. If we're stressed out, our skin will get stressed out. If we relax, so will our skin. Stress-induced rashes, such as eczema often clear up on their own if some serious relaxation. Try and cut back on some of your obligations and spend more YOU time unwinding. Your body, inside and out, will thank you!
Try these natural eczema treatments to get to the root of your itchy skin problem:
1. Do a diet check. You eczema could actually be the result of a slight allergic reaction. Try and avoid foods that can cause eczema flare-ups, like citrus fruits, eggs, shellfish, chocolate, wheat, and cow's milk. Cut back on animal fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and overly processed foods. Stick to whole grains and eat a lot of Vitamin A and potassium, like carrots and spinach.
2. Treat dry skin with severe hydration. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
3. Invest in a vitamin. Your body could be lacking a certain nutrient that's making your skin go haywire. Vitamin C and Vitamin F are often helpful in hydrating skin from the inside out.
4. Try some herbs and oils. Herbal remedies can be calming, which can help rash-prone skin, and with direct contact, can relieve itch and treat eczema. Visit an herbalist who is trained in Chinese Medicine or Ayurvedic Medicine.
5. Relax, relax, relax. Our skin often responds to whatever is going on inside us. If we're stressed out, our skin will get stressed out. If we relax, so will our skin. Stress-induced rashes, such as eczema often clear up on their own if some serious relaxation. Try and cut back on some of your obligations and spend more YOU time unwinding. Your body, inside and out, will thank you!
Depression Signs & Symptoms in Teens & Adults.
The depression feels like a black curtain of despair coming down over their lives. Teenage years are always a troubling time, with the numerous physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that come with this stage of life.
About four out of 100 adolescents get critically depressed each year.
It is complicated to understand, when teenagers go through depression. As they grow, they try to discover who they are and what they believe in. He or she may be depressed if they face any of the next signs of depression for more than 2-3 weeks.
Symptoms and Sign of Teen depression:
Change in school performance.Low appetite or eat a lot more.
Persistent unhappiness. Social isolation, poor communication.
Excessive guilt and anxiety.Destructive or defiant manners.
Inability to concentrate. Belief that life is not worth living.
Change in sleeping pattern. Irritable or angered easily.
Physical aches and pains. Lossing a lot of energy and complains of feeling tired.
Thoughts of death or suicide - this should always be taken seriously.
For adults , severity of depression symptoms vary with individuals and also varies over time:
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism. Feels that life is passing you by.
You do not want to see people or are scared to be left alone. Social activity may feel hard or without a solution.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness. Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood.
Spending most of time thinking about the wrong about yourself as a person. Feel guilty sometimes about being critical of others.
Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities. Have difficulty sleeping or wake up early and can't sleep again.
Professional guidance, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis can be helpful , but these are very time consuming and expensive as well.the most available treatment is antidepressant medication.
Antidepressant drugs are effective in the acute treatment of depression. They are not “ happy pills” they don't artificially bring on blissfulness or unrealistic well-being. It works by slowing the breakdown of neurochemicals and raising the sensitivity of receptors on the receiving neurons.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is an antidepressant used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Desyrel is used for treating depression. It may also be used for relief of an anxiety disorder (eg, sleeplessness, tension), chronic pain.
Paxil is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Depression it affects you, your family, and your work is especially important to treat it. Change won't come overnight - but with the right treatment, you can prevent depression from dominating your life.
The online method of buying antidepressant is very cost effective. It also saves lot of your time and you do not have to wait in line in your local pharmacies to get your medicine.
About four out of 100 adolescents get critically depressed each year.
It is complicated to understand, when teenagers go through depression. As they grow, they try to discover who they are and what they believe in. He or she may be depressed if they face any of the next signs of depression for more than 2-3 weeks.
Symptoms and Sign of Teen depression:
Change in school performance.Low appetite or eat a lot more.
Persistent unhappiness. Social isolation, poor communication.
Excessive guilt and anxiety.Destructive or defiant manners.
Inability to concentrate. Belief that life is not worth living.
Change in sleeping pattern. Irritable or angered easily.
Physical aches and pains. Lossing a lot of energy and complains of feeling tired.
Thoughts of death or suicide - this should always be taken seriously.
For adults , severity of depression symptoms vary with individuals and also varies over time:
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism. Feels that life is passing you by.
You do not want to see people or are scared to be left alone. Social activity may feel hard or without a solution.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness. Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood.
Spending most of time thinking about the wrong about yourself as a person. Feel guilty sometimes about being critical of others.
Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities. Have difficulty sleeping or wake up early and can't sleep again.
Professional guidance, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis can be helpful , but these are very time consuming and expensive as well.the most available treatment is antidepressant medication.
Antidepressant drugs are effective in the acute treatment of depression. They are not “ happy pills” they don't artificially bring on blissfulness or unrealistic well-being. It works by slowing the breakdown of neurochemicals and raising the sensitivity of receptors on the receiving neurons.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is an antidepressant used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Desyrel is used for treating depression. It may also be used for relief of an anxiety disorder (eg, sleeplessness, tension), chronic pain.
Paxil is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Depression it affects you, your family, and your work is especially important to treat it. Change won't come overnight - but with the right treatment, you can prevent depression from dominating your life.
The online method of buying antidepressant is very cost effective. It also saves lot of your time and you do not have to wait in line in your local pharmacies to get your medicine.
Why Folic Acid is More Important Than Hair Spray
There are three fundamental vitamins which work in conjunction to help the human body synthesize DNA and RNA: Vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Hair is part of the epidermal layer and therefore part of the integumentary system--the body’s largest organ. As such it is as dependant on these three vitamins as any other organ.
Some believe that because of this if you take folic acid on a regular basis it will aid in the prevention of hair loss. It is essential for the production of normal healthy cells, so if you take folic acid you will have healthy strong hair along with other tissues in your body.
It is important to understand the way that folic acid is used in the body. The synthesis of DNA and RNA are important because these are the game plan for the replication of all cells. If there is interruption in the synthesis of this then no normal replication of cells can occur.
Another interesting thing to note about the hair is that it can be used to gauge the nutritional status of the body as a whole. A hair sample can be analyzed in a laboratory to reveal not only current levels of ingestion but also previous levels of exposure to both healthy and toxic substances. This sort of testing is used both for nutritional counseling but also for drug testing or forensic investigation.
In other words five minutes on the lips perhaps a decade in the hair. Poor nutrician shows up in the skin and hair for a very long time. It takes a very long time to correct years of inadequate macro and micro nutrient intake. But with diligent attention good health will eventually shine through. Folic acid is often included in hair formula vitamins as are other B vitamins.
If possible there really is no substitute for a healthy diet. Since 1998 all grain products produced in the United States have been fortified with folic acid. This enrichment program has the potential to add about 100 mcg of folic acid on average to the American diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for folic
Acid is 400 mcg per day for males over the age of 19. Pregnant women need 600 mcg and lactating women need 500 mcg per day. Children need considerably less.
Folic Acid is the most commonly known for its benefits not just to hair but to mothers and babies. This is because of its essential nature in helping the human body synthesize DNA and RNA. Without adequate folic acid many babies would be born with neurol tube defects (NTD). Such tragedies are still occurring and it’s almost entirely possible to get rid of certain birth defects by making sure you have enough folic acid. You’ve got to have it. It’s especially important for normal growth and development which your hair does constantly.
Some believe that because of this if you take folic acid on a regular basis it will aid in the prevention of hair loss. It is essential for the production of normal healthy cells, so if you take folic acid you will have healthy strong hair along with other tissues in your body.
It is important to understand the way that folic acid is used in the body. The synthesis of DNA and RNA are important because these are the game plan for the replication of all cells. If there is interruption in the synthesis of this then no normal replication of cells can occur.
Another interesting thing to note about the hair is that it can be used to gauge the nutritional status of the body as a whole. A hair sample can be analyzed in a laboratory to reveal not only current levels of ingestion but also previous levels of exposure to both healthy and toxic substances. This sort of testing is used both for nutritional counseling but also for drug testing or forensic investigation.
In other words five minutes on the lips perhaps a decade in the hair. Poor nutrician shows up in the skin and hair for a very long time. It takes a very long time to correct years of inadequate macro and micro nutrient intake. But with diligent attention good health will eventually shine through. Folic acid is often included in hair formula vitamins as are other B vitamins.
If possible there really is no substitute for a healthy diet. Since 1998 all grain products produced in the United States have been fortified with folic acid. This enrichment program has the potential to add about 100 mcg of folic acid on average to the American diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for folic
Acid is 400 mcg per day for males over the age of 19. Pregnant women need 600 mcg and lactating women need 500 mcg per day. Children need considerably less.
Folic Acid is the most commonly known for its benefits not just to hair but to mothers and babies. This is because of its essential nature in helping the human body synthesize DNA and RNA. Without adequate folic acid many babies would be born with neurol tube defects (NTD). Such tragedies are still occurring and it’s almost entirely possible to get rid of certain birth defects by making sure you have enough folic acid. You’ve got to have it. It’s especially important for normal growth and development which your hair does constantly.
Good Healthy Habits
Good health is of prime importance to all of us. We need to be healthy, filled with abundant energy, sound sleep, and fit and disease free body, which will give us a sense of overall well being. In order to be fit and healthy we need to practice healthy living styles with proper food habits and exercise. We cannot be healthy if we are lazy and lethargic. We need to work hard both physically and mentally to be fit and healthy. Besides exercise, we also need to eat healthy foodstuffs avoiding junk foods, which make us lethargic and dull. If you are over weight and obese you will suffer from health problems. So you need to maintain an optimum body weight to be healthy.
You need to follow healthy and positive habits. Positive thinking is very essential in order to be healthy. You need to clear out your mind and fill it with positive thoughts. You will have to remove all the depressing and negative emotions and thoughts from your mind and replace it with healthy and positive thoughts. These positive thoughts can be extremely energizing and always lead to good things in life. You can get involved in practices such as meditation and yoga to get rid of the negativity and force yourself with positive thoughts.
You need to eat healthy foods in order to be fit and healthy. Simple food stuffs like vegetables, fruits, nuts, tubers, lean meat, pulses, ect can keep you healthy and strong. Try to avoid refined foodstuffs. The main reason for ill health and diseases is improper food habits. Because of this many people suffer from diseases like diabetes, cancer, obesity ect. Simple changes in your diet and causes a great difference within a short period and can improve your health drastically. Try to avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks. For good health, you need to exercise daily. Exercising in the morning can leave you with a refreshed feeling throughout the day. Exercising can put you in a good mood and it will be easier for you to think positively and eat healthy foods. You can also get involved in activities such as swimming, biking, walking or playing your favorite sport in order to keep you healthy .Do not go for an activity which you do not enjoy. Try to do your work outs in the open air. In this way you will feel more refreshed. You should not make drastic changes in your life style. You should start with simple changes and make sure that you enjoy it. You try to make these simple changes in to a regular habit in order to achieve long term success. It is very important to improve your health in order to be happy and enjoy life. Besides exercise you need to have good sleep and rest in order to be healthy. Sound sleep can refresh your mind and make you feel healthy .All these simple changes in your life style can improve your health and make you feel strong and fit. You will feel a sense of well being, both emotionally and physically.
You need to follow healthy and positive habits. Positive thinking is very essential in order to be healthy. You need to clear out your mind and fill it with positive thoughts. You will have to remove all the depressing and negative emotions and thoughts from your mind and replace it with healthy and positive thoughts. These positive thoughts can be extremely energizing and always lead to good things in life. You can get involved in practices such as meditation and yoga to get rid of the negativity and force yourself with positive thoughts.
You need to eat healthy foods in order to be fit and healthy. Simple food stuffs like vegetables, fruits, nuts, tubers, lean meat, pulses, ect can keep you healthy and strong. Try to avoid refined foodstuffs. The main reason for ill health and diseases is improper food habits. Because of this many people suffer from diseases like diabetes, cancer, obesity ect. Simple changes in your diet and causes a great difference within a short period and can improve your health drastically. Try to avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks. For good health, you need to exercise daily. Exercising in the morning can leave you with a refreshed feeling throughout the day. Exercising can put you in a good mood and it will be easier for you to think positively and eat healthy foods. You can also get involved in activities such as swimming, biking, walking or playing your favorite sport in order to keep you healthy .Do not go for an activity which you do not enjoy. Try to do your work outs in the open air. In this way you will feel more refreshed. You should not make drastic changes in your life style. You should start with simple changes and make sure that you enjoy it. You try to make these simple changes in to a regular habit in order to achieve long term success. It is very important to improve your health in order to be happy and enjoy life. Besides exercise you need to have good sleep and rest in order to be healthy. Sound sleep can refresh your mind and make you feel healthy .All these simple changes in your life style can improve your health and make you feel strong and fit. You will feel a sense of well being, both emotionally and physically.
I�ve Just Been Told I�ve Got Diabetes. Now What Do I Do?
On a daily basis, one of the most common questions we hear from people is: �I�ve just been told I�ve got diabetes. Now what do I do?�
Doctors often break the news of this terrible disease to their patients and leave it at that.
Or, they might offer up some broad, common sense advice, such as telling them to �diet and exercise.�
That wisdom is small consolation to someone that�s just been given a potential death sentence (which is why so many recently diagnosed Type 2s also tell us that they �hate� their doctors � few MDs seem to understand the grief, confusion and �lost� feeling a new diabetic experiences).
Our advice to Type 2 diabetics is to follow the doctor�s suggestion of diet (follow the U.S.D.A. Food Pyramid for starters) and take up a regimen of moderate exercise (a daily program of �roving� or extended periods of walking works well).
But we also suggest addressing a root cause of diabetes � excess intake of high fructose corn syrup.
Research studies are increasingly pointing to this low cost sugar substitute as the culprit in America�s diabetic epidemic. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been shown to drain the body of chromium � a critical trace mineral that helps you to regulate blood sugar levels.
Because HFCS is in many foods and beverages today (even baked goods and condiments, like ketchup), a sensible diet, as your doctor recommends, can still contain high enough amounts of this ingredient to cause your blood sugar levels to skyrocket.
There are a number of different types of chromium to take as a supplement, including picolinate, acetate and chloride. Each has advantages and disadvantages in regards to efficacy, absorption rates and safety (short and long term).
From our experience, based on clinical research, the best found to date is oxygen-coordinated, niacin-bound chromium.
Based on studies conducted at Georgetown University Medical Center and Creighton University, this type of niacin bound chromium is the most effective, bio-available and safest chromium form on the market.
For recently diagnosed Type 2 diabetics, we strongly urge them to add this supplement to their doctor�s recommendation of diet and exercise, in the battle against this dreaded disease.
I�ve Just Been Told I�ve Got Diabetes. Now What Do I Do?
On a daily basis, one of the most common questions we hear from people is: �I�ve just been told I�ve got diabetes. Now what do I do?�
Doctors often break the news of this terrible disease to their patients and leave it at that.
Or, they might offer up some broad, common sense advice, such as telling them to �diet and exercise.�
That wisdom is small consolation to someone that�s just been given a potential death sentence (which is why so many recently diagnosed Type 2s also tell us that they �hate� their doctors � few MDs seem to understand the grief, confusion and �lost� feeling a new diabetic experiences).
Our advice to Type 2 diabetics is to follow the doctor�s suggestion of diet (follow the U.S.D.A. Food Pyramid for starters) and take up a regimen of moderate exercise (a daily program of �roving� or extended periods of walking works well).
But we also suggest addressing a root cause of diabetes � excess intake of high fructose corn syrup.
Research studies are increasingly pointing to this low cost sugar substitute as the culprit in America�s diabetic epidemic. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been shown to drain the body of chromium � a critical trace mineral that helps you to regulate blood sugar levels.
Because HFCS is in many foods and beverages today (even baked goods and condiments, like ketchup), a sensible diet, as your doctor recommends, can still contain high enough amounts of this ingredient to cause your blood sugar levels to skyrocket.
There are a number of different types of chromium to take as a supplement, including picolinate, acetate and chloride. Each has advantages and disadvantages in regards to efficacy, absorption rates and safety (short and long term).
From our experience, based on clinical research, the best found to date is oxygen-coordinated, niacin-bound chromium.
Based on studies conducted at Georgetown University Medical Center and Creighton University, this type of niacin bound chromium is the most effective, bio-available and safest chromium form on the market.
For recently diagnosed Type 2 diabetics, we strongly urge them to add this supplement to their doctor�s recommendation of diet and exercise, in the battle against this dreaded disease.
Diabetes Management and Stress
Stress is a normal and natural occurrence. Stress can come from positive things, such as a wedding or vacation, or from negative things, like a hectic schedule or a family member who is ill. Stress may be good because it can add enthusiasm and excitement to your day. Too much stress is usually harmful because it has a lasting effect on your emotional and physical condition.
Stress can cause you to have:
� Increase in your blood pressure and heart rate
� Increase in the rate of your breathing
� increases in the levels of your blood sugar
These are the ways that stress causes the body to use more oxygen, and to force blood to move more rapidly in your body. This may be harmful if your blood vessels are narrowed or damaged, or if they are stressed from high blood pressure.
Stress can also cause:
� increased fat around the abdomen
� a suppressed immune system, so you get colds or other infections more easily
� increased cholesterol levels
Learn about different ways to manage stress, so you will know what works for you. Some different ideas are:
1. Practice relaxation exercises � stretch and take deep breaths.
2. Concentrate on breathing deeply for 2 or 3 minutes continuously.
3. Think positive thoughts. Picture in your mind what you see as great outcome in a stressful situation
4. Identify what is causing you to feel stress. Be honest with your assessment.
5. Find someone to share your thoughts with and talk to � this may be your pet.
6. Listen to music. Dance. Read a book.
7. Get creative: Put your pictures in frames, do some painting, use your kids art supplies with them.
8. Write your thoughts and feelings down. You can keep a journal, write letters, send postcards.
9. Work on your favorite hobby. Or find a new one: knit or crochet, take pictures, make scrapbooks.
10. Do volunteer work. Take care of a pet or help others.
11. Walk and increase your exercise.
12. Avoid individuals or situations that are negative or make you feel bad.
How do you arrange your life to help with stress?
1.Make sure your life goals are reachable, at least in the short term.
2. Prioritize the parts of your life to find out what is truly important.
3. Maintain and/or seek spiritual guidance as appropriate.
4. Take time for yourself, away from what has to be done, and do what you want.
5. Communicate your feelings to friends and family or seek professional help as needed.
6. Develop a strong support system around you. Join a support group. Attend education classes.
7. Maintain proper nutrition and hydration, including a daily activity plan.
It is unlikely that someone can go through life without feeling stress. If you feel overwhelmed or you are not sure if you are managing your stress well, please talk to your doctor or diabetes management educator about getting help. You may need to see a diabetes management specialist, or you may just need to change your management of stress. Whatever you need to do to manage stress, it is important to find a way to minimize its effect on your health.
Stress can cause you to have:
� Increase in your blood pressure and heart rate
� Increase in the rate of your breathing
� increases in the levels of your blood sugar
These are the ways that stress causes the body to use more oxygen, and to force blood to move more rapidly in your body. This may be harmful if your blood vessels are narrowed or damaged, or if they are stressed from high blood pressure.
Stress can also cause:
� increased fat around the abdomen
� a suppressed immune system, so you get colds or other infections more easily
� increased cholesterol levels
Learn about different ways to manage stress, so you will know what works for you. Some different ideas are:
1. Practice relaxation exercises � stretch and take deep breaths.
2. Concentrate on breathing deeply for 2 or 3 minutes continuously.
3. Think positive thoughts. Picture in your mind what you see as great outcome in a stressful situation
4. Identify what is causing you to feel stress. Be honest with your assessment.
5. Find someone to share your thoughts with and talk to � this may be your pet.
6. Listen to music. Dance. Read a book.
7. Get creative: Put your pictures in frames, do some painting, use your kids art supplies with them.
8. Write your thoughts and feelings down. You can keep a journal, write letters, send postcards.
9. Work on your favorite hobby. Or find a new one: knit or crochet, take pictures, make scrapbooks.
10. Do volunteer work. Take care of a pet or help others.
11. Walk and increase your exercise.
12. Avoid individuals or situations that are negative or make you feel bad.
How do you arrange your life to help with stress?
1.Make sure your life goals are reachable, at least in the short term.
2. Prioritize the parts of your life to find out what is truly important.
3. Maintain and/or seek spiritual guidance as appropriate.
4. Take time for yourself, away from what has to be done, and do what you want.
5. Communicate your feelings to friends and family or seek professional help as needed.
6. Develop a strong support system around you. Join a support group. Attend education classes.
7. Maintain proper nutrition and hydration, including a daily activity plan.
It is unlikely that someone can go through life without feeling stress. If you feel overwhelmed or you are not sure if you are managing your stress well, please talk to your doctor or diabetes management educator about getting help. You may need to see a diabetes management specialist, or you may just need to change your management of stress. Whatever you need to do to manage stress, it is important to find a way to minimize its effect on your health.
Causes of Diabetes
Certain factors that contribute to the development of diabetes are Heredity Heredity is a major factor. That diabetes can be inherited has been known for centuries. However, the pattern of inheritance is not fully understood. Statistic indicates that those with a family history of the disease have a higher risk of developing diabetes than those without such a background. The risk factor is 25 to 33 percent more. One reason why diabetes, especially type-2 diabetes runs in the family is because of the diabetes gene. But even it is caused by genetic factors beyond your control; there is no reason to suffer from it. Diabetes mellitus cannot be cured in full sense of the term, but it can be effectively controlled so that you would not know the difference. DietDiabetes has been described by most medical scientists as a prosperity’ disease, primarily caused by systematic overeating. Not only is eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates harmful, but proteins and fats, which are transformed into sugar, may also result in diabetes if taken in excess. It is interesting to note that diabetes is almost unknown in countries where people are poor and cannot afford to overeat. The incidence of diabetes is directly linked with the consumption of processed foods rich in refined carbohydrates, like biscuits, bread, cakes chocolates, pudding and ice creams. ObesityObesity is one of the main causes of diabetes. Studies show that 60 to 85 % of diabetics tend to be overweight. In the United States of America, about 80 percent of type –2 non-insulin dependent diabetics are reported to be overweight. Excess fat prevents insulin from working properly. The more fatty tissue in the body, the more resistant the muscle and tissue cells become to body insulin. Insulin allows the sugar in the blood to enter the cells by acting on the receptor sites on the surface of the cells. Older people often tend to gain weight, and the same time, many of them develop and mild form of diabetes because who are over weight can often improve their blood sugar simply by losing weight. Stress and TensionThere is a known connection between stress and diabetes mellitus, those who are under stress and/or lead an irregular lifestyle, need to take adequate precautions and make necessary lifestyle adjustments. Grief, worry and anxiety resulting from examinations, death of a close relative, loss of a joy, business failure and strained marital relationship, all a deep influence on the metabolism and may cause sugar to appear in the urine. SmokingSmoking is another important risk factor. Among men who smoke, the risk of developing diabetes is doubled. In women who smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day, the risk of developing diabetes is increased by 40 percent. Lifestyle RiskPeople who are less active have greater risk of developing diabetes. Modern conveniences have made work easier. Physical activity and exercise helps control weight, uses up a lot of glucose (sugar) present in the blood as energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin. Consequently, the workload on the pancreas is reduced.
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