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)