Thursday, September 29, 2011

Short Introduction about tonsillolith

Tonsils
Introduction - tonsillolith? Tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones, are irregularly shaped, whitish/yellow, foul-smelling globs of mucus and bacteria that get caught in the back of the throat.

The tonsil stones form in the tonsil crypts which are simply small pockets or divots that appear in everyones tonsils. The scientific name for these white globs is tonsilloliths.

Here is the specific method I used to get rid of tonsil stones
It is only recently that the oral care community has begun to understand what these white spots actually are - many people have reported that their dentist told them that they were just extra food debris, which is not true!
These tonsillar stones don't do any physical harm, and sporadically coughing them up doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with you. However, they can be annoying (who wants to cough one up while they are kissing someone?), and sometimes they are an indication that you have tonsilloliths and bad breath.

If you have ever broken open a tonsil stone, then you know that they smell absolutely terrible! The smell is actually caused by a combination of volatile sulfur compounds (methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide), post nasal drip, and bacteria.

They will only form in people who still have their tonsils; however, that does not mean that you should run out and get your tonsils removed! Not too long ago, they were routinely removed for being swollen and inflamed. What was not understood then was that the tonsils' sole purpose is to prevent organisms and bacteria from traveling deeper in the throat.

Tonsilloliths are not something that you have to live with - there are various treatments to get rid of them, without having your tonsils removed (which can be dangerous as people get older).

Alternative Health News

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Are Cooking Oils excellent for You

Cooking Oil
Are there any oils I should keep away from totally? Yes, The bad type of oil is an element in packaged foods including some stick margarines, baked goods, chips, crackers and candy.

I’m talking about partially hydrogenated oils—or trans fats, which is how they’re listed on Nutrition Facts panels on labels. Partially hydrogenated oil is vegetable oil that has been chemically altered so it’s less likely to spoil. Food manufacturers often add it to their products because it can help foods stay fresh longer.

But even in very small amounts, partially hydrogenated oil can wreak havoc on your heart health. It lowers levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and it even increases your risk for diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that no more than 1% of your total daily calories come from trans fat. This translates to less than 2 grams for women, who typically need fewer than 2,000 calories per day. If a food contains trans fat, it’ll be listed below Saturated Fat in the “Total Fat” column.

For the record, which is better: butter or olive oil?

From a health standpoint, olive oil is the better choice. But butter still has its place. All oils are a mixture of fats including monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA)—but in each
oil (and in butter, too, which is basically a solidified oil), one type of fat dominates.

Olive oil is predominantly rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, which decreases your risk for cardiovascular disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. On the other hand, butter is mostly saturated fat, which increases LDL cholesterol and causes inflammation in your body. So generally, it’s best to use olive oil.

However, the distinctive smell, flavor and consistency of butter works best in certain baked goods—including cakes, cookies and pastries—so it’s OK to make these occasionally and enjoy the butter. Another butter-vs.-oil difference: Because butter is solid at room temperature, you have more control over how much (or how little) of it you spread on bread; with olive oil, it’s difficult to gauge how much oil is absorbed. So dip lightly!

What’s the difference between regular olive oil, virgin and extra-virgin?

Simply put, olive oil is made by crushing olives to make a paste that’s then put under a press. If the oil that comes out has a low acidity and a good taste and smell, it’s labeled extra-virgin or virgin. (Virgin is slightly lower quality than extra-virgin.) These types are ideal to use for bread dunking, drizzling on veggies and other foods, and making salad dressings, since their delicate flavor and aroma will be lost when heated (some chefs still prefer to use extra-virgin for cooking). The deeper the color, the more intense the olive flavor.

If the oil is highly acidic or not great quality, it’s refined and mixed with virgin or extra-virgin oil to make “regular” olive oil; this all-purpose oil is good for cooking.
The heart-health benefits of all types of olive oil are pretty much the same, although the virgin and extra-virgin ones have extra antioxidants.

How can oils be healthy if they’re so fattening?

Oils may be “fattening” in the sense that they’re pretty high in calories compared with other foods. All oils have around 120 calories per Tbsp, so you can easily gain weight if you use too much. Even butter has fewer calories than oil (100 per Tbsp of butter) because of its water content. What’s more, “whipped” butter sold in a tub has even fewer calories—about 60 to 70 per Tbsp, thanks to the air that’s been incorporated into the mix. And tub “light” margarine spreads have only 30 to 50 calories per Tbsp.

But since oils contain fats that are good for you, you’re better off getting that 120 calories from a healthy oil rather than stick or tub butter. By the way, if you’re inclined to cut out fats entirely, don’t: We do need some fat to be healthy. Without it, our bodies can’t absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K, and we miss out on fatty acids that are essential for the health of your skin, hair, heart and brain—and just about every other part of your body.

How should I store oils?

Heat, light and oxygen degrade oils, which makes them turn rancid more quickly and actually promotes the formation of cancer-causing compounds called free radicals. The more polyunsaturated fats an oil contains, the more susceptible to rancidity it becomes.

Oils rich in PUFAs, such as walnut and flaxseed, are best stored in the fridge in tightly capped containers. MUFAs, such as those found in olive oil, are a bit more hardy, but you should still protect oils that contain them by keeping the lid on tightly and storing them in a dark place far from the stove or other heat source. Saturated fats, such as butter, can withstand more heat, light and oxygen, but you should still refrigerate sat-fat–rich butter, because it contains milk solids, which can go rancid. If you store oils correctly, most will last about six months to one year.

When you’re shopping for oils, reach for bottles at the back of the shelf, since that’s where they are more protected from harsh lighting that can make them go bad. Check the bottle for an expiration date (most oils have one), and every time you open a bottle, give it a whiff to make sure it doesn’t smell rancid.

Alternative Health News

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Best five foods to help you sleep

Sleeping
Whether it’s a one-off incidence before a huge event or a nightly struggle, most of us affect from insomnia at one time or another.

Fortunately, there are many foods that can help you sleep a little easier. To help you relax and catch some Zs, check out our top 5 foods to help you sleep.

Dairy products

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, foods containing tryptophan should be a first port of call. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, helps to raise serotonin and melatonin levels in the body, both of which can help induce sleep. While turkey is a famously good source of tryptophan, other (perhaps more bedtime-friendly) sources include dairy products such as yoghurt and milk.

On top of their tryptophan levels, dairy snacks are also a great source of calcium, which helps the brain to use tryptophan to create melatonin. Research has also suggested that a deficiency of calcium in the diet can cause disturbed sleep patterns and a lack of deep (REM) sleep.

Oats

While many of us associate oats with breakfast time, they are also the perfect evening snack. Oats are a good natural source of melatonin, which is often taken as a sleep aid due to its ability to help regulate the body's internal clock. They are also another good source of tryptophan, especially when combined with milk.

Furthermore, oats are rich in both calcium and magnesium; two minerals that have been proven to promote good quality sleep. For a warm, soothing snack before bed, try eating a small bowl of porridge to help you drift off, combined with any of the following toppings to help double its effects.

Bananas

If you suffer from muscle spasms or cramps during the night, it may be that you are deficient in the electrolytes magnesium and potassium, both of which help to relax muscles and keep them functioning properly. Fortunately, bananas are excellent source of both minerals, making them a good bedtime snack, particularly after a heavy exercise session.

As well as being rich in these essential minerals, bananas also contain tryptophan, which can help to promote sleep. Researchers from the University of New England in New South Wales have also found that having a banana before bed can help sufferers of sleep apnea by keeping their throats open and therefore reducing the risk of choking.

Cherries

For those who have trouble sleeping, you may be familiar with over-the-counter melatonin supplements used to treat insomnia. However, while melatonin can help to regulate sleep, it may be unwise to rely on supplements for long-term use. Fortunately, cherries provide a great natural source of melatonin as well as being excellent for overall health.

A research study published in The Journal of Sleep and Sleep Disorders Research has indicated that consuming tart cherries before bed helped participants sleep faster and easier, making fresh cherries or cherry juice a great natural sleep aid.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds are great for increasing levels of sleep-regulating substance serotonin in the body due to their high levels of both tryptophan and omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, the omega-3 fatty acids they contain have been proven to help reduce the anxiety, depression and stress which are leading causes of insomnia, and have been shown to be effective against the condition sleep apnea.

Not only that, flax seeds are a good source of magnesium, which is renowned for its ability to reduce stress due to its relaxing effect on the muscles and nervous system. Magnesium has also been shown to help prevent restless leg syndrome and night terrors; both of which can affect sleep.

Alternative Health News

Monday, September 26, 2011

Symptoms of Asthma for all Agers

Asthma Symptoms
When the inhalation passages become aggravated or infected, an attack(hit) is triggered.

The attack may come on suddenly or develop slowly over several days or hours. The main symptoms that signal an attack are as follows:

• wheezing,
• breathlessness,
• chest tightness,
• coughing, and
• difficulty speaking.


Symptoms may occur during the day or at night. If they happen at night, they may disturb your sleep.
Wheezing is the most common symptom of an asthma attack.
• Wheezing is a musical, whistling, or hissing sound with breathing.

• Wheezes are most often heard during exhalation, but they can occur during breathing in (inhaling).

• Not all asthmatics wheeze, and not all people who wheeze are asthmatics.
Current guidelines for the care of people with asthma include classifying the severity of asthma symptoms, as follows:
• Mild intermittent: This includes attacks no more than twice a week and nighttime attacks no more than twice a month. Attacks last no more than a few hours to days. Severity of attacks varies, but there are no symptoms between attacks.

• Mild persistent: This includes attacks more than twice a week, but not every day, and nighttime symptoms more than twice a month. Attacks are sometimes severe enough to interrupt regular activities.

• Moderate persistent: This includes daily attacks and nighttime symptoms more than once a week. More severe attacks occur at least twice a week and may last for days. Attacks require daily use of quick-relief (rescue) medication and changes in daily activities.

• Severe persistent: This includes frequent severe attacks, continual daytime symptoms, and frequent nighttime symptoms. Symptoms require limits on daily activities.
Just because a person has mild or moderate asthma does not mean that he or she cannot have a severe attack. The severity of asthma can change over time, either for better or for worse.

Alternative Health News

Sunday, September 25, 2011

How to utilize Banana Peel for Skin care

Banana_skincare
Banana peel can be utilized to take away warts, decrease swelling or inflammation after a bug bite, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. Here's how to maximize the benefits of a banana peel.

The ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks have documented the health and beauty benefits of fruit and honey, and banana peel is especially helpful for reducing inflammation and getting rid of infection on the top of the skin.

Banana peel can be used to remove warts, reduce swelling or inflammation after a bug bite, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. It has been ailed as a natural solution for treating psoriasis, a skin condition that cause rough and scaly patches of skin and skin inflammation.
Skin and Health Benefits of Banana Peel

In many countries, banana fruit and the peel are considered to be the ‘golden fruit’ of nature because the fruit helps promote natural beauty and keep the body healthy. Eating bananas regularly can keep the digestive system running at an optimal level, restore energy and also provide the body with essential nutrients that help with cell regeneration.

Banana peel contains a number of antioxidants and minerals that can help the skin restore itself naturally. Banana peels have been used as a home remedy for a number of skin conditions including allergies, bruises and skin irritation. The key compounds in the peel include potassium and other antioxidants that help to keep the skin looking soft, supple and healthy. These compounds and have a positive effect on conditions such as psoriasis and warts, and also help to relieve irritation from allergies and other skin conditions.
Banana Peels for Managing Psoriasis

Dry and itchy skin that eventually turns scaly is a condition known as psoriasis; it is a genetic disease that affects both the skin and the joints, and the severity of the condition varies from person to person. People who suffer from psoriasis of the skin experience inflamed lesions that cannot be treated with standard moisturizers, oils, or other topical treatments.

The skin condition can be treated with prescription-strength creams and moisturizers, but each person reacts to the products in a different way. The inside of the banana peel has been used to treat psoriasis for many years, and most people will see results within a few days and weeks. The skin is replenished with natural moisture, nutrients and compounds that reduce itchiness and help make scales disappear. Rubbing the inside of the peel on the affected area or areas once or twice per day may help relieve or eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis and restore the skin back to a healthy state.

In addition to psoriasis, banana peel can help to alleviate several skin conditions including:

Irritation from mosquito bites – banana peel helps soothe the skin after a bug or mosquito bite

Treating poison ivy rashes – banana peel soothes and cools the skin after an allergic response and can help reduce the outbreak of rashes.

Reducing bruises – banana peel can speed up the natural healing and recovery process so that the skin cells can regenerate and restore themselves.

Getting rid of warts – banana peels can be used to cover up a wart and provide relief from skin irritation. The peel helps to heal the wart and surrounding skin so that the skin cells can regenerate naturally. The banana peel can be cut down to size and taped over the wart to secure it in place. It can take approximately 5 – 7 days for the wart to heal completely, but the compounds in the peel can help speed up the healing and skin regeneration process.

Getting rid of plantar warts – in addition to getting rid of regular warts that form on top of the skin, banana peels may help reduce the pain and irritation of plantar warts located on the soles of the feet. The peel can be placed directly on the wart to help reduce inflammation and pain and restore the skin.

Treating acne – since acne is involves skin inflammation and irritation, the inside of the banana peel can be used to soothe the skin and reduce acne outbreaks.
Banana Peels for Managing Wrinkles

Banana peels contain many nutrients and minerals that can help restore the skin. When applied across the forehead, they may also be a valuable headache treatment. Regularly pressing the inside of the peel on large areas of the skin such as the forehead or sides of the cheeks may help tighten up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Results will not be instant, but the skin will look fresher, more toned and healthier.
Additional Skin Benefits of Bananas

The flesh of the banana can be used as an anti-wrinkle topical skin treatment and mashed banana is commonly used as a facial mask to brighten up the skin and clear up acne. ¼ cup of mashed banana combined with honey and other antioxidant-rich fruits can help detoxify the skin and deliver essential nutrients to the surface of the skin for brightening and toning. The soothing properties of the banana fruit can also help alleviate the symptoms of acne and other types of skin imbalances that cause inflammation.
Other Health Benefits of Bananas

In addition to the skin benefits of the banana peel, the flesh can be eaten to reduce symptoms of certain diseases or imbalances in the body. Some of the top benefits of banana and banana peels include:

Natural hangover cure: A banana milk shake can help soothe the stomach and replenish the body with nutrients after excessive alcohol consumption

Relieve hiccups: Burnt banana leaves mixed with honey can reduce hiccups instantly

Reduce the symptoms of depression: Bananas contain tryptophan which induces relaxation and also contains other compounds that can improve the mood

Reduce constipation: Eating raw bananas can improve digestion and reduce constipation. Boiled bananas can also provide relief from indigestion or diarrhea.

Increase energy: Raw bananas are a natural energy booster; each banana contains approximately 100 calories and is easily assimilated into the body

Alternative Health News

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Tea vs Coffee - A short summary

Tea vs Coffee
In the contest between Tea versus Coffee, you may wait for there to be a clear winner.

The truth is however, that coffee and tea remain two very different beverages that do different things for different folks.
First off, one is made from the leaves of a plant called Camellia sinensis, and the other is made from a bean.
When it comes to greater health benefits tea will ultimately beat coffee, especially white and green tea; but this does not mean coffee does not come with its share of health benefits. Granted tea has more antioxidants per cup when compared to coffee and also contains less caffeine...more below on that.

Some Health Benefits of Tea
• helps build a stronger immune system
• promotes weight loss, younger looking skin, lower cholesterol, and blood pressure
• can help reduce the risk of heart disease and developing certain cancer

Some Health Benefits of Coffee
• also helps fight developing certain cancer
• reduces the risk of getting type 2 diabetes
• may help prevent strokes and aids in liver protection
• increases energy and focus

Tea vs Coffee - Caffeine Information
Nothing beats a morning cup of Joe when needing a boost to start a new day! So coffee has tea beat in this area. But for folks who are sensitive to caffeine perhaps tea is the better beverage.
A cup of black tea has half the amount of caffeine than a cup of coffee, and a larger amount of antioxidants such as plant polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, and tannins. Coffee does not have some these properties present, yet does have its share of minerals.

Oolong, green, and white tea have even less caffeine and even more antioxidants. In fact, white tea has shown to contain the highest levels (beaten only by Olive Leaf Tea), and is one of the best sources when measured by volume for antioxidants compared to other herbs. So if drinking mainly for your health, tea will always beat coffee in terms of antioxidant intake per cup.

But coffee does have its advantages over tea in some areas. As just mentioned, take the simple fact that if you can tolerate caffeine, coffee is a great stimulant, and is helpful in waking folks up in the morning. People also prefer the stronger taste of coffee when having breakfast over the lighter flavor of tea.

Brewing coffee and tea is different for each, as tea is steeped in an infuser or tea bag, while coffee is either made in a percolator or slowly dripped through grains and into a pot (along with other methods).
When it come to tea vs coffee as far as varieties, tea has this one as well. There are literally thousands of varieties and sub varieties of tea that are processed by many different countries and cultures worldwide. Tea is also a more social beverage than coffee and is a better choice if one just wants to relax with a calming drink.

When it boils down to it, it is really on what folks prefer. I can tell you that I used to be a big coffee drinker until I found out about the world of loose leaf tea.

Alternative Health News


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Health profits of Mutton-Lamb

Mutton
Lamb is a well-liked red color meat with marvelous health profits added to its credit.
Obtained from a young sheep not more than one year of age, it serves as a great source of necessary nutrients in the body. It easily features in the stew, for its tender and delightful taste, but is quite expensive than its counterparts – mutton and hogget. With improved breeding practices, butchery and trimming methods, the amount of fat in lamb has gone down at a great level, over the past twenty years, thus making it the perfect choice for health-conscious consumers. Sheep was domesticated in Middle East and Asia over ten thousand years ago, for both wool and meat. It has been even featured as a symbol of sacrifice in many religions, including Judaism and as a traditional dish on Easter in many countries. Lamb is rich in various nutrients, including the proteins, iron, vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, niacin and low in saturated fat, making it quite beneficial for health.

* Lamb is a good source of high quality protein and supplies the body with 60.3% of the daily requirement for protein.

* The meat is a good source of selenium, a mineral whose deficiency can lead to asthma attacks.

* Lamb is rich in iron, which is an integral component of hemoglobin and aids formation of red blood cells in the body. The form in which iron is present in lamb is easily absorbed by the body.

* The meat contains a high amount of zinc, which is required by every living cell in the body for healthy immune function, cell division and overall growth.

* It is a good source of vitamin B12, necessary to prevent a dangerous molecule called homocysteine from harming the body. It also promotes a healthy nervous system, supports the formation of red blood cells and prevents anemia. Moreover, vitamin B12 is found naturally only in animal foods.

* The niacin (vitamin B3) present in lamb provides protection against Alzheimer’s disease, promotes healthy skin and keeps age-related cognitive decline at bay. Moreover, it retards the risk of developing osteoarthritis by as much as half.

* Lamb is good for health conscious people, as it is a source of ‘good fat’ in the body and has less saturated fat than other meat products.

Alternative Health News

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Best 10 Healthiest Vegetables catalog

Vegetables
This healthiest vegetables catalog can help you reduce weight, battle disease and become much healthier. How do we know? Tons of research says so!

Just choose 5 or 6 every day from the healthiest vegetables list below.

Why? Because everyone, from Mom to the top scientists in the world, keep telling us to eat more vegetables. However, the vast majority aren't even getting three vegetables a day, much less the recommended five or more.

Whereas most vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrition, these top 10 healthiest vegetables are a lot better than others. So start adding at least five choices a day from this healthiest vegetables list.
1. Cruciferous Vegetables are filled with anti-aging, cancer fighting, immune boosting phytonutrients, plus vitamins C and K, potassium, calcium, iron and folic acid. The list below are most nutritious eaten raw, lightly steamed or stir-fried.

* Broccoli,
* Cauliflower,
* Brussels sprouts,
* Green and red cabbage.

2. Carrots help protect against cancer and improve eyesight with super high levels of carotenoids and vitamin A. They're also a good source of vitamins B, C and K, fiber (when raw), potassium, magnesium and folate. Grate them into salads or eat baby raw carrots as snacks.
3. Dark green leafy vegetables can be lightly steamed or used in soups, chilies, casseroles or stir-fries. Green and red leaf lettuce are most nutritious eaten raw in salads and on healthy sandwiches. They're high in iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, carotenoids and B, C, E and K vitamins. They include:

* Kale,
* Spinach,
* Swiss chard,
* Collard greens,
* The herb parsley,
* Red and green lettuce,
* Mustard and turnip greens.

4. Tomatoes are extremely high in lycopene carotenoids and vitamin C and are good on sandwiches, as raw snacks and in salads, soups and pasta sauce.

5. Beans and Peas are much higher in protein than other vegetables. And whether they're dried (lentils), canned (kidney beans), lightly steamed (soybeans), or eaten raw (peas), beans also contain fiber, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. They can be added to soups, salads, pasta sauce, chilie or eaten on their own. The list includes:

* Peas,
* Lentils,
* Soybeans,
* Lima beans,
* Kidney beans,
* Garbanzo beans,
* And other legumes.

6. Asparagus is an excellent source of potassium, fiber, vitamins A, C, K and B complex – especially B6 and folic acid. At just four calories a stalk, lightly steamed asparagus can help reduce weight, inflammation and depression.

7. Allium foods, such as garlic and onions, are best known for their natural antibiotic properties and can help boost immunity, reduce inflammation and fight infection. The allium foods below are most nutritious eaten raw in salads or healthy dips, but are also great for flavoring many cooked dishes.

* Leeks,
* Onions,
* Shallots,
* Scallions,
* And garlic.

8. Sweet potatoes and yams are very rich in carotenoids, vitamins A, B6, C, potassium, iron and fiber and are delicious when baked and eaten plain (without butter) or used in soups, casseroles or stir-fries.

9. Bell Peppers are great sources of potassium, manganese, fiber and vitamins A, B, C and K. These sweet peppers are flavorful additions to salads and healthy stir-fries. You can choose from a rainbow of colors, including:

* Green peppers,
* Yellow peppers,
* Orange peppers,
* And red peppers.
10. Summer and winter squash are rich in carotenoids, vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium and fiber and can be served alone or added to many dishes.

The best thing about this top 10 healthiest vegetables list, besides the fact that they ARE the healthiest vegetables, is they're so adaptable. You can eat most of them raw, lightly steamed, as a snack, side dish or main dish or add them to soups, salads, stir-fries or casseroles – and then enjoy!. . . .

Alternative Health News






Monday, September 19, 2011

How to avoid Diarrhea disease

Diarrhea
Many cases of diarrhea are extending from person-to-person. The following safety measures can help a person avoid diarrhea and other viral or bacterial infections:

* Individuals caring for sick children or adults in any setting should carefully wash their hands after changing diapers, helping an individual use the bathroom, or assisting an individual around the home.

* Children should be instructed to wash their hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom.

Practice safe food-handling. Always wash hands before and after handling food.

* Use care when preparing raw poultry or meat. Food should be cooked to the recommended temperatures. Avoid raw or rare meat and poultry. Utensils coming in contact with raw food should be cleaned in soap and hot water.

* Fruits and vegetables consumed raw should be thoroughly rinsed in clean water.

* Unpasteurized (raw) milk may be contaminated with bacteria and should always be avoided. Unpasteurized fruit juice or cider should generally be avoided even if the source is not known because the fruit may have come in contact with contaminated animal feces in the orchard.

* Use caution when traveling, especially to foreign countries. Do not eat foods from street vendors. Don't drink water or drinks with ice cubes made from tap water if the country is deemed unsafe. Check the Travelers' Health Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for travel information for your destination...

5 Super Foods for Keeping your Bones strong

bone_healthy_food
A muscular skeletal structure is vital not only to provide structure to the body but also protect the internal organs and anchor the muscles.

Apart from this, a healthy set of bones is crucial for good posture, balance and strength. Now the two key nutrients responsible for developing healthy strong bones are calcium and phosphorus. Smaller amounts of other nutrients like vitamins, proteins and minerals are also important for healthy bones.

The process of developing healthy bones begins at birth. However, it is important that a healthy, bone-friendly diet programme is maintained all throughout the life. This becomes particularly important after about 30 years of age.

You of course have the option of going for calcium supplements (but do consult a doctor before you do that), you can also try some calcium-rich foods to make up for the deficiency of calcium and keeping the bones healthy. Below, we discuss five super foods which can help you boost your bone density at any age:

Milk

Without a shadow of doubt, milk is the best (and readily available) source of calcium required for proper bone growth. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), low fat or fat-free milk is the best choice as it has high calcium content without the added fat and this facilitates easy absorption of calcium by the body. And it's not just calcium. Milk is also rich in nutrients like potassium, magnesium, riboflavin, phosphorus and Vitamins D, A and B12, all of which are important for healthy bones.

Orange Juice

Oranges are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and calcium. They are a must-have for healthy bone growth. They can be especially used by individuals who have intolerance to lactose and cannot obtain their daily calcium requirements from dairy products. So next time you help yourself with a serving of fruits, make sure you have enough oranges in that.

Dairy Products

Many experts have designated dairy products like cheese and yogurt as preferred source of calcium due to their high calcium levels. In case you are lactose intolerant, you can also opt for other dairy products that are either lactose-free or have low levels of lactose. Yogurt is contains a chemical called lactoferrin which an iron-binding protein which promotes the growth and activity of osteoblasts (the cells that build bones).

Nuts and Seeds

Besides being rich in calcium, nuts like walnuts, flaxseeds, almonds, pistachios etc are also very good sources of minerals and omega 3 fatty acids. Peanuts and calcium contain potassium which prevents loss of calcium in urine.

Greens

Dark green leafy veggies like brocolli and spinach are great sources of calcium and vitamin D and it's the latter which helps in absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus, thereby ensuring growth of healthy bones and teeth. Collards and turnip greens can also be helpful in providing you with your daily dose of calcium. The alkaline effect of eating a diet rich in these vegetables will help you to strengthen your bones and promote bone growth by preventing calcium loss. Besides, plant sterols (steroid hormones) are converted to a hormone called calciferol and that aids calcium absorption...


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Cholesterol & Eggs: How Many Eggs Can You Eat Per Day?

eggs
You eat 40 whole eggs per week. 5 to 6 eggs daily at breakfast. You eat them with veggies, really like them and feel full of energy at the gym each time your day starts with an omelet.

But everyone tells you you’re crazy eating so many eggs. They tell you eggs are unhealthy because they’re full of cholesterol. You’ll clock your arteries and die if you continue. Sounds familiar? Truth or myth? Let’s see.


Why People Say Eating Lots of Eggs is Unhealthy. Eggs contain high amounts of cholesterol. 1 large egg has about 200mg cholesterol and 5g of fat. Almost half of that fat is saturated fat.

The logic is that since eggs are high in cholesterol, a high egg consumption will increase your blood cholesterol. So by cutting eggs from your diet, your blood cholesterol will decrease. This, however, isn’t how your body works.

Facts on Cholesterol. You can find studies showing that high cholesterol levels will make you live longer and more immune to infections & diseases than low cholesterol levels. More facts:

* Your Body Makes Cholesterol. Your liver makes 3-6x more cholesterol than you can get eating eggs and other animal products.
* Cholesterol is Vital To Your Body. You need it for the production of steroid hormones like Testosterone and to build & repair cells.
* Dietary Cholesterol Isn’t Bound to Blood Cholesterol. There’s no relation to cholesterol & saturated fat intake to higher cholesterol levels.


Benefits of Eating The Egg Yolk. Eating the yolk makes your life easier since you don’t have to separate it from the egg white each time. Eating the yolk is also healthier for 3 reasons:

* More Vitamins. The yolk is full of vitamins A, D, E. Vitamin D is especially important since most people lack vitamin D.
* Twice The Protein. Eating whole eggs doubles the protein intake you’d get eating egg whites only: the yolk contains half the protein.
* Increased Testosterone Levels. Saturated fat and cholesterol increase testosterone production. Both are heavily present in the egg yolk.


How to Protect Yourself Against Heart Diseases. This is the real concern people have regarding cholesterol. Some things you can do.

* Lose Fat. People with high cholesterol usually have excess body fat. Read the article on fat loss and apply.
* Exercise. This will make you lose fat and improve your health. Check StrongLifts 5×5 if you don’t know where to start.
* Eat Healthy. No more junk food, sodas, artificial trans-fats and refined sugars. Apply the 8 nutrition rules.
* Get Antioxidants. Like berries and green tea. These keep your LDL particles acting normal, preventing blockage in arteries.
* Relax. Stress can negatively influence your cholesterol levels. Relax, take breaks, exercise, think positive,...

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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Main causes of hair loss

Hair Loss
Telogen effluvium: Refers to any changes in your body due to physical or emotional stress that cause hair loss. Can include a death in the family, surgery and illness.

Disease: Includes lupus, thyroid disease or other thyroid abnormalities, and alopecia.

Hormonal changes: Often prompted by childbirth, menopause or use of birth control pills.

Medication side effects: From blood pressure, acne, antidepression and cholesterol medication.

Genetics: Can be inherited from mother or father. Heredity also dictates the age, speed and extent of your hair loss.

Preventing hair loss

Get checked: Usually, hair loss is due to an external medical condition. Be sure to speak with your doctor to treat this first, before treating your hair.

Eat well: Eat foods that are high in protein, such as beans or other legumes and eggs.

Relax: Stress induces hair loss, so take time to breathe once in a while.

Take vitamins: Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, is known to help some people experiencing hair loss.
Go natural: Excessive hair drying, curling and straightening can damage hair, and tying your hair too tight can lead to a gradual hair loss known as traction alopecia..

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Monday, September 12, 2011

Useful Tips for Fabulous Looking Nails

Nail CareBold
Although your nails might seem like a small detail when it comes to beauty and style, nicely done nails or a botched manicure always attract attention.

Because fabulous looking nails can complete one's look, women don't go shy on spending tens of dollars on manicures that will leave their nails looking enviable. To ensure you always look impeccable, check out the following useful tips for fabulous looking nails and try to incorporate them into your regular beauty routine.

You don't have to be an expert to give your nails that eye catching definition that makes a difference, all you need is a little bit of skill, time and practice, and soon you'll definitely be able to achieve a salon-style mani that will receive admiration from all of your friends.

# Long nails exude femininity and the majority of women like to have longer cut nails, so if you wish to accelerate nail growth, make sure you get all the vitamins your body needs as well as massage your nails and cuticles with nourishing oils, as this way you'll stimulate and speed-up nail growth.

# The shape you file your nails in can definitely have an impact over the beauty of your hands, so make sure you opt for a flattering shape. Stiletto shaped nails are taking over as they have become a hot new trend, but that doesn't mean that oval and square shaped nails are less popular or less fabulous. Go for the shape that suits your hand and style as this way you'll surely not go wrong. Keep in mind to file the nail in one direction to avoid nail breakage.

# If you've got nail varnish on your nails and want to reshape your nails, don't remove the polish before filing as the nail polish remover will weaken the nail thus leaving it more prone to breakage during filing.

# Nail polish has become a must have of the season, but if your nail polish gets chipped, your manicure will look disastrous. Carry your nail polish with you and repair any nail polish chips in time so that you always have lovely and flawless looking nails.

# If you have just finished applying your favorite nail varnish and have to be on your way but don't have enough time to wait for the coats to dry, this trick can definitely save your mani. Hold your nails under a jet of cold running water for about 10 minutes as it will speed-up the drying process.

# If you have the bad habit of biting your nails and just can't help it but do so, the trendy solution for you is gel/acrylic nails. These thick nails will be difficult to bite and thus you'll be able to kick the habit goodbye while making sure your nails look fab at all times.

# Make sure you don't end-up with yellowish nails by applying a base coat prior to applying your favorite colored nail polish to prevent the lacquer pigment from transferring to your nail.

# Make sure your nails maintain their strength and healthy coloration by going nail varnish free for a few days every month. Your nails need to breath too, so go bare for a few days and let your nails regain their healthy shine..

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Sunday, September 11, 2011

Whooping Cough Vaccine Required of 7th- to 12th-Graders

wooping cough Vaccine
A new state law requires public school students in grades seven to 12 to get a vaccine for whooping cough.
A new state law gives schools the option of granting parents a couple more weeks to get their children the whooping cough vaccine in accordance with a new state law.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious condition that produces violent coughing and may interfere with breathing.

Students entering grades seven and above are required to have received a whooping cough shot (Tdap) after their 10th birthday. The schools can conditionally allow students to attend class for up to a month after the first day of class before being excluded from campus.

Oceanside schools opened on Aug. 25.

It is unclear how many students in the Oceanside Unified School District are not in compliance. The websites of OUSD schools are running reminder bulletins such as this:

"A new state law, which takes effect for the beginning of the 2011-12 school year, now requires ALL students who will be in grades 7-12, to be immunized against Whooping Cough. Proof of this Tdap vaccination must be submitted prior to the start of the new school year, which begins Thursday, August 25, 2011.

"Students will NOT be allowed to register or attend class until showing proof of having received this vaccine. Students who have been given a Tdap shot on or after a 7thbirthday will meet the school immunization requirement by providing proof of immunization.

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Thursday, September 8, 2011

Shoulder and Neck Pain Prevention

shoulder pain
Your neck and shoulders contain muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, and veins, as well as many ligaments and other supporting structures. Many conditions can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area. Some are life-threatening (such as heart attack and major trauma), and others are not so dangerous (such as simple strains or contusions).

* To prevent injuries, examine your home for potential hazards and correct them to reduce the chance of accidental injury.


* Proper exercise of the shoulders and neck can reduce the risk of injury.


* When performing hazardous tasks, have someone present to reduce the likelihood of injury. For example, when climbing a ladder, have someone hold the base of the ladder to keep it from sliding to either side.


* Know your limitations. Do not perform activities that you do not have the training, skills, tools, or strength to accomplish.


* Wear seat belts and use other safety equipment to reduce injuries..

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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

What Causes Dysentery?

dysentry
Dysentery is an infection that usually causes diarrhea. The infection is often passed on through improper hygiene. One of the most common causes of dysentery is not washing the hands after using public toilets.

Dysentery is spread from person to person. It is very common for one person in a family to pass it on to the rest of the family members. From there, it can be passed on to numerous people in the general public. The infection can last and be spread for around four weeks.

Dysentery can also be spread through contaminated food. Poor countries that have inadequate sanitation systems can be rife with dysentery. The water systems in these countries can be very infectious. This is why people are advised not to drink the water or take ice in their drinks in certain countries.
There are two main types of dysentery: bacillary and amoebic dysentery. Of the two, bacillary is more common. In this infection, the dysentery organism called Shigella enters through the mouth and multiplies in the bowel. The symptoms of this type of dysentery are usually mild and disappear within a few days to a week.

The main symptom of bacillary infection is usually severe diarrhea. It can be watery and sometimes contains blood or pus. There may also be vomiting, fever and abdominal pains.

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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Homeopathy and Cancer

Homeopathy and Cancer
What does homeopathy specifically offer the cancer patient? There are several ways homeopathy can help cancer patients. First, there are specific remedies for various cancers. These remedies may be used whether a person has conventional treatment or not. A number of remedies can make conventional treatment easier for the cancer patient. Finally, homeopathic remedies can help with terminal pain and with the fear of dying.

Let us begin with helping a cancer patient through conventional cancer therapies. One remedy which may be used during cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy is cadmium sulph. This remedy has a number of uses but one of its main uses is for severe projectile vomiting. Thus this remedy can be taken before any cancer treatment which causes vomiting. This remedy is also an antidote to radiation sickness. A 30C dose of this remedy before and after treatment will ease any possible vomiting.

Homeopathy was developed at a time when conventional medicine had little to offer the cancer patient. Later there was cancer surgery, but the surgery and the diagnostic testing underlying the surgery were not as sophisticated as that of today. Homeopathic physicians found that there were remedies for cancer. Although it may seem that the more advanced the cancer, the less likely homeopathy would be to help but this was not always true. The successful use of homeopathic remedies depends on being able to identify characteristic symptoms which lead to specific remedies. Sometimes the more severe the cancer the easier it is to find the symptoms and the appropriate remedy.

Cancer from a homeopathic perspective must be seen as a disease and as a disturbance of the vital force and that something must have disturbed the vital force to lead to cancer. Homeopaths would thus often search for a cause in trying to find the appropriate remedy. For example physical trauma to the breast leading to cancer, also points to a specific remedy. Another cause would be a miasm, an underlying predisposition to illness.

The problem is that for someone choosing surgery over homeopathic treatment is that the disease, the disturbance of the vital force, does not go away because the cancer is cut out. The cancer can recur elsewhere and can be more malignant when it does. This is not really explainable under current understanding of cancer. For example if a woman has had cancer in one breast, why should cancer then appear in the other breast, which unfortunately happens all too frequently. The academic model that cancer arises because of hits to DNA, the genes, which somehow results in cancer, means that cancer has a certain probability of affecting a certain tissue, such as the breast, but why once the cancer is removed surgically, that cancer should show up in the other breast has no obvious explanation if everything is random hits to the genes, to DNA.
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Monday, September 5, 2011

Problem with kidney stones-Best food to eat

Kidney_stones
What are causes for kidney problems ?

Kidney stones (Renal Calculi) are common cause of
blood in the urine.A kidney stone is a hard ,crystalline mineral material
formed with in the kidney or urinary tract.
Lack of enough water is the main cause of kidney stones.Kidney stones are normally observed in people who drink less water.Kidney stones can be observed in men and women.Most commonly between the ages 30 and 50.Family history is also one of the common cause.Certain medications will also leads to kidney stones.
People who take antacids and thus after the PH of the urine are also at higher risk of getting kidney stones since altering the PH of urine causes precipitation of the minerals.

Symptoms of Kidney stones.
* Sever pain in lower abdomen area.
* Some times lower back pain.
* Pain in the flanks.
* Some times blood in the urine.
* Vomiting sensation.
* Fever accomplished with chills is most probably because of Kidney stones.

Home remedies for Kidney stones

Drink more water
As we have discussed earlier lack of drinking enough water is one of the major cause for kidney stones,drink more water through out the day.

Coconut water
Drink coconut water regularly.It will help to break the stones and make them pass out.

Avoid oily food
Avoid oily ,fried ,Protein rich food.
Avoid Milk Products


Avoid excess milk and milk related products.As milk products are rich in protein they may be the cause for kidney stones.

Take vitamin A food rich

Vitamin A helps to strengthen urinary system and helps to prevent formation of kidney stones.
Eat Fruits

Fruits like Apple and Water melon are beneficial for kidney stones.
Pomegranate


Make a soup with one cup of pomegranate seeds and 2 cups of horse gram and drink it.

Orange Juice is also helpful in treating the disease of kidney stones.

Avoid Alcohol and carbonated beverages.

Take Tomato juice in the morning.

Take Lady fingers and Radish.They are very much helpful in curing the problem.

Limit your sodium(Salt) consumption.There is correlation between sodium consumption and salt intake.

Avoid oxalate rich food.Example:Beans ,Chocolate ,Green peppers,Spinach.

Regular intake of Celery will prevent kidney stones.

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Sunday, September 4, 2011

Viral Fever Symptoms

viral fever symptoms
Viral Fever Symptoms and Treatment

Viral fevers are seen all over the world, and viral fever symptoms can affect all age groups from the smallest infant to the elderly. A small number of viral fever cases are deadly, but most of the time viral fever is not serious and it will go away on its own or with home care and over-the-counter treatment of the worst symptoms. Viral fevers can be highly contagious, however, so they have a tendency to spread very quickly.
In general, a viral fever is an infection in the body that is caused by a virus. This type of infection leads to a spike in body temperature once it has manifested itself in the body. Viral fever is unique in that it is most often treated and overcome without the true virus that caused the problem ever being determined.

Symptoms of Viral Fever
Treatment of viral fevers is usually symptomatic, or based on the various and separate viral fever symptoms. The most obvious viral fever symptom is the fever, of course, and it can be a low-grade fever (99 to 100 degrees) or a very high fever (102 degrees or more). Sometimes the fever will even come and go. Other viral fever symptoms include the following:
> coughing
> eye redness or irritation
> headache
> muscle aches, joint pain and general body ache
> nasal congestion
> runny nose
> severe and ongoing fatigue
> sore throat and swollen glands

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