Visit Healthy New @ Today.com for information about why you need to make sure you get your regular annual pap test.
We have so much power and control over our health if we listen to our bodies and follow doctor's guidelines. Going to the dentist isn't fun but it's essential just like getting your pap smear or your prostate test or going for that mammogram. Don't let the ick factor get in the way of living a healthy, vibrant, LONG life.
Cheers,
Dana Prince, Health Writer
Showing posts with label alternative health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alternative health. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Healing With Anti Inflammatory Foods
Foods can be healing. Anti inflammatory foods should regularly be incorporated into the diet, especially when you're unwell or dealing with chronic pain. Those with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, for instance, can find a significant difference when eating foods that have anti inflammatory properties.
Here is a short list of some of the foods that fit the bill:
-olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil
-lean protein (chicken and fish)
-dark leafy vegetables
-nuts
-berries
-whole grain foods
-red wine or grapes
-green tea
-spices such as ginger, garlic, oregano and cinnamon
Foods that are pro inflammatory include unhealthy fats, sugar and junk food. It's evident that foods that are generally part of a healthy lifestyle overall can contribute to good health in many different ways.
Beyond pain management, you can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's as well. While you might be someone that needs medication for pain management, you might find that increasing the anti inflammatory foods you consume could lessen the frequency of medication. For others who are getting into health and fitness, eating these types of foods could be very beneficial for you for many reasons including post workout recovery.
Here is a short list of some of the foods that fit the bill:
-olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil
-lean protein (chicken and fish)
-dark leafy vegetables
-nuts
-berries
-whole grain foods
-red wine or grapes
-green tea
-spices such as ginger, garlic, oregano and cinnamon
Foods that are pro inflammatory include unhealthy fats, sugar and junk food. It's evident that foods that are generally part of a healthy lifestyle overall can contribute to good health in many different ways.
Beyond pain management, you can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's as well. While you might be someone that needs medication for pain management, you might find that increasing the anti inflammatory foods you consume could lessen the frequency of medication. For others who are getting into health and fitness, eating these types of foods could be very beneficial for you for many reasons including post workout recovery.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
What Are Probiotic Yogurt Challenges?
If you're scratching your head about what the fuss is with probiotic yogurts and seemingly mysterious two week challenges, here's a bit of advice that can demystify.
We all have bacteria in our bodies. We have friendly bacteria in our bellies that helps to break down food and overpower unfriendly bacteria. It works as an integral part of our chemistry. Positive flora is something that is in probiotic bacteria which can enhance digestive functions and your immune system.
In a healthy body, we should have enough positive flora to do the job but when things go out of whack, it can make this a challenge and the result can be that we don't digest as easily as possible which impacts how we feel and will impact our colon transit time (a.k.a. how often you have a bowel movement.)
When should you take probiotics?
Probiotics can be needed when:
-You have an infection or are prone to candida or yeast infections
-You've had antibiotics
-You've been feeling unwell or are repeatedly ill
-You have digestive problems like IBS-C, IBS-D or a combination.
Yeast infections happen due to the overgrowth of candida which is the growth of candida albicans bacterium. Probiotics can help the spread of candida by overpowering the candida albicans. Think of positive bacteria such as in yogurt as vigilante bacteria with an attitude who can fend off the bad guys.
Antibiotics are great for killing off harmful bacteria in your body but they also kill the positive flora which can cause havoc on your digestive system. This is why many now stop for yogurt on the way home from the drug store after picking up Penicillin.
Those who are repeatedly ill might also consider taking probiotics to help strengthen their immune system. Probiotics can be taken in yogurt or cheese as well as in vitamin supplements that include live bacteria.
What about prebiotics?
Prebiotics are components that can help stimulate the growth of the positive flora in your body. This way you not only have to consume probiotics but are more prone to making your own.
Many who are prone to yeast infections or who are recovering from an infection that required antibiotics find that having probiotic yogurt regularly helped ward off problems and correct them.
And, for those with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), diarrhea or other digestive disturbances, many found that by taking a serving of probiotic yogurt daily over a few week period they saw positive changes in their digestive functions: Hence the 14 day challenge.
We all have bacteria in our bodies. We have friendly bacteria in our bellies that helps to break down food and overpower unfriendly bacteria. It works as an integral part of our chemistry. Positive flora is something that is in probiotic bacteria which can enhance digestive functions and your immune system.
In a healthy body, we should have enough positive flora to do the job but when things go out of whack, it can make this a challenge and the result can be that we don't digest as easily as possible which impacts how we feel and will impact our colon transit time (a.k.a. how often you have a bowel movement.)
When should you take probiotics?
Probiotics can be needed when:
-You have an infection or are prone to candida or yeast infections
-You've had antibiotics
-You've been feeling unwell or are repeatedly ill
-You have digestive problems like IBS-C, IBS-D or a combination.
Yeast infections happen due to the overgrowth of candida which is the growth of candida albicans bacterium. Probiotics can help the spread of candida by overpowering the candida albicans. Think of positive bacteria such as in yogurt as vigilante bacteria with an attitude who can fend off the bad guys.
Antibiotics are great for killing off harmful bacteria in your body but they also kill the positive flora which can cause havoc on your digestive system. This is why many now stop for yogurt on the way home from the drug store after picking up Penicillin.
Those who are repeatedly ill might also consider taking probiotics to help strengthen their immune system. Probiotics can be taken in yogurt or cheese as well as in vitamin supplements that include live bacteria.
What about prebiotics?
Prebiotics are components that can help stimulate the growth of the positive flora in your body. This way you not only have to consume probiotics but are more prone to making your own.
Many who are prone to yeast infections or who are recovering from an infection that required antibiotics find that having probiotic yogurt regularly helped ward off problems and correct them.
And, for those with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), diarrhea or other digestive disturbances, many found that by taking a serving of probiotic yogurt daily over a few week period they saw positive changes in their digestive functions: Hence the 14 day challenge.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
WuLong Tea Benefits
I reguarly come across ads for Wulong tea so I decided to look a little closer at it. It turns out it's known as Oolong tea as well and has several significant health benefits. If you are looking to find out the benefits of Oolong or Wulong tea, you can find a wealth of information online as well as a fair bit of hype.
Oolong Tea
Wulong tea is also known as oolong tea and is reported to have many health benefits including that of slimming effects. Wulong tea is in the same family as black and green teas but is reported to have a level of fermentation that provides excellent fat burning potential.
In the quest for eating foods and drinking liquids that increase your metabolism it’s worthwhile to note that some teas also provide significant health benefits such as high antioxidant levels. Green tea, white tea and WuLong or Oolong tea are said to be helpful in many ways. White tea can help with bacteria such as Strep as well as provide aid in preventing dental cavities. Oolong is said to help with the regulation of blood glucose levels and help you have a glowing complexion.
Why do you need antioxidants?
Antioxidants can actually reverse the aging process and fight free radicals or cancer causing agents. You can get antioxidants from many foods and beverages including foods like blueberries, the Goji berry and from green tea, white tea and oolong tea.
In terms of negative effects of Wulong tea, there is a high caffeine content so it might be wise to watch your intake and be sure you pay attention to any symptoms or signs of caffeine excess such as jitters or heart palpitations. Instead of drinking it in addition to your daily coffee, you might want to have your Wu-Long in the morning instead of coffee.
Anything that impacts your metabolism must be carefully considered when taking any medication. Much like the grapefruit diet isn’t recommended for someone on essential medication for heart, blood pressure and other medical issues, because Wulong can impact your metabolic rate you need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking it when you are taking prescription drugs.
Oolong Tea
Wulong tea is also known as oolong tea and is reported to have many health benefits including that of slimming effects. Wulong tea is in the same family as black and green teas but is reported to have a level of fermentation that provides excellent fat burning potential.
In the quest for eating foods and drinking liquids that increase your metabolism it’s worthwhile to note that some teas also provide significant health benefits such as high antioxidant levels. Green tea, white tea and WuLong or Oolong tea are said to be helpful in many ways. White tea can help with bacteria such as Strep as well as provide aid in preventing dental cavities. Oolong is said to help with the regulation of blood glucose levels and help you have a glowing complexion.
Why do you need antioxidants?
Antioxidants can actually reverse the aging process and fight free radicals or cancer causing agents. You can get antioxidants from many foods and beverages including foods like blueberries, the Goji berry and from green tea, white tea and oolong tea.
In terms of negative effects of Wulong tea, there is a high caffeine content so it might be wise to watch your intake and be sure you pay attention to any symptoms or signs of caffeine excess such as jitters or heart palpitations. Instead of drinking it in addition to your daily coffee, you might want to have your Wu-Long in the morning instead of coffee.
Anything that impacts your metabolism must be carefully considered when taking any medication. Much like the grapefruit diet isn’t recommended for someone on essential medication for heart, blood pressure and other medical issues, because Wulong can impact your metabolic rate you need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking it when you are taking prescription drugs.
Managing Your Own Health With Online Tools
We all need to see the doctor, especially if we have symptoms but we also need knowledge. Today, people want to understand what is going on in their body. We seek medical treatment, we look to non-conventional methods of curing and creating a more vibrant self and we want to know everything we can about what we might be facing.
The patient/doctor relationship is very different today than it was 20 years ago. Today people are more likely to learn about their condition and treatment options. They are more likely to ask for a second opinion or question their doctor. Knowledge is power in every area and that's especially true when it comes to your health.
I was pointed to a very useful article this morning with a vast list of resources.
The Nursing Online Education Database published a list of 100 useful links to tools for medical information and self-diagnosis. The link contains information about self-diagnosing, risk assessment quizzes and tools, medical dictionaries and other useful tools and database links.
This is such a useful list I expect to come back to it on a regular basis. Of course I feel the need to type the obligatory and very true statement that you should never rely solely on self diagnosis if your health could be at risk but having knowledge and resources can compliment your medical care and lead to a healthier, stronger and more informed you. In my opinion, knowledge is essential in this age with varying opinions on medical treatment, medical malpractice and alternative or natural healing.
The patient/doctor relationship is very different today than it was 20 years ago. Today people are more likely to learn about their condition and treatment options. They are more likely to ask for a second opinion or question their doctor. Knowledge is power in every area and that's especially true when it comes to your health.
I was pointed to a very useful article this morning with a vast list of resources.
The Nursing Online Education Database published a list of 100 useful links to tools for medical information and self-diagnosis. The link contains information about self-diagnosing, risk assessment quizzes and tools, medical dictionaries and other useful tools and database links.
This is such a useful list I expect to come back to it on a regular basis. Of course I feel the need to type the obligatory and very true statement that you should never rely solely on self diagnosis if your health could be at risk but having knowledge and resources can compliment your medical care and lead to a healthier, stronger and more informed you. In my opinion, knowledge is essential in this age with varying opinions on medical treatment, medical malpractice and alternative or natural healing.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Benefits of Fasting for Health, Spirituality, Vitality and Longevity
There are many reasons to learn about fasting for health, fasting for spirituality and for weight loss. If you’re thinking about doing a fast for your health or any other reason, it’s a great idea to do some research and learn as much as you can about what happens to your body while you are fasting. There are benefits as well as some warnings when it comes to doing a fast for any period of time.
Some look to fasting for weight loss. There is a lot of information available to help you learn all the benefits of fasting with guidelines and safety precaution information or supporting herbs and vitamins.
A Few Warnings About Fasting
First: you need adequate hydration when you go without food. Dehydration is very dangerous and can happen quickly. Some people do nothing but drink water while fasting and others do a pure juice fast which can provide you with plenty of nutrients, hydration and electrolytes while still giving you some detoxifying benefits.
Second, if you have any health concerns or issues with blood sugar you might want to talk to your doctor first. Some people who do fasting for health benefits do it through a supervised medical treatment center although the vast majority do so at home. A fast is sometimes necessary regardless of your health status for a short term period due to the need for a specific medical test but you should find out if there are any precautions you need to take while fasting.
Try to keep it low key while you are not eating. Not only will you want to reserve your energy but you won’t want to be around the sights and smells of food unless absolutely necessary.
Understanding ways to do fasting as well as the best way to break your fast are important. The aim is typically to have the body go into autolysis and use up stores of energy and fat and resume to healthful eating before the body starts to use protein as energy and ease back into food in a healthful and beneficial way.
Benefits Of Fasting
When you fast you can go through a detoxification process. Your body can shed toxins and impurities. It can even help you overcome addiction. Fasting can make a lifestyle transition helpful. Rather than trying to wean your body off unhealthy foods and suffer cravings, fasting can be an excellent way to jump start the process and have a speedy detoxification process which can reduce the cravings.
Fasting can also help your body target all its resources to healing instead of processing food. When the body is in fasting mode this can result in damaged cells becoming healed, unhealthy growths and bacteria or yeasts being starved and the lymphatic system being energized.
In many cultures, fasting is linked to an increased spiritual connection and to longevity or increased life expectancy.
Is Fasting Right For You?
Part of our culture has made us believe that that food equals comfort. Deprivation is very different from fasting. Learning the benefits and learning tips for the first time you fast can be very beneficial and there’s a wealth of information available to help you.
Some look to fasting for weight loss. There is a lot of information available to help you learn all the benefits of fasting with guidelines and safety precaution information or supporting herbs and vitamins.
A Few Warnings About Fasting
First: you need adequate hydration when you go without food. Dehydration is very dangerous and can happen quickly. Some people do nothing but drink water while fasting and others do a pure juice fast which can provide you with plenty of nutrients, hydration and electrolytes while still giving you some detoxifying benefits.
Second, if you have any health concerns or issues with blood sugar you might want to talk to your doctor first. Some people who do fasting for health benefits do it through a supervised medical treatment center although the vast majority do so at home. A fast is sometimes necessary regardless of your health status for a short term period due to the need for a specific medical test but you should find out if there are any precautions you need to take while fasting.
Try to keep it low key while you are not eating. Not only will you want to reserve your energy but you won’t want to be around the sights and smells of food unless absolutely necessary.
Understanding ways to do fasting as well as the best way to break your fast are important. The aim is typically to have the body go into autolysis and use up stores of energy and fat and resume to healthful eating before the body starts to use protein as energy and ease back into food in a healthful and beneficial way.
Benefits Of Fasting
When you fast you can go through a detoxification process. Your body can shed toxins and impurities. It can even help you overcome addiction. Fasting can make a lifestyle transition helpful. Rather than trying to wean your body off unhealthy foods and suffer cravings, fasting can be an excellent way to jump start the process and have a speedy detoxification process which can reduce the cravings.
Fasting can also help your body target all its resources to healing instead of processing food. When the body is in fasting mode this can result in damaged cells becoming healed, unhealthy growths and bacteria or yeasts being starved and the lymphatic system being energized.
In many cultures, fasting is linked to an increased spiritual connection and to longevity or increased life expectancy.
Is Fasting Right For You?
Part of our culture has made us believe that that food equals comfort. Deprivation is very different from fasting. Learning the benefits and learning tips for the first time you fast can be very beneficial and there’s a wealth of information available to help you.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Red Wine Pills, Magic Bullett for Longevity?
Ahh, the dream of a magic pill to make all your troubles go away. Red Wine Pills might be pretty darn close!
If you're interested in benefiting from the virtues of red wine but don't want to sit down to drink it, you might want to look at red wine in pill form. We all know that red wine health benefits are numerous. If you don't want to take in the alcohol levels and don't want the bloating or weight gain associated with red wine drinking on a daily basis, the Red Wine Pill might be right up your alley. Red wine is great for you (better than great!) but has some downsides including a high number of calories and the inability to drive a motor vehicle while drinking it.
Red Wine in a Pill
The Red Wine Pill consists of all the good stuff minus some of the bad stuff in wine. You get the benefits of antioxidants which can slow the aging process and the little pill can help to fight free radical damage and also, you can get the best of the healthful aged grape beverage by taking this pill and benefit from better heart health as well as assist with type-2 Diabetes (per this heatlh news article.)
Red Wine Pills contain Reservatrol which is a potent ingredient that can provide some numerous great health benefits for you and has been shown to extend lifespans in many test subjects including animals and insects. Talk to your doctor about whether or not the Red Wine Pill is right for you. You can find it in health food stores as well as through some great online sources.
Have you tried it? I'd love to hear some feedback.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Boost Your Immune System This Winter
Many people feel they should avoid the flu shot unless there’s a very specific reason for it I’m one of those people. I’ve sat through many debates on the subject but it’s how I feel. IF you want to read some more about it, stop by www.mercola.com and you can read some compelling stuff.
Anyway, instead of my family marching off to get flu shots, we try to boost our systems naturally. Here are a few of the things we do and some links in the document that explain a bit about some of these ideas.
-Take greens plus. It’s filled with LOADS of good stuff. I always feel healthier & better when I take it.
-Use coconut oil in a lot of my cooking. Coconut oil contains good stuff like lauric acid which is what helps babies get a boost of immunity from their mother’s milk
-up our fruits and vegetables
-wash our hands well everytime we come in from outside. We don’t bother with antibacterial soap at home, we simply sing the tune of happy birthday or the abc’s while we wash to help us wash long enough. I do keep instant hand sanitizer in my purse and the car for when we’re out and feel like we’ve touched something questionable.
-apple cider vinegar helps boost immunity as well
-Drink white tea. It can help kill bacteria like strep and staph.
-Clean your ears with hydrogen peroxide if you think you’re coming down with a cold.
-Get some good flora in your gut by eating yogurt and probiotic cheese
Sometimes our doctor advises us to get a flu shot for a specific reason and if your doctor does, by all means! But, don’t just assume you need one every year if you’re perfectly healthy. I do believe we are harming our immune systems by stopping our bodies from fighting off mild viruses alone. Too many immunizations and antibiotics can do more harm than good!
Anyway, instead of my family marching off to get flu shots, we try to boost our systems naturally. Here are a few of the things we do and some links in the document that explain a bit about some of these ideas.
-Take greens plus. It’s filled with LOADS of good stuff. I always feel healthier & better when I take it.
-Use coconut oil in a lot of my cooking. Coconut oil contains good stuff like lauric acid which is what helps babies get a boost of immunity from their mother’s milk
-up our fruits and vegetables
-wash our hands well everytime we come in from outside. We don’t bother with antibacterial soap at home, we simply sing the tune of happy birthday or the abc’s while we wash to help us wash long enough. I do keep instant hand sanitizer in my purse and the car for when we’re out and feel like we’ve touched something questionable.
-apple cider vinegar helps boost immunity as well
-Drink white tea. It can help kill bacteria like strep and staph.
-Clean your ears with hydrogen peroxide if you think you’re coming down with a cold.
-Get some good flora in your gut by eating yogurt and probiotic cheese
Sometimes our doctor advises us to get a flu shot for a specific reason and if your doctor does, by all means! But, don’t just assume you need one every year if you’re perfectly healthy. I do believe we are harming our immune systems by stopping our bodies from fighting off mild viruses alone. Too many immunizations and antibiotics can do more harm than good!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
H202: To Drink or Not To Drink (Hydrogen Peroxide)
Have you been sifting through all the research you can find on drinking hydrogen peroxide? Me too. Many say that H202 can be healing from many bacteria, diseases, oxygenate your blood beneficially and even kill Cancer cells. Others say that if you ingest Hydrogen Peroxide, it could cause harmful ulcers, rupture your colon, make you violently ill or even be fatal.
Hydrogen peroxide research has been ongoing for many years but when you research whether or not it's safe to drink it, you'll find conflicting reports. Many reports that tell you that it's not safe are concerned about heavy concentrations. Many reports that tell you that it is safe to drink H202, tell you that when you take it highly diluted, it can be very safe and beneficial to your health. In some countries, it's used to purify drinking water.
There are many debate sites that list both sides of the argument. What do you think?
I know that I use it as an antiseptic dental rinse and use hydrogen peroxide on cuts, bruises and in my ears to clear out wax and ward off an oncoming cold or flu. I firmly believe I have been reading about the virtues of it for a long time. I guess I'm still on the fence about ingesting it but leaning towards believing that if you follow naturopath guidelines very carefully it could be quite beneficial.
Hydrogen peroxide research has been ongoing for many years but when you research whether or not it's safe to drink it, you'll find conflicting reports. Many reports that tell you that it's not safe are concerned about heavy concentrations. Many reports that tell you that it is safe to drink H202, tell you that when you take it highly diluted, it can be very safe and beneficial to your health. In some countries, it's used to purify drinking water.
There are many debate sites that list both sides of the argument. What do you think?
I know that I use it as an antiseptic dental rinse and use hydrogen peroxide on cuts, bruises and in my ears to clear out wax and ward off an oncoming cold or flu. I firmly believe I have been reading about the virtues of it for a long time. I guess I'm still on the fence about ingesting it but leaning towards believing that if you follow naturopath guidelines very carefully it could be quite beneficial.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
