Saturday, April 28, 2007

Food Can Be A Natural Remedy

Food can be a natural remedy for many ailments. Unfortunately, many people in the world don’t eat right these days, especially Americans and Europeans. Processed foods loose many of the nutrients that they originally had, including vitamins. This leads many people to take supplements, which can be very good for you at times. It also leads people to seek pharmacological solutions to many of their problems. There is a movement in the western world however to seek a natural remedy to a health problem, and often times that natural remedy can revolve around food. Healthy eating can make a world of difference in healthy living.

When looking at food as a natural remedy for many ailments, first understand what food is and what it does. Food is the fuel for your body, providing nutrition and energy. One of the things that good food does is strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system fights off disease. Hence, healthy eating means a strong immune system, a natural remedy at its best.

Remember the old folk saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. There is truth in that saying. Apples are a natural remedy to fatigue because of the natural sugar they contain, as well as vitamins. In addition, apples are full of fiber and can be a natural remedy for bowel blockage. Apples are also a good source of vitamin C and are a good natural remedy for the common cold. Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, and tomatoes all contain large amounts of vitamin C as well as other vitamins and are a great natural remedy for the cold and other ailments.

Knowing that these vitamins found in food serve as a natural remedy to many illnesses should lead a person to examine their diet and add whole grains, fruits, vegetables, natural sources of fiber and lean meats. Protein found in lean meat, eggs, fish, poultry, cheese, and nuts is a natural remedy for fatigue, and helps the immune system develop. Oats, such as those found in normal breakfast oatmeal are a natural remedy for high cholesterol. Jalapeno peppers, high in iron—more iron per ounce than beef liver – are also an unthought-of of source of vitamin C, and actually contain more vitamin C per gram than equivalent citrus fruits, with the additional benefit of spicing up a meal and adding some zest. With that in mind, keep in mind that often the best natural remedy to any ailment is improving your eating habits.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Edelweiss Extract in the Fight against Aging

Edelweiss extract comes from Edelweiss flowers, which are short-lived perennials. Edelweiss is a German word which means noble and white. The Edelweiss flower is found at altitudes which range from 5,000 feet to 8,000 feet, generally in areas with light soil, good drainage and southern exposure.

In ancient times, the Edelweiss flower was sought after by men who wished to prove their bravery. Because the flower grew at such heights and was often on cliff sides and in dangerous areas, many people were known to have been injured or even killed in pursuit of this flower, which led many men to wear it in the lapel as sort of a badge of honor. Of course, the fact that the Edelweiss flower was the favorite of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, the Empress Elizabeth, also gave it prestige. The flower became so popular among hikers that the governments of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland took steps to protect it in certain parts of the Alps. Today Edelweiss is grown on many continents and is no longer in the danger it once was. It became even more popular however the 1960's when a song called "Edelweiss" in the popular stage play and film The Sound of Music sang its virtues and beauty.

For centuries Edelweiss extract has been believed to have positive health effects. Edelweiss teas have been popular, as well as the use of Edelweiss extract in hot milk, often sweetened with honey. Diarrhea and dysentery were two ailments that it was believed Edelweiss extract could cure. People also believed that it could help fight ailments such as diphtheria and tuberculosis. Today research by the pharmaceutical industry indicates that there was something to these ancient beliefs.

Edelweiss extract is an ancient folk lore remedy that modern science is making popular once again. They have also discovered that the ultra violet light-absorbing chemicals this plant has developed from high altitude growth makes it a good additive to sun blocks. Pharmaceutical researchers also are interested in the way some chemicals in the plant prevent amplification of oxides, which are tied to the aging process.

The future of research into Edelweiss extract looks as bright as the high Alpine sun, and the popularity of Edelweiss extract as an ingredient in high quality anti-aging and anti-wrinkle cosmetics means the plant will remain popular for many years to come.

For more information about Edelweiss extract and the 3 simple steps you can take to have younger-looking skin, click here.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Natural Remedies: A Different Perspective and Practice for Health

You've heard about people taking natural remedies to either improve their health, or to cope with a chronic illness such as diabetes, or for an acute illness like a cold. It might surprise you to find out that natural remedies are not a new idea. Cultures around the world have used them for thousands of years. So read a little more about the history of treating disease, and the choices you’ve got in treating yourself with alternative medicines.

Some of the eastern practices of medicine coming from the country of China is slowly becoming accepted by the western practice of medicine in the US and Canada. The general public has accepted the idea of using natural remedies much quicker than the medical establishment. The focus of this type of remedy is to naturally return the body to it’s stability before sickness occurred. For example, the use of green tea leaves has natural antioxidants that fight and slow down cancer production. Other vitamins exist in the tealeaves and that’s why it fights the common cold and flu so well.

Today it’s good to know that there are some doctors that are practicing an integrative approach of natural remedies and traditional western medicine for their patients. Many years ago, it would’ve been impossible to find one. Even if you’re not lucky enough to have a local doctor or specialist that considers natural remedies important, there is a solution. You can use some of the natural remedies on the market as a preventive measure, or to fight with an already existing disease. However if you do always check with your doctor to make sure that there could not possibly be an interaction with any treatments or drugs that you’re taking.

Whatever road of medical treatment you decide to travel make sure that it’s a well informed one. Always study your options and you’ll find a treatment or preventive care plan that will work for you. Natural remedies are as old as mankind, and they’ve worked well for others, but remember what may work well for one might not for you.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Natural Remedies: Mother Nature's Prescription

For centuries, human beings have turned to traditional medicine in search of a cure for what ailed them. Recently that has changed significantly, as more people are turning toward natural remedies to treat numerous health conditions and medical concerns.

Walking into any health food or natural remedy store and the consumer will find many products that can offer relief or assistance with common medical conditions. There are natural remedies to treat headaches, to aid in weight loss, to treat acne or blemishes, even heartburn and toothaches. These are just a few of the many conditions that natural remedies can effectively cure.

Both natural healers and traditional medical professionals have long noted the importance of vitamins. With the introduction of more and more natural remedies, people everywhere are seeing the benefits of using products that are derived from the earth as opposed to ingesting chemicals that are produced in a laboratory.

Eating healthy is an important step towards overall well-being and the use of natural supplements is a continuation of that. By using supplements that are derived from plants and herbs, the body is not becoming dependant on chemicals to reach the goal of a healthy lifestyle.

Through the use of substances that are readily found in nature, the body can conquer health issues that traditional medicine hasn’t yet been able to without the use of prescriptions that include chemicals that are not naturally occurring in the body. By healing the body naturally there won’t be any dependence on prescription drugs that have proven negative side-effects.

Treating conditions such as arthritis and kidney stones in a traditional sense have meant the patient has to undergo a regime of medications. These treatments can last for months, in some cases years. The benefits of those drugs being shadowed by the problems they create. It’s not uncommon for traditional therapies to have a list of side-effects that include stomach bleeding, constipation and heart problems. With natural remedies the benefits far outweigh any negative nside-effects. Using something found in nature to cure your body translates into less foreign chemicals finding their way into your blood stream. Through the use of substances that are readily found in nature, the body can conquer health issues that traditional medicine hasn’t yet been able to without the use of prescriptions that include chemicals that are not naturally occurring in the body.

By healing, the body naturally there won’t be any dependence on prescription drugs that have proven negative side-effects. Treating conditions such as arthritis and kidney stones in a traditional sense have meant the patient has to undergo a regime of medications. These treatments can last for months, in some cases years. The benefits of those drugs being shadowed by the problems they create. It’s not uncommon for traditional therapies to have a list of side-effects that include stomach bleeding, constipation and heart problems. With natural remedies, the benefits far outweigh any negative side effects. Using something found in nature to cure your body translates into less foreign chemicals finding their way into your blood stream.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

The 5 Causes of Acne

Acne is one of the most widespread medical conditions in the world. More than 90% of all adolescents, nearly 50% of all adult women, and 25% of all adults suffer from acne, but what causes acne? Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by what you eat, how often you wash your face, or work out. The five causes of acne all occur beneath the surface of your skin.

1) Hormones. You already knew this, right? For most people, acne begins at puberty when the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge. This is a natural part of the body's development, but in acne sufferers the sebaceous glands are overstimulated by androgens, sometimes well into adulthood. Androgens are also responsible for acne flare-ups associated with the menstrual cycle and, sometimes, pregnancy.

2) Extra sebum. When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. As the sebum moves up the follicle towards the skin's surface, it mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging, leading to acne.

3) Bacteria. Remember that common skin bacteria mentioned above? The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, (P. acnes for short) is part of the skin’s natural sebum maintenance system. However, once a follicle is plugged, P. acnes bacteria multiply rapidly, causing a chemical reaction we know as inflammation in the follicle and surrounding skin.

4) Inflammation. Speaking of inflammation, when your body encounters unwanted bacteria, it sends an army of white blood cells to attack the intruders. This process is called chemotaxis, or the inflammatory response. The inflammatory response is what causes pimples to become red, swollen and painful. Studies have shown that the inflammatory response is especially strong in adult women.

5) Follicle fallout. Normally, dead cells within the follicle shed gradually and are expelled onto the skin’s surface. However, in those people with overactive sebaceous glands, which includes nearly everyone during puberty, these cells are shed more rapidly. Mixed with a surplus of sebum, the dead skin cells form a plug in the follicle, preventing the skin from finishing its natural process of renewal.

The secret to managing acne is prevention and stopping this condition before pimples appear. Once you find an acne treatment that helps you accomplish this, it's important to stick with it. Even after pimples disappear, you may need to continue treatment to prevent new blemishes from appearing. It's also important to begin treatment as soon as the first signs of acne appear. The sooner you treat your acne, the less likely you are to experience permanent damage to your skin.

To find out about a clinically proven, step-by-step system for permanently curing your acne and achieving lasting clear skin faster than you ever thought possible, click here!

Monday, April 16, 2007

Natural Remedies: An Old Practice of Healing

Natural remedies have been in existence for as long as we live. Herbal remedies and spiritual healing are old practices that are effective although admittedly this process of healing takes a while before it show signs of improvement. This is because natural remedies do not merely mask symptoms but cure the illness right into its core.

Natural remedies though as mentioned earlier are an old practice. However, in Sweden the concept of natural remedies only started to take shape in 1993. The government started to recognize the affectivity of natural remedies as medicinal products that contains active ingredients. As documented, the active ingredients come from parts of plants or animals, bacterial cultures, minerals, salts and salt solutions.

It is further recognized that natural remedies are non-prescription drugs used for self-medication. The sales permits issued to manufacturers of natural remedies are given with a condition that the affectivity of their products needs to be supported heavily by research results and various documentations strengthening its affectivity and helpfulness. As of today, many doctors recognize natural remedies as helpful complement to antibiotics and other medications. This notion is in complete contrast of the old belief that natural remedies are mere folklore stories that have no basis.

The recognition of the affectivity and helpfulness of natural remedies are now getting to be popular. As in fact, you just sit in front of your computer and in the cyberspace, you will find many links leading to natural remedies for various illnesses. It has been so popular that in all aspect of living from pregnancy to child rearing, asthma, allergies, diabetes and a lot of sickness including quitting smoking and stress management all has an accompanying natural remedy cure.

It is thus helpful for you to learn the ropes of natural remedies to avoid depending so much to doctors who often give conflicting diagnosis. Natural remedies truly take a long while to show improvement but they as more effective because this process works to arrest your body’s problem right from its core.

This is not to say that doctors are not effective or that they are bad, this just means that doctors who recognize natural remedies to be helpful and complementary to science is the more effective healers for our modern sickness. Natural remedies prove to be effective for many; surely, it will also be effective for you. Check various websites and you will find the most effective natural remedy for you.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Is Breast Enlargement Surgery Right for You?

I couldn't believe what I was reading. "Breast enlargement surgery has become the SECOND most popular plastic surgery procedure." I asked myself, why would perfectly healthy women pay the high costs and endure the long recovery time of surgery just to have larger breasts? I decided to ask some friends who I knew had undergone the procedure.

One reason that I had never thought of is that dramatic weight loss, childbirth, or age can change the shape of the breasts. That's why my friend Tanya had breast augmentation done. "After I lost 40 pounds," she says, "I felt better about my body but wasn't happy with how my breasts looked anymore. When I lost weight, they just emptied out. Without a bra, they completely sagged." For her, having breast enlargement surgery was a no-brainer and had an unexpected benefit. "Getting the implants gave me another push to lose weight," Tanya says. "I wanted the rest of my body to be as beautiful as my breasts."

Brooke, on the other hand, had always been dissatisfied with her natural breast size. She takes after her mother and finally decided that she was going to improve on what nature gave her for her own self-esteem. "I just love how it looks, and my boyfriend really does, too," says Brooke,. "My mom said that if she was my age again, she'd do it, too."

My friend Claire was up front about her reason for having her breasts done. "Guys see women with big boobs as sex objects," she says. "I was always catching my husband staring at other women's boobs, so I decided to get mine done." Did it work, I asked her? Not completely, Claire admitted. "He loves my new boobs, but he still checks out other women."

All of these reason are valid for the women who gave them; however, ALL surgery carries a potential risk, never mind the expense and recovery time. That may be why many women who are dissatisfied with their current breast size are turning to natural breast augmentation alternatives to make their breasts larger and/or fuller. The friends I talked to got me to thinking, but, if I ever do decide that breast enlargement is right for me, I'll be going the natural route. I'm not going under the knife unless I have to.

If you've ever felt self conscious about the size of your breasts, you are not alone. To find out about the natural breast enlargement methods that can increase your breast size by up to two cups, naturally and without surgery, click here!

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Finding a Natural Remedy Isn’t Hard

Finding a natural remedy to sickness or an ailment isn’t hard. A quick visit to a health food store to speak with a clerk who is well versed in what herbs are natural remedies for what ailment can provide a wealth of knowledge. Also a quick surfing tour of the internet using natural remedy as a keyword for the search can provide a great deal of knowledge.

When looking for a natural remedy use common sense and add a grain of salt to what you may be told. Some people take it to an extreme and think there is a natural remedy for everything. Not true, but if you use common sense you’ll probably find a natural remedy for most ailments. After all, for many hundreds of years there was no such thing as a pharmaceutical industry, and using a natural remedy to cure an illness was the only way an illness could be cured.

The world of the natural remedy is varied and multi faceted. A few examples however are very common and should be known by everyone. For instance, zinc is a great natural remedy for colds. Cranberries are a natural remedy for urinary track infections, especially common for women. Aloe vera juice applied to cuts and abrasions is a natural remedy that does wonders for healing. Garlic is a natural remedy for heart disease and an immune system strengthening agent. Seeds from the common pumpkin are a natural remedy to rid the body of parasites.

Apple cider vinegar is a multi-functional natural remedy for many diseases, and an overall cleanser of the system. St. John’s Wort is a natural remedy for depression symptoms. Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits are full of vitamins and a great natural remedy for the common cold, as is chicken soup. White vinegar is a natural remedy for toe fungus when the feet are soaked in it. Cinnamon is a natural remedy for high blood pressure and much safer than pharmacological solutions. Grape seed is an ancient natural remedy for prostate problems, common in middle aged and older men. Finding a natural remedy is tea is easy. Green tea boosts the immune system, ginger tea aids digestion, and most teas in general help keep the system flushed out and pure. With this entire in mind, it is easy to see that a natural remedy is usually an option for almost any minor health problem.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Natural Remedies Can Really Work

Natural remedies can really work for curing many illnesses and for relieving the symptoms of many others. Science has in fact been inspired many times by natural remedies to come up with the wonder drugs of our modern age. Penicillin for example began as a natural remedy. The root ingredient of penicillin is a type of mold that forms on bread.

Another natural remedy that most have heard of all their lives is chicken soup to cure, or at least relieve the symptoms of, the common cold. Chicken soup as a natural remedy isn’t a wonder drug, but it does contain nutrients that help strengthen the immune system and will help the body fight the cold. Simply gaining some strength through eating will sick makes a person feel better and seems to relieve some symptoms.

Another natural remedy commonly used in our society is aloe vera, a plant. The juice from the leaves of the aloe vera plant when crushed can help in the curing of minor burns and abrasions and help cure eczema. Aloe vera is a natural remedy that doubles as a beautiful houseplant.

The more modern science discovers natural remedies common to folk people of European and Asian countries, and the indigenous people of many third world nations, the more truth they find in their curative abilities. Most cities have several good health food stories with knowledgeable clerks who can explain many of the natural remedies that they carry. Even large health food store chains, and some pharmacies and large discount stores carry natural remedies on their shelves due to the growing popularity of holistic health approaches. Natural remedies today are seen as alternative medicine, but years ago, they were seen as the only medicine available, and millions of people have benefited from their use.

Natural remedies for reduction of swelling include drinking pineapple juice, chamomile tea, comfrey, white oak bark, mugwort, dill, and oregano. All of these natural remedies work to reduce swelling when used as beverages. Boils, a problem for many people have their own natural remedies. Poultices made from sage or ground mustard were natural remedies used by native Americans for centuries and are sometimes recommended by health care professionals today.

There are many natural remedies available for most ailments and discovering the wonders of natural remedies can improve a person’s life in many ways.