Wednesday 11 March 2009

Magnetic Therapy, The Facts (and Some Myths)

by. Barry Dench  

 
Is magnet therapy regarded yet as a mainstream therapy? I consider it is not and through this series of articles I hope to raise awareness by examining a number of issues that have stood in the way of mass acceptance. 

There is a useful parallel to be drawn between magnetic therapy and acupuncture. Acupuncture today is an accepted alternative therapy but 20 or 30 years ago it was regarded with deep suspicion. So what has happened to make it so popular now that many conventional health clinics have a professional acupuncturist on hand to provide the therapy? 

Well, the passage of time has allowed communication of the obvious benefits actual patients have enjoyed by having a wide variety of symptoms relieved. If one reads the information available at http://acupuncture.com/ the science behind acupuncture is still largely theoretical and involves “the common ground shared among meridian system, chakra system and modern sciences” Basically, acupuncture is a successful discipline that encourages the body to heal itself. 

(It is worth noting here that the general description of what acupuncture does, includes words such as “electromagnetic fields” and “polarity”. Terms which also are used in any consideration of magnetic therapy.) 

So, acupuncture has become accepted mainly because of anecdotal results and any number of successful blind trials. Virtually the same situation that magnetic therapy finds itself in today! 

The ‘sceptics’ and ‘doubters’ will tell you there is no basis on which magnet therapy can work; but they said the same words with regard to acupuncture all those years ago. They will tell you there is no clinical proof that magnetic therapy does anything. This too is untrue, but like anything it depends on how tests are carried out and what is being measured. 

It is also good to keep in mind; these are both ‘alternative therapies’. Alternative, to what? To the medical and veterinary establishment who maintain they have the monopoly on curing all biological bodies with drugs and surgery and radiation. (I acknowledge there are dedicated individual health professionals and vets, who do have wellness as their main priority for us and our animals.) There have been many occasions down the ages when new innovations and discoveries have been discredited by those with a vested interest in their failure. 

Further fuel for the sceptics and doubters rhetoric is that there are many companies and individuals ‘out there’ who, looking to jump on a band, will sell you a product that may be totally inappropriate for your needs. ‘Dealers’ who sell magnetic therapy items have, in my experience little or no knowledge of how the therapy works or able to provide help and advice as to the correct application. It is these people who generally cannot be bothered to find out, will tell you, “it is not known why magnets work only that they do”. This is untrue and in my next article I will examine why and how magnets effect the functioning of the biological body. 

--About The Author--

Barry Dench is a qualified electrical engineer, who in 1996 used his knowledge of magnetism to research the effects of magnetic fields on the biological body.

Article Source:   www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_555.shtml

10 Smart Shopping Tips To Protect Your Family From Getting Sick

by. Terry Nicholls  

 
Prevention of food poisoning starts with your trip to the supermarket. Here's how to start off safely. 

1. Pick up your packaged and canned foods first. Buy cans and jars that look perfect. Don’t buy canned goods that are dented, cracked or bulging. These are the warning signs that dangerous bacteria may be growing in the can. 

2. Look for any expiration dates on the labels and never buy outdated food. Likewise, check the "use by" or "sell by" date on dairy products such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, and sour cream and pick the ones that will stay fresh longest in your refrigerator. 

3. Check eggs, too. Choose eggs that are refrigerated in the store. Before putting them in your cart, open the carton and make sure that the eggs are clean and none are cracked or broken. 

4. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood sometimes drip. The juices that drip may have germs. Keep these juices away from other foods. Put raw meat, poultry, and seafood into plastic bags before they go into the cart. Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods in your grocery shopping cart and in your refrigerator. 

5. Don't buy frozen seafood if the packages are open, torn or crushed on the edges. Avoid packages that are above the frost line in the store's freezer. If the package cover is transparent, look for signs of frost or ice crystals. This could mean that the fish has either been stored for a long time or thawed and re-frozen. 

6. Check for cleanliness at the meat or fish counter and the salad bar. For instance, cooked shrimp lying on the same bed of ice as raw fish could become contaminated. 

7. When shopping for shellfish, buy from markets that get their supplies from state-approved sources; stay clear of vendors who sell shellfish from roadside stands or the back of a truck. And if you're planning to harvest your own shellfish, heed posted warnings about the water's safety. 

8. Pick up milk, frozen foods, and perishables (meat, poultry, fish) last. Always put these products in separate plastic bags so that drippings don't contaminate other foods in your shopping cart. 

9. Drive immediately home from the grocery store. This will give cold or frozen food less time to warm up before you get home. If the destination is farther away than 30 minutes, bring a cooler with ice or commercial freezing gels from home and place perishables in it. 

10. Save hot chicken and other hot foods for last, too. This will give them less time to cool off before you get home. 

Copyright (c) Terry Nicholls. All Rights Reserved.

Article Source:   www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_439.shtml

Alternative Therapy And Your Health

 by. Laurie J. Raphael  

 
When it comes to your health, you can never be too careful. With that in mind, many people cannot decide whether or not alternative therapy is a good decision for them. After all, you cannot afford to do something that is not going to treat your illness with the proper level of success. Luckily, there has been a lot of information published on alternative therapy over the past few years. Additionally, since more and more patients are using these therapies, you will have a much better chance of finding detailed information on what you need to make an educated decision. 

All in all, when you decide to try out an alternative therapy, you are putting your health at risk. But with that being said, the same thing holds true with any type of treatment that you are going through. Generally speaking, there is no way of knowing for sure what type of treatment is going to work for you. Most people who look into alternative therapy are those who have had no success with more traditional methods of medicine in the past. If this sounds like you, there is no reason to not try out alternative therapy. Just make sure that you get in touch with a good alternative therapy doctor, and then take their advice on how you should move forward. 

The bottom line is that alternative therapy can help to treat certain illnesses. This is not to say that they are guaranteed to work, but many people swear by them. You may feel a bit apprehensive when it comes to starting an alternative therapy treatment, and this is not uncommon. As long as you know what you are getting yourself into, and you are comfortable with your decision, there is nothing wrong with giving an alternative therapy a try.

Article Source:   www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_6597.shtml

Hair Loss, Hair Care Tips, Home Remedies and Products!

by. Ashley Green  

 
A healthy lifestyle supplemented with proper diet is the magic key for healthy and beautiful hair. But our fast paced life generally doesnt allow us to follow it. But these hair care tips along with some hair care products might just do the trick for you. 

Hair Care Tips and Products 

. Hair Spray: Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with two cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in refrigerator. If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce of alcohol as a preservative and thenthe spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated. 

. Hair Cocktail: 

. For instant shine: Lightly beat two eggs mixed with some milk and run throuigh your hair. Leave on for five minutes, rinse and you will see a shine instantly. 

. For Dandruff: Dissolve two aspirins in your dandruff shampoo and watch how it clears up. Use a good moisturizing conditioner afterward. 

. For greasy hair: Use face powder. Put a little at the root of your hair before straying. If it is a serious problem, put the powder on heavily for 15 minutes wash completely, condition lightly, and style. 

. Sweet shine: Honey applied in a small amount while washing the hair will give you a great shine. 

Must Visit: 10 Skin Care Tips a women must know at http://www.weightloss-health.com/skin%20care%20treatment%20tips.htm 

. For Dry Hair: 

For dry hair, increase the intake of polyunsaturated oils such as sunflower oil, margarine and eat food rich in Vitamin B like pulses, brown rice, bananas etc 

Tip: Avoid Salty foods. 

. For Oily Hair: 

Mix equal amounts of aloe vera gel and shampoo, plus a tablespoon of lemon juice. Diet for Oily Hair: Eat lots of green leafy vegetables, salads and fresh fruit. 

Tip: Avoid fried and greasy foods. Also say no to red meat. 

. Home remedy for Falling Hair: 

Take 10-15 leaves of the large Ber fruit. Burn them in mustard oil, make a paste and apply on your hair for 1 hour and then wash it. This remedy surely works and prevents hair loss for almost everyone. 

Tip: Never sleep in a tight braid or ponytail. Never brush wet hair too. It is always advisable to let your hair dry naturally than to use any heating equipment. These practices can cause hair breakage or loss of hair over time.


Article Source:  www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_2824.shtml

Protein and Weight Loss - Is there any Relation in these

by. Dr John Anne  

Now it has become a trend that we all are trying to switch on to low carb diet. It occurs mainly due to the fact that high protein diet actually enhances weight loss. A recent British study confirmed that there is a strong correlation between diet high in protein and weight loss. The study also said that the diet high in protein triggers in releasing hormone that influences weight loss. 

Protein consumption in diet ensures the release of PYY hormone that reduces the hunger. Researchers argued that high protein foods start out PYY secretion better than other foods. Scientific studies also suggest that PYY should be an integral part of weight reduction plan. Theoretically, as because a proportionate relation exists between protein and weight loss, therefore an obese individual must eat more calories to trigger PYY compared to a normal weight individual. 

Typically, we avoid high calorie food to maintain healthy balance in life. But the truth is if we do not get enough protein in our diet, we may suffer from varieties of health complications. Lack of protein in our regular diet may cause harm to all the organs - from the heart to kidney. It also causes weaker immune system; hence our health may be affected by a variety of diseases. 

The amount of protein in the diet depends essentially on three factors - sex, age and weight. However, for normal adult man and normal adult woman the daily protein intake would be 56 grams per day and 46 grams per day respectively. 

About Weight Loss 

In recent years, there are few high-protein diet programs available in the market claiming for weight loss. However, supports received from the diet gurus and health practitioners are generally inclined with the low calorie diet rather the high-protein ones. 

However, the relation between protein and weigh loss is not appreciated by each and every research fellow. It is said that low carb diets are mainly linked up with reduced calorie intake and increased diet timing but not with decreased carbohydrate content. 

The essential feature of low-carb high-protein diet is rapid weight loss. But it is viewed from a different perspective by the skeptics. They rejected the theory about the relation between the diet high in protein and weight loss and argued that it occurs mainly due to the fact of excessive urination. When the body makes up inadequate supply of dietary carbohydrates, it uses body's own carbohydrates stored in the liver and kidney. During this process, the water is mobilized. The mobilized water is then discharged from the body in the form of urine. Hence the rapid weight loss occurs at the initial stages high-protein diet. 

Substituting few dietary carbohydrates with high-protein diet may lead to significant short term weight loss benefits. But the condition says that the diet must be low-fat one as well. Protein and weight loss may become a trendy topic in these days because of its known results contributing to rapid weight loss. But some scientific researches have shown some long term disadvantages as well. Therefore, a slow but certain weight loss can be ensured with a healthy high fiber, moderate protein and low fat plan. This is not a short term plan but a way of healthy living that we can maintain throughout of our lives. 

Disadvantages of too much protein 

Although, the relation between diet rich in protein and weight loss has become a up-to-the-minute topic in today's health discussion, but we should remember that high protein may imply high fat as well. So there is always a high risk for increasing LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels with high protein intake. Hence, there is high possibility for cardiac problems. High protein may imply low fiber as well. Low fiber diet is not at all healthy. If we use it on a regular basis, there is an increased possibility of getting constipated, increased risk of cancer, obesity, cardiac problem and type-2 diabetes. 



--About The Author--

Dr. John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health.

Article Source:   www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_6965.shtml

Vitamin E and Lung Cancer Prevention

by: News Canada  

(NC)-Lung cancer, the most preventative of all human cancers, remains the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Several studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation is associated with a lower risk of developing lung cancer in non-smokers. Unfortunately, the same benefit was not seen in smokers. The most effective health action for smokers is still to stop smoking. 

It is believed that the beneficial effect of vitamin E is a consequence of its antioxidant role, which may be enhanced when taken in combination with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene and selenium. All of these nutrients are available in a quality multivitamin such as Centrum®, available in your local pharmacy. 


--About The Author--

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

Article Source:   www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_207.shtml

Tips for successful weight loss

by: Annette Croft  

Throughout my childhood and teenage years I watched as my mother tried every fad diet under the sun. I recall one time she ate boiled cabbage and nothing else for a whole week. I felt my mothers’ frustration and misery, however I could not understand why it was so difficult for her to lose weight and keep it off – until that is I became a weight management coach. 


For the past two years I have been assisting people to achieve their ideal weight and in this time I have experienced what contributes to a successful weight loss story. 

Getting serious 

It all starts with you and how serious you are about losing weight. The key to successful weight loss is partly dependent on your level of commitment. How would you rate your seriousness on a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being deadly serious)? 

No quick fix 

If you have made the commitment to get serious about losing weight then you need to make the commitment to do it safely and effectively. One piece of invaluable advice my own family doctor passed onto me is that slow and steady is always the best option. The longer it takes you to lose weight the less likely you are to put it back on. 

Staying motivated 

Always keep the end in mind! Write down all of the reasons why you are motivated to lose weight now. Record these reasons on a piece of card that can be kept in your wallet or purse. Each morning and before going to bed remind yourself by reading aloud why you are motivated to lose weight. 

Facing challenges 

Every day you are likely to face challenges, which can disrupt your focus and get in the way of your weight loss goals. Write down all of the challenges that you know have made losing weight hard for you in the past. This will help you to develop a better strategy this time. Three common challenges are lack of results, boredom and lack of support from spouse, family and friends. 

Choosing a weight control program 

I recommend choosing a diet / weight control program that offers all of the following for best results: 
-Provides a balanced nutritious program that is safe and effective 
-Support system and regular progress follow-up 
-Teaches you better eating habits 
-Teaches you how to maintain your weight once you have reached your goal weight 

--About The Author--

Annette Croft has been assisting people reach their ideal weight for two years with the aid of a nutritious, simple and convenient weight management program.

Article Source:   www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_667.shtml

Calcium Benefits for Better Health

by. Alex Gomez

Calcium is the mineral most likely to be deficient in the average diet. Calcium deficiency is a condition that is now more and more common. Only 21 percent of us are getting the recommended amount of calcium, according to federal government statistics. The result of insufficient amounts of calcium in our bodies over the long term may be thinning bones, termed osteoporosis or the softening of bony tissue, called osteomalacia. The faulty metabolism of calcium during childhood may result in a condition called rickets. Recent research even points to calcium deficiency as being a possible cause of hypertension (high blood pressure) and of colon cancer. You’ve probably heard it many times before. You need calcium to prevent osteoporosis. But a lack of this mineral means more than weak bones. Key organs and bodily functions, like your heart and metabolism, need calcium to operate at their best. 

Calcium is very important to the human body. It helps to contract muscles and helps regulate the contractions of the heart. It plays a role in the transmission of nerve impulses and in blood clotting. Calcium is involved in the stimulation of contractions of the uterus during childbirth and in milk production. It also regulates the secretion of various hormones and aids in the functioning of various enzymes within the body. Since vitamin C is important for so many necessary bodily functions, taking a liquid multivitamin that is rich in vitamin C is strongly advised. For a list of good quality multivitamin supplements go to www.ardyss-lifestyle.com. 

Calcium also helps keep the weight off. Research suggests that if you don't get enough calcium in your diet, you're likely to be overweight. Of course, it's possible to be overweight even if you do get plenty of calcium, but an adequate supply of Calcium appears to make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. The reason has to do with your body's response to a calcium deficit. When you're low, your body thinks you're starving and enters emergency mode, releasing parathyroid hormone from four glands in your neck. This hormone stimulates your bones to release some calcium into your bloodstream. Your kidneys also deliver a dose of a hormone called calcitriol, a form of vitamin D, to increase your ability to absorb calcium. This helps keep the body in balance, but is operating the body in an emergency mode, which over time, is very unhealthy. 

Calcium also protects your heart. An adequate supply of calcium helps muscles, including your heart muscle, do their work of contracting and relaxing. Calcium also appears to help your nervous system regulate the level of pressure in your arteries. 

Calcium protects against colon cancer. Adequate calcium intake may reduce your overall risk of colon cancer and suppress the growth of polyps that can lead to cancer. Researchers don't know exactly why this happens, but it may be linked to the excess calcium that's left in your intestines after your body absorbs what it needs. On its way through the colon, this unabsorbed calcium is believed to bind with cancer promoters so they're excreted together from the body. Studies have shown that both food sources of calcium and calcium supplements provide this protective effect. Calcium supplements should be taken in liquid form because liquid vitamins absorb 5 times better then do pill forms. 

Calcium maintains healthy teeth. Calcium protects your teeth in an indirect way. Your teeth themselves are relatively inert, meaning that the calcium they contain usually stays there. Your jawbone is the potential problem. Like other bones, it gradually surrenders calcium for needs elsewhere in your body if you're not consuming enough. As your jaw weakens, your teeth loosen, creating gaps where bacteria can invade, triggering infection, inflammation, and bleeding. In fact, the condition of your teeth and gums can be a window to the overall health of your bones. Not surprisingly, the first signs of osteoporosis are sometimes found by your dentist.

Article Source:  www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_4339.shtml

Herbal Sex Supplements


by. Dr. Michael Rodriguez, M.D.

There are numerous herbal supplements on the market today that increase sexual performance and satisfaction. How is one to choose which of these products is the right one to try? Trying to sort through the various descriptions can be time-consuming and frustrating. Therefore, when delving into the world of herbal sex supplements, it is important to know basic information concerning herbal remedies. 

When looking for an herbal remedy, it is important to find one that states it falls under the category of herbal Se supplements. The Se stands for standardized extract, meaning the ingredients are carefully measured and formulated so that each tablet or capsule contains the exact same portion of ingredients. Some herbal supplements do not offer this imperative procedure; therefore, the doses will vary, even in the same bottle. 

In order to gain such goals as penis enlargement, increased sperm count, or heightened sexual desire, the incorporation of herbal Se supplements is the key. With anything else, results will vary due to the variance in the dosages taken daily. When dosages vary, consistent results are much more difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. 

A prime example of herbal Se supplements can be found by researching supplements such as the MacaEnhancer or Vig-Rx. There are numerous herbal Se supplements available, and finding which one is right for your needs is simply a matter of research. Maca root has become in an increasingly popular herbal sex supplement. When combined with amino acids, the mixture will result in not only enhanced sex, but also increased semen production. When shopping for herbal sex supplements, look for ones that contain those two key ingredients and try to find one that offers vitamins as well. 

Getting the right ingredients from a supplement that utilizes a standardized extract procedure will ensure that you’re using a quality product, leading to the best results. When researching for the right supplement to use, the very first thing to look for is if the supplements being studied are herbal Se supplements. If not, then do not waste any time or money on them. There are simply too many other products available that are proven to work without wasting effort on those supplements that are made with less than quality standards. 

--About The Author--

Dr. Michael Rodriguez is an innovator who has spent the past decade researching male sexual health.


Article Source:  www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_868.shtml

Diet Fitness - A Buddy Will Help You Lose Weight

by. Michael Maroun

One of the best ways to increase your diet fitness and stay consistent with your diet and exercise plan is to team up with a buddy. A diet buddy is a friend or co-worker who you partner up with so that the two of you help each other lose weight by staying focused and accountable for your actions. Many fitness experts agree that if you have a friend to rely on then you are much more likely to stick to your program and successfully lose weight. 

Choosing a diet buddy is not hard but it can be a challenge to finds someone who you can trust and who will be honest with you. You need someone who will remind you not to eat junk food when you confess that you have fallen off the wagon and who will also be sympathetic to your guilty feelings. Try to find a person who has similar weight loss goals because if you want to lose 20 pounds and your buddy wants to lose 50 then you may not be compatible. Avoid choosing someone you live with, if possible, since the constant interaction will make you feel like your every move is being watched so try to choose a co-worker or close friend to help you out. 

You should also choose a diet buddy who you will see on a regular basis. A really great way to stay on track is to meet at the gym every morning and then get something to eat afterward. You can compare notes and talk about what’s going on and how you are progressing. If breakfast doesn’t work then lunch is another good alternative. 

You and your diet buddy should set goals and rewards for each other. When you hit a weight goal, you can celebrate by shopping for a new outfit that shows off your weight loss or you can go out together for a healthy dinner at a nice restaurant. You and your buddy are working together to help each other reach your goals so if you lose weight faster than your friend, be supportive and help them realize that everyone has a different body type and some people take longer to lose weight. On the flip side, be prepared for your friend to lose weight quicker than you and if that happens, be sure to cheer them on and reassure yourself that your consistency will pay off for you in the near future. 



--About The Author--

Michael Maroun. Have you had problems staying fit just like I have? Do you want to know what I finally realized to get me started on the right path? I want to share this important information with you so that you can succeed and meet all of your fitness goals.

Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_6825.shtml

Home Gym Exercises

by. Abdul Martin

Lets analyze the various home gym exercises that ca be performed using your home gym. 

For shoulders 

-Seated Shoulder Press 
-Shoulder Rotator Cuff Internal Rotation 
-Rear Deltoid Row 
-Lateral Shoulder Raise 
-Reverse Shoulder Shrug 
-Front Shoulder Raise 
-Scapular Protraction 
-Shoulder Extension 
-Shoulder Shrug 
-Reverse Fly 
-Scapular Depression 
-Lying Front Shoulder Raise 
-Shoulder Rotator Cuff External Rotation 

Leg exercises

-Lying Leg Curl 
-Leg Kickback 
-Leg Curl 
-Leg Press 
-Seated Leg Curl 
-Ankle Inversion 
-Leg Extension 
-Ankle Eversion 
-Seated Calf Raise 
-Standing Hip Flexion 
-Lying Leg Extension 
-Standing Hip Extension 
-Seated Hip Adduction 
-Standing Hip Abduction 
-Standing Hip Extension w/Knee Flex 

Chest exercises 

-Bench Press 
-Chest Fly 
-Resisted Punch 
-One Arm Seated Fly 
-Incline Bench Press 
-Decline Bench Press 
-Lying Shoulder Pullover 

Back Exercises 

-Lat Pull down 
-Lying Lat Fly 
-Seated Lat Row 
-Scapular Retraction 
-Lying Lat Pull down 
-Stiff Arm Pull down 


Arm exercises 

-Triceps Pushdown 
-Single Arm Pushdown 
-Lying Triceps Extension 
-Cross Triceps Extension 
-Seated Triceps Extension 
-Standing Wrist Extension 
-Seated Wrist Extension 
-Standing Wrist Curl 
-Standing Biceps Curl 
-Seated Biceps Curl 

Also consider that a few home gyms also give you the additional benefit of doing aerobics exercises. 

Having a complete body workout with just 40- 45 minutes a day 3-5 times a week has never been easier and added to the fact that it can be done at home is surely the way to go. 

For more information on home gyms, what to look for and where to buy visit our home gyms site www.homegymsforyou.com

Article Source:  www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_2536.shtml

Confessions of a Yoga Teacher

by. Paul M. Jerard Jr.

The following are questions that Yoga teachers still need to answer, despite overwhelming evidence that Yoga is “the mother of all health maintenance systems.” Mainstream thought is finally catching up, with the progress Yoga is making, but it has taken 5,000 years for us to get this far. 

Seriously, How Can Yoga Make You Lose Weight? 

Finally, some of the “Yoga and Weight Loss” studies have come in, and even, a little bit of Yoga is much better, than none, for weight control, but there are a number of reasons why. Yoga is a lifestyle change that includes a safe diet; exercise, adjusting posture, breathing, and a whole lot more. Most of the Yoga practitioners, I know, consume more water, eat more moderately, and take more care of their bodies, in comparison to the many who don’t want to leave the couch. 

Aren’t you supposed to jump up and down for at least a half-hour per day to exercise enough to lose weight? 

Maybe the masses have been “brain washed” into thinking that you have to feel the pain, suffer, starve, and have a near death experience, to lose weight. Depending upon your size, the average person, in a moderate Hatha yoga class, is burning in the neighborhood of 200 calories per hour. There are Vinyasa Yoga classes, that will burn more calories, with much more flowing and active movement. Just remember, that your safety is top priority, and you will be fine. 

There are also Yoga classes where you can feel the pain, heat, and suffer. This is great for those who feel the need to “pay for their sins.” Maybe this is considered “penance,” for years of consuming excessive pizza, burgers, and buffets. If you feel you must suffer, you may even find a Yoga teacher who missed his or her calling as an interrogator. 

If you search hard enough, you will find a Yoga class for every niche. More moderate Yoga classes look easy on the outside of the class, but I have seen many people find them to be a challenge, on the inside of the class. The real benefit of steady Yoga practice is training for longevity. Long-term practice will yield optimum health benefits in mind, body, and spirit. 

Couldn’t you just invent a Yoga pill? 

This has been the ultimate dream of “couch potatoes,” but every time a weight loss pill comes out, there is a down side. Just look at the health problems that resulted from fen phen and ephedra. This should wake people up, but someone will always put their life at risk, no matter how many warning labels are printed. 

In summary, the benefits of Yoga practice have always existed, through steady and safe practice. Seek out a safe teacher and go from there. Never push yourself to the point of strain. Moderation is key, so it is wise to avoid extremes. 

--About The Author--

Paul Jerard, is a co-owner/director of Yoga teacher training at Aura Wellness Center. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher.

Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_2650.shtml

Health Benefits Of Coconut

by. Laura Ng

Coconut cream / milk 

Coconut cream is widely used in curries, desserts and cakes. 

That's because it enhances the aroma and tastes of the dishes and can be obtained easily and cheaply. It has a thick, paste-like consistency and when diluted, it is called coconut milk. 

However, people avoid coconut cream because of its high fat content. Especially those who want to lose weight. 

But do you know that it is good saturated fat which can be easily metabolised or turn into energy fast? That means it does not cause blockages in our arteries. 

I'm not suggesting you to indulge in coconut cream, but rather than avoid it altogether, it is alright to eat in moderation. The principle fatty acid in coconut milk is lauric acid, which is the same fat found in abundance in mother's milk. 

When converted to monolaurin, it boosts your immune system and protects your body against many viruses, including hepatitis C, herpes and even HIV! 

It also promotes normal brain development and contribute to healthy bones. 

It also has important anti-carcinogenic and anti-pathogenic properties which helps to prevent cancer. More importantly, coconut cream is less likely to cause weight gain than polyunsaturated oils. Never know coconut cream can be so good right? 

Canned or packaged coconut cream is available in supermarkets. It must be refrigerated once opened and does not last more than a week. Also, do not freeze coconut milk as this causes it to curdle when you next use it in cooking. 

Try different brands of canned coconut milk to find the one to your liking. Those with thick cream floating on top of the can with the watery milk below it are proofs that they are not artificially homogenized. 


Virgin Coconut oil 

Extracted from fresh coconut milk and meat, virgin coconut oil has such an aromatic and flavourful taste that it is used in many 

Just like coconut cream, coconut oil reduces bad cholesterol unlike polyunsaturated vegetable oils such as canola, sunflower and safflower oils. 

It contains least calorie count among the category of monosaturated oils. 

You ladies out there got to know this ! Surprise, surprise ! Coconut oil does speed up metabolism and aids you in shedding off the excess fats ! 

People of traditional cultures, such as the South Pacific Islands and the Philippines where coconut and palm oils are plentiful, suffer lower rates of obesity and health problems. 

Look at our society today - we pile high on our plates food equally high in carbohydrates and polyunsaturated oils which increase our risk of heart diseases and diabetes. Yet we complain about our weight and poor health. It's a shame ! 

However, coconut oil is different from other animal oil. Studies have found that it aids in lowering blood pressure and regulate thyroid dysfunction. 

Unlike refined oils, it does not turn rancid easily and become toxic to our bodies. 

If you have damaged hair, try using coconut oil on your hair and scalp. It has been proven to be a more effective treatment for damaged hair than mineral oil and sunflower oil. That's because coconut oil is the only oil among the three which effectively reduces protein loss in hair. 

Virgin coconut oil is an excellent beauty care product too. Here are some benefits : 
1) it penetrates and moisturises the skin 
2) minimise damage from sun exposure that causes sagging, wrinkling and blemishes 
3) removes dead skin cells, producing an even texture and glow 
4) heals damaged or diseased skin 

Sometimes, wonderful remedies can be within your reach and in abundance, only if you look hard enough. 

In this case, it is the Coconut.

Article Source:  www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_6659.shtml

Tuesday 10 March 2009

No Fuss Weight-Loss

by. Sheri Graber

To lose weight and keep it off you need an easy to follow no fuss plan. You need a plan that is simple and sensible. You need a plan that you can use everyday to get slim and healthy. 

You need a plan that builds on your success day-by-day. A plan that keeps you inspired and motivated by seeing results—fast! If you don’t see and feel results fast it’s far to easy to be tempted by the next fast food drive through or the next vending machine. Far to easy. 

You need a plan that works for you, a plan that blends in to your lifestyle. A plan that you can live with. Forever. That’s the real secret to permanent weight-loss. 

Most people go on train wreck diets. They follow the latest fads. They start a diet, lose some weight, then go off of it and gain all the weight back. Sometimes even more. That’s why it's called yo-yo-dieting--up and down and back up. You don’t want to do that, it’s bad for your health. 

Permanent weight loss requires changes in your lifestyle. Changes in your behaviors. You can’t expect to lose weight by doing the same things like overeating and not exercising. 

You can’t expect to lose weight and keep it off by ignoring good nutrition and eating foods that are bad for you. Junk food leads to a junked body. Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, stroke and arthritis are just a few of the health problems associated with obesity. 

When I say “junk food” I don’t mean just fast food, donuts, or candy, I mean all the foods that don’t seem so bad but are full of sugar, starches and fats. Foods like fruit juice are full of sugar. You’re better off to eat the fruit and drink some water. Foods like pasta, rice and french fries are full of empty calories and cause an insulin response that puts your body into fat storage mode. 

Permanent weight loss requires you to be informed about what foods have good nutritional value and what ones don’t. You don’t need to take a college nutrition course but you do need to know about some basic “nutrition 101” principles. 

To be successful with your weight loss and management you need to know the difference between proteins, fats and carbohydrates. You need to know how much protein you should be eating, how much carbohydrates and what kinds of fats are good for you. 

You need to know the effects of sugar on your body. Most mothers think they’re doing a good thing by giving their children apple juice instead of soda. 

Being confused and uniformed leads to weight problems. Weight problems not only for yourself but maybe even for your family. Young children have no control over the foods they eat. Food is either fed to them or placed before them until they're old enough to feed themselves and prepare their own food. Sure they can refuse to eat, but it’s usually not the cookies and cakes but the carrots and broccoli. 

Children can be taught early on to eat healthy or to eat unhealthy. If parents recognized this fact and were aware of the habits they were passing on through modeling lifestyle behaviors the obesity epidemic could probably be reversed in a few years. And I’m sure the rates of drinking and smoking in young people would go down as well. 

I can hear some well meaning mothers or grandparents saying, "well they have to have some treats some of the times." Maybe on an occasional birthday. But when the children are older and as people become more educated about the causes of obesity there’s going to be some serious finger pointing. 

Remember when the Marlboro Man was cool? Remember when everyone smoked, even pregnant women? Things have changed haven’t they? The social stigma attached to smoking will be dwarfed by the stigma that is becoming attached to obesity. And there's a difference between smoking and obesity. You can smoke in private but you can’t hide the fact that you’re fat. 

What about portion control? We’ve become a super-sized nation because of super-sized portions. When it comes to restaurants we rate them good or bad according to how much food is on our plates. 

At home, people are too busy these days to weigh, measure and count food units. You need simple ways to eyeball serving sizes for portion control. 

A simple, easy to follow, no fuss plan is the answer to your weight problem. Why complicate things and cause yourself even more stress? 

For more information about a no fuss plan you can live with visit 
http://www.automaticweightlossplan.com 


--About The Author--

Sheri Graber understands the pain and frustration of being overweight. After struggling for years with the emotional stress of being overweight she has lost 87 pounds and has kept it off for 4 years. She writes and speaks about obesity and weight loss to help others experience their own weight loss success. She is the author of "Automatic Weight-Loss Plan: Program Yourself Slim the Simple Simon Way." For more information visit the website at http://www.automaticweightlossplan.com.


Article Source:  http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_1353.shtml

Why Your Diet May Not Be As Rich In Iodine As You Assume

by. Steve Smith

The trace mineral iodine is well known for its crucial role in enabling the body's manufacture of vital thyroid hormones, but it is also important for the health of the immune system and for optimal brain function. It is widely believed by many authorities that iodine deficiency should never be seen in the affluent West, although this problem affects millions throughout the developed world. 

Some nutritionists argue, however, that this conventional view is too optimistic, because the content of all minerals in foods is heavily dependent on the mineral content of the soil from which those foods are derived. The assumption must therefore be that the continuing de-mineralisation of farm soils has led to a reduction in the amount of dietary iodine commonly consumed. 

Fish and other seafood, however, remain a relatively rich source because these ocean creatures concentrate the sea's iodine in their flesh. Though not commonly eaten in the West, seaweed, or kelp, is also an excellent source of iodine for this reason, and is readily available in the form of a dietary supplements. Dairy products and certain meats may also be a good source, particularly where iodine is routinely added to farm animal feed. But in countries, including most of Western Europe, where animals are grazing fields growing on iodine depleted soils, levels are likely to be much lower. 

So even in the West, those not including fish or seafood in their diets, and not using iodised or sea salt, may be at real risk of deficiency. In an effort to compensate for low levels of dietary iodine, the mineral has been routinely added to ordinary table salt in the US for many years. But the practice is not as common in the UK and other European countries, where specially iodised or natural "sea-salt" has been marketed more as a luxury alternative. The problem of insufficient dietary iodine has been compounded on both sides of the Atlantic, however, by increasing concern about the possible adverse health consequences, particularly high blood pressure, of excessive salt intake. Many nutritionists, however, regard these fears as exaggerated, and believe that any such potential problems are far less serious than the consequences of an insufficiency of iodine, and may be easily resolved by the use of the low sodium salt alternatives available. 

Iodine, however, cannot in any case be regarded as a luxury. Its essential function lies in the production of the vital thyroid hormones; thyroxine, sometimes known as T4, and tri-iodothyronine, or T3. And as is well known, these hormones are crucially important in ensuring a healthy metabolic rate and the release of energy from food; so an underactive thyroid gland is commonly the villain in cases of excessive weight gain, particularly where this of sudden onset, and in cases of difficulty in losing weight even when following a sensible reducing programme. A healthy thyroid gland is also crucial for the optimal functioning of the immune system. 

But perhaps even more importantly, iodine deficiency is also known as a major cause of avoidable brain damage; a problem which the World Health Organisation has estimated to affect an astonishing 50 million people worldwide. Sadly, many of these cases occur in children whose mothers were iodine deficient in pregnancy, resulting in a condition of severely retarded brain development known as congenital hypothyroidism, or "cretinism". Even where such catastrophic consequences are avoided, iodine deficiency in childhood may also have serious effects on the developing brain, leading to low energy and motivation for learning, and measurable impairment of IQ scores. 
Since 2001 the Food and Nutrition Board of the US Institute of Medicine (FNB) has prescribed a Recommended Dietary Allowance for iodine of 150 mcg for all individuals over 14, rising to 220 mcg for pregnant women and 290 mcg for those breastfeeding. Somewhat confusingly, however, an excessive consumption of iodine is also associated with a malfunctioning or enlargement of the thyroid gland, as well as mouth ulcers, headaches and gastric upsets, and the FNB therefore advises an upper safe limit for daily iodine consumption of 1,100 mcg for adults. Most people eating a conventional Western diet are unlikely to exceed this level. 

With the possible exception of pregnant and breastfeeding women, people in the West who use liberal quantities of iodised salt as a regular seasoning are unlikely to need further supplements. But many commercial multi-mineral preparations contain iodine in reasonable quantities, usually in the form of potassium iodide, and whilst not perhaps strictly necessary, such supplementary doses will do no harm and may be regarded as a useful insurance policy given that, like all minerals needed by the body, iodine functions best in the presence of adequate supplies of all the others. And it should be particularly noted in this context that the effects of any deficiency of iodine may be intensified by any deficiency of selenium, iron or vitamin A. 


About The Author 
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter and journalist with a particular interest in health and wellness.

Article Source:   www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7168.shtml