Cold and flu germs are inhaled with every breath we take. Even in the warm and sunny months of the year, these germs are taken in. So why do we continually get colds and flu? Our body's immune system works hard to try and fight off these unwanted cold and flu viruses.
When a person gets sick, they slow down and will more than likely stay home in hope that they will get better and be able to return to their daily activities soon.
Is it just bad luck that a person can get a cold or flu as many people think? Well, extensive research tells us differently. It has been proven that some things can be done to prevent cold and flu viruses. Becoming a willing host is not one of them.
For the immune system to become stronger, there are four key categories to consider: Sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress management.
If a person loses sleep their body is unable to repair and restore all of its functions, including the immune system. We all know this from first-hand experience: just a couple of poor nights sleep and before you know it, we find ourselves fighting off a sore throat or cold. This is what is known as being a willing host.
Foods can contribute significantly to better immune function. All the necessary anti-oxidants can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Chicken soup, garlic, green tea, mushrooms and cayenne pepper are all recommended for preventing and fighting off cold and flu viruses.
Several herbal supplements and naturopathic remedies stimulate immune system function. Ginseng and Echinacea have been found to be of benefit after being tested in several clinical trials. These products are very well known because they have a good reputation for working, and they are available in health food stores and pharmacies.
There are other nutritional products that can be beneficial in preventing cold and flu viruses. They are vitamins A, C, E, zinc, astragals, aloe vera and beta-glucan.
Junk foods and sugar should not be part of your diet if you are trying to prevent cold and flu viruses. Other harmful addictive substances and tobacco can damage the body's immune system.
Exercise is also a highly significant and well-known method of preventing colds and flu. People, who run often and participate regularly in any form of exercise, very rarely get any type of cold or flu virus.
Excessive levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, can be associated with some cancers, post-traumatic stress disorder, Type two diabetes, anxiety and depression. Health practitioners recommend natural stress management strategies as an important part of maximum health.
For the most part, it is the simple yet practical choices that we make which will determine whether one will come down with any type of cold or flu virus. A person cannot get more natural remedies for preventing any type of cold and flu viruses than, plenty of sleep, good diet, and the right amount of exercise and stress management. Not to mention that they are known to work, and there are no negative side effects.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
Superfoods for Super Bones
Many people believe that the primary cause of osteoporosis is the lack of calcium in their diet. However, in the overall picture, calcium is only a small piece of the puzzle. Though calcium supplements can certainly help, there are other dietary concerns that need to be examined.
Actually, the primary dietary cause of osteoporosis is the eating foods that are highly acidic in nature, such as refined white sugar, refined white flour, high-fructose corn syrup, soft drinks, cookies, candies, sweets, desserts, and anything containing sweeteners. The over-consumption of these products causes the pH level in your blood to become very acidic. In an attempt to counterbalance this, your body reaches out for any calcium and magnesium it can find, and releases those into your bloodstream in an attempt to keep the pH level at a healthy balance.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Diseases That Could Destroy Your Liver
There are many diseases associated with the liver. This brief article is going to cover some general information about three major and most common diseases that can affect the liver.
First of all, Jaundice. Yellow Jaundice is a diseased state in which bile accumulates in the blood stream and colors all the body tissues yellow. This is first noted in the whites of the eyes, but eventually it covers the entire body and may even be seen in urine and perspiration which may have a yellowish tint. This disease is usually caused by one of these three situations. Firstly, it may be an inherited disease involving the spleen. Secondly, it may be due to gallstones blocking the duct from the liver. Thirdly, it may be caused by a liver infection commonly known as Hepatitis.
Uncovering the exact cause of jaundice may be a very difficult task even for the most learned physicians. Besides requiring an accurate and lengthy history, a detailed examination is necessary along with numerous laboratory tests to confirm or dispel all possibilities. We should realize that only the physician is qualified to recognize the extremely serious symptoms of this disease. Though its cause may be deeply rooted, jaundice is often relieved through good medical treatment. Do not self medicate for this disease as delays in getting treatment may result in worsening of the condition.
The second disease that may harm the liver is Hepatitis. Hepatitis is often caused by a viral attack on the liver in which painful swelling of the organ may be felt on the right side of the body. It has a long course of recovery and full recovery is not guaranteed, although many patients do recover fully. The symptoms of hepatitis has a slow onset and therefore, difficult for early detection. It is usually accompanied by the usual fever, a distinct loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Jaundice also frequently occurs with hepatitis, a disease which demands the very best of medical care.
The third disease that is commonly known to damage the liver is the cirrhosis of the liver. Although it is one of the most common liver diseases, it is also one of the most poorly understood. The liver has a roughened, hobnail appearance which was formerly thought to be the direct result of chronic alcoholism. As its cause still remains a mystery, it may exist undetected for many years.
Occasionally, swelling of the abdomen from an accumulation of watery fluids within may arouse the patient's suspicion that something is wrong. At other times, sudden vomiting of large amounts of blood from a ruptured, enlarged vein within the stomach is the first indication of disease.
In the later stages of cirrhosis, blood cannot circulate easily through the liver and is forced to find and build new channels through which to flow. Large veins can then be seen on the surface of the abdomen and the skin covering the chest wall of these individuals. Cirrhosis usually is diagnosed after it has existed a long time, and is then considered incurable but physicians can usually prolong life comfortably through medication, blood transfusions, diet and other measures.
The liver is one of our most vital organs. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle and diet is important in preventing these life threatening diseases. Continued study of liver functions and diseases are being carried out constantly in many medical research programs in the hope of providing patients with a better quality of life.
First of all, Jaundice. Yellow Jaundice is a diseased state in which bile accumulates in the blood stream and colors all the body tissues yellow. This is first noted in the whites of the eyes, but eventually it covers the entire body and may even be seen in urine and perspiration which may have a yellowish tint. This disease is usually caused by one of these three situations. Firstly, it may be an inherited disease involving the spleen. Secondly, it may be due to gallstones blocking the duct from the liver. Thirdly, it may be caused by a liver infection commonly known as Hepatitis.
Uncovering the exact cause of jaundice may be a very difficult task even for the most learned physicians. Besides requiring an accurate and lengthy history, a detailed examination is necessary along with numerous laboratory tests to confirm or dispel all possibilities. We should realize that only the physician is qualified to recognize the extremely serious symptoms of this disease. Though its cause may be deeply rooted, jaundice is often relieved through good medical treatment. Do not self medicate for this disease as delays in getting treatment may result in worsening of the condition.
The second disease that may harm the liver is Hepatitis. Hepatitis is often caused by a viral attack on the liver in which painful swelling of the organ may be felt on the right side of the body. It has a long course of recovery and full recovery is not guaranteed, although many patients do recover fully. The symptoms of hepatitis has a slow onset and therefore, difficult for early detection. It is usually accompanied by the usual fever, a distinct loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Jaundice also frequently occurs with hepatitis, a disease which demands the very best of medical care.
The third disease that is commonly known to damage the liver is the cirrhosis of the liver. Although it is one of the most common liver diseases, it is also one of the most poorly understood. The liver has a roughened, hobnail appearance which was formerly thought to be the direct result of chronic alcoholism. As its cause still remains a mystery, it may exist undetected for many years.
Occasionally, swelling of the abdomen from an accumulation of watery fluids within may arouse the patient's suspicion that something is wrong. At other times, sudden vomiting of large amounts of blood from a ruptured, enlarged vein within the stomach is the first indication of disease.
In the later stages of cirrhosis, blood cannot circulate easily through the liver and is forced to find and build new channels through which to flow. Large veins can then be seen on the surface of the abdomen and the skin covering the chest wall of these individuals. Cirrhosis usually is diagnosed after it has existed a long time, and is then considered incurable but physicians can usually prolong life comfortably through medication, blood transfusions, diet and other measures.
The liver is one of our most vital organs. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle and diet is important in preventing these life threatening diseases. Continued study of liver functions and diseases are being carried out constantly in many medical research programs in the hope of providing patients with a better quality of life.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Probiotics And Their Effect On The Body
Probiotics are nutritional supplements that contain strains of beneficial bacteria. You might wonder why someone would actually introduce bacteria into their diet. Bacteria are living in your body right now, over 3 pounds of it just in your intestines. That probably makes you want to run to the doctor's office and pick up a prescription for antibiotics. But before you do, you should realize that not all bacteria are the same. Everyone's body has a combination of good bacteria and bad bacteria living in it. The object is to have more good bacteria than bad, and this is where Probiotics come into play. They replenish the good bacteria and allow it to thrive and crowd out the illness-causing bad bacteria. And overgrowth of bad bacteria can lead to, or complicate a variety of diseases and even in an otherwise healthy person can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. Doctors in Europe have long recommended probiotics to their patients, and finally, many doctors in the United States are starting to follow their lead.
Bad bacteria can enter your body in a variety of ways. It's in the food we eat. It's on the door handles that we touch the phones that we answer. In short, bad bacteria are all around us. It enters the body and takes up residence in the small and large intestine, and once there, it flourishes. It latches on to the intestinal wall and begins to affect digestion. It causes inflammation of the intestinal lining and begins to inhibit the absorption of many nutrients. It even begins to produce toxic substances, like alcohols and aldehydes. The least serious result of bad bacteria in the gut is gas and bloating, mild abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. But there are serious side effects as well. Overgrowth of bad bacteria is thought to contribute to many of the intestinal disorders we suffer with, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chrones disease, and Leaky Gut Syndrome. All in all, bad bacteria are bad for your body.
Lucky for us, researchers discovered probiotics, or good bacteria. Most of you probably know more about good bacteria than you think. We've all heard of Acidopholus, right? It is the main culture of most commercially prepared yogurt. We've all been told to look for the label stating "Live and Active Cultures." In essence, yogurt is a very weak probiotic. It contains a specific strain of bacteria that is normally found in our bodies. But this is not the kind of bacteria that makes us sick. This is a good bacterium. And there are many different varieties of it. Good bacteria enter our system, and again take up residence in the intestines. It fights with bad bacteria for nutrients and food, and if there are enough good bacteria, it will crowd out the bad and leave us with a more balanced system. It reduces the amounts of toxic substances in the gut and allows for the more effective production of digestive enzymes, such as lactase, which is needed to digest dairy products. In many cases, people with food sensitivities notice a reduction of their symptoms when they begin a long-term regimen of probiotics. Good bacteria also protect the lining of the intestines and allow our bodies to more easily fight off infection.
There are even more benefits to probiotics. Pediatricians in Finland performed a double-blind placebo controlled study with pregnant and nursing women. They found that women taking probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding reduced the chance of infants developing eczema, and also helped to prevent allergies in babies. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, a doctor who uses a combination of holistic measures and standard drugs to treat his patients, taking a probiotic every day can reduce or reverse problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis, bad breath or body odor, developmental delays in some children, yeast infections, high cholesterol levels, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and frequent colds and flu.
So, while we should all probably take a probiotic every day, there are some times in our lives when we should "double up". Antibiotics are quite effective at killing off the bacteria that make us sick, but they also kill off the good bacteria. And science has shown that the bad always grows back more quickly. You need to actively replenish your system with probiotics to rebalance your body. You should also increase your probiotic intake after vaccinations, when you are sick with a cold or flu, and any time you have diarrhea.
Also, it is important to note that just eating yogurt is not enough. You need a quality probiotics with at least 10 to 16 different strains of live bacteria. Each strain of bacteria works slightly differently with your body, and some strains only take up residence in the small intestine. Probiotics are available in a powdered capsule form, and also as a liquid mixed with dairy. For children, the capsules can be opened and added to their favorite cold drinks. Many brands suggest refrigeration, and probiotics in general have a relatively short shelf life. In a perfect world, you should never heat a probiotic, or add it to a warm liquid, as this will kill the live cultures. But, a study done by Eyal Raz from the University of California, found that good bacteria is just as effective dead as it is alive.
Your doctor may be able to give you additional information about probiotics, though many doctors in the United States are just learning about these supplements. You may find it helpful to search out a doctor who uses a combination of holistic remedies and standard drugs. In any case, you should look into probiotics as a way to improve your health.
Bad bacteria can enter your body in a variety of ways. It's in the food we eat. It's on the door handles that we touch the phones that we answer. In short, bad bacteria are all around us. It enters the body and takes up residence in the small and large intestine, and once there, it flourishes. It latches on to the intestinal wall and begins to affect digestion. It causes inflammation of the intestinal lining and begins to inhibit the absorption of many nutrients. It even begins to produce toxic substances, like alcohols and aldehydes. The least serious result of bad bacteria in the gut is gas and bloating, mild abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. But there are serious side effects as well. Overgrowth of bad bacteria is thought to contribute to many of the intestinal disorders we suffer with, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chrones disease, and Leaky Gut Syndrome. All in all, bad bacteria are bad for your body.
Lucky for us, researchers discovered probiotics, or good bacteria. Most of you probably know more about good bacteria than you think. We've all heard of Acidopholus, right? It is the main culture of most commercially prepared yogurt. We've all been told to look for the label stating "Live and Active Cultures." In essence, yogurt is a very weak probiotic. It contains a specific strain of bacteria that is normally found in our bodies. But this is not the kind of bacteria that makes us sick. This is a good bacterium. And there are many different varieties of it. Good bacteria enter our system, and again take up residence in the intestines. It fights with bad bacteria for nutrients and food, and if there are enough good bacteria, it will crowd out the bad and leave us with a more balanced system. It reduces the amounts of toxic substances in the gut and allows for the more effective production of digestive enzymes, such as lactase, which is needed to digest dairy products. In many cases, people with food sensitivities notice a reduction of their symptoms when they begin a long-term regimen of probiotics. Good bacteria also protect the lining of the intestines and allow our bodies to more easily fight off infection.
There are even more benefits to probiotics. Pediatricians in Finland performed a double-blind placebo controlled study with pregnant and nursing women. They found that women taking probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding reduced the chance of infants developing eczema, and also helped to prevent allergies in babies. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, a doctor who uses a combination of holistic measures and standard drugs to treat his patients, taking a probiotic every day can reduce or reverse problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis, bad breath or body odor, developmental delays in some children, yeast infections, high cholesterol levels, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and frequent colds and flu.
So, while we should all probably take a probiotic every day, there are some times in our lives when we should "double up". Antibiotics are quite effective at killing off the bacteria that make us sick, but they also kill off the good bacteria. And science has shown that the bad always grows back more quickly. You need to actively replenish your system with probiotics to rebalance your body. You should also increase your probiotic intake after vaccinations, when you are sick with a cold or flu, and any time you have diarrhea.
Also, it is important to note that just eating yogurt is not enough. You need a quality probiotics with at least 10 to 16 different strains of live bacteria. Each strain of bacteria works slightly differently with your body, and some strains only take up residence in the small intestine. Probiotics are available in a powdered capsule form, and also as a liquid mixed with dairy. For children, the capsules can be opened and added to their favorite cold drinks. Many brands suggest refrigeration, and probiotics in general have a relatively short shelf life. In a perfect world, you should never heat a probiotic, or add it to a warm liquid, as this will kill the live cultures. But, a study done by Eyal Raz from the University of California, found that good bacteria is just as effective dead as it is alive.
Your doctor may be able to give you additional information about probiotics, though many doctors in the United States are just learning about these supplements. You may find it helpful to search out a doctor who uses a combination of holistic remedies and standard drugs. In any case, you should look into probiotics as a way to improve your health.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Shopping and Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Weight Loss
Don't you wish there was an easy-to-follow practical primer to tell you all the things you should and shouldn't do to help you lose weight? I'm not talking about food choices here - there are dozens of eating plans available. I'm referring to a simple list of do's and don'ts that you can follow in your everyday life to make it easier to stick to your diet. Here are ten tips that I've found work wonders to help avoid temptation and keep me on track.
Shopping Tips
1. Shop the outside aisles.
Supermarkets are designed with the four basic food groups around the perimeter. If you stick to the outside aisles, you'll find produce, bakery, dairy and meat - exactly what you should be buying. Avoid going up and down the aisles where processed 'convenience' foods lurk to tempt you from your good intentions.
2. Don't shop hungry.
It's an old tip, but it works. When you're hungry, everything looks good - especially quick, empty calories. Make it a point to shop on a full stomach and you'll find yourself saving both money and calories.
3. Buy fresh, whole and organic whenever you can.
Processing depletes nutrients and adds calories. If you have a choice, buy fresh vegetables and fruits and whole grain products. Skip the highly processed snack foods and 'convenience' dinners.
Setting Goals
1. Set reasonable, attainable goals for yourself. Remember that a healthy, sustainable weight loss is about 1-2 pounds per week. Setting the goal to lose 30 pounds by next month is setting yourself up for failure.
2. Break your goals down if you have to. The thought of losing 100 pounds can be daunting. Instead, make it your goal to lose 10 pounds this month, or to get through the week without cheating on your diet.
3. Reward yourself! There's nothing more motivating than promising yourself a special treat when you reach a goal - but don't keep rewards just for big milestones. Make a list of positive reinforcers that you can dip into whenever you avoid temptation or need a little boost.
Measuring and Weighing
1. Measure your progress by dress size instead of pounds. Why? One of the by-products of eating healthy and exercising daily is converting fat to muscle. Muscle is denser, and weighs more than fat - but you're still getting smaller, and your clothing will tell you the truth.
2. Measure your food for the first month. Our concept of portion size has been greatly distorted by restaurants, magazine ads and our own eating habits. Invest a month in learning what a real portion looks like - weigh or measure everything.
3. Measure your day in steps - steps walked, that is. Counting the steps you walk each day and aiming to increase them to 10,000 steps daily is a great way to add exercise to your diet. (Hint: Invest in a pedometer!)
Attitude
1. Treat yourself well! Losing weight is something you're doing because you love yourself. Remember to reinforce yourself regularly for your hard work.
2. Focus on your health, not your weight. Eat healthy, exercise sensibly, and put in some 'me time' every day.
3. If you slip, forgive yourself and start again. Every day is a new day, and every day brings you closer to the new you.
Download your free copy of Achieve Your Goals now.
Shopping Tips
1. Shop the outside aisles.
Supermarkets are designed with the four basic food groups around the perimeter. If you stick to the outside aisles, you'll find produce, bakery, dairy and meat - exactly what you should be buying. Avoid going up and down the aisles where processed 'convenience' foods lurk to tempt you from your good intentions.
2. Don't shop hungry.
It's an old tip, but it works. When you're hungry, everything looks good - especially quick, empty calories. Make it a point to shop on a full stomach and you'll find yourself saving both money and calories.
3. Buy fresh, whole and organic whenever you can.
Processing depletes nutrients and adds calories. If you have a choice, buy fresh vegetables and fruits and whole grain products. Skip the highly processed snack foods and 'convenience' dinners.
Setting Goals
1. Set reasonable, attainable goals for yourself. Remember that a healthy, sustainable weight loss is about 1-2 pounds per week. Setting the goal to lose 30 pounds by next month is setting yourself up for failure.
2. Break your goals down if you have to. The thought of losing 100 pounds can be daunting. Instead, make it your goal to lose 10 pounds this month, or to get through the week without cheating on your diet.
3. Reward yourself! There's nothing more motivating than promising yourself a special treat when you reach a goal - but don't keep rewards just for big milestones. Make a list of positive reinforcers that you can dip into whenever you avoid temptation or need a little boost.
Measuring and Weighing
1. Measure your progress by dress size instead of pounds. Why? One of the by-products of eating healthy and exercising daily is converting fat to muscle. Muscle is denser, and weighs more than fat - but you're still getting smaller, and your clothing will tell you the truth.
2. Measure your food for the first month. Our concept of portion size has been greatly distorted by restaurants, magazine ads and our own eating habits. Invest a month in learning what a real portion looks like - weigh or measure everything.
3. Measure your day in steps - steps walked, that is. Counting the steps you walk each day and aiming to increase them to 10,000 steps daily is a great way to add exercise to your diet. (Hint: Invest in a pedometer!)
Attitude
1. Treat yourself well! Losing weight is something you're doing because you love yourself. Remember to reinforce yourself regularly for your hard work.
2. Focus on your health, not your weight. Eat healthy, exercise sensibly, and put in some 'me time' every day.
3. If you slip, forgive yourself and start again. Every day is a new day, and every day brings you closer to the new you.
Download your free copy of Achieve Your Goals now.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Using Hypnosis To Quit Smoking
All habits, inhibitions, and mental blocks are stored in our subconscious mind. With each of these factors there are associated feelings and sensations. Some time in the past these emotional inputs - feelings and sensations - were experienced repeatedly. The repetition reinforced those emotions and made them more dominating than other emotions. The subconscious mind tries to re-live the experience, creates situations so that dominating emotions appear again and again and get further reinforced. As a result the subconscious mind creates and maintains self-made limitations.
To take an example, say a person has a habit of smoking. There are physical and mental sensations connected with smoking. The subconscious mind will try to experience those sensations again. It will create a situation in which smoking will become a "necessity". The data stored with the subconscious will be confirmed and the subconscious mind will happily conclude that smoking is a necessity.
To break any bad habit or limitations set up in the subconscious it will be necessary to change the conviction held by it. The stored emotions of bad habit will have to be replaced with desirable emotions. Hypnotism is one of the methods for changing the beliefs held by the subconscious mind.
There are two broad stages in the process of hypnotism.
1. Relaxation
2. Focus on the problem
In the relaxed condition the subconscious mind is more receptive. You will need to have some perfection in achieving relaxation by practicing stage 1 several times. This is a necessary precondition for hypnosis. After you are sufficiently trained in relaxation you can divert your attention to problem solving. By this technique it is possible to solve virtually any personal problems.
Relaxation
Try to recall an event in which you felt totally relaxed. It could be your recent vacation or meeting with old friends or time you spent in reserve forest away from daily problems. It could be any situation with which memory of your relaxation is connected. If you cannot recall any event you can invent one in your imagination. You can have a combination of real life and imaginary situations.
After deciding the situation you will mentally go there. Write down the steps for going there from your present position. Your steps could be something like this.
1. I am sitting comfortably on my favorite chair.
2. Now I am shutting out my worries.
3. My nerves have calmed down and I am feeling more relaxed.
4. My breathing is becoming more rhythmic and relaxed.
5. I am breathing more deeply. (Concentrate on your breathing for a minute or two.)
6. I am feeling that I have descended into Endcity Park. (Try to remember the park in detail.)
7. I am enjoying the natural surroundings, the smell of fresh air, all around there is feast for my eyes.
8. The atmosphere is so soothing and relaxing.
9. I feel totally relaxed.
10. I am totally relaxed.
After writing these steps, revise and remember them thoroughly because once you start the process of relaxation you cannot break to consult your notes.
In the entire process of relaxation you will be talking to yourself. You can silently talk to yourself or record your talk in your voice and play the recording when you want to relax. While recording speak in slow and soothing voice. For each step give sufficient time in your recording to experience the feelings as if you are really there.
When you are ready to start the process, sit comfortably in your favorite chair. Close your eyes, silently start talking to yourself and go through the steps one by one. (Or play the recording). Give sufficient time and stress to each step to capture the emotions. After you reach equivalent of step 10 given in the example above you can retrace your steps and return back to normalcy. You should practise these steps few times so that you are able to relax quickly at will.
Now you are ready to focus on your attention on resolving the problems. From step 10, or its equivalent, you can go directly to the next stage.
Focus on Problem Solving
There are several methods of concentrating on the problems. A method called 'pattern interrupting' works well for eliminating habits like smoking. In this method you start with writing the steps and feelings associated with execution of your bad habit.
If you wish to quit smoking, make a list of all the steps you take when you smoke. Following steps are only suggestive; you can make your own steps:
1. I am totally relaxed (you will be continuing from the relaxed position).
'2. I have an urge to smoke.
3. I take out a cigarette. There goes my 50c (or whatever the cost of one cigarette).
4. I take out my lighter.
5. I can already feel the excitement of smoking.
6. I light my cigarette.
7. I am now smoking (remember the taste and the sensation of smoking).
8. My cigarette is over and I throw away the stub.
9. The evil act of smoking is over. At last!
10. Feeling of guilt.
11. Feeling of mischievous accomplishment because I finished my cigarette before Anita could see me smoking.
12. Comforting feeling that I will not be smoking for some time at least.
13. I am still relaxed.
14. What a great achievement it will be when I totally quit smoking.
After writing down the steps, try to remember them.
Next time after you are in relaxed stage start with the steps to focus on the problem. Try to re-live the experience. After completing the steps again think of steps 2 to 12 but not sequentially. Think of the steps in random order to break the pattern. Try to think of each step randomly about 3 times.
Now think of desirable steps. For example, you can concentrate on these steps:
1. I am totally relaxed.
2. It is good that my last cigarette is over.
3. It feels great just to think that I will not smoke again.
4. I am happy that I will not have to hide anything from Anita.
5. What a sense of achievement. I have finally quit smoking. I have done it!
6. This is the victory of my will power over my useless habit.
7. I am still relaxed.
After repeating those desirable steps few times you can slowly come back to your normal self.
Hypnotism has amazing power. When used properly it can bring about tremendous benefits. It is a formidable tool and should be used wisely.
Check out this Underground Hypnosis Course.
To take an example, say a person has a habit of smoking. There are physical and mental sensations connected with smoking. The subconscious mind will try to experience those sensations again. It will create a situation in which smoking will become a "necessity". The data stored with the subconscious will be confirmed and the subconscious mind will happily conclude that smoking is a necessity.
To break any bad habit or limitations set up in the subconscious it will be necessary to change the conviction held by it. The stored emotions of bad habit will have to be replaced with desirable emotions. Hypnotism is one of the methods for changing the beliefs held by the subconscious mind.
There are two broad stages in the process of hypnotism.
1. Relaxation
2. Focus on the problem
In the relaxed condition the subconscious mind is more receptive. You will need to have some perfection in achieving relaxation by practicing stage 1 several times. This is a necessary precondition for hypnosis. After you are sufficiently trained in relaxation you can divert your attention to problem solving. By this technique it is possible to solve virtually any personal problems.
Relaxation
Try to recall an event in which you felt totally relaxed. It could be your recent vacation or meeting with old friends or time you spent in reserve forest away from daily problems. It could be any situation with which memory of your relaxation is connected. If you cannot recall any event you can invent one in your imagination. You can have a combination of real life and imaginary situations.
After deciding the situation you will mentally go there. Write down the steps for going there from your present position. Your steps could be something like this.
1. I am sitting comfortably on my favorite chair.
2. Now I am shutting out my worries.
3. My nerves have calmed down and I am feeling more relaxed.
4. My breathing is becoming more rhythmic and relaxed.
5. I am breathing more deeply. (Concentrate on your breathing for a minute or two.)
6. I am feeling that I have descended into Endcity Park. (Try to remember the park in detail.)
7. I am enjoying the natural surroundings, the smell of fresh air, all around there is feast for my eyes.
8. The atmosphere is so soothing and relaxing.
9. I feel totally relaxed.
10. I am totally relaxed.
After writing these steps, revise and remember them thoroughly because once you start the process of relaxation you cannot break to consult your notes.
In the entire process of relaxation you will be talking to yourself. You can silently talk to yourself or record your talk in your voice and play the recording when you want to relax. While recording speak in slow and soothing voice. For each step give sufficient time in your recording to experience the feelings as if you are really there.
When you are ready to start the process, sit comfortably in your favorite chair. Close your eyes, silently start talking to yourself and go through the steps one by one. (Or play the recording). Give sufficient time and stress to each step to capture the emotions. After you reach equivalent of step 10 given in the example above you can retrace your steps and return back to normalcy. You should practise these steps few times so that you are able to relax quickly at will.
Now you are ready to focus on your attention on resolving the problems. From step 10, or its equivalent, you can go directly to the next stage.
Focus on Problem Solving
There are several methods of concentrating on the problems. A method called 'pattern interrupting' works well for eliminating habits like smoking. In this method you start with writing the steps and feelings associated with execution of your bad habit.
If you wish to quit smoking, make a list of all the steps you take when you smoke. Following steps are only suggestive; you can make your own steps:
1. I am totally relaxed (you will be continuing from the relaxed position).
'2. I have an urge to smoke.
3. I take out a cigarette. There goes my 50c (or whatever the cost of one cigarette).
4. I take out my lighter.
5. I can already feel the excitement of smoking.
6. I light my cigarette.
7. I am now smoking (remember the taste and the sensation of smoking).
8. My cigarette is over and I throw away the stub.
9. The evil act of smoking is over. At last!
10. Feeling of guilt.
11. Feeling of mischievous accomplishment because I finished my cigarette before Anita could see me smoking.
12. Comforting feeling that I will not be smoking for some time at least.
13. I am still relaxed.
14. What a great achievement it will be when I totally quit smoking.
After writing down the steps, try to remember them.
Next time after you are in relaxed stage start with the steps to focus on the problem. Try to re-live the experience. After completing the steps again think of steps 2 to 12 but not sequentially. Think of the steps in random order to break the pattern. Try to think of each step randomly about 3 times.
Now think of desirable steps. For example, you can concentrate on these steps:
1. I am totally relaxed.
2. It is good that my last cigarette is over.
3. It feels great just to think that I will not smoke again.
4. I am happy that I will not have to hide anything from Anita.
5. What a sense of achievement. I have finally quit smoking. I have done it!
6. This is the victory of my will power over my useless habit.
7. I am still relaxed.
After repeating those desirable steps few times you can slowly come back to your normal self.
Hypnotism has amazing power. When used properly it can bring about tremendous benefits. It is a formidable tool and should be used wisely.
Check out this Underground Hypnosis Course.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Dietary Supplements - Botanicals
What is a botanical? The study of plants is called botany, so a botanical is a plant, or part thereof, that is valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties. Some people groups have used these botanical – or herbal - supplements for thousands of years to alleviate some conditions. However, even though they are gaining in popularity, many professional health carers in the western world still doubt their usefulness.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (1994) has ruled that before a botanical can be classified as a dietary supplement, it must…
· Be intended to supplement the diet.
· Contain one or more dietary ingredient like vitamins, or their constituents.
· Be intended for use in oral form such as tablets, capsules liquid or powder.
· Be labelled on the front that it is intended as a dietary supplement.
Many herbal remedies meet these criteria. They are also packaged and sold as teas and infusions, tinctures and extracts, and are becoming increasingly popular in western countries, being used to relieve mild conditions instead of what is seen as the harsher chemical alternative.
For instance, ginger in various forms is used to combat travel and morning sickness, because it does not make the consumer drowsy and dry in the mouth as do some other over-the counter, or even prescription, drugs. It can be taken as a tea, a tablet or in the form of a lolly (sweet). There are many herbal products on the market, and some claim to help mental ability, while others are said to increase strength or energy, help you sleep, or cope with stress. Most of them are quite expensive, so make sure you really do need that product before you buy it.
If you have a disease or are on medication of any kind and wish to try an herbal remedy, it would be wise to consult a knowledgeable health professional before doing so. Some herbal remedies have been shown to react adversely to chemical substances.
Many people accept herbal medications as safe because they are ‘natural’, but this is not necessarily so. Many plants are poisonous, or may have serious side effects or give allergic reactions when taken by susceptible individuals. One such case is bee pollen. Just as you can be allergic to bee stings without knowing it (if you’ve never been stung) so an allergy to bee pollen may also be present. While many herbal concoctions can be useful, you should always approach new herbal products with caution. It is better to be safe than sorry.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (1994) has ruled that before a botanical can be classified as a dietary supplement, it must…
· Be intended to supplement the diet.
· Contain one or more dietary ingredient like vitamins, or their constituents.
· Be intended for use in oral form such as tablets, capsules liquid or powder.
· Be labelled on the front that it is intended as a dietary supplement.
Many herbal remedies meet these criteria. They are also packaged and sold as teas and infusions, tinctures and extracts, and are becoming increasingly popular in western countries, being used to relieve mild conditions instead of what is seen as the harsher chemical alternative.
For instance, ginger in various forms is used to combat travel and morning sickness, because it does not make the consumer drowsy and dry in the mouth as do some other over-the counter, or even prescription, drugs. It can be taken as a tea, a tablet or in the form of a lolly (sweet). There are many herbal products on the market, and some claim to help mental ability, while others are said to increase strength or energy, help you sleep, or cope with stress. Most of them are quite expensive, so make sure you really do need that product before you buy it.
If you have a disease or are on medication of any kind and wish to try an herbal remedy, it would be wise to consult a knowledgeable health professional before doing so. Some herbal remedies have been shown to react adversely to chemical substances.
Many people accept herbal medications as safe because they are ‘natural’, but this is not necessarily so. Many plants are poisonous, or may have serious side effects or give allergic reactions when taken by susceptible individuals. One such case is bee pollen. Just as you can be allergic to bee stings without knowing it (if you’ve never been stung) so an allergy to bee pollen may also be present. While many herbal concoctions can be useful, you should always approach new herbal products with caution. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Picture Perfect Posture
Picture perfect posture is something we all strive for, but it doesn't exist. The reality today is that most people's posture falls far short of the ideal. Poor posture is not only unflattering - it's a little known health risk. Worse yet, the adverse effects of postural misalignment tend to slowly and silently accumulate over time until substantial pain and even disability occur.
Hunching over your desk to do computer work all day might not seem problematic, until the damage is done and you realize you can no longer straighten up! By adulthood, most of us have already fallen into some poor postural habits (of which we may or may not be aware). You can check for some asymmetries in your body by looking in a mirror.
As early as age 8, there is evidence of widespread postural changes associated with dominant hand use. A typical pattern for a right handed individual is as follows: right shoulder is lower than the left, Pelvis is deviated slightly toward the right, right hip is slightly higher, slight deviation of the spine to the left, and the left foot is more flat than the right. Some deviations may be only detectable by the trained eye of a professional such as a chiropractor, doctor, or physical therapist, while others may be quite obvious. Many of these postural deviations are thought to have developed because our society has become quite sedentary. (Can you say, "Couch Potato"?) Even young children are exhibiting signs of postural stress related for sitting for long periods of time in school or while playing computer games. It used to be unheard of for a child to complain of neck and back pain not related to trauma. A poor sitting position causes the entire back and pelvis to round out, as well as the head to come forward in a typical "slump" position.
The human body can be visualized as a kinetic chain. Our joints are linked together in such a way that the position of one joint affects the position of all the others. In other words, segments of the body cannot move in isolation. They are all interconnected. When our major joints are stacked appropriately, the human body can be maintained upright with little muscular effort, little stress to ligaments, and equally distributed compressive forces. However, when posture is less than optimal, imbalances cause increased stress to the muscles, bones and connective tissue which affects the whole kinetic chain.
Our modern day society seems to encourage faulty alignment through the repetitive and restrictive nature of certain work related and everyday activities. People who perform the same activity over and over again in the same position are overusing some muscles and underutilized others. Our bodies easily adapt to the demands we place on them. The dominant hand or leg may become very strong, while the non-dominant side weakens, creating widespread strength and flexibility imbalances. Other muscles attempt to compensate until they too become compromised.
Potential sources of pain include muscle spasms and fatigue, ligament strain, pinching of nerves and blood vessels, joint inflammation and arthritis. Individuals may seek medical attention as a result of the chronic pain, functional limitations and disability associated with postural dysfunction. It is unfortunate that we only tend to recognize that we have a problem when our body's are "screaming" at us. Many postural issues go on ignored until the person experiences a traumatic event. The application of an acute stress, in addition to the chronic postural stress, can result in an injury that might otherwise have been very minor. For example, the victim of a rear-end auto collision at only 5 miles per hour is diagnosed with whiplash due to poor alignment of his/her head to their neck which predisposed them to substantial injury.
Neck pain is highly correlated with poor posture and a forward head position (FHP) is often implicated. Ideally, the ear should be vertically in line with the shoulder. The development of FHP is attributed to occupational or repetitive postures requiring prolonged sitting, forward leaning, habitual slouching and as a result poor vision. The best example of this is working in front of your computer. The extensor muscles in the back of the neck must contract excessively to hold the head up and keep the eyes level. The muscles in the front of the neck become overly stretched and weakened. FHP is frequently associated with Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, headaches, pinched nerves, and arthritis in the neck. The position of the head also affects the orientation of the shoulder, arm and hand. FHP may also be implicated in carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist.
Accompanying the adverse musculoskeletal changes is the loss of position sense. Over time, and individual with FHP loses the ability to position the head correctly on the cervical spine. Eventually poor posture progressively begins to feel like the body's norm.
The good news is that correction of postural alignment has been shown to relieve pain and restore function, such as range of motion and strength. Through specific exercises, the joints and muscles can be retrained. You can improve your posture through simple stretching exercises or reorganizing your workspace. Taking frequent breaks can also help (at least 5 minutes every hour). Also, standing while you work when possible. Finally, remember those words from your mother... stop slouching and sit up straight in your chair! Now is the time to do it.
Hunching over your desk to do computer work all day might not seem problematic, until the damage is done and you realize you can no longer straighten up! By adulthood, most of us have already fallen into some poor postural habits (of which we may or may not be aware). You can check for some asymmetries in your body by looking in a mirror.
As early as age 8, there is evidence of widespread postural changes associated with dominant hand use. A typical pattern for a right handed individual is as follows: right shoulder is lower than the left, Pelvis is deviated slightly toward the right, right hip is slightly higher, slight deviation of the spine to the left, and the left foot is more flat than the right. Some deviations may be only detectable by the trained eye of a professional such as a chiropractor, doctor, or physical therapist, while others may be quite obvious. Many of these postural deviations are thought to have developed because our society has become quite sedentary. (Can you say, "Couch Potato"?) Even young children are exhibiting signs of postural stress related for sitting for long periods of time in school or while playing computer games. It used to be unheard of for a child to complain of neck and back pain not related to trauma. A poor sitting position causes the entire back and pelvis to round out, as well as the head to come forward in a typical "slump" position.
The human body can be visualized as a kinetic chain. Our joints are linked together in such a way that the position of one joint affects the position of all the others. In other words, segments of the body cannot move in isolation. They are all interconnected. When our major joints are stacked appropriately, the human body can be maintained upright with little muscular effort, little stress to ligaments, and equally distributed compressive forces. However, when posture is less than optimal, imbalances cause increased stress to the muscles, bones and connective tissue which affects the whole kinetic chain.
Our modern day society seems to encourage faulty alignment through the repetitive and restrictive nature of certain work related and everyday activities. People who perform the same activity over and over again in the same position are overusing some muscles and underutilized others. Our bodies easily adapt to the demands we place on them. The dominant hand or leg may become very strong, while the non-dominant side weakens, creating widespread strength and flexibility imbalances. Other muscles attempt to compensate until they too become compromised.
Potential sources of pain include muscle spasms and fatigue, ligament strain, pinching of nerves and blood vessels, joint inflammation and arthritis. Individuals may seek medical attention as a result of the chronic pain, functional limitations and disability associated with postural dysfunction. It is unfortunate that we only tend to recognize that we have a problem when our body's are "screaming" at us. Many postural issues go on ignored until the person experiences a traumatic event. The application of an acute stress, in addition to the chronic postural stress, can result in an injury that might otherwise have been very minor. For example, the victim of a rear-end auto collision at only 5 miles per hour is diagnosed with whiplash due to poor alignment of his/her head to their neck which predisposed them to substantial injury.
Neck pain is highly correlated with poor posture and a forward head position (FHP) is often implicated. Ideally, the ear should be vertically in line with the shoulder. The development of FHP is attributed to occupational or repetitive postures requiring prolonged sitting, forward leaning, habitual slouching and as a result poor vision. The best example of this is working in front of your computer. The extensor muscles in the back of the neck must contract excessively to hold the head up and keep the eyes level. The muscles in the front of the neck become overly stretched and weakened. FHP is frequently associated with Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, headaches, pinched nerves, and arthritis in the neck. The position of the head also affects the orientation of the shoulder, arm and hand. FHP may also be implicated in carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist.
Accompanying the adverse musculoskeletal changes is the loss of position sense. Over time, and individual with FHP loses the ability to position the head correctly on the cervical spine. Eventually poor posture progressively begins to feel like the body's norm.
The good news is that correction of postural alignment has been shown to relieve pain and restore function, such as range of motion and strength. Through specific exercises, the joints and muscles can be retrained. You can improve your posture through simple stretching exercises or reorganizing your workspace. Taking frequent breaks can also help (at least 5 minutes every hour). Also, standing while you work when possible. Finally, remember those words from your mother... stop slouching and sit up straight in your chair! Now is the time to do it.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Are You Fighting A Cold That You Just Can't Get Rid Of?
Have you ever felt that your cold would never end? A cough that follows a cold can last several weeks making you feel like you will never get over it. However, if you have suffered from a lingering cough, it could indicate you are dealing with more than your typical cold virus. If you've had a cold with a cough lasting 3 weeks or longer you may have developed an infection known as sinusitis.
WHAT IS SINUSITIS?
Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the mucous membranes that line your sinus cavities and nose. A blocked sinus can prevent the proper drainage of mucous - usually because of a cold or allergy. The inflamed membranes cause swelling which can lead to a feeling of pressure or pain in the sinus areas.
A blocked sinus cavity is then susceptible to the growth of bacteria and fungus. The condition can come on suddenly (acute) after a viral infection such as a cold, or become long term (chronic) where the individual suffers from symptoms indefinitely.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE SINUSITIS?
The key distinction between a cold and sinusitis, according to one health manual, is that a cold usually lasts about seven days and symptoms begin to lessen. Sinusitis suffers may experience prolonged symptoms which can worsen with time.
A Mayo Clinic study reported on in 'Prevention' magazine claimed that approximately 1/3 of individuals with chronic coughs (lasting more than three weeks) could be suffering from sinusitis. The research was based on CT scans of the sinuses of 132 patients with chronic coughs.
Other symptoms, besides a chronic cough, that can be linked to a sinusitis infection are: headaches, bad breath, post-nasal drip, stuffy nose, fever and tooth pain.
WHAT DO I DO IF I THINK I HAVE SINUSITIS?
Mild cases of sinusitis can be treated at home with over the counter decongestants, keeping air moist with a humidifier (especially in the bedroom) and drinking fluids to thin the mucus.
If symptoms are not responding to home treatment you may need a doctor to prescribe antibiotics or other medication. Fungal infections, which are not treatable with antibiotics, will need to be treated with other medication or surgery.
A chronic case of sinusitis may also need more intense treatment. Your doctor should be able to determine if you are suffering from sinusitis based on your history. Sinusitis may not be identified based solely on a physical exam.
HOW DO I PREVENT SINUSITIS?
Taking care of yourself during a cold - keeping air moist, drinking fluids and resting - can help reduce the inflammation that can lead to sinusitis. However, repeated colds or allergies may make you more vulnerable. Seek the advice of your physician if you feel that your symptoms are not consistent with a typical cold or allergy and you just can't shake that cough.
WHAT IS SINUSITIS?
Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the mucous membranes that line your sinus cavities and nose. A blocked sinus can prevent the proper drainage of mucous - usually because of a cold or allergy. The inflamed membranes cause swelling which can lead to a feeling of pressure or pain in the sinus areas.
A blocked sinus cavity is then susceptible to the growth of bacteria and fungus. The condition can come on suddenly (acute) after a viral infection such as a cold, or become long term (chronic) where the individual suffers from symptoms indefinitely.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE SINUSITIS?
The key distinction between a cold and sinusitis, according to one health manual, is that a cold usually lasts about seven days and symptoms begin to lessen. Sinusitis suffers may experience prolonged symptoms which can worsen with time.
A Mayo Clinic study reported on in 'Prevention' magazine claimed that approximately 1/3 of individuals with chronic coughs (lasting more than three weeks) could be suffering from sinusitis. The research was based on CT scans of the sinuses of 132 patients with chronic coughs.
Other symptoms, besides a chronic cough, that can be linked to a sinusitis infection are: headaches, bad breath, post-nasal drip, stuffy nose, fever and tooth pain.
WHAT DO I DO IF I THINK I HAVE SINUSITIS?
Mild cases of sinusitis can be treated at home with over the counter decongestants, keeping air moist with a humidifier (especially in the bedroom) and drinking fluids to thin the mucus.
If symptoms are not responding to home treatment you may need a doctor to prescribe antibiotics or other medication. Fungal infections, which are not treatable with antibiotics, will need to be treated with other medication or surgery.
A chronic case of sinusitis may also need more intense treatment. Your doctor should be able to determine if you are suffering from sinusitis based on your history. Sinusitis may not be identified based solely on a physical exam.
HOW DO I PREVENT SINUSITIS?
Taking care of yourself during a cold - keeping air moist, drinking fluids and resting - can help reduce the inflammation that can lead to sinusitis. However, repeated colds or allergies may make you more vulnerable. Seek the advice of your physician if you feel that your symptoms are not consistent with a typical cold or allergy and you just can't shake that cough.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Enhancing Energy Levels Through Meditation
While meditation is most often associated with relaxation and calm, the fact is that meditation can actually increase our level of energy. That is because the stress of modern life can often sap our energy, interfere with our normal sleep patterns and leave us feeling run down and drained of energy. By removing stress and worries from our lives, meditation can have a profound effect on our levels of energy.
Meditation is also important for those with poor self esteem, or those with feelings of inferiority and low ego. There are a number of strategies meditation experts can use enhance the effectiveness of their meditation.
The Aloof Meditator
Meditation can be highly effective at helping cure those with aloof personalities. The reasons for developing such an aloof attitude are many, but this type of attitude often stems from childhood. When children remain quiet, their parents often ask them if something is wrong. This can teach the child that remaining quiet and aloof is an effective way to get attention, and to get what they want. This strategy of aloofness can be inappropriate and harmful in adulthood, and meditation techniques have helped many to overcome it.
Various meditation techniques, including guided meditation, relaxation strategies, and breathing exercises, can be combined in order to allow the aloof individual to focus on his or her mind. This focus on one’s inner self is the first step to healing deep seated problems.
The Victim
Like the aloof personality, the victim personality has learned to gain attention through feelings of illness, or through complaining. Again, meditation can allow these individuals to focus on their inner world and to focus on changing their lives.
It is important for every person to understand their own unique personality, and an understanding of one’s background and personality can be crucial to success. It is important to remember that no one meditation technique will be appropriate for every person, and to understand as well that it may take some time to find the right technique or set of techniques. Every individual is different, and every individual will require a slightly different approach to the practice of meditation.
There are of course time tested strategies for learning to meditate, and most people will end up using a variation of one of these techniques. Some combination of visualization techniques, breathing exercises and calming exercises will be most useful for most personality types.
For many people, simply sitting still and relaxing is enough to enjoy a successful meditation session. Other people will have a much harder time turning off the thoughts churning in their minds. It can be difficult for dynamic Type A personalities to escape the thoughts of the day and clear their minds. While meditation may be more difficult to learn for these often highly stressed individuals, the benefits can be much greater as well. There are many health benefits to reducing levels of stress and anxiety, and learning to mediate is one of the best ways to escape from the stress of the modern world.
Meditation is also important for those with poor self esteem, or those with feelings of inferiority and low ego. There are a number of strategies meditation experts can use enhance the effectiveness of their meditation.
The Aloof Meditator
Meditation can be highly effective at helping cure those with aloof personalities. The reasons for developing such an aloof attitude are many, but this type of attitude often stems from childhood. When children remain quiet, their parents often ask them if something is wrong. This can teach the child that remaining quiet and aloof is an effective way to get attention, and to get what they want. This strategy of aloofness can be inappropriate and harmful in adulthood, and meditation techniques have helped many to overcome it.
Various meditation techniques, including guided meditation, relaxation strategies, and breathing exercises, can be combined in order to allow the aloof individual to focus on his or her mind. This focus on one’s inner self is the first step to healing deep seated problems.
The Victim
Like the aloof personality, the victim personality has learned to gain attention through feelings of illness, or through complaining. Again, meditation can allow these individuals to focus on their inner world and to focus on changing their lives.
It is important for every person to understand their own unique personality, and an understanding of one’s background and personality can be crucial to success. It is important to remember that no one meditation technique will be appropriate for every person, and to understand as well that it may take some time to find the right technique or set of techniques. Every individual is different, and every individual will require a slightly different approach to the practice of meditation.
There are of course time tested strategies for learning to meditate, and most people will end up using a variation of one of these techniques. Some combination of visualization techniques, breathing exercises and calming exercises will be most useful for most personality types.
For many people, simply sitting still and relaxing is enough to enjoy a successful meditation session. Other people will have a much harder time turning off the thoughts churning in their minds. It can be difficult for dynamic Type A personalities to escape the thoughts of the day and clear their minds. While meditation may be more difficult to learn for these often highly stressed individuals, the benefits can be much greater as well. There are many health benefits to reducing levels of stress and anxiety, and learning to mediate is one of the best ways to escape from the stress of the modern world.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Lose Weight Fast For A Special Occasion
If you have just a little weight to lose, and want to take it off fast (say, so you can fit into those great pants for your cousin's wedding), there are a number of diets that you can use. Most of these wouldn't be recommended for long-term weight loss, as they substantially restrict your intake of some essential nutrients, so using them habitually may not be healthy. But if you're normal diet is healthy, and you just want a quick boost to drop 8-10 pounds quickly, or to kick off a new diet with a bang, the Cabbage Soup Diet actually works.
The cabbage soup diet has been around for nearly 30 years. It's based on the notion that your body actually uses more calories to digest cabbage than the amount that it derives from cabbage. It's a so-called 'negative calorie diet', and includes many foods that, like cabbage, are high in fiber and very low in calories.
The base of the cabbage soup diet is - what else? Cabbage soup. There are several recipes for cabbage soup available. Essentially, the soup is made with onions, peppers, mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, celery and spices to taste. You'll be eating the soup every day - as much of it as you want. In addition, there is a seven day routine of foods to supplement the cabbage soup.
Day One: All the fruit you want (except bananas) along with all the soup that you want. No caffeinated beverages or sodas. Drink only water, tea and cranberry juice.
Day Two: Eat all the vegetables that you want, but avoid dried beans, peas and corn. Eat veggies raw, fresh or cooked. No fats, no sauces, no butter. At dinner, you may have one baked potato with butter - and of course, all the cabbage soup that you want!
Day Three: Eat all the fruits and veggies that you want from day two and day three - but NO baked potato.
Day Four: Bananas and skim milk - yes, all the skim milk you want, plus up to eight bananas, along with -- you guessed it, all the cabbage soup you want.
Day Five: Eat ten to twenty ounces of beef (or skinless chicken, or broiled fish). Drink at least 10 glasses of water, and eat up to six fresh tomatoes. (If you substitute for the beef today, you may not tomorrow.)
Day Six: Eat all the beef, vegetables and cabbage soup that you want. No baked potato. Lots of leafy green vegetables.
Day Seven: You can have all the unsweetened fruit juices, brown rice, and vegetables that you want - and at least one bowl of soup. That's it. Remember - this diet is NOT recommended for long term weight loss, or long term use. It doesn't contain enough complex carbohydrates to be healthy for longer than a few days. But if you just need a jump-start or a quick fix, it's a good way to pick up the pace for a week.
The cabbage soup diet has been around for nearly 30 years. It's based on the notion that your body actually uses more calories to digest cabbage than the amount that it derives from cabbage. It's a so-called 'negative calorie diet', and includes many foods that, like cabbage, are high in fiber and very low in calories.
The base of the cabbage soup diet is - what else? Cabbage soup. There are several recipes for cabbage soup available. Essentially, the soup is made with onions, peppers, mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, celery and spices to taste. You'll be eating the soup every day - as much of it as you want. In addition, there is a seven day routine of foods to supplement the cabbage soup.
Day One: All the fruit you want (except bananas) along with all the soup that you want. No caffeinated beverages or sodas. Drink only water, tea and cranberry juice.
Day Two: Eat all the vegetables that you want, but avoid dried beans, peas and corn. Eat veggies raw, fresh or cooked. No fats, no sauces, no butter. At dinner, you may have one baked potato with butter - and of course, all the cabbage soup that you want!
Day Three: Eat all the fruits and veggies that you want from day two and day three - but NO baked potato.
Day Four: Bananas and skim milk - yes, all the skim milk you want, plus up to eight bananas, along with -- you guessed it, all the cabbage soup you want.
Day Five: Eat ten to twenty ounces of beef (or skinless chicken, or broiled fish). Drink at least 10 glasses of water, and eat up to six fresh tomatoes. (If you substitute for the beef today, you may not tomorrow.)
Day Six: Eat all the beef, vegetables and cabbage soup that you want. No baked potato. Lots of leafy green vegetables.
Day Seven: You can have all the unsweetened fruit juices, brown rice, and vegetables that you want - and at least one bowl of soup. That's it. Remember - this diet is NOT recommended for long term weight loss, or long term use. It doesn't contain enough complex carbohydrates to be healthy for longer than a few days. But if you just need a jump-start or a quick fix, it's a good way to pick up the pace for a week.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
The Food Pyramid: Good or Bad?
When the USDA established guidelines for our daily food requirements and set up the “food pyramid” the entire nation embraced the information and took it for absolute divine truth. I’m afraid, however, upon further examination, maybe we should have thought about this a little more.
The food pyramid did do more than anything prior to educate people about the need for consumption of some items from each of the food groups. We need something from all of them in order to eat healthy and maintain our health. That fact no one is disputing. What we, as a population are beginning to question, however, are the daily caloric levels and recommended daily intake levels.
Thanks to a growing awareness of individual needs, and the pressure from all areas of medicine, traditional and alternative, the USDA has now researched and republished their food pyramid.
The original food pyramid had four food groups; the newly established pyramid has five. The new pyramid addresses many different issues, from age, weight, and gender requirements to overall health issues. Limiting the amount of intake and advice about the health concerns when we overeat is also included in the new food pyramid. It is now color coded, so that it is easier for children and adults to find where they fit.
The new food pyramid is much improved in the area of individual concerns, and cautions to readers about individual considerations. For clarities sake, let’s take a look at each food group and offer a bit of explanation.
The bread, cereals, rice and pasta food group has always been at the bottom and is meant to represent the food staples, the foundation of our diet. The next two groups, vegetables and fruits, are pretty much the same as they have always been. The next level of meats, poultry, fish dry beans, and eggs, as well as the milk, yogurt and cheese groups are where the reader will find some definite changes to the suggested consumption.
The addition of information as far as suggested caloric intake, depending upon your lifestyle, and calorie content for fast food items was a demanded and welcome addition to the pyramid food guide. Other items of interest are suggested recipes, food substitutions, and tips on food selection. I think the USDA did a much better job with the new guide, than with the old one in creating an atmosphere of “you create your own plan from this information”.
What we have seen as far as changes to the food pyramid and the addition of usual information is a direct result of some of the health conditions facing our population today. The inclusion of varying recommended levels depending upon your gender, lifestyle and age group is a result of further medical research and information reported by fitness and health facilities across the country. All this goes to reinforce the proof that your good health is an individual concern, and must be given individual attention. The pyramid food guide is just that, a guide. It is not your personal plan of required eating levels. It’s up to you to tailor the plan to meet your specific needs.
The food pyramid did do more than anything prior to educate people about the need for consumption of some items from each of the food groups. We need something from all of them in order to eat healthy and maintain our health. That fact no one is disputing. What we, as a population are beginning to question, however, are the daily caloric levels and recommended daily intake levels.
Thanks to a growing awareness of individual needs, and the pressure from all areas of medicine, traditional and alternative, the USDA has now researched and republished their food pyramid.
The original food pyramid had four food groups; the newly established pyramid has five. The new pyramid addresses many different issues, from age, weight, and gender requirements to overall health issues. Limiting the amount of intake and advice about the health concerns when we overeat is also included in the new food pyramid. It is now color coded, so that it is easier for children and adults to find where they fit.
The new food pyramid is much improved in the area of individual concerns, and cautions to readers about individual considerations. For clarities sake, let’s take a look at each food group and offer a bit of explanation.
The bread, cereals, rice and pasta food group has always been at the bottom and is meant to represent the food staples, the foundation of our diet. The next two groups, vegetables and fruits, are pretty much the same as they have always been. The next level of meats, poultry, fish dry beans, and eggs, as well as the milk, yogurt and cheese groups are where the reader will find some definite changes to the suggested consumption.
The addition of information as far as suggested caloric intake, depending upon your lifestyle, and calorie content for fast food items was a demanded and welcome addition to the pyramid food guide. Other items of interest are suggested recipes, food substitutions, and tips on food selection. I think the USDA did a much better job with the new guide, than with the old one in creating an atmosphere of “you create your own plan from this information”.
What we have seen as far as changes to the food pyramid and the addition of usual information is a direct result of some of the health conditions facing our population today. The inclusion of varying recommended levels depending upon your gender, lifestyle and age group is a result of further medical research and information reported by fitness and health facilities across the country. All this goes to reinforce the proof that your good health is an individual concern, and must be given individual attention. The pyramid food guide is just that, a guide. It is not your personal plan of required eating levels. It’s up to you to tailor the plan to meet your specific needs.
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