November 17, 2008
Intimacy Fights Stress
By admin
Submitted by Natural Remedies
Researchers have found that the more physical affection couples engage in, the lower their level of the “stress” hormone cortisol.
Couples who hug, kiss and otherwise find ways to get close everyday may have fewer stress hormones coursing through their bodies, a new study suggests.
The findings, reported in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, point to one potential reason that close relationships — and marriage, in particular — have been linked to better health.
Researchers found that among 51 German couples they followed for one week, those who reported more physical contact during a given day — whether it was sexual intercourse or just holding hands — generally had lower levels of the “stress” hormone cortisol.
This was especially true of couples who reported more problems at work, suggesting that some physical affection between mates may be a buffer against work stress. Read more
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November 11, 2008
Using the Powers of Hypnosis to Heal Body and Mind
By admin
Submitted by Natural Remedies
Jane E. Brody tells how the powers of hypnosis can heal the body and mind.
My husband, Richard, smoked cigarettes for 50 years, having failed several attempts to quit on his own. When a friend told him in August 1994 that hypnosis had enabled her to quit, he decided to give it a try.
“It didn’t work; I wasn’t hypnotized,” he declared after his one and only session. But it did work; since that day, he has not taken one puff of a cigarette. Read more
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November 2, 2008
7 Foods That Fight Anxiety
By admin
Submitted by Natural Remedies
A lot of people eat to relieve stress. Instead of stuffing yourself with junk food, though, try these seven foods that fight anxiety with nutrients.
Bills arriving in heaps? Gas prices sky-rocketing? Summer love turned sour? Regardless of the cause, there’s a counter-intuitiveness to the goodies we turn to for comfort. Take the classic-curling up with a pint of ice cream. It’s a total backfire. Why? Sweets are insidious: After the initial rush, the body’s insulin response kicks in, causing a sudden blood sugar drop that triggers the release of stress hormones. Soon you’re feeling more jangled than you were before you inhaled that whole container of Chunky Monkey. And alcohol, of course, is a wolfish stimulant in calm sheep’s clothing.
But true comfort foods do exist.
1. Berries, any berries
Eat them one by one instead of M&Ms when the pressure’s on. For those tough times when tension tightens your jaw, try rolling a frozen berry around in your mouth. And then another, and another. Since the carbs in berries turn to sugar very slowly, you won’t have a blood sugar crash. The bonus: They’re a good source of vitamin C, which helps fight a jump in the stress hormone cortisol. Read more
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October 29, 2008
Using Sex for Weight Loss
By admin
Submitted by Natural Remedies
Bedroom Olympics may be key to fitness and weight loss, according to FOX sexpert Yvonne K. Fulbright
Feed your libido and lose weight? Sounds like a too-good-to-be-true diet, until you really think about it.
Shagging can make you slimmer, if you do enough of it. It can also help the two of you fall for each other all over again. Requiring no monthly fee — dress code optional – you can “sexercise” yourself into shape. This is one gym membership you’ll never want to drop.
Combining sex and fitness is like killing two birds with one stone. Sex gets you fit. And being fit makes you want to have more sex. This is, in large part, because of all of the benefits a good sexercise routine offers, like: Read more
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October 28, 2008
Do 5 Simple Things a Day to Stay Sane
By admin
Submitted by Natural Remedies
According to a UK government report, people can do five simple things a day to stay sane.
Simple activities such as gardening or mending a bicycle can protect mental health and help people to lead more fulfilled and productive lives, a panel of scientists has found.
A “five-a-day” programme of social and personal activities can improve mental wellbeing, much as eating fruit and vegetables enhances physical health, according to Foresight, the government think-tank. Its Mental Capital and Wellbeing report, which was compiled by more than 400 scientists, proposes a campaign modelled on the nutrition initiative, to encourage behaviour that will make people feel better about themselves. Read more
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October 23, 2008
Feeling down? Take a dose of Nature’s Prozac
By admin
Submitted by Natural Remedies
From St John’s Wort to a stroll in the park, there are plenty of ways to beat the blues and remain buoyant and healthy
But how do you know whether you are simply down in the dumps or suffering from clinical depression? According to Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, if feeling blue lasts more than a couple of weeks you probably have mild to moderate depression, which affects 9 per cent of the population. So you should seek professional advice and make positive changes to your diet and exercise. If that doesn’t work you may need medical treatment for chronic depression.
There is much that you can do to alleviate milder conditions and prevent them getting worse. Last week it was reported that the supplement St John’s Wort is as effective as some antidepressants in lifting mood. “Getting outside, being active and talking are some measures that can be really beneficial,” says Farmer.
DAYLIGHT AND WEATHER
On bright, sunny autumn and winter days, make sure that you go outside. Warm or sunny, but not hot, weather has a positive impact on mental health, according to researchers at the University of Michigan. Dr Paul Keller, a social psychologist, found that the optimal temperature for a good mood was about 22C (72F) - about room temperature - with the good feeling decreasing if temperatures became significantly higher or lower.
“For pleasant weather to improve mood you need to spend at least 30 minutes outside,” Keller says. “It really does offer a way to alter your mindset.” If the next few months are dull and dark and your mood suffers as a result, then light therapy might help. A lack of daylight is thought to be the main cause of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called the winter blues. The condition is thought to be linked to the way light triggers messages to the part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls sleep, sex drive, appetite and mood. Ordinary electric light bulbs, which produce 200 to 500 units of light energy (lux) won’t boost mood, but specially designed light boxes that emit about 10,000 lux from a fluorescent bulb are effective for those in front of them for at least 45 minutes a day.
EXERCISE
“There is very good evidence that regular exercise is beneficial for people with depression,” says Paul Farmer, adding that Mind launched a major campaign called Get Moving last week. “Any exercise helps and people should do whatever makes them feel good.”
Physical activity need not be too strenuous to achieve results. A study by researchers at the University of Texas two years ago asked subjects with clinical depression to rest or walk at a gentle pace on a treadmill for half an hour. When their mood was tested afterwards both groups showed improvements, but the walkers had much more positive feelings of well-being and energy. Last year Dr Astrid Bjornebekk, of the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, revealed that exercise, particularly running, stimulates the production of new brain cells and has a similar effect to antidepressant drugs in depression.
Where your exercise takes place is also important. A report called Eco-therapy, which was conducted last year by Mind and experts from the department of biological sciences at the University of Essex, indicated that physical activity outdoors offers more of a mental boost than gym workouts. “We found there were significant benefits to being outside as opposed to an enclosed environment,” Farmer says. “Ninety-four per cent of people with depression said that Nature and exercise is most important in improving how they feel.” Kite flying, for instance, sent moods soaring with 71 per cent of subjects in the Eco-therapy study experiencing significant improvements in their depression.
TALKING AND LAUGHING
Laughter has a powerful effect on depression and researchers recently revealed that even anticipating a laugh can lower stress hormones and boost mood. Dr Lee Berk, a researcher in physical therapy, and her team at the Loma Linda University, California, have indicated that levels of beta-endorphins, the family of chemicals that alleviate depression, went up by 27 per cent when subjects were asked to watch a comedy video. Levels of three stress hormones - cortisol, epinephrine and dopac - that can also affect mood and anxiety were reduced by up to 70 per cent. “By seeking out positive experiences that make us laugh we can do a lot to stay well,” Berk says. It is the theory on which “laughter yoga”, now practised in more than 40 countries including the UK, is based. Laughing releases feel-good hormones called endorphins into the body and laughter yoga is said to utilise this as a way of getting fit by stimulating the body. While there is no medical evidence that it works, more than 40,000 people claim that the activity has helped them.
Talking therapies are also proven to be effective. One study showed that cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) was as effective as drugs in preventing the return of severe depression over time. Dr Steve Hollon, a psychologist at Vanderbilt University, Tennessee, indicated that the risk of relapse over 16 months was no higher, perhaps even lower, for patients receiving CBT than those taking antidepressants. If you can’t find a counsellor, try computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (CCBT) online. A study by the City University, London, revealed that more than three people in five with mild depression could stop treatment after eight days of the online approach. Another, by Swedish researchers, found that computer therapy is as effective as face-to-face treatment for moderate to mild depression.
SLEEP
A lack of sleep will almost certainly leave you feeling tired, groggy and grumpy, but over time those feelings can escalate into depression. Young adults who took part in research at the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich displayed far greater symptoms of depression if they suffered from insomnia. Up to 50 per cent of the subjects who experienced sleeplessness lasting two weeks or longer during their early twenties were more likely to get a depressive episode later in life.
“We used to think that insomnia was often just a symptom of depression,” says Dr Daniel Buysse, of the University of Pittsburgh. “But growing evidence suggests that it may actually precede depression. In other words, people who can’t sleep but have no depression are at increased risk of later developing it.”
Dr Sara Mednick, a scientist and sleep expert at Harvard University, says that regular napping might help people to relax, reducing stress levels. “Even short sleep reduces stress and anxiety [both a result of rising levels of the hormone cortisol being produced by the adrenal glands] by triggering the release sleep hormones that act as an antidote to mood problems,” she says.
John Shneerson, director of Britain’s largest sleep clinic at Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, says “a 15 to 20-minute siesta is enough to be refreshing without giving you grogginess afterwards” .
SUPPLEMENTS
A study by Dr Klaus Linde, of the Centre for Complementary Medicine, Munich, suggested that St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is as effective as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac for mild to moderate depression. In a review of 29 studies of the plant, which grows in hedgerows, Linde revealed that it was not only effective for many of the 5,489 depressed patients, but also that it had fewer side-effects than conventional drugs.
“Using a St John’s Wort extract may be justified, but products vary considerably, so these results apply only to the preparations tested,” he says. Trials generally use preparations containing only a standard 0.3 per cent dose of the active ingredient hypericin. Capsules or tablets of 300- 450mg are regarded as optimal.
Other supplements may also help to alleviate the blues. Earlier this year, a report in the Archives of General Psychiatry journal showed that increasing vitamin D intake could protect the elderly against depression. Sunlight is the best supplier of vitamin D and a lack of exposure to it can lead to deficiency. As well as supplements, it can be found in margarine, fortified cereals, dairy products, egg yolk and oily fish. Dr Birgit Teucher, of the Institute of Food Research, Norwich, says that around 5mcg a day is recommended.
Food and drink can lift the spirits
Probably the best you can do when going through tough times is to stick, as much as you can, to a healthy, balanced diet. Make sure you get your five fruit and veg a day, eat wholegrain foods and skip the junk. Some psychologists believe that colours have a profound effect on our moods so eating colourful fruit and veg can all help to lift your mood. Dehydration can cause stress, headaches and irritably so also make sure you have plenty of fluids.
Peter Rogers, Professor of Psychology at Bristol University, is not convinced about the use of certain supplements as mood enhancers. “We’ve reviewed the data on omega-3 supplements. They may affect mood in people who are clinically deficient, but I’m less convinced that they have a general benefit.”
As for the B vitamin folate, which has had reports of improving low moods, Rogers says that this is an area in which needs more good, robust research.
Knowing that you are eating healthily will provide a variety of essential nutrients and help you to feel that you are doing your best for yourself.
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October 22, 2008
Coffee and chocolate are the key to long life
By admin
Submitted by Natural Remedies
Chocolate: one of the twenty ‘lifespan essential’ foodstuffs Photo: ANDREW CROWLEY
Others include peaches … Photo: ANDREW CROWLEY
… blackberries … Photo: CHRISTOPHER JONES
… and coffee. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Professor Gary Williamson, from the department of food science at Leeds University, has produced a list of 20 “lifespan essential” foodstuffs.
All are rich in naturally occurring chemicals, known as polyphenols, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits including protection against heart disease.
He said that foodstuffs on the list, which is dominated by fruits and vegetables, can also help to slow down the ageing process by helping to protect cells from the natural damage that occurs over time.
He said: “Epidemiology studies support the protective effects of polyphenol-rich foods. Lack of these components in the diet, because of low intake of fruit and vegetables, increases the risk of chronic disease.
“This means that they are essential to fulfil the maximum individual lifespan, and so I propose that they are ‘lifespan essential’.”
There is growing evidence that a diet high in polyphenols, which include naturally-occurring chemicals such as tannins, lignins and flavonoids, can help to increase an individual’s chance of reaching their genetically-determined lifespan.
A recent study carried out by scientists in the US, UK and Australia concluded that polyphenols could help protect against heart disease.
Speaking at his inaugural lecture as professor of functional foods at Leeds, Prof Williamson added: “Although they might not be essential for growth and development or the maintenance of major body functions, there is increasing knowledge concerning their potential for health maintenance or disease risk reduction throughout adulthood and during ageing.”
The 20 foods are:
• apples
• blackberries
• black tea
• blueberries
• broccoli
• cereal bran
• cherries
• cherry tomatoes
• coffee
• cranberries
• dark chocolate
• green tea
• oranges
• peaches
• plums
• raspberries
• red grapes
• red onions
• spinach
• strawberries
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October 14, 2008
What natural cure did we lose today?
By admin
Written by Michael Vass
A few days ago I ran across an article in the Seattle Times. The point of the article was to promote environmentalism, though it did so in a manner not usually done.
Environmentalists are known for their passion in keeping nature safe from mankind. Whether that is a spotted owl, or a fern, or the blue whale. And that is a credible and honorable cause. But that, like many natural cures, is not reason enough for some people. There has to be a reason in science and business to make it all fit together properly.
But the article poses a great question, how many cures have been eliminated in the world by the advances of technology? What rare or uncommon flowers native to the Amazon jungle have been lost to mankind forever as the jungle has been swept away to make room for dairy farms and new construction? What if those flowers held the cure for AIDS, or cancer, or Alzheimer’s disease?
It’s not a new idea. There was a movie a few years ago with Sean Connery, I believe it was called Medicine Man. This modern scientist has found the cure to cancer, a flower that only grew in a certain location in the Amazon. And that location was in the process of being leveled for a new road. Millions could have been saved by a simple flower, something that if it was recognized could save people while providing a fortune to various companies that could cultivate and ensure the survival of this flower – or any other for that matter.
The question is what will we learn in the future. Will we one day discover that dandelions are the natural and abundant cure to Bird Flu, but come to realize that a decade after this common weed has been eradicated. Considering how few realize the value of herbs and flowers like the Silik Cotton plant or oregano tea it’s scary to imagine what is being lost everyday.
Only thru acceptance of the reality of natural cures, and investigations into what is already on the planet can we be sure not to remove what we might one day need. Only through trial and study can we be sure that we are doing everything, and the best thing, in treating maladies worldwide.
Perhaps if natural cures were presented in this light more often we could see more acceptance in the mainstream. Don’t you agree?
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October 13, 2008
Prevention Therapy .vs. Cures
By admin
I was reading an interesting article which addresses the FTC and Operation False Cures. It’s an interesting article; it doesn’t mean that I don’t take issue with the article. The author cleverly blurs the line between things such as anti-cancer nutrients and cancer cures.
First, let me state unequivocally that there is ample science and most medical doctors agree that there are anti cancer properties of broccoli in the same way that every human being should take a garlic tablet once a day. However, there are problems with companies preying on hypochondriacs and desperate sick individuals. And if you’re a believer, you’ll buy anything. Is there clear evidence these days (anecdotal but clear) that drinking a glass or two of red wine is great for combating heart disease. Absolutely, but I would opt for angioplasty or bypass surgery if my artery was 95% blocked. I don’t believe that eating a bulb of garlic each day for three weeks is going to remove the atherosclerosis. At the same time, I searched Google for broccoli and cancer and the first search result is an article from the Natural News website which contains the words broccoli reverses breast cancer. ??????.
In fact, the article states:
An oncologist makes a false diagnosis, then scares the patient into agreeing to high-profit treatments by telling them, “You only have six months to live.”
Unfortunately, this is the thing that the FTC is trying to stop. If you believe in natural cures as I do, then pursue them. However, anti-medical crusades that make false statements are not helping the natural cures industry position with the United States government.
Can’t everyone just play nice?
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September 29, 2008
Beware of Dr. Horowitz - lies and mistreatments for profit
By admin
Written by Michael Vass
I ran across something that really had me wondering. A cure for AIDS, malaria, and infectious disease. This wasn’t something that hit the major news media, nor most of the minor media outlets. So I have my questions about it.
If there is a cure for AIDS and other diseases plaguing the world you would expect that it would be on every cable channel and across the internet. But it may be the nature of this “cure” that is the problem. It is essentially a natural cure and not some drug created in a major pharmaceutical think tank. And it is currently being tested in Africa.
Now the article that I learned of UPCOSH™, short for Uniform Picoscaler Concentrated Oligodynamic Silver Hydrosol, reads like an advertisement better suited for an infomercial than a scientific report. Still that does not mean it is false. But the video of this product reinforces the infomercial aspect and leaves me concerned for those that may look at this as some kind of super cure for their ailments.
So I looked up the man behind this product, Dr. Leonard Horowitz. And what I found was very interesting.
Dr. Horowitz is a dentist. Not a genetist or a doctor of any applied medicine. He writes books about conspiracy theories. And he makes money from websites selling hollistic medicine. His crediential are weak at best. Which does not help his current claims, as did his claim of having a cure for SARS.
Dr. Horowitz has had several of his websites close. Each of the defunct sites promoted a “cure” for various maladies in the world. Most were related to his cure for SARS which he continues to sell under various names and formulas today. None have been proven to be effective.
He also has an eye for being very promotional. He is noted for releasing a press release that highlights a book he wrote and it’s connection to the Will Smith film I AM LEGEND. The manner of the press release made it seem the film was at least in part based on his book, which is false. In fact, and noted carefully in the press release (made by Dr. Horowitz himself), his book was used in a scene in the film and that was all.
So overall I comne to this conclusion.
Dr. Horowitz is a modern day snake oil salesman. He is profiting off of the fears of the public, and the desire of many to use natural means to cure harsh and deadly ailments. He has no credibility, and any item he promotes should be viewed with high levels of doubt and incredulity.
There may well be many products that will provide natural cures to various ailments that beset people across the world. I believe that virtually ever ailment has a natural antidote, remedy, or prevention. And I believe there are many credible scientists and doctors that are investigating and presenting these cures to the benefit of millions or perhaps billions in the world. But Dr. Horowitz is not among them.
I would love to find that credible international agencies and institutions agree with a cure promoted by Dr. Horowitz or some other opportunist. Because even a broken clock is right twice a day. But at this point I cannot say this has happened. And I disapprove of con-artists profiting off of the hopes and needs of ill people.
Dr. Horowitz, in my opinion, hurts those seeking natural cures, and the industry that seeks to create those cures. He is of the lowest class of slime, as I understand him, because of what he is doing. I feel he has violated his oath to do no harm, for no reason beyond greed – and that is sickening.
In the past snake oil salesman would be tarred and feathered. Today, because of the internet and infomercials many make millions. So I can only say please be cautious and aware. If this post has saved anyone the heartache or pain a false cure can bring, I am glad.
And if this huckster and former dentist can provide authoritative proof of his cures I invite him to do so. Otherwise I hope that he slithers under a rock and is never heard from again. Until then I say to Dr. Horowitz, Ne Pizdie [it’s russian].
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August 12, 2008
Rose Shapiro questions alternative medicine
By admin
Written by Michael Vass
Recently I was speaking about the question of purity n natural cures sold across the world. In Canada there is legislation to submit various natural herbal supplements to the same tests used to approve new drugs. It’s a proposal I agree with, but there are some that doubt the entire alternative medicine industry.
England is seeing a surge in natural cures that is similar to the surges in Canada and the United States. And along with this surge has come the dregs that would swindle innocents of their money, and as a consequence in some cases their lives. Rose Shapiro took that especially hard and made no bones in highlighting the scams that exist in the industry.
Now I can understand her anger. Coldenza is a sugar pill and Rescue Remedy a small bottle of watered-down brandy sold at the equivalent of pounds 399 per litre and Malaria Officianalis is a useless protection from malaria. Each of these is harmless in general, but the consequences of their use can be devestating. And some are hardly harmless, like the estimated 25% of Chinese and Indian herbal medicines that are adulterated with either heavy metals or by the deliberate addition of pharmaceuticals such as steroids, Viagra and banned amphetamines.
So the users of natural herbal cures must beware the quacks that would use these items soley to make money. People like Radovan Karadzic, who renamed himself Dragan David Dabic, and lectured on yoga and meditation.
The use of scientific terms to make quasi-scientific claims is a warning sign for all interested in using alternative medicine. Likewise credentials from unaccreditied institutions, or those repackaging known procedures as ancient facts – like reflexology which was invented in the US in the 1930s.
Perhaps one of the worst things to fear and be aware of is when a quack packages every ill under one causation or claims that all ills have a singular cure.
But for all the questionable practicioners out there reasons to accept alternative medicine do exist. Like St Johns Wort
or various remedies used on the island of Curacao.
The fact is that there are positives out there. Modern medicine may often find cures in nature, but the history of Mankind shows that the ailments that have plagued society since it’s birth have had many cures that often were better in the past.
Care needs to be taken before any one solution is accepted. General cure-alls should be looked at with skepticism. While most think “what harm could it do?” they are not always correct
“Page wanted to lose weight and claims that she was advised by Nash to drink four pints of water a day and to cut out salt from her diet. Nash denies any fault, and although she paid Page a settlement of pounds 810,000 last week, she did so without admission of liability.”
Rose Shapiro is correct to warn us of the Dragan David Dabic’s of the world, but I do not think it also means we need to throw out the baby with the bathwater.
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August 6, 2008
How pure and safe are your natural health products?
By admin
Written by Michael Vass
In Canada there is a new argument brewing that could lead to a change in the United States as well. The question is what to do about the various natural health products that are imported into the country. Some feel that these products should be tested in their version of the clinical trials drugs must undergo to receive FDA approval. Without this approval the natural products would be restricted from sale in Canada.
Some feel that
I disagree. I cannot see the problem in testing a product that, for example, cures headaches. The fact that it has been reputed to do that for over 1000 years does not mean it is perfectly safe for everyone. Does this item have the same effect on children? Or the elderly? What if you already have an ailment like cancer or diabetes?
The fact is that 1000 year old wives tales may hold a good deal of truth, but that does not mean that 1000 years ago they also had certain side effects or limitations that have since been forgotten in the telling. Thus there is a benefit in checking.
Another question that could be answered is the purity of the products. Maca may well be fantastic, but in the supplement you might take how much Maca is actually there? How much do you need to be effective? Do the other ingredients have negative effects, or detract from the benefit you hope to receive?
There is no clear answer to any of these questions today. Testing the natural products can give us these answers, and testing should be relatively fast since it’s already known that most people have not had deadly effects of any product. So I don’t understand the argument against Western-style testing.
In Canada the Bill is C-51, and I think it should pass. And if Canada can do this, so can America. But I’m only one voice, what are your thoughts?
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July 2, 2008
Curacao herbal cures draw tourists
By admin
Written by Michael Vass
If you ever venture to the island of Curacao pay close attention to the gardens and plants there. What you might think is an odd tree or plant may well be a herbal remedy that can help ease chronic back pain, menopause, headaches or more. Of course getting someone to tell you which herb does what is another matter.
The problem is that due to the Roman Catholic Church’s stance back in the days of Dutch slavery on the island nation, Arawak Indian and African remedies were forbidden. As such any herbal remedies were handed down generations of families and almost never spoken about publicly. Even today with the growth of alternative medicines and herbal remedies to supplement modern Western medicine the subject is still seen negatively.
But the trend is changing slightly as more tourists are venturing out of newly built hotels and into a few selected preserved gardens – created just to ensure that future generations would never forget the rich and knowledgeable past.
Here are a few of the natural cures that can be learned there:
There are many other natural cures that the indigenous Indians and Africans used centuries ago, but the best way to learn about them is to take a trip and learn from the source.
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July 2, 2008
Buzz Words Don’t Make Your Natural Remedies Work Better
By admin
When considering a natural cure, be careful when buying products that contain words such as “guaranteed”, “enhance”, “improve” and “Maintain” because these products usually scream of marketing. In fact, I wouldn’t believe any natural cure unless there was some real scientific evidence that backs up the claim on a bottle.
Recently, I’ve seen some large companies such as Kraft getting heat from consumer watch dog organizations for making claims such as vitamins A, C, and E, which are all found in Crystal Light Immunity Berry Pomegranate, will help “maintain a healthy immune system”. Although there it is true that vitamins such as A, C and E are all important to maintaining normal body functions, there is no evidence that drinking a juice that contains vitamins A, C and E will help you fight disease any better than if didn’t take it. In fact, a bottle of vitamins that costs all of $10.00 for a 3 months supply (approximately 11 cents per day) will perform the same function as these wonder juices.
In the article linked to above, researchers correctly point out that there is little evidence that these wonder juices can ward off disease.
When investigating natural cures, use the NIH resource for real, un-hyped evidence about natural compounds. It’s a great resource and will allow you to research all the natural compounds you want. In addition, there are no brands marketed on the site so that once you complete your research, you can educate yourself as a consumer before you choose your brand.
Good luck with your holistic approach.
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June 24, 2008
Some evidence natural cures really do work - some of them
By admin
When people think of natural cures there are dozens of options to consider these days. From old wives tales, to research on herbal remedies, to new upstart claims flooding the internet. What is the right answer to the ailment you might be vexed by.
Well there are a few options that ther is some science on that back up their claims. While they might not be perfect, or work exactly for ever person there is some evidence they do have positive effects. Of course a positive attitude is always a benefit to any treatment you might consider.
Chasteberry
What is it? Dried fruit.
What does it do? Combats PMS symptoms; increases fertility.
Proof: Clinical trials suggest that it may reduce some symptoms of PMS, but its effect on fertility has not been proven conclusively.
Warning: Some people may have slight stomach troubles, dizziness, or dry mouth; however, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, these side effects are minimal. Despite its name and historical uses, the chasteberry does not have any proven effect on the libido.
Meditation
What is it? Quiet reflection, usually performed alone; often includes rhythmic breathing.
What does it do? Increases mental focus.
Proof: Like acupuncture, it’s hard to test this against a placebo. However, there’s no proof it doesn’t work.
Warning: This one falls into the “what can it hurt?” school of thinking. It’s safe, there aren’t known to be any harmful side effects, and many people believe it works.
St John’s Wort
What is it? An herb.
What does it do? Combats mild depression.
Proof: According to the Mayo Clinic, the scientific evidence supports the claim that St John’s Wort can combat mild to moderate depression.
Warnings: Shouldn’t be taken with other antidepressants. Check out Health Canada’s warning on drug interactions involving St John’s Wort.
Hopefully this will help. But always remember to discuss any new medications or treatments with a qualified medical practioner.
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June 23, 2008
Free WordPress Themes from 1800blogger
By admin
The theme used on this website as well as about 15 other free wordpress themes are available at the website of 1800blogger. You can download all the Word Press Themes in one ZIP file or you can download them individually.
The Theme Viewer allows you to jump from theme to theme choosing the one that best fits your needs.
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June 23, 2008
FDA Sends Warning Letters to 25 Companies Accused of Marketing Wild Cancer Claims
By admin
I receive emails on a daily basis on how I could make my private parts better and bigger and more alert which ultimately are annoying but harmless. Unfortunately, there’s more and more con artists showing up on the Internet hawking averything from cancer cures to the fountain of youth without any real medical evidence to back up their ludicrous claims. Beware of these medical cures and treatments that are introduced via email. Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to 25 companies selling natural cures for cancer.
Heres the list of the 25 companies that received the warning letters.
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June 16, 2008
Best natural cures? no surprises really
By admin
Written by Michael Vass
Sometimes you can learn great new insights on the web, sometimes you just get something that is rehashed. But to be fair, that is true of life as well. But nowadays it just happens faster and is a bit better presented.
Here is an example of what I mean. Take vitamin C at the first sign of a cold, eat unprocessed foods whenever possible, don’t use a cell phone whenever possible, exercise, keep down stress and don’t smoke. You’ve heard all of these for at least decades, some possibly longer. But a recent article at Prevention.com makes similar claims under the title World’s Best Natural Cures. Taking these simple thoughts and adding the names of respected healers and doctors the article re-states items that we have all heard, with a slight twist.
Don’t get me wrong, there is information there that’s good to know. And for some reinforcing these thoughts with names of renowned individuals takes if from an old wives tale to an effective change of life to the healthier. But I have to admit I was hoping for something new when I read the article.
Andrographis supplements, called Chuan Xin Lian, is a new take on the vitamin C thought I admit. Ancient Chinese medicine is not my forte but still it’s not a major news flash. Cellphones have always been a question since they have not been around enough to be properly documented. Tai Chi, like yoga and meditation, are known for their positive qualities in living a better life. And processed foods have never been praised for their benefits compared to natural, unprocessed foods.
But maybe the real key to the best natural cures is not the people relearning ancient facts or interpreting new facts on new technologies. Maybe it’s in taking the time to reassure ourselves that no matter how fast or smart the world gets nature has always provided us the means to live high quality lives. We just need to take a moment and breathe.
Oh, and another natural cure no one mentioned on the list, breathing clean air. I may not be famous, nor a healer of any sort, but I’ve always found that a picnic in the woods or a trip in the country away from the massive numbers of cars found in a city always makes me feel rejuvenated.
A natural cure is always great, but taking the time to be healthy in the first place may be the best step of all.
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June 13, 2008
Dark circles? Guy-safe cures
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Written by Michael Vass
Have you ever had a meeting that was very important, maybe critical, and you couldn’t get any sleep a couple of days prior? Maybe it was your first job, or a big promotion, or opening your own business. Maybe you lost sleep for a more personal reason, like buying a house, or getting married. Or just stress was kicking at you because of the stock market.
Whatever the reason you just aren’t getting any sleep, and you look miserable. The dark circles under your eyes are a dead giveaway to your lack of sleep, and can easily ruin that first impression, wedding photos, and so on. What can you do? More importantly what can you do if you hate, or don’t trust or don’t hate time for, chemical cures? What do you do if you are a guy and have no clue?
Well I’ve found some information that may help you out. Even if you are a guy as clueless about skincare and health as I am.
According to Best Syndication one of the best things you can do is cut up some thin cucumber slices. We’ve all seen movies and television shows where women are doing this as part of a spa treatment, but it really is good for you. Just keep your eyes shut and wait 10 minutes. So simple even a guy can do it. Before you know it you will be looking far better for that meeting or event.
Now if you are a real meat and potatoes kind of guy, cucumbers are not an option. Vegetables are not your friend – you wouldn’t know where to buy them and the smell makes you sick – so you need another option. In the same style and manner as the cucumber you can substitute a thin slice of potatoe. Now it will take 2x as long, but if the thought of a cucumber makes you feel to feminine, it’s your next option.
But let’s make this a bit harder. What if you are too macho for cucumbers, and stuck in England? (For the ladies perhaps you are just trying to relax in a bath in your hotel room.) Well there is still hope to get that better paying job. Have a couple of glasses of tea to calm you down, and once you are done the tea bags should be cool. Now use them by putting them on your eyes for 10 minutes. As a bonus keep in mind only caffeinated teas will do the job, so guys we have nothing to fear – like ordering some kind of herbal tea.
But if all the above is just too much effort, there is still one more simple, guy-safe solution that you can use. 2 cool teaspoons (no tea required). You’ll need to wash your face with warm water prior, and the teaspoons shouldn’t be left in a freezer so long as to risk freezing to you eyelids. Again it’s going to take 10 minutes. And again, guys, the spoons should not be cold enough to have icicles attached.
Now best Syndication goes on to mention one more solution before discussing wrinkles. I’m not going to mention it because I’m a dumb guy that wouldn’t eat a banana or know how to puree anything if you paid me. Other guys might, but I don’t. But if I mention it I’m sure some women will know what it is and what to do. Banana puree.
So, now that you have my understanding of the natural cures you have no excuse to start that business, get married, ask that cute girl at the bar/coffee shop out, or whatever your reason for needing to know this.
Hope it helps, and maybe gave you a smirk.
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June 9, 2008
Natural Treatments for Depression
By admin
Notice that we don’t use the word cures on this post because there is no cure for depression. In fact, we will all get depressed in our lives, it’s inevitable. When it occurs often or it’s constant and lasts a long time and the depression scale is deep, we need help. Here are some things that you can do to help yourself.
1. Your physiology is absolutely attached to your mood. If you don’t believe this, then I would suggest that you observe people (that’s right, become a watcher) and you can probably detect who’s depressed and who’s happy. So, for starters, I would suggest that you do the following each and every day. Whether you walk to work or drive, try to walk at least 200 yards each morning in which you engage in the following:
- Allow your shoulders to be as tall as they can be
- Allow your back to be as straight as it can be
- Take long and certain steps
- Allow your arms to swing as much as possible.
- Smile ear to ear so that the corners of your mouth almost touch your ears
Because when you are smiling, it’s almost impossible to be depressed. If you are depressed and smiling, than you are probably insane or encountering dark, deep thoughts which belong on another blog.
In addition:
1. Do some form of exercise 3 days a week.
2. Avoid excessive alcohol, sugar or caffeine.
3. Take a multi-vitamin each day.
If you follow these routines each and every day and you and 10 friends are regularly depressed, you won’t have 10 depressed friends within a short period of time.
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March 20, 2008
Natural Cures Author Needs a Cure for Legal Trouble
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Kevin Trudeau, the best selling author and self-proclaimed expert on natural cures violated a 2004 court order by making patently false claims in a book about a weight loss regimen according to a Federal Court ruling on Monday.
Judge Robert W. Gettleman wrote in his ruling about Trudeau, “clearly misrepresents in his advertisements the difficulty of the diet described in his book, and by doing so, he has misled thousands of consumers.”
In 2004, Trudeau paid $2 million to settle the FTC’s charges and agreed to the court order prohibiting him from infomercials except those that accurately promote books.
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