| All Blogs | Page 2 Of 10 | Prev Next |
|
13 Natural Remedies That Lower Your Cholesterol
Posted On 11-06-2010 , 12:31 PM
 Cholesterol is not all bad. Your body naturally produces it, and it plays some pretty important roles. It helps build new cells, produce hormones and insulates the nerves. But, when you have too much, it becomes a health problem.
When cholesterol levels are high, it means you have too much yellow, mushy fat substance circulating in your blood stream, which can clog your arteries and restrict blood flow leading to heart attack, stroke or angina pain.
Another problem with cholesterol, is all the terms that come with it; such as, dietary cholesterol, serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Here is how to keep them all straight.
Dietary cholesterol is what is contained in food (mostly of animal origin). The American Heart Association recommends limiting your daily intake to 300 milligrams.
Serum cholesterol is what is in your bloodstream and what the doctor measures with a cholesterol test. (A reading less than 200 is desirable, a reading between 200 - 240 is borderline high risk, and a reading greater than 240 is high risk.)
HDL cholesterol (“High” Density Lipoprotein) is a distinct part of serum cholesterol that is considered “good” because of its artery cleansing ability. The “higher” the HDL level, the better.
LDL cholesterol (“Low” Density Lipoprotein) is considered to be HDL’s evil twin because of its artery clogging ability. The “lower” the LDL level, the better.
Here are 13 natural remedies that lower your cholesterol.
1. Watch your weight. Studies have shown that the more overweight you are, the more cholesterol your body produces. Every 2.2 pound rise in body weight elevates your cholesterol 2 points. Aim for a diet composed of two-thirds fruit, vegetables, cereals and whole grains. Only one-third of your calories should come from meat and dairy products. (Which are often high in fat and calories.)
2. Watch your fats. Saturated fat elevates blood cholesterol. Polyunsaturated fat lowers blood cholesterol. So, it would be wise to cut back on such sources of saturated fat as meat, butter, cheese and hydrogenated oil. Replace these sources with fish, poultry, low-fat dairy products and polyunsaturated oils like corn, safflower and soybean.
3. Eat less eggs. You don’t have to cut them out completely. Just limit yourself to three whole eggs per week. Since only the yolk contains cholesterol, use the egg whites freely. You can substitute two egg whites for every whole egg. Even when baking. You can make scrambled eggs or an omelet using one whole egg with two to four egg whites.
4. Eat more beans. Beans, and other legumes contain pectin, which surrounds cholesterol and escorts it right out of the body. One cup of beans; navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, lima beans, soybeans, black-eyed peas and lentils, will all perform this cholesterol lowering activity.
5. Eat more fruit. Fruit also contains pectin. Try to eat a variety of fruit. For instance, a half a grapefruit at breakfast, an apple at lunch and some orange sections at dinner, could probably lower your cholesterol quite nicely.
6. Eat your oats, brans and barley. Oat bran, corn bran and barley appears to lower serum cholesterol in the same fashion as pectin rich fruits and does as good a job as beans. Oatmeal can also reduce cholesterol.
7. Eat carrots. Carrots also have pectin content. Studies have shown that eating just 2 carrots a day can lower high cholesterol 10 to 20%. That could be enough to bring levels into a safe range.
8. Drink skim milk. A compound in the nonfat portion of skim milk inhibits cholesterol production in the liver.
9. Take garlic. Large quantities of raw garlic can reduce harmful blood fats. Unfortunately, it can also reduce your number of friends. One gram daily of liquid garlic extract, however, can reduce your cholesterol level an average of 44 points in six months.
10. Fiber rich psyllium seeds. Psyllium seeds are the main ingredient of the bowel regulator Metamucil. Metamucil and other psyllium seed products may be a good alternative treatment when diet alone does not bring blood cholesterol levels down.
11. Exercise. One of the best ways to lower your levels of LDL cholesterol is through vigorous exercise. It also increases the body’s ability to clear fat from the blood after meals.
12. Do not smoke. A Swedish study showed that smokers tend to suffer from low levels of HDL cholesterol. But when a group of habitual smokers kicked the habit, they all experienced rapid and noticeable increases in HDL concentrations.
13. Drink Tea. The tannins found in tea may also help lower cholesterol. A study found that people on a high cholesterol diet that habitually drank tea had blood cholesterol levels within a normal range.
Some nutritional supplements that may help to counter cholesterol are Vitamin C, E and calcium. Studies have shown that when Vitamin C is added to a pectin rich diet, cholesterol drops even lower than with pectin alone. Another study showed that Vitamin E can significantly increase HDL levels. And yet another study showed that 2 grams of calcium carbonate taken daily, reduced cholesterol by 25% in 12 months.
Herbal supplements that are beneficial in lowering LDL levels include alfalfa, black cohosh, cayenne and ginseng. Skullcap may be beneficial for increasing HDL levels.
Do you have any natural remedies for cholesterol?
comment
|
Herbal Baths For Health And Beauty
Posted On 30-05-2010 , 11:27 AM
 Herbal baths not only smell good, but also perform the important function of soothing and hydrating the skin, leaving it looking and feeling younger. Not to mention the broad range of health benefits.
Some herbs act as diaphorectics, opening up the pores to allow perspiration and waste matter to escape; others act as astringents, tightening poor old tired pores.
Herbs are used in baths to help one sleep, as aphrodisiacs, in weight loss, to relieve itchy skin, relax a tense back - just about anything you want them to do.
The skins surface is covered with hundreds of pores that function as passages for accumulated waste matter to escape from the body. If the pores are encrusted with dirt or oil, the waste matter can not escape and the body loses one of its main excretory surfaces and begins to suffocate on its own poisons.
Your skin breathes for you. It also has a healthful effect on circulation and metabolism. It is beneficial that one learns and practices the gentle art of bathing.
Methods Of An Herbal Bath - Hot baths are enervating. Warm baths are pleasant. Cold baths are stimulating.
Method 1
1. Take a ½ cup of herbs and simmer in 1 quart of water in a covered nonmetal pot for 10-20 minutes.
2. While your herbs are simmering, take a quickie shower to remove the surface dirt.
3. Fill the tub with warm or hot water, strain the decoction and pour the herb liquid into the tub. Wrap the solid herbs residue in a wash cloth and tie with a ribbon or rubber band.
4. Enter the tub and soak for at least 20 minutes. Relax and rub your body vigorously with the herbs tied in the wash cloth.
Method 2
1. Place a large handful of herbs in 2 cups of boiling water in a covered nonmetal container. Simmer for 10-20 minutes. Strain.
2. While your herbs are simmering, take a quickie shower.
3. When through with your shower, wrap the solid herbs residue in a wash cloth and rub the body vigorously.
4. Use the liquid as a rinse after the shower and the rub.
Method 3
1. Wrap a large handful of herbs in a cloth bag (bath bag) and tie securely.
2. Place the bag right into the bathtub or onto the shower head and let the hot water run through it.
Method 4 - Steam method.
1. Mix a little coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil with water.
2. Plug in a vaporizer into a bathroom outlet.
3. Add the oil and water mixture into the container and drop in some fresh pedals and scented herbs.
4. Keep the bathroom door shut and sit, the steam will rise, perfuming the air and steaming your skin of impurities.
Herbal Bath Remedies
Calming Bath
Mix together a small handful each of cannabis, chamomile, hops, linden, passionflower, valerian and yarrow. Simmer in one quart of water in a covered nonmetal container for 10 minutes. Sip ½ cup of the liquid with a little lemon and honey. Pour the rest in your bath water and soak for at least 30 minutes.
Dry Skin Bath
Mix equal parts of orris root, almond meal, oatmeal and cornmeal - enough to equal 1 cup - wrap and tie firmly in a bath bag or wash cloth. Put it in your bath water, it will release slowly a milkiness that soothes dry, itchy skin.
Oily Skin Bath
Mix equal parts of lemon grass, orange buds, mint, white willow bark and witch hazel leaves - enough to equal 1 cup. Simmer in a covered nonmetal pot for 15 minutes, strain and pour the liquid into your bath water or use as a rinse after you shower.
Tranquil Bath
Mix together 1 handful each of valerian, linden, lavender, chamomile, hops and burdock root in a cloth bag and tie securely. Place the bag right in the bath water and soak for 30 minutes.
Simple Bath
Mix together equal parts of sage, rosemary and lavender. Use any herbal bath method.
Beauty Bath
Mix together equal parts of lavender and rose flowers, leaves of rosemary, mint and thyme and comfrey root. Use any of the above methods.
Any number of herbs and flowers can be used in a bath. Other additions to the bath bag are oatmeal and bran, which act as gentle abrasives. You can also add a tablespoon of sea salt or a cup of powdered milk or honey to the bath water. Herb and flower vinegars may be added also, for softening skin, soothing muscles and relieving skin irritations.
Suggested herbs for bathing for beautiful skin include chamomile flowers for cleansing and softening; comfrey leaves for soothing; dandelion leaves for revitalizing tired skin and improve circulation; fennel leaves for softening and smoothing; horsetail leaves as an astringent and toner; lemon balm leaves as an astringent; linden flowers whiten skin, improve circulation and smooth wrinkles; mint leaves for scent, as an astringent for their stimulating, antiseptic properties; mullein flowers used for lightening hair; parsley leaves whiten skin and improve circulation; rosemary leaves for scent and astringent properties and for darkening hair; thyme leaves for deodorant and antiseptic properties; and yarrow leaves for their astringent effect on oily skin and improve circulation.
Do you have an herbal bath recipe you would like to share?
comment
|
Skin Cancer And The Health Benefits Of Nutrition Supplements
Posted On 15-05-2010 , 12:19 PM
 The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Each are named after the type of skin cell from which it arises.
Basal and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common and curable types of skin cancer. Melanoma is less common, but the most serious, and is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer related deaths.
Skin cancers are most often caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. These UV rays destroy the genetic material (DNA) in the skin cells, causing severe tissue damage and cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of the three forms of skin cancer. Overexposure to strong sunlight is the major factor. It rarely spreads elsewhere in the body or kills. Although, it is still considered malignant because it can cause substantial disfigurement and destruction by invading surrounding tissue.
The first sign of basal cell carcinoma is a large pearly looking lump usually occurring on the face near the eyes or nose. The lump then becomes an ulcer with a raw, moist center and a hard border that may bleed. Scabs continually form over the ulcer. The scabs come off, but the ulcer never heals.
In squamous cell carcinoma, the underlying skin cells are damaged. This leads to the development of a tumor or lump under the skin. The ears, face, hands and lower lip are affected in most cases. The lump may resemble a wart or an ulceration that never heals. Detected early enough, treatment is effective.
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It can be cured if discovered and treated early. With this form of skin cancer, a tumor occurs from the pigment producing cells of the deeper layers of the skin. It often begins as a lesion that looks like a mole.
Most moles appear early in life, so be aware of new moles that appear after the age of 40. Also be aware of any mole that appears unusual; changes in size, color or texture. They should be looked at right away by a dermatologist.
WARNING SIGNS OF SKIN CANCER
1. A skin growth that increases in size and/or appears pearly, translucent, brown, tan, black or multicolored.
2. A mole, birthmark or beauty mark that changes color, grows in size or thickness, changes in texture or becomes irregular in outline.
3. A spot or growth that hurts, itches, crusts, scabs over, erodes or bleeds.
NUTRITION SUPPLEMENTS
Manufacturers are now incorporating vitamins A, C, D and E in sunscreen to help protect the skin. Many nutritionists and holistic doctors recommend oral supplements of all the antioxidants to neutralize the free radicals created by ultraviolet radiation; as well as by oxidation within the body, that can harm DNA and both internal and external cells.
Coenzyme Q10 improves cellular oxygenation. Take 100 milligrams daily.
Evening primrose oil for cellular protection. Take 2 capsules before meals.
Selenium is a powerful free radical scavenger. Take 50 - 200 micrograms daily.
Vitamin A in the form of beta carotene. Take 25,000 - 50,000 IU daily. Taking an extra vitamin A before an expected outing helps prevent the temporary night blindness that often follows exposure to extremely bright lights.
Vitamin B complex - the B vitamins are necessary for normal cell division and function. Take 100 milligrams daily.
Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids is powerful anti-cancer agent. Take 1,5000 - 5,000 milligrams daily in divided doses to help prevent pigment clumping and skin sags by strengthening the supportive collagen.
Vitamin D. Sunscreens as low as SPF 8 block the body’s formation of natural vitamin D from sunlight on the bare skin. Take 400 IU daily, if not provided by fortified milk or a daily multivitamin.
Vitamin E. In a study, participants taking 200 IU of vitamin E each day for a year reduced their free radical level by 26 percent.
HERBAL NUTRITION SUPPLEMENTS
Gotu kola contains compounds which have an excellent reputation in supporting skin health, increasing the concentration of antioxidants and maintaining healthy blood supply to the affected area. Available in capsule form, follow packaging directions.
Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is one of the best and most well known herbs for skin health. It helps to maintain healthy skin and tissue health. It is available as a cream to be applied topically. Follow packaging directions.
Chaparral is a bitter herb that acts as a free radical scavenger and protects the skin from the harmful effects of radiation and sun exposure. Available in capsule form, follow packaging directions.
comment
|
Nutrition For A Natural Healthy Head Of Hair
Posted On 28-04-2010 , 12:34 PM
 Loss of hair or baldness is referred to as alopecia. Factors that are involved include heredity, hormones and aging. Other factors that promote hair loss are acute illnesses, chemotherapy, diabetes, iron deficiency, poor circulation, poor diet, pregnancy, radiation, skin disease, stress, sudden weight loss, surgery, thyroid disease and vitamin deficiency.
There are a number of vitamins that affect the hair. A lack of vitamins causes hair and scalp problems, but sometimes too much of a vitamin can also harm the hair.
Vitamin A - a lack of vitamin A causes coarse, dry, lifeless hair and dandruff appears. Taking large doses of vitamin A (100,000 IU or more daily) over long periods of time can trigger hair loss. Stopping the vitamin A will reverse the problem. The hair grows back when this cause is corrected. Too much A causes a hardening of the skin making it difficult for new hair growth.
Vitamin E is necessary for the body to absorb Vitamin A. In addition, it increases oxygen uptake, which improves circulation to the scalp and improves health and growth of hair. A shortage of vitamin E causes the hair to become dull and fall out.
Manganese - one milligram of manganese is necessary for the absorption of every 100 milligrams of vitamin E.
A lack of vitamin B1, iodine, iron or copper can cause the hair to fall out. Not enough vitamin B1 and iodine make the blood circulation to the scalp sluggish and starves the small, weak hairs.
Vitamin B1 - important for the health and growth of hair.
Iodine - is needed for the proper function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland supplied with iodine keeps the circulation up to par.
Iron - is necessary for healthy hair.
Copper (chelate) - works with zinc to aid in hair growth.
Zinc - is necessary to prevent baldness.
A lack of vitamin B5, biotin, folic acid and PABA specifically seems to cause gray hair. Yeast contains these vitamins and yogurt provides the body with the ingredients to construct them. A half-pint of yogurt daily and a teaspoon of Brewer’s yeast in powdered form, mixed into milk or tomato juice (or another preferred liquid to kill the taste of the yeast), should be taken before each meal.
Vitamin B5 - important for the health and growth of hair.
Biotin - lack of causes dry and falling hair.
Folic acid - a lack of this vitamin is the main reason for hair turning gray.
PABA - needed for healthy hair and for graying hair.
L-Cysteine - improves quality, texture and growth of hair.
L-Methionine - helps prevent hair from falling out.
HERBAL NUTRITION FOR HAIR LOSS
Prickly ash herbal supplements - is a circulatory supporter and helps maintain normal blood flow to the extremities.
Oats - is a general nerve tonic that is also used to support the thyroid and all the mechanisms involve in hormonal harmony.
Sage essential oil - helps to tone and support the health of hair follicles and is of great benefit to the health of the scalp.
Rosemary - plays a supportive role on the circulatory system, allowing nutrient rich blood to reach the hair follicles. Rosemary essential oil is well known for its effect on the scalp and its ability to encourage healthy hair growth.
Horsetail herbal supplements - is rich in minerals, especially silica, which is an important part of all connective tissues in the body, as well as hair and fingernails.
Chamomile essential oil - on the scalp helps to support the health of the capillaries that supply blood to the scalp and hair follicles and maintain skin elasticity.
Ginkgo biloba herbal supplements - has been studied for its health benefits on blood with regards to circulation
Gotu kola herbal supplements - has been discovered to be beneficial for the purpose of treating male pattern baldness as well as hair loss that comes with age.
Remember that it is natural to lose fifty to one hundred hairs a day. If you are losing large amounts of hair, see your physician.
Do you know of any supplements that may also aid in healthy hair?
comment
|
Anemia Causes, Prevention And Supplements
Posted On 14-04-2010 , 12:48 PM
Blog Directory
 Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood. It is a condition in which the blood is 1) deficient in red blood cells or 2) deficient in hemoglobin. Either of these conditions can cause a lack of oxygen to be delivered to all parts of the body. Resulting in symptoms such as; fatigue, cold hands, loss of appetite, pallor and weakness.
Severe anemia can weaken the immune system, cause poor co-ordination and mental fuzziness and impair wound healing.
CAUSES:
Causes of anemia include excessive blood loss, excessive destruction of red blood cells or deficient production of red blood cells.
Excessive blood loss may be acute; as in a trauma situation, or chronic; as in heavy menstrual flow or a bleeding ulcer.
Excessive destruction of red blood cells may occur when red blood cells have an abnormal shape (as seen in sickle cell anemia) and other hereditary diseases and in vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Deficient production of red blood cells is the most common category of anemia, and poor nutrition is the most common cause. The most frequent types of nutrient deficient anemia are those related to a deficiency of iron, folic acid (vitamin B9), copper or vitamin B12.
Iron deficiency anemia is most often seen in infants younger than two years old, teenage girls, pregnant women and the elderly. This type of anemia include factors associated with poor dietary intake of iron, an increased need for iron, reduced iron absorption, blood loss or a combination of these situations.
Folic acid is the most frequently found vitamin deficiency on earth. The groups of people most likely to have folic acid deficiency are alcoholics, people with mal-absorption conditions or chronic diarrhea and pregnant women. A folic acid deficiency can also cause depression, diarrhea and a swollen, red tongue.
Copper deficiency is uncommon, however, it can occur in people who take a zinc supplement without increasing their copper intake because zinc can interfere with copper absorption.
B12 deficiency is most often seen in people who have digestion problems or have had intestinal surgery or radiation, aged 60 or over, alcoholics, strict vegetarians, breast fed infants of vegetarian mothers and people taking medicine to lower cholesterol. Possible signs of a deficiency include fatigue, pins and needles sensations in the hands and feet, light-headedness, loss of appetite, difficult breathing and personality changes.
PREVENTION:
To prevent anemia you need to eat well balanced meals including iron rich foods. If you have anemia, avoid beverages and foods containing caffeine, it interferes with the body’s ability to absorb iron. Avoid tannins, they also get in the way of iron absorption as well as foods high in oxalic acids; which include almonds, asparagus, beans, beets, cashews, chocolate, kale and rhubarb.
While most cases of anemia are caused by simple nutrition deficiencies, it can also be a symptom of a more serious medical problem. The only way to get a definite diagnosis of anemia is to get a blood test. If you suspect you have anemia, do not begin a supplement program until you have a diagnosis from your physician.
SUPPLEMENTS:
Iron - helps prevent iron deficiency anemia. Take 30 milligrams fumarate, gluconate or succinate iron twice a day between meals. If this causes stomach distress, switch to 30 milligrams with meals three times a day.
Folic acid (vitamin B9) - helps prevent anemia caused by folic acid deficiency. Take 800 to 1,200 micrograms three times daily.
Vitamin B12 - helps prevent vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Take 2,000 micrograms sublingual (placed under the tongue) three times daily for 30 days, then 1,000 micrograms methylcobalamin (the active form of B12) once a day, plus folic acid.
Vitamin C - helps the body absorb iron. Studies have shown that you can nearly double your absorption of iron from plant sources by consuming vitamin C with the iron. Take 1,000 milligrams 3 times a day with meals.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - helps with the production of red blood cells. Take 100 milligrams daily.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - helps with the production of red blood cells. Take 50 milligrams 3 times a day.
Stinging nettle - an herb rich in iron and other vitamins and minerals. Make an infusion using 1 teaspoon of powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes, strain and drink no more than one cup daily.
comment
|
| All Blogs | Page 2 Of 10 | Prev Next | |
|
|
|
