Well, till the standards for organic body care products are developed and implemented in all countries, as an informed consumer, you have to check the ingredients of organic cosmetic products. For this you need detailed information about different chemicals that are being used in making cosmetics and the organic alternatives for them.
The Organic Consumers Association suggests that whenever you buy organic cosmetics, you should screen the truly organic products in the following manner:
* The cleansing and conditioning ingredients should be made from certified organic materials.
* They should not contain any chemical, synthetic or petroleum derivatives.
* The manufacturing process should be simple and ecological in nature.
* Non-agricultural water such as floral water and botanical water extracts should not be used to increase the percentage of organic content in the product.
The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, educates consumers about controversial ingredients that can be used in organic personal care products in its guide ‘Body Care – A Consumer’s Guide to Shopping and Living Green’. The following reference list can help you in judging organic cosmetics:
* Emollients: Emollients are added in numerous body care products, especially those meant for skin care, because these substances help in moisturizing the body surface.
o Chemical petroleum based emollients include hydrogenated oils, butyl glycol, mineral oil, monostearate dimethicone, oleth 2, paraffin, stearic acid, petrolatum, potassium stearate and octyl palmitate.
o Natural oils and waxes that you should look for as emolliating agents include almond oil, beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, shea butter and olive oil.
o You can also use certain natural oils with caution. These include cottonseed oil (cotton is often grown with pesticides and about 25% of the global pesticides and insecticides are used in cotton farming), peanut oil (it can cause allergic reactions on the skin, hence do not use products containing peanut oil if your are allergic to peanuts) and grapeseed oil (check the means of extracting the oil as solvent extraction is the most preferred way of extracting the oil).
* Preservatives: Preservatives are added not only in food products but also in cosmetic products as these are also susceptible to bacterial growth.
o Chemical or petroleum based preservatives include butyl paraben, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and dazolidinyl urea.
o Natural preservatives include essential oils, vinegar, grain alcohol, honey, vitamins A, C and E and grapefruit seed extract (GSE).
* Fragrances: There is hardly any cosmetic product in the market that does not have an aroma. Organic essential oils are the most important source of organic fragrance additives.
o Synthetic fragrances include amyl acetate (banana scent), benzophenone (rose scent), coconut fragrance, cucumber fragrance, and various fruit fragrances. Consistent research in the field of chemical fragrances has enabled companies to develop synthetics that smell exactly like the natural products and if you don’t read the contents properly, you can easily mistake them for natural fragrances.
o Organic plant extracts that have strong fragrances include extracts from cedarwood, lemongrass, citronella, orange, eucalyptus, tea tree and fennel. Organic essential oils are so effective that they form the basis of aromatherapy which has been practiced in ancient civilizations since thousands of years and is now gaining rapid popularity.
* Solvents: Solvents form an essential part of all body care products. Solvents dissolve one or more substances and hence you get a uniform solution, cream or gel.
o Common synthetic or chemical solvents used in personal care products include acetone, propylene glycol, benzene, butylene glycol and hexane.
o Water is the most efficient solvent as it is neutral in nature. Water is added in many cosmetic products in varying proportions.
o Other natural solvents include apple cider vinegar and grain alcohol.
* Colorants: Since cosmetic products are primarily used for looks, looks of these products are also important. Colorants are hence added in body care creams, lotions, gels, etc., to ensure consumers don’t reject them due to a dull color.
o Synthetic colors are obtained from coal tar.
o Natural colorants include saffron, turmeric, annatto, paprika, caramel and beets.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Chocolate Helps Heart Stay Healthy
A small square of dark chocolate daily protects the heart from inflammation and subsequent heart disease, a new study of Italians suggests. Milk chocolate might not do the job.
However, this guilty pleasure has a limit. Specifically, only 6.7 grams of chocolate per day (or 0.23 ounces) represents the ideal amount, according to results from the Moli-sani Project, one of the largest health studies ever conducted in Europe.
For comparison, a standard-sized Hershey's Kiss is about 4.5 grams (though the classic Kiss is not made of dark chocolate) and one Hershey's dark chocolate bar is about 41 grams (so a recommendation might be one of those weekly). Chronic inflammation of tissues in the circulatory system is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. So doctors strive to keep patients' inflammation under control.
One marker for inflammation in the blood is called C-reactive protein. The researchers found a relationship between dark chocolate intake and levels of this protein in the blood of 4,849 subjects in good health and free of risk factors (such as high cholesterol or blood pressure, and other parameters).
The findings are detailed in the latest issue of the Journal of Nutrition. "We started from the hypothesis that high amounts of antioxidants contained in the cocoa seeds, in particular flavonoids and other kinds of polyphenols, might have beneficial effects on the inflammatory state," said Romina di Giuseppe, lead author of the study.
"Our results have been absolutely encouraging: People having moderate amounts of dark chocolate regularly have significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein in their blood. In other words, their inflammatory state is considerably reduced." The inflammation reduction that the researchers observed controlled for other confounding variables such as wine or produce intake.
Previous studies have found that chocolate might be good for you, though doctors usually warn that it is more important to focus on one's overall diet when it comes to health. One health study found that blood platelets among chocolate-lovers were less likely to clot together in dangerous clumps.
Other studies have found a host of diet and exercise changes that can help a person beat the odds of death. Clearly, no single change is a guarantee of long life. With chocolate, moderation is key, the new study found.
"The best effect is obtained by consuming an average amount of 6.7 grams of chocolate per day, corresponding to a small square of chocolate twice or three times a week. Beyond these amounts the beneficial effect tends to disappear," di Giuseppe said. The milk in milk chocolate interferes with polyphenols, so the team kept that out of the study.
"We consider this outcome as the beginning of a large series of data which will give us an innovative view on how [to achieve] prevention in everyday life, both against cardiovascular disease and tumors," said Licia Iacoviello, head of the Laboratory of Genetic and Environmental Epidemiology at the Catholic University of Campobasso and responsible for the Moli-sani Project.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Foods To Keep You Healthy (or not)
Are you confused about whether what you’re putting in your body is making you healthier or killing you? Here’s the latest science on what’s up and what’s down on the food charts.
Artificial Sweeteners (↑/↓)
Surprising news for people trying to stay slim: New research suggests that even noncaloric sugar substitutes, whether “natural” or artificial, may contribute to weight gain. Researchers at Purdue University published a study in February showing that rats gained weight when fed foods artificially sweetened with saccharin. The researchers speculated that when the sweet taste of the sugar substitute wasn’t followed by lots of calories, it threw off the rats’ response to calories in general. As a result, they ate more food. Although this response doesn’t necessarily apply to humans, many dieters find that after eating sugar-free food, they compensate by indulging in other calorie-rich sweets.
Coffee (↑)
No need to feel guilty anymore about that double-shot Americano that gets you going in the morning. In fact, coffee is looking more and more like a health drink. Among its remarkable benefits, new research shows, coffee may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attack, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease, kidney stones, and cirrhosis. One caveat is that black coffee may lead to thinner bones, especially in women, but the simple solution is to add milk to your coffee.
Chocolate ( ↑ )
Dark chocolate, which contains at least 70% cocoa, has proven health benefits. It contains less sugar than white or milk chocolate and is a rich source of health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoid antioxidants (similar to those found in green tea). Studies show that even a small intake of dark chocolate may reduce the risk of the blood clots that cause heart attack or stroke and may lower blood pressure. And, as many people know from experience, chocolate also can lift your mood and give you a boost of energy. Of course, chocolate is high in calories and contains saturated fat, so enjoy it in moderation—no more than 2 ounces a day.
Soda (↓)
There’s not much good news to relate about soda. Both the high-fructose corn syrup in regular soda and the artificial sweeteners in the diet varieties may kick your pancreas into overdrive, which boosts insulin levels and causes weight gain. Research last year from the American Chemical Society found that chemicals in beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (called “ reactive carbonyls”) may increase the risk of diabetes. In addition, the caffeine and phosphoric acid in colas may thin the bones of those who frequently consume them.
Oatmeal (↑/↓)
Oatmeal is most people’s idea of a healthy breakfast, but you may need to rethink your morning meal. A controlled study at Boston Children’s Hospital found that eating only instant oatmeal for breakfast increased kids’ appetite and calorie consumption by more than 80% the rest of the day when compared to eating a vegetable omelet and fruit for breakfast. (Eating steel-cut oats did not spike appetite as much.) The study’s researchers attribute the results to fluctuations in blood sugar that occur after a meal consisting of processed grain products, and they stress the importance of having some protein at breakfast.
Pizza ( ↑/↓ )
Pizza isn’t exactly a health food, but it certainly is a food with healthy ingredients. Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Recent studies suggest that lycopene may have a range of benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Adding veggies to pizza further improves its health benefits. But stay away from sausage, pepperoni, and other toppings rich in saturated fat—you already get that with the cheese. The biggest concern about pizza is calories and what they can do to your waistline, so order by the slice.
Eggs (↑)
Eggs get a bad rap. Their negative reputation started because egg yolks are a source of cholesterol. But studies have not shown that the risk of cardiovascular disease increases in egg eaters. For example, in a study of more than 115,000 men and women, there was no association between egg intake and the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke over an eight-year period, except among those with diabetes. Women who ate more than one egg a day actually had the lowest risk of coronary heart disease. Eggs also are a great source of protein, and many organic eggs are now rich in omega-3 fatty acids, thanks to a change in chicken feed.
Fish ( ↑ )
Eating fish twice a week may cut your risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiovascular death. Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammation. The best for your health are oily and small fish such as sardines, herring, anchovies, salmon (organic or wild), and mackerel (except king mackerel). Large fish such as swordfish, tuna, tilefish, and shark live at the top of the marine food chain and accumulate many contaminants. In general, canned chunk light tuna—lower in such contaminants as mercury than albacore or sushi tuna—is also a good choice.
Dr. Mark Liponis is the author of “Ultra-longevity” and medical director of Canyon Ranch spas.
Artificial Sweeteners (↑/↓)
Surprising news for people trying to stay slim: New research suggests that even noncaloric sugar substitutes, whether “natural” or artificial, may contribute to weight gain. Researchers at Purdue University published a study in February showing that rats gained weight when fed foods artificially sweetened with saccharin. The researchers speculated that when the sweet taste of the sugar substitute wasn’t followed by lots of calories, it threw off the rats’ response to calories in general. As a result, they ate more food. Although this response doesn’t necessarily apply to humans, many dieters find that after eating sugar-free food, they compensate by indulging in other calorie-rich sweets.
Coffee (↑)
No need to feel guilty anymore about that double-shot Americano that gets you going in the morning. In fact, coffee is looking more and more like a health drink. Among its remarkable benefits, new research shows, coffee may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attack, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease, kidney stones, and cirrhosis. One caveat is that black coffee may lead to thinner bones, especially in women, but the simple solution is to add milk to your coffee.
Chocolate ( ↑ )
Dark chocolate, which contains at least 70% cocoa, has proven health benefits. It contains less sugar than white or milk chocolate and is a rich source of health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoid antioxidants (similar to those found in green tea). Studies show that even a small intake of dark chocolate may reduce the risk of the blood clots that cause heart attack or stroke and may lower blood pressure. And, as many people know from experience, chocolate also can lift your mood and give you a boost of energy. Of course, chocolate is high in calories and contains saturated fat, so enjoy it in moderation—no more than 2 ounces a day.
Soda (↓)
There’s not much good news to relate about soda. Both the high-fructose corn syrup in regular soda and the artificial sweeteners in the diet varieties may kick your pancreas into overdrive, which boosts insulin levels and causes weight gain. Research last year from the American Chemical Society found that chemicals in beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (called “ reactive carbonyls”) may increase the risk of diabetes. In addition, the caffeine and phosphoric acid in colas may thin the bones of those who frequently consume them.
Oatmeal (↑/↓)
Oatmeal is most people’s idea of a healthy breakfast, but you may need to rethink your morning meal. A controlled study at Boston Children’s Hospital found that eating only instant oatmeal for breakfast increased kids’ appetite and calorie consumption by more than 80% the rest of the day when compared to eating a vegetable omelet and fruit for breakfast. (Eating steel-cut oats did not spike appetite as much.) The study’s researchers attribute the results to fluctuations in blood sugar that occur after a meal consisting of processed grain products, and they stress the importance of having some protein at breakfast.
Pizza ( ↑/↓ )
Pizza isn’t exactly a health food, but it certainly is a food with healthy ingredients. Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Recent studies suggest that lycopene may have a range of benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Adding veggies to pizza further improves its health benefits. But stay away from sausage, pepperoni, and other toppings rich in saturated fat—you already get that with the cheese. The biggest concern about pizza is calories and what they can do to your waistline, so order by the slice.
Eggs (↑)
Eggs get a bad rap. Their negative reputation started because egg yolks are a source of cholesterol. But studies have not shown that the risk of cardiovascular disease increases in egg eaters. For example, in a study of more than 115,000 men and women, there was no association between egg intake and the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke over an eight-year period, except among those with diabetes. Women who ate more than one egg a day actually had the lowest risk of coronary heart disease. Eggs also are a great source of protein, and many organic eggs are now rich in omega-3 fatty acids, thanks to a change in chicken feed.
Fish ( ↑ )
Eating fish twice a week may cut your risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiovascular death. Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammation. The best for your health are oily and small fish such as sardines, herring, anchovies, salmon (organic or wild), and mackerel (except king mackerel). Large fish such as swordfish, tuna, tilefish, and shark live at the top of the marine food chain and accumulate many contaminants. In general, canned chunk light tuna—lower in such contaminants as mercury than albacore or sushi tuna—is also a good choice.
Dr. Mark Liponis is the author of “Ultra-longevity” and medical director of Canyon Ranch spas.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Milky Way
We know from a very young age that “Milk does a body good” and drinking milk makes our bodies stronger and healthier. But did you know that using milk on your skin is also beneficial?
Cleopatra bathed in milk centuries ago and discovered how smooth and supple it made her skin. Modern science has rediscovered the benefits of milk for your skin. Because milk naturally contains vitamins A and D and probiotics that makes your skin soft, yet strong.
Additionally, the lactic acid in milk has natural beta hydroxy acids which exfoliate your skin, as well as soothe it. Milk eliminates dead skin cells from the surface of your skin while adding essential moisture to improve the overall appearance and condition of your skin.
Skin products may incorporate oat milk, soy milk, cow’s milk, rice milk or goat’s milk. Because goat’s milk has the same pH as human skin, using it on your skin makes it extremely smooth and supple. For more beautiful, glowing skin naturally, consider using milk and milk based products.
Cleansing Agents
Milk makes your skin supple and radiant. Milk has calcium that helps make the skin look good and nice. You may also use a combination of lemon and milk as a cleansing ingredient every morning and evening to take away impurities from your skin and make it look youthful and radiant.
Take a little amount full cream or skim milk in a bowl and mix it with lemon juice and then wipe the solution on your face for 1 to 2 minutes and then wash it away with water.
There you have it, a natural facial wash without using soap. Milk also has ingredients that could moisture the skin.
Milk Mask for Dry Skin
Mix 1 teaspoon of powdered milk with a little warm water. Please use distilled or mineral water. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix. Apply. Rinse off with warm, spring water. Experiment with the length of time to leave on. Every skin is different. However, if you feel a burning sensation, rinse immediately. Some people are allergic to honey.
....For Normal Skin
Soak a cotton ball with warm milk and apply to your face three times a day. Rinse off with warm water.
Cleopatra bathed in milk centuries ago and discovered how smooth and supple it made her skin. Modern science has rediscovered the benefits of milk for your skin. Because milk naturally contains vitamins A and D and probiotics that makes your skin soft, yet strong.
Additionally, the lactic acid in milk has natural beta hydroxy acids which exfoliate your skin, as well as soothe it. Milk eliminates dead skin cells from the surface of your skin while adding essential moisture to improve the overall appearance and condition of your skin.
Skin products may incorporate oat milk, soy milk, cow’s milk, rice milk or goat’s milk. Because goat’s milk has the same pH as human skin, using it on your skin makes it extremely smooth and supple. For more beautiful, glowing skin naturally, consider using milk and milk based products.
Cleansing Agents
Milk makes your skin supple and radiant. Milk has calcium that helps make the skin look good and nice. You may also use a combination of lemon and milk as a cleansing ingredient every morning and evening to take away impurities from your skin and make it look youthful and radiant.
Take a little amount full cream or skim milk in a bowl and mix it with lemon juice and then wipe the solution on your face for 1 to 2 minutes and then wash it away with water.
There you have it, a natural facial wash without using soap. Milk also has ingredients that could moisture the skin.
Milk Mask for Dry Skin
Mix 1 teaspoon of powdered milk with a little warm water. Please use distilled or mineral water. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix. Apply. Rinse off with warm, spring water. Experiment with the length of time to leave on. Every skin is different. However, if you feel a burning sensation, rinse immediately. Some people are allergic to honey.
....For Normal Skin
Soak a cotton ball with warm milk and apply to your face three times a day. Rinse off with warm water.
Monday, September 22, 2008
MANAGING WATER RETENTION
Factors that have a great effect in water retention are:-
1. Salt & alcohol
2. Sugar and sweet intake
3. Fried food and fried snacks
4. Too much starch at one time
5. Female hormone controlling the menstruation cycle.
When consuming salt in greater quantities, blood concentration rises. It happens mainly in Chinese foods which are loaded with salts and people who are having frequently alcohol.
Some people have a tendency of water retention since birth.
Symptoms:-
a. Puffy feet, fingers, face & eyes.
b. Feel sleepier.
c. Knees and back may retain more water collecting and start hurting.
d. Feeling depressed.
How to avoid water retention.
• adding raw salt in salad.
• Avoiding pickles.
• Avoiding papad.
• Drink plenty of water.
1. Salt & alcohol
2. Sugar and sweet intake
3. Fried food and fried snacks
4. Too much starch at one time
5. Female hormone controlling the menstruation cycle.
When consuming salt in greater quantities, blood concentration rises. It happens mainly in Chinese foods which are loaded with salts and people who are having frequently alcohol.
Some people have a tendency of water retention since birth.
Symptoms:-
a. Puffy feet, fingers, face & eyes.
b. Feel sleepier.
c. Knees and back may retain more water collecting and start hurting.
d. Feeling depressed.
How to avoid water retention.
• adding raw salt in salad.
• Avoiding pickles.
• Avoiding papad.
• Drink plenty of water.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
5 Essential Weight Loss Foods
There are many fad diets that promise to help you lose weight in almost no time at all. After two or three weeks on the diet you find yourself losing enough to be able to brag to your family and friends about it, and you're so optimistic that this new lifestyle will be your ticket to a smaller waistline that you start to browse the stores for new clothes.
You continue to lose weight for another couple of weeks, and then something happens: you start to feel sluggish, you begin craving something that your diet absolutely forbids you to have, or the general sense of optimism begins to transform itself into a feeling of constriction, frustration, and even dietary imprisonment.
You decide to have just one snack, or spend just one day eating whatever you want with the intention of going back to the diet the following day. What happens then, is that you feel such satisfaction from that treat that the entire effort falls apart and you put the weight back on in practically no time at all.
Does this scenario sound at all familiar?
Diets are very hard, as is the feeling of being overweight. Many of these fad diets may promise instant and significant weight loss results, but most of them rely on depriving your body of certain nutrients and disrupting the natural function of your body's metabolism. Chinese medicine considers obesity to be partly the result of declining function of the metabolic fire of the kidney network and a diet that provides a well-balanced array of nutrients is the key to losing weight in a healthy way. What follows are five foods that will help you restore your body's ability to use energy and help you become your healthy weight.
1. Millet: A well-balanced diet should consist of whole grains instead of refined grains like white rice and pasta, and millet is a beneficial and delicious staple of this category of food. This non-glutinous grain is over 10-percent protein, has high amounts of fiber and B-complex vitamins, and because it isn't an acid forming food, is easy to digest.
2. Asparagus: When losing weight, it's important to favor chlorophyll-rich foods, including asparagus. Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber. Asparagus also contains a carbohydrate known as inulin (not to be confused with insulin) that promotes healthy bacteria in the large intestine - which in turn promotes a healthier digestive function.
3. Pomegranates: Eating a balanced diet to lose weight should include eating fresh fruits, and pomegranates are a wonderful example of a healthy, nutritious fruit that has antioxidant properties and will help prevent cancer. While the benefits of drinking pomegranate juice have gained a lot of attention recently, you will be more likely to lose weight by eating the fruit fresh to increase your fiber intake and keep the calories down.
4. Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees and are considered an essential ingredient in the tasty Italian mixture pesto. Chinese medicine uses pine nuts to improve gastrointestinal tract and digestive functions, and pine nut oil is even used for appetite suppression. Pine nuts and other nuts are a tasty part of a well-balanced diet intended for weight loss.
5. Green Tea: It has been found that consuming large amounts of coffee and caffeine can lead to food cravings, increase one's appetite, and induce stress-related eating. Green tea is a wonderful alternative to coffee in that it does provide a little caffeine but also contains beneficial antioxidants. So drink up!
A healthy diet also includes lean proteins like chicken breast, legumes such as lentils, and other whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. While fad diets may promise a large amount of weight loss in a short period of time, there's almost a guarantee that you will put that weight back on-and then some!
Eat five smaller meals a day, avoid processed foods, chew more slowly, and incorporate more healthy foods into your diet-starting with these five. Also, click here to learn more about the Tao of Wellness B-Slim dietary supplement, which will help you lose weight naturally.
I hope this article helps you find foods that can aid in your weight loss goals! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
Source: Yahoo Health.
You continue to lose weight for another couple of weeks, and then something happens: you start to feel sluggish, you begin craving something that your diet absolutely forbids you to have, or the general sense of optimism begins to transform itself into a feeling of constriction, frustration, and even dietary imprisonment.
You decide to have just one snack, or spend just one day eating whatever you want with the intention of going back to the diet the following day. What happens then, is that you feel such satisfaction from that treat that the entire effort falls apart and you put the weight back on in practically no time at all.
Does this scenario sound at all familiar?
Diets are very hard, as is the feeling of being overweight. Many of these fad diets may promise instant and significant weight loss results, but most of them rely on depriving your body of certain nutrients and disrupting the natural function of your body's metabolism. Chinese medicine considers obesity to be partly the result of declining function of the metabolic fire of the kidney network and a diet that provides a well-balanced array of nutrients is the key to losing weight in a healthy way. What follows are five foods that will help you restore your body's ability to use energy and help you become your healthy weight.
1. Millet: A well-balanced diet should consist of whole grains instead of refined grains like white rice and pasta, and millet is a beneficial and delicious staple of this category of food. This non-glutinous grain is over 10-percent protein, has high amounts of fiber and B-complex vitamins, and because it isn't an acid forming food, is easy to digest.
2. Asparagus: When losing weight, it's important to favor chlorophyll-rich foods, including asparagus. Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber. Asparagus also contains a carbohydrate known as inulin (not to be confused with insulin) that promotes healthy bacteria in the large intestine - which in turn promotes a healthier digestive function.
3. Pomegranates: Eating a balanced diet to lose weight should include eating fresh fruits, and pomegranates are a wonderful example of a healthy, nutritious fruit that has antioxidant properties and will help prevent cancer. While the benefits of drinking pomegranate juice have gained a lot of attention recently, you will be more likely to lose weight by eating the fruit fresh to increase your fiber intake and keep the calories down.
4. Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees and are considered an essential ingredient in the tasty Italian mixture pesto. Chinese medicine uses pine nuts to improve gastrointestinal tract and digestive functions, and pine nut oil is even used for appetite suppression. Pine nuts and other nuts are a tasty part of a well-balanced diet intended for weight loss.
5. Green Tea: It has been found that consuming large amounts of coffee and caffeine can lead to food cravings, increase one's appetite, and induce stress-related eating. Green tea is a wonderful alternative to coffee in that it does provide a little caffeine but also contains beneficial antioxidants. So drink up!
A healthy diet also includes lean proteins like chicken breast, legumes such as lentils, and other whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. While fad diets may promise a large amount of weight loss in a short period of time, there's almost a guarantee that you will put that weight back on-and then some!
Eat five smaller meals a day, avoid processed foods, chew more slowly, and incorporate more healthy foods into your diet-starting with these five. Also, click here to learn more about the Tao of Wellness B-Slim dietary supplement, which will help you lose weight naturally.
I hope this article helps you find foods that can aid in your weight loss goals! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
Source: Yahoo Health.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Alcohol Treatment
What is alcohol treatment?
Alcohol treatment refers to the process of getting help for those who abuse alcohol or struggle with the issue of alcoholism.
Different types of alcohol treatment
There are a variety of styles and treatment types among the thousands of alcohol treatment centers around the world, but by and large they utilize either a 12-step program (as found in Alcoholics Anonymous) or a social/counseling model (found at residential alcohol treatment programs).
12-step programs focus on regular meetings with a peer group that is experiencing the same issues and challenges as the alcoholic.
Residential programs offer a more robust selection of treatment programs. Although residential programs differ, there are several things that almost all have in common:
Assistance with detox and withdrawal symptoms. For alcohol treatment to be effective, the individual must stop drinking and clear his body of all toxins related to the alcohol. This detox process generally brings about withdrawal symptoms which are always best monitored by a professional – like those found at a residential alcohol treatment program.
Counseling: A big part of alcohol treatment is counseling. This is where the individual with alcohol related issues can talk about their problems and attempt to learn more positive behaviors not associated with drink. These counseling sessions can be particularly effective when done in a group setting – as the peer group help provide understanding and accountability to the alcoholic.
A Common message to everyone who says drinking is bad. Here are the advantages of each brand that people drink.
DCSL EXTRA SPECIAL | Protects your heart | prevents constipation | Blocks diarrhea | Improves lung capacity | Cushions joints |
| WHITE DIAMOND | Combats cancer | Controls blood pressure | Saves your eyesight | Shields against Alzheimer's | Slows aging process |
| BLUE LABEL | Aids digestion | Lowers cholesterol | Protects your heart | Stabilizes blood sugar | Guards against liver disease |
| DOUBLE DISTILLED | Battles diabetes | Lowers cholesterol | Helps stops strokes | Controls blood pressure | Smoothes skin |
| OLD RESERVE | Protects your heart | Quiets a cough | Strengthens bones | Controls blood pressure | Blocks diarrhea |
| RITZ | Prevents constipation | Helps hemorrhoids | Lowers cholesterol | Combats cancer | Stabilizes blood sugar |
| RICHORT | Controls blood pressure | Combats cancer | Strengthens bones | Protects your heart | Aids weight loss |
| HANNEPIER | Combats cancer | Protects your heart | Stabilizes blood sugar | Boosts memory | Prevents constipation |
| FRANKLIN | Strengthens bones | Saves eyesight | Combats cancer | Protects your heart | Controls blood pressure |
| VSO | Combats cancer | Prevents constipation | Promotes weight loss | Protects your heart | Helps hemorrhoids |
| GALLERY | Saves eyesight | Controls blood pressure | Lowers cholesterol | Combats cancer | Supports immune system |
| RED RUM | Saves eyesight | Protects your heart | Prevents constipation | Combats cancer | Promotes weight loss |
| DARK RUM | Protects against Prostate Cancer | Combats Breast Cancer | Strengthens bones | Banishes bruises | Guards against heart disease |
| HANSEN | Protects your heart | Combats Cancer | Ends insomnia | Slows aging process | Shields against Alzheimer's |
| BLACK WHITE | Promotes weight loss | Protects your heart | Lowers cholesterol | Combats Cancer | Controls blood pressure |
| RED LABEL | Aids digestion | Soothes sore throat | Clears sinuses | Combats Cancer | Boosts immune system |
| BLACK LABEL | Promotes weight loss | Helps stops strokes | Lowers cholesterol | Combats Cancer | Controls blood pressure |
| GOLD LABEL | Protects your heart | Boosts memory | Protects your heart | Combats Cancer | Supports immune system |
| CHIVAS REGAL | Aids digestion | Battles diabetes | Protects your heart | Improves mental health | Boosts immune system |
| GRANTS | Lowers cholesterol | Controls blood pressure | Combats cancer | kills bacteria | Fights fungus |
| GREEN LABEL | Protects against heart attacks | Promotes Weight loss | Helps stops strokes | Combats Prostate Cancer | Lowers cholesterol |
| REMUS MARTIN | saves eyesight | Conquers kidney stones | Combats cancer | Enhances blood flow | Protects your heart |
| V&A | Combats cancer | Protects your heart | Helps stops strokes | Promotes Weight loss | Kills bacteria |
| NAPOLEON | Heals wounds | Aids digestion | Guards against ulcers | Increases energy | Fights allergies |
| MENDIS | Combats cancer | Protects your heart | Controls blood pressure | Smoothes skin | Stops scurvy |
| LEMON GIN | Combats cancer | Protects your heart | Controls blood pressure | Smoothes skin | Stops scurvy |
| ORANGE GIN | Combats cancer | Boosts memory | Regulates thyroid | aids digestion | Shields against Alzheimer's |
| WHITE GIN | Controls blood pressure | Lowers cholesterol | Kills bacteria | Combats cancer | Strengthens bones |
| DRY GIN | Lowers cholesterol | Combats cancer | Battles diabetes | prevents constipation | Smoothes skin |
| CLASIC RUM | Protects your heart | Promotes Weight loss | Combats cancer | Battles diabetes | Smoothes skin |
| VODKA | Reduce risk of heart attack | Combats cancer | Kills bacteria | Lowers cholesterol | Fights fungus |
| SMIRNOFF | Supports immune systems | Combats cancer | Protects your heart | Straightens respiration | |
| GALETINE | prevents constipation | Combats cancer | Helps stops strokes | aids digestion | Helps hemorrhoids |
| GOLD COIN | Protects against heart disease | Promotes Weight loss | Combats Prostate Cancer | Lowers cholesterol | |
| BACARDI | Strengthens bones | Relieves colds | Aids digestion | Dissolves warts | Blocks diarrhea |
| WHITE RUM | Slows aging process | prevents constipation | boosts memory | Lowers cholesterol | Protects against heart disease |
| ILICITY ARACK | Protects your heart | Battles diabetes | Conquers kidney stones | Combats cancer | Helps stops strokes |
| POT ARRACK | Combats cancer | Protects your heart | | |
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
wallet and backpain !
Wallets are causing men unbearable pain and it has nothing to do with a lack of cash.
Physiotherapists say they have seen a surge in the number of men complaining of lower
back pain and the lowly wallet is their chief suspect.
Experts say men who sit down with their wallets in their back trouser pocket risk
damaging key nerves.
Men who drive with their wallet stuffed into their back trouser pocket appear to be most
at risk.
• The condition is a form sciatic neuropathy, since it affects the sciatic nerve. But it's becoming so common that it has even been given other names -- hippocket syndrome or wallet neuropathy.
sciatica sciatica is piriformis syndrome, so called because of the involvement of the piriformis, a short, thick, pear-shaped muscle that runs from your sacrum, the lower part of your pelvic bone, to the head of your femur, or upper thigh bone.
You use this muscle when you extend your hip or rotate it outward.
In most people, the sciatic nerve cord runs near this muscle.
Treatment
•Treatment is aimed at maximizing mobility and independence. The cause of the nerve dysfunction should be identified and treated as appropriate. In some cases, no treatment is required. Exercise and physical therapy is introduced into the treatment regime .
Prevention
Prevention varies depending on the cause of the nerve damage. Avoid prolonged sitting or lying with pressure on the buttocks, and exercise.
Or ……the safest way …. Keep your wallet in safe hands … with your wife’s ….
Easy exercise program for low back pain relief:
1. Muscle stretching exercise
With both knees bent, place both hands together under the knee of the other leg (the lower leg), and gently pull the bottom leg toward your chest and hold both thighs closely until a stretch is felt in the buttock area.
Hold 30 seconds .
Repeat 1-2 times per day
2.Muscle stretching exercise
• The Psoas Major muscle can greatly limit low back mobility when tight. It often is one of the sources of low back pain in patients who have difficulty standing for extended periods or
kneeling on both knees. This muscle can be stretched in a half kneeling position (kneeling on
one knee). Rotate the leg outward and tighten the gluteal muscles on the side you’re stretching.
Next, lean forward through the hip joint rather then bending through the lumbar spine. A stretch should be felt in the front of the hip that the patient is kneeling on.
– Hold 30 seconds
– Repeat
– 1-2 times per day
3. Hamstring muscle stretching exercise
The hamstrings run from the back of the ishial tuberosity (pelvic bone) to just below the back of the knee. They are responsible for bending the knee and assisting the gluteal muscles to extend the hip. These muscles are very important to stretch because, when tight, they make it nearly impossible to sit up straight. People who do not sit with an erect posture run the risk of early onset of degenerative disc disease and neck pain.
Tight hamstring muscles are also associated with low back pain. One way to gently stretch hamstring muscles is to lie on the back and grasp the leg behind the knee with the hip flexed to 90 degrees and the knee bent.
Attempt to straighten the knee with the toes pointed back toward you.
–Hold 30 seconds
–Repeat
–1-2 times per day
End
Physiotherapists say they have seen a surge in the number of men complaining of lower
back pain and the lowly wallet is their chief suspect.
Experts say men who sit down with their wallets in their back trouser pocket risk
damaging key nerves.
Men who drive with their wallet stuffed into their back trouser pocket appear to be most
at risk.
• The condition is a form sciatic neuropathy, since it affects the sciatic nerve. But it's becoming so common that it has even been given other names -- hippocket syndrome or wallet neuropathy.
sciatica sciatica is piriformis syndrome, so called because of the involvement of the piriformis, a short, thick, pear-shaped muscle that runs from your sacrum, the lower part of your pelvic bone, to the head of your femur, or upper thigh bone.
You use this muscle when you extend your hip or rotate it outward.
In most people, the sciatic nerve cord runs near this muscle.
Treatment
•Treatment is aimed at maximizing mobility and independence. The cause of the nerve dysfunction should be identified and treated as appropriate. In some cases, no treatment is required. Exercise and physical therapy is introduced into the treatment regime .
Prevention
Prevention varies depending on the cause of the nerve damage. Avoid prolonged sitting or lying with pressure on the buttocks, and exercise.
Or ……the safest way …. Keep your wallet in safe hands … with your wife’s ….
Easy exercise program for low back pain relief:
1. Muscle stretching exercise
With both knees bent, place both hands together under the knee of the other leg (the lower leg), and gently pull the bottom leg toward your chest and hold both thighs closely until a stretch is felt in the buttock area.
Hold 30 seconds .
Repeat 1-2 times per day
2.Muscle stretching exercise
• The Psoas Major muscle can greatly limit low back mobility when tight. It often is one of the sources of low back pain in patients who have difficulty standing for extended periods or
kneeling on both knees. This muscle can be stretched in a half kneeling position (kneeling on
one knee). Rotate the leg outward and tighten the gluteal muscles on the side you’re stretching.
Next, lean forward through the hip joint rather then bending through the lumbar spine. A stretch should be felt in the front of the hip that the patient is kneeling on.
– Hold 30 seconds
– Repeat
– 1-2 times per day
3. Hamstring muscle stretching exercise
The hamstrings run from the back of the ishial tuberosity (pelvic bone) to just below the back of the knee. They are responsible for bending the knee and assisting the gluteal muscles to extend the hip. These muscles are very important to stretch because, when tight, they make it nearly impossible to sit up straight. People who do not sit with an erect posture run the risk of early onset of degenerative disc disease and neck pain.
Tight hamstring muscles are also associated with low back pain. One way to gently stretch hamstring muscles is to lie on the back and grasp the leg behind the knee with the hip flexed to 90 degrees and the knee bent.
Attempt to straighten the knee with the toes pointed back toward you.
–Hold 30 seconds
–Repeat
–1-2 times per day
End
Sunday, September 14, 2008
DO YOU KNOW
The mail causes of liver damage are:
Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause
Not urinating in the morning
Too much eating
Skipping breakfast
Consuming too much medication
Consuming too much preservations, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener
Consuming unhealthy cooking oil.
As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil
Do not consume fried foods when you are tires, except if the body is very fit.
Consuming raw (overly done)
Food also adds to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts.
Fired veggies should finished in one setting, do not store.
We should prevent this without necessarily spending more.
We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits.
Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according “schedule”.
Because:Evening 9 – 11 PM:
Is the time for eliminating unnecessary/toxic chemicals (detoxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes)
Relaxing or listening to music should spend this time duration.
If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.
Evening 11pm – 1am:
Is the detoxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.Early Morning 1 – 3am:
Detoxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.
Early Morning 3 – 5am:
Detoxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the detoxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.
Morning 5 – 7 am:
Detoxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.
Morning 7 – 9 am:
Absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time.
Breakfast should be earlier, before 6.30am, for those who are sick.
Breakfast before 7.30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit.
Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 – 10am rather than no meal at all.
Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals.
Aside from that, midnight to 4.00 am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don’t sleep late.
Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause
Not urinating in the morning
Too much eating
Skipping breakfast
Consuming too much medication
Consuming too much preservations, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener
Consuming unhealthy cooking oil.
As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil
Do not consume fried foods when you are tires, except if the body is very fit.
Consuming raw (overly done)
Food also adds to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts.
Fired veggies should finished in one setting, do not store.
We should prevent this without necessarily spending more.
We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits.
Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according “schedule”.
Because:Evening 9 – 11 PM:
Is the time for eliminating unnecessary/toxic chemicals (detoxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes)
Relaxing or listening to music should spend this time duration.
If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.
Evening 11pm – 1am:
Is the detoxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.Early Morning 1 – 3am:
Detoxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.
Early Morning 3 – 5am:
Detoxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the detoxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.
Morning 5 – 7 am:
Detoxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.
Morning 7 – 9 am:
Absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time.
Breakfast should be earlier, before 6.30am, for those who are sick.
Breakfast before 7.30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit.
Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 – 10am rather than no meal at all.
Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals.
Aside from that, midnight to 4.00 am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don’t sleep late.
Friday, September 12, 2008
SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO AYURVEDA
1. NO BREAKFAST
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a low blood sugar level This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration
2. OVERHEATING
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.
3. SMOKING
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.
4. HIGH SUGAR CONSUMPTION
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interface with brain development.
5. AIR POLLUTION
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency. 6. SLEEP DEPRIVATION Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.
7. HEAD COVERED WHILE SLEEPING
Sleeping with the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.
8. WORKING YOUR BRAIN DURING ILLNESS
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.
9. LACKING IN SIMULATING THOUGHTS
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain simulation thoughts may case brain shrinkage.
10. TALKING RARELY
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a low blood sugar level This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration
2. OVERHEATING
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.
3. SMOKING
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.
4. HIGH SUGAR CONSUMPTION
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interface with brain development.
5. AIR POLLUTION
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency. 6. SLEEP DEPRIVATION Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.
7. HEAD COVERED WHILE SLEEPING
Sleeping with the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.
8. WORKING YOUR BRAIN DURING ILLNESS
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.
9. LACKING IN SIMULATING THOUGHTS
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain simulation thoughts may case brain shrinkage.
10. TALKING RARELY
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain
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