natural health

Naturopathic Approaches to Managing Your Cholesterol

Diposting oleh lelyholida Selasa, 05 November 2013 0 komentar

Cholesterol management has certainly garnered much attention, with elevated levels associated with one of the most common causes of death in the United States: heart disease. While other factors, such as smoking, elevated blood pressure and diabetes, increase risk of having a heart attack, evidence has shown that elevated cholesterol (along with certain lipoproteins) increase risk of death from heart disease.

It is important to understand that cholesterol is not a bad thing. Cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes, where it helps with permeability. It is also a precursor for several hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol (your body's natural cortisone), and vitamin D.

Cholesterol is transported in the blood attached to lipoproteins. It can be confusing hearing about high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) referred to as "good" and "bad" cholesterol respectively. But these lipoproteins act as taxicabs, transporting cholesterol throughout the body. HDL transports cholesterol to the liver, while LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to body cells. Elevations in the amount of LDL and VLDL (very low density lipoproteins) are associated with increased risk for developing heart disease. Additional blood studies should include a high sensitivity C-reactive protein (which can indicate inflammation in the blood vessels) and lipoprotein (a).

Statin drugs are the treatment of choice in conventional medicine for cholesterol control, as they have demonstrated decreased coronary deaths in several scientific studies. They work by inhibiting an enzyme involved with cholesterol synthesis. Statin drugs are not without problems, however, with side effects including headaches, muscle aches, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea and liver toxicity. They also deplete Coenzyme Q10, a nutrient important in cellular production of energy. Other drugs used for controlling cholesterol include ezetimibe (which reduces cholesterol absorption in the small intestine) and fibrates (which inhibits cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis).

Dietary modification is essential for controlling elevated cholesterol levels. Most of what accounts for the total cholesterol level seen in blood tests does not come from consumption of cholesterol itself, but rather from eating foods that your body uses to make cholesterol. Saturated fat and "trans" fatty acids (such as what is found in margarine and hydrogenated vegetable oils) both contribute to increased cholesterol production and should be avoided. Reduction in the overall intake of fats from red meat, dairy products and processed foods remain important in controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Refined sugar intake is also associated with elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. This includes the high-fructose corn syrup commonly used in sodas and processed foods.

Consumption of foods that help lower cholesterol also help with treating other common health problems such as diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity and hypertension. Fiber-rich foods from vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes may be helpful. Fiber is the indigestible portion of the plant cell wall, and exists in soluble and insoluble forms. It is the fiber which slows down absorption of fats and sugars in the intestines.

Niacin has been shown to raise HDL and decrease LDL and triglycerides. Niacin does have well-known side effects of skin flushing, along with occasional nausea and gastric irritability (all of which may be lessened by taking with food and/or lots of water). Sustained-release niacin reduces skin-flushing and is generally better tolerated, but may cause liver toxicity. Blood lipid levels, liver function tests, and uric acid level should be checked every 2-3 months. The "no-flush" niacin (inositol hexaniacinate), while touted as a niacin alternative (and does not have the problems associated with immediate or extended release niacin), has shown little benefit in normalizing lipid levels when compared to niacin.

Other cholesterol reducing agents include cold-water fish, omega-3 oils (EPA and DHA), pantethine (biologically active form of pantothenic acid), gugulipids, and vitamin C. Garlic and onions help lower LDL levels and raise HDL levels. Red yeast rice (RYR) contain statin-like compounds called monacolins. Studies have shown effects similar to statin drugs, where total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels are lowered, and HDL cholesterol levels are increased. C-reactive protein levels were also reduced with red yeast rice. RYR should not be used with statin drugs, and may also deplete levels of coenzyme Q10.

While the list above is not exhaustive, no program to reduce cholesterol (or other health problems) would be complete without mentioning regular exercise. Numerous studies have shown the importance of aerobic exercise in controlling cholesterol levels and maintaining good cardiovascular health.

No More Food Allergies: Eliminating the Elimination Diet!

Diposting oleh lelyholida Senin, 04 November 2013 0 komentar

Food Allergies. Can’t live with ‘em; can’t seem to live without avoiding every food under the sun. And just when you figure out how to replace wheat and dairy with spelt and soy… well, soon enough you are allergic to spelt and soy.

Food allergies are part of total digestive ill-health. When the digestive system degrades to a certain point, it is called “leaky gut.” Leaky gut is associated with so many health problems, it is difficult to list them. Easily associated are: allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, delayed food sensitivities (not Type I anaphylactic allergies that close airways), chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, joint pain, headaches, foggy mindedness, eczema, acne… the list goes on.

Further, it is socially isolating to have food allergies and so many health challenges. So many social settings are built around food. Having pain and fatigue makes it hard to even leave the house to engage socially and then, once there, the comments from well-meaning friends and family almost make it not worth going at all.

What if instead of identifying foods that bother you and eliminating them, you could heal your body and eliminate the fact that you are bothered?

I have worked with hundreds of patients over the last 12 years taking them through my total digestive repair protocol. The stories they have to tell are heart-wrenching. Their triumphs are like watching someone win the Lotto!

The work involves six to 18 months on average and many nutritional supplement protocols tailored to each individual but adhering to some core values on digestive health, which include:

Improving the Digestion of Foods
Decreasing Local Toxicity in the Digestive System
Enhancing Healthy Bacteria
Eliminating Overgrowth of Unhealthy Organisms
Reducing Free Radical Activity
Rebuilding the Digestive Lining

When you nurture all of these aspects at the same time, all day, over time, you can permanently and comprehensively repair your digestive system and completely resolve many seemingly unrelated health conditions, including food sensitivities.

Note: While patients suffering with Celiac disease will always need to avoid gluten, they can rebuild their digestive system from the damage that so many years of gluten exposure caused them. This work applies to delayed food sensitivity reactions and DOES NOT fix Type I anaphylactic food allergies that cause airway restriction.

It’s time to get your life back! Digestive health is the core of your wellbeing. Repair it for good.

Allergies: Natural Solutions

Diposting oleh lelyholida Minggu, 03 November 2013 0 komentar

Ahh, spring. The world is ablaze with flowers and burgeoning greenery. You open your window to hear birds singing from every branch. Warm breezes caress your face, and you breathe in deeply to enjoy the scent of fragrant blossoms and…POLLEN.

But with that breath, your celebration of the senses becomes a nightmare. Your eyes and nose are streaming, your body is convulsing with sneezes, and where is that tissue box?

It’s a yearly ordeal for many people, and many others struggle with these symptoms year-round due to molds, dust, and pet dander. Pharmaceutical commercials offer a promise of living clear, but is a life of pills and side effects the only solution?

Far from it, say naturopathic physicians! Allergic symptoms are your immune system’s extreme reaction to substances that are normally found, harmlessly, in your everyday environment. Very often, simple changes of diet, nutritional supplements, and homeopathic remedies can relieve this extreme reaction and the resulting inflammation that triggers most allergy symptoms.

While a comprehensive list of options would demand a small book, here are some of the solutions that naturopathic doctors recommend.

Change Your Diet, Ease Your Symptoms

We’ve all heard about the cardiovascular impacts of a diet high in meat and dairy products, but did you know that recent studies indicate that the Omega-6 fatty acids and oleic acid found in these foods can also worsen allergy symptoms?

Red meat contains a substance called arachadonic acid, which helps to produce the cytokines and leukotrines that cause your immune system to react with allergic inflammation. While you need a small amount of arachadonic acid for your immune system to function, your body can produce this amount naturally. Simply eliminating red meat from your diet can reduce the level of this acid, thus lessening your allergic reactions.

On the other hand, a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help to protect you from allergic reactions. For additional protection, try adding foods rich in vitamin E. While these solutions may be particularly helpful to women and ex-smokers, this diet can help to support your health generally, no matter your sex, age, or habits.

What can you add to your diet to relieve your allergies? Here are some foods with anti-allergic properties:

Whole grains, dark leafy vegetables, and egg yolks are high in vitamin E.
Cold-pressed flax oil or Evening Primrose oil also contain high levels of vitamin E. Drizzle 1 tbsp. on your salad every day.
Oily fish such as cod, herring, mackerel, salmon, menhaden and sardines provide the Omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA.
Spirulina (an alga often used in “green drinks”) also contains eicosapentaenoic acid.
Pineapple contains the anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain.
Papaya contains the anti-inflammatory enzyme papain.
Turmeric (a rich spice often used in Indian and Far Eastern dishes) contains the anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid quercetin.

For Best Results – Supplement!

A healthy organic diet low in Omega-6 fatty acids and high in vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and natural anti-inflammatory foods can help to reduce your allergy symptoms. However, your best bet is to supplement your diet with concentrated doses of anti-allergic nutrients such as those listed below:

Vitamin C (up to 10 grams/day) is a natural anti-histamine;
Vitamin B5 (up to 800 mg/day);
Zinc picolinate (up to 150 mg/day); and
Cod Liver Oil or other cold-water fish oil (look at the label and use a high quality fish oil product containing from 1000 - 2000 mg of the essential fatty acids EPA + DHA per day).

Herbs, Homeopathics, Bodyworking, and More

Your options don’t end in the grocery store and vitamin shop! Naturopathy and other natural modalities offer a broad range of solutions to seasonal or year-round allergies.

Homeopathic remedies involve taking an extremely diluted form of selected allergens in liquid or sugar-pill form sublingually (under the tongue). These miniscule doses serve somewhat like a vaccination, stimulating your immune system to an effective rather than extreme response.

Herbal remedies can be found in the form of teas, tinctures (drops), or capsules, and may follow Western or Chinese herbal traditions. A naturopathic doctor or acupuncturist can guide you in these choices.

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may also want to consider additional solutions:

Liver detoxification – this process usually involves diet, supplements, and other natural treatments to cleanse the liver from the effects of unhealthy foods, alcohol, and environmental toxins,.Your payoff: a stronger, more balanced immune system.
Balancing your gut flora. Adding probiotics such as acidophilus or bifidophilus to your supplement protocol can help improve your immune function and can help reduce the “over-reaction” your body produces with allergies.
Acupuncture can be effective in relieving both the causes and effects of allergic reactions.
Spinal adjustments such as chiropractic can also help to relieve allergy symptoms.
Stress management techniques can help to boost your immune system generally, balancing your hormones and leaving your body better able to withstand allergenic onslaughts

Finally, you can cleanse your environment of allergens:

Remove dust collectors such as rugs, drapes, and upholstered furniture.
Purchase HEPA air filters for your rooms, or a whole-house filtration system.
Avoid perfumes and fragranced products, especially those with synthetic ingredients
Have your home tested for mold and remediate if necessary.
If you are renovating or choosing a new home, avoid forced-air heating systems; use steam heat instead.

Solutions for Long-Term Health, Not Fast Temporary Relief

While none of these solutions provide the relief-within-minutes that over-the-counter drugs promise, you gain two important benefits when you choose healthy natural solutions for your allergies.

Not only will you avoid the immediate side effects and long-term chemical impact of over-the-counter or prescription drugs, you may also re-balance your immune system over time to eliminate any allergic response at all.

Imagine - a spring without sneezes or side effects — not a bad prospect!

If you suffer every year from allergies, consider seeing a licensed naturopathic physician in your area. Go to Find a Doctor to locate a naturopathic physician who can perfectly tailor a specific allergy-fighting plan for you.

Naturopathic Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes and Prediabetes

Diposting oleh lelyholida Sabtu, 02 November 2013 0 komentar

Diabetes seems to be occurring to everyone—most people know a friend or family member who has developed it. Our country is in crisis regarding this disease because, quite simply, diabetes is at epidemic levels in the United States. And the statistics of diabetes are devastating—over the next 24 hours, 2200 people will be diagnosed with diabetes, 512 diabetics will die, 66 diabetics will go blind, 77 diabetics will be diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, and 153 diabetics will require an amputation.

24 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, and 47 million Americans with “prediabetes.” In fact, the Centers for Disease Control state that if things don’t change, one out of every three born today will become a diabetic, and that half of all Americans will be a diabetic by 2050.

There are several types of diabetes: gestational, whereby a woman becomes diabetic during her pregnancy; Type 1, which occurs both in children and adults due to an auto-immune disease destroying cells in the pancreas; and, Type 2, which is the most common form, occurring in 90-95% of diabetic patients, including pediatric patients. Type 2 diabetes is related to insulin resistance, which means the pancreas is producing insulin but the body cells are no longer sensitive to it, so glucose levels in their blood stay high.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a number of factors, most of them controllable. There is a genetic association with diabetes, which people cannot change, but if everyone kept the controllable factors well-managed, we still would not be seeing the preponderance of diabetics. The controllable factors include: poor diet, over-eating, nutritional deficiencies, high refined grains and sugars consumption, high saturated fat consumption, lack of exercise, and being overweight/obese. Environmental toxins and hormonal imbalances are also noted for initiating insulin resistance. In the comprehensive visits with patients in which naturopathic physicians specialize, naturopathic physicians will investigate all of these "Obstacles to Cure" to uncover which aspects need to be specifically addressed per individual patient. In most patients many, if not most, of all of the etiologic factors are involved.

The naturopathic physician will then do a thorough physical exam, including basic evaluations as well as those specifically associated with diabetes, like checking the feet for nerve damage. Doctors will do the standard lab tests, checking for cholesterol, liver and kidney function, anemia, and all the blood sugar monitoring labs. Doctors may also do tests to measure vitamin D (necessary for glucose regulation), inflammatory markers, and cardiac risk profiles, including checking for environmental toxemia and thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive hormonal imbalances.

Diabetic patients need to welcome many changes into their lives, and naturopathic physicians are excellent at instructing and supporting them in this process. Diabetic patients will need to change their food intake to a low carbohydrate diet, and be taught how to get good protein variety in their diet, what kinds of oils are healthful, and how to include vegetables and a little fruit in their dietary regimen. Patients are encouraged to get an hour of exercise five days a week, and are taught methods to help regulate their stress, if that is a factor in their glucose control.

Patients will be given various supplements, which are invaluable. They work synergistically with the other aspects of the comprehensive protocol to replace deficient nutrients; help lower their glucose levels and decrease their insulin resistance; reduce inflammation, lipids and blood pressure; and protect them from diabetic induced damage. Patients may at times need to continue on standard prescriptive medication, may need to start medications or commonly, due to naturopathic care, may be able to reduce or stop medications. The naturopathic physician will effectively monitor the need for medication and make appropriate suggestions about the need for their use.

All in all, naturopathic protocols for diabetes are detailed, safe, and responsible. Patients can lose weight, gain significant energy, and reduce their glucose numbers, lipid values, and blood pressure. They can at times see their damaged nerves and kidneys to recover full functioning, and those without such damage will have protection from developing it. Naturopathic treatment of diabetes can be incredibly effective and naturopathic physicians should be the first type of doctor a diabetic patient seeks out for long term care.

A Healthy Life, the 4 Basics of a Healthy Life and the 3 Important Habits that Create Good Health

Diposting oleh lelyholida Jumat, 01 November 2013 0 komentar

Good health is easy but being sick is hard. The truth is, maintaining good health is pretty simple although reclaiming it takes patience, consistent actions and smart choices. Your body heals at it's own pace. Your job is to help that process along. There are four important components that determine a person's level of health.

Component One: Is their body being fed what it needs to be healthy? From the point of view of the body, many meals today barely qualify as food. That's why disease care is a trillion dollar business and over 60% of Americans are overweight.An amazing amount of the American diet is packed with calories carrying no real nutrition. Like good health, eating vital, real food is easy, but that is a decision you have to make.

Component Two: Does the person have a cork stuck up their butt? Are they constipated? Can the body eliminate toxins effectively? Other organs get constipated besides the bowels. Most diseases involve the starvation or constriction of a group of organs. Often food is clogging the machinery. Some foods clog and others clean. Some foods support the health of the organs and others destroy them.

Component Three: Do they feel loved? There's nothing like loving when it comes to good health. People in loving relationships eat together. The quality of the food is an expression of their affection. Most of good health is attitude and self-image and they're linked to how you love. Continuously work on improving your ability to love and good health is easy.

Component Four: Do they enjoy their work and feel they make a contribution, even if it seems frivolous to someone else? This attitude is often more important to good health than what it is you actually do, or how much you earn. It's being connected, valued and on a mission. It keeps the inner flame alive and like love, offers that most valuable asset to healing, a sense of hope. Patiently improve these four components and good health is easy.

Now, cut yourself some slack. Health challenges make people feel guilty, stupid or victimized. Whether you believe you create your own health or that problems simply fall out of the sky, realize that these days, good health barely seems like an option for many people. Health education has fallen down on the job and the result is a trillion dollar plus medical bill. Part of the problem is that the conscious mind wasn't designed to be responsible for your health. Read that again.

Your conscious mind doesn't have the job skills, although it can be a good helper. Finding healthy foods and detoxification are managed by the autonomic (read automatic) nervous system. For example: When you're low in a certain nutrient, this is what the body does. All blood flows through the liver, the largest internal organ, which notes that the blood is low in that nutrient, so it sends a message to the tongue, forming a crystalline pattern in the saliva, that mimics the food that contains that nutrient.

Now the nose, who is in the same neighborhood, sniffs out that food and then it's lunch. This message process bypasses the conscious mind. But modern foods don't offer the choices that the autonomic system requires to maintain good health. It's that simple. A major portion of the American diet is glue; hybridized wheat and cow dairy, cheap, plentiful, with a great profit margin. Wheat is high in gluten (Gluten) and cow dairy is high in casein, like the white craft glue from Elmer's. That's why their logo is Elsie the Cow.

Now manufacturers have found an even cheaper food; soy, high in the estrogens that promote obesity and hormonal challenges, which is one of the reasons why today's generation possesses half of the fertility of their grandparent's generation. Choosing to eat these glues causes many people's poor level of health. The body's design requires graceful, gradual change. As you move forward in your healing, realize the pace at which the body restores itself has to do with the design of the cell.

When the body makes a new cell, it will design it for the quantity of nutrition present at the time the cell is created. The body doesn't like to waste resources so it won't create a cell capable of processing huge amounts of nutrition if there's only a fraction of that floating around. When you improve your diet and add supplements, the current cells have very real limits as to what they can use. However, when you maintain high levels of nutrition, the next generation of cells will be created with an increased capability. Even they won't be running at their full potential, because in order to fit in with the previous matrix, their lower capabilities have to overlap the higher capabilities of their weaker predecessors.

As you maintain that high level of nutrition, the following generations will push those limits up another step and another step and so on. That's why it takes a while to reach optimal health. For example, a red blood cell has a life span of 120 days, so how many cellular generations will it take to reach your fullest potential? Then to maintain good health you need to keep providing high levels of nutrition through making smart food choices and active supplementation.

In other words, once you start dancing, keep dancing! The three habits that lead to good health are: Be consistent, be patient and always aim to improve all four components; good nutrition, effective detoxification, good loving and good work.

Excerpted from The Ten Minute Herbalist by Dr. Ralph & Lanai Ceramicist © 2004 For more information about their books, educational programs & Nature's Sunshine Products visit www.spaceandtime.com. This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are suffering from a health challenge the authors suggest that you consult a competent health practitioner of your choice who will work with you to optimize your level of health.

Allergies Can Affect Your Health

Diposting oleh lelyholida Kamis, 31 Oktober 2013 0 komentar

Now that the weather is starting to change, you may be experiencing some trouble with your allergies. While it is all too convenient for you to run out to the store and purchase an over the counter drug, you shouldn't become too reliant on that solution. Depending on what is triggering your episodes, you may be making a bad situation worse. Even if you haven't experienced what would be considered a life-threatening episode, you never know if something like that is on the horizon. The best thing for you to do in this situation is to get a proper diagnosis.
While there is nothing with letting your primary doctor know about the issues that are ailing you, you may want to see a different doctor. You would be much better off with an allergist. This professional specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. This means instead of them having to send off for countless tests and reference a ton of different materials before they can tell you what is going on several weeks after your initial appointment, they can give you more definitive response about what is going on. Unlike a regular doctor who may be quick to dismiss any thing that doesn't sound as if it is immediately life threatening, an allergist will be more familiar with your complaints and concerns.
In many cases allergies are often triggered by something. It could be a sensitivity to a certain type of food, or to some type of material that you are coming in contact with. Many people who suffer from moderate types of sensitivities often dismiss them as random occurrences. What appear to be acne, cold symptoms, headaches and more could actually be a symptom of a sensitivity that hasn't been diagnosed. More severe reactions include trouble breathing, dizziness, anaphylactic shock and even death.
It you haven't been diagnosed with one before and you are just now becoming more consciously aware of your body and its reactions to different types of things, then you may be noticing some symptoms that have you concerned. It is important that you listen to what your body is telling you instead of ignoring it. Rather than assuming that all you need to do is go to the store for something that only masks the symptoms, you need to start looking for a good allergist. They can help you discover what is actually going on and give you the correct kind of treatment.
It is not necessary for you to act as if nothing is wrong when there is. There is no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed about any type of reactions you have. There are thousands of people in the world who suffer from allergies. If you are smart and actively involved in improving the quality of your life, then you will make it a priority to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Don't let allergies keep you from doing what you love. Learn more about Ohio Allergies at: http://www.premierallergyohio.com.

Private Health Insurance - The Way You And Your Family Can Benefit

Diposting oleh lelyholida Kamis, 24 Oktober 2013 0 komentar

In certain nations, obtaining your own private health insurance policies in position is important for whenever you are ill as well as need to have medical assistance from possibly your local medical doctor or medical center. For example, nations such as Great Britain, Ireland and Australia, inhabitants are supplied a free nationwide health service that could cover the costs connected with any medical bills, operations and in many cases, prescription medications for tablets and medicines. Then again, in America, there isn't any nationwide health program, and thus for those who need to have high priced medical treatments, you might find yourself in a quandary on seeking the necessary cash to afford operations as well as health care bills. This is why private medical insurance comes into play.

Then again, private health insurance isn't just for those residing in the USA. In regions in which a free national health service is provided, private health insurance policies continue to be completely the norm for those that can afford them. The national health services may at times have prolonged waiting times, or your local hospital may not usually have the necessary amenities to provide specific procedures or perhaps surgeries, and as such you may need to journey away from the location to another national service hospital to receive the necessary treatment.

In these scenarios, a private health insurance policy can actually help. You'll always find, by using private health insurance, waiting times for operations, surgeries and other medical procedures are dramatically lowered, even when conducted at the same hospital. You will also realize that there are a number of high quality private hospitals available throughout your country, which usually give a better class of treatment over a normal national hospital, convenient accommodation for the patients and family, and may offer some other treatment methods not found within your area.

The best way to find the proper private health insurance for you, would be to search on the internet. You'll be able to assess quotes from a variety of private health insurance companies, as well as see what every single policy includes. Not all policies and companies are the same, hence make sure to read the small print before signing up. You will often need to provide your medical history, weight and also complete a health survey about your dietary and lifestyle patterns. Make sure you are truthful regarding any medical procedures you might have had, or might need anytime later on. Whilst not mentioning it may lessen the monthly premiums for your medical insurance, you could discover that if you actually do require medical attention of any type later on, your insurance policy will not provide the adequate protection for regular or even past ailments or maybe complications you hadn't formerly made them mindful of.

You will also find many health insurance providers can offer different insurance services, such as life insurance coverage, serious illness cover and also income protection. These kinds of policies are created to aid you in case you end up seriously ill, or perhaps are unable to work because of an accident or even personal injury, but aren't expected to be obtained in conjunction with any kind of private health insurance policy. In case you have a family, it could even be well worth it obtaining an insurance provider who can provide comprehensive cover for you, your spouse and your children, and a few may also add your children free of charge according to their age range. It's a wise decision to search around prior to signing up with any provider.

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