tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68500766258966327852024-03-05T09:44:41.824-08:00Natural Home Remedies and Holistic CuresA Compilation of Natural Home Remedies and Health Tipsmariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-60961521942267591612012-05-03T13:16:00.000-07:002012-05-03T13:16:11.205-07:00GMO's , Thyroid Conditions, and Premature Babies - Connected?In the newspaper today there were three seemingly separate news articles. One was in a column that appears weekly called Healthy Living written by Joe and Teresa Graedon (PeoplesPharmacy.com). The headline read: <em>Thyroid dysfunction is almost at epidemic levels.</em> It goes on to say that there are about 100 million thyroid prescriptions filled yearly, and that it is one of the most common health problems we are have in America, and no one seems to know the reason for this.<br />
<br />
Another article, from Associated Press, announced <em>More than 1 in 10 births is premature</em>, calling this an obstetric epidemic. Most of the world's preemies are born in Africa and Asia, but it's a problem in America too. Worse, experts don't have an explanation for the high U.S. preemie rate. There is some speculation that it has to do with poor prenatal care and poverty. Perhaps, but the third article I read today makes me think something in our food has more to do with thyroid dysfunction and the high preemie rate than simply poverty.<br />
<br />
You may have heard of the ballot initiative to require labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods. There was coverage of the dozens of people who gathered in front of the Board of Elections office in Norwalk, CA and elsewhere in the state to deliver the nearly 1 MILLION signatures to get the initiative on the ballot. What does this political story have to do with the first two? Well, in my opinion, I believe that the thyroid issues, and the preemie issues and many other unexplained health issues are long term outcomes of consuming genetically engineered foods. <br />
<br />
Consider this: Monsanto's RoundUp is a known <a href="http://www.greenfacts.org/en/endocrine-disruptors/endocrine-disruptors.htm" target="_blank">endocrine disruptor</a>, and has been linked to <a href="http://www.percyschmeiser.com/Toxic.htm" target="_blank">non-Hodgkins Lymphoma</a>, and <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/035050_Roundup_Monsanto_DNA.html" target="_blank">even highly diluted can destroy human DNA</a>. Yet more than 80% of the U.S. soy crops are RoundUp Ready. Those crops are fed to livestock, its byproducts of oil, lecithin etc are used in processed foods and fast foods. That's just one GMO food most of us has been eating for years without our awareness. Is it no wonder that babies are being born early and there is a near epidemic in metabolic diseases?<br />
<br />
More Genetically Engineered health articles for your consideration:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Toxicity of GM Corn on Mammalian Health</strong></a><strong> :</strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>"Our analysis clearly reveals for the 3 GMOs new side effects linked with GM maize consumption, which were sex- and often dose-dependent. Effects were mostly associated with the kidney and liver, the dietary detoxifying organs, although different between the 3 GMOs. Other effects were also noticed in the heart, adrenal glands, spleen and haematopoietic system. We conclude that these data highlight signs of hepatorenal toxicity, possibly due to the new pesticides specific to each GM corn. In addition, unintended direct or indirect metabolic consequences of the genetic modification cannot be excluded."</em></blockquote>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/pusztai.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/Animal Health?</span></a> :</span></h1>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="pullquote">
<em>"GM foods may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.</em></div>
<div class="pullquote">
<em>They can also produce allergies."</em></div>
</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Monsanto_and_GM_Foods:_Health_Risks" target="_blank"><strong>Monsanto and GM Foods: Health Risks</strong></a> :<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>"Out of 20 female rats fed the GM tomato, 7 developed stomach lesions."</em></blockquote>
Frankly, I am of the opinion that we need, as a nation, to get back to basics. Grow our own foods, cook our own meals and heal our wounds and diseases with fresh herbs and whole foods. This track we're on, where we spray to kill, pop a pill to heal, it's all wrong and we're paying the long term price.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-10540662478362301412012-03-27T14:15:00.002-07:002012-03-27T14:16:54.812-07:00Naturally Managing Arthritis Pain<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IstxLTl_-EF1NOZ9xl5CRDEYBfyWLIjHPvCaGMXA0sf5tCAaViay5wFPRH_M0VfRdcwHbGhZNqIES5V-Z0DCKR3OtML9e81O-yPpexujYtIQKTEcCtADWGIV0WvCi5ToDsd3XyGP7D0S/s1600/arthritis+pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IstxLTl_-EF1NOZ9xl5CRDEYBfyWLIjHPvCaGMXA0sf5tCAaViay5wFPRH_M0VfRdcwHbGhZNqIES5V-Z0DCKR3OtML9e81O-yPpexujYtIQKTEcCtADWGIV0WvCi5ToDsd3XyGP7D0S/s320/arthritis+pain.jpg" title="Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tips for Natural Arthritis Pain Management</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Osteoarthritis
and Rheumatoid arthritis are painful
conditions that affect millions of people all over the world. Though the
arthritis cause for each is different, it doesn’t change the fact that the pain can
be constant and a drain on the sufferers energy levels thereby decreasing their quality of life. </div>
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If you are an arthritis
sufferer, you should see your doctor for advice on a treatment plan that’s best
for you. But if you’re not interested in popping pills for managing rheumatoid
arthritis or osteoarthritis pain, then consider this sampling of natural
arthritis pain relief remedies.</div>
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<b>Essential oils: </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Six drops each of rosemary and chamomile mixed into four ounces of sesame
oil. Gently warm the oil and massage into the arthritic joints. A little oil
goes a long way so use just a dab at a time. It’s better to apply a little of
this remedy several times a day instead of a lot all at once.</div>
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<b>Two Essential oil blends for Rheumatoid Arthritis pain relief:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Eight drops German Chamomile </li>
<li>10 drops Lavender </li>
<li>Two drops Peppermint </li>
<li>Eight drops Eucalyptus</li>
<li>Mix this blend in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into joints
morning and before bed.</li>
<li> -------------------------------------------------------- </li>
</ul>
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</div>
<ul>
<li> Eight drops Rosemary </li>
<li> Seven drops Lavender</li>
<li>10 drops Frankincense </li>
<li> Five drops Ginger </li>
<li>Mix the essential oils in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into
joints as above.</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Two Essential oil blends for Osteoarthritis pain relief:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>13 drops Ginger </li>
<li> Eight drops Black Pepper </li>
<li> Four drops Cedarwood </li>
<li> Five drops Cypress </li>
<li>Mix the essential oils in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into
joints as above.</li>
<li>------------------------------------------------------ </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>15 drops Sandalwood </li>
<li>Five drops Ginger </li>
<li>10 drops Nutmeg </li>
<li>Mix the essential
oils in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into joints as above.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Juice therapy for chronic arthritis pain:</b></div>
<ul>
<li> Drink two 8 oz glasses of black
cherry juice a day. Fresh, organic juice is the best choice, but jarred juice
from concentrate provides arthritic pain relief. </li>
<li> Juice fresh veggies high in
beta-carotene such as broccoli and spinach, those high in copper such as ginger
and carrots. </li>
<li>Pineapple juice is high in bromelain
an enzyme that is a strong anti-inflammatory.</li>
</ul>
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Avoid citrus fruits
and vegetables in the nightshade family which include eggplant and tomatoes. </div>
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<b>Tea:</b></div>
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<b> </b>A cup of ginger tea with one tablespoon of
castor oil added and drunk before bed is helpful to manage arthritis pain.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Hydrotherapy:</b></div>
<ul>
<li> Immersing the affected arthritic
joints and exercising in a warm pool heated to 85 degrees is beneficial. </li>
<li> Warm moist heat packs applied to the
painful joint for up to 20 minutes every four hours is helpful. </li>
<li>During severe flare-ups,
use a cold pack for no longer than 20 minutes every four hours. When pain
lessens after a day or two of cold treatment, switch to the warm compress.</li>
</ul>
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</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-67093146870091303692012-03-26T14:09:00.000-07:002012-03-26T14:10:11.387-07:00Easy Home Remedies for Sinus Congestion<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVWLw9DB9GTXsVSiOyVlrm-sFEoJWzzHQJ3l1Le4Yt-ouoorhOtPpQzVBKynADKIKZ3SVX-7oJqzDLoK3Hgr49efxc8ob2yZ9t7fiGFppHZFR-fvJxlZ-UCqe5am9FbaIou3ClD2kZs32/s1600/relieve+sinus+congestion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVWLw9DB9GTXsVSiOyVlrm-sFEoJWzzHQJ3l1Le4Yt-ouoorhOtPpQzVBKynADKIKZ3SVX-7oJqzDLoK3Hgr49efxc8ob2yZ9t7fiGFppHZFR-fvJxlZ-UCqe5am9FbaIou3ClD2kZs32/s200/relieve+sinus+congestion.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tis the season for colds, allergies and general sinus
congestion, and it seems I’m surrounded by folks with stuffy heads. Here are
some quick tips for getting natural sinus congestion relief.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">An
Ayurvedic method to relieve sinus congestion: Using a few drops of fresh squeezed garlic juice in an
eyedropper (yes, garlic juice, preferably organic, use a garlic press,) tilt
your head back and put the drops into your nose. Remain with your head
back for about five minutes, then straighten up and let juice drain into a
tissue. This method may be used once a day to clear sinus congestion, and
up to three times a day during a severe sinus conditions – morning,
mid-day and at night.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Barley
Green can be helpful for sinus problems. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Juice
organic apples and dark grapes and drink at room temperature on an empty
stomach.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Fill a medium sized mixing bowl halfway with boiling water;
put in two to three drops of eucalyptus essential oil along with a drop of
peppermint oil in the water. Hover your head over the bowl with a towel draped
over your head and bowl. (Essentially you’re creating your own mini steam
sauna for your head.) Breathe normally. You should feel relief within a few minutes. </li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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Note: You may have a sinus infection if:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>your sinus pain doesn’t improve after three to
five days</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>your eyelids and/or nose swell up</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>you have green or bright yellowish mucous
discharge</div>
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<br /></div>
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See your doctor if you think you have a sinus infection! </div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-54997910112923525532011-11-01T12:20:00.000-07:002011-11-01T12:20:00.717-07:00Get into Cool Season Leafy Green Super Foods!<div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <h1>Healthy Green Vegetables</h1><h1>Spinach, Kale, Rapini, Dandelion</h1></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<dl style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><dt> </dt>
<dd>by Ronald Steriti, NMD, Ph.D. </dd><dd>
</dd><dd>The following is a discussion of some of the interesting foods that are now available at some grocery stores. Be forewarned, besides having odd tastes (because they are unfamiliar) you may also get some odd looks from the cashiers as they try to figure out what you are buying. Greens are prepared by submerging them in water to wash them and then cooking them either with steam or by frying them. </dd><dd>
</dd>
<dt><b>Spinach </b> </dt>
<dd><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKXhr-JIl0x53GvzXh0R8D0fR6RPgnL9zU5DX6wtCDZ9zdW3Ip-P4E68MuXnJXNG1Z_diiRsj5tAX3D20v6Ou_JerXja_FoD1Y47uYIvFozK4m8kg3Bw9kaDi1fFUhjtBjR74LUNH0CHm/s1600/Superfood+spinach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKXhr-JIl0x53GvzXh0R8D0fR6RPgnL9zU5DX6wtCDZ9zdW3Ip-P4E68MuXnJXNG1Z_diiRsj5tAX3D20v6Ou_JerXja_FoD1Y47uYIvFozK4m8kg3Bw9kaDi1fFUhjtBjR74LUNH0CHm/s200/Superfood+spinach.jpg" width="200" /></a>Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a native of Asia introduced into Europe about the fifteenth century. Spinach contains nitrogenous substances, hydrocarbons, and iron sesqui-oxide. Spinach contains chlorophyll, which has a chemical formula remarkably similar to that of hemoglobin. The combination of chlorophyll and iron make spinach beneficial for treating anemia. During the war, wine fortified with Spinach juice was given to French soldiers weakened by hemorrhage.
</dd>
<dt><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY6p9gSp1Q7hLzhk7SzJnrWIL2pvh8FAf4id_m0wq1CHvjalF-WzBnyDJe5xuuzHYgIEH0d5YHg-5l_xOpwIkmelt9GwvZv-qxUBxc42W7nEyVIBwZrtE_u2FnYiYIlDYe7TdP2GLj8rX/s1600/Superfood+dandelion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY6p9gSp1Q7hLzhk7SzJnrWIL2pvh8FAf4id_m0wq1CHvjalF-WzBnyDJe5xuuzHYgIEH0d5YHg-5l_xOpwIkmelt9GwvZv-qxUBxc42W7nEyVIBwZrtE_u2FnYiYIlDYe7TdP2GLj8rX/s200/Superfood+dandelion.jpg" width="200" /></a><b> </b></dt>
<dt><b>Dandelion Greens<br />
</b> </dt>
<dd>Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are unwelcome guests in lawns, but they have a long medicinal history. Dandelion leaves have been used for hundreds of years to treat liver and gallbladder problems. These medicinal actions are attributed to taraxacin, which is a bitter. Dandelion leaves have high amounts of vitamin D, and moderate amounts of vitamin C and B as well as iron, silicon, magnesium, zinc and manganese.
</dd>
<dt><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5GgLD7sF7mKKfcJzpzW4Y9d1-CaG0iOJMCMSs5i1OJ2KQ6U0ynyMV3yGKJ_dWfqIicblUgNLc5dGF5GFX5kJDi-stpPaJpDq1p2flRQFjEb-DsZYPGZsd66B-4GojiEnVmiRZT8wT0TZ/s1600/Superfood+kale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5GgLD7sF7mKKfcJzpzW4Y9d1-CaG0iOJMCMSs5i1OJ2KQ6U0ynyMV3yGKJ_dWfqIicblUgNLc5dGF5GFX5kJDi-stpPaJpDq1p2flRQFjEb-DsZYPGZsd66B-4GojiEnVmiRZT8wT0TZ/s200/Superfood+kale.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>Kale</b><br />
</dt>
<dd>Kale (Brassica oleracae var acephala) contains calcium, potassium, vitamin A and C. Kale is the common names for non-heading types of cabbage (mostly of the variety acephala), cool-weather crops of the mustard family. They are grown for their edible greens and, in Europe, for fodder.
</dd>
<dt><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstd_OmaK5Aphoild-j_CNU8diowpg5pZ16IRDDOrEytuUr3pgAzHYOeQV57nZPnl9PMI0Bs4dYInDk5o28F-HKlHVTzd8bU_bxPEfiO-Ysr_AZTiloMvM7udXrl7GRPvvdTKZjPLtbIUy/s1600/Superfood+collard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstd_OmaK5Aphoild-j_CNU8diowpg5pZ16IRDDOrEytuUr3pgAzHYOeQV57nZPnl9PMI0Bs4dYInDk5o28F-HKlHVTzd8bU_bxPEfiO-Ysr_AZTiloMvM7udXrl7GRPvvdTKZjPLtbIUy/s200/Superfood+collard.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Collard greens<br />
</b> </dt>
<dd>Collard greens (Brassica oleracae var acephala), called Colliard, coleworts and collie greens contains calcium, potassium, vitamin A and C. Collard greens originated in the Mediterranean basin and were a favorite food of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
</dd>
<dt><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWwUiFBTGGzI0dBSVhTaloHAvxVoyf7lR2WYWq30LV8xjBjc3u-Rd32FMa_VccPQ2b1-pC7IopC54sd0EBKz62IJ2H1PD5OjC-9vXWkPNrwA1H_Th2RmxYB_oDctG_cMEnI9y-KOFYTyl/s1600/Superfood+rapini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWwUiFBTGGzI0dBSVhTaloHAvxVoyf7lR2WYWq30LV8xjBjc3u-Rd32FMa_VccPQ2b1-pC7IopC54sd0EBKz62IJ2H1PD5OjC-9vXWkPNrwA1H_Th2RmxYB_oDctG_cMEnI9y-KOFYTyl/s200/Superfood+rapini.jpg" width="176" /></a><b>Rapini</b><br />
</dt>
<dd>Rapini, which also called broccoli raab, Choi sum and Chinese flowering cabbage, is used in Italian and Chinese cooking. Rapini is high in vitamins A, C and K.
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span> </dd>
<dt><span style="font-size: x-small;">References </span></dt>
<dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve, originally published 1931</span></dd></dl>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-91916742230644859002011-10-24T12:09:00.000-07:002011-10-24T12:09:00.225-07:00Cracking the Common Cold - by Ronald Steriti, NMD, Ph.D.<dl style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><dt> </dt>
<dd><b>Cold and flu season is coming soon.</b> There are several theories of health that try to explain why we get the common cold and flu. This article covers a few of them and discusses several natural cure for the common cold.
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</dd><dd><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsEs2uJ5c2yu0B7EGSCkWdK6YI077X8UH9Y9p_rcSX0UyXJkFye1QsWY96Sj8OMVQ853d-F5YTdNwi5rs5dPiQx6bzD83b5baNE6VMXGv_mQloS1s6vZGWsutqs_3vxqrobuyk8GGHoS8/s1600/common+cold+virus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsEs2uJ5c2yu0B7EGSCkWdK6YI077X8UH9Y9p_rcSX0UyXJkFye1QsWY96Sj8OMVQ853d-F5YTdNwi5rs5dPiQx6bzD83b5baNE6VMXGv_mQloS1s6vZGWsutqs_3vxqrobuyk8GGHoS8/s200/common+cold+virus.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>The germ theory states that there is a germ</b>, typically an influenza virus, that we catch from other people, which causes the common cold. Linked with this is the concept of susceptibility. The germs seem to have a better chance of infecting us when we forget to wear a coat on a cold day, or when we have been working too hard and not getting enough sleep. It is well known that stress depresses the immune system, which is the bodies defense against disease.
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</dd></dl><ul><li><b>Vitamin C</b> is probably the most well known natural cure for the common cold and flu. Vitamin C increases macrophage activity (one of the cells of immune system), and has an anti-histamine effect which helps reduce the runny nose. Under stress most animals (except humans) make significant amounts of vitamin C from glucose. Therefore vitamin C is considered the stress vitamin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RLyqHIn65p3nIjrk2xXMOQjO_ZDSDm3cGWFYAgjdVIBC9BGEUvSDbntuF0lkFtH4rdgSYqg3j1x6yrs3YFrqP-PuC-9mxuz7jW085TBtHvHXxty4vRluTsJaZi8dA6O6viWu1x3KU1kK/s1600/common+echinacea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RLyqHIn65p3nIjrk2xXMOQjO_ZDSDm3cGWFYAgjdVIBC9BGEUvSDbntuF0lkFtH4rdgSYqg3j1x6yrs3YFrqP-PuC-9mxuz7jW085TBtHvHXxty4vRluTsJaZi8dA6O6viWu1x3KU1kK/s200/common+echinacea.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
<ul><li><b>Echinacea</b> is the most well known herbal cure for the common cold. It supports the immune system and increases the production and activity of white blood cells, lymphocytes and macrophages (cells of the immune system). Echinacea can be taken both to prevent a cold and to treat one. Many companies make echinacea glycerites which are suitable for children.<br />
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</dd></dl><ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aZNOxizLNHAo9ejAJQW_LS5yKnzatHgHATFKMP3W03EMqfK2sBN-uhOhCMWF5UVRBUxYzteWCXQAKN0FibzIsn48PTx0hoNzMqPTQCnsKfuPb7n3yHCRQNQZGshcmdBz_WIMehxReRkn/s1600/common+cold+garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aZNOxizLNHAo9ejAJQW_LS5yKnzatHgHATFKMP3W03EMqfK2sBN-uhOhCMWF5UVRBUxYzteWCXQAKN0FibzIsn48PTx0hoNzMqPTQCnsKfuPb7n3yHCRQNQZGshcmdBz_WIMehxReRkn/s200/common+cold+garlic.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li><b>Garlic</b> is another cure for the common cold that has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Louis Pasteur confirmed its anti-bacterial action in 1858. Many people eat a raw clove of garlic a day to help support their cardiovascular system. Due to its heavy odor, many people prefer taking garlic capsules. The active part of garlic is allicin, which unfortunately is destroyed by cooking.<br />
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</dd><dd><b>The story, however, doesn't end with the germ theory of disease.</b> The important questions are: Why do some people not get colds? Why do some people catch a lot of colds? And, why do some people catch colds that last for months? According to the germ theory it is because some people have better immune systems, or because some people catch stronger germs. But suppose the problem isn't germs at all? What if the germs were a symptom of some deeper cause?
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</dd><dd><b> </b></dd><dd><b>Opponents of the germ theory of disease argued that the internal milieu was more important than the germ.</b> In other words, one should concentrate on keeping the body clean and in proper working order. They emphasized the importance of detoxification, and believed that mucous and runny noses were the bodies way of ridding itself of toxins. As this was a healing effort of the body, they believed it should not be suppressed with drugs like anti-histamines.
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</dd><dd><b> </b></dd><dd><b>In today's post-industrial world there are hundreds of thousands of toxic chemicals commonly used</b>. These include heavy metals such as lead found in lead pipes, mercury found in fillings and cadmium in smoke, as well as chemicals used to preserve foods, plastics for food containers, chemical fertilizers, herbicides for the lawns, and pesticides for ants and other household pests. The list is almost endless.
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</dd><dd><b> </b></dd><dd><b>Proponents of detoxification recommend annual “Spring Cleaning” of the body</b>. This is accomplished in several ways. Herbs used to treat the liver and colon are commonly used. These include milk thistle and dandelion for the liver and psyllium seed for fiber. In Ayurvedic medicine, the Triphala formula is used for internal cleansing.
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</dd><dd><b> </b></dd><dd><b>Chinese Medicine has a different perspective</b>. It focuses on balance. In one aspect it recommends balancing the four tastes: sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Most people prefer the sweet and salty tastes, and a few like sour things such as lemon water. Most people, however, avoid bitter tasting foods. Interestingly most of the healing herbs are bitter. So are many of the greens like Rapini, Swiss chard, and dandelion greens.
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</dd><dd><b> </b></dd><dd><b>The Chinese people eat a vegetable called Bitter Melon</b>, which looks similar to a cucumber, but tastes terrible (extremely bitter). It is an acquired taste, according to the clerk at the Chinese grocery store, but many Chinese people believe that eating one per month will keep them healthy (similar to “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”). Ayurvedic medicine has an herb called Neem (Azadiracta indica) which is touted as the most bitter plant known. Neem is commonly used in India, both as a healing herb, in hair shampoos, and in toothpaste.
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</dd><dd><b> </b></dd><dd><b>Several different theories have been proposed for preventing and treating the common cold</b>. These included well-known supplements like vitamin C, Echinacea and garlic. The role of detoxification in preventing disease was also discussed, as well as the Chinese theory of the four tastes. Hopefully this advice will help you avoid catching the common cold. If not, perhaps the best advice still is “get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluid”.
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<dt><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">About the Author </span></i></dt>
<dd><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ronald Steriti graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, a four-year full-time accredited Naturopathic medical school. He also has a Doctorates Degree in Electrical Engineering. Dr. Steriti assists people to regain and maintain their health using herbs, homeopathy and nutrition to support their body’s natural healing abilities. He has a private practice in Naples, Florida and invites you to call him and discuss your health needs. Dr. Steriti can be reached at 239-659-2684.</span></i></dd></dl>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-54150199136331704972011-10-21T11:58:00.000-07:002011-10-21T11:58:00.950-07:00Omega 3 Oil for Good Health by Ronald J. Steriti, NMD, Ph.D<div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <h1><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></h1></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnLJsP_EPMdmKd1DDAWsi_E-17OUr2GdqOIoeD1rzQU6VmhVXr-Jn207tjxH9TgYqdqUkEaDUOj9zT-uNUU2kEjFXbz2Thez-6sOqyzO0e5DLsSsPCD0IP5aAAzGjmxvjnNrqrR0qcV_S/s1600/omega3olive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnLJsP_EPMdmKd1DDAWsi_E-17OUr2GdqOIoeD1rzQU6VmhVXr-Jn207tjxH9TgYqdqUkEaDUOj9zT-uNUU2kEjFXbz2Thez-6sOqyzO0e5DLsSsPCD0IP5aAAzGjmxvjnNrqrR0qcV_S/s320/omega3olive.jpg" width="98" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive oil photo courtesy of Wikimedia</td></tr>
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Fresh omega 3 oil</b> <b>is one of the most beneficial foods for your health.</b> Fresh oil is a source of essential fatty acids, which help keep the skin healthy and the hair shiny. The human brain is almost entirely composed of unsaturated fatty acids. Fats add taste to meals and give one a feeling of fullness when eaten. Years ago fresh oil was delivered by truck, in the same way as milk. Now the oil found in most supermarkets has been processed into a form which is not readily used by the body, and is unhealthy.</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Fresh </b><b>oil becomes rancid fairly quickly</b>, even when kept in a refrigerator. Modern technology solved this problem by using high temperatures and preservatives. These techniques change the molecular structure from one that is very healthy (the cis configuration) to one that is unhealthy (the trans configuration). The result is oil that can be kept for extended periods at room temperatures without going rancid.</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Oil is composed of fatty acids which are chains of hydrogen and carbons attached to a glycerine molecule</b>. Saturated fatty acids have a single long chain of hydrocarbons, whereas unsaturated fatty acids have smaller chains of hydrocarbons that branch off the main hydrocarbon chain. Omega 3 fatty acids have the branch at the third carbon, and omega-6 fatty acids have the branch at the sixth carbon. </div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMs4TuFivV6L21OFcejSl3qiATCJgw58ZjL3_tlRbCvLnPN1SC29PBV79Ug1AzasWevx9r20YwEWEWge9XHLnZFlrq2zBjtlm-c-3eMkCEqsD13gyINdoW_6xHhxId5vowlg0KMGzdhGX/s1600/omega3walnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMs4TuFivV6L21OFcejSl3qiATCJgw58ZjL3_tlRbCvLnPN1SC29PBV79Ug1AzasWevx9r20YwEWEWge9XHLnZFlrq2zBjtlm-c-3eMkCEqsD13gyINdoW_6xHhxId5vowlg0KMGzdhGX/s200/omega3walnuts.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walnut photo courtesy of Wikimedia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><dt><b>Omega 6 oil from nuts</b> </dt>
<dd>Oils made from safflower, sunflower, and corn are rich in linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid. </dd><dd> </dd>
<dt><b>Omega 3 oil from fish and flax seed</b> </dt>
<dd>Oils made from flax seed, walnut, and soy are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil contains eicosapentatonic acid (EPA) and docasahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are omega 3 fatty acids. </dd><dd> </dd><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7rVc0btLCEpMV_OlVbtrWpnCAHgTAQJIZi5IE_i-N1dRfwVXZZnE6CvfX8J1Ptzd_MtOkd4gT3nda2gDZzK-UfkCks-EJCZdom_5KTaJj70JxqgbPHqmVb_DWAzcF1M2MLqx4cy7ocDu/s1600/omega3flax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7rVc0btLCEpMV_OlVbtrWpnCAHgTAQJIZi5IE_i-N1dRfwVXZZnE6CvfX8J1Ptzd_MtOkd4gT3nda2gDZzK-UfkCks-EJCZdom_5KTaJj70JxqgbPHqmVb_DWAzcF1M2MLqx4cy7ocDu/s200/omega3flax.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flax Seed photo courtesy of Wikimedia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><dt><b>Omega 3 oil fatty acids </b> </dt>
<dd>Omega 3 oil fatty acids form prostaglandin E3 which has been found to decrease inflammation, platelet aggregation, and triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. The omega-6 fatty acids form prostaglandin E1 which has been found to inhibit cholesterol synthesis and decrease blood pressure. </dd></dl><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>An important question is what is the best oil that I can buy?</b> Extra virgin olive oil, a mono-saturated fatty acid, is perhaps the best choice in a grocery store. Unfortunately few grocery stores carry fresh, cold-pressed oils. In health food stores, one can usually find flax and borage seed oils, as well as mixtures such as Udo’s Blend, in the refrigerator. These oils can be taken internally for health and added to food for flavor.</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Much of the information about oil can be found in Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill by Udo Erasmus (Alive Books, 1993), The Natural Pharmacy edited by Linenger (Virtual Health LLC, 1998), and Nutritional Influences on Illness, 2nd edition, by Werbach (Third Line Press, 1996).</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Addendum</i></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Most traditional Italian restaurants serve virgin olive oil on a plate to dip fresh baked bread into (instead of butter). This is a very old Italian tradition, particularly in Northern Italy. Many restaurants serve their own cold pressed extra virgin flavored olive oil. They have a distinctive flavor and a slight greenish tinge that is characteristic of high quality olive oil.</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-90879439551085089852011-10-20T11:51:00.000-07:002011-10-20T11:51:59.026-07:00Effects of Energetic Healing on Depression and Stress<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvg27yJw8kkwF4Vf_PIYgv7keE2_ca0zi8PHLmtlmthLfwLrLx2Le6TI-WAuXVbyiGPpiB-8dBwvkPXcbRG8ZaUcMvcj4hCwhLh5SU5KAnan6m9zKOcxyVeU27uEdMKT4DOjAZDmQ5VeeX/s1600/reiki+healing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvg27yJw8kkwF4Vf_PIYgv7keE2_ca0zi8PHLmtlmthLfwLrLx2Le6TI-WAuXVbyiGPpiB-8dBwvkPXcbRG8ZaUcMvcj4hCwhLh5SU5KAnan6m9zKOcxyVeU27uEdMKT4DOjAZDmQ5VeeX/s1600/reiki+healing.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reiki photo courtesy of ABMP.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Long-Term Effects of Energetic Healing on Symptoms of Psychological Depression and Self-Perceived Stress</b></span> </div><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The following is a summary by Pat Cougar of the research article " Long-Term Effects of Energetic Healing on Symptoms of Psychological Depression and Self-Perceived Stress" by Adina Goldman Shore, PhD. Originally published in the May/June 2004, Vol. 10, No. 3 issue of Alternative Therapies magazine, reprints of the original article may be obtained by contacting: InnoVision Communications, 169 Saxony Road, Suite 103, Encinitas, CA 92024; phone, (866) 828-2962 or (760) 633-3910; email, <a href="mailto:alternative.therapies@innerdoorway.com">alternative.therapies@innerdoorway.com</a></span></i></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dr. Adina Goldman Shore's article is the result of a one-year study of the effects of Reiki</b>, a form of energy healing, on psychological depression and self-reported stress. The study investigated the hypothesis that it is the Reiki energy itself, and not the "hands on" touch, that is the healing factor, and examined the long-term effects of Reiki on depression and stress. Dr. Shore also provides some basic information regarding the uses of Reiki, including it usefulness in psychotherapy.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Forty-five participants with symptoms of depression and stress</b> volunteered for this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Hands-on (touch) Reiki, Distance (non-touch) Reiki, and distance Reiki placebo. Participants were not aware of which group would be receiving placebo Reiki. Twelve Reiki Masters, and three second degree Reiki practitioners were chosen to conduct the one to one and one-half hour sessions. Each participant received one treatment weekly for six weeks. The article describes the protocols for the selection of Reiki practitioners and participants for the study, as well as uniformity in the manner in which sessions were conducted.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Three tests, designed to measure levels of depression and stress</b>, were administered to each participant before and after the series of six sessions. One year later, the participants retook the three tests. After testing was completed, the control/placebo group received another six weeks of Reiki treatments, this time with actual Reiki, and the three tests were administered to this group again.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Findings of the study demonstrated that there were no changes in the control/placebo group until they received the six sessions of actual Reiki</b> a year after the first six placebo sessions. Both the hands-on and the distance Reiki were effective in relieving symptoms of depression and stress. Distance Reiki was shown to be slightly more effective than hands on, which ruled out touch as the causative factor, although the difference may have been influenced in part by the project's design (please see original article for details). The results of the placebo group served to rule out any changes due to expectations of the participants. Re-testing a year later demonstrated that the positive results of the six Reiki treatments had remained intact.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dr. Shore suggests combining Reiki with traditional forms of treatment for psychological depression</b>, because of Reiki's effectiveness, and cost reduction. She encourages further studies of energy healing on other psychological and physiological disorders.</span></div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-31212203503155760772011-10-15T10:29:00.000-07:002011-10-15T10:30:19.359-07:00Don't let Dandruff Ruin Your Day - Natural Dandruff Treatments<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwABDEKVu7BTxxtNsBdDbSMCdeDmEfLCb-k4mkbEGpOn6U32yssaws_1f8t117b7PV0_9en-dWjqOyci9LdhJmvdwKgSkDcfJHckvgIl6guB3bPg3laeSS-xPocuz9El4L4Jbh9yDoVJ5/s1600/Dandruff.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwABDEKVu7BTxxtNsBdDbSMCdeDmEfLCb-k4mkbEGpOn6U32yssaws_1f8t117b7PV0_9en-dWjqOyci9LdhJmvdwKgSkDcfJHckvgIl6guB3bPg3laeSS-xPocuz9El4L4Jbh9yDoVJ5/s320/Dandruff.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Wikimedia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Dandruff</b>, the bane of beautiful hair. According to Mayo Clinic and WebMD, factors such as poor diet and stress can contribute dandruff. One common reason is that a natural occurring fungus called malassezia (aka pityrosporum,) that crops up on the scalps of healthy individuals. This fungus can get out of control and become <span class="minusone">seborrheic dermatitis.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Malassezia</b> likes to live off the oil secretions of your hair follicles, which causes irritation to your scalp. Your scalp reacts by increasing cell production which ends up being the masses of dried skin cells, or dandruff.</div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Stress</b>, infrequent hair washing, and fluctuation in hormone levels, high sugar intake are possible reasons for the fungus to get out of control. </span><br />
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<ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Apple cider vinegar</b> – this is the number one natural remedy used to combat dandruff, and most people already have it in their kitchen pantry. Mix equal parts water with apple cider vinegar. Wet hair and massage thoroughly into scalp. Wrap your head with a towel and let the vinegar do its thing for 15 minutes and up to an hour. Shampoo. Apply apple cider vinegar twice a week till you get relief.</li>
</ul><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tea tree oil</b> – is an essential oil obtained from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree that oil that contain compounds with antiseptic and antifungal properties. Tea tree oil is a strong essential oil, it’s best to purchase shampoos that contain this oil rather than make your own. Tea tree oil can fade dyed or tinted hair.</li>
</ul><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Coconut oil</b> – Warm up a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl of warm water to liquify. Apply enough oil to coat the scalp thoroughly, wrap your hair in a towel and leave on for several hours or overnight. Shampoo as usual. </li>
</ul><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Listerine</b> – The eucalyptus oil in Listerine is the active ingredient that what works on the malassezia. Use original flavor Listerine for mild dandruff by wetting scalp, leaving it on for 15 minutes and shampooing as usual.</li>
</ul><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Burdock or Sage tea </b>– Make a tea of either of these herbs, cool and use as a rinse after shampooing. Burdock contains biotin, a water soluble vitamin B that breaks down fats. Sage also helps break down fats and is mildly astringent.</li>
</ul><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ginger -- </b>Mix two tablespoons of olive oil with a tablespoon of finely grated ginger. Let sit for about 15 minutes so the ginger infuses the oil. Apply to scalp just before shampooing. If you have a particularly bad case of dandruff, let the mixture sit on your scalp for 10-15 minutes before shampooing. Repeat a few times a week till dandruff is under control.</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Here are some additional helpful tips for controlling your dandruff:</b></div><ul><li>Wash your hair in warm or cool water.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Do not apply any dandruff remedy to broken skin</li>
</ul><ul><li>Take a close look at your diet. Are you eating healthy or chowing down on burgers and fries all the time?</li>
</ul><ul><li>RELAX! Dandruff could be taken as warning sign that your life is getting out of control. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Reduce or eliminate yeast from your diet. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Keep hair dryers about 10 inches from your scalp to keep from over drying your skin.</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Different cultures have their own tried and true treatments and these are just a handful of remedies I found when researching this subject. Hopefully one will work for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-47585652961647854032011-10-12T18:28:00.000-07:002011-10-12T18:28:52.850-07:00In Search of Better Sleep - Naturally<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1jm06qTj9kcr0Oq2Q9BIQf5UC0ksUjFYjf8McMBSSGsVFi19FsJQ8qmAtreNhavyV1TkqfApotPL32eJzZ9H6cWHDmP0fRY_mdrCppIRYPvY4TcA_rbb2FBGMHz3riRl8Q1eJYTu0zAv/s1600/sleeping_kitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1jm06qTj9kcr0Oq2Q9BIQf5UC0ksUjFYjf8McMBSSGsVFi19FsJQ8qmAtreNhavyV1TkqfApotPL32eJzZ9H6cWHDmP0fRY_mdrCppIRYPvY4TcA_rbb2FBGMHz3riRl8Q1eJYTu0zAv/s1600/sleeping_kitten.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting to Sleep Naturally</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Approximately 1 out of 8 people in the United States need to get better sleep. It’s no wonder that the sleep aids industry is a booming business and isn't going away any time soon. With about 32 million people suffering from insomnia there's no shortage of potential customers,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but we can get to sleep without serious side effects that come with prescription sleep aids with specific foods and supplements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Check out these natural sleep aids:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vitamin supplements</b>:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><ul><li>Calcium lactate -1000mg, or calcium chelate -1500-2000 mg </li>
<li>Magnesium – 1000mg these supplements are best taken after meals and at bedtime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If taking calcium chelate, it’s recommended to take it in divided doses.</li>
<li>B complex plus extra pantothenic acid; Inositol, and B6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow the label recommendations. </li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Foods high in tryptophan are also recommended as natural sleep aids:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><ul><li>Bananas</li>
<li>Figs</li>
<li>Dates</li>
<li>Yogurt</li>
<li>Whole grain bread</li>
<li>Turkey</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bathe in Epsom salts:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><ul><li>Epsom salts are high in magnesium which acts as a sedative for the nervous system and works as a muscle relaxant too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add two cups of Epsom salts to your bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water temp should be close to body temperature at 98 degrees.</li>
</ul><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Effective Herbs for sleep aids:</b> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><ul><li>Catnip</li>
<li>Hops</li>
<li>Valerian root (which comes in extract or capsule forms)</li>
<li>Passionflower (sip as a tea with chamomile)</li>
<li>Skullcap </li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Try L-theanine amino acid</b></div><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><b></b>This is a wonderful sleep aid!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>L-theanine is a free form amino acid that calms and relaxes without side effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is derived from green tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Other causes of insomnia could include copper and iron deficiencies in women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hair analysis should be done to determine if such deficiencies are present.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Fresh air, melatonin, relaxing with a book, soothing music, and a regular schedule are also effective sleeps aids.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Be sure to visit your doctor to rule out any underlying physical condition that might prevent you from sleeping.</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-83041639935189214872011-10-11T13:27:00.000-07:002011-10-11T13:27:20.086-07:00Flower Essences to Facilitate Personal Growth<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw247AiNsya6u6Gg-KPGTN5MrTv7Y_k16OCtOdZFP-mIeyk357RuLMgQPCHnjjDW4rtfoIcG7wzXEl9qeY8uKQGZq8IvJjLXJvTGKDySGAVKrIPg9m1KjCLfI1-JyTNO1YVNg4QvXDVfH/s1600/flower+essences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw247AiNsya6u6Gg-KPGTN5MrTv7Y_k16OCtOdZFP-mIeyk357RuLMgQPCHnjjDW4rtfoIcG7wzXEl9qeY8uKQGZq8IvJjLXJvTGKDySGAVKrIPg9m1KjCLfI1-JyTNO1YVNg4QvXDVfH/s1600/flower+essences.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FES Flower Essences</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flower essences are vibrational medicines that are effective in aiding personal growth by helping to heal body-mind-spirit.<span> </span>Unlike conventional medicines that interact with the body on a biochemical level, flower essences work on the body’s subtle energies to facilitate change.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In other words, as human beings we are more than just our physical bodies.<span> </span>We also have subtle body energies: an emotional body, mental body, and a spiritual body where our problems may be “stuck”.<span> </span>Flower essences are the imprints of the healing energy of flowers and plants infused in water. They work on our subtle energy bodies elevating our awareness of our inner challenges while strengthening our resolve to work through our problems thereby stimulating personal growth. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">~ <b>To change a pattern of anxiety</b>, fear of the unknown, you might try the flower essence Aspen.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This essence can strengthen the qualities of trust so that you can gain confidence to tackle the unknown and move forward in your personal growth.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">~ <b>To change destructive impulses,</b> or ease a tense and rigid outlook in your life, you can use the flower essence Cherry Plum which can assist in connecting you to your higher self to develop trust and bring balance into your life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">~ <b>To change your pattern of emotional neediness</b>; to overcome possessiveness or manipulating behavior – consider using the flower essence Chicory.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">~ <b>Do you find yourself constantly longing for the past</b>, unable to move emotionally into the present?<span> </span>You may use the flower essence Honeysuckle which can assist you in being fully present in the moment and accept what is.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The examples above are a very small taste of what flower essences have to offer. The field of vibrational medicine and flower essences is quite large and comprehensive.<span> </span>There are practitioners that can guide and council you on your path to personal growth and who can blend a specific formula of flower essences just for you and your goals.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flower essences are non-toxic, do not have drug interactions and are considered herbal supplements.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.fesflowers.com/index_essences.htm">For more information go to: FES </a></span></div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-33773841117326708052011-10-05T14:06:00.000-07:002011-10-05T14:06:59.372-07:00Natural Remedies to Manage Fibromyalgia Pain<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">It is estimated</span> </b></span><b>that fibromyalgia affects 5 million Americans</b> 18 or older. About 90 percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia pain syndrome are women, and most people are diagnosed when they’re middle aged. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTGxKUU1ya-zLOZZ4q8BWRJhbuIE4V3N6W4P_XuvBVy4LVaLjD_gPsTsHDnsDMWc0ZSZDiyw2hBulgqsJioOGQxoCArb0RDDJw6FMwwaW27KeNkizYArgr90WUQz5Pz9iJBgsXHZ3aZn_/s1600/fibrotenderpoints.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTGxKUU1ya-zLOZZ4q8BWRJhbuIE4V3N6W4P_XuvBVy4LVaLjD_gPsTsHDnsDMWc0ZSZDiyw2hBulgqsJioOGQxoCArb0RDDJw6FMwwaW27KeNkizYArgr90WUQz5Pz9iJBgsXHZ3aZn_/s320/fibrotenderpoints.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria </b>uses 18 tender points to help determine the presence of fibromyalgia. Tender points are areas that are sensitive to touch and deep pressure. They are clustered around the neck, the hips and the joints of the extremities. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Symptoms associated with fibromyalgia may fluctuate from person to person, but the most common complaint is that the sufferer aches all over. The pain is described as a deep bone ache, pins and needles, or sometimes, a burning pain. Flare-ups can occur where the pain feels especially acute. If the pain were not enough, headaches, chronic fatigue, mood swings, and flu-like symptoms are also reported. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Are there natural remedies</b> one can use to alleviate or manage fibromyalgia pain? Yes! Natural treatments for fibromyalgia are much the same as for arthritis pain. Following are the top three suggestions:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Clean up your diet</b> – eliminate refined sugars from your diet. This is a big one. Sugar is a big contributor to inflammation.<span> </span>Cut back on wheat products and stick with whole grain only.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span><b>Increase your intake of <a href="http://theconsciouslife.com/top-10-anti-inflammatory-foods.htm">anti-inflammatory foods</a></b> and spices such as papaya, turmeric.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span><b>Decrease or eliminate <a href="http://theconsciouslife.com/top-10-inflammatory-foods-to-avoid.htm">inflammatory foods</a></b> such as dairy, sugar, red meat. </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Get regular exercise</b>. If it’s been a while since you’ve broke a sweat, then seek the advice of your doctor before beginning an exercise program. If you get the go-ahead, find a reputable personal trainer. You will achieve results faster and more efficiently with a trainer.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Get regular massages.</b> Most doctors recommend regular massage for fibromyalgia. Massage will increase circulation, relieve pain, and help you sleep better. It is very important that you choose a massage therapist who is familiar with fibromyalgia pain syndrome; otherwise your massage experience may be stressful and unpleasant.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that can be managed. Take control of your health and learn what you can do to bring your body back to homeostasis.</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-77229551765660988512011-05-25T15:49:00.000-07:002011-08-02T09:03:27.891-07:00What's in Your Sunscreen?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PwaupV0UXsAoCSKX89-9W2_kxx_akDSA4QEgb603cntSl5TsbhY5lskpqzU0wuwTnu0GSBjyvQkBi2MpRt_g0FyyKkVduNYiCj6idWiUtlP9BSJVr02ZFvCHlYmA7Gn76gDZjcEgdBYQ/s1600/sunscreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PwaupV0UXsAoCSKX89-9W2_kxx_akDSA4QEgb603cntSl5TsbhY5lskpqzU0wuwTnu0GSBjyvQkBi2MpRt_g0FyyKkVduNYiCj6idWiUtlP9BSJVr02ZFvCHlYmA7Gn76gDZjcEgdBYQ/s320/sunscreen.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is your sunscreen on the High Hazard list?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Is your favorite sunscreen on the high hazard list? </span><a href="http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/?inlist=Y&utm_source=2011sunscreensuba&utm_medium=email&utm_content=image&utm_campaign=toxics" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Environmental Working Group</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> has just updated their Sunscreen Guide! Plug in your favorite sunscreen brand and see how it stands up to scrutiny.</span></span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here is a sampling of name brand products with EWG's High Hazard rating:</div><ul><li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vaseline Aloe Fresh Protecting Intensive Care Body Lotion, SPF 15</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Revlon Moon Drops Lip Conditioner, SPF 6</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion, SPF 1</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick, Honey, SPF 15</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Australian Gold Lotion with Moisture Max, SPF 15 </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Be sure to read:</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_39065225"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sunscreens Exposed: 9 surprising truths</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Be skin smart and safe this summer!</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: Tom Purves</span>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-12040403859701422212011-05-19T11:23:00.000-07:002011-05-19T11:25:53.133-07:00Healthy Salt Levels = Body Electrolyte Balance<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTxXj0OPsKLULBN5pK9LisxCK_0Zr3CsIiShXsIED2-c8cGoVYiGpO8wovcCLzc1I7K8rxxm0O4KWMqJCJ0NpWCRVp0eQRGjeMdlsfxUCaimnDn080fgzXXp8laF0IV9w3cEGHgFddkft/s1600/electrolytes+salt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTxXj0OPsKLULBN5pK9LisxCK_0Zr3CsIiShXsIED2-c8cGoVYiGpO8wovcCLzc1I7K8rxxm0O4KWMqJCJ0NpWCRVp0eQRGjeMdlsfxUCaimnDn080fgzXXp8laF0IV9w3cEGHgFddkft/s200/electrolytes+salt.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt is important to your diet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It’s common knowledge that a diet low in salt is helpful in keeping your blood pressure low, right? Well, here’s some interesting news that flies in the face of this wisdom. A recent study published in the Journal of the <a href="http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/305/17/1777.abstract?sid=522318e7-bb02-4b2e-9363-da246bfc165b">American Medical Association</a> (May 4, 2011,) indicated that low salt consumption really doesn’t influence lower blood pressure, and interestingly enough, the risk of dying from cardiovascular problems is significantly higher. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This all boils down to your electrolyte balance. According to MedicineNet.com an electrolyte is: “A substance that will dissociate into ions in solution and acquire the capacity to conduct electricity. The electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and phosphate.” This is important to understand because your body has a complex electrical system. All your nerves firing, your heart beating, muscles contracting all do so by biological electrical stimulation. Without adequate electrolytes, you may experience fatigue at best or a heart attack at worst. In extreme electrolyte dilution (water intoxication,) death can occur.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q4BCVF07aob1_lYwOqWhDphKCl-N954dmutRFgDd4h8uav71gTKwfgQO2iwvwNL4GrWqGLav38d7ShVjhqXNRBdwGASCrXGXlhz4rMK0qDQm6n4jlmTiF-37pdwTgrMbQBBW-zlZQVhj/s1600/electrolytes+sweat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q4BCVF07aob1_lYwOqWhDphKCl-N954dmutRFgDd4h8uav71gTKwfgQO2iwvwNL4GrWqGLav38d7ShVjhqXNRBdwGASCrXGXlhz4rMK0qDQm6n4jlmTiF-37pdwTgrMbQBBW-zlZQVhj/s200/electrolytes+sweat.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweating releases minerals from your body.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">According to the <a href="http://iom.edu/Activities/Nutrition/SummaryDRIs/%7E/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Nutrition/DRIs/RDA%20and%20AIs_Vitamin%20and%20Elements.pdf">USDA</a>, the average adult RDA for sodium is 1.5 grams which is roughly 1/3 tsp measure. This is recommendation shifts according to age and according to how much you sweat either from heat or from the amount of physical activity you engage in. <a href="http://jn.nutrition.org/content/79/4/407.full.pdf">When you sweat, you excrete minerals </a>and electrolytes, hence the extra electrolytes in sports drinks. But here’s a tip, if you want to ditch all the extra sugar and artificial colors and flavors in sports drinks, add a pinch of salt to your drinking water, and eat foods rich in potassium and calcium. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Bottom line, don’t overindulge in sodium rich foods, but don’t shy away from salt altogether, it’s important for your body function. Balance is key.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits: Michel32nl; Minghong</span> </div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-27314545893299360962011-05-04T13:29:00.000-07:002011-08-02T09:04:11.908-07:00Dietary Fiber can Make You Sexy!<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-kzw6K_X5Ky0jp0D83tNM5sOEYIaLrU0PijH4YZY7r-ECxGBZuBGhbZkQIghfF0PlyLbvYVlwWKCbCuoXQbsANlYG14Jl0Da4L3iFVZwALWmevghro1kd6PBkMqbL_B8xwNsnUks7PZg/s1600/high+fiber+wheatbran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-kzw6K_X5Ky0jp0D83tNM5sOEYIaLrU0PijH4YZY7r-ECxGBZuBGhbZkQIghfF0PlyLbvYVlwWKCbCuoXQbsANlYG14Jl0Da4L3iFVZwALWmevghro1kd6PBkMqbL_B8xwNsnUks7PZg/s200/high+fiber+wheatbran.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A healthy diet is high in fiber.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dietary fiber.</b> It invokes thoughts of bran with all the taste and texture of cardboard, elderly folks, or worse, constipation. Definitely not sexy. So it’s no surprise that the average person consumes far less dietary fiber than what is recommended, a whole lot less.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.iom.edu/Global/News%20Announcements/%7E/media/C5CD2DD7840544979A549EC47E56A02B.ashx">The USDA</a> </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>recommends</b> about 25 – 26 grams of dietary fiber per day for females ages 9 through 50; and 31 - 38 grams for males for the same ages. The requirements change somewhat for adults over 50 and pregnant or lactating women. Yet, according to a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1178484942">2008 USDA</a><a href="http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12355000/pdf/0708/tables_1-36_2007-2008.pdf"> Survey </a>females consume 12 – 15 grams per day of dietary fiber per day, while males consume 13.7 – 18.7 grams per day.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Ever wonder what the long term effects of a chronic low fiber diet? Take a look:</span></b></div><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001303/">Diverticulitis</a></span></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001308/">Colon Cancer </a></span></div></li>
<li> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Heart Disease</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div></li>
<li> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Diabetes </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Alternatively, a high fiber diet has been linked to these benefits:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Weight loss and maintenance</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.cancerproject.org/protective_foods/fiber.php">Cancer prevention</a> / colon and breast </span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Blood sugar stabilization</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Healthy immune system</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Stabilized cholesterol</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4SMmJGQzyXfjfKsGeAZN32jMCmZYaz-kgZvdiwBH1L9mCPQT5TBXzXwDqiJvgmxPeu06hKQ3V9lB3ie1UzGpcE9bapVVBNTORz8fHvfMbwmgkehnpAcBuOPn7x4JGRhlpSt0GYU759bm/s1600/fiber+eatwellplatelarge2+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4SMmJGQzyXfjfKsGeAZN32jMCmZYaz-kgZvdiwBH1L9mCPQT5TBXzXwDqiJvgmxPeu06hKQ3V9lB3ie1UzGpcE9bapVVBNTORz8fHvfMbwmgkehnpAcBuOPn7x4JGRhlpSt0GYU759bm/s200/fiber+eatwellplatelarge2+.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Re-think healthy dinner food proportions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Even with strong evidence</b> that eating a high fiber diet is really, really good for you, we still fall short. (Cue the bran flake image.) But what if dietary fiber excited your taste buds, could help you drop inches from your waistline and made you sexier? Would you take a second look?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2PeG3eb7ic5g7YyuipG7PTRxzRX7TtC2jdTXcQmqzUxfkm6HVLenG_BI2OcnEPcW3bE6J0uWRX8Xa6qzicAmLXSSiyTR13WsPCO6Yg8xDmL3RRyzIwJluvVkLbb_KzOGeXqJUjArdsek/s1600/high+fiber+meat+potatoes+chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzpItyfxsd7aIxKUKLbH1Uu4Jz7aV-LPsWZgZkj0KttqkiFiQg4oATlPVjcQoTP0sIFROSZQ-cMmnrAODblyVZlVE-0FYKwj7QUbvHwx3dIXJtAKrfVGTmazPQKkMIzAWWHeULZ9Br-Ma/s1600/high+fiber+beefsteak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzpItyfxsd7aIxKUKLbH1Uu4Jz7aV-LPsWZgZkj0KttqkiFiQg4oATlPVjcQoTP0sIFROSZQ-cMmnrAODblyVZlVE-0FYKwj7QUbvHwx3dIXJtAKrfVGTmazPQKkMIzAWWHeULZ9Br-Ma/s200/high+fiber+beefsteak.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unhealthy meat to vegetable ratio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><b>These things are possible</b> but, first things first. It’s important to change the way you think how healthy meal should look. On average, the dinner plate is heavy on the meat with a big side dish of starch some veggies, and bread. Sometimes a salad is thrown in too. Proportionally the typical plate may be 50% meat, 25% -40% (with that extra bread roll,) starches and 25% veggies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KBRRtQUFiutUQd333uFEukaZGxB1TGeaKCIG0kYnI6l4Ag8-kulH0popRme6xywJ4sbeCxSvKtyjK3YqYB5VGHCPpNmJejb2impj3ZTjrbtS0sB7xvfQwaAVsF90x2qVhu77GvvEG8F-/s1600/high+fiber+healthy+plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KBRRtQUFiutUQd333uFEukaZGxB1TGeaKCIG0kYnI6l4Ag8-kulH0popRme6xywJ4sbeCxSvKtyjK3YqYB5VGHCPpNmJejb2impj3ZTjrbtS0sB7xvfQwaAVsF90x2qVhu77GvvEG8F-/s320/high+fiber+healthy+plate.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This plate is over 50% vegetable to 25% meat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Let’s flip that around</b>. Think of a healthy, fiber rich food plate as being 50-75% veggies, including salad, and 25% or less high protein. Your protein could be meat or veggie based. Get bonus fiber content if you go with a veggie based protein such as soy or lentils. (I didn’t add starch to the healthy dinner plate because, from a digestion point of view, you’re better off eating your starches and meat protein separately, but both go best with lots of vegetables. This is called <span id="goog_1178484956"></span>food combining<span id="goog_1178484957"></span> and another subject.) </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>How does fiber make you sexier? </b>Well, healthy is always sexier than sickly for one. For another, when you're on a high fiber diet, your digestive system doesn't hang on to excess baggage if you get my drift. You can possibly lose inches on your waist overnight by eliminating on a regular and frequent basis. (Some health experts feel if you eat three times a day, you should be eliminating three times a day.) A healthy you with a slimmer waist and less intestinal baggage is sexy</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Weight loss is easier</b> on a high fiber diet because whole grains give you the feeling of satiety so you're less likely to over eat. Blood sugar is stabilized so you're less likely to binge eat for energy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>How do you make fiber excite your taste buds? </b>First find the <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=59">tasty foods that are high in fiber</a>. Avocado, for instance, is surprisingly high in fiber - almost 12 grams in a medium sized fruit. With a little creativity and a sense of culinary adventure you can easily find recipes that you will enjoy and that are good for you. Tip: Take a couple of your high fiber ingredients then go to a recipe website, such as <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/">Epicurious</a>, insert your items into the search bar and choose a recipe result.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Here are couple recipes to get you started:</span><br />
<h2 class="uiHeaderTitle">Pear and Roasted Jalapeno Salsa</h2><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="img" src="https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216491_10150169082108063_627153062_6999282_2990533_a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pear - Roasted Jalapeno Salsa on soft tacos</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="photo_img" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="caption"></div></div>1 med firm-ripe pear diced2 Roma tomatoes diced<br />
4 green onions trimmed and sliced - white and green parts<br />
1 fire roasted jalapeno (to taste) minced<br />
handful of cilantro, mince<br />
1/4 tsp chili powder<br />
sprinkle of salt<br />
squeeze of lime<br />
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Toss together all ingredients in medium size bowl and let marinate for 30-60 minutes. Serve on what you like.<br />
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<h2 class="uiHeaderTitle">Beet and Mint Salad with Beet Greens </h2><br />
<div class="photo photo_left"><div class="photo_img" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="img" src="https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215499_10150172592623063_627153062_7032384_3976430_a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Fiber Beet Salad with Beet Greens</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div>3 beets with greens, greens removed and chopped, (compost stems)1/3 cup mint leaves, minced<br />
handful of Mesclun leaves or whatever you have on hand<br />
1 avocado, diced<br />
1 Roma tomato, diced<br />
1 cup Fontina cheese, diced<br />
high quality balsamic vinegar<br />
<br />
Trim beets and cut into quarters. Either wrap tightly single file in foil and roast till tender at 350 degrees just under an hour, or steam for under 15 min.<br />
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Meanwhile, toss remaining ingredients in a large bowl.<br />
<br />
Remove beet quarters from foil, let cool slightly then cut quarters in half or thirds depending on the size of the beets. Let beets come to room temperature then add to salad. Serve. Drizzle balsamic vinegar to taste over each salad.<br />
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<i><b>Interesting factoid</b>: Beeturia, which is the reddening of the urine after eating beets, affects about 10-15% of adults. People with healthy iron metabolism are less likely to experience beeturia, but those who are iron deficient, have iron excess or have trouble with iron metabolism are more likely. Beeturia is not considered harmful, but it could be an indicator of another health issue.</i><br />
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See the movie: <a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/">Forks Over Knives</a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credits: commons.wikimedia.org; </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">RBerteig</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">; Food.gov.uk – Food Standards Agency; sixtysecondparent-wnc.com, me</span> </div></div></li>
</ul>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-65222569549768770582011-04-19T11:35:00.000-07:002011-04-19T11:38:05.451-07:00In Support of the Health Benefits of Coconut Oil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eJ_aa68849gDawif6ILjneyupelfbzQluRcEV0PsqO1foaa45A1EF9aNiUAt8kgkKj49zKlPNuVMJssO7f-q9llE8t9e8zcJ9b-Sz9antmXIPYIqo4mF9ZMNIGeI4HdfAFHgJwg7Arh0/s1600/coconut+oil+benefits+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eJ_aa68849gDawif6ILjneyupelfbzQluRcEV0PsqO1foaa45A1EF9aNiUAt8kgkKj49zKlPNuVMJssO7f-q9llE8t9e8zcJ9b-Sz9antmXIPYIqo4mF9ZMNIGeI4HdfAFHgJwg7Arh0/s320/coconut+oil+benefits+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Not be confused with hydrogenated coconut oil</b> or hydrogenated palm oil, pure coconut oil, preferably the organic virgin type,</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">has been used for generations by people in India, and Pacific Islanders for its health benefits. Coconut oil is highly touted for its healing properties, reducing inflammation, and for beautifying hair and skin.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yet, in the United States, coconut oil is reviled for the sole reason that it is high in saturated fats. This much is true, but is only a small part of the story. A study published in the </span><a href="http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article%20032305.pdf" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Philipine Journal of Cardiology</a> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">states:</span><br />
<blockquote><br />
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Coco oil consists predominantly of 65% medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) and MCFAs are metabolized rapidly in the liver to energy and do not participate in the biosynthesis and transport of cholesterol. Coconut oil, in fact, tends to raise the HDL and lower the LDL:HDL ratio.</div></blockquote><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Coco oil is not deposited in adipose tissues and therefore does not lead to obesity. It is</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">primarily an energy supplier and as fast a supplier of energy as sugar. MCFAs therefore</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">differ in their metabolism from all the long chain fatty acids, whether saturated or</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">unsaturated. "</span></blockquote><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the Book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1583332049/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hubpages040-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=1583332049">The Coconut Oil Miracle (Previously published as The Healing Miracle of Coconut Oil)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hubpages040-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1583332049&camp=217145&creative=399349" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> the list of benefits of coconut oil are:<br />
<ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and related illnesses</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Supports immune system function</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Helps prevent osteoporosis</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Helps control diabetes</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Promotes weight loss</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Supports healthy metabolic function</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Provides an immediate source of energy</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Supplies fewer calories than other fats</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Improves digestion and nutrient absorption</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life)</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking)</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Helps keep skin soft and smooth</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin</div></li>
<li> <div style="margin: 0pt 15px;">Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes</div></li>
</ul></div><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li><blockquote><div style="margin: 0pt 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27w8g2Ngaz3cLLcpwRMOQn02_qsK-Mqkf6dVFOFXlO7A_VVkSDc58L1c8IxFCdq4PaR5tGpIfi0s961FmsJE7JA1-e_7kidxGOGLj11M11V_bRvEGdzydDetrazaRlFwWS6JFTNa2x-5y/s1600/coconut+oil+benefits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27w8g2Ngaz3cLLcpwRMOQn02_qsK-Mqkf6dVFOFXlO7A_VVkSDc58L1c8IxFCdq4PaR5tGpIfi0s961FmsJE7JA1-e_7kidxGOGLj11M11V_bRvEGdzydDetrazaRlFwWS6JFTNa2x-5y/s1600/coconut+oil+benefits.jpg" /></a></div>Talk to your grocer about carrying organic, virgin coconut oil and start using it in your diet today. Did I mention that stove popped pop corn using coconut oil is absolutely rich in flavor and delicious? Try it! </div></blockquote><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credits: Mart1n; adnandx</span> <br />
</li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-81510644798886291872011-04-15T19:22:00.000-07:002011-04-15T19:22:24.206-07:00What’s Your Bad Massage Experience?<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimt9KdptMfIpXPctsPYS3bJJfiYG5jbLNw7BhieVA_kImpDgycwuyDRrMStpHUW_rh4Qo54MobyM6lxivhqNcXPFg4tAExfFlKGdk9dXBzkbQjObxdM31t8bej2vFzvSsKMyc1yxEy5rdy/s1600/deep+tissue+massage+therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimt9KdptMfIpXPctsPYS3bJJfiYG5jbLNw7BhieVA_kImpDgycwuyDRrMStpHUW_rh4Qo54MobyM6lxivhqNcXPFg4tAExfFlKGdk9dXBzkbQjObxdM31t8bej2vFzvSsKMyc1yxEy5rdy/s200/deep+tissue+massage+therapy.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">In recent days,</span> I’ve talked with a lot of new and potential clients about their past massage experiences. Based on what people have shared with me, I’ve realized that there is a lot of misinformation about what should or should not happen during a massage session. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I’m not talking about inappropriate sexual behavior which is a whole different topic, but about what a client might expect from a massage session and their massage therapist.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Here are actual comments from my clients about their bad massage experiences:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><blockquote style="color: #38761d;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“…she worked my butt so hard, I had bruises the next day.”</div></blockquote><blockquote style="color: #38761d;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I was sure she had it out for me…I felt beat up.”</div></blockquote><blockquote style="color: #38761d;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I felt so sick afterward.”</div></blockquote><blockquote style="color: #38761d;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“…she didn’t lighten up even after I told her the massage was hurting.”</div></blockquote><blockquote style="color: #38761d;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I thought she was going to snap me in two.” <span style="color: #444444;">(A Thai massage experience.)</span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="color: #38761d;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I walked around in pain for three days after my massage.”</div></blockquote><blockquote style="color: #38761d;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“It felt like the massage therapist didn’t care because she wasn’t going to see me again.” <span style="color: #444444;">(An expensive hotel spa massage experience.)</span></div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SBJWHMoglqrjFs-zK7Bj2KAYnEdm-2ui4wXeGdSggXyJelHDdSP7gQ3N0hnigHMbUAf8ke4klWBKFYr9CA7pBuzG0R7WPxSzlH2zwYHmDXK8vEwN9vJJOC8T0M8JYoO75ogkyOkRSasx/s1600/reflexology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SBJWHMoglqrjFs-zK7Bj2KAYnEdm-2ui4wXeGdSggXyJelHDdSP7gQ3N0hnigHMbUAf8ke4klWBKFYr9CA7pBuzG0R7WPxSzlH2zwYHmDXK8vEwN9vJJOC8T0M8JYoO75ogkyOkRSasx/s320/reflexology.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Countless times</b> people have told me that their massage experience (often their first experience,) was too painful and they were soured on seeking another massage ever again. This saddens me because massage is a valuable health modality with a myriad of health benefits. <b>Bad massages ruin it for everyone. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So here’s what I want to share with you today to save you from a bad massage:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ol start="1" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">A massage therapist best serves her client by asking what her client’s goal is for the massage. When she asks, <b>be clear in your expectations.</b> If she doesn’t ask, volunteer this information. For instance, <i>“I have a stiff neck, I need that worked on.” </i>Or,<i> ”I’m just looking for a relaxation massage today.”</i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Know that <b>therapeutic massage can be painful, but it should never be more painful than you can tolerate</b>. If you’re flinching from the pain, you’re tensing up and you’re not getting the intended benefit of the massage. Muscle tissue worked too hard, too fast, can be damaged, hence, bruising or intense soreness for days later. That’s counterproductive. Speak up if the pain is too much. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Stop the massage, if you’ve told your therapist he’s using too much pressure and he doesn't lighten up. <b>Don’t be embarrassed or assume the massage therapist knows better than you about what you're feeling.</b> It should be the other way around. Be sure to tell the manager your complaint. A reputable establishment usually will not charge you for the massage.</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal">Excessive pain is not the only reason to stop a massage. <b>If you do not feel comfortable with your therapist for any reason, it’s your prerogative to end the session.</b> Again, speak with the manager about your concerns.</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal">Realize that <b>not all massage therapists are the same</b>. While this is not a blanket statement, you should note that sometimes an inexpensive massage is inexpensive because the establishment may hire new graduates without a lot of experience. This is not to say that all new grads are going to be fumbling around in the massage room, but if you have a specific issue, you may want to seek out someone who is experienced for better results.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Before you book a massage with someone, <b>take time to research reviews of the establishment and/or the massage therapist him/herself.</b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Last, if you have a medical condition,(for instance you're at risk for lymphedema,) make a point to <b>ask the massage therapist if they understand your special needs</b> and if they've worked with others with similar issues and/or if they have special training for your condition. If the answer is no, take your business elsewhere.</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXrdIP2XMtDb6HOL5_ga1oe22CmceLPj9GLk-g2Du0vSG7_k6baStcJZTzL4Dm1gZVZWGp8d2a9AJB5fjeoKQoQTGoArXmQ-HODhZhyufxR1G9MFaqhJ6_E1SlPYlXyIMoS0OIYD9Fk9l/s1600/bwmassage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>If you have had a bad massage experience you'd like to share</b>, please post it below. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about massage and how you can get the most out of your experience. </span>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-48013842786985600242011-04-13T15:59:00.000-07:002011-08-02T09:05:52.389-07:00"Fructose is a Chronic Hepatotoxin - Alcohol without the Buzz"<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oJ8Z39FrsXu8DJRCoxJ5n1DEtLzSU3iiyTGBNttPPikAwZETv_zdE7gofLPCfml2yLHNMiITWFrDm_wIVYpq9sEA_gnTNY3miPhD_d6y_qMymZFFCFAgTOjYIxKP94sGbRUmMA3Wf0Vm/s1600/High_fructose_corn_syrup_sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oJ8Z39FrsXu8DJRCoxJ5n1DEtLzSU3iiyTGBNttPPikAwZETv_zdE7gofLPCfml2yLHNMiITWFrDm_wIVYpq9sEA_gnTNY3miPhD_d6y_qMymZFFCFAgTOjYIxKP94sGbRUmMA3Wf0Vm/s200/High_fructose_corn_syrup_sugar.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM">Sugar - The Bitter Truth</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology explores the damage caused by sugary foods. He argues that fructose (too much) and fiber (not enough) appear to be cornerstones of the obesity epidemic through their effects on insulin. Series: UCSF Mini Medical School for the Public [7/2009] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 16717]"</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Take the time (1.29.28 hr) to watch this highly informational video informing us of the poison in our food: Fructose (High Fructose Corn Syrup). Click on the Sugar title.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ok - for those of you who don't have 90 minutes to watch this lecture, (though I truly believe it's worth your while,) here are some of the highlights of the lecture:</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSOeJmwiEyT__eDQRKK8vaofz1BQTS3iARS6dwOeOE2vmu5hijJaNMEXhgLh5pJRmBiFIWUgY_M36xobrojIcOsjFEQlK2_h9xxM8vDJem0EnX4ZkCZWb-C3lHhLVwz48s0HxfU6GlxVO/s1600/High_fructose_corn_syrup_tanker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSOeJmwiEyT__eDQRKK8vaofz1BQTS3iARS6dwOeOE2vmu5hijJaNMEXhgLh5pJRmBiFIWUgY_M36xobrojIcOsjFEQlK2_h9xxM8vDJem0EnX4ZkCZWb-C3lHhLVwz48s0HxfU6GlxVO/s320/High_fructose_corn_syrup_tanker.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tanker full of High Fructose Corn Syrup. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul><li><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The body processes glucose (the main type of sugar occurring in plants and in blood,</span>)<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> and fructose (sugars found in fruit and honey,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">) very differently.</span></b></li>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Excessive fructose </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">consumption triggers the production of fat due to a complex carbohydrate binding response.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Fructose does not stimulate insulin production and therefore is an increases the risk for developing diabetes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Fructose is a chronic hepatotoxin meaning it is poisonous to the liver. Chronic means it is continuous or long lasting<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The body reacts to fructose the same way it does alcohol, but since fructose is not metabolized in the brain, there's no alcoholic buzz.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We know what chronic alcohol consumption does to the body and in particular the liver, excessive fructose consumption causes the same metabolic syndromes.</span></span></li>
</ul></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Fructose is very cheap and therefore pervasive in our prepared food system</b>. Check the labels of all your baked goods, chocolate milk, infant formula, yogurt, cereals, vitamins, sports drinks, sodas etc. The majority of national brands will be tainted with high fructose corn syrup. Is it no wonder we have an epidemic of obese six-month old babies and that the rate of children and adults developing type II diabetes is through the roof? </span></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWTeQtFMX1whUm-q-ns7eTMpLwSAdzGO2K8znbD6aKSFLoCNV5UFqiEtr56CcGqrNR8aHQSHm0zF7sz8PnyvgDlAR65j7xuQ-qyuoiwySGWCidsf4SeoHpzMIVIW7kF4jR8dYJdHiCcUV/s1600/High_fructose_corn_syrup_juices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWTeQtFMX1whUm-q-ns7eTMpLwSAdzGO2K8znbD6aKSFLoCNV5UFqiEtr56CcGqrNR8aHQSHm0zF7sz8PnyvgDlAR65j7xuQ-qyuoiwySGWCidsf4SeoHpzMIVIW7kF4jR8dYJdHiCcUV/s200/High_fructose_corn_syrup_juices.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>NOTE:</b> Fruit juice, 100% or otherwise, is also a culprit. Fructose without it's natural fiber package (whole fruit,) is poison too.</span></li>
</ul></ul><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>The immediate solution?</b> Stop buying products that contain fructose. Eat whole foods and cook your own meals. Increase your daily dietary fiber.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhKE2K3A5opbM1QpKU7-VJLKZrM-Y1Cy7OkTVEcNqOVgKhv23_mlo6n3D5dGFKxbqHppHYNPAMorQGB8UflBSX1tu5shr1YuLpm17iKh13C5LQpaT7Y9tHs_DVOVhmeQrg23gv9Hkm5S8/s1600/High_fructose_corn_syrup_.whole+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhKE2K3A5opbM1QpKU7-VJLKZrM-Y1Cy7OkTVEcNqOVgKhv23_mlo6n3D5dGFKxbqHppHYNPAMorQGB8UflBSX1tu5shr1YuLpm17iKh13C5LQpaT7Y9tHs_DVOVhmeQrg23gv9Hkm5S8/s200/High_fructose_corn_syrup_.whole+food.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Want to take further action? </span></b><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Contact food manufacturers and tell them that you do not want fructose or high fructose corn syrup in their products. Let them know you won't purchase their products anymore.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Contact your representatives and demand regulation of fructose and that the FDA officially recognize the health hazards of fructose.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credits: Tom Arthur; Cjcj; Fritz; John Knox</span></span>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-26624337371666294852011-04-13T08:16:00.000-07:002011-04-13T08:18:50.872-07:00Define Your Learning Style to Boost Your Intelligence<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXncmL_jxg5q7j7Upt6oQ-9Y_-7Vqki6zRHWGhYBi5WIQEUXfgEZC6n7bTHk8yDZ_-q7w3zFmkBQq9_nBSUKcRyEDdoF9itqIkqFFtY-ze_K6aTlRoOuh_ZCuJaSdrJDmae_05XoSpEqP/s1600/boost+intelligence+linguist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXncmL_jxg5q7j7Upt6oQ-9Y_-7Vqki6zRHWGhYBi5WIQEUXfgEZC6n7bTHk8yDZ_-q7w3zFmkBQq9_nBSUKcRyEDdoF9itqIkqFFtY-ze_K6aTlRoOuh_ZCuJaSdrJDmae_05XoSpEqP/s200/boost+intelligence+linguist.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linguistic Learners use books to learn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Did you know there are seven different learning styles? Sadly, schools and most learning institutions only teach to one or two styles which can make a lot of people feel like they're not as smart or quick to learn as others. However, if you can define your learning style, you can creatively boost your intelligence without a lot of extra effort.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Consider these different styles of learning and determine your best fit(s):</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v756ue7or7nZnsRSvUKudImaOKJQrJvYLHAqtsGIMjELqcpPCTSPWFMPLf5L68WwF0HjlgLO20uoqZ8gbmUjDnKTLrqngPQSIuzU8c-n-7_9J9YPxFJWR_c_MuWS78rJCN_EbvsDXx51/s1600/boost+intelligence+interpersonal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v756ue7or7nZnsRSvUKudImaOKJQrJvYLHAqtsGIMjELqcpPCTSPWFMPLf5L68WwF0HjlgLO20uoqZ8gbmUjDnKTLrqngPQSIuzU8c-n-7_9J9YPxFJWR_c_MuWS78rJCN_EbvsDXx51/s1600/boost+intelligence+interpersonal.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interpersonal Learners work closely with instructors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li><b><span style="font-size: small;">Intrapersonal, or self-directed learning.</span></b> This person paves their own path to learning based on a decision to learn.</li>
<li><b>Interpersonal learning.</b> This person works closely with an instructor to learn all about the subject at hand.</li>
<li><b>Visual learning.</b> As indicated, learning occurs by direct observation.</li>
<li><b>Musical Learning.</b> It's all about finding the rhythm of the task.</li>
<li><b>Kinesthetic learning</b>. Here, learning is occurs by physically tackling the task or skill.</li>
<li><b>Logical learning.</b> All aspects of a skill are analyzed before attempting.</li>
<li><b>Linguistic learning.</b> Knowledge is obtained through books or listening to CDs.</li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">By identifying your learning style(s), you can cater to your strengths and devise methods to better absorb and learn new skills and information. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We are intelligent in our own ways. Sometimes we need to be creative in how we access and utilize our intelligence.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credits: CathyK; eieio1948; </span>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-15778659460879130002011-04-12T14:36:00.000-07:002011-04-19T11:56:05.131-07:00Aromatherapy is Found Effective for Knee Joint Pain Relief<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">People suffering from knee pain</span> due to osteoarthritis found knee pain relief in a study where a ginger/orange aromatherapy was used during massage. In this <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=18534325&dopt=Abstract">double blind study</a>, patients were given six massage sessions in a three week period. The results showed a decrease in knee pain, less stiffness in the knee, and increased range of motion.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7Tt1OG8ha5XglkWhJGAT_PPMXAMFd8OcDOMRW5-eCdPzqueIu2vkTm_q7rJnVr5wrDgb0P05A4vm7lnMvBtEJVYrZdwsV5CWXtcKww9vBcKTaZCClywlO9wh4Rb_K9tlx5XiUa0CQ8Dt/s1600/knee+pain+relief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7Tt1OG8ha5XglkWhJGAT_PPMXAMFd8OcDOMRW5-eCdPzqueIu2vkTm_q7rJnVr5wrDgb0P05A4vm7lnMvBtEJVYrZdwsV5CWXtcKww9vBcKTaZCClywlO9wh4Rb_K9tlx5XiUa0CQ8Dt/s200/knee+pain+relief.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massage with aromatherapy can relieve knee pain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">While this study was conducted on elderly patients, the ginger/orange aromatherapy massage would also benefit those who are suffering from sports injuries or other inflammatory issues that are causing acute knee pain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrempTxctRUhT0AGgelI_FV5ccnmFyYYKtKaoCYz6gNCZ90-PwTdfqdJ2y7RwhIZ7CIUl4gYtO-v6_gUzHy5I3iQaFCg0p6d7lNanuoFcp7RWL0M3_8vk2B952oitaxNUNJeuDEWE_49-f/s1600/knee+pain+relief+ginger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrempTxctRUhT0AGgelI_FV5ccnmFyYYKtKaoCYz6gNCZ90-PwTdfqdJ2y7RwhIZ7CIUl4gYtO-v6_gUzHy5I3iQaFCg0p6d7lNanuoFcp7RWL0M3_8vk2B952oitaxNUNJeuDEWE_49-f/s200/knee+pain+relief+ginger.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger aromatherapy massage is effective for knee pain relief.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=17950516&dopt=Abstract">Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties</a> and has been widely used in folk medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayurveda Medicine for centuries. Ginger is a strong anti-oxidant and is helpful in the prevention of free radicals. The essential oil of ginger is quite concentrated and extremely effective in relieving rheumatism, muscle pain, sprains, nausea, and other disorders. Essential oils are best used either through skin absorption or inhalation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Talk with your massage therapist about ginger/orange aromatherapy massage for your knee pain relief. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credits: Crystl;</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">_rockinfree</span> </div><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0970941129/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hubpages040-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0970941129">Do-It-Yourself Natural Health: Natural Health Trio--Acupressure, Herbal Therapy, and Aromatherapy</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hubpages040-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0970941129&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979303605/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hubpages040-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0979303605">8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back: Natural Posture Solutions for Pain in the Back, Neck, Shoulder, Hip, Knee, and Foot (Remember When It Didn't Hurt)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hubpages040-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0979303605&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-26114323703384950962011-04-05T19:46:00.000-07:002011-04-19T11:58:36.264-07:00Raw Horseradish - Natural Allergy Relief Product<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGY6I_JGlAtKOZoVg_DBqY8D4um5oA5WBzOOnrLOgi2jT4Knrp3jC2ji3io9lGrmnJG4hnZy3a5f3KplK4teu_Rm9PWQhLxLqs7FszBpuGw-En1NFEAj3T0fL-1IEkAow0H52jslqqmQD/s1600/allergy+Horseradish_%2528PSF%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGY6I_JGlAtKOZoVg_DBqY8D4um5oA5WBzOOnrLOgi2jT4Knrp3jC2ji3io9lGrmnJG4hnZy3a5f3KplK4teu_Rm9PWQhLxLqs7FszBpuGw-En1NFEAj3T0fL-1IEkAow0H52jslqqmQD/s320/allergy+Horseradish_%2528PSF%2529.png" width="81" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseradish for allergies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you plagued with allergy symptoms: runny nose and itchy watery eyes? Try this natural allergies treatment: horseradish (</span></span><i>Armoracia rusticana)</i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">! Grate 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of fresh horseradish, mix it in a tsp of apple cider vinegar (aids the absorption,) and consume. If eating it straight seems harsh, hide it in a salad. Eat it 3-4 times a day until your allergy symptoms subside. Then a small dose once a month will prevent further attacks, as reported in </span></span><i>Natural Health Secrets from around the World</i> by Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Horseradish works as an allergy treatment because it </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">increases circulation and can widen sinus cavities. It's also a natural antibiotic that kills viruses as well as bacteria. Mix horseradish with garlic and you've got some potent anti-cold medicine!<br />
<br />
Some precautions: If you're pregnant, skip this remedy. The same goes if you have kidney problems or a gastric ulcer. Eat too much horseradish and you'll give yourself a belly ache or worse. Use caution.</span> </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Pearson Scott Foresman [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890612456/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hubpages040-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=1890612456">The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook: Two Hundred Gourmet & Homestyle Recipes for the Food Allergic Family</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hubpages040-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1890612456&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0884196852/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hubpages040-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0884196852">The Bible Cure for Allergies: Ancient Truths, Natural Remedies and the Latest Findings for Your Health Today</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hubpages040-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0884196852&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-20993635795841390122011-03-29T15:25:00.000-07:002011-04-19T12:09:55.669-07:00Stay Healthy with Non-Toxic Weed Control<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PVpSZ_GOt8hPk71jPceDvKRIsMX6_UWx98D4h5m4bOZaplyapWXeHe1MdVMAOQFIR5-S8THDMXmcu4o5AXKj6fnO9_Vi3viWRzpNRVuuYPUc8u78ygvjTbtNsJFqAS4VWJqoGJCVzvbo/s1600/safe+weed+control+roundup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PVpSZ_GOt8hPk71jPceDvKRIsMX6_UWx98D4h5m4bOZaplyapWXeHe1MdVMAOQFIR5-S8THDMXmcu4o5AXKj6fnO9_Vi3viWRzpNRVuuYPUc8u78ygvjTbtNsJFqAS4VWJqoGJCVzvbo/s320/safe+weed+control+roundup.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide</span> is the most popular brand of weed killer on the market. However glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, has been linked to <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/monsanto/glyphocancer.cfm">non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma</a>, <a href="http://www.responsibletechnology.org/blog/664">Alzheimers</a>, and <a href="http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/tx800218n">glyphosate formulations have been shown to induce Apoptosis (programmed cell death,) and Necrosis (death of body tissue.) in Human Umbilical, Embryonic, and Placental Cells.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seriously,</span> do you really want anything like that around you, your kids or your pets? I don’t know about you, but just one of these risks is enough to keep me far away from Roundup and anything remotely like it. So, what do you use instead of Roundup to control weeds in your yard? Start by heading to your kitchen and pull out the vinegar, salt, and dish soap. Then look here for instructions on <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4863528_organic-alternatives-roundup-weed-killer.html">How to Make Organic Alternatives to Roundup Weed Killer.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3o-y0NY6ovx7UMJV1p8nzvVn-Z8KluFQr4KSTPHku3VJ2b5BIKoIicncUje-eyS1IDyLa_rjH6vNy6keZMkyeG2nkXiT3D5IS5XloDFWI8ktWmMuIAKoH7FyC5namXSSFW7tVrEZfMtJf/s1600/safe+weed+control+mulch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3o-y0NY6ovx7UMJV1p8nzvVn-Z8KluFQr4KSTPHku3VJ2b5BIKoIicncUje-eyS1IDyLa_rjH6vNy6keZMkyeG2nkXiT3D5IS5XloDFWI8ktWmMuIAKoH7FyC5namXSSFW7tVrEZfMtJf/s320/safe+weed+control+mulch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another alternative</span> is to re-think your yard. Consider landscaping with plants native to your area which will attract beneficial insects to help with pests, and use weed cloth and mulching methods to control weeds. I have yet to run across a serious health hazard when applying these methods for weed and pesticide control.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Be well. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credits: navets, rolu dsgn</span> </div><br />
More Reading: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1405145714/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hubpages040-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=1405145714">Control of Pests and Weeds by Natural Enemies: An Introduction to Biological Control</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hubpages040-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1405145714&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-72104403049329350942011-03-28T20:02:00.000-07:002011-03-29T07:50:19.608-07:00Massage Therapy can Support Your Weight Loss Program<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr1TRgl37CJQ5VByVOeYtu9_AR7ivYAol8VfHzwTBwMWzuglZMbklvLcGN5blDsvvBypLVSS0y0K3OdeSkDO4_9XSdVkve5iHYoVbFoIo4_raU6obFwJ-kSplIB2ue3aDmayvnHMtVizC/s1600/massage+weight+loss+waist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr1TRgl37CJQ5VByVOeYtu9_AR7ivYAol8VfHzwTBwMWzuglZMbklvLcGN5blDsvvBypLVSS0y0K3OdeSkDO4_9XSdVkve5iHYoVbFoIo4_raU6obFwJ-kSplIB2ue3aDmayvnHMtVizC/s200/massage+weight+loss+waist.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Integrating regular massage therapy </span>into your weight loss program has benefits of which you may not be aware. Massage alone will not get you to your weight loss goal, but when used in conjunction with strategic exercise and a nutritional diet plan, it can help you lose inches faster.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHupwkjZ4TbBdaFB6G5MEcPyaVawPrSWpPee5giceo09Kc6iBgQUI_-s6b87iYcfronmhdLqQpFmMCGuy1uysWRsEa9_3-xJanCEjn9fejpLmmkkhfA7LSEY0HsQX1W6cFx9Kg63_Ro2Uf/s1600/massage+weight+loss+hips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHupwkjZ4TbBdaFB6G5MEcPyaVawPrSWpPee5giceo09Kc6iBgQUI_-s6b87iYcfronmhdLqQpFmMCGuy1uysWRsEa9_3-xJanCEjn9fejpLmmkkhfA7LSEY0HsQX1W6cFx9Kg63_Ro2Uf/s200/massage+weight+loss+hips.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massage can help take inches off your thighs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Massage reduces fat deposits.</span> According to a <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19627407?dopt=Abstract">study published February 2010</a> in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, massage is effective in reducing subcutaneous fat deposits. This study was made up of 60 subjects who were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 received mechanical massage. Group 2 received lymphatic massage (manual lymph drainage,) and Group 3 received connective tissue manipulation (myofacial release/deep manipulation). The results of this study showed that all three groups had “thinning of the subcutaneous fat after the treatment”. Thigh circumference measurements were reduced by an average of 0.5 cm in all groups while thigh fat thickness in Group 1 decreased 1.66 mm, 2.21 mm in Group 2 and 3.03 mm in Group 3. You will notice that the hands-on massage modalities produced the best results for fat loss. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19627407?dopt=Abstract"><br />
</a></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-jEUsgPTGkFf5Al-Fs89w0w9FFVBWSAdn9mJfbrjWs1C7moGT-y9VvMkAU4woO_v-ibTpOaHytlKqQafywnXWjQpvek8fwLeCuHBs-PCFTYc4-uJJAJiZoVQZn9GVjcNlLKqesnJ6HHe/s1600/bwmassage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-jEUsgPTGkFf5Al-Fs89w0w9FFVBWSAdn9mJfbrjWs1C7moGT-y9VvMkAU4woO_v-ibTpOaHytlKqQafywnXWjQpvek8fwLeCuHBs-PCFTYc4-uJJAJiZoVQZn9GVjcNlLKqesnJ6HHe/s1600/bwmassage.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massage tones your skin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Massage is a vasodilator</span><b> </b></span>which means that it increases blood and lymph flow to your tissues and increases circulation. Increased blood and lymph flow supports your weight loss program by:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>removing toxins and fats from your tissue</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>bringing oxygen and nutrients to your cells for faster repair </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>toning and tightening the skin</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Additional ways that regular massage therapy will support your weight loss program</span>:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kF-Kf8NzMu5FUsQk1Ujach1MvOVnjrzJyrBHjkHyIS8RDyq2pYmJRLLEcC30L7FDnqEURQ1wVVUK64Uyi6OQ-mGb8kwLo30DEVdbrnFcvvArbuhvO9Aypbia81ysei05lAmnDtZA6uSy/s1600/massage+weight+loss+workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kF-Kf8NzMu5FUsQk1Ujach1MvOVnjrzJyrBHjkHyIS8RDyq2pYmJRLLEcC30L7FDnqEURQ1wVVUK64Uyi6OQ-mGb8kwLo30DEVdbrnFcvvArbuhvO9Aypbia81ysei05lAmnDtZA6uSy/s200/massage+weight+loss+workout.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massage supports weight loss efforts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>After your workout when your muscles are tense and tight, massage will smooth and lengthen muscles which will go a long way in deterring soreness and injury. Swedish massage and sports massage/deep tissue work well for this.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>If you’ve pulled a muscle, proper massage techniques can shorten your recovery time and get you back into your workout routine faster. Therapeutic massage or medical massage can address specific conditions such as IT band syndrome or shin splints.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>An abdominal massage can aid in digestion and elimination which can help you lose inches on your waistline. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lymphatic massage is especially effective in helping the body drop water weight and reduce bloating. Your lymph system is a transport and filter system for the body. Increasing lymph flow gives your body an immunity boost while it rapidly pulls toxins, fluids and waste products (including fat) from your tissue. </span></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">The key to effective weight loss and maintenance is proper eating habits (not fad diets,) and a good exercise program that incorporates strength training, cardio, and stretching. Incorporating regular massage therapy will support and accelerate your weight loss efforts.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Contact me to incorporate massage therapy into your weight loss program: <a href="http://gentlespirit.massagetherapy.com%20/">http://gentlespirit.massagetherapy.com </a></span></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits: Pink Sherbet Photography, mikebaird, seier+seier+seier</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-73286347160252204112011-03-21T14:38:00.000-07:002011-03-25T21:19:31.308-07:00Natural Beauty Begins Within - Healthy Tips for Women<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While you can apply makeup, get botox, or style your hair, the best way to get natural beauty is to start on the inside. What you eat can have a profound affect on your complexion and your body in general Keep the following foods handy in your kitchen and make a point of adding them to your diet to enhance your natural beauty.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDld-BBWYEDLL4nV20G8_VoUyKEHtpQ-N3d64nz-ODjOgawfZ6tA3kDS4aTvZ0eyzeNXU1eZhyphenhyphenk8cg48cxxKMbMpcxZEniembjQ6aMatrUUqjSVYjJ2Q3agzbUn6hhV_nbhsbsXNY1lLLs/s1600/natural+beauty+tips+orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDld-BBWYEDLL4nV20G8_VoUyKEHtpQ-N3d64nz-ODjOgawfZ6tA3kDS4aTvZ0eyzeNXU1eZhyphenhyphenk8cg48cxxKMbMpcxZEniembjQ6aMatrUUqjSVYjJ2Q3agzbUn6hhV_nbhsbsXNY1lLLs/s1600/natural+beauty+tips+orange.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eat the whole citrus fruit for the fiber too.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Citrus Fruits</b></span> are rich in Vitamin C, which promotes healthy cell reproduction. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage -- free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. New research shows that ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralizes free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage [source: <a href="http://howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=skin-care/information/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefit-skin.htm&url=http://www2.le.ac.uk/ebulletin/news/press-releases/2000-2009/2009/09/nparticle.2009-09-09.2405552523">University of Leicester</a>].Be sure to eat the fruits whole instead of as juice only. The fiber is essential.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ52Qgj0c7lKEeOuuJGa2cCUUU3Xj5Z4ZtkfJANV0KyK02mNbsnQ7tVZdlkSSL1t0E8iLegmLV2k5Er-KJxljWL7pnA1QqMKfdCnjXuyIjGJcnANraiq9xKcDEjtQ9PEEBUtQcleBWl0Lh/s1600/natural+beauty+tips+fish+oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ52Qgj0c7lKEeOuuJGa2cCUUU3Xj5Z4ZtkfJANV0KyK02mNbsnQ7tVZdlkSSL1t0E8iLegmLV2k5Er-KJxljWL7pnA1QqMKfdCnjXuyIjGJcnANraiq9xKcDEjtQ9PEEBUtQcleBWl0Lh/s320/natural+beauty+tips+fish+oil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add fish oil to your diet for natural beauty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fish Oil </b></span>is rich in Omega 3 essential fatty acids such as Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Other useful essential fatty acids include Alpha-linolenic acid or ALA and Gamma-linolenic acid or GLA. Not only is fish oil good for the heart and warding off a variety of conditions, it is also beneficial for psoriasis and acne.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O-JkT-HVtQIvm4Shr67rJs9GT0spI4WV1nPYPSMMfHSUmaScGbcaKlL5Dts8ZNbw87bpIQAdyZ0TqYKHi9SaGWDgPhXlOov8WgrHydgGpw_kXNu5NF0eDHRMOcwmo1aeZzG3-Hlj5EIR/s1600/natural+beauty+tips+carrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O-JkT-HVtQIvm4Shr67rJs9GT0spI4WV1nPYPSMMfHSUmaScGbcaKlL5Dts8ZNbw87bpIQAdyZ0TqYKHi9SaGWDgPhXlOov8WgrHydgGpw_kXNu5NF0eDHRMOcwmo1aeZzG3-Hlj5EIR/s200/natural+beauty+tips+carrots.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrots are excellent for your natural beauty diet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Carrots</b></span> are a rich source of Vitamin A and beta carotene which offer strong skin support. Carrots also help balance the pH of your skin surface, increasing the acidity slightly which kills bacteria.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoDfpqKf1KZeS1PULquOd3KUkFiXSJd_oJnUwn7AOqtdQxLBRm6NKO6H02fj8-3HzSnFbHdOkd10IoAf9RtA4xrUAKImcVZn-bd8SWMlK0inCZaupp0g8K4-sDq6AxSFosscw8aKiW7kI/s1600/natural+beauty+tips+flaxseeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoDfpqKf1KZeS1PULquOd3KUkFiXSJd_oJnUwn7AOqtdQxLBRm6NKO6H02fj8-3HzSnFbHdOkd10IoAf9RtA4xrUAKImcVZn-bd8SWMlK0inCZaupp0g8K4-sDq6AxSFosscw8aKiW7kI/s200/natural+beauty+tips+flaxseeds.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle ground flax seed on your cereal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Flaxseeds</b></span> are another good source of Omega 3 oils to use for natural skin care. Use ground and add to recipes or sprinkle on a fruit salad.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg2-Sevip2IgIWXFUX1wSO_m-ua-l5JS98Xk99El5G73Fsq7AJO03qf9WmzFO5UA75gTPbOT8pN_kw3kzr6Cx8N1SYPeOhyI-jelqYr_i2uttW49KJDuL9XTMq2xeAXKWmjyXNQqSXHEH/s1600/natural+beauty+tips+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg2-Sevip2IgIWXFUX1wSO_m-ua-l5JS98Xk99El5G73Fsq7AJO03qf9WmzFO5UA75gTPbOT8pN_kw3kzr6Cx8N1SYPeOhyI-jelqYr_i2uttW49KJDuL9XTMq2xeAXKWmjyXNQqSXHEH/s1600/natural+beauty+tips+eggs.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs support your natural beauty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eggs </b><span style="font-size: small;">contain several vital nutrients that support and skin and body function:</span></span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Choline: necessary for healthy cell membranes in the body<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">B vitamins folate and riboflavin converts food into energy. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lutein is an anti-oxidant and is used in the retina of the body for blue-light absorption.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Selenium supports a strong immune system and is a powerful antioxidant</span>.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Vitamin A is needed for general cell growth and healthy skin</span>.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Vitamin E is an antioxidant that works synthetically with vitamin C and selenium to prevent damage to your body from free radicals.</span> </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis3vaL6CGSPJ7kGzte7GbbE7t7MlMZLbyZTfFuCDyw3GLUBJ0tLZ4sEX5IIM1oBWFlTcpFgPJ1fwpgg7sshXs06M2u78U_rAnIWGJ2mQb7tltZ1hLVk0qECiCNO5Rpkd2UuxyA6H22vIQ/s1600/natural+beauty+tips+green+leafy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis3vaL6CGSPJ7kGzte7GbbE7t7MlMZLbyZTfFuCDyw3GLUBJ0tLZ4sEX5IIM1oBWFlTcpFgPJ1fwpgg7sshXs06M2u78U_rAnIWGJ2mQb7tltZ1hLVk0qECiCNO5Rpkd2UuxyA6H22vIQ/s320/natural+beauty+tips+green+leafy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can never have too many green leafy vegetables in your diet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Green leafy vegetables</span></b> are packed with anti-oxidants, B vitamins, fiber, calcium, iron, Vitamins A, C and E and are rich in carotenoids - beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. All these combined support healthy cell function and repair, and help clean out free-radicals and carcinogens from the body. Additionally, a diet that is heavy on the green leafy vegetables will aid in raising the body's pH to a more alkaline state; a state where disease cannot live.</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div>photo credits: D'Arcy Norman, magstefan, designkryt, thebittenword.com, KeRmo, brokenartsmariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-66959289348839018822011-03-18T16:05:00.000-07:002011-03-18T16:05:18.009-07:00Liquid Herbal Extracts for Hemorrhoid Relief<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIOFtUxHicTNaaN2X9BdgpWdpxDSHlBrGFspuljEdYTkoswbuA0OPKcdTNmnjhtBd6tLKp-12LfOMmErqwRF2eQZPFTLEjOeapRikP8R_B7Jvwl15umZIProJrKkU_upH_rdcQmUgrJ7D/s1600/hemorrhoid+gotu-kola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIOFtUxHicTNaaN2X9BdgpWdpxDSHlBrGFspuljEdYTkoswbuA0OPKcdTNmnjhtBd6tLKp-12LfOMmErqwRF2eQZPFTLEjOeapRikP8R_B7Jvwl15umZIProJrKkU_upH_rdcQmUgrJ7D/s200/hemorrhoid+gotu-kola.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotu Kola Liquid Herb Extract for Hemorrhoids</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Gotu Kola </span>(</b>Centella asiatica) has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a rejuvenator and is an herb which, among other things, provides relief from hemorrhoids. It has a high concentration of active triterpenic acid (almost 70%). Its action strengthens connective tissue and skin, improves the elasticity of blood vessels and hastens the healing of wounds. General dosage of the liquid extract is 30 to 40 drops two to four times a day.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0S3UR3pw33n2TKs281XmKyQYO_PczmkRiGN3Y3E9QsvLYD7KziN9-5ety-PfVGLzB8I-796DIXtUYiamQSYEA4P0MxUz5lbRScs41iQDaVp_xSsYZRNvyTPfCL6UtC958D2BnrGdkw4xL/s1600/hemorrhoid+dong-quai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0S3UR3pw33n2TKs281XmKyQYO_PczmkRiGN3Y3E9QsvLYD7KziN9-5ety-PfVGLzB8I-796DIXtUYiamQSYEA4P0MxUz5lbRScs41iQDaVp_xSsYZRNvyTPfCL6UtC958D2BnrGdkw4xL/s1600/hemorrhoid+dong-quai.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dong Quai for hemorrhoid relief</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dong Quai</b></span> (Angelica sinensis) has anti-inflammatory properties and is used for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, bruises, and thrombosed external <span>hemorrhoid</span> treatment.<span> </span>It is believed to enrich the blood and increase healthy blood circulation. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant before taking Dong Quai as it has affects on the uterus. Liquid extract dosage for hemorrhoid relief is 30 to 40 drops, two to five times a day. Can be taken in a bit of water.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNfeI_Y_DlEgYTbgwzvfFjKTIqfqsXyKlCxiwGk6jet94xJYp5UqDAOI59E5CDSqIHAN4PbwZgdgoh4vBLgV26uEjtJKMztEK6dmTczJw22yjsubK4ni-9ztMEcZURDKXsFPRXadMar-E/s1600/hemorrhoid+milk+thistle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNfeI_Y_DlEgYTbgwzvfFjKTIqfqsXyKlCxiwGk6jet94xJYp5UqDAOI59E5CDSqIHAN4PbwZgdgoh4vBLgV26uEjtJKMztEK6dmTczJw22yjsubK4ni-9ztMEcZURDKXsFPRXadMar-E/s200/hemorrhoid+milk+thistle.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milk Thistle for Hemorrhoids</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Milk Thistle</b></span> (Silybum marianum) is rich in antioxidant flavonoids and is used as a vascular tonic. It is helpful for degenerative disorders of blood vessels such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Liquid extract dosage for hemorrhoid relief is 30 to 40 drops, two to four times a day. Can be taken in a bit of water.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIc5SXcHHtT1tXkZywDxe1pXzEDmmZwiVHefFNos6nGEEPIcu3ijepiBIYKjF9_sctouxVlXkwJAJSwfnBwcvJOluOQBOKnsdFp7OWKBfpjmm_2UWG4073sYYsT7_C0WfLagsyKdLefbv/s1600/hemorrhoid+stinging+nettle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIc5SXcHHtT1tXkZywDxe1pXzEDmmZwiVHefFNos6nGEEPIcu3ijepiBIYKjF9_sctouxVlXkwJAJSwfnBwcvJOluOQBOKnsdFp7OWKBfpjmm_2UWG4073sYYsT7_C0WfLagsyKdLefbv/s200/hemorrhoid+stinging+nettle.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stinging Nettle Liquid Herb Extract</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stinging Nettle</b></span> (Urtica dioica) has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties as well as being astringent to mucous membranes. It is used for chronic inflammation which is beneficial for treating hemorrhoids. Liquid extract dosage for hemorrhoid relief is 30 to 40 drops, two to five times a day. Can be taken in a bit of water.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzsLphC3TuuGMwt_VD_8uABoK8YEazhnuvssg0uN35nFWer1lPtwP7OIsbeVl8ZR6EvwV9718m2u6BzzO7T2SZtc-edQ-kSujmLtkyfAVx2-ZpMzzlcSFRIpVYebnH2lDJbKW8hSVUzIC/s1600/hemorrhoid+yarrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzsLphC3TuuGMwt_VD_8uABoK8YEazhnuvssg0uN35nFWer1lPtwP7OIsbeVl8ZR6EvwV9718m2u6BzzO7T2SZtc-edQ-kSujmLtkyfAVx2-ZpMzzlcSFRIpVYebnH2lDJbKW8hSVUzIC/s200/hemorrhoid+yarrow.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarrow Liquid Herb Extract for Hemorrhoid relief</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yarrow </b></span>(Achillea millefolium) is an excellent vascular tonic. It is astringent to atonic tissues which is helpful for treating hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Liquid extract dosage for hemorrhoid relief is 30 to 40 drops, two to four times a day. Can be taken in a bit of water. Nausea may occur with high doses.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6850076625896632785.post-62960619422736723782011-03-11T11:43:00.000-08:002011-03-11T11:44:49.528-08:00Easy, Natural Remedies for Menopause Symptoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAGOjDcRy9ggHxXOqfmABRaWYDtuKIAU_TvvH5QiBLLnMhrjN-hca76ckbfgGNLWkoSplEfRvMufGyzr75wQ6BFrpfP2rS35aExVnzZrWB-4Bxjv3WQyCu-4_gA-JsgK3vqjHpccxUJT5/s1600/menopause+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAGOjDcRy9ggHxXOqfmABRaWYDtuKIAU_TvvH5QiBLLnMhrjN-hca76ckbfgGNLWkoSplEfRvMufGyzr75wQ6BFrpfP2rS35aExVnzZrWB-4Bxjv3WQyCu-4_gA-JsgK3vqjHpccxUJT5/s200/menopause+woman.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, forgetfulness, hair loss, irritability </b></span>just to name a few of the typical menopause symptoms that you may be experiencing. As your body decreases its production of estrogen, your body reacts with symptoms. If your body slowly decreases estrogen levels, you may find your symptoms to be mild. However, a sudden drop in estrogen may leave you with a wild roller-coaster ride of hot flashes, irritability, anxiety and more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Natural remedies for relieving menopause hot flashes and other symptoms are many. Personally, I’ve found an array of natural menopause treatments to be more effective than just sticking to one type. Following is my routine for relieving the hot flashes, anxiety and irritability.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6NiiU9o7qaxVNRFMujt_8a7Se6f4LJh-yxgDeiNG3wrOfTRUcOvql7oPrHj_c8YnU9gy5QMgpul-H9z_fXg0oSmg2srVeQY25B7J9uoEncqJVUL-sYjgBjlgAYE3Um3tN6VOWxxh6cbA/s1600/menopause+exercise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6NiiU9o7qaxVNRFMujt_8a7Se6f4LJh-yxgDeiNG3wrOfTRUcOvql7oPrHj_c8YnU9gy5QMgpul-H9z_fXg0oSmg2srVeQY25B7J9uoEncqJVUL-sYjgBjlgAYE3Um3tN6VOWxxh6cbA/s200/menopause+exercise.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exercise helps with menopause symptoms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Exercise</b></span> – This is my number one remedy for my menopause symptoms. I’ve been working out four days a week, for 45 min each session since Oct 2010. This is a boot-camp style work-out that focuses on cardio, resistance training, and stretching. I break a sweat, I elevate my heart rate, and I’ve increased my metabolism which is staving off the menopausal weight gain. Exercise is also effective for relieving:</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">Depression</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Body tension and stress</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Irritability</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Anxiety </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5FsRjmzk2r3On4jGdNj9RkxkeodZZ8NpzO1gz9C3lmTQY7ifLEQkgD2IIKZKYkkJo05oTjZxN87o6Y1_M9V3dchS5QIKrWy2_rSwwexNVA4cBNdKeIOELZNmXR1HgmegU8iCQhtD-3Vl/s1600/menopause+burdock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5FsRjmzk2r3On4jGdNj9RkxkeodZZ8NpzO1gz9C3lmTQY7ifLEQkgD2IIKZKYkkJo05oTjZxN87o6Y1_M9V3dchS5QIKrWy2_rSwwexNVA4cBNdKeIOELZNmXR1HgmegU8iCQhtD-3Vl/s200/menopause+burdock.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burdock Tea for blood cleaning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Herbs</b></span> – There are several herbs on the market that help with hot flashes, night sweats and other menopause symptoms. Here is a list of what I have used with good results:</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">Pycnogenol® - a pine bark extract that is an excellent anti-oxidant and promotes circulation. I found that my hot flashes ceased all together after a few days of taking this herb. However, I also found that if I take Pycnogenol® continuously, my hot flashes return. I take this herb every other day for a month, then go off of it for four weeks.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Roasted Dandelion Root tea – This tea works by purifying the blood and increasing bile from the liver. I drink this tea about once every few days.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Burdock tea – Effective in cleansing the liver and helping with inflammatory conditions. Balancing the liver helps with hormonal imbalances. Burdock is a blood cleanser also.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"> Red Raspberry Leaf tea – This tea is typically considered a woman’s tea, especially for women of child bearing age. However, for the menopausal woman, this tea is good for toning and strengthening the uterus and pelvic region, and most of us can use that!</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">L-Theanine – This is actually an amino acid derived from green tea that works very well in relieving irritability and anxiety. This amino acid takes the edge off without leaving you feeling drowsy, and is non-addictive. In order to get the same level of L-Theanine as in a capsule, you would need to drink 20 cups of green tea all at once! I recommend the capsules.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Friends of mine have had great success with Evening Primrose Oil, and Black Cohash. I’ve not tried these menopause remedies so I cannot offer an opinion, but these have worked wonders for many.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SvN-dbdsu9HTNOecbrU_sxrAysFft-Kirdow6sNEg7qNNoJwPo2MjS3nNWMRI9dBKAT5eluKzXZMn6ul0OqUOgkdlqNaoSArFbV-kpBNV8BeUCivT236L33vHmKrHl2de-D0cA1Fl8Wo/s1600/menopause+massage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SvN-dbdsu9HTNOecbrU_sxrAysFft-Kirdow6sNEg7qNNoJwPo2MjS3nNWMRI9dBKAT5eluKzXZMn6ul0OqUOgkdlqNaoSArFbV-kpBNV8BeUCivT236L33vHmKrHl2de-D0cA1Fl8Wo/s200/menopause+massage.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decrease menopause anxiety with massage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Massage</b></span> – Regular massage can be effective for decreasing feelings of depression and/or anxiety. Massage increased body awareness, improves muscle tone and promotes better sleep which is beneficial for managing menopausal symptoms. </div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20809811">A study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles</a> showed that the body can have a significant response after just one massage. A group of 53 adults were split into two groups. One group had a light Swedish style massage and the other group received a deep tissue massage. The results showed that the light massage group had increased levels of the contentment hormone oxytocin, while the deep tissue group had lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increased lymphocytes which support the body’s immune system.</li>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUflZ2HC2J5-4Nd_lcyGVgVaKepR-E7jVB1EA3SkN0q4auk2mXWrnDhEiNbB3p1saw5V6hrYqdj_WlLGepPMGGhTn-eVP5CG27z97LAThAvyX1CgGDS_6C-y-ejuqyc-0jLkbua6T7Xa2Z/s1600/menopause+vegetables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUflZ2HC2J5-4Nd_lcyGVgVaKepR-E7jVB1EA3SkN0q4auk2mXWrnDhEiNbB3p1saw5V6hrYqdj_WlLGepPMGGhTn-eVP5CG27z97LAThAvyX1CgGDS_6C-y-ejuqyc-0jLkbua6T7Xa2Z/s200/menopause+vegetables.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nutrition</span> </b>– Dump the sugar. Seriously, it’s bad stuff. While you’re at it, skip the white flours, white rice, crackers, cookies, and anything else we already know is bad for our bodies. If you’re craving something sweet, then eat a piece of fruit, not fruit juice, but the whole food fruit. Fiber is critical to our bodies. It absolutely assists our digestive system, which is an integral part of our body function. It’s where we absorb our nutrients and make the energy our bodies use. If you gum it up with foods with no fiber, you aren’t eliminating properly, and that leads to constipation, bloating, and a thicker waistline.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My biggest suggestion here is, before you start an exercise regime, find a whole food nutritionist (I say whole-food because they will recommend foods to eat over supplements to get the proper food-fiber-protein balance you need,) to work with. It will really make a difference in the long run on managing your menopausal symptoms and have a greater impact on menopause weight gain and decreased metabolism.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What I’ve found is that by cleaning up my body, I cleaned up the majority of my menopausal symptoms. I feel great. My body is stronger, I feel leaner, I rarely get hot flashes, and sleep comes more easily too. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Menopause is a time of change. If you’ve been less than vigilant about taking good care of your body in years past, then this is the perfect opportunity to clean house and create a new and better you. You can naturally minimize the effects of menopause; you just have to commit to it. Be well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Photo credits: duane_j; Michael Wilson; ABMP; familymwr; Cjcj</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555940179075825024noreply@blogger.com2