Archive for November, 2009

5 Tips To Eat Healthier

In our over automated world where everything is always available and quick.  Quick does not necessarily mean better especially when we talk about food.  We can always use a few tips when it comes to our health.  So here are 5 tips to eat healthier.

1.  Always begin your day with a healthy breakfast. A big excuse for not eating breakfast is lack of time.  This never really holds up when you consider that you can buy a hot cereal mix of whole natural grains that can be ready in the microwave in less than 2 minutes.  If whole grains are not your things try adding some fresh fruit and a packet of stevia to it.  I like to make mine with dried plums and soy milk.  You can add raw milk if it is available in your area.  The whole grains, dairy, and fruit will not spike your blood sugar levels and will keep you from being hungry for a few hours at least.

2.  Eat more fruit, vegetables, grains, and legumes. These foods will keep you energized throughout the day.  They also provide necessary fiber, vitamins and minerals.

3.  Don’t think of food as good or bad. Our bodies need a variety of food items in order for it to obtain all of the necessary nutrients.  Rather think in terms of what the food item is going to contribute to your nutrient requirements.  Try to choose healthy foods in an appropriate portion size.

4.  Always try to snack smart. Lots of little meals spaced throughout the day can really minimize the likelihood that you will overeat during one of the three traditional meals breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Try to find snacks that have nutritional value and those that won’t increase your sugar levels.

5.  Switch up your food choices. Even if you like a food item, too much of a good thing is too much.  Vary what you eat and how you eat it.  If you usually have a large meal at the end of the day, switch it up and begin with a large meal instead.

Archived under Nutrition Comments

hemorrhoid treatment

Hemorrhoids, dilated veins in the rectum, are categorized into internal and external
hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids occur well inside the rectum. Their most common symptom is bleeding associated with bowel movements. If they become quite large, they can prolapse, or protrude, through the anus and are then visible.

External hemorrhoids, caused by the dilation of rectal veins located closer to the anal
opening, are often symptomless, although they can cause itching and irritation. If a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, there may be pain, but the situation is not dangerous.

Constipation is very common. Many people consumes a diet that is notoriously low in fiber, the components of food that helps the bowels work well. Possible long-term complications of internal hemorrhoids consist of anemia from chronic blood loss, infection, ulceration of the hemorrhoid and after that scarring then it heals, and, as mentioned, thrombosis or clotting in the vein. However, there are not common, especially if one avoids constipation and other situations that can make the hemorrhoids worse.

Some people do have weaker veins than others, but constipation can cause people to strain when defecating, and this increased pressure caused the veins to dilate further. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, whole wheat bread, oat meal and bran cereal as well as drinking plenty of water (some people say at least eight glasses a day) helps prevent constipation. In addition, pregnancy, prolonged standing, and straining to lift heavy objects increase pressure within the veins and can aggravate the hemorrhoids.

When hemorrhoids bleed or become painful, ointments or suppositories can be prescribed. The key treatment, however, is avoiding the straining that can make them worse.

So, how can you cure hemorrhoids naturally? By simply reversing all those modifiable causes.

Diet is one natural way – eating a lot of fibrous foods such as wheat, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables and by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day can help cure hemorrhoids. Fiber softens stools, helping to make them painless to pass through the anus while preventing the development of hemorrhoids for those lucky not to have it yet.

Another way is the use of herbs and extracts such as aloe and witch hazel. There are claims that these extracts can soothe the pain and relieve the swelling. Applying ice packs can produce a similar soothing effect – by applying cold compress for 15 minutes, three times per day, swelling can also be reduced.

How can you cure hemorrhoids naturally? I’d say: there’s nothing more natural and efficient than having the right diet and regular exercise. It may take some time before you start to see results, so make sure you keep it up!

But if you want to know how to get rid of your hemorrhoids SUPER fast, pay attention!

Is it even possible to cure hemorrhoids in 48 hours naturally, without side effects?

Archived under Wellness Comments

Exploring the Different Hair Loss Treatment Alternatives

Hair loss is a natural part of the aging process, and is something that happens to virtually every man – and even some women – as they grow older. More than half of all men will suffer from some form of male-pattern baldness by the time they reach 50. While in past years, baldness was seen as something to be ashamed of; in recent years it has become seen as increasingly less of a liability due to the popularity of bald actors such as Bruce Willis, Jason Statham and Ben Kingsley. Despite this, many men still seem to have trouble accepting their baldness and this may eventually lead to psychological problems such as loss of self-esteem. This explains why the hair loss treatment industry is one of the largest in the US, with $1 billion in annual sales.

At present there are only two FDA-approved treatments for baldness – minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil, which is sold over-the-counter under the brand name Rogaine, is reportedly effective in addressing both a receding hairline and baldness at the crown of the head. However, Rogaine has serious side effects, the most common of which are itchy scalp and dandruff, when the drug is applied topically, and rapid and irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness and swelling of the face and extremities when taken orally.  Finasteride, on the other hand, is available only by prescription and has sexual side effects that include impotence and abnormal ejaculation.

If you can afford the cost, you can consider laser hair loss treatment. These procedures use lasers to stimulate hair growth in the scalp and increase blood flow to the scalp. At least 25 treatments will be required, one a week, and each treatment will cost around $80. In addition, your dermatologist may recommend the use of a ‘laser-comb’ device at home to supplement in-office treatments. This device is brushed through the hair and administers additional phototherapy.

Those concerned about the side effects of medication can consider natural alternatives, which are not only safe but considerately less expensive than drugs. Omega-3 oil, for example, will reduce swelling and inflammation in the scalp and thus, treat baldness. You can apply it by putting Omega-3-rich canola oil or soybean oil directly to your scalp, take fish oil supplements, or increase the amount of fish such as tuna, salmon and trout in your diet.

Herbs such as rosemary and sage are also effective in addressing baldness and are applied topically. Rosemary reduces dandruff outbreaks which can lead to baldness while also improving blood circulation in the scalp. Saw Palmetto, on the other hand, is taken orally but is recommended only for men; nettle root extract is used to treat women’s baldness. Other herbs that can be used as an effective hair loss treatment include Aloe Vera (rub broken leaves directly onto your scalp); ginger (boil five slices of ginger in water for ten minutes then rinse your hair with the resulting solution) and cucumber (drink a couple of glasses of cucumber juice every day). As a preventive measure, you can also massage your scalp for ten to fifteen minutes right before you go to bed, starting from your hairline and working your way to your nape.


Archived under Hair Loss Comments