Headache Symptoms – How to Tell Your Type of Headache

How often do you shift your priorities towards something that you dislike doing? Experts reckon that painkillers take priority over all important work, when headache paves way into our life. We all have experienced it! The head busting feeling associated with severe headache can be downright annoying to handle. Somehow it hampers our coordination and drives us mad enough to take a pill or a quick nap leaving behind heaps of pending work.

As such, there are several noticeable symptoms that tell us about the type of headache we are suffering from. Let’s take a brief look at the symptoms connected with the most regular types of headaches that has plagued the world today.

Tension Headache Symptoms

Arguably, this is the most common type of headache that results due to stress, emotional trauma and exposure to loud noise. From medical point of view, one can experience such headaches in two forms such as episodic or chronic headache. Feeling of tightness is experienced by individuals suffering from tension headaches. The pain starts from the backside of the upper neck and head. In some cases, individuals also showcase symptoms of nausea and vomiting along with the mild pain. When we talk about episodic headaches, one can experience moderate pain in the front or side of the head. Episodic tension lasts for about 30 minutes to a few days. Chronic headache victims experience different degree of pain throughout the day.

Cluster Headache Symptoms

Unlike tension headache, cluster headache situation can be really painful. The exact cause of this type of headache is still a mystery in the eyes of medical science, although hypothalamus abnormalities are cited as the main cause. If you incorporate sudden changes in your sleep pattern, then this change can trigger cluster headache. Apart from the penetrating pain, burning sensation can be felt around the facial area such as eyes and nose. The pain usually lasts for an hour.

Sinus Headache Symptoms

Sinusitis is held responsible for the cause of sinus headache. The most predominant symptoms associated with sinus headache are inflammation in the eyes, cheeks and nasal passage. Steep and deep pain will be experienced by the sufferer in the forehead area. In some cases, the pain can penetrate into the cheek and nose area. Sudden facial movements can intensify the pain.

Migraine Headache Symptoms

Migraine headaches are characterized by severe pain on both sides of the head. Intense pulsating sensation can be experienced by the victim. Other symptoms include nausea, tiredness, vomiting, lack of appetite and blurred vision. Certain food items like also trigger migraine headache. The irony lies in the fact that this type of headache can last for a longer duration, thus disrupting your day to day life.

Headaches can prevent you from doing lots of things in life due to its disturbing symptoms. Major efforts will be required from your end, even for conducting simple tasks. It’s important to resort to timely medication, in order to ensure that this dreadful condition does not hang around your head for too long.

(article by: Rick Missimer)

Eye Floaters Cure

Eye floaters, a term that makes you imagine an open ocean with picnickers going for a swim with some kind of floaters to help them float in the cool water. Well, this not what one means by the term eye floaters. This is an medical term that is also known as vitreous floaters or eye spots. The eye floaters look like small specks of black or gray, cobwebs, circles or strings floating in the field of vision. These eye floaters are visible to only those who experience them.

Eye floaters may be momentary spots and you may see them when you look at a blank wall. One may occasionally see these small squiggly lines or tiny specks floating across their field of vision. This occasional spotting is not a big worry and is a common phenomenon. In this article we shall see some information regarding eye floaters cure. But, before we move on the eye floaters cure, let us understand this interesting medical phenomenon.

What Causes Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are commonly seen as a geriatric disorder as there are changes in the vitreous humor due to aging. The vitreous humor is a jelly like substance that is filled in your eyeballs. It helps to maintain your eyeballs in their round shape. There are millions of fibers that surround the vitreous humor that are attached to the retina. This retina is an light sensitive tissue present at the back of your eyes. You can read in detail regarding the eye floaters causes.

The consistency of vitreous humor changes with time and it becomes partially liquefied. This causes it to shrink and pull away from the interior surface of eyeball. With the shrinking of vitreous humor, it gets clumpy and stringy. These clumpy bits block light that passes through the eye and causing tiny shadows on the retina. If a section of the vitreous humor pulls away suddenly, it will lead to appearance of eye floaters. One may even experience light flashes when the fine fibers in the vitreous humor pull over the retina. These eye floaters are thus, the shadows of the vitreous humor debris and you do not actually see these bits. These eye floaters do not remain still, instead float around the eye that makes them appear like 'drifting'. You can read more on eye floaters and flashes.

The other reason for developing eye floaters include eye injury or eye strain. Abnormal growth of blood vessels, hemorrhages inside the eye may also cause eye floaters. Benign eye floaters may also be an indication of a serous eye complication. The fine fibers may be pulled so hard that they may cause the retina to tear away from its position. This pull may not cause vision problems, but it may lead to a retinal tear or retinal detachment that may lead to permanent loss of vision.

Symptoms of Eye Floaters
The symptoms of eye floaters include small objects of different shape appearing in your vision. These objects move, appear and disappear slowly. They move as you move eye and are the most noticeable against a plain bright background. These backgrounds include a bright wall, the sky, computer screen, etc.

When do Eye Floaters need Medical Attention
As mentioned above, eye floaters are a common phenomenon. However, if you experience eye floaters with bright light flashes, you need medical help immediately. If you experience a sudden appearance of a flood of eye floaters, it means the vitreous humor is pulling away from the retina. Or it may even mean the retina is getting detached from the back of the eye. The blood vessels attached to the retina are torn and there may be internal eye bleeding.

Some may experience a cloudy area on the side field of vision in one eye. Many people have described this symptom as a 'curtain' closing on part of their vision. This is a sign of retinal detachment and needs eye floaters treatment immediately. The surgeon may have enough time to reattach the retina and restore its function, or else vision may be lost permanently. The posterior vitreous detachments (PVDs) are more common and may not be categorized as a medical emergency.

How to Get Rid of Eye Floaters
Many times, it becomes a nuisance to have spots and specks floating around your eyes. Thus, many people seek some kind of eye floaters cure. Eye floaters generally fade with time and become less irritating. Generally, one does not require any kind of eye floater treatment. However, if the eye floaters are hampering and interfering with ones vision, the doctor may advice 'vitrectomy'. This is a surgical procedure that uses a hollow needle to withdraw the vitreous humor from the eye. Saline liquid is used to replace the vitreous humor. But, this surgery may lead to other complications like retinal detachment or cataract. Surgery is advised only in very rare cases and carried out by a few immensely experienced ophthalmology surgeons.

If the eye floaters are not an indication of serious complication and surgery is out of the question, then the only eye floaters cure is getting used to it. The more you become used to seeing these eye floaters, the less will you notice them. The doctor may advice you with some eye drops and herbal remedies that will help reduce their appearance. Speak to your doctor regarding your condition and learn to deal with them positively.

You should maintain proper eye care and eat a healthy diet to keep your eyes healthy to avoid eye problems. This was some information related to eye floaters treatment. These are harmless spots most of the time that appear and disappear on their own. In case of sudden appearance of flood of eye floaters, seek medical help immediately. So, if you suddenly begin to 'see' a 'sea' of eye floaters, remember, you need to meet your doctor straightaway.

(article by Batul Nafisa Baxamusa)

Getting Down with High Blood Pressure

When you heard something like a fit person died of heart attack due to hypertension, this this would have taken you by shock. On other hand you will see people who are plump and out of shape, but these people will have normal blood pressure. No one can say whether these kind of people will get hypertension and these kind of people will not get hypertension.

Every one should always check their blood pressure numbers correctly as this disease is called silent killer.

When you see a rise in blood pressure, there is actually a lot of things to remember before hitting the panic button. Your blood pressure cannot be determined by single reading. Blood pressure numbers depend mostly on the circumstances it is taken.

The same thing will happen with stress. When you have a tiring day at work, you will have a high blood pressure. When you have some pain that will rise the blood pressure number. So it is not appropriate to check your blood pressure numbers when you have any pain.

Ideally, your blood pressure should be taken after sitting for at least five minutes. You should never take it just after having a cigarette or drinking anything containing caffeine. Don't trust a reading that is taken when you are emotionally excited for any reason.

The main factor that contributes to blood pressure is being obese. When you get abnormal number when the reading is taken several times, then it's time to act.

You can get your hypertension to normal levels by following a regular exercise pattern and by losing few pounds.

Decreasing your salt intake will help you in a big way. Salt is also another major factor.

Breakfast cereals, luncheon meat, almost anything that has been processed has had large amounts of sodium added to it. Put down the saltshaker, eat more raw vegetables and fruits and you may be amazed at the effect it will have on your blood pressure.

Tension and stress are great contributors to hypertension. Relaxing normally is very good for health.

Your mind will also be free of tension after relaxing. Only a clear head can take better decisions.

These are the best combination to kill hypertension. Low salt, regular exercise and relaxation.

A few minutes a day with my High Blood Pressure Progam will bring amazing results. The exercises are easy and can be done almost anywhere.

(article by Christian Goodman)

B Vitamins Fact Sheet

The B vitamins have a wide and varied range of functions in the human body. Most B vitamins are involved in the process of converting blood sugar into energy. Diets rich in these vitamins are particularly important for pregnant and breast-feeding women and for people who require more energy, such as athletes and heavy-labor workers.

General deficiencies of vitamin B
Deficiencies of B vitamins are uncommon in the US, but when they occur they usually involve several B vitamins because many of them come from the same food groups. Alcohol interferes with the body’s absorption of these vitamins. Elderly people are at risk for vitamin B deficiencies because they often have inadequate diets, and prescribed medications may interfere with B-vitamin absorption.

General toxicity of vitamin B
Because the B vitamins are water soluble and eliminated in the urine, toxic reactions from oral administration of most B vitamins are extremely rare, the exceptions being niacin and B6. (For specific adverse reactions from deficiencies or high dosage levels, see individual discussions of B vitamins, below.) It should be noted that B15 (pangamic acid) and B17 (laetrile) are neither vitamins nor nutrients. These are chemicals that are highly dangerous and have no proven nutritional or other value.

Deficiencies and toxicity of vitamin B1
Thiamin is essential for converting blood sugar into energy and is involved in metabolic activities in the nerves, heart and muscles, and in the production of red blood cells. Thiamin is found in almost all foods, but the best source is pork. Good sources of thiamin include dried fortified cereals, oatmeal, corn, nuts, cauliflower and sunflower seeds. Recommended RDA is 1.2 mg per day for men and 1.1 mg for women. Thiamin supplements for people with normal diets and good health are unnecessary. Severe vitamin B1 deficiency, known as beriberi, is rare in the US but can occur in alcoholics, in severely malnourished people, or in people who receive long-term dialysis or intravenous feeding. Symptoms may include visual disturbances, paralysis, staggering, loss of sensation in the legs and feet, psychosis and congestive heart failure. No toxic effects have been reported for thiamin.

Deficiencies and toxicity of vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Like thiamin, riboflavin is important in the production of energy. Some dietary sources are liver, dried fortified cereals and low-fat yogurt. The recommended DRI for adults is 1.7 mg. Deficiencies affect the skin and mucous membranes, which may be seen as cracks on the lips or corners of the mouth, eczema of the face and genitals, a burning sensation on the tongue, or eye irritation. Supplements for people with normal diets and health are unnecessary. Large doses of riboflavin are generally considered to have no toxic effects, but one study has indicated that high consumption of vitamin B2 may increase the risk of stomach cancer. (In the same study, vitamins B1, B3 and B6 were protective.)

Deficiencies and toxicity of vitamin B3 (niacin)
Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, helps break down blood sugar for energy and also acts as a vasodilator, which means it widens blood vessels and increases blood flow. Dietary sources are mackerel, swordfish, chicken, veal, fortified dry cereals, pork, salmon, and beef liver. Current DRI recommendations are 20 mg. Niacin may be prescribed to improve cholesterol levels, but supplements are unnecessary in people with normal health and diets. A deficiency of niacin causes pellagra, a chronic disease that can cause eczema, intestinal and stomach distress, depression, headache, thinning of the hair and excess saliva production. Anemia may occur, although this is probably due to an accompanying deficiency in folic acid. Even mildly high doses of niacin can cause hot flushing of the face and shoulders, headache, itchiness and stomach problems. Some individuals have reported heart disturbances and temporarily lowered blood pressure. Large doses may produce ulcers, gout, diabetes and liver damage, which are usually reversed when high doses are discontinued.

Deficiencies and toxicity of vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid, as with many B vitamins, is involved in metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, as well as in production of steroid hormones and other important chemicals. Dietary sources are whole grains, beans, milk, eggs and liver. Recommended adequate intake (AI) is 4 to 7 mg. Supplements are unnecessary in people with normal health and diets. Deficiency is unlikely unless there are also other B-vitamin deficiencies. Symptoms of B5 deficiency include abdominal distress, a burning sensation in the heels, and sleep problems. Although no toxicity has been reported in humans, high doses have caused liver damage in rats.

Deficiencies and toxicity of vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, affects over 60 proteins in the body; most importantly, those that play a role in the nervous system, in red and white blood cell production and in heart disease. Food sources of B6 are meats, oily fish, poultry, whole grains, fortified dry cereals, soybeans, avocados, baked potatoes with skins, watermelon, plantains, bananas, peanuts and brewer’s yeast. Current DRI recommendations are 2 mg in all adults, although for heart protection some experts recommend 3 to 6 mg. Deficiencies are very uncommon but can cause skin problems and nervous system disorders, including impaired memory and concentration. B6 deficiency may also increase risk of kidney stones. In rare cases, infants are born unable to metabolize. In such cases seizures or convulsions can occur, and vitamin B6 must be administered. Deficiency is associated with increased levels of the chemical homocysteine, which has been associated with heart disease, birth defects and possibly Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce homocysteine levels. Very high doses (2000 mg per day) can cause nerve damage with symptoms of instability and numbness in the feet and hands, which may be permanent in some cases. An excess of B6 also reduces the effects of L-dopa, the drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Deficiencies and toxicity of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of blood cells, manufacturing genetic material and for healthy functioning of the nervous system. The only natural dietary sources of B12 are animal products, meats, dairy products, eggs and fish (clams and oily fish are very high in B12), but as with other B vitamins, B12 is added to commercial dry cereals. The RDA is 2.4 mcg a day. Deficiencies are rare in young people, although the elderly may have trouble absorbing natural vitamin B12 and may require synthetic forms from supplements and fortified foods. Symptoms of mild vitamin B12 deficiency include memory loss, instability, disorientation, decreased reflexes and possibly hearing loss. Deficiencies also elevate homocysteine (see Vitamin B6, above). When vitamin B12 deficiencies are due to lack of a protein known as gastric intrinsic factor (a genetic defect), pernicious anemia can develop. This serious disorder must be treated with injections of vitamin B12 to avoid neurologic damage.

Vitamin A Fact Sheet

Vitamin A is part of a group of compounds called retinoids and is essential for growth, bone development, night vision, reproduction and healthy skin. It is present in animal products (such as liver), dairy products, eggs and fish liver oil, and is also converted from carotenoids, which are found in dark red, green, and yellow vegetables. Vitamin A is best absorbed when taken with a meal that includes dietary fat.

Average DRI is 875 mcg. Supplements are rarely recommended for people with normal diets because there is risk of toxicity.

Deficiencies of vitamin A
Deficiencies of vitamin A can cause skin disorders and eye damage. In less-developed countries severe deficiencies cause blindness in 250,000 children each year. Diets low in vitamin A may also increase the risk of developing cancer. Deficiencies in the US are rare but can result from inadequate diets (usually in preschool children) or in women who are pregnant or breast-feeding; from intestinal disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, steatorrhea (excessive fat in the stool) and biliary obstruction; from hyperthyroidism; and from cirrhosis of the liver and other liver diseases.

Toxicity of vitamin A
Vitamin A can be very toxic when taken in high-dose supplements for long periods of time. Almost every part of the body can be affected, including eyes, bones, blood, skin, central nervous system, liver, and genital and urinary tracts. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, skin damage, mental disturbances and, in women, infrequent periods. Severe toxicity can cause blindness and may even be life threatening. Liver damage can occur in children who take RDA-approved adult levels over prolonged periods of time, or in adults who take vitamin A in excess (as little as five times the RDA-approved amount). In children, chronic overdose can cause fluid on the brain in addition to other typical symptoms. Pregnant women who increase their intake of vitamin A are at risk for birth defects in their babies. High consumption may also increase a woman’s risk of gastric cancer, osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Although supplements can do us a world of good, remember that just because a product calls itself a vitamin or supplement, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you. Synthetic vitamins can actually be dangerous, so it’s important to be educated about them.

Junk Food Addiction may be Clue to Obesity: Study

Bingeing on high-calorie foods may be as addictive as cocaine or nicotine, and could cause compulsive eating and obesity, according to a study published on Sunday.

The findings in a study of animals cannot be directly applied to human obesity, but may help in understanding the condition and in developing therapies to treat it, researchers wrote in the journal "Nature Neuroscience."

The study, involving rats, found that overconsumption of high-calorie food can trigger addiction-like responses in the brain and that high-calorie food can turn rats into compulsive eaters in a laboratory setting, the article said.

The scientists also found decreased levels of a specific dopamine receptor -- a brain chemical that allows a feeling of reward -- in overweight rats, as has been reported in humans addicted to drugs, the article said.

"Obesity may be a form of compulsive eating. Other treatments in development for other forms of compulsion, for example drug addiction, may be very useful for the treatment of obesity," researcher Paul Kenny of The Scripps Research Institute in Florida said in a telephone interview.

Obesity-related diseases cost the United States an estimated $150 billion each year, according to U.S. federal agencies. An estimated two-thirds of American adults and one-third of children are obese or overweight.

For the study, Kenny and colleagues headed to the grocery store.

"We basically bought all of the stuff that people really like -- Ding-Dongs, cheesecake, bacon, sausage, the stuff that you enjoy, but you really shouldn't eat too often," he said.

They also bought healthy foods and devised a diet plan for three groups of rats.

One group ate a balanced healthy diet. Another group received healthy food, but had access to high-calorie food for one hour a day. Rats in the third group were fed healthy meals and given unlimited access to high-calorie foods.

The rats in the third group developed a preference for the high-calorie food, munched on it all day and quickly became obese, Kenny said.

The rats in the experiment had also been trained to expect a minor shock when exposed to a light. But when the rats that had unlimited access to high-calorie food were shown the light, they did not respond to the potential danger, Kenny said. Instead, they continued to eat their snacks.

"What we're seeing in our animals is very similar to what you'd see in humans who overindulge," he said. "It seemed that it was okay, from what we could tell, to enjoy snack foods, but if you repeatedly overindulge, that's where the problem comes in."

(article by JoAnne Allen)

Difference Between a Cold and the Flu

There is a difference between a cold and the flu. Both affect the health and mindset of individuals yet colds have milder symptoms than the flu. They both start with cold weather when the temperatures change drastically.

The flu is contagious and spreads easier than the flu. Whereas the cold is not contagious. The flu creates the achiness with fever and chills in some cases. It affects the entire body versus the cold being concentrated in the head or nose. Colds start out generally as an irritation in the nose or with a sore throat. Congestion appears within a few days as the virus spreads in the body. The flu starts without any warnings proceeding to a fever resulting the body aches and feelings of exhaustion.

The cold leaves the individual with a sore throat and runny nose that appears after a few days as the virus progresses. The fever associated with the cold is lower than with the flu that may go as high as 101 degrees. The flu causes sore or stiff muscles. The cold symptoms are concentrated in the throat and nose versus the flu having all over body aches.

The flu suffers have their stomachs affected resulting in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and are generally harsher in younger children. The cold does not have these symptoms.

The energy levels of the flu suffer is lower and effects their daily performances, leaving the individuals feeling exhausted. The cold lowers the energy levels yet not as drastic as the flu. People with colds are tired due to their bodies fighting the cold virus yet they generally can still function in most areas of their life.

Colds can last for several weeks being more of an irritant to the individuals compared to the flu suffers that are usually sick for a few days and cannot function if the flu is severe. The flu takes longer to recover from taking up to two weeks to fully recover from the virus within the body.

The cold suffers will gradually recover from their colds as the symptoms lessen into a cough and reduced runny noses and sore throat. Most individuals experience a gradual relief with lessens symptoms as time passes.

The flu suffers can have an extreme case of the flu one day yet the next day not have any symptoms other than a small amount of fatigue. They still take about a week to fully recover yet do not have the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. They will sometimes feel weak for several days after the flu reached its full capacity.

The cold in comparison to the flu is less strenuous on the body even though the symptoms last longer. The flu is harder since the symptoms ravage the body causing the body to take longer to recover.

(article by Stan Tian)

Fight Cancer With Broccoli Sprouts

Mom was right to insist on us eating our vegetables. She
knew they built health and gave us the minerals we need.
Now scientists have found that we can eat foods to help
us both prevent cancer and fight cancer.

Take Broccoli sprouts. Broccoli sprouts are rich in a
compound that provides significant protection against breast
cancer and colon cancer. The compound is called sulforaphane glucosinalate.

Sprouts grown from certain types of broccoli seeds contain
up to 50 times more of this compound than mature broccoli
to help you fight cancer.

My research shows that a brand of sprouts developed at John
Hopkins University is guaranteed to have 20 more times the
SGS compound than the mature broccoli. This one is called
BroccoSprouts. You can purchase broccoli sprouts at your
local health food store or grocery store.

It is possible that Broccoli sprouts could carry the
bacteria that make you sick - salmonella and e.coli, so
you may want to take them out of the container when
you get them home and soak in a bowl of water with
a few drops of grapefruit seed extract for three or four minutes.

Don't put the sprouts back in the same container unless you
soak that as well. After draining them for a few minutes
store them in the refrigerator.

With Breast cancer and Colon cancer so common these days,http://www.blogger.com/
be sure to add in this protective food, assisting your body to
fight off illness and cancer.

(article by: Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac.)

How to Lower Stress in Your Life

Dealing with stress can be a taxing task. Not everyone out there knows how to overcome stress. Overwhelming stress can make you feel low in life to an extent that thoughts of suicide can engulf your mind. We don’t see our self in our comfort zone when we are enveloped with stressful situations. However, nothing great can be achieved by inviting negative thoughts or by tuning into hazardous activities like smoking, drinking etc.

We all know that stress can hamper our health beyond our wildest imagination. More than often, we tend to believe that there is no way out of the particular situation. However, this thought has no co-relationship with the reality of life. Just like everything else, stress also has a remedy. There are truckloads of means by which one can eradicate stress from their lives. Let’s have a look at the activities which can relieve us from stress.

Sports/Exercise

Indulging in physical activities is an excellent way to get rid of stress. One can play any sport of their choice to eliminate stress. If you don’t find a companion or a place to indulge in these activities, then a simple game of juggling will help you eradicate stress. The idea is to divert your mind from the stressful events. A juggling act requires lots of concentration and focus. These pre-requites will help you forget about the stressful events in your life. Alternately, you can visit a nearby gymnasium. Yoga is another great stress busting form of exercise which will help you deal with stress very effectively. It calms down your mind and body and helps you stay focused.

Socializing

Most individuals commit the horrendous mistake of locking themselves within the four walls of their house. This mistake will not only rob you from the good moments in life, but will also invite depression. Recent research has unleashed the fact that socialization is a great stress busting tool. If you socialize with people, you will not only feel better, but it will also draw your attention to the fact that there are loads of people facing similar situations, and you are not the only one dealing with stress. Also, socialization will invite fresh pool of ideas to deal with the situation.

Reading

Reading is a great form of distraction which will help you deal with overwhelming stress. All you need to do is grab a book of your interest and submerge yourself into the reading activity. Not only will you feel better, but you will also emerge out as a more knowledgeable person.

Music

Listening to music is another rock and roll way of eradicating stress. It blows away the stress by acting as a mood enhancer. As a matter of fact, there are certain CD’s available in the market which are specially formulated to relieve stress. One can grab such CD’s from the nearby store or from a reliable online shop.

If you are looking for an instant stress reliever tool, then nothing works better than breathing. Take deep breath, preferably in the fresh air and see your stress vanish away.

While these activities can certainly make you feel better, you can indulge in any activity which you enjoy doing, in order to eradicate stress from your life.


(article by Margrit Bradley)

Some Things Of Sleep Disorder

Millions of people worldwide suffer from some kind of sleeping disorder. What is troubling though is that many of them either do not know or refuse to admit it because they see their sleeping patterns as being normal. With our busy lives and somewhat distorted priorities sometimes, getting a good night of rest often takes a back seat to work, school or other responsibilities. But what people do not always see is that not getting a full night of rest can lead to further problems in the future.

If you are suffering from restlessness several nights in a row, it would be a good idea to investigate further whether or not you have a chronic sleeping disorder. When you finally head to bed, and rest awhile, but cannot get comfortable and stare at the ceiling for awhile, it is a good idea to evaluate your overall sleeping habits. Here are some things to look for:

1. Frequent waking during the night

2. Taking two to three naps during the day

3. Going to sleep at different times each night

4. Feeling anxious or unsettled at night time

5. Jolting from sleep several nights in a row

6. Taking a long time to finally fall asleep

7. Excessive grogginess in the morning

8. Tossing and turning on the bed

Of course, these are just a few of many symptoms to look for in determining if you have a sleep disorder. Insomnia is a term that should not be used lightly, because it indicates a severe and chronic problem that almost always needs medical attention. When you notice these symptoms continue for awhile, it is best to see your physician sooner rather than later.

However, you should not worry yourself if you spot anything on the list that might look somewhat familiar. Chances are that your worrying is causing much of this restlessness to begin with. Take a step back and evaluate your situation. Not everyone experiencing a few nights of insomnia actually has a full blown sleeping disorder.

Many times, sleeplessness can be a direct result of major changes going on in our lives. If you have experienced a great emotional loss, if you have changed jobs or been laid off, if you are going through menopause or are pregnant, these events can all impact your body's natural sleep cycle. It takes time for your organs and your brain to keep up with what is going on in your life, so you have to allow it some time.

No matter what, though, whether it is a serious sleep disorder or a short-term struggle with insomnia, a good night of rest should be a top priority in your life. Whatever the case, you need to find ways and methods of creating a comfortable and restful environment for yourself. And, of course, do not let it go untreated. It is better to be safe than sorry in terms of insomnia, and there is no shame in getting it checked out by a medical professional.

(article by Ronald Eapen)

Antioxidant Effects of Green Tea

Through the process of oxidation, oxygen starts the process of burning glucose and fat to provide heat and energy in the body. Although this is an inevitable and naturally occurring process which gives our bodies the energy we need; the process of oxidation creates some by-products that have negative effects to our body.

During the process of oxidation, highly reactive by-products called free radicals are produced. These free radicals act on other molecules, turning them into free radicals like themselves, thus disrupting their normal functioning. This could eventually lead to massive cell destruction, tissue damage, and even cause degenerative diseases, like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis among others.

Oxygen damage to your cells results when there are too many free radicals present inside the body. Researchers conclude that such damage may be partly responsible for the effects of aging and certain diseases.

There are certain substances in food which may play a role in protecting against this damage. Luckily, the human body comes prepared with natural defenses against these harmful free radicals.

Antioxidants are chemical substances found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants act on free radicals, pursuing them and neutralizing them in order to stop their damage on healthy cells of the body.

What are the antioxidant effects of plants? Among the many plants that have disease-fighting antioxidants is the camellia sinensis, otherwise known as the tea plant. For centuries, tea has been served in Asian households as a healthy drink to promote health and general well-being. Green tea especially has been greatly favored due its many amazing health benefits.

For centuries, green tea has been consumed throughout the ages in Asia. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, green tea has been used as a stimulant, diuretic (to promote the excretion of urine), astringent (to control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart health.

The benefits of green tea have been largely attributed to the presence of polycatechins which have potent antioxidant effects. However, besides polycatechins, there are also other ingredients in green tea that contribute to its antioxidant effects.

What are the antioxidant effects found in green tea? Among all flavonoids, catechin is ranked high for its antioxidant effects and properties. Catechin is that substance in green tea which makes the beverage an excellent source of antioxidant effects. Besides tannin, vitamins such as vitamin A (carotene), C, and E, there are also other well-known substances in green tea that gives it its antioxidant effects.

Research aimed at finding the active compounds in green tea revealed that its defensive and antioxidant effects are mainly due to catechins which are powerful polyphenolic antioxidants.

Green tea also has antioxidant effects that make them powerful anti-carcinogenic, cardioprotective, nueroprotective, and anti-microbial actions. A mostly bioactive catechin called epigallocatechin gallate has been singled out by many researchers as very important because of its antioxidant effects leading to cancer prevention.

It is therefore a good idea to drink tea for its antioxidants effects. A constant intake of antioxidants from our diet can protect against damages to our body cells which occur following oxidation. Have more cups of green tea per day and benefit from its antioxidant effects.

(article by Julie Health)

Do You Think That You Should Help To Improve Your Immune System?

When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.

Everyone was born with an Immune System, it is the natural protection that was given to us, for defence against infections, germs, diseases, invaders and microorganisms that the body faces on a daily basis. The immune system attacks anything that invades the human body that is likely to cause illness or disease.

The immune system is made up of cells, proteins, organs and tissues. All the cells initially, come from the bone marrow which also produces red blood cells and platelets. The cells that are a part of your defending system are white cells and they are stored in many places around the body, including the spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and of course in bone marrow.

The white cells circulate around the organs and lymph nodes, by what is called the lymphatic system, they also travel along the blood circulatory system, so you can see that they are well organised for visiting every part of your body. This is the reason why they are so important and essential for good health.

These cells comunicate with each other all the time, when two cells meet, plainly speaking, they eye each other up and down, to see if the other has a problem, if one has something wrong then help is called to repair the cell, if it is beyond repair, it is eliminated completely from the system. this is called cellular communication.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Immune System experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to the Immune System.

There are millions of these cells throughout your body, working all the time to keep you in good health, day and night. If they are looked after properly, they will work efficiently, and fight all the invaders, but if they are starved of the right nutrition through poor quality food, like takeaways, alcohol abuse, smoking or drug abuse, then they start falling over, and you start picking up illnesses, or diseases, or they become confused and start working on the wrong things, this is when you can start to develop autoimmune diseases like diabetes, they attack the insulin producing cells or any of the other complaints like arthritis, multiple sclerosis and perhaps even age related happenings.

The cells of the immune system must be kept in a balanced state, called immune system modulation, this means that the cells must be fed so that they work efficiently, without becoming confused in what they are doing. They must repel all invaders that can harm the body, but they also must not attack any of your own body systems, so things have to be balanced.

There is only one way to ensure that the immune system is functioning efficiently and properly and that is by ensuring that it gets the correct natural nutrition needed to make this happen. The poor old immune system has to fight all the pollution, pesticides, chemicals, gasses and poisons that were never in existence when humans were first created, so the first and most important necessity is natural nutrition.

The two best natural nutrition supplements available today is the Goji Berry, which is grown naturally in the Himalayas for over 3000, years and is now available as a delicious tasting fruit juice. The second one is Glyconutrients, the eight natural essential sugars that heal.

If you want to achieve or maintain good health, the immune system is the first thing you should be checking out, as soon as possible.

Is there really any information about the Immune System that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

(article by: Alfred Jones)

A Human Sperm Cell

The mature sperm cell (spermatozoa) is 0.05 milliliters long. It consists of a head, body and tail. The head is covered by the ac cap and contains a nucleus of dense genetic material from the 23 chromosomes.

It is attached from the neck to the body containing mitochondria that supply the energy for the sperm's activity. The tail is made of protein fibers that contract on alternative sides, giving a characteristic wavelike movement that drives the sperm through the seminal fluid, which also supplies additional energy.

Some sperm have two heads or two tails and if the testes are too warm they may die or spermatogenesis may not occur.

Sperm swim at a rate of about 1 to 4 mm (0.12 inches) per minute. That’s an average, it’s different for every man. Some sperm cells are 'better' swimmers than others. Why? They need to wave their tales more than 1000 times just to swim 1.25 cm or a half an inch. Why some are better than others is still a mystery to many fertility specialists. Anyway...

Sperm cells are made in the testes where it takes about 72 days for one sperm to grow. Sperm production requires a temperature which is three to five degrees below body temperature. The scrotum has a built-in thermostat, which keeps the sperm at the correct temperature while they’re being stored. If it becomes too cool on the outside, the scrotum will bring the testicles closer to the body for warmth as you probably know from jumping into a cold pool of water or ocean. That’s why the testes hang away from the body -- so sperm can develop at the temperature they need. (95° - 97° F or 35° to 36° C)

Semen contains small amounts of more than thirty elements, including fructose, ascorbic acid, cholesterol, creatine, citric acid, lactic acid, nitrogen, vitamin B12, and various salts and enzymes. Let’s go back to the inside of the head of the sperm. All normal cells have 46 chromosomes but sperm have half that number or, 23. If and when the sperm joins ups with the female’s, egg (ovum) which also has 23 chromosomes, together they add up to 46 chromosomes.

The middle section controls the sperms activities. The sperm or (spermatozoa -- which are the little swimming critters) make up only about 5% of what a man ejaculates each time he ejaculates. This represents about 100 to 400 million of them! Therefore, they are very, very, very tiny, in fact a single sperm is the smallest cell in the body. The rest of what a man ejaculates in his ejaculate, which is about a teaspoonful (5 ml), is made up of water, sugar, protein, vitamin C, zinc, and prostaglandins.

Semen or seminal fluid is the mixture of sperm and the secretions of the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and the bulbourethral glands. Over the course of a man’s life, he’ll produce more than 12 trillion sperm. There’s some sexual health trivia for you.

(article by Amy Otis, RN)

Fish Oil Side Effects: The Good and the Bad

Fish oil, found in salmon and tuna or available as a supplement, is one of those supplements that’s recently taken off massively in terms of its popularity as a cure all for almost any ailment and as a natural health booster. Unlike many of these fads however, fish oil has many very real benefits that have been backed up with research. The side effects of fish oil are clearly noticeable and will indeed make you healthier and cure many health complaints. But what effects are those? And are there any fish oil side effects that you need to be wary of?

Well let’s start with the good. Studies are being published on an almost daily basis that reveal over and over again the countless benefits of fish. Most of these are a result of either the omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish oil, or their ability to sooth joints.

Firstly fish oils can be used as anti inflammatories and can improve your body’s inflammatory responses. This means that conditions such as prostatitis, arthritis, cystitis (and pretty much anything ending in ‘tis’) will be far less painful and uncomfortable. Further to this Omega 3 fatty acids have many cardiovascular benefits and can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure while increasing the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. This in turn means less chance of a heart attack, stroke or heart disease. With heart disease being one of the major killers in the Western World this can only be a good thing right?

The slightly more interesting fish oil side effects however are those that is has on the brain. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to improve recall, reasoning and attention by aiding the communication of neurons (brain cells) across synapses. This also helps to protect against various mental disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia and to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s. Children too have been shown to reap benefits from fish oil side effects and cases of ADD and ADHD can be improved with supplementation. These brain benefits can also be appreciated by babies in the womb, resulting in many pregnant and nursing mothers supplementing their diets with fish oil.

As though these benefits weren’t enough of a reason to supplement with fish oil, it can also help prevent cancer – particularly breast, colon and prostate cancer. Like antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids help to prevent alterations in normal cells that are the basis of cancer.

So there are many benefits of fish oil and omega three fatty acids, but as with any supplementation or diet change the pros need to be measured up against the side effects. So what, if any, are the fish oil side effects?

Like anything, it’s important to supplement with fish oil in moderation. If you take the recommended amount and follow any guidelines that come with supplementation then you should reap the benefits with few to no side effects. The only fish oil ‘side effects’ that you might notice are a fishy taste lingering in the mouth after first taking the oil and potentially ‘fishy burps’. Most supplements however have been put through chilling and filtration processes to prevent this being a major problem, while if you’re getting your fish oil naturally then you’ll probably anticipate the fishy taste ahead of time.

Some individuals also complain of suffering from oily skin when taking fish oils. This can potentially lead to acne, though conversely can actually be used to treat acne as it stops the body from needing to produce extra oil of its own.

It’s also important to bare in mind that fish oil thins blood (which is how it reduces cholesterol and heart disease) which while generally a good thing can be unwise if you’re already taking medication to thin your blood or if you suffer from a condition such as haemophilia, von willebrands syndrome, lupes or their derivitaves that prevent the blood from clotting.

When taken in excessive amounts however overdose is possible and fish oil side effects become more pronounced. Excessively thinning the blood can lead dizziness and low blood pressure. Other side effects that have been noted are nausea, diarrhoea, nosebleeds and heartburn. Again these are only observed when the daily doses exceed 12 grams and are still unusual even under these conditions.

Some supplements such as cod liver oil however also contain vitamins such as vitamin A and D. If taken in high doses these too can be toxic again meaning you should temper your intake of cod liver oil. If you are taking other supplements such as vitamin tablets as well then you should also ensure that the two don’t add up to more than your RDA.

Finally fish oils may contain traces of mercury and other toxins. While these will be harmless in small doses, again they may become notable health threats if taken in excess.

So to conclude fish oil side effects are many and varied and mostly very positive. Like most things though, moderation should be applied in their consumption to avoid getting too much of a good thing.

(source: http://www.healthguidance.org/authors/737/Mack-LeMouse)

Sore Throat

Sore throat means the inflammation of the pharynx (back of the throat). It occurs normally when a person has a cold or an attack of influenza. Strep throat is an infection of the pharynx, caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, while sore throat may be a viral or a bacterial infection. Strep throat is common amongst children and teenagers, between the ages of 5 to 15.

Sore Throat Symptoms:
Pain, irritation of throat and fever:
In acute sore throat,the patient complains of pain, irritation and inflammation in the throat - followed by chills, fever, and some hoarseness or laryngitis.

Lymph glands turn out to be swollen and tender:
The lymph glands along the sides of the neck may turn out to be swollen and tender. The back of the throat may develop into very red and even covered with a grayish-white membrane. The patient may experience obscurity in swallowing, especially during the acute stage. There may also be some postnatal discharge if the inflammation has stretch to the nasal passages.
In addition to the above talk about symptoms some of the symptoms of strep throat are difficulty in swallowing, headache, rash, stomach pain and so on. But having all these symptoms does not essentially mean that your child is suffering from strep throat.

Sore Throat Causes:
Common cold and influenza:
The major causes of a sore throat are common cold and influenza. Other causes include sinusitis, measles, diphtheria and even leukaemia in uncommon cases.


Sore Throat Remedies:
Sore Throat treatment with Mango Bark:
Mango bark is effective in the treatment of a sore throat and other throat disorders. Its fluid, which is extracted by grinding, can be applied nearby with beneficial results and can also be used as a throat gargle. This gargle is made by mixing 10 ml of the fluid extract with 125 ml of water.

Sore Throat remedy via Belleric Myroblan:
The herb "belleric myroblan" is an expensive sore throat remedy. A mixture of two grams of the pulp of the fruit, a quarter teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of powdered long pepper and two teaspoons of honey must be managed in the treatment of this condition. The fried fruit can also be roasted after wrapping it with wheat flour, and used as a cure for a sore throat.

Sore Throat treatment with Bishop's Weed:
Bishop's weed is precious for sore throat treatment. An infusion of the seeds mixed with common salt can be used helpfully as a gargle in an acute condition caused by a cold.

Sore Throat treatment with Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is considered as an effective remedy for a sore throat resulting from a cold. One teaspoon of roughly powdered cinnamon, boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder, and two teaspoons of honey can be taken as a medicine in the treatment of this situation. Two or three drops of cinnamon oil, mixed with a teaspoon of honey, also give vast relief.

Sore Throat remedy with Fenugreek Seeds:
A gargle prepared from fenugreek seeds has been found to be a very useful remedy for treating a sore throat. To prepare this gargle, two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be put in a litre of cold water and permitted to simmer for half an hour over a low flame. This should then be allowed to cool to a bearable temperature, strained, and then used totally as a gargle.

Sore Throat cure with Henna:
The leaves of henna are helpful as a sore throat cure. A decoction of the leaves can be used as a gargle for this reason.

Sore Throat cure via Holy Basil:
The leaves of holy basil have also been found helpful in the in curing sore throat. Water boiled with basil leaves can be used as a drink, and also used as a gargle to relieve a sore throat.

Sore Throat remedy with Kantakari:
The herb kantakari is a precious in sore throat remedy. An extract of the plant should be used as a gargle for this reason. This extract is prepared by constantly boiling the plant in about two litres of water after washing it thoroughly.

Sore Throat treatment via Liquorice:
Liquorice is a well-known home remedy for sore throat in all parts of India. A small piece of raw liquorice should he chewed or sucked for treating this situation. The healing property of the herb soothes inflammation speedily.

Sore Throat remedy with Tea Decoction:
A decoction made from tea leaves is very helpful in the treatment of a sore throat. This decoction, mixed with a little bit of salt, should be used as a gargle. It can be used two or three times daily for acquiring relief. It is not essential to use fresh leaves for this purpose. Boiling water can be discharge over used tea leaves in the tea jug and this decoction can be used as a gargle.

Sore Throat treatment via Tamarind:
Tamarind is also helpful in the treatment of sore throat. Tamarind water must be used as a gargle. A powder of the dry leaves and an infusion of the bark can also be used for preparation of a gargle for curing sore throat.


Sore Throat Diet:
All-fruit diet:
A person suffering from a sore throat should fast on orange juice and water for three to five days, depending on the severity of the situation. When the severe symptoms collapse, the patient may adopt an all-fruit diet for three or four further days.

Well-balanced diet:
Thereafter, he may adopt a well-balanced diet, with importance on seeds, nuts, grains, raw vegetables, and fresh fruit.


Sore Throat treatment: Other Proposals
Warm-water enema and wet pack:
During the initial juice and water fast, the bowels should be cleansed every day with a warm-water enema. This should be done twice daily in more severe cases. A wet pack should be applied to the throat at two-hourly gaps during the day, and one at night. The process is to wring out some linen cloth in cold water, wrap it two or three times around the affected part, and cover it with flannel. Gargles may be done many times.

Hot Epsom salts bath and exercises:
A hot Epsom salts bath, taken every day during this period, will be highly helpful. Dry friction, deep breathing, and other exercises should form part of the every day health regimen.

(article by: Devika)

Vitamin B: Why Is It So Important?

Vitamin B plays an incredibly important role in the functioning of the human body. There are 8 water-soluble vitamins identified as B,s, which work synergistically, meaning they are much more useful when combined than alone. Vitamin B is rapidly depleted in our systems and needs to be constantly replaced; it also does not store well in the body. For that reason, a quality and complete B Complex supplement is beneficial for just about anyone.

Because our levels of vitamin B get used up quickly, lack of it often results in fatigue, stress, or lack of energy. B Complex boosts metabolism, strengthens the immune system, assists in maintaining a healthy nervous system, and encourages cell growth as well as healthy skin and muscles. Although they work together, they have different functions which work in tandem with each other.

Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. It can help improve mood, and is also good for heart health and the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Vitamin B2 goes by the name of riboflavin. It can protect against cancer, and can prevent migraines and cataracts.

Vitamin B3 is called niacin. Its role is to aid in the release of energy from nutrients. It plays a role in lowering cholesterol, easing depression, and relieving arthritis.

Vitamin B5, known as panthothenic acid, is found to some degree in almost every food. It can promote a healthy nervous system and aids in metabolism. People who can benefit from this vitamin are those suffering from alleries, chronic fatigue and migraines.

Vitamin B6 is referred to as pyridoxene. It aids in red blood cell production, and can alleviate symptoms of asthma and PMS.

Vitamin B7 is biotin. It assists in the release of energy from carbohydrates. It is also essential for hair and nail health.

Vitamin B9 is called folic acid. This is a very important vitamin for pregnant women, as it helps in the normal development of the fetus. Folic acid facilitates the formation of hemoglobin and is often used to treat anemia.

Vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system and assists in red blood cell formation. It is only present in animal sources such as meat, fish, milk and eggs, and therefore supplementation is strongly recommended among vegetarians.

Choosing a supplement goes far beyond looking at the front of the label. The ingredient list can reveal harmful preservatives and fillers. Beware of toxic solvents that have the prefixes propyl-, ethyl-, or methyl-. Also avoid supplements that use aluminum as a base.

It's also crucial to examine the percentage of the RDA present in a supplement. Many poor-quality supplements will load up on the cheaper B vitamins, like thiamine & riboflavin . We do not need much of these vitamins, and besides, they are often present in the foods we eat already. A good quality B Complex will have a high content of the more expensive Bs like B3, B5 and B12.

Learning about the role your supplements will help you understand why you should be taking them, and will empower you to be proactive in your health. Optimal wellness should be a priority for each and every one of us, to live a long and prosperous life.

(article by Lisa Hummitsch)

Vitamin C dosage, defficiency and overdosepon

Dosage of Vitamin C

The intake of Vitamin C in proper quantity is important. Although it is thought to be harmless, either vitamin C overdose or vitamin C deficiency may cause adverse effects in your body. The tolerance for Vitamin C varies in individuals. It must be stressed that a slight Vitamin C overdose is more wasteful than harmful because the body keeps excreting it regularly from the body. When Vitamin C is taken in high doses (more than 2,000 mg daily) then it is considered a Vitamin C overdose. Vitamin C overdose of may lead to diarrhea, lip swelling, and in very extreme cases difficulty in breathing. The benefits of Vitamin C can only be observed when it is taken in its proper quantity.

For adults, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for ascorbic acid is 50-60 mg per day. RDA of 35 mg per day is recommended for infants while RDA for children is 40-45 mg per day. Patients undergoing dialysis also need nearly 500 mg of Vitamin C daily. The intake of Vitamin C must be increased during pregnancy and lactation, or if you smoke extensively to prevent Vitamin C deficiency. The RDA amounts for adults are considered minimum amounts for a healthy body. Amounts in excess of this (but below 1, 000mg) are not known to cause harmful side-effects.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency may range from mild to severe. Mild deficiency is indicated by the symptoms such as nose bleeding, weakness, swollen gums and lassitude. Vitamin C deficiency over a long period of time can lead to various infections, male infertility, birth defects, slower wound-healing, joint and muscle aches, and a rash on the legs. Symptoms of severe Vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, which shows symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, hair loss, gum bleeding, joint pain, and bruising. Scurvy is usually found in people who are deprived of fresh fruits and vegetables for a long period of time. Research and surveys have found that Vitamin C deficiency in the diet is directly associated with an increased risk of stroke(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Stroke.html) and many other cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin C deficiency can be prevented through proper and balanced intake of ascorbic acid in the diet. Scurvy can be treated by large doses of ascorbic acid and other synthetic supplements(http://www.mitamins.com/index.html?sourc=article) such as tablets, syrups, chewable tablets, and extended-release capsules rich in vitamin C. Medicines may also be taken directly through injections. Vitamin C deficiency can be treated by taking medications such as C-500-GR, Cecon, C-Gr, and Redoxon. The dosage of ascorbic acid to treat Vitamin C deficiency varies from infants to adults. Adults should be treated with A300-1,000 mg of ascorbic acid per day, whereas 50 mg per day of ascorbic acid is enough for infants.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Overdose

Although Vitamin C is non-toxic, Vitamin C overdose can hinder metabolic activities in the body and can reduce the levels of copper and essential nutrients in the body. Vitamin C overdose causes stomachaches, gas, and diarrhea with many side effects such as stomach cramps and nausea. Vitamin C overdose can cause an increased risk of developing kidney stones(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Kidney-Stones.html) because it increases the absorption of iron. Vitamin C overdose should always be avoided and must be avoided especially by people with iron overload diseases such as Hemochromatosis. Such patients should avoid intake of Vitamin C because it increases the accumulation of non-heme iron.

(article by Mitamins team)

Miracles of Carrot Juice

Carrots are well known as the universal vegetable for juicing. Carrot juice has been well known as being a miracle juice, or the king of juices. Many people around the world have found that if they include carrot juice in their daily diet, that their overall health improves enormously. A common misconception is that carrot juice would be bitter or too deep in flavor. In reality, when carrots are juiced, they are actually very sweet tasting, and they mix great with other fruit juices, especially apple juice. Carrot juice blends with practically all other juices. It is a delicious nourishing beverage for all members of the family at all times and it should be an important part of the diet in cases of illness. You can also use carrot juice to lose weight by adding celery while juicing. This will help decrease the sweetness of the carrot juice. Carrot juice is best ingested in the afternoon because of the burst of energy that always follows.

The amount of carotene, (which is converted to vitamin A in the liver), contained in carrots is indicated by thedepth of the coloring matter. The large, firm, dark-yellow carrots, therefore, should be selected for juicing, rather than the light-yellow ones, because of their greater carotene content.

Carrot juice is very high in beta-carotene, and is a cancer fighting agent. Beta carotene is a pigment substance found in plants that can often form into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to promote growth for visual light and color,prevents drying of the skin and eyes, helps maintain the digestive system and urinary tracts, as well as enhances the fight towards bacterial infection. Vitamin A may also be an aid in helping to prevent certain forms of cancer. If you do not receive enough vitamin A, it may cause symptoms including: night blindness, poor growth,dry skin, and xerophthalmia or dry eye. The vitamin A from freshly juiced carrots is very important for women whoare pregnant. They need to build up and maintain the health of their own body, as well as the new developing child. Even after the baby is born, it is still imperative that fresh carrot juice is kept in the daily diet for
the mother nursing the child.

Carrot juice helps nursing mothers to enrich their milk. The chances of developing puerperal sepsis is minimized by the regular intake of carrot juice during pregnancy. If it is taken during the last three months of pregnancy, it tends to reduce the hazard of infection after childbirth. It also meets the demands of calcium
during pregnancy. One pound of carrot juice is equal to 20 pounds of calcium tablets as far as the active calcium is concerned.

Another vitamin contained in carrot juice is vitamin E. This vitamin appears in three forms, known chemically as alpha, beta, and gamma tocopherol, and commonly known as the vitamin E complex. In animal experimentation, vitamin E has been found to affect reproduction. When foods bearing this vitamin were fed to animals that had failed to reproduce, their sterility was overcome.

Carrots also carry other vitamins such as B, C, D, E, and K, and minerals like calcium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, and traces of protein. Juicing your carrots will help to promote healthier hair, skin, and nails.

Because of its rich vitamin and mineral content and other valuable nutrients the daily diet should be fortified with the protective and healthful benefits of carrot juice. It can be taken alone, or combined with other fruit and vegetables juices.

Carrot juice is one of the richest sources of vitamin A that can be used in the daily diet. It also ranks high as a source of the other vitamins, especially those of the B complex. Its mineral content is equally rich, and includes calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, and iron.

The carrot is recorded as being used in medicine by the early Greeks and has been cherished ever since. Its juice is one of the most delicious and healthful, and alone or in combinations should be in every daily diet providing, as it does, the essential vitamin A, without the saturated fats with which this vitamin is associated in eggs and butter.

(by: devika)

The 12 Secrets to Healthy Living

1. Avoid taking unneeded drugs
All medications have side effects, but some of the most damaging are those for pain. Up to two million people are hospitalized and 190,000 die each year from side effects or reactions or reactions to prescription drugs. Since metabolism and the conversion of food to energy depend a properly functioning body, it's best to avoid consuming unneeded drugs.

2. Stop dieting! Find the cause of your imbalance
Most people believe that you lose weight by cutting calories or fat, eating only one meal a day, or only certain foods, or by starving yourself. Research tells us that the reason most diets don't work is because the body adjusts its energy requirements by modifying cortisol levels as it loses weight. The secret is in your metabolism, or how your body converts food into energy or fat.
- Eat and drink only those things that are healthy for your body
- Decrease your sugar intake and eat low glycemic foods.

Despite all opinions on diets, there are few basic principles of human physiology that apply to all of us. Any healthy diet must be based around healthy blood sugar control and proper 'glycemic' control. This means maintaining blood sugar levels. Ideally, you should eat many small meals a day made up of foods that are low glycemic foods, that nourish your body and help maintain and control your insulin and glucagon levels.

3. Eat 5 small meals a day (300 to 500 calories)
Eat large meals in the morning and smaller meals at night to improve your hormone and immune system. Combine protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Drink enough clean water, equivalent to half your weight in ounces daily. Water increases nerve conduction, improves digestive function, helps eliminate toxins in your body, and reduces your risk of colon cancer by 45% and breast cancer by 79%. A 2% drop in water in your body is enough water loss to create a foggy shot-term memory, give you trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on a computer screen or printed page. Drink a minimum 8 to 16 ounces of water when you get up in the morning and always drink purified, well, or spring water. Avoid drinking tap water.

4. Read food labels
About 90% of all foods eaten in America are processed foods. There are 3,000 additives in our foods and only 300 have been tested for safety. Ironically, people want to know how to get rid of disease and still be able to eat from these four groups:
- White sugars, white flours
- Pasteurized dairy
- Hard fats
- Hydrogenated oils
It simply can't be done! The U.S. Surgeon General states that 70% of all deaths related to stroke, heart disease, and cancer can be avoided by a good diet.

5. Eat your colors
The evidence exists, but only 9% of Americans eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. The recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables has recently been modified from the previous 5 to 7 servings up to 9-13 servings per day! How can you get all of that in one day? (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

6. Breathe
Take deep breaths often. This is excellent for the lymphatic system (circulating immune system) and clears out toxins from your body. Deep breathing will reset your nervous system.

7. Get sunlight
Absorb sunlight at least 20 to 30 minutes daily on as much skin as possible, preferably between the hours of 9 and 11 in the morning. Sun activates Vitamin D, which in turn activates all other nutrients in the body.

8. Get adequate rest and recovery time
Go to sleep by 10 PM to activate your anti-aging hormones and repair your body and mind. According to the American Sleep Disorders Association, 68% of Americans suffer from insomnia. If your hormones are balanced, you burn fat through the night. If cortisol levels are too high, you can't shut down your body and mind. Progesterone helps to turn you body 'off' mentally and physically. Melatonin keeps you asleep so you can rebuild and repair growth hormones (anti-aging) produced during sleep.

9. Get tested, using functional diagnostic medicine
Check your adrenal glands through a simple saliva adrenal function analysis. Check your nutritional status for vitamin and mineral levels and check your gut for parasites, overgrown bacteria and proper immune function.

10. Get moving
Exercise clears your lymphatic system and your cells love the oxygen. Do you want to get old fast? Stop moving. So walk, run, swim, bicycle...do something! Walking 1 hour per day will reduce your risk of colon cancer by 50%. The more active you are, the more energy you will burn and the better your metabolism. A recent study followed 40,000 post-menopausal women for seven years. It found that those who regularly exercised had a 41% lower early death rate than those who did not exercise. Studies at Harvard University, University of Minnesota and many other institutions concluded that brisk walking at least 30 minutes a day could reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women by as much as 40%, reduced body weight by 5% to 7% and can cut the risk of 'pre-diabetes' by as much as 60%.

11. Get out of pain
The primary barrier to getting exercise is experiencing pain. Since pain and stress have a negative affect on one's ability to lose weight and an increased sense of well being, one must address these issues as part of the comprehensive program. Pain can make you feel old. It makes you not want to move and prompts you to take unnecessary drugs seeking relief. The primary cause of pain is usually physical damage to muscles and nerves, which need to be addressed.

12. Love life
Have a good attitude. It smoothes out the bumps in this road we call life. Remember that 10% of life is what happens and 90% is how you chose to deal with it. So dance, smile, sing, and laugh.

(article by: Michael L. Dansinger)

Beauty Tips

Beauty is an essence. Looking beautiful means having one of the most comforts of life. Looking beautiful means get noticed. And who don't' want to be noticed. The word 'beauty' has a number of synonyms, cute, smart, gorgeous, handsome, and good looking sexy, stylish and after all beautiful.

When we use word beauty or beautiful, it clearly indicates our inclination towards something or object which we like the most. Nature is most beautiful object we have in which we exist in general. The word beautiful is a feminine word. When we listen the word beauty or beautiful, we assume a pretty, cool, charming and good-looking face. Boys or men don't need to be beautiful rather they need to be handsome.

No matter either you are a cool pretty girl / woman or a handsome boy / man; you must need to be smart, intelligent, and diligent. Your smartness, intelligence and diligence all reflect in your personality. And your personality depends on the fact that how you carry yourself and how you associate with the objects or persons around you. Your personality is the integration of your body, mind and soul. Rather you are a big-hearted person having a high degree of IQ. And the amalgamation of beauty with your mind and soul make you a being of get noticed. And who don't want that.

A well groomed child get noticed in his or her prep class, a handsome is get noticed in playgrounds, a sexy lace is get noticed some time on the streets and some time on the discos. A smart and bold person is get noticed in the society. A smart / beautiful manager is get noticed in board meetings.

It means beauty has its place everywhere, it makes its' place, it exists. It exists in every being. Some time it didn't look even though it is there. This is because the person is not taking care of his / her body i.e. skin, nails, eyes, hair, etc.

Taking care of your body means taking care of your self and for that you don't need to put extra effort, you don't need to put extra hour of your work schedule. Only you need to put is the minimum required attention. You need to regulate your life style, you need to discover the ways of living, and you need to monitor yourself with proper care.

How do you do that?

Here are few tips that make you a noticeable personality in the crowd and your body healthy, sexy and overall beautiful.

1. Drink 8 to 12 glasses of water everyday, having more water means feeling less hungry, consuming less food and hence being fit in shape and always looks energetic.

2. You can drink water in a regular interval of half an hour or so, while in office or traveling long, keep you water bottle with you.

3. Take balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and good fats.

4. Cut on calories; don't take food that gives high calories and fewer nutrients.

5. Nutrients are necessary to keep you away from sickness and thus helps in being beautiful

6. Take some beet root, cut into small pieces and grind. Squeeze it and massage your face for 5 minutes with beetroot juice. Wash / shower after 10 minutes with mild soap or gram flour. You will feel relaxed and your face will glow.

7. Mix honey in water, and drink it daily in the morning. This will keep your skin shiney and smooth.

8. Massage your body with milk. Moisturizer in the milk will keep your skin smooth and healthy.

9. Keep room temperature moderate, using humidifiers. This will keep you skin away from dryness.

10. If you take shower too long or a bit long, the dead skin of your body automatically gets removed. Don't rub your body with towel. Be gentle on your skin.
11. If you go out in the sun, your skins will loss its fairness. Take cucumber juice and tomato juice and apply it to your skin, shower after 10 minutes. This will make your skin fair.

12. Take rose petals, and grind them. Mix with cream on the top of milk. Shower after 10 minutes.

So take a little care of your body and stay healthy, handsome, beautiful, smart, and bold.
Get noticed!!!

(by: Tania Jain)

Organic Tea Tree Oil

Many healthy benefits have been derived from the organic tea tree oil. It is considered as one of the most popular essential oils used for treatment of various illnesses and is equally known for its aromatherapy uses. It is formed through the process of steam distillation of its leaves and twigs. It can be blended with other essential oils like Lavender, Thyme, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Lemon and Rose. It is usually pale yellowish or colorless in appearance. Its scents may be herbal, spicy, medicinal and refreshing too.

The organic tea tree oil can be used to treat acne, scars and other similar skin disorders. It is also effective in healing wounds, blisters, blemishes and inflammation. It is also effective to treat colds, bronchitis and sinuses. It can heal gum infections and soothe mouth aches. It is an effective treatment against athlete’s foot, ring worm and eczema.

This essential oil has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is traditionally considered as a medicinal essential oil because of these properties. It is also effective against viral infections. It helps the immune system fight infections within the body when used in aromatherapy. It helps reduce back pain and other body aches by using it as massage oil for quick relief.

Those who know about the organic tea tree oil refer to it as an effective antiseptic. It is a must to have in your medicine cabinet because it could be your first aid treatment kit in case there is an emergency at your home. It is very helpful to treat burns, cuts and wounds.

It is also used in hair care products to keep hair healthy. This essential oil helps in the treatment of dandruff, lice and dry scalp. You can also use it to reduce your flu symptoms. It helps prevent urinary tract infections as well.

This essential oil is likewise effective to improve the different body functions. It helps facilitate regular bowel movement, reduce constipation, stomach cramps, menopause and premenstrual syndrome. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, nervousness, depression and other emotional problems. It can also help in reducing high blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels. It can enhance metabolism, helps in weight loss and helps the overall body systems to function well.

The healthy benefits of the organic tea tree oil have made it to be an important ingredient of almost all hair care, skin care and body care products. It can either be used as essential oil for aromatherapy, massage oil, antiseptic, medicinal oil and bath oil. It has found its niche in the world of medicine, beauty and health care. It is just right to give the organic tea tree oil due importance it has in our life. (Jonathan Pitts)

Kegel Exercises

A kegel is the name of a pelvic floor exercise, named after Dr. Kegel who discovered the exercise in 1948. I call them “the invisible exercise”, since you can do them when no one else can tell. Kegels are a series of exercises which can help tighten up the pubococcygeal muscles (PC muscles). These originate from your pubic bone, go under your genitals and attach to your tailbone. Both men and women have them.

After pelvic surgery, pregnancy, or even as we age, these muscles lose their tone. This can result in a loss of bladder control, also called incontinence, a loose vagina, (especially after having a child), an inability to control ejaculation in guys, and a reduction of sexual pleasure for both men and women.

There are several ways to do kegel exercises. One method requires you to have a full bladder, sit on the toilet and start to urinate, then suddenly clamp down and stop the flow. Start and stop several times in a row. If you can’t cut off the flow of urine, but dribble on, you need to start kegel exercises for sure. From now on, every time you urinate start and stop all the way. This is often called “the faucet” and is a good indicator of your progress.

You can also do kegels right at your desk, even right now. Tighten your PC muscles and hold for a count of eight, then slowly release and repeat eight times. Yes, you can do these sitting at the computer or at your desk at work or school. (But don’t let that distract you from your teacher or boss). If you can’t make it to eight or ten in the beginning, use a lower number and do those until you build up to ten.

Another good time to do kegels, is when you are the passenger in a car. Every time you stop at a red light, do some, who will know but you.

Not only does this improve bladder control, but doing kegels regularly will improve your sex life. After doing kegel exercises, a woman will be able to clamp down and grip her partner’s penis increasing both their sexual pleasures. You men should notice an improvement in the 'intensity' of your erections and ejaculations. These exercises are also recommended for guys who experience premature ejaculation. While the penis is not a muscle, the increased muscle tone will improve blood supply resulting in firmer erections and also help a man to delay ejaculation. Kegels can also help prevent leaking urine when you sneeze or cough! (Amy Otis, BSN, RN)

Should You Take Vitamins and Minerals?

About 40 percent of Americans take at least one vitamin or mineral supplement daily and another 20 percent take them occasionally. Taking vitamins and minerals seems to fall within a gray area — giving your body what it needs by taking supplements certainly benefits you in every way, but knowing how to assess that need is often difficult. Without testing, it’s hard to say which vitamins and minerals you personally need. But these general guidelines apply if you’re in one of these special needs groups:

Pregnant and breast-feeding women
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding generally need additional vitamins, and the B vitamins are particularly important. Folic acid reduces the risk for neural tube defects and possibly facial abnormalities, such as cleft palate, in newborns. Multivitamins also appear to protect against certain congenital heart defects. In order to be protective, however, both folic acid and multivitamin supplements must be taken before a woman actually becomes pregnant. Folate levels, even in a healthy diet, may not be protective enough for pregnant women, and so supplements are needed. The RDA for folic acid prior to conception and during pregnancy is 400 mcg. During breast-feeding, between 260 and 280 mcg is recommended. Choline, another B vitamin, is also essential for pregnant and nursing women — 450 mg during pregnancy and 550 when breast-feeding. Vitamin B6 may help improve morning sickness. Although one study suggested that if pregnant women take vitamin K supplements, their infants might not need the required injection of this vitamin after birth, supplements of vitamin K during pregnancy are not currently recommended.

Some women have low vitamin A reserves in their livers, but it is important to note that too much vitamin A significantly increases the risk for birth defects. Daily amounts of 10,000 IU of vitamin A in supplements and food (an amount not far above the RDA level) can pose a danger. Experts recommend that pregnant women take in no more than 8000 IU per day and avoid eating liver.

Infants and children
Infants who are breast-fed by healthy mothers receive enough vitamins except, in some cases, vitamins K and D. Human milk has low levels of K, and the newborn’s immature intestinal tract may not produce enough to supply sufficient amounts to the baby. Most babies are given an injection of vitamin K at birth. Infants who are breast-fed by malnourished women or by those who lacked sufficient exposure to sunlight may be deficient in vitamin D. In these cases, supplements of 200-300 IU are recommended. Formulas are required to contain sufficient vitamins and minerals. One study suggests that when infants under 1 year of age take vitamin supplements it may help protect them from developing Type I diabetes later in life. Beyond infancy, most American children receive all the vitamins they need from their diets, unless they are living in severely deprived circumstances.

Smokers
Smoking interferes with absorption of a number of vitamins; most importantly, vitamin C. Folic acid supplements may be important for all smokers. When smokers take high doses of antioxidant vitamins, however, it may actually be harmful, especially beta-carotene. Instead of taking supplements, most smokers should be sure their diets are rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Alcoholics
Alcoholics often suffer from multiple vitamin deficiencies. The most dangerous deficiencies are from vitamin B1 (thiamin), folic acid, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin C.

Dieters and vegetarians
People on weight-reduction diets of fewer than 1,000 calories per day should probably take multivitamins and should also check regularly with a physician. Vegetarians who do not eat dairy or meat products may need riboflavin, vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplements. Those who eat eggs and dairy products need only watch their iron levels.

Older adults
Deficiencies of vitamins and important minerals have been observed in almost one-third of elderly people, who often fail to eat balanced meals regularly. Multiple drug regimens that are prescribed for some elderly people may prevent absorption of some vitamins. The elderly, particularly if they are not exposed to sunlight, may be deficient in vitamin D. They also may have low levels of vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin B12. (Older adults showing signs of dementia should be checked for vitamin B12 deficiencies as well as other disorders that cause mental disturbances.)

One study reported that the immune systems of elderly people might benefit from vitamin E in levels higher than the daily recommended dosage. It should be noted, however, that metabolism slows down as a person ages, and in elderly people it takes longer for the liver to eliminate drugs and vitamins from the body. The effect of some vitamin supplements, therefore, may be intensified. Dosage levels of vitamin A, for instance, which might be harmless in a younger adult, could be toxic in an elderly patient. Nevertheless, experts are increasingly recommending extra vitamins and minerals for older people.

Although supplements can do us a world of good, remember that just because a product calls itself a vitamin or supplement, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you. Synthetic vitamins can actually be dangerous, so it’s important to be educated about them.

Good Healthy Habits

Good health is of prime importance to all of us. We need to be healthy, filled with abundant energy, sound sleep, and fit and disease free body, which will give us a sense of overall well being. In order to be fit and healthy we need to practice healthy living styles with proper food habits and exercise. We cannot be healthy if we are lazy and lethargic. We need to work hard both physically and mentally to be fit and healthy. Besides exercise, we also need to eat healthy foodstuffs avoiding junk foods, which make us lethargic and dull. If you are over weight and obese you will suffer from health problems. So you need to maintain an optimum body weight to be healthy.

You need to follow healthy and positive habits. Positive thinking is very essential in order to be healthy. You need to clear out your mind and fill it with positive thoughts. You will have to remove all the depressing and negative emotions and thoughts from your mind and replace it with healthy and positive thoughts. These positive thoughts can be extremely energizing and always lead to good things in life. You can get involved in practices such as meditation and yoga to get rid of the negativity and force yourself with positive thoughts.

You need to eat healthy foods in order to be fit and healthy. Simple food stuffs like vegetables, fruits, nuts, tubers, lean meat, pulses, ect can keep you healthy and strong. Try to avoid refined foodstuffs. The main reason for ill health and diseases is improper food habits. Because of this many people suffer from diseases like diabetes, cancer, obesity ect. Simple changes in your diet and causes a great difference within a short period and can improve your health drastically. Try to avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks. For good health, you need to exercise daily. Exercising in the morning can leave you with a refreshed feeling throughout the day. Exercising can put you in a good mood and it will be easier for you to think positively and eat healthy foods. You can also get involved in activities such as swimming, biking, walking or playing your favorite sport in order to keep you healthy .Do not go for an activity which you do not enjoy. Try to do your work outs in the open air. In this way you will feel more refreshed. You should not make drastic changes in your life style. You should start with simple changes and make sure that you enjoy it. You try to make these simple changes in to a regular habit in order to achieve long term success. It is very important to improve your health in order to be happy and enjoy life. Besides exercise you need to have good sleep and rest in order to be healthy. Sound sleep can refresh your mind and make you feel healthy .All these simple changes in your life style can improve your health and make you feel strong and fit. You will feel a sense of well being, both emotionally and physically.