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Archive for November, 2006

Eating Disorders: Maybe It’s Time for a Little Political Correctness

Thursday, November 30th, 2006

Recently, I began questioning the usage of the term eating disorders. It used to be referred to as anorexia. The term has since expanded to include not just anorexia, but bulimia, compulsive eating, binge-eating and exercise addiction or as Dr. Margo Maine, a clinical psychologist and author of the book, Body Wars: Making Peace With Womens’ Bodies calls it “excess-ersize”.

I understand the reasoning behind creating a broader term, but I don’t understand attaching the word “disorder” to any of these illnesses considering the sensitive psychological component which exists with them.

By this I mean the negative self-talk and shame which these persons struggle to overcome. Recovery includes avoiding circumstances or environments where negative self beliefs about themselves are triggered. Yet, the very word “disorder”, the label slapped on them by the medical community, conjures up instant images of something negative.

I heard something on the radio this morning which prompted my thoughts on this matter. It was another female celebrity being accused of having an eating disorder and adamantly denying it.
It got me thinking that the term “eating disorder” screams, “There is something wrong with you!”

I don’t know anyone that would respond positively when told there must be something wrong with you. Telling someone, “I think you have an eating disorder” sounds more like a harsh accusation than a heartfelt concern for a friend, loved one or significant other. Accusations cause defensiveness, denial and shame.

This can lead people who may need help to isolate themselves from the accusations, feel added shame and not seek treatment. I’m not saying all these celebrities have an eating disorder, but some clearly have bones jetting out from their rib cage and collarbone while boasting about staying in shape with their personal trainer.

Eating disorders are complex and the fashion industry and media are already bombarding young girls, boys and adults with distorted images of what their body should look like. Skinny jeans are back and whereas a size 6 used to be thin, now it’s a size 00. I can only imagine where it will go from here. Size Sub 0 perhaps. If jeans came with warning labels that would be the time to add one, such as Warning: Attempting to squeeze into these jeans could cause an eating disorder.

Recent studies suggest there is a genetic and environmental component which predisposes certain individuals to eating disorders. They have what is referred to as a vulnerable personality which is highly sensitive to the environment or what are clinically called triggers. The odds for recovery get stacked against them when the outside environment is bombarded with them.

Supermarkets and News Stands showing bikini-clad unhealthy images are pervasive, so you don’t have to go far to be exposed to them. Then, when someone achieves this look, they are told they have a disorder. It’s psychologically confusing. When we learned cigarettes cause cancer, the television and print ads with the macho, attractive Marlboro man on a horse stopped. It took awhile, but common sense prevailed. Hopefully, the fashion and media industry will take note that there is a correlation between their mixed messages and behavior.

Change could begin within the medical community as well. No one would dream of calling fat people fat anymore. It may be time the term “eating disorder” be revisited. Most celebs would readily admit to alcohol or drug dependence, but mention an eating “disorder” and all the defenses go up. Who wants to admit to having a disorder? The very word has a stigma to it, and serves only to reinforce or trigger the negative beliefs that are already a part of the eating disorder struggle.

The insensitivity doesn’t end there as the same people who would never dream of saying, “You’re so fat” to someone who is obese or deemed obese by whatever the latest Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator dictates– thinks nothing of saying, “You’re so skinny” to someone who may be suffering from an eating “disorder”.

I don’t profess to know what eating disorders should be called instead. But maybe an open dialogue is needed with clinicians, educators and patients about this topic and whether the term is psychologically detrimental to recovery or to reaching out to friends, family or significant others who may be suffering.

It would be interesting to ask patients how the term makes them feel. I’m thinking the majority of them will say, “It makes me feel like there is something wrong with me — like I’m defective.”

A google search on disorders pulls up an A to Z laundry list that makes your head spin — 204,000,000 hits — so eating disorders are not alone in their defective label. Yet, I don’t know too many other illnesses that can be triggered by a term being used to describe it.

It seems counterproductive to want to help people while potentially unwittingly causing them harm. First, the acceptance of a more biological paradigm could go a long toward removing the stigma associated with eating disorders. In the 1990’s, Walter Kaye, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh’s Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) and his colleagues embarked on a landmark study — the first ever genetic study of eating disorders.

Based on that research, the National Institutes of Mental Health is currently sponsoring a four-year multicenter, international study seeking to determine whether a gene or genes might predispose individuals to developing this illness.

The causes of this condition aren’t self-imposed or culturally driven, but it may be time for the fashion industry and media to think about the triggering images and mixed messages they distribute, and for the medical community to place a kinder and gentler label on this illness.

About the Author: Maria Dorfner has been a writer and television producer for two decades. She has specialized in health writing/producing for the past thirteen years, and is the founder of NewsMD Communications, a production company specializing in health. She was also the co-anchor of Healthy Living and Healthcare Consumers airing on CNBC and LIFETIME. She can be reached at mailto:info@newsmdcommunications.com info@newsmdcommunications.com

Choosing A Fitness Center

Thursday, November 30th, 2006

Joining a fitness center is the beginning of getting into shape but there are some things you need to consider when choosing a fitness center.

Lets face it the choices for fitness center memberships are pretty wide. From expensive gyms that offer racquet ball, cocktail lounges, and full spa facilities to the basic gym that has all the equipment you’ll ever need but no frills. Choosing can be bit difficult. Thankfully you tell a lot before you ever buy that membership.

The way to choose a fitness center is based on your fitness goals. What do you want to achieve and how do you achieve that? Consider what it is you want to work on. Do you need free weights? Aerobic classes? Cardio equipment? Look for a gym that can meet your needs. If you aren’t sure what your fitness goals are then you need to meet with a personal trainer.

When you’ve lined up a fitness center that appears to fit you needs pay a visit. If there is more than one than pay a visit to all of them. Learn what equipment they have to offer, what additional services they have, what the hours are. Meet the staff, see what you think of them, and take a tour of the club.

Find out as much information as you can and if you decide to join the fitness center and make sure you ask about:

1. Location and hours. Is the fitness center near your home or work place? Is the facility open during the time period that you plan to exercise? During what times is the facility most crowded?

2. Environment. Will you enjoy spending time in the fitness center? Are the floors, locker rooms, and equipment clean? Is there entertainment available such as televisions or personal music stations?
3. Equipment. Does the fitness center have the equipment you’ want to use? Does the equipment appear to be well maintained and in good shape? Does the facility offer other activities for your health needs or disabilities?
4. Classes. What type of classes does the fitness center offer — how often? when? Do they limit class sizes?
5. Staff. Are the staff that work at the fitness center friendly? Are they trained in CPR and first aid? Are there personal trainers available? What type of qualifications do the staff members have?
6. Amenities. Does the fitness center offer convenient parking, sauna, towels, or child care services?
7. Reputation. What do others say about the fitness center?
8. Cost. How much does membership cost at this fitness center? How do their billing cycles run? What are the opt-out policies? Are any additional fees charged for specific amenities?
The more information you can collect on each fitness center that you are interested in the better able you will be to make the right decision for your personal fitness needs.

It is always nice to find a fitness center that will let you try before you buy. Most of the larger chain facilities make these offers but don’t be afraid to ask at any of the fitness centers if the offer free trial memberships. Visit the fitness center at the same time of day or night that you plan to exercise. This will tell you the availability of the machines, how busy the cardio equipment is and even what the shower facilities look like.

When choosing a fitness center choose the facility that gives you the most value.

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Secrets to Beautiful Hair

Thursday, November 30th, 2006

Always wash your hair with lower temperature water. A lot of people damage their hair with very hot water. Wash your hair every other day or even every third day.

Use the shampoo designed for your type of hair. Do not put the shampoo in the middle of your hand and push it into the middle of your scalp. Rub it on your hands to evenly distribute. If you have acne, remember that shampoo can cause more acne. Rinse your face, neck and back thoroughly after using shampoo.

Use hair conditioner which is formulated for your hair type. Conditioning your hair is one of the most important steps to keep your hair healthy and beautiful. Get a good brand that you let soak into your hair for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Pat your hair dry. Put the towel on your head into a turban but, when you take it off, pat the hair in between the towel instead of rubbing your head with it. If you must use blow dryer, set it on low or medium heat.

Never brush your hair when it is wet. Brushes break your hair. Use a comb and pick up sections of your hair to comb easily and carefully. Be careful not to over-brush, because it can make your hair greasy and damage the hair and scalp.

Get regular trims. Most people want longer hair and believe that trimming will slow down the length growth. This is just not true. Without a trim, you get split ends. Split ends break and tear leaving ugly ends and actually will not let your hair grow as long as if you do get it trimmed.

If you color your hair stay within two shades of your natural color. Color should compliment your skin tone and eye color. Think about your current style. Make sure you have your hair in the best possible condition before coloring.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is necessary for the health and beauty of your hair! Great nutrition is the most effective way of getting awesome hair.

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Inositol Nutrition

Thursday, November 30th, 2006

Inositol, a member of the Vitamin B complex, effects nerve transmission, helps with transporting fats within the body, and is required for proper development of cell membranes.

Most dietary Inositol comes in the form of phytate, found in nuts and beans, wheat and wheat bran, cantaloupe, and oranges.

Inositol, while classified as a vitamin, does not function like other vitamins; it does, however, work with other vitamins, including B6, B12, Choline, and methionine. These nutrients should be taken in combination.

Inositol Benefits
Inositol Hexanicotinate

Inositol works with other B vitamins above to minimize the buildup of fats in the liver. It is, therefore, often used to treat a variety of liver problems and conditions.
Inositol is also used to lower blood cholesterol levels; those consuming a diet low in inositol are more susceptible to developing cholesterol problems.

Although there is no supporting scientific data, inositol may help those with diabetes and bipolar disorders, anxiety, and depression. Its usefulness in treating these conditions has, at least, not been contraindicated.

Inositol: Further Benefits

Inositol, as we discussed above, often used to counter depression; serotonin–a crucial brain neurotransmitter associated with our moods—will, in fact, not perform properly in the absence of inositol.

Inositol is present within all human cells, playing an important role in the health-vital functions of cell proliferation and differentiation.

Ongoing studies indicate inositol may have anticarcinogenic properties. While the the initial research results are positive, however, additional time and research arenecessary to establish definitve results.

Inositol: What to Watch Out For

There is no data supporting the possibility of inositol deficiencies. Diabetics, however, have increased excretion of inositol and, as a result, may benefit from supplementation.

There is also no evidence of inositol toxicity. People who have chronic renal failure, however, should use inositol under a doctor’s supervision.

Large amounts of phytates could reduce the body’s ability to absorb calcium, iron, and zinc. And women who are either pregnant or wish to become so, because it may stimulate uterine contractions, should only use inositol under the supervision of their physicians.

Because it is not considered an essential nutrient, inositol has no RDA—recommended daily allowance.
We advise against consuming mega-doses–500 mgs and over–of inositol until further studies confirm the optimum dosage for health benefits.

A dosage of between 20 mgs and 75 mgs is currently regarded as the most beneficial.

How to Select an Inositol hexanicotinate Supplement

1. Obtain your product from pharmaceutical GMP compliant manufacturers, which comply with the world’s strictest regulatory standards for the manufacture of nutritional supplements. Consumers should be vigilant, because dietary supplements are unregulated in the U.S., and many supplements produced there have been shown either to contain contaminants or lack the ingredientsis stated on the label.

2.Make sure that you choose a product that does not contain any fillers or additives–examples include sugar, starch, gluten, silica (sand!), or artificial colors or flavors of any kind.

3. Inositol, as we previously mentioned, works synergistically with B6, B12, Choline, and methionine. We therefore suggest taking all of these nutrients

The product we personally use called Total Balance, which contains Inositol - natural-nutritional-health-supplement.com natural-nutritional-health-supplement.com is the best supplement we have come across. We have been using this supplement for over 3 years with excellent health results.

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Skin Rejuvenation of The Future

Wednesday, November 29th, 2006

Did you know that the average person has nearly 5 pounds of dead skin on them at any one time? Want to lose weight? Why not get a body wrap and full body massage? Simple enough. Only one problem that takes a lot of time and afterwards it is hard to get motivated to do much of anything.

Such a life of Bliss, yet the reality is that few of us really have the time to self indulge between all our family obligations, work and scheduled events to attend. But what if you could lose that five pounds of dead skin and look a little thinner and be a little lighter too. Think of it; Lose 5 pounds in three minutes. How so you ask? Now you are interested in this device, which will be available in the modern bathroom.

Indeed it will use high speed electron charged particles, in an air blower system, which will rapidly flow across your body connecting with and removing dead skin as the air re-circulates thru the unit on which you will stand on, about the size of a scale. Simply close your eyes and then wait for the static charge to build up and turn on the blower.

The flow will come from above your head facing your feet and the air will flow over your body to the floor vacuum unit. The dead skin will all be collected in the membranes inside which are coated with anti-bacteria material. Then turn it off, take your shower and you will be completed. Think on inventing this in 2006.

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HIV Aids and Glyconutrients

Wednesday, November 29th, 2006

If you or a loved one is suffering form HIV or AIDS, you need to review this information thoroughly.

The AIDS epidemic is affecting millions of lives of young children and adults in Africa and around the world; the average life expectancy in Africa is 47. This is a tragic situation and soon the world will find out what they can do to help. If this epidemic continues no one will even know what an old person looks like in Africa.

On October 15th 2005, the term glyconutrients will enter into the public consciousness and dictionaries of the world. In Los Angeles, California, the first World Wide AIDS Concert will be held to raise money to supply glyconutrients for children in Africa and other third world countries that are devastated with AIDS. Watch for the first and subsequent events on a network station in your area.

During the next three years, six ‘Live Aid’ type concerts will focus exclusively on Global AIDS Awareness. AIDS is the single largest threat to children in third world countries, and increasingly so in the west, yet it captures few headlines. Other concerts will take place in the UK, Russia, Brazil, Africa and China during the three years. The executive producer of the series is Hal Uplinger, who was the US producer for the Live Aid concerts in the 80’s and at the turn of the century for the Millennium Show. He will bring together massive talent to make this his largest undertaking ever!

U2, one of the most popular rock bands in the world, along with the Dave Matthews Band, will be performing at the initial concert in LA. The Global AIDS Awareness Program is a series of live concerts, each of which will be telecasted worldwide. The Program will increase AIDS awareness and raise money to improve the quality of life for AIDS children around the world.
“There are millions of hopeless children who are suffering from AIDS. The discovery of glyconutrients offers one of the best opportunities to impact their quality of life. While researchers continue their struggle to find a future cure, it is imperative that we raise an awareness of the huge impact this new discovery can make today.” —Hal Uplinger, Television Producer of these historic fund raising events
Maybe “the cure” is really the human body. The human body is truly the miracle; it is the job of science to find what the body requires to function at optimal wellness. Through history it has been proven time and again that providing essential nutrients through foods that you eat, to support your bodies systems to run efficiently, is truly your best medicine. It is your body that can recover from illness and prevent the onset of a disease or condition, but only when your bodies systems are supported properly.

Recent science has discovered a group of essential nutrients that has been overlooked in the past called glyconutrients.

Glyconutrients have been improving the quality of life of children with HIV/AIDS in third world counties. We have to continue to raise awareness and funds to help support these needy children of the world.

So, what are glyconutrients and how do they benefit people affected with the HIV virus or AIDS?

Glyconutrients are nutrients that have been discovered to be vital to normal immune function and, therefore, good health. Glyconutrients were discovered because of the advances in the research in a field called glycomics, also known as Glycobiology. This science focuses on the structure and function of oligosaccharides, or chains of sugar. Now that scientists have fully identified the entire glycome or range of sugars found in the human body, they are beginning to understand the vital role they play in human health. Their research forms the foundation for the emerging field known as glycomics.

We keep hearing that sugar is bad for us, which is true of refined sugars such as sucrose, but researchers are learning that complex chains of sugars (naturally occurring in plants, fruits, mushrooms, roots, and seaweeds such as Fucoidans and many others) are vital to human health. The problem is that these sugars are difficult to obtain, in the typical, overly refined, westernized diet. Our diets are loaded with simple sugars like sucrose and fructose that raise the glycemic index and contribute to a host of serious health problems such as obesity and diabetes. In contrast, certain oligosaccharides are as essential for the proper functioning of the human body as healthy fats and proteins and vital for cell-to-cell interactions including the vital function of the human immune system.

Scientists are saying that glycomics could fuel a revolution in biology to rival that of the human genome!

Scientists and researchers say “glycomics” may well become one of the most important new words of the 21st century. And glyconutritional products…foods and supplements that incorporate this new science into their formulations…could become an integral part of the protocol for the management of many debilitating conditions, since glyconutrients facilitate cell-to-cell communication in the body.

“This is going to be the future,” declares biochemist Gerald Hart of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. “We won’t understand immunology, neurology, developmental biology or disease until we get a handle on glycobiology.”…”If you ask what is the glycome for a single cell type, it’s probably many thousands of times more complex than a genome,” says Ajit Varki, director of the Glycobiology Research and Training Center at the University of California San Diego,… Raymond Dwek, head of the University of Oxford’s Glycobiology Institute, who coined the term “glycobiology” in 1988, says that sugars were often dismissed as unimportant, “as just decorations on proteins – people didn’t know how to deal with them.” They could not have been more wrong. As recent advances in genetics have unfolded, the importance of sugars has become ever more apparent… Varki sees it as a journey of exploration. “It’s like we’ve just discovered the continent of North America. Now we have to send out the scouting parties to find out how big it is…” New Scientist, October 2002 by Science writer Karen Schmidt
[Glycomics are] known to regulate hormones, organize embryonic development, direct the movement of cells and proteins throughout the body, and regulate the immune system. It shows yet again that the DNA in the genome is only one aspect of the complex mechanism that keeps the body running—decoding the DNA is one step towards understanding, but by itself it doesn’t specify everything that happens within the organism. Michael Quinion
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease characterized by the destruction of the human immune system. When your immune system cannot function properly and protect your body from disease, all it takes is a common cold to start a disastrous chain of events that leads to many illness and deaths of people affected with AIDS.

Normally, the immune system does a great job of keeping people healthy and preventing infections. Those infected with AIDS, however, have many complications with which to contend. The immune system is the system of specialized cells and organs that protect an organism from outside biological influences. In a broad sense, almost every organ has a protective function (e.g., the skin). When the immune system is functioning properly, it protects the body against bacteria and viral infections, destroying cancer cells and foreign substances. If the immune system weakens, its ability to defend the body also weakens, allowing pathogens, including viruses that cause common colds and flu, to grow and flourish in the body. The immune system also performs surveillance of tumor cells, and immune suppression has been reported to increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

This is where glyconutrients enter the scene. Glyconutrients provide essential nutrients your body requires to modulate (balance) your immune system. The most important function of the immune system begins at the cellular level.

Glyconutrients are nutritional, plant-based carbohydrates (saccharides). When they are consumed in sufficient amounts, they provide what your body must have in order to produce the cell surface structures called glycoproteins for every cell in your entire body.

This is how the human immune system begins to communicate the vast amount of intercellular information that is required on a millisecond basis (the human immune system is truly amazing when it is supported properly). It’s all about balance. For example, hormones need to be in the right ratios for defense mechanisms to function properly. Likewise, the body’s delicate ph balance cannot be too acidic or too alkaline. These functions are all carefully controlled by microscopic cells of the immune system. When this system breaks down, disease results.

Your immune system begins at the cellular level! The most important thing you can do for your health is to restore the proper function to your cells, and this can only be achieved by restoring cellular health!

In 1984-85, a group of symptomatic HIV-1 positive patients reported that oral aloe juice alleviated their AIDS symptoms. It was found that the active, anti-viral ingredient in aloe leaf gel was polymannose. This is a micronutrient that supports synthesis of innate defense molecules that destroy multiple types of infectious agents including bacteria and viruses. The mechanism of action is not that of antibiotics that poison or block the metabolism of micro-organisms. The biochemistry and immunology supported by this glyconutrient type of micronutrient-based defense is based on the up-regulation of innate, natural mechanisms for protection against and destruction of micro-organisms. Thus, antibiotic resistant organisms are destroyed by this enhancement of natural defense mechanisms through optimal dietary supplementation. The exact site and step in glycoprotein synthesis within the cell where mannose of aloe origin is utilized has been defined. This led to recognizing and formulating a mixture of natural saccharides (dietary sugars) known to be necessary in the golgi to provide a more efficient cellular synthesis of defense and tissue repair molecules.

Glyconutrients provide your body essential nutrients it requires to build and support glycoproteins.

Healthy bodies, comprised of many components working together in sophisticated harmony, must have accurate biochemical communication to function correctly. In its most basic form, this communication occurs at the cellular level and is referred to by molecular biologists as cell-to-cell communication.

So regardless of what condition you have, whether it is HIV, AIDS, heart disease, cancer or any other disease condition, you need to support your body and your bodies systems with essential nutrients that your body requires to function at an optimal level of health and therefore build a strong healthy immune system.

To obtain optimal health you must provide your body what it requires in the form of food and essential nutrients to support and build Cellular Restoration.

Because this AIDS virus attacks the immune system, it is of utmost importance to keep your body as healthy as possible to slow down the progression of the disease. It is absolutely vital that you have a good strong immune system so your body can fight off infections, colds, flus and protect your health and well being!

If you are dealing with HIV or AIDS, the single most important function you must have working for you is a strong vibrant immune system. Your immune system is your body’s last line of defense in the prevention of disease.

With the right nutritional and wellness plan, people with HIV or AIDS can dramatically improve the quality of life and extend their lives.

The discovery of glyconutrients is the single most important discovery in nutritional science that will diseaseeducation.com/diseases/AIDS.php strengthen your immune system, restore cellular health, and create increased vitality.

Kerry Greening makes it easy to understand how you can restore your immune health. Learn the 4 key essentials to cellular restoration. Visit disease education and view the free educational wellness video series so you can get started on the road to wellness diseaseeducation.com diseaseeducation.com

Regaining Your Libido And Sexual Confidence

Wednesday, November 29th, 2006

Sexual confidence is something that is hard to define as it has so many different levels. For some people sexual confidence means an ‘anything goes’ attitude to sex and sexual activities, whilst for others it can mean enjoying a sex life with one partner and only indulging in certain activities, both are totally normal and down to the individual. However one thing is for sure, without sexual confidence you can lack confidence in other areas of your life and can feel withdrawn and shy.

Female libido is a topic that many women will feel reluctant to talk about and will not want to admit that they are suffering from a low female libido. Yet you would be surprised at how many women are experiencing sexual problems due a lack of female libido. In order to be confident sexually you need to have sexual urges and a low female libido takes away these urges and leaves you feeling flattened and unable to become aroused. And if you have previously had a full sex life and have once enjoyed making love it comes as a shock when you find that your female libido is decreasing and you find you are no longer about to respond to stimulation. And in some cases you might even lack the desire to even begin foreplay with your partner.

If this sounds like you and you feel that there is nowhere to turn help is at hand. There is now a female libido supplement that can help you regain your sexual confidence as well as your libido. Many women feel they cannot go to their doctor about their low female libido and don’t feel comfortable discussing it with a counsellor or someone else they don’t know. Many women are also concerned about the possible side effects that some drugs that are prescribed for a low female libido may have. If this is the case but you need to increase your female libido then why not consider taking a natural female libido enhancer?

By opting to use a natural female libido enhancer you will be not only increasing your libido and regaining your sexual confidence, but you can rest assured that you will not suffer from any of the side effects that prescription drugs can cause. This means that you will have increased peace of mind at a time when you are feeling vulnerable and distressed at your lack of female libido. And once you have regained your sexual confidence and libido once again just think of how you will feel. There really is no reason why you should suffer from a low female libido when you can easily get a natural female libido supplement that will help you immensely.

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A PMS Supplement May Relieve Some or All Symptoms

Wednesday, November 29th, 2006

A PMS supplement should include the B-complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium, manganese, vitamins A, C, D, E, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, pantothenic acid, iron, copper, folic acid, biotin and zinc. Herbs that may be helpful include chasteberry (vitex agnus castus), black cohosh, valerian, dandelion, sarsaparilla and red clover. Other natural remedies for treatment of PMS symptoms include regular exercise, dietary changes and 5-HTP for mood swings, depression, anxiety and sleeping problems. St. John’s wort and/or SAM-E are sometimes recommended, but results vary. Most of these are discussed in greater detail below.

Before choosing a PMS supplement, several things should be considered. Do you take a daily multi-vitamin? Do you know what the recommended daily allowances are for each of the vitamins and minerals included in your daily multi-vitamin and will adding a PMS supplement put you over the RDA? What are the symptoms that you typically experience and which PMS supplement addresses your symptoms? Have you tried other natural remedies for treatment of PMS symptoms?

If you take a daily multi-vitamin and you add a PMS supplement, you could exceed the RDA for any number of vitamins and minerals. While the RDA is only a guideline and nutritionists do not always agree with this government standard, some vitamins and minerals can be toxic in excess amounts. For example, too much vitamin C in the diet can cause diarrhea. Excessive copper can cause abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Too much iron can make you constipated. Toxic amounts of potassium can actually cause heart problems and muscle paralysis. The best guidelines we have are government standards and the supplement manufacturer’s directions.

Some researchers believe that many of a woman’s premenstrual symptoms may be related to lack of adequate vitamins and minerals in the diet. Most good daily multi-vitamins contain all that is necessary to insure that you get the right amounts every day. Selenium is not included in all daily multi-vitamins and you may have to look for it. Certain vitamins and minerals allow other vitamins and minerals to be absorbed by the body more efficiently. The ones listed in the first paragraph work together and all should be included in the correct amounts to insure good nutrition.

A PMS supplement may contain herbs. Herbs are plants that are known to have medicinal value, because they were used historically by native healers practicing traditional medicine or because scientists have evaluated their chemical components or both. Because herbs have medicinal effects on the body, they can interact with some prescription drugs. An herbalist, a pharmacist or your medical doctor should be able to advise you about possible interactions between herbal remedies and prescription medications that you are currently taking.

Herbs are usually considered natural remedies for treatment of PMS symptoms because the side effects associated with prescription drugs do not general accompany herbal remedies. But, it is important to follow the manufacturers’ instructions. Even herbal teas can cause unwanted and sometimes dangerous side effects when used excessively.

The herbal PMS supplement that addresses the symptoms of breast pain and tenderness, headaches and body aches is chasteberry or vitex agnus castus. This herb was used in traditional medicine to relieve pains of all types. Scientific evaluation has shown that it contains a natural anti-inflammatory. Clinical research has shown that it is effective for women suffering from painful PMS symptoms.

The herbal PMS supplement black cohosh was used traditionally by Native American healers to correct hormonal imbalances, as were sarsaparilla and red clover. Clinical research has shown that black cohosh relieves symptoms associated with menopause as effectively as hormone replacement therapy. These plants probably contain phytoestrogens, which are plant components that have an estrogen-like effect on the body. Any PMS symptoms that are caused by low levels of estrogen could be relieved by using these herbs.

Valerian is a mild sedative, but the suggested dosage should be closely followed and reduced if unwanted drowsiness occurs. Dandelion is a natural diuretic. You may find that other herbs are recommended by some manufacturers as natural remedies for treatment of PMS symptoms. You may need to do some research to verify that these are safe and effective.

Other natural remedies for treatment of PMS symptoms include the natural antidepressants SAM-E, St. John’s wort and 5-HTP. These may effectively relieve mood swings, depression and anxiety associated with PMS. The most promising research has been reported with the use of 5-HTP. This compound can be derived from several natural sources; the safest source for manufacturing appears to be the seeds of an African plant. It helps the body to increase production of a brain chemical called serotonin, which is important in regulating mood, appetite and sleep cycles. Most experts do not recommend using 5-HTP in conjunction with prescription antidepressants known as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors, because the method of action is similar and a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome could develop. SAM-E and St. John’s wort are not believed to be safe for use with prescription antidepressants, either.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles about women’s health for the Menopause and PMS Guide, which provides information for women with problems associated with PMS, menopause and perimenopause including treatment options from conventional medicine to herbal remedies, dietary guidelines and helpful lifestyle changes. menopause-and-pms-guide.com/ Click here to visit our site.

Dietary and lifestyle changes may also be beneficial. To learn more about an effective menopause-and-pms-guide.com/ PMS supplement, dietary and lifestyle changes that can help and for more research relating to natural remedies for treatment of PMS symptoms, please visit the menopause-and-pms-guide.com/ Menopause and PMS website.

Diabetes Disease A Burning Problem For Our Human Society

Tuesday, November 28th, 2006

Diabetes is of two types they are diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by insufficient production of insulin produced by the gland called pancreas. Anti diuretic hormone, insulin is responsible for the absorption of glucose into the cells to generate energy,if the production of insulin is less ,energy produced will be low and so diabetic patients are found to be dull and sleepy.Defects caused due to the deficiency of insulin are less synthesis of insulin from the beta cells. Let us now study about the types of diabetes.

Types of diabetes mellitus are

1. Insulin-dependent type.
2. Non-insulin dependent.
Reasons and causes for diabetes - Diabetes is mainly caused due to various reasons such as viral infection that damages the pancreas causing the deficiency of insulin, obesity (major cause) leading to development of non-insulin dependent diabetes.

Symptoms:
Polyurea - excretion of interested quantity of urine.
Polydipsia - excessive thirst leading to increased consumption of water.
Polyphagia - excessive appetite leads to increase in take of food. In spite of over eating, diabetic patient looses weight.

Important Diabetes Q and A
How much weight should I lose each week?
Restraining your weight loss to 1/2 to 1 pound a week will keep you body healthy and perfect, and enjoy your favorite food in small amount. This is the key for you to lose weight slow and steady.

How can I cut the fat in my diet?
Here are some basic tips,Firstly see a dietitian for more advice. Avoid fried stuff’s choose nonfat or low-fat selections, such as no fat or 1% milk or cheese containing low fatty foods and less cholestrol foods.

Why does losing weight help my diabetes?
Lowering Insulin resistance will allows the natural insulin to lower the blood glucose level in the body. Secondly this will improve blood pressure and increase fat present in the blood. People suffering from Diabetes will (mostly) become prey for cardiovascular diseases. Reducing fat present in the blood and blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Im Thomas cook, working as a physician in Saint kids Hospital ,Seychelles. More articles about Health you can visit my article directory. infocrystals.com infocrystals.com

Why Do Gastric Bypass Patients Get Sleepy After Eating?

Tuesday, November 28th, 2006

Have you noticed since your WLS and return to regular eating a meal often causes you to become sleepy? Seriously sleepy. Drop your head in your plate sleepy.

This happens to me all the time. And there’s a good reason for it. When we eat the body produces a rise in blood sugar and a surge in insulin production. This chemical activity sends tryptophan to the brain where it becomes serotonin that signals the body “Take a nap!” Here come the nods, the yawns and the blinking eyes. WLS patients are highly susceptible to post meal sleepiness because of the shortened route to the small intestine. From there the tryptophan has a fast ride to the brain shouting almost like Paul Revere “The Sleepies are coming! The Sleepies are coming!”

Now, I don’t want any of you emailing my husband, but quite frequently I dramatically play the “I’m so sleepy” card and go to bed after dinner leaving him with the dishes and evening chores. (Feel free to try this at home!) In fact, he’s in the kitchen now doing tonight’s dishes!

This is fine for the evening meal, but what about a noonday meal? For example the business lunch. How can we socialize at our mid-day meal and not become a victim of the “Tryptophan Express” to Sleepytown?

A wise nutritional strategy for maintaining a sharp mental edge after lunch is to eat foods that give a gradual, steady release of food energy throughout the afternoon while placing only a light burden on the digestive system. Consider these strategies:

1. Emphasize healthy protein choices, like cold-water fish, beans and legumes, or a non-cream-based main dish soup or stew. Consume 60% of your volume from this group.

2. Choose a minimal serving of low-glycemic-index carbohydrates, like green salad, root vegetables in their skins, mushrooms, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, or artichoke. Consume only 20% of your food volume from this group.

3. Be sure your food choices contain healthy fats, such as cold-water fish, flaxseed oil, olive oil vinaigrette (the vinegar helps slow the release of food energy), nuts, seeds, or avocado

4. Absolutely avoid sugary, starchy, or fatty foods like soft drinks, non-whole-grain pasta, fried foods, and rich or creamy sauces and dressings

5. Skip dessert.

Rest assured, (pun intended) by making wise food choices we can be alert, responsive and LivingAfterWLS! Just say no to the Sleepies by making wholesome healthy food choices.

Kaye Bailey © 2005 - All Rights Reserved

Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5 years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of livingafterwls.com livingafterwls.com and livingafterwls.blogspot.com livingafterwls.blogspot.com

LivingAfterWLS is a no-nonsense resource for people Living After Weight Loss Surgery. Our community is growing in numbers even as we are shrinking in pounds. Together we support one another in this lifestyle, that it turns out, is NOT the easy way out.

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