Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Save Your Own Life - Cleanse Your Colon!
By M Alan Roberts




It is a gross topic. Nobody really likes to discuss their digestive tract. However, if you don't address the serious issues or are too afraid to face the grossness, you're going to die before your time. Shocked? What is more shocking is that the vast majority of people on this planet, especially Americans, abuse their bodies every day. They do not exercise. They do not watch their food intake. As a matter of fact, most of us are downright slobs.



We have to face the facts. Every day we expose ourselves to herbicides, pesticides, chemical additives in our diet, and trace elements of metallic substances found in our air and water. We bombard our bodies with barrages of unhealthy killers almost constantly. What happens is that these murderers of life leave behind a plaque within our intestines and colons. It accumulates over the years.



As your digestive tract becomes more and more polluted over time, your system becomes toxic. In effect, we create poisonous pollution factories within our bowels. Our blood supply circulates around these factories picking up microscopic particles of toxins and delivering them throughout the rest of our bodies. This causes diseases. It is almost a cliché to hear your health professionals proclaim that health begins in the digestive tract.



It should not come as any surprise to you that we need to clean our digestive tracts. Colon cleansing through fasting with the help of natural herbal remedies can add years to our lives. You are the CEO of your own life! You are the captain of your body. You cannot continue to just abuse yourself every day, year after year, and not expect to have to pay the price for it. What is the price you may ask? That depends on your individual level of abuse.



You might simply lack energy. You may feel sluggish and not be able to think straight. You may develop cancer in your colon. You may live in agony before dying young. These are not empty statements. However, there is still hope for all of us. While the thought of cleaning out your toxic factories held in your digestive tract may seem disgusting, it is far more disgusting to let those warehouses of death continue to function within you. The simple fact is that it does matter very much what you put into your body.



We have to modify our food intake. We are not meant to live on Big Macs, French fries, milkshakes and the like. Nature provides us with healthful foods to eat. Take the first step in saving your own life today. Cleanse your digestive tract. Explore the realm of fasting periodically. Change your eating habits. Learn how delicious natural and healthful foods can be. Train your mind to accept a new healthy lifestyle. When you regularly clean yourself from the inside out, it's really a beautiful thing. What's really gross is to leave all of that toxic build-up inside of you. Enjoy your health!




M Alan Roberts is a full-time professional freelance writer and web developer. He is available for consultation at http://www.10-4Life.com Please visit often and be happy!



Article Source: www.ezinearticles.com

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Herbal Acid Reflux Remedies
By Ricky Lim




Even though there have been several scientific advances made when it comes to treating acid reflux, many people still find that herbal acid reflux remedies are still the most common way for treating this disorder naturally. You can use ingredients that are readily available in the kitchen.



A lot of people will find these kinds of remedies as being economical and will feel comfortable when using them as they often do not feel as they have an illness. In this article we look at a number of different ways herbs can be used in order to treat acid reflux.



Certainly one of the most common ways for treating acid reflux is through the use of herbal teas. These help to lower the amount of acid found in the stomach and so helps to relieve the symptoms associated with excess acid.



One of the most simple kinds of herbal teas a person can produce at home for themselves is one that contains a teaspoon of aniseed, lavender and peppermint. These are then placed into a cup where 2 ½ cups of boiling water are then poured over the herbs. You now allow the tea to seep for about 5 minutes before you strain it. If you are someone who likes their drinks a little sweet then you can include a little honey to the tea after it has been strained. It is important that you drink around 8 ounces of this tea first thing in the morning and the same again in the evening.



Another very simple way of treating acid reflux is through eating pineapple. This particular fruit contains an enzyme which helps to reduce the inflammation caused by acid reflux as well as helps to heal the damage that the acid has caused. There is one particular enzyme found in pineapples called Bromelain which reduces the amount of protein found in the food a person eats and will then help to make digestion of this food much easier.



One other herbal acid reflux treatment you may want to consider using is called chicory root tea. This is a very old herbal acid reflux remedy and in order to make this you will need to boil 1 ½ cups of chicory root(which you should be able to get through your local health food store or a good quality grocery store or even online) for around about 10 minutes. Then leave it to cool down. Once it is cooled you can then drink this tea in order to help relieve the symptoms associated with acid reflux.




Ricky is the online editor of http://www.herbalacidreflux.com, an herbal acid reflux information site. Visit his site today for more information on herbal remedies for acid reflux.



Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Home Remedy for Nail Fungus - Danish Adrian

Do you have nail fungus problem? And still don’t know how to solve your problem? You have tried all the fungus medications without any result or the fungus always relapse. Have you ever tried home remedy for nail fungus? Home remedies for nail fungus might be you best solution for solve your problem.



Nail fungus Infection is called Onychomycosis in medical term. This could be such conditions as athlete’s foot and jock itch. Toe Nail fungus isn't the same as athlete's foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet, but at times the two can be caused by the same type of fungus.



Toe nail fungus is more often affected than finger nail because toenails are warm and moist areas inside your shoes, where fungi can thrive. It can be picked up from public place such as swimming pools, public toilet, sweaty shoes or shower rooms.



Symptoms of nail fungus usually start as white or yellow spot under your finger nail or toenail, and then the fungus spread deeper into your nail, and may cause discolorations, rough surface of nail, thickening, brittleness and crumbling Of the nail.



Toe Nail Fungus is an embarrassing condition. People who have seen a fingernail or toenail damaged by fungal infection wants to avoid toe nail fungus. But most people always try to hide their nail fungus under nail polish or shoes. But actually this make the problem be worst, because toe nail fungus left untreated, it can spread to other nails and lead to painful infection problem. Toe nail fungus may be difficult to cure and infection may come back again.



Here are some home remedies for nail fungus that might help you to prevent or cure your nail fungus:



• Tea tree oil is active as natural antiseptic that helps fight the infection. Put some amount of tea tree oil on a cotton ball. Dab it on the affected toenails and nearby area 2 or 3 times a day.



• Mixture tea tree oil and lavender oil, dab on the infected toenails using cotton balls. Do it 3-4 times a day. Tea tree oil and lavender help fighting the fungus infection and prevent skin irritation and very effective in curing toenail fungus.



• Listerine mouthwash can be used as antiseptic to prevent a healthy toes nail, soak your toes nail in Listerine mouthwash.



• Mixture warm water and apple cider vinegar in equal proportion and soak toenails for 15 minutes, after that dry your toes properly.



• Garlic is a great way to fight with toenail fungus.



Nail fungus infection may be difficult to treat, recur is common. Treating nail fungus need to be patience because sometime can take some time to recover.
But hiding your nail under nail polish or shoes, just make the problem worst when it start to spread to your other nail and become the painful complication.



Home remedy for nail fungus is the most popular treatment in use today. They have been proven to successful treatments that give long term relief and reduce recur. Read more about other Home remedy for nail fungus that might be your best solution to STOP your fungus. Click Here: Best SOLUTION for your NAIL FUNGUS



(c) http://www.betterhealthstyle.com/home-remedy-nail-fungus.htm




It is awful & embarrassing to have YELLOW, THICKENED, DISTORTED,& UGLY NAILS! Find out exactly what the BEST METHOD to Cure for NAIL FUNGUS FOREVER, and solve your problem, instead just hiding the symptoms! Click here: HOME REMEDY FOR NAIL FUNGUS



Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Friday, March 02, 2007

Natural Remedies for Gout - Jason Hunter

Gout is a common disorder, affecting more than 2 million Americans who happen to have extreme levels of uric acid, a waste product from body tissues. Uric Acid is carried by our blood to the kidneys to be flushed out in urine. If you are experiencing gout, either you produce too much uric acid or you produce a normal amount but do not emit enough. Excess uric acid turns into tiny crystals that collect in joints, causing intense inflammation and pain.



Gout is a tremendously painful form of arthritis – so painful that most people cannot bear the weight of a feather on the tender joint. The throbbing pain associated with gout hits at night, turning the skin red-hot and leaving the pretentious joints swollen and tender for 5 - 10 days at a time.



Typically, the big toe is what gets affected, but almost any joint can become tender. Gout is usually seen in overweight middle-aged men who may have a family history of the disease.



If you are suffering from gout here are some natural things you can do.



1. During an attack, rest and elevate the affected joint.



2. The pain around the joint is caused by the tremendous inflammation, so the best thing to do is get a painkiller that reduces swelling. Ibuprofen is recommended.



3. Try applying ice on the affected joint, ice has a numbing effect.



4. Water in large amounts can help flush out excess uric acid before it can get worse.



5. Stay away from foods that are high in a substance called purine. Purine contributes to higher levels of uric acid. Foods you should avoid include high-protein animal products such as anchovies, animal organs, sardines, and sweetbreads.



6. Stop drinking alcohol if you have a history of gout, especially beer. Beer has a higher purine content than many others.



7. If you have high blood pressure and gout, you have big problems. That is because certain drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure actually raise uric acid levels. Try lowering your blood pressure naturally.



8. be careful when taking vitamins, too much of certain nutrients can make gout worse. Niacin and vitamin A can bring on attacks.



It is easy to control mild cases of gout with certain dietary changes. However, if you continue to have attacks please see your doctor, because it can cause permanent kidney and joint damage.




Jason Hunter is a natural health advocate. He is webmaster of a natural health web site called Home
Health and Natural Remedies. He gives advise and alternative treatment options for treating gout
naturally. You can visit his website at: http://www.hhesonline.com/natural_remedies/gout.htm



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Hunter
http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Remedies-for-Gout&id=470733

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Only The Best Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure - Rob Bogie

Eating healthy is an imperative part of living well. What I mean by this is that you need to nourish your body in order to feel great. This is a fact. You can't live day-in and day-out on fast food and expect to feel like a million bucks. You won't! The reality is you'll feel tired, and have little energy to run on. This is plain and simply because fast food doesn't provide your body with the necessary nutrients. In fact, it doesn't offer many nutrients at all. Cheeseburgers and fries are mostly salt, fat and cholesterol. Before you know it, you're seeking out natural remedies for high blood pressure.



Americans are guilty of eating horribly. Many of us eat out twice each day. That's a lot! Most likely it's breakfast and lunch. Everyone is looking for something quick and convenient. Oh, and they want it to taste good, of course. This is a bad habit to get into. Whether you think about it or not, your health depends a great deal on what you consume. When you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, you feel great. Energy levels increase and your appearance improves. Plus there's the small factor concerning your heart. You don't want high blood pressure! Luckily there are actions you can take to prevent high blood pressure. And there are convenient natural remedies for high blood pressure. Some come in the form of pills and others in the form of a beverage. Which you take for your condition is between you and your doctor. Now, one other thing you can do in order to lower your blood pressure is eat low-fat, low-cholesterol foods. Don't saturate your bloodstream with fat and salt. This way your heart doesn't have to work so hard. Eating right makes all the difference.



It's true that some individuals reach the point where medicines and supplements are necessary. Those natural remedies for high blood pressure provided by your doctor may concern your genetics. Part of this affliction is inherited. I know we hate to think about it, but it's true. Fortunately we have more and more natural remedies for high blood pressure to turn to. The sooner you get yours checked out, the better. Live healthy and live well.




This article about Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure was written by freelance writer, Mark Singal for yourhealthfitness.info To view more natural remedies for high blood pressure click the link above



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Bogie
http://EzineArticles.com/?Only-The-Best-Natural-Remedies-For-High-Blood-Pressure&id=458856

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Easy, Natural Ways To Lower Your Blood Pressure Without Drugs - Valerie Alanati

Increasing millions of people have high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and peripheral artery disease. It’s no wonder that blood pressure medications in all their many forms are one of the drugs most frequently prescribed by doctors.



But there are also a number of easy, natural ways to lower your blood pressure that have been proven effective. And natural methods are usually so safe that they can be used in and of themselves to lower your blood pressure or in combination with any medication.



The many benefits to natural blood pressure reducing methods include:



•No annoying side effects



•No visits to the doctor



•No expensive prescriptions



•High level of safety for all ages



•Many are proven to work in clinical studies



•The bottom line: Few risks and many benefits



Closely allied with natural remedies, there are numerous lifestyle changes that will help reduce and control hypertension. Yet despite their obvious benefits, lifestyle modifications are often difficult and frustrating for many people to accomplish.



For example, smoking contributes to high blood pressure and it is as addictive as it is dangerous. One of the first things a doctor will tell a smoker is to stop smoking. But in spite of its many unhealthy, negative effects, it’s usually extremely difficult for smokers to beat their addiction. It often takes many tries for a smoker to quit for good – and until then it takes a toll on your blood pressure and heart.



Another beneficial, but difficult lifestyle change in our modern times is healthy eating. It’s understandably difficult for someone born and bred on fried foods or junk foods to learn to be satisfied with steamed vegetables and other healthy foods.



Despite the temporary difficulties any change always brings, lifestyle modifications that will help get your blood pressure to a healthy level are:



Quitting Smoking

Limiting Alcohol

Reducing sodium

Exercising, preferably 30 minutes each day

Losing weight if you are overweight

Eating a healthy diet

Avoiding stress and getting genuine relaxation



One of the most promising new methods is not just a natural remedy nor a lifestyle change but covers a bit of both. It’s also extremely easy and relaxing to do. This is a new innovation created by combining clinically proven slow breathing techniques with real music. Practicing gentle breathing exercises while relaxing to beautiful music is something anyone can do regardless of age or physical condition. And it doesn’t matter how high your blood pressure is or whether you take medications or not.



Breathing has been used as a healing tool by many people for ages. It’s also recognized as the most immediate way to relieve stress, panic or anger, which not so coincidentally also raise blood pressure. Even if you don't have high blood pressure, these techniques can help calm you when you are angry or stressed. Have you ever been told to take a deep breath when you were upset? Psychologists often urge their stressed or angry patients to do deep breathing exercises. Deep, slow breathing works – on many levels.



It can easily be done everyday without taking up a lot of time and once you get used to it, you may find yourself enjoying it so much you’ll want to do it everyday. It could even become a daily routine before bed, which will help you sleep better. Simply sit back and relax, put on some slow, soothing music and breathe deeply and slowly.



Be sure to ignore any advice you may have heard before about counting your breaths or doing complicated breathing patterns. These are sure to ruin your relaxation and without that your breathing won’t get you the results you’re after. With slow breathing, the more relaxed you are, the greater the benefits. With the right, slow tempo music such as a classical adagio your breathing will naturally slow to below 10 breaths per minute. That’s the range that’s clinically proven to lower high blood pressure.



If you don't have any suitable music, look for a CD of slow, relaxing music, the type made for relaxation or meditation. There are even programs on the market made specifically for slow breathing. Be sure to breathe deeply and slowly, yet comfortably and gently. Overdoing it will result in hyperventilation. You will get better at it once you get used to it. Using this easy method just 15 minutes a day, you could see a nice drop in your blood pressure within just a few weeks. What’s more, it will relax you, reduce stress and anxiety and can even improve your sleep. Breathing exercises, as confirmed scientifically, can help millions of people that are suffering from high blood pressure as well as anxiety and anger problems.




Further resources: Learn more about slow breathing with music to lower blood pressure and get free instructions at http://www.control-your-blood-pressure.com



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Alanati
http://EzineArticles.com/?Easy,-Natural-Ways-To-Lower-Your-Blood-Pressure-Without-Drugs&id=444925

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

The Role of Brown Seaweed in the Treatment of Alzheimer's - Maurice Petersen

Millions of aging Americans worry about Alzheimer’s. If you
forget a name or misplace
you car keys, is it just a momentary lapse, or the beginning
of a slow slide into dementia?
And the older you get, the more likely it is that you will
suffer from Alzheimer’s. But you
don’t have to lay back and wait for the disease to take over
your mind. This article will
discuss some of the tools researchers have come up with to
fight the debilitating affects
of Alzheimer’s.



A Mysterious Killer



Let’s be up front with this. No one knows exactly why people
develop Alzheimer’s.
There has been some research that points to three possible
causes for the disease: Genetic
factors, injury, or lifestyle choices. Researchers
hypothesize that it is a combination of all
three.
Until researchers can pinpoint the cause, finding the cure
is an uphill battle. But there are
things you can do to increase your chances of remaining free
of this debilitating disease.
If you have it already, these same techniques help you treat
the illness.



The Power of Antioxidants



Recent research has turned up evidence that antioxidants may
hold the key to slowing
down the progression of Alzheimer’s in individual patients.
In the study Reduced Risk of
Alzheimer Disease in Users of Antioxidant Vitamin
Supplements (Arch Neurol 2004;
61:82-88), authors Peter P. Zandi, PhD, et. al., analyzed
data from 4740 elderly Utah
residents. They looked for any relationships between
supplement use and the incidence of
Alzheimer's disease.
And though they found "no notable reduction in risk of
incident AD with vitamin E orvitamin C alone or with
multivitamins," taking E and C together was another matter.
In
fact, the higher the doses of E and C (taken in
combination), the lower the incidence of
Alzheimer’s. The authors suggest this is because vitamin C
might help to break down
vitamin E, making it more easily used by the body.
According to Dr. Kerwin, "Both vitamin C and E are
antioxidants which likely reduce
oxidative stress and injury in the central nervous system,
[which] may reduce the amyloid
plaque deposition in the neuronal cells." The authors
further suggest that taking
supplements is especially helpful because of the ability to
take high concentrations of
these vitamins.
In any case, the results from such findings are impossible
to ignore. Antioxidants are
good for you for a variety of reasons. Preventing
Alzheimer’s is just one of the more
important reasons to do so.



A 3,000 Year Old Super Food



You could take synthetic supplements to get your daily dose
of vitamins C and E. But
your body is designed to absorb its vitamins and minerals
from food. So it stands to
reason that a whole food supplement would be the easiest,
safest way for you to get the
antioxidants you need to fight off Alzheimer’s. You may be
able to get higher doses from
synthetic supplements, but one also has to worry about
possible side effects. When you
use a synthetic product you often won’t know how much is too
much until it is too late.



Many researchers have been impressed with the powerful
antioxidant affects of the
brown seaweed called Limu Moui by the Tongans. Many seaweeds have more
vitamin C than an
orange. It is also rich in B1, B2, B12, and vitamin E. When
Original Limu Moui is
concentrated in extract form, you get all of the benefits of
a high dose of these vital
nutrients—but in the correct proportion for maximal health
and wellness.



There isn’t (yet) a cure for Alzheimer’s. But a genetic
predisposition for the disease
doesn’t mean that you will automatically get it. You can
stack the odds in your favor with
healthy lifestyle choices. Exercise. Eat a diet rich in
antioxidants, using concentrated yet
safe sources like Limu Moui extract. As the years
go by you will have peace of
mind, confident in the knowledge that you are doing all you
can to keep that mysterious
killer at bay.



Limu Moui is not a medicine of a drug. While it can
promote wellness, it is not a cure. Do not use
this or any article as a substitute for medical advice.
Consult your doctor.



Copyright © Maurice Petersen 2006. All rights reserved.




To learn more about what Original Limu Moui can do for you, visit
http://www.hellolimu.limupro.com or email Maurice at hellolimu@limupro.com.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maurice_Petersen
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Role-of-Brown-Seaweed-in-the-Treatment-of-Alzheimers&id=433377

Friday, January 19, 2007

Herbs

For those wishing to adopt a natural lifestyle in particular, herbs are nature’s own remedy. They are not merely used for improving the favour of food, even though this is one of their most popular uses. Such herbs as marjoram, mint, rosemary and thyme stimulate the appetite, add zest to food, enhance its taste and are extolled by top chefs, the world over. However, they are, in reality, medicines and, as such, are one of the finest natural cures. However, as natural medicines, they can be very powerful, so use them sparingly and do research or seek advice regarding their use.

Herbs have traditionally been recognized as being among the most powerful medicines known. They have been extensively used by shamans, natural healers and wise-women from all cultures, since the dawn of time. They were also used in the classical cultures of antiquity including China, Sumer, Assyria, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Pliny the Elder, in the 1st century AD, wrote extensively on the efficacy and healing powers of herbs in the treatment of virtually every known illness. Herbs were frequently employed in the preparation of sacred oils and unguents and also as aphrodisiacs. They were also used in religious rituals, in worship, incantations and magical rites.

The medieval era saw an increased culinary use of herbs, but with the growth of Western medicine their medical use gradually declined. Even more so as the pharmacological monopolies became prominent and sought to discourage their use in favour of their own, often inferior products.

Herbs’ efficacy has not waned over the ages, however and we can still benefit considerably from their use. This is especially so as the majority wake up to the often detrimental effects of intrusive surgery and the pill-pushing mania of Western medical practitioners. Innovative individuals are increasingly prepared to take responsibility for their own welfare and seek to resurrect the ancient tried and tested natural alternative remedies. They are becoming aware that herbs will allow the maintenance and restoration of health, even faced with serious or long-term illness.

Herbs are the dried parts of various plants including shrubs, trees, flowers and ferns. They invariably contain many powerful ingredients that can actually promote the body’s self-healing mechanisms. They all contain one or more active ingredient like vitamins, minerals, enzymes and essential oils. Naturally non-toxic, herbs can be taken singly, or in combination with other herbs. It is precisely this non-toxicity which makes them safe and effective to use as antidotes for a multitude of conditions and ailments.

Herbs have a mild, but profound affect on the body. Rather than suppressing symptoms, as Western medicines do, herbs restore the body’s natural balance. They tone the body's organs and glands, to supply the body with vitamins and nutrients, thus aiding the body to eliminate harmful toxins, which have accumulated through a lifetime of eating the wrong food. Once free of impurities, the body begins to regain its natural strength and allows our natural internal healing processes to begin to restore homeostasis or natural equilibrium. Herbs are indeed nature’s gift.


About the Author: Independent Author in Thailand

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Immediate Pain Relief For Gout - Kathy Love

Gout is a very painful health problem that usually effects the big toe. It can, however, effect other joints such as the fingers, knees, etc. It is caused by the build up of crystals of uric acid depositing in the tissues of the body. When the body is unable to break down uric acid it accumulates causing inflammation of the joint(s). Uric acid is also known for causing kidney stones.



Normally, uric acid dissolves in your blood and then passes through your kidneys into your urine. Sometimes your body either produces too much or excretes too little of this acid. When that happens uric acid can build up forming sharp, needle-like crystals (urate) in a joint or surrounding tissue that causes pain, inflammation and swelling. The cause of intense pain is when inflammation occurs in the joint as white blood cells surround the uric acid crystals. This causes intense pain, heat and redness



Gout occurs more often in men than it does in women, but women are more susceptible after menopause.



Here are some things you can do for immediate pain relief:



You can make a charcoal/flaxseed poultice. You mix 1/2 cup activated powdered charcoal and 3 tablespoons finely ground flaxseed. Add warm water until you create a paste. Put the paste directly on the affected area and cover with a cloth or some plastic. Change the dressing every four hours or leave on over night. Be sure to cover the poultice carefully as charcoal can stain your bedding or clothing. You can also take activated charcoal orally to lower uric acid levels. Take 1/2 teaspoon when you first wake up, at mid-morning, at mid-afternoon and again at bedtime.



You can use a Castor oil pack. Soak a piece of white flannel in warm Castor oil, wring out excess and place over the affected area. You then cover it with plastic wrap and apply heat using a heating pad or hot water bottle. Do this twice daily for about one hour.



Reduce pain by alternating hot and cold applications. Soak the joint in hot water for three minutes and then in cold water for a half minute. Do this about three times,



Use an Epsom salt foot bath. Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of Epsom salts in a pan or basin of hot water big enough to put your foot in. Soak your foot for about a 1/2 hour. You can also take a whole body bath in Epsom salts. This is especially helpful if the gout pain is in another part of the body. There are usually instructions on the Epsom salts package but you should use about one or two cups.



Any one of these remedies should work to give you some immediate relief, but in order to eliminate gout for good you will need to do some research on how to lower uric acid levels in your body. You should also support your kidneys using supplements, herbs and foods that improve kidney function.




Kathy Love is the creator and webmaster for http://www.natural-cure-remedy.com where she has compiled information about natural cures and remedies for various health problems and ailments. For more information about gout, go to my web page at http://www.natural-cure-remedy.com/gout.html



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Love
http://EzineArticles.com/?Immediate-Pain-Relief-For-Gout&id=420265

Monday, January 08, 2007

The Natural Way To Cure A Headache - Steve Hill

Are you the type of person who suffers with a lot of headaches? Are you looking for a solution to your headache problems? Would you like to hear about how other people go about curing their headaches? A couple of years ago I would have answered yes to all of these questions, however I have now found a way to beat my own headaches. In this article I will describe how I go about doing this.



Ever since I have been a child I have always suffered with at least three headaches per week. I have never really known as to why this should be and because the headaches were never really that severe I did not ever seek any form of help via a doctor.



In my early twenties the headaches did start to become a lot worse and this is when they really became a problem for me as they were now affecting my work and social life.



It was now time to book an appointment with my local doctor. My doctors name is Ian and I have to say he is very good at what he does, however on this occasion for whatever reason he was unable to help me in any medical way and said that he thought it may of been because of stress.



Ian may well have been right as I am the type of person who stresses quite a lot. I do however find it hard to reduce the amount I stress and therefore still needed to find a way to stop those annoying headaches.



I then, just by chance, stumbled across what was to become the solution to my headache pains. I was talking to a good friend of mine who decided to give me some headache advice. He stated that I should drink coffee with a little bit of whiskey in and also to take a steaming hot bath!



This advice seemed a bit crazy to me. I did however give it a go and am happy to report that it works for me.




Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:



stuttering



headache cure



herbal health therapy



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Hill
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Natural-Way-To-Cure-A-Headache&id=409338

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Flax - A Role In The Treatment Of Cancer - Lac Tran

p>Lignan, a fiber found in flax, is the latest hope in the treatment of cancer Flax - the plant that gave grateful world the classic look of linen - hot research property nowadays. Prized for millennia as a source of seeds and cooking oil as well as cloth, the flax plant has also been long celebrated for its medicinal properties, especially in easing coughs. But the therapeutic potential of flax really took off in the late 20th century, when scientists found that flax seed is rich in alpha linolenic acid, an inflammation-alleviating omega-3 fatty acid.



The latest substance in the scientific spotlight: flax lignans. While many plant foods supply this unique type of fiber, flax seed is the richest possible source. Question is, what makes lignans so special?



Hormonal Shifts



Sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone affect a lot more than just libido and reproduction; if these powerful substances go out of balance, they can actually stimulate the overgrowth of breast or prostate tissue (which may lead to breast or prostate cancer). Lignans act as phytoestrogens. When they are ingested, the body transforms them into a form that keeps hormones from over-stimulating cells, a process that helps support healthy cell growth. Lignans also interfere with enzymes that can promote cancer development and therefore may be helpful in the treatment of cancer.



Populations that eat lignan-rich diets have lower breast cancer rates, and early research suggests that increased lignan intake may help protect breast tissue through cancer prevention. In one study, women newly diagnosed with breast cancer who ate muffins made with 2 1/2 tablespoons of flaxseed every day experienced reduced tumor growth (Breast Cancer Research & Treatment 11/00) suggesting a role for flax in the treatment of cancer. This may explain why some women find relief from mild menopausal miseries after taking flax lignans.



Lignans are antioxidants, substances that can keep harmful free radicals from ping-ponging through tissues; scientists think that’s why flax lignans have shown an ability to lower cholesterol and act in cancer prevention. Flax also appears to have an ability to reduce stress; among post-menopausal women who ate three different flax diets, the ones who consumed more lignans experienced the biggest drop in both stress hormone levels and blood pressure (Journal of the American College of Nutrition 12/03).



FLAX FACTS



What is it?: A plant, I.inum usitatissimum, used for food, clothing and remedies What it does: Flax seeds are high in an anti-inflammatory omega-3 fat called alpha linolenic acid; recent research has focused on flax lignan, a fiber that shows promise in the both the prevention and strong treatment of cancer, keep arteries clear and reduce prostate enlargement



Keeping Men Comfortable



While women certainly benefit from lignans, flax can be beneficial for men too. Prostate cells, like breast cells, can be kicked into overdrive by hormones which may result in prostate cancer. A pilot study at Duke University suggested that flax lignans, combined with a low-fat diet, may reduce cancer risk - yet another indication that flax may be useful in the treatment of cancer. The researchers gave finely ground flaxseed to 25 men with prostate cancer who were awaiting surgery; after a month, all had reduced hormone levels and their cholesterol levels were lowered as well. Tumor growth also slowed (L/ro/ogy7/01)



What’s more, flax’s testosterone-moderating effects appear to help reduce benign prostate hyperplasia an uncomfortable predicament that vexes many men as they age. Rats fed a lignan supplement had comfortably smaller prostates then other rodents, and men scheduled for repeat prostate biopsy who took supplemental flax experienced reduced rates of benign prostatic growth (Urology 05/04). Flax may even help reduce hairloss in men. DHT, the form of testosterone that can harm the prostate, attacks hair follicles and spurs excess oil production in the skin, increasing the chances of pimple formation. Flax lignans interfere with DHT production.



From the tiny flax seed mighty health benefits grow. Some forms of fiber really are special!




Author Bio:




Mitamins Team




bd@mitamins.net




Mitamins' aim is to custom-made the best natural remedies to complement the treatment of your concerns. Our unique process allows you to combine multiple formulas into a single formula, in a single bottle, and avoid overdose and interactions.





www.mitamins.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lac_Tran
http://EzineArticles.com/?Flax---A-Role-In-The-Treatment-Of-Cancer&id=395649

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Fight Fibromyalgia And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome With Natural Supplements - By Darrell Miller


Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is also called chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is known for its symptoms associated with extreme fatigue that cause a substantial reduction in activity level. Triggered by viral illnesses or stressful events, CFS has symptoms including general pain, mental fogginess, flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal problems, headache, muscle and joint aches, allergies to food and medications, anxiety and depression, and a decreased sex drive. CFS patients also are victim to frequent infections, which suppress the hypothalamus and lead to a decrease in the functioning of all glands and their hormones, triggering sleep dysfunction because the body confuses day and night cycles. Therefore, people with CFS have trouble staying in a deep, restorative sleep. 800,000 people nationwide of all ages, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups have CFS at any given time. Although the severity of these symptoms may differ among people, they will hang on or reoccur frequently for more than six months and most commonly continue for three to five years.



Another cause to chronic fatigue symptom is fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). FMS, which is found in about 80% of CFS patients, is a painful shortening of muscles throughout the body, causing many tender knots in the muscles, and leading to a sleep disorder. The tender knots, which are also called trigger points, are the source of the aches and pains that people with fibromyalgia and CFS feel.



Although treating chronic fatigue syndrome is a significant challenge, an integrated treatment approached, individualized to each patient, can improve patients dramatically. The first line of treatment is medications that provide symptom relief, including medications for pain, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, depression and anxiety and flu-like symptoms. However, these medications only put a bandage on symptoms instead of addressing the root problems. As a result, medications need to be supplemented by other supportive treatments such as counseling for emotional and mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep management therapy, and massage.



There are also several vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can have powerful positive effects on a person with CFS. Each of these minerals in a chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia formula should work together to improve energy levels and overall health. Some key nutrients to look for in an energy formula include: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Inositol, Malic Acid, Betaine, Amino Acids, Zinc, Selenium, and Fructooligosaccharides. Each of these is important to ensure recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome and can be found in a powdered drink mix. In addition to the powdered energy drink mix, it is important to also take a vitamin B-complex supplement that is specifically formulated for people with CFS/FMS, which should include niacinamide, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, and choline. This B-complex supplement can help fight against the symptoms of fatigue and mental “fogginess.” Along with a B-complex supplement, people with CFS/FMS should also take an adrenal extract. Because many CFS/FMS patients are suffering from adrenal burnout, which occurs when adrenal glands constantly produce cortisol in response to chronic stress resulting in an exhausted adrenal reserve, it is important to use a glandular therapy regimen to ensure healthy cortisol levels and adrenal function. Be sure to buy an adrenal extract supplement that contains both whole adrenal and adrenal cortex extracts as well as vitamin C, vitamin B6, L-tyrosine, betaine, pantothenic acid and licorice.



Because of continued sleep interruption is the main cause of the symptoms of CFS/FMS, the most effective way to eliminate pain is to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, this can be very difficult; the muscle knots of FMS make it uncomfortable to lie in one position for an extended time, which keeps the patient from getting the adequate amount of deep sleep needed to recharge their “batteries.” Herbal products can be used to help promote good quality sleep. A combination of wild lettuce, hops, Jamaica dogwood, L-Theanine, valerian, and passionflower is specially formulated for those people with CFS/FMS because each herb addresses a different aspect of sleeplessness and muscle tension. Together, these four interventions against CFS/FMS: sleep formula, morning energy drink, energy B-complex, and an adrenal complex can make a noticeable difference in CFS/FMS patients.



Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue can affect ones life for a long time, stop into your local health food store or visit one online for all the above mentioned items to help ease your pain and suffering.



About the Author: Visit VitaNet Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/ VitaNet sells high quality supplements like Fibro Response for a healthy body. Please link to this site when using this article.



Source: www.isnare.com

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Self Hypnosis - Quit Smoking - Develop Self Confidence And Lose Weight Fast - Neil Mighalls

Habits, bad habits in particular can be at the very least be a nuisance and in extreme cases life threatening. Smoking, Excessive eating, Nail biting, these are just a few of the bad habits that a lot of us find hard to overcome. Many people have reluctantly accepted one or more of these as a part of their life and go from day to day wishing that they had the will power or courage to change them.



There are many quick fixes offered from pills and potions to things you stick on yourself, in yourself or even inhale into your lungs. While these work to a degree for some people the underlying problem remains and it is often a constant battle to break free of these habits.



Many of us have tried to either break a habit or change some part of ourselves for the better. We start off full of good intentions and brimming with enthusiasm only to go back to our old ways a short time later. It often seems a never-ending battle that we fight over and over again with little chance of success.



You know there is a way to permanently change these habits without the constant battle of will power and the almost inevitable succumbing to our old ways. We must change the way our conscious mind reacts. The conscious mind receives instructions from the subconscious mind and the subconscious mind always tells the conscious mind to react in the same way.



To change the way our conscious mind reacts we must first change what is stored in our subconscious mind, as it is the subconscious mind that influences the conscious mind to react in the way it does. We do this by reprogramming or changing what is stored in the subconscious mind. When we do this our conscious mind will then react to our desired message the way we have programmed our subconscious mind to instruct it to.



The subconscious mind is the main cause of many of our physical and emotional problems. These problems are often the result of some past event or experience that has been pushed down deep into the subconscious and although the conscious mind often has no recollection of this past event the conscious mind will react in the way it does due to the instructions it receives from the subconscious. It has been conditioned to react in this way by the subconscious mind. These past events can manifest themselves through the conscience mind causing many of our problems.
The only way to change this is to access the subconscious mind and reprogram it to store what we want it to store.



Hypnosis is a way of communicating with your subconscious mind that has been used successfully for Centuries. Hypnosis comes from the Greek term 'ypnos' which means sleep because of the trance like state the hypnotised person attains. The Hypnotised person does not sleep though, in fact they can become even more aware of what is happening around them and if they feel comfortable and safe they will be quite happy to remain in this state while the world continues on at it's own merry pace.



Self-Hypnosis is another option that can easily be done at home with a little practice and works just as well as being hypnotised by a professional hypnotist. In fact all hypnosis is self-hypnosis as it's you who attains the hypnotic state. There are many ways to attain the state of relaxation required for hypnosis. One of the most popular and easiest ways is through the use of audio CD's or cassettes. These tend to help the subject relax and attain the right state for hypnosis to take place.



Because hypnosis affects the subconscious mind it can be used effectively to not only cure bad habits but also to improve confidence reduce stress and attain goals that have otherwise seemed out of reach.



Self-hypnosis is completely safe, it is pleasant and extremely relaxing.



If you want to change undesirable habits into desirable habits but have found it just too hard then Self Hypnosis might be the answer you are looking for.




Visit my website for more information, advice and great tips regarding all aspects of href="http://mindandbody.wordpress.com/">Mind and Body



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Mighalls

Monday, January 01, 2007

Relieve your Menoapausal Symptoms with these Herbs for Hot Flashes - Linda J Bruton

Menopause is an inevitable stage in every woman's life. It is the time when the decline of hormones significantly affects all body systems. Due to this natural drop in hormones, some natural side effects will also occur. One of the most annoying to most women is hot flashes. This uncomfortable hot sensation drives most women to seek different remedies to alleviate the problem, including natural herbs for hot flashes. Hot flashes are not really a disease, even though it may feel that way. These days, the type of treatment you use can be very important to your future health.



Women's Health Initiative or WHI is an organization concerned with issues relating to menopause. In the past, Hormone Replacement Therapy had become the accepted treatment to ease hot flashes. As the popularity of HRT increased, WHI conducted studies to uncover the risks. The clinical study concluded that the risk of having complications is heightened with HRT. Stroke, blood clots, breast cancer and heart disease are some of the related risks. In addition, there are other side effects associated with HRT, such as breast tenderness and leg pains.



Although HRT can reduce the chances of osteoporosis, the other risks can be far more life-threatening. As women and the medical community became increasingly aware of this, many have increasingly begun using herbs for hot flashes. Studies are continuously conducted to explore the benefits of herbs in medicine, especially in terms of hot flashes. Certain plants are found to be effective for relief of the symptoms.



Soy beans are known to contain isoflavones which are effective chemicals to decrease the harshness of hot flashes. Isoflavones also help in the production of hormones to compensate for the menopausal decline.



Another herb which is frequently recommended even by medical science is black cohosh. It has an efficiency percentage of 90% when used to relieve symptoms, making it the most effective herb for hot flashes. Scientific laboratory tests have further demonstrated the advantages of black cohosh. One of the big ones is that this herb neither encourages the growth of the cancerous estrogens nor thickens the lining of the uterus. In addition, there are other health benefits that black cohosh offers aside from those associated with hot flashes.



Other herbs that can relieve hot flashes are red clover plants. Historically, native healers made use of these plants to correct hormonal imbalances. For those women who have allergies to soy beans, red clover is a good alternative. It also contains isoflavones similar to those found in soy, making it another good herb for hot flashes.



Sarsaparilla is another herb that has become a popular subject for studying hot flash remedies, as well as cancer prevention. Just like red cover, sarsaparilla has also been used to correct hormonal imbalance going all the way back to the infancy of this country. To guarantee the effectiveness of these herbs for hot flashes, sarsaparilla can be added to black cohosh and the combined nutrients can be used as dietary supplements for menopausal women.



Natural herbs are safe and economical to use. There are rare side effects reported of those utilizing the natural greens in the environment. However, since the use of these herbs involves traditional medicine, some doctors may express their doubts. On the other hand, before trying any herbs for hot flashes, it is important to discuss it with your doctor first. The severity of your symptoms will have a lot to do with your final choice of treatment.




Discover how YOU can find relief from hot flashes and menopausal symptoms without Hormone Replacement Therapy at Linda Bruton's Survive Menopause site. Pick up your free special report "Coping with Hot Flashes the Natural Way" (a $27 value) by clicking here:
http://www.survivemenopause.com



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_J_Bruton

Thursday, December 28, 2006

A Herbal Remedy Guide To Curbing Hot Flashes - Kevin Birch

For women suffering from hot flashes during menopause and perimenopause, finding a cure is often a long process. But amid all of the synthetic treatments on the market, none compare to natural herbal treatments that have been used for centuries by women in the know.



Hot flashes, which are noted by increased heat and flushing in the face, is common among women approaching menopausal age, and some are afflicted by severe symptoms. Finding relief in the form of natural herbs helps eliminate stress that accompanies the problem.



While hormone therapy is used by many women, others prefer the natural route, taking doses of Vitamin E and Vitamin B to aid in the easing of symptoms. But herbs play an important role in natural hot flash therapy.



Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is used in whole seed and oil form to help ease hot flash symptoms. While there is no hard scientific evidence to back up the support of this claim, women have used it successfully for years.



Evening primrose oil is another herb commonly used to treat hot flashes during menopause. However, this botanical is sometimes accompanied by side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. It’s important to talk to your doctor before combining evening primrose with other medications, such as blood thinning drugs, because it could cause adverse reactions.



Soy products such as plant estrogen, which is found in isoflavones, contribute an estrogen-similar effect to the body to weaken hot flash symptoms. Many women concentrate on using soy-based food products to treat hot flashes, not soy supplements.



Another herbal remedy for hot flash symptoms during menopause and perimenopause is the use of black cohosh. As a short-term remedy, it works well. But side effects can include an upset stomach, so it needs to be used carefully.



With so much controversy in the news about hormone replacement therapy, it’s important that women find reliable natural ingredients they can use to treat various symptoms associated with menopause.



The herbs mentioned here only serve as a small reminder of natural cures you can find to treat a single symptom – hot flashes. There are dozens of other herbs that can help alleviate the other menopausal symptoms women have to endure over the years.




Kevin Birch has suffered from chronic chronic conditions for many years. He has successfully used some of the remedies included in his herbal remedy guide, Effective Herbal Remedies, to manage his health conditions.



Hopefully you will have found this article on Effective Herbal Remedies informative. You will learn a lot more about how Effective Herbal Remedies can help you at http://www.healthwareonline.com/herbs



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Birch

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Use Cinnamon Essential Oil For Cholesterol And Digestive Problems - Lee Dobbins

Cinnamon Essential Oil is distilled from both the bark and leaf of the cinnamon plant which comes from Sri Lanka and Indonesia.



The aroma of the cinnamon essential oil that has been distilled from the bark is similar to that of cassia (Chinese Cinnamon) and it is often combined with frankincense as well as other oriental woods. However, cinnamon essential oil can cause irritation to the skin and should be handled with care. This kind of essential oil is particularly good use in aromatherapy to warm and comfort the person being treated.



Whilst the aroma produced by the oil distilled from the cinnamon leaves is more reminiscent of the smell of cloves than cinnamon because of the large amount of eugenol in it. It is often best mixed with oriental fragrances and as previously mentioned it should be handled with care as it can cause irritation to the skin. Where the essential oil from the cinnamon bark is ideal for aromatherapy where a person wants to feel warm and comfortable that distilled from the leaf seems to refresh and vitalize a person.



The primary components of cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde, gum, tannin, mannitol, coumarins and the essential oils known as aldehydes, eugenol and pinene. As it is predominantly used as a carminative addition to herbal prescriptions.



Some recent studies have shown that if you consume as little as 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon each day you may be able to reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels by as much as 20%. For those patients who suffer from Type II Diabetes and who are not taking insulin it is mildly carminative as well as a great way of treating nausea and flatulence that these people suffer from. Whilst it can be used on its own or as a combination therapy to treat diarrhea.



Chinese Herbalists suggest that people who are in the 70's or 80's and develop a cough which involves the spitting of whitish phlegm from their throats of a frequent basis should chew and swallow a small pinch of powdered cinnamon. This remedy also seems to help those people who suffer from cold hands and feet (especially at night).



Not only is cinnamon great for helping with appetite loss and indigestion problems as well as dealing with flatulent dyspepsia, dyspepsia with nausea, intestinal colic as well as digestive atony which is associated with colds and other debilitating conditions. It can also help to relieve the effects of nausea and vomiting and because it is mildly astringent is particularly useful to use on infantile diarrhea.



Certainly the essential oil found is cinnamon is known to be a potent antibacterial, anti-fungal and uterine stimulant and there are certain terpenoids found in this oil which are believed to account for the medicinal effects cinnamon has.



Although test tube studies carried out show that cinnamon can augment the action of insulin no clinical trials have yet proved that cinnamon can improve the action of insulin in people who suffer from diabetes. There are more than 170 million around the world who suffer from diabetes and this number continues to rise. May be many of these could actually benefit from being able to take such an easily accessible product. There is evidence to show that this spice has the power to cut blood sugar levels nearly as much as statin drugs.



It is believed that a substance known as MHCP is the reason why cinnamon reignites the body's fat cells to respond to insulin and this dramatically increases the removal of glucose.



There have also been a couple of studies carried out which reveal new evidence that act as an anti-inflammatory agent, along with being an anti-oxidant agent and ones that can lower cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose as well as improve the functioning of insulin in the body.



In fact it can not be denied that the power of cinnamon can not be denied in helping some diabetics or pre-diabetics.



However, it is important that you talk to your doctor prior to taking cinnamon in case it has any effects on the medications you are already taking.



Essential oils by themselves are very powerful and cinnamon essential oil should never be taken internally unless under the supervision of a qualified professional.




Lee Dobbins writes for http://essentialoils.health-g8way.com where you can learn more about essential oils and their uses as well as more about cinnamon essential oil.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Natural Remedies For Treating a Cold - Simon Mitchell

Sometimes it can be hard to escape that shivery feeling that happens when you get too cold. A good immediate remedy for this is to wrap yourself up in a douvet and stick a hairdryer up it, (making sure the air flow is not restricted) until you feel warmed up.



Colds are the body's escape mechanism. When the whole system is overloaded it crashes. The body stresses out and the immune system drops its threshold. The nose releases toxic wastes in the form of mucous and the body often aches and feels exhausted. Pay attention to what your body is saying because an unchecked cold can become far more serious if you keep it buried.



If you are one of those people who can tell when you have a cold coming on, then it can be stopped, or at least minimised, in several ways. Firstly, rest is essential. There is no way your body will self-heal in a stressful situation. If you have to work, take it easy or delegate a bit more. Lemon juice, rose hips, parsley (not if you're pregnant) and fresh orange all contain vitamin C, so take them.



Some colds can actually be completely stopped dead by gently sniffing a mixture of lemon juice and warm water up your nose, if you are brave enough. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds contain zinc which is important in cold prevention so take some of those. Otherwise its time to sweat those built up toxins right out through the skin. Start with a peppermint tea and take some garlic or garlic capsules. Then boil a large onion in milk for an hour, eat it, and drink the milk. Follow on with a steaming cup of lemon juice, honey, cinnamon and grated ginger which will stimulate circulation and sweating. Enjoy it in a mustard footbath which will also warm up the blood - use multiple and layered remedies and take them as an opportunity to treat yourself.



For a mustard footbath, take 1 tsp. yellow powder mustard and one of household soda (if you have hard water) and put them in a deep basin with some water as hot as you can stand. Keep your feet and lower legs in for about ten minutes, topping the bath up with fresh hot (not boling) water. Dry off, put on thick socks and climb into a freshly warmed bed, the earlier the better.




Nature's First Aid http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/natkit.html



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Mitchell

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Medical Conflicts-of-Interest: A Thing of the Past - Joseph Kraft, MD

Recently I had been asked to give my opinion about a new “breakthrough” nutritional supplement that is being aggressively marketed through network marketing programs. As a physician who tries earnestly to be objective about what I see in the mainstream press, I have come to realize that the medical community no longer adheres to the high standards that not long ago were seen as a moral “high ground”. Now, I am seeing my physician “colleagues” becoming spokespersons for multi-billion-dollar network marketing programs. Is there such thing as a conflict-of-interest anymore? This question is not rhetorical. Has our society completely embraced the idea that it is OK for a physician to prescribe a medicine or supplement that he himself is selling and getting profits from? Have we, as a society decided that there needs not be any distinction in moral conduct between a physician and any other salesman? It seems apparent to me that this is the case. One quick perusal of the “medicine and healing” isle at your local Barnes and Noble bookstore will demonstrate this. So why has this change taken place and what does it mean for people that are seeking the truth in medicine?



The Cause of the Moral Decline in Medicine:



First, 21st century physicians have to work harder and longer for less money. Due to the increasing amount of legal documentation that must accompany each patient encounter, fewer patients can be seen in any given day. I now spend approximately 2/3 of my time doing paperwork and 1/3 actually caring for patients. This has also affected the amount of time that can be spent with each patient. Also, insurance and medicare reimbursements are steadily decreasing. This, combined with skyrocketing malpractice premiums has resulted in a progressive decline in physician income over the past 20 years. I believe that this is one reason that physicians are looking at other opportunities to utilize their medical degree to make a living, and I can’t blame them for that.



Second, the American public has been so indoctrinated into our paternalistic medical system that they cannot conceive that a physician would actually abandon his oath to society and make recommendations to patients based on his own financial returns rather than on sound medical judgement. This “blind faith” has been appreciated by physicians over the centuries, but times have changed. Most physicians today are not the “public servants” of yesterday that would go out at all hours of the night to render aid to the sick and ailing. No, most of todays physicians are in groups and practice arrangements that are designed to limit their time commitment to their patients thus allowing them more family time. As a family man myself (married 22 years with 8 children), this has been a real struggle for me and was the main reason that I had to leave primary care to become an ER physician with no primary patients to be committed to. The oath that I took when I graduated from medical school (the oath of Geneva) clearly put my patient’s wellbeing ahead of my own or my family. This is a tough oath to take or to live by, but physicians over the generations have taken it. It is this dedication to patients that has created our extremely paternalistic medical environment. We tend to take whatever recommendation our physician gives as unadulterated, educated, and well thought through advice that could never be bought or sold for anything as immoral as financial gain.



If you therefore accept these two facts: first, physicians are making less money by traditional practice techniques, and second, physicians are still inherently trustworthy in the public eye, then it is no wonder that today’s physicians have a great opportunity to utilize this blind trust as a means to market medicine related products to a lay public. Then, as in a perfect storm, the “Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994” enacted by congress allowed nutritional supplements to be sold to the American public without any testing for efficacy or safety. This simply means that now physicians can utilize the trust that has been bestowed upon them to promote to unsuspecting customers (formerly referred to as patients) products that have not yet been shown to be effective or safe…and they are making millions doing it.



So what does this mean for the average American? Please be skeptical of any advice from anybody (and now this even includes medical doctors) promoting products that they are making money from. Look at the facts and get second opinions. After all, you don’t believe everything that is thrown at you by the plaid-jacketed used car salesman and now this applies to physicians as well. Before buying nutritional supplements or miracle remedies, you should always consult the opinion of your own personal physician that has your best interest in mind.




Dr. Kraft is currently a practicing ER physician in College Station, Texas. He originally trained in both Adult Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and has had teaching appointments with Texas A&M and Connecticut Children’s Hospital receiving numerous teaching awards from both. He has been married for 22 years and he and his wife homeschool their 8 children, half of which were adopted from Haiti. He and his family are active in Church and Christian Ministries in Haiti. He is interested in medicine, family relationships, child safety, alternative education, entrepreneurialism, photography, medical missions, orphan ministry, nutritional supplements, and exposing misleading medical marketing scams. He can be contacted through email at joe@mydailyhomepage.com.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kraft,_MD

Friday, December 15, 2006

Cord Blood Banking: Weighing the Pros and Cons - Jimmy Cloward

If you are a parent, or are expecting, chances are you’ve probably heard
about the controversial subject of cord blood banking. This is when you have
some blood saved from your baby’s umbilical cord after birth. The reason for
this is that if your child gets sick or needs a bone marrow transplant, you
will have this blood available. If this could save your child’s life, then
why isn’t it more popular? The answer to this could be the cost of cord blood
banking or it could be the facts surrounding this procedure.



There are many companies in the United States that deal with cord blood
banking, the most well known among these being ViaCord and Cord Blood
Registry. If you’re planning on storing your child’s cord blood with one of
these companies, you may need to save some money first. ViaCord charges
$1,500 to collect the cord blood and then you will need to pay $95 every year
for them to store it. Because they can store it for up to 21 years, it would
cost you $3,500. ViaCord’s direct competitor Cord Blood Registry, is a little
cheaper to collect the blood, charging $1,290. The same $95 annual fee is
charged through Cord Blood Registry.



So after seeing those monetary figures, have your thoughts changed? Let’s now
look at some of the facts about the procedure of cord blood banking. If you
decide that this sounds like something you’d like to do, how likely is it
that you’ll ever need your child’s cord blood? Approximately 1 out of every
2,700 people who bank their child’s blood will ever use it. Something to keep
in mind about that statistic, however, is that if your child had their cord
blood in the bank, doctors would be much more likely to use that before
administering blood from a donor. Even if the blood was taken from a sibling,
there is only a 25% chance that it would be a match. Another positive to cord
blood banking is that it is always available when you need it.



So who should consider banking their child’s cord blood? Everyone has the
option, however children with higher risks of having a condition needing
medical treatment may benefit from this procedure the most. Having stem cells
on hand can be a huge plus if your child has a higher than average risk of
contracting sickle cell anemia, leukemia, aplastic anemia or thalassemia. It
would also be necessary to have if your child is ever in need of a stem cell
transplant, has metabolic storage disorders or immunodeficiencies.



If your baby does have a high risk of having a disease or some other medical
condition similar to the ones previously named, you should definitely ask
your child’s pediatrician for their advice on the subject. So what if you
decide this is something your child needs but you simply can’t afford it?
Well, don’t give up hope yet. There is a place called the Children’s Hospital
of Oakland and they have what is called the Sibling Donor Cord Program. This
program allows you to store your child’s cord blood for free, assuming that
you meet their eligibility requirements. The Children’s Hospital of Oakland
will assist you if your child has a transplantable condition, has a prenatal
diagnosis of a transplantable condition or if your unborn baby has a high
risk of needing a transplant of some kind.



One option you have when it comes to Cord Blood Banking is donating your
child’s cord blood. You can do this if you live near one of the National
Marrow Donor Program Cord Blood Banks in 14 states in North America, which
include Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania
and Washington. The stems cells located in your child’s cord blood could then
be used to save the lives of unrelated children who may need a transplant of
some kind. If you decide Cord Blood Banking is not something you would like
to do, then maybe you could consider donating your baby’s cord blood to
benefit others. Keep in mind, there is no cost for you to donate and donating
poses no risk to your child.




My name is Jimmy Cloward and I am a freelance writer based in Rolla, Missouri. I have written for numerous websites and local newspapers.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Cloward

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Natural Toe Nail Fungus Cure - Ray Rice

In 1996, I contracted a bad case of athletes feet which I must gotten at the WMCA in Cincinnati, OH where I went swimming every week. I made the mistake of letting my athletes feet condition go until my feel were really eaten up with fungus. I also noticed some type of Toe Nail Fungus in my left and right large toe nails, which at first, I didn't really pay much attention to.



In 1997 I finally bought some Lamisil cream to treat my athletes feet. After applying it for about 2 weeks, my athletes feet fungus was gone. Since it worked so well on the athletes feet condition, I thought it would work as well on getting rid of the Toe Nail Fungus so I applied it to my toe nails for the next year, but saw no improvement. In 1998, I went to my family doctor and asked him what he would recommend I do about this condition. He asked me if my toe nails hurt and I told him they didn't. He said that I could take anti fungal pills like Lamisil, but they were expensive... $10.00 per day for 3 months and they sometimes had undesirable side effects or I could just let it go and live with it like millions of other people. So, I decided not to take the anti fungal pills and tried using every type of anti fungus treatment I could find in drugs stores and on the internet and NONE OF THEM WORKED. Meanwhile my Toenail Fungus condition kept getting worst and worst.



In 2003, I moved to Florida and was barefoot most of the time. My toenail fungus infection had gotten so bad in both my large toes that they were yellowed and thick with fungus. And they not only looked bad, they HURT! So in April of 2004 I went to a podiatrist with the intention of requesting a prescription for Anti Fungal Tablets (my last resort). He talked with me about my toe nail infection ( the medical term for toenail fungus is "onychomycosis" ) and how it can actually become life threatening if left untreated. He also told me about the possible side effects of taking prescription tablets and how after his mother- in-law took prescription tablets for a month or so, she lost her sense of taste! He explained that everything she ate, "tasted like cotton". This really sounded scary and made me not want to take any pills. He said that there was another alternative treatment which worked for some of his patients which I could try first before resorting to taking the Tablets, which by the way cost (at the time) approximately $10.00 per day for 3 months - (about $900. for the 3 month period).



I did considerable research over the next week on the internet and came of with a plan of attack to get rid of my Toenail Fungus which also included my doctors suggestion. I have a background in Electronics Engineering and problem solving, so I put my skills to work and came up with a regiment which worked so well that I could hardly believe it! In three months, almost all of the fungus was gone from my toe nails and in 8 months, after my new nails had grown in, my toes were FUNGUS FREE! What a joy to finally be rid of those ugly, embarrassing toe nails. And the best part is that they have remained FUNGUS FREE to this day June20, 2006 and I didn't have to resort to taking those expensive pills.



After my toe nail infection disappeared and my new clear nails had grown in, I went back to see my Doctor When I showed him how my nails had cleared up, he was amazed!




For information on how to how to get rid of toenail fungus quickly, easily and naturally go to http://www.toenailfunguscure.org



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