Some over 50% of people will have a problem with their liver and not even be aware of it. It is a silent problem until it is in a more critical stage of development. Due to alcohol, toxins, poor eating habits and other factors, our livers will suffer ill effects if we do not take care of it. Gallstones are a very common problem and over 90% of people have them, with most not even being aware of it.

The signs and symptoms of a liver problem are very noticeable. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, a yellowing of the skin and of the eyes, itching, pain in the abdominal region, and/or loss of appetite.

A liver cleansing is a wise choice for everyone not just for people with noticeable liver problems because you may very well have a liver problem and not be aware of it. For a liver cleansing to be done properly you must have an intake of several antioxidants for optimal effectiveness. Some of these antioxidants should include vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamin E, milk thistle, SAM-E (an amino acid that also aids in depression) and NAC, which represents the antioxidant, acetyl-cysteine.  Read more...

Healthy foods to stay young? Of course, youve heard it before, probably when mom insisted to eat more apples and less burger even when you thought you were too young to age.

Indeed, mom was right. Youll never know when youll start to age until you notice some crumpling and folding on your skin. Premature aging might just be a sleep away. And you never want to see that happen.

But its never too late. You can delay aging now by changing some items on your plates, and its just another meal away.

You Are What You Eat

The food and all other things that you take or dont are laying the groundwork for your health and your appearance as well. For example, a person who has a pretty huge room for french fries and beef patties in his stomach may suffer more diseases and may not look age-appropriate. A person deficient in unsaturated fats, on the other hand, may have dry, flaky skin, and eventually look older than he actually is.  Read more...

Mangosteen fruits is the product of a very slow growing tree which is indigenous to Southeast Asia. The fruit is round and dark purple, two to 3 inches in diameter and contains four toothy segments of white flesh. The fruit may or may not contain the seeds and it is encased in skin which is six to 10 cm back. Because the of its medicinal properties this fruit is often referred to as “The Queen of Fruits”. People in southeast Asia have long honored and cherished this fruit for is the overall health benefits and treatment of their illnesses.

Recent studies have shown that the skin has high antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Initial results also reveal that they have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. This may be a result of a compound found called xanthones which may provide many more times and the Occident punch than vitamin C and vitamin E. It benefits every organ in the body and helps to fight free radicals which strengthens the immune system and promotes joints and cartilage function.  Read more...

Antioxidants are substances, not always vitamins, that protect our bodies’ cells against the effects of free radicals. These free radicals are molecules that are normally produced in the body during metabolism of food or when we are exposed to environmental toxins such as tobacco or radiation. Scientists have recognized the role that free radicals play in the damage of the human cell with the resulting disease, cancer and illnesses.

Free radicals are actually unstable molecules that have an odd, unpaired electron. The bonds of the electrons are weak, creating a free radical which will react quickly with other compounds as it tries to capture another electron to gain stability. In essence, the free radical will attack the nearest stable molecule in an attempt to steal its electron. If successful the molecule which lost an electron now becomes a free radical and begins a chain reaction. Once this entire process has started it can results in the death or disruption of that cell.  Read more...

Did you know there are 92 elements found in nature and an additional 22 which are observed elements or scientists believe exists but have not been able to prove.

In addition to all of those there are also hundreds of isotopes of those elements, any one of which can play an important role in human health which has yet to of been discovered.

In these numerous elements are trace minerals which are called this because they are required in such a very small amounts.

And, while scientists and doctors believe they have identified many of the trace minerals required by the body for optimal health, they are required in such minute amounts and there are so many different trace elements that may be necessary, it is highly unlikely that physicians and scientists have identified all of them.  Read more...

Selenium is a trace element or mineral that is essential for good health. However, it is only required in small amounts. The body uses selenium by incorporating it into proteins that are used as anti-oxidant enzymes. These proteins are called selenoproteins and they help to prevent cellular damage from free radicals.

The role of antioxidants in the body is to protect the cells from free radical damage. These free radicals are the natural byproduct of oxygen metabolism that researchers have found contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Think of your cells as an apple that was recently sliced open. If you leave the Apple on the counter for any length of time when you return the flesh of the fruit will have turned brown. This oxidation process is much like the damage that happens to cells by free radicals.

Some of the chronic diseases that have been linked to free radicals include cancer, heart disease and immune mediated illnesses such as lupus. These selenoproteins are also essential in the regulation of the thyroid hormone and play an important role in the function of the immune system.  Read more...

Green tea has been used by the Chinese and traditional Chinese medicine to treat anything from aches and pains, headaches, poor digestion and to help an individual improve their overall well-being and life expectancy. Green tea extract is rich and bioflavonoids which are antioxidants. These anti-oxidants have a role of fighting free radicals within the body which cause DNA and cell damage. Some sources say that it is over 200 times more potent than vitamin E. in fighting these free radicals.

Green tea is made from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis, a perennial evergreen shrub. There are several varieties of tea which grow in different regions and districts of China and India. Historically this tea has also been served as part of a variety ceremonies and has been used to stay alert during long meditations.  Read more...

Here is some info on a few herbal essential oils that are a very helpful addition to your familys First Aid kit

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

* Clary Sage is used in aromatherapy in preference to Sage (Salvia Officinalis) because Sage can be quite toxic. Clary possesses the positive effects of Sage without the danger. One should avoid the use of alcohol while using Clary Sage because the combination can bring on severe Nightmares. Clary produces a heightened state akin to euphoria and relaxation. It is used in treating Asthma, and during convalescence of the flu. It is used in abdominal massage for digestive problems. (Source: A-Z Aromatherapy by Patricia Davis)
* Most valuable uses: Muscular fatigue, menstrual problems, PMS, Fertility, exhaustion, Insomnia, Menopausal problems, calming, stress, depression, cramps, excessive Perspiration.
* Therapeutic properties: Antiseptic, calmative, tonic, emmenagogue, anti-infectious, anti-spasmodic, anti-sudorific, Aphrodisiac, Nerve Tonic, nervine, estrogen-like
* Main chemical components: Linalol, Linalyl Acetate, Germacrene, Ceranyl acetate
* Contraindication: Avoid during Pregnancy.

(Source: Essential Aromatherapy: A Pocket Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Susan Worwood Valerie Worwood)  Read more...

What are functional foods? You hear all about them these days in the news. Food companies are making top dollar off of these foods that are helping people maintain their health.

Functional foods are, in a nutshell, foods that do double or triple duty within your body. Here is an example. An apple is loaded with fiber and other vitamins. Apple juice doesn’t have exactly the same benefits.

If you don’t have time for an apple, will apple juice do? It will if it is a part of the functional food set. Drinking apple juice that has been fortified with calcium, Vitamin A and other antioxidants is like getting a bonus in every eight ounce glass.

People are looking to functional foods to get the nutrients that they otherwise miss during the day. In essence, it is almost impossible to get the recommended daily requirements of many essential nutrients without a little help. No one wants to pop supplement pills all day. So, these special foods are a great alternative.  Read more...

Xanthones are naturally occuring chemical compound that is found in a variety of organic materials. For some time manufacturers have extracted xanthones from salicylate and use did in insecticides. Now, the most commonly used preparation is in mangosteen fruit which is said to reduce cholesterol and decrease hardening of the arteries.

In some of the mangosteen preparations the xanthones are included in the juice, such as those prepared with the rind of the fruit, also called pericarp. In other preparations for the xanthones are extracted and placed in a wide variety of powdered supplements available over the Internet and at natural health food stores.

Researchers are continuing to investigate different ways in which to the xanthones affect the human body. Researchers from the Department of Chemistry at Portland State University published their findings in 2001 which found its an interesting laying as an anti-malaria will agents. The compounds were believed to work through the blood system and physicians were able to modify the structure to improve their anti-malarial activity.  Read more...

Colder weather outside encourages people to drink warmer drinks to stay warm on the inside. However, perhaps you’re tired of cold-weather drinks like coffee or hot cocoa. You may be looking for hot and healthy winter tea recipes to enjoy instead.

More than warming up a body, research shows hot or warm drinks may also improve your immune system. This is due to the fact that hot drinks such as coffee and tea have large amounts of antioxidants in them.

Chamomile tea with honey and lemon is one warm drink you may want to try, especially when you’ve had a stressful day. As well as having antioxidants, chamomile tea has been shown to calm the nerves. It also provides other health benefits including increased glycine which may be helpful for women during early pregnancy. Another benefit is that it helps lower hippurate in your digestive system due to the antimicrobial properties of the tea.  Read more...

Because today’s consumers are more conscious of their health and the environment, there are more organic skin care products available than ever before. Other people may have developed allergies to all of the toxins and chemicals used in commercial skin care produts and are looking for a healthier alternative. Some commonly used ingredients in commercial products include fragrances, dyes, and various types of acids.

By contrast, organic skin care products contain natural ingredients such as vitamins A, C, or E, essential oils, antioxidants, or proteins. These are necessary to replace the skin cells lost as we age. As the body gets older, it produces less collagen and elastin, which leads to dry, wrinkled skin. Re-hydrating the cells from the outside is the only way to repair this age-related damage.

You can now find organic skin care products in almost any pharmacy, drug store, or health food and nutrition store. If you do not have access to any of these places, there are many retailers online to choose your natural cosmetics from. Some spas and salons have also added organic products to their inventory, so you may want to look there as well. Most of these products are free of fragrances and dyes and will not cause or aggravate existing allergies.  Read more...

A diet full of good nutrition can improve anyone’s health. With CFS, while there is no cure for the disease, eating a balanced diet may lessen the symptoms.

When illness strikes, the last thing you think about is what you eat. But, the foods you put into your body play a significant role in how you feel. Remember what happens when you eat a candy bar to gain a burst of energy?

There is no real secret about a balanced diet. It would include all of the food groups (only good fats). Let’s begin with protein.

Protein is essential to the body for repair, growth and function. Proteins wear many hats in the human body. They catalyze reactions as enzymes, stimulate processes as hormones and prevent illness as antibodies. Protein is used to build muscle tissue. One of the symptoms of CFS is muscle soreness and joint pain. Increasing your intake of the right kinds of protein may help alleviate these symptoms.  Read more...

Ingredients:
1 banana, chopped
1 kiwi, peeled
apple, chopped
cup of frozen mixed berries
1 cup orange juice
cup soy milk
cup low fat plain yogurt
3 tbsp unsalted peanut butter
2 tbsp flaxseed oil

Method:
Combine the various fruits and orange juice in a blender and process everything until nice and smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until well mixed.

Enjoy this very healthy breakfast smoothie that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber and that will give you the best possible start to your day.

Now urban legends are urban folklore that were created by stories weaved together and circulated around until most people have accepted them as truths. There are different kinds of urban myths and covers a wide range of subject matter. It’s not impossible to find that even diseases have their own folklore. A celiac disease urban legend revolves around tea bags containing gluten which can trigger the disease.

For those who do not know, celiac disease is a condition where the small intestines get inflamed due to the consumption of food containing gluten. Gluten is a protein commonly found in food made from wheat, barley, and rye. So such foods like bread, pizza, and pasta can contain gluten. The condition can be really bad in the long run. The inflammation that the disease causes in the intestines prevents the body to absorb the nutrients that it needs. So the end results would be malnutrition. Malnutrition itself can then cause more ailments.  Read more...

You can receive a burn from fire, chemicals, steam, and electricity. It is important to remember to remove the individual from the source of the burn without endangering yourself or others especially in the case of electricity. Assess the skin damage and determine if it is first, second or third degree burns. If it is third degree call for emergency help, keep the individual calm as possible.

Burns are classified by first degree, second degree or third degree burns. If you have a first-degree burn it involves only the top layer of skin, and the affected area of skin is red and painful. Sunburn is a first-degree burn. A second-degree burn goes deeper than just the top layer of skin, is red, extremely painful and involves blisters.  Read more...

Nutritional supplementation with multivitamin pills is the question that arises for most individuals throughout their life. Recommendations from the food and drug administration include eating eight to 10 servings of raw fruits and vegetables daily in order to help the body receive enough vitamins and minerals to function appropriately. Unfortunately, many individuals find that eating this many raw fruits and vegetables every day is a challenge. And because of this challenge they turned to multivitamins and nutritional supplements to make up the difference.

Unfortunately, researchers and physicians as well as nutritionist know that you cannot skip the daily servings of fruits and vegetables and expect that of vitamin and mineral supplement will make up the difference. The micronutrients that are available in raw fruits and vegetables have a greater bioavailability than anything that can be manufactured in the lab. This means that those enzymes, vitamins and minerals are much more unavailable to the cells within the body when they are obtained from fruits and vegetables, raw seeds and nuts as opposed to a pill which was manufactured and delivered in a bottle.  Read more...

In the quest to prevent premature aging, and sometimes just aging, most individuals look towards a variety of options in order to achieve their goal. One of the most important factor is in preventing aging effects on the body is a well rounded and nutritional diet which limits calorie consumption in saturated fat and includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. There are also 10 different foods which have been found to significantly impact cellular structure, development and break down which ultimately affects aging.

The first of these is the avocado which is a healthy source of mono saturated fat that can reduce the level of LDL (bad cholesterol). It is also a great source of vitamin E and is rich in potassium. Berries contain phytochemicals known as flavonoids. These are powerful antioxidants that help to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. The most potent of these are blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.  Read more...

One good telltale of our real age is our mental capacity. We expect that as we become grandmas and grandpas, our intellectual performance can never be the same with its prime years. But why does this happen? And what can we do to avoid thinking like we are old-aged already?

THE PROCESS OF AGING

Our neurons are non-regenerative. That means they do not divide to reproduce more of its kind. Once they die, they cant be replaced with another one. As we age, these brain cells of ours start to reduce in size and in number. This reduces our ability to call to mind some things that we have learned, including those in school, and even those details when we were younger.

A neurotransmitter called acetylcholine also declines as we age. This neurotransmitter is directly involved in memory and conveying of messages from a cell to another one. Moreover, because of the stresses that we have, the hippocampus, our memory bank, diminish in function.  Read more...

Like any other system in the human body, the immune system will change with aging. In fact, the immune system changes throughout life. At birth specific types of immunity are not fully developed however there are some antibodies which cross the placenta from the mother during the pregnancy which protect the newborn against infection until their own immune system develops fully.

Some of the effects that have been are that the immune system becomes less able to distinguish itself from foreign proteins. As a result, the older you get the more your risk is for developing an autoimmune disorder such as Lupus or diabetes. The cells which are responsible for destroying bacteria in cancer cells, macro phages, do their work more slowly which might be the reason that cancer is much more common among older people. T cells, cells in the body which foreign proteins (antigens) have encountered in the body before, respond less quickly than they did in the early years.  Read more...