Showing posts with label Natural Health Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Natural Health Tips. Show all posts

Friday, March 01, 2013

Dying for a Smoke!

The Dying For A Smoke poem, may assist you to avoid being included, in frightening smoking related diseases statistics. If you want to stop smoking you can, and in the process free yourself form one of the greatest perils on earth.

If you really are dying for a smoke, just remember the Grim Reaper poem, in which he tries to welcome all those who say they are dying for a smoke. The escape route is to stop smoking.

The Grim Reaper Loves Smokers
Dying For A Smoke

Stop smoking NOW - You may have read
'Cos if you don't - You'll soon be dead.

That smoking kills - You can be sure
From this and that - There is no cure

You stumble on - With cough and wheeze
'Tis smoking - Caused your lung disease

Not me you say - My breathings good
Was that my heart - I heard a thud

Can't stop now - It is too late
There is no point - I know my fate

But just a mo' - 'Cause you know what
It's not too late - To stop the rot

There's patches, pills - Advice to take
The effort is - Just yours to make

It seemed quite hard - But your success
Improved your health - And nothing less

That smoking kills - You now agree
But say "I've stopped" - It won't get me

It may help to print the poem and keep it in your wallet or handbag. It doesn’t take up much room, but is available to warn you of smoking related diseases,  whenever you are tempted to light up! You are welcome to include the poem on your web site but a link back to http://naturalhealthforall.com the Natural Health web site would be appreciated.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Best Antioxidants

It seems that purple berries are recognized as being amongst the best antioxidants.  But, wait a minute; we were always told that blueberries were number one!

It's a bit like asking who your favorite film star is, but even more of a question of taste!  However, some studies now suggest that black currant, elderberry, and chokeberry, lumped together as purple berries, are the best antioxidants in town.

Current thinking seems to be that the darker the color of the berries, the higher they climb in the best antioxidant ratings.  Research is now supporting the color theory, and that purple berries may be 50% higher in best antioxidants content, than some lighter varieties.  So it does appear that they might not just be lighter in color, but lighter in content as well!
 
Some researchers are predicting that purple berries will become more commercial, as they become better known as being amongst the best antioxidants.  They believe they will be used more extensively in health drinks, health foods, and supplements as demand increases.

It is not only purple berries that are emerging as best antioxidants, because beans, artichokes, and Russet potatoes, are also gaining recognition.  Beans have always been associated with natural health, hence the adage - full of beans.  However, it was not necessarily thought that full of beans also meant, being full of the best antioxidants, but it's worth a thought.

A recent study involved testing over 100 foods to find the best antioxidants.  The foods included, fruit and vegetables, as well as nuts and spices.  Purple berries, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries, ranked highest in the fruits, whilst beans and artichokes were confirmed as the best antioxidants, in the vegetable classes.

All of the studies concerning the best antioxidants are interesting, but all you really need to remember to benefit your natural health is to choose wisely, and get the 5 - 9 recommended daily helpings of fruit and vegetables.

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natural health

Friday, November 23, 2012

Practice Natural Health

I have read an interesting article about ways to praactice natural health and I have included an excerpt below as it is certainly worth a second look. It is surprising that there are many people, sometimes through no fault of their own, who don’t look after themselves properly. In one sense to coin the old Harold McMillan phrase, you’ve never had it so good, but in another sense it is probably true that life has become ever more competitive.

It should be within the capacity of everybody to practice natural health, but even if that were true there are many that would choose not to. It may well be that people don’t always appreciate how lucky they are until something goes wrong. Then many are ill equipped to cope. Fortunately we live in the Internet age, but even that can be a blessing or a curse. Like most things it depends on how you use it, or perhaps, how you have been taught to use it. Anyway this practical natural health article is worth a look, and it links to many other articles that may be of interest.

Extract from Practice Natural Health:

Just think for a moment about the three words practice natural health, and consider how they fit into your own lifestyle.

Many books about family health tend to concentrate on orthodox or allopathic medicine. Phenomenal sums of money are spent on a multitude of ways of helping people to overcome some medical condition or other. It is for sure that not enough attention is paid to encourage people to aim to live a natural health lifestyle to minimize the chances of becoming ill in the first place. Most people agree that prevention is better than cure, but for one reason or another they do not practice natural health, and frequently become ill.

There are so many ways to practice natural health to keep fit and enjoy life in the company of like-minded friends. Fitness centers are well equipped and offer a wide variety of training programs. Classes are available and frequently offer reduced rates for those on limited incomes. There is something for everybody, so whether you are interested in martial arts, yoga, basketball, or any one of dozens of other pursuits that will benefit your natural health lifestyle, suitable training and facilities are there to be used. Of course there are almost unlimited opportunities to study academic subjects as well, but for the moment we are more concerned with your natural health lifestyle to help you avoid being poorly.

To find out more about Practice Natural Health Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site

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natural health

Monday, September 07, 2009

Fantastic - Aromatherapy

Fantastic, wonderful, marvelous, have all been used to express the therapeutic advantages of aromatherapy. Whilst there has been some mystery if not confusion, about it, aromatherapy is a name that is self-explanatory. It simply implies using aromas, or scents to use another word, for treatment of a range of conditions. Please don't take that to signify that you require to be unwell to reap the benefits of aromatherapy, because it is a therapy that you may just use for relaxation and a sense of well-being.

Using essential oils in aromatherapy, helps to keep us healthy in our minds and bodies. Essential oils are removed from plants and include leaves, fruits, flowers, barks, roots, and stalks. People are becoming increasingly aware of the desirability of a natural health way of life, and surely nothing could be as natural as taking a good measure of nature, through using aromatherapy?

Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site.

Despite the fact that distillation is the most popular method used to remove essential oils, there are several other methods. The extraction of aromatherapy essential oils, may be time consuming and expensive. Furthermore, it needs a high level of skill to ensure that the oils aren't spoiled, and of no use. Incredibly it requires in excess of 220 pounds of rose petals, to produce just 4 to 5 teaspoonsful of aromatherapy essential oil, and there is no doubt it is a wearisome, tedious process which is best undertaken by professionals.

The massive quantity of plant matter necessary, to create a very small vial of aromatherapy essential oil, means it isn't cheap to buy.. Nevertheless, that is what makes it particularly successful. Bear in mind that aromatherapy essential oils are highly concentrated, and only a few drops per session are sufficient, to have the required effect.

The principal goal of aromatherapy essential oils is the “olfaction”. If aromatherapy essential oils are breathed in, the scent stimulates the cells in the olfactory nerves, resulting in an impulse that is transmitted to the emotional part of the brain, known as the “limbic system.” The limbic system is linked to other areas of the brain, to do with memory, breathing, and blood circulation, and is related to the endocrine glands, that control hormonal balance in the body.

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natural health

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Allergy Testing and Allergy Treatment

When it is suitable, skin testing is preferred to blood testing, as it is more specific, simpler to perform, and costs less. However, your doctor will know what is best suited to your disorder.

Please Click Here to visit the Allergy-Check Web Site.

Physicians, who are specialists in treating allergic disorders, undertake intensive training. In the USA a minimum of nine years is needed to become an allergist immunologist. It is reassuring to know that real improvements in medical procedures have been introduced by allergists. They include fast acting epinephrine tablets, and improved techniques for treating wasp stings.

If immunotherapy is thought to be a suitable treatment, it could either reduce the severity of an allergy or cure it altogether. It involves injecting gradually increased doses, of the allergen, known to be causing the symptoms. There have been good results in dealing with various ailments, including hay fever.

A variety of drugs are available to alleviate the symptoms of allergy which include, hydrocortisone and theophlene. Some preparations are obtainable over the counter, but it is always wise to find out from your medical practitioner, what is suitable for your own condition.

It's difficult to assess precisely the reason why some individuals get allergies, when others are more fortunate. It may be that there is a hereditary factor with some allergies. It seems clear that the incidence of allergies is on the increase, which may beto be related to the environment, and it is fortunate that allergy information and allergy advice are freely obtainable.

When you think about it some offices are now airless, with windows that opened being replaced by air conditioning. However, the quality of the outside air, particularly in urban conurbations, is dubious. On a global basis, rain forests are disappearing, whilst high powered lorries and cars are everywhere. Add the development of the emerging nations, and you have a recipe for global warming.

Some of the Chinese immigrants suffer from hay fever, several years after moving to the United States. More recently, there has been a lot of publicity about industrial contamination in Beijing, and other places. Probably the time could soon be here, when the citizens of Chinese cities will get their own, local grown sort of hay fever!

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natural health

Friday, September 04, 2009

Why Do Allergies Arise?

Allergies arise, when an individual is sensitized to a known substance, that provokes an allergic reaction. These substances are called allergens, or triggers, because they cause an overreaction in the body's immune system. There are naturally occurring allergens, such as pollens, environmental substances, like chemicals, and the foods that we eat, mostly proteins, amongst numerous types of food.

The four different avenues in which allergens can enter our bodies:

Inhalation - as with pollen and dust mites.
Eating - as with some foods.
Absorption - via the skin, as with some chemicals and plants.
Injection - some people are allergic to drugs, such as penicillin

When an allergic person encounters allergens, for the first time, the symptoms don't occur, but the defense mechanism is sensitized. Consider it, as getting ready to resist allergens, that it mistakenly assumes to be aggressors, intent on doing harm to our bodies.

Please Click Here to visit the Allergy-Check Web Site

Having become hypersensitive to a specific substance, the next time the immune system experiences the same type of allergen; it automatically mass-produces antibodies to cope with the perceived threat. The antibodies bind with the allergens, and as they circulate throughout the body, they react with other cells. Then substances, including histamine, create inflammation, that is a common allergy symptom. Allergies differ in many people, and the symptoms range from something as mild as a runny nose, to anaphylaxis, which is sometimes fatal.

Fortunately there is no shortage of allergy advice or allergy information.

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natural health

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Avoid Swine Flu - Naturally

Although swine flu has now been classified as a pandemic, there is no need to panic. The disease has spread throughout the world, but in most instances it has been in a relatively mild form. Unfortunately, there have been some deaths, but for the most part those affected have satisfactorily recovered, or are recovering.

Of course people are concerned because this is the first pandemic that has affected the world for many years. So, you may ask whether there is anything you can do to protect yourself, naturally. Fortunately, there are natural health steps you can take, to reduce the chances of swine flu affecting yourself, or your family. If you look after your immune system, it will do its best to protect you, or at least minimise the affect of an infection.

Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site.

You may ask how it is possible to strengthen your immune system? All you really need to do is to keep as healthy as possible. That will require a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, and not getting too stressed out or fatigued. There are many people who already live a naturally healthy existence, but for the others, it should not be difficult to take a few simple steps to protect themselves.

Fruit and vegetables are relatively inexpensive, and unless you are already eating sufficient, you should increase your intake. In the summer particularly, there are fruit and vegetables in season, which are often the subject of special offers at the supermarkets. Many towns are noted for their outdoor markets, where prices are often lower than in the shops. It is not difficult to improve your diet, and many people who have done so, have realized what they have been missing.

It is essential to get sufficient exercise, which really means as much as you can enjoyably cope with. Some people engage in adventurous and even dangerous sports. That is OK for them, but if you are not so inclined brisk daily walks, may be a sensible alternative. If work gets in the way, you could go for a walk at lunchtime, or if it's not too far walk to work, or get off the bus two stops earlier. There are so many ways and means to assist with staying healthy.

Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site.

Stress is one of the major health hazards of the modern age. You may not be able to totally avoid it but you should try to ensure that you don't get too tired. Your immune system does not benefit from you being tired out; so do not make undue demands of yourself. The sleep requirements of different people vary considerably. You are the best judge of how much you require, and in the best position to ensure you get it.

Perhaps the best way forward is to use the swine flu scare as an excuse to become naturally healthier. Then if you don't catch it, and hopefully most people won't, you will benefit from the steps you have taken to remain as healthy as possible.

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natural health

Friday, March 06, 2009

Food Allergy

A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system reacts to a food that is wrongly considered to be invasive and produces specific antibodies to deal with the perceived attack. This initiates a sort of chain reaction, because the next time a person eats a similar sort of food, the immune system produces chemicals in a misguided attempt to deal with the problem. The allergic reaction to these chemicals produces a variety of disorders ranging from breathing difficulties, to loss of consciousness, and even death from a condition known as anaphylaxis.

The most common foods that trigger allergic reactions are eggs, wheat, milk, peanuts, some other nuts, soy, fish and shellfish. However, some people are affected by other foods. Whatever the cause, once identified, that particular food or foods, must be avoided at all costs.

Because food allergy is a potentially serious condition, medical advice should always be sought to determine the best way of dealing with the problem. A doctor will be able to assist in identifying particular foods that the patient should avoid, as well as being able to assist with other dietary recommendations. It is unfortunate that some of the triggers or allergens as they are otherwise known, are among the foods that are the most nutritious. There are estimated to be around 11 million allergy sufferers in the USA alone, so medical practitioners are well prepared to advise.

Fortunately many people outgrow their allergies, but for others they are a lifelong threat. It is to be hoped that there will be a breakthrough eventually, and that research will improve or eliminate allergy related health problems. In the meantime food allergy sufferers can enjoy a fairly normal existence, as long as their condition is properly managed, by strict avoidance of foods that are associated with their problem.

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natural health

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Olbas Oil

Olbas oil is considered to be very good for relieving nasal congestion and associated disorders. However, there are some people who use Olbas oil, and are unsure of its ingredients, who have requested information with regard to what it actually contains.

Olbas oil is a mixture of eucalyptus, peppermint, cajuput, juniper, wintergreen, clove and menthol, so it is not difficult to realize why it is so highly regarded. All of the ingredients are useful for alleviating problems, when people feel unwell, with cold and flu type symptoms. Combined together, as the ingredients are in Olbas oil, they soon have people feeling better.

The normal method to benefit from Olbas oil is to put a few drops into a bowl of fresh boiled wated and inhale the fumes. Many find it advantageous to cover their head with a towel to concentrate the vapours directly to the nasal cavities. Because, the water has been heated to the extent of creating steam to carry the vapours, it is necessary to proceed with caution. If the bowl or other container was displaced, then scalding could result. Therefore, this sort of treatment is not recommended for children.

Nasal congestion is a condition that should normally clear up within a few days, especially if Olbas oil is used to help it on its way. If it persists, it may be necessary to seek the advice of a physician to determine that there is not a more serious problem giving rise to the ailment.

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natural health

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Children's Coughs and Colds

It has been reported, that some over the counter medicines for children's coughs and colds, may do more harm than good. Perhaps the trouble is due in part to a lack of understanding about what natural health is all about. There are so many natural substances that are able to assist in alleviating common problems.

Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site.

If children, adults for that matter, develop coughs and colds, there are various natural substances that can assist. For instance:

Liquorice

All you need to do is to soak a teaspoon of liquorish root in a cup of water for a few minutes, strain the liquid, and drink it down whilst still hot. There is nothing harmful in this concoction but it has soothed coughs for generations.

Lemon and Olive Oil

The use of lemons in any sort of cold cure is almost obligatory! A mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, sipped as required, has proved to be soothing to the extent of making cold related illnesses more bearable.

Onions and Honey

Honey is another natural ingredient, that can be used to advantage in soothing coughs and colds. Mixing honey with onions is not quite so well known. However, onions chopped and covered with honey, and then left to stand overnight produce a worthwhile addition to the natural apothecary. A teaspoon or two as required has often proved to be beneficial.

Mustard

Mustard baths are a folk remedy that may not be as popular now as they once were. But a spoonful of mustard added to a warm bath for children, or a hot bath for adults, has proved its worth in dealing with cold related illnesses. Alternatively there are many people who use mustard as a remedial footbath.

Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site.

So, do not think that there are no mild alternatives to soothing children's coughs and colds. After all, there is no absolute cure for common coughs and colds, but there are certainly natural ways of making the symptoms more tolerable.

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natural health

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Is Green Tea Dangerous?

Most people if asked the question "Is green tea dangerous" would answer with a resounding No! However, it should always be remembered that just because a product is natural does not necessarily mean that it is safe. Even if it is generally safe, it may not be safe for everybody.

Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site.

It is fairly well known that some natural preparations may have an adverse effect on prescription drugs. That is to say, that they may increase or decrease the potency of prescription drugs, designed for a particular purpose. It has been reported in the journal, Blood, that green tea can interfere with the drug bortezomib, which is marketed under the brand name Velcade. Velcade is mainly prescribed to treat multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. It seems that green tea stops Velcade from reaching the cancer cells towards which it is targeted.

It had been thought that green tea would facilitate Velcade in reaching its target. The fact that it does not do so is a firm indication that herbal remedies are not suitable for everyone, and in some instances may be considered to be dangerous.

Of course green tea is a very popular beverage, and there are many people who would testify to its benefits. But as with some other natural preparations, freely available from health shops and other outlets, it is not appropriate for everyone. It just goes to emphasize, that people who have been prescribed medicines, should seek advice from their doctors before taking herbal type preparations as well.

Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site.

It is widely believed that herbal remedies promote good health, and there that are many people who would endorse their benefits. The last thing you want to do if you are ill is to take anything that worsens your condition. Therefore, those who self prescribe should not take 'over the counter remedies' together with those obtained from recognized medical sources. Just remember that it is better to be safe than sorry.

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natural health

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Can Antioxidant Elderberries Defer the Aging Process?

Elderberries are very commonly found in English hedgerows but are they properly named. The elderberry is rich in a compound known as known as anthocyanin, which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants assist in combating afflictions associated with an excess of free radicals, including a range of degenerative diseases, and may even defer the aging process. Therefore, might the elderberry more properly be considered as the youngerberry? That certainly is food for thought!

English hedgerows also play host to blackberries, which along with many other berries are rich in antioxidants. But the wild blackberry has always been more popular than the elderberry, possibly because it is more amenable to making pies and jams.

Please Click Here to visit the Herbal Remedies Web Site and read the full article.

Elderberries are good for making wines and cordials, and it seems a pity that they are not held in higher regard, and often left to whither and die. Elders frequently grow into quite sturdy trees and are still extremely plentiful. Blackberries, on the other hand are not as profuse as they once were, simply because many hedgerows have succumbed to modern farming methods. That is not to say that they have disappeared but they do not seem to be as plentiful as elderberries.

Red wine has been publicized as being a useful antioxidant, and if that is true there is no reason why wine made from the elderberry, which is also known as the English grape, should be less so. The process of making the wine is not difficult, and using elderberries follows similar procedures to making other fruit wines, about which many good books are available. As with any alcoholic drink the trick is not to overdo it, but if elderberry wine, or cordial is packed with antioxidants, it seems a very pleasant way of taking a little natural medicine.

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natural health

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Free Radicals and Antioxidants

Free radicals are unstable molecules. that seek to make up for their imbalance by 'stealing' electrons from stable molecules which in turn causes them to become unstable. If this process becomes excessive serious health implications may result from a sort of chain reaction. Remember, it is an excess of free radicals that are a health hazard because a limited amount are required to assist with normal body processes.

Excess free radicals are a significant cause of degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables contains antioxidants that are able to assist in preventing such afflictions. Fortunately, antioxidants seem to be all good, with no downside, which is one of the reasons so much emphasis is attached to including five portions of fruit and vegetables in your daily diet. More than five portions is better still, and in normal circumstances will increase the intake of antioxidants.

Please Click Here to visit the Antioxidants Advice Web Site

Insofar as antioxidants are concerned fruit and vegetables are what to aim for, but some contain far more antioxidants than others. Berry fruits have gained an excellent reputation, with blueberries and tart cherries, for example, being near the top in antioxidant content. However, we all have our food likes and dislikes, and there is no need to impose blueberries on those who don't like them, as there are so many delicious fruit and vegetable alternatives.

The deadly diseases associated with free radicals are more likely to occur if people smoke than if they don't. Smoking and other pollutants will increase free radical damage, which is another good reason for smokers to stop. However, there are many other poisonous aspects of tobacco smoking, with free radical damage being but one of the many health hazards associated with this insidious pastime.

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natural health

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Allergies - Caesarean Babies

Please Click Here to visit the Allergy-Check Web Site

A recent report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer suggests that allergies are more likely to occur in children delivered by Caesarean section. At a time when around a quarter of all babies born worldwide, are by Caesarean section, mothers are being cautioned against this procedure, unless there are emergency or medical reasons.

The report goes into considerable detail about the reason why such children are more prone to allergies, explaining how their immune systems may be compromised.

It is widely understood that there are also significantly more risks to women, from Caesarean births, than normal deliveries. Therefore, this is a timely report that will be of interest to many women and their families.

Please Click Here to read the complete story Allergies Likely In Caesarian Babies.

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Allergen Block Offers Hope to Millions

The month of September begins the fall, and starts the 'allergy season' off in earnest. At this time of the year millions of Americans are affected by allergens, such as plant pollens and mold spores.

Please Click Here to visit the Allergy-Check Web Site

There is hope that this year might not prove so miserable for so many allergy sufferers. There is a new product, that has been invented by a New Jersey Engineer, who was motivated to help his allergy suffering daughter. Allergen Block, as the new product is known, has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.

Allergen Block seemingly stops airborne allergens from progressing through the nasal passages. It is an over-the-counter product, developed without unpleasant side effects, that works using simple but proven scientific methods.

There is a fascinating report about Allergen Block, in the IndUS Business Journal, which also contains useful information about allergies in general.

Please Click Here to read the complete story Innovative Allergy Combatant.



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Thursday, October 02, 2008

Food Allergy Sufferers

The number of people suffering from food allergies is increasing on a worldwide basis.

Please Click Here to visit the Allergy-Check Web Site

There are so many people who have to be careful what they eat, as just one bite of something they are allergic to, could have serious implications and in the worst-case scenario, could be fatal.

The most common allergens are peanuts, other nuts, eggs, milk, wheat, soy and fish, but even some fruits and vegetables can trigger reactions in some people. Food additives may also be responsible for creating problems for others.

Of course people are not always aware that they may be allergic to a particular food, until after they become ill. Therefore, it is essential that sufferers find out as much as they can about their own allergy in particular and the whole subject of allergies in general.

There are many good sources of information about allergies. A recent article in the Canadian GlobeLife Health is informative and up to date.

Please Click Here to read the complete story New Rules Offer Security To Food Allergy Sufferers.

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natural health

Major Cholesterol Survey

It is interesting to note that as the national cholesterol awareness month draws to a close. many Americans are making the effort to manage their own cholesterol levels.

A significant survey of over 10,000 Americans, has produced some interesting results. These included the number of times participants had their cholesterol levels checked.

Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site.

Many of those taking part in the survey said that as well as taking their doctors advice they were also taking some form of action on their own. A substantial percentage were eating a low fat diet, whilst others were consuming recommended oat based products.

Herbal remedies, such as garlic, flax seed oil, fish oil were popular. A lower percentage were drinking red wine, but hopefully, not in too copious quantities!

It's good to find such encouraging results from a substantial and meaningful survey. The first line of defense, in protecting your natural health, must include looking after yourself.

Please Click Here to read the complete story 10,000 Americans in Cholesterol Health Check.

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Sunday, September 28, 2008

Cherry Juice - Cheery News

It has been reported that one glass of cherry juice contains more antioxidants than over 20 portions of fruit and vegetables. It is well known that antioxidants offset free radicals, which if left unchecked can lead to serious diseases, including cardiovascular problems, cancer and also lead to premature aging. In fact, it was established in a recent television documentary, that people who live the longest, frequently take antioxidants to the extent of 6000, Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) units per day.

Please Click Here to visit the Herbal Remedies Web Site and read the full article.

It seems that all cherries are not equal and do not have the same effect. Maximum benefits are obtained from Montmorency tart cherries that are grown in the United States. The cherries common to other countries, including the UK, are not nearly so rich in antioxidants as the US variety, which isn't to say that they are not a useful dietary aid. However, they contain only about a fifth of the antioxidants found in the Montmorency cherry juice, which is available from health food stores in other countries, under the name of CherryActive.

Tart cherries, which are otherwise known as sour, red cherries, or pie cherries are renowned as ingredients in delicious desserts. If Montmorency cherry juice is as good for you as recent studies suggest, it seems that it could be so uplifting as to be called 'cheery' juice! There is so much written about diets and supplements these days and some of it is hard to swallow! That does not apply to Montmorency tart cherries that seem to be readily available in a most palatable form. Some people feel guilty about following a main meal with a dessert, but recent research into tart cherries may have let them off the hook!

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natural health

Allergy Testing News

There is no doubt that food allergies have increased significantly, in the last decade, but it is gratifying to learn that continuing research is working hard to combat the threat.

Please Click Here to visit the, Allergy-Check Web Site

Allergies are a real problem to all sufferers, but particular so to young children with less understanding of their condition. Research into ways of reducing the risks associated with testing procedures are welcome. In this respect the following report is very interesting:

"Right now, the only way to definitively diagnose a food allergy is to feed a child some of the suspected food at a hospital so they can get prompt treatment if they have a serious reaction.

But immunologists at Dalhousie University’s medical school are working with doctors at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax to devise a laboratory test that could identify allergies without exposing a child to risk.

In department head Jean Marshall’s lab, researchers can grow the mast cells involved in allergic responses, add serum from a patient’s body, introduce the food and watch what happens.

'If we develop a new diagnostic test here, it will get used here first,' she said in a recent interview. 'So it will impact on treatment very quickly.'

Rates of food allergies have increased substantially over the last 10 years, with the highest incidence in North America, the United Kingdom and Australia, Ms. Marshall said."

Please Click here to read the full article,Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca

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Monday, September 22, 2008

Allergies - Something In The Air

There was a very interesting article in 'USA Today' about allergies, and some of the environmental causes, including global warming:

"If you have respiratory allergies, you have an environmental problem: There's something in the air that makes you sniffle, sneeze, stuff up or wheeze.

And growing evidence suggests your problem may be linked with the biggest environmental problem of all: global climate change."

"We've got really good evidence now that environment matters," says Jay Portnoy, a Kansas City, Mo., allergist and president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Just taking a pill is not going to solve your problem."

Mark Dykewicz, chief of allergy and clinical immunology at St. Louis University School of Medicine, agrees: "Allergen avoidance is Job One."

Allergens are the things that trigger symptoms: the pollens and molds outside; the dust mites, molds, pet dander and insect droppings inside. Different people have different triggers and need different environmental control strategies.

Many are common sense: If pollen bothers you, check daily counts (at www.aaai.org) and stay inside with your windows closed when they peak. If you go outside, shower before bedtime.

Avoiding indoor trouble-makers takes more work. But research suggests it's worth the bother, if sufferers take multiple steps. "Doing one thing isn't enough," Portnoy says. Measures that may help:

•Control dust mites by keeping indoor humidity below 50%, putting mite-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, washing bedding in hot water, removing carpets from bedrooms, using products that kill or deactivate mites and using a cyclonic vacuum cleaner or one with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Room air cleaners with HEPA filters also can help.

• Reduce indoor mold by finding and repairing leaks and making sure bathrooms, basements and kitchens are well ventilated.

• If you can't part with a pet that causes allergies, at least keep the pet out of your bedroom."

To read the full article please visit:

Big culprit for allergies? Evidence points to global change - USATODAY.com

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