The dangers of drugs and herbal interactions

Every day, millions of people combine herbal preparations with prescription drugs, in some cases with disastrous results. Almost one in three Americans takes herbal preparations and often the individual's treating physician doesn't know.


In spite of this explosion in use, herbal remedies are not new. They’ve been used for thousands of years. Plant medicine, made from leaves, flowers, roots and stems of plants has provided relief from a host of diseases and ills throughout human history.


Although modern man is “discovering” the health benefits of herbals, primitive man relied almost exclusively on plant medicine. Today, traditional doctors are often dismissive of the benefits of herbal remedies and many are ignorant of the harm combinations of herbal preparations and prescribed drugs may cause.


It’s up to the patient to take charge in these situations. Suppose, for example, you’re taking one of the anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) such as Coumadin, Ticlid or even aspirin and you decide to add ginkgo biloba as a memory enhancer without telling your doctor. An ancient remedy used in China, ginkgo’s blood thinning properties, combined with those of the drugs, will increase your risks of severe bleeding and stroke. Avoid the herbals dong quai and ginseng also if you’re taking blood thinners.


Popular herb St. John’s Wort helps relieve mild to moderate depression, but don’t mix it with prescription antidepressants, especially the serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, Serzone, Luvox, Paxil and Zoloft. This is a case of getting too much of a good thing, which can be a bad thing. You may wind up feeling weak, tired and confused if you combine St. John’s Wort with antidepressants, hardly the results you want if you’re already depressed.


Be aware that one of the world’s most popular herbals, echinacea, which fires up the immune system, doesn’t mix well with corticosteroids or any other drug that suppresses the immune response. In addition, echinacea hides in many preparations such as cough drops and muti-vitamins, so train yourself to read labels.


Can’t sleep at night? Like millions of people, you may be taking the herb valerian to help you nod off. Word of caution--people who take herbal preparations are often ingesting prescription or over the counter drugs as well. Combining valerian with prescription and non-prescription sleep aids and/or alcohol can create a dangerous state of oversedation.


The vitamin and herb industry is largely unregulated; manufacturers can make extravagant claims that have not been disproven with research. Often, warnings about mixing herbs and drugs do not show up on labels. Pharmacists and doctors aren’t yet up to speed on what the dangerous combinations are. Too often, these traditional health care practitioners don’t even ask if the patient is already taking herbal preparations or vitamins.


Patients have a responsibility to bring up the subject. Don’t worry if your doctor scoffs at alternative healing practices; it’s your health and well being that’s on the line. Use your physician's knowledge to work out the best treatment plan and to avoid making dangerous assumptions about herb and drug combinations. Especially prior to surgery, tell your doctor what you’re taking. Just because herbals come from nature, don’t assume they can’t hurt you, especially with the double whammy you may get with the wrong combinations.


Consult a qualified herbalist for more information about herbal and drug contraindications. Buy your herbal products from a reputable dealer who is knowledgeable on this subject.


Use the Internet to gain in-depth knowledge about dangerous combinations of herbs and drugs. The Good Housekeeping Web site has an excellent article and accompanying chart. Use a good search engine and type in “drug interactions by drug” on the search line; this will take you to an awesome A to Z index of hundreds of drugs and how they interact with commonly used herbal preparations. The Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) for Herbal Medicines, providing in-depth information on 700 herbal supplements, is an indispensable resource. (by glenda patton/essortment.com)

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Tips to Cure Your Acne With Natural Herbs

If you are trying to control your acne and are looking for an acne herbal cure, you might want to proceed with caution. There are many herbs and supplements you'll read about on the Internet that will promise to cure a pimpled face, but few actually work. What's worse, some herbal cures can actually worsen the condition of your acne than if you had left it well enough alone.

You also need to put some parts of your diet into the equation. Even though it hasn't been proven that your diet is what does or does not cause acne, certain foods can make your face flame up with zits faster than others. For instance, you might find certain vitamin qualities to help acne in peanuts and almonds, while other nuts will give you a complete opposite reaction with other nuts. Some doctors and dermatologists might tell you to stay away from chocolate and caffeinated drinks, while others hold that there is no way these foods can actually cause acne.

For some, acne is hormonal. There's nothing you can do to fix it unless you're willing to take contraceptives or other harsh medicines, which cause separate problems on their own. Another popular "fix" doctors like to put acne sufferers on is Accutane, which has caused infections in the skin of some users, and actually makes their hormonal acne worse.

Thus, if you want to try an acne herbal cure, start slowly, and only try products that don't break the bank. Things like tea tree oil, flaxseed, and licorice root have been known to soothe acne and not cause abnormal side effects, so you might try some of these.

Other cures include an internal cleansing of the body, which basically amounts to colon cleansing. As undesirable as this might sound, many people have actually seen great results using this method. But don't just jump in and stock up on the highest amount of laxatives and fibers you can; you need to have a sound idea of how you're going to proceed with your acne herbal cure.

The typical cleanse should usually take no longer than 3-5 days. Any more than this, and your colon won't let you sit down. Play it safe and stay away from harsh drugs by taking the route of natural acne relief.

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Home Remedies for Sunburn

What's Sunburn? Home Remedies for Sunburn?

Sunburn is literally a'burn' to the skin that's due to overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. A short exposure can cause tanning, longer exposure can cause burns. This means that all you want to do to prevent sunburn is restrict your UV exposure - and there's lots of ways to do that.

home remedies for sunburn

probabilities are if you're studying this report that you've already gotten burned and are searching for pain alleviation and healing advice. You do not want to get worse your burn, but you do not need to miss out on fun in the sun either, right?

In 1992, three Canadians developed a standardised method of measuring the strength of UV radiation from the sun at any particular time and place. It ranges from one ; the weakest - to eleven ; the strongest. Listen to your local weather prediction to see how intense the sun is supposed to be on the days you intend to tan and prepare accordingly.

If you normally don't spend a lot time in the sun, do not expect to be ready to spend twenty four seven tanning at the beach without burning because you will be in for a painful surprise! Use high-SPF sunscreen and start tiny with 15 minutes to an hour in the sun and then see how you feel some hours later. You can then build up from there primarily based on your level of sensitivity.

if you would like to make the best of a holiday at the beach, consider visiting a suntan salon for a week or so before the tangible vacation to prepare your skin for the sun. Most tanning salons will make a schedule for you to delicately ease your maximum time exposure up.

if you're taking any regular medication, visit your doctor before leaving on vacation as some meds can increase sensitivity to the sun's rays. Your physician may be ready to swap you over to medication that doesn't have that side effect for the time that you are on vacation.

warning : Babies under 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time! Keep them cool and in the shade. Suntan lotion should not ever be used on youngsters this young either.

* Use a sunscreen with an SPF ( sun protection factor ) of no less than 8. Rub it thoroughly into your skin paying special attention to delicate areas that don't typically get much sun ( under your arms, the guts of your knees, and the bottoms of your feet )

* Re-apply your sunscreen each 30-45 minutes while you are skin is still acclimating to the sun. Once you are used to it you can re-apply each 2-3 hours. If you venture into the water or start sweating you need to re-apply your sunscreen more frequently.


* If you think you're at risk of burning but don't want to pack it up, move into the shade and put on some light, loose clothing. A wide-brimmed hat will shield your face and neck.

After tanning

For an extra-soothing feel you can store the bottle in the refrigerator to keep it cool.

* When washing, use a loofah or other exfoliant to remove dead and peeling skin.

* Cocoa butter applied directly is claimed to help preserve your tan while moisturizing your skin.

three. Sunburn discomfort alleviation

Luckily , there are lots of tactics to relieve the pain. It is important to stay out of the sun until your burn has healed as you can make it much worse! Refer to the prior section for tips on shielding yourself from worsened burns.

Topical Sunburn remedies

A general rule of thumb when choosing or making a topical sunburn cure is this : If it promotes clammy and healthy skin, it's good. The sole exception to this is blistering sunburn. Blistering sunburn shouldn't be covered in any lotions, creams, or balms as it can cause the wound to get infected. Do not attempt to pop the blisters - wait for them to go down on their lonesome.

Extreme sunburn must be treated timely to eliminate pain and prevent permanent skin damage Stop suffering! Find the relief you desperately need 5 minutes from now home remedies for sunburn.(source:articlebase)

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Using Carrot Juice for Relieving Constipation

Carrot juices contain certain oils that work on the mucus membranes of the stomach and colon. This helps with digestion and starts your bowels functioning properly. Carrots are high in fiber and beta-carotene, an antioxidant, which the body converts to vitamin A. Carrots can make your stools softer and larger.

Why are larger stools better? Because larger stools dilute toxins, exposure less toxins to colon walls, and press against colon walls to promote peristaltic action.

Drink carrot juice twice daily, once in the morning and in the evening before bedtime.

You can drink more carrot juice if you like. Its action on the body produces enormous benefits since it contains a good number of vitamins and minerals - B, C, D, E, K, carotene, sodium, and potassium. These nutrients help to clean out your colon and speed up fecal matter movement.

As you increase the carrot juice you drink, chances are you will feel a little uncomfortable. This happens when carrot juice reaches your intestines and colon and begins stirring up the toxic layers and materials in that area. This feeling will pass and is nothing to worry about.

If you are pregnant, drink carrot juice daily to build up your breast milk and to provide your baby with the nutrients that it needs

Carrot Juice, Carrots and Celery

An effective way to clear constipation is to combine vegetables that are high in fiber and that have laxative effects.

Celery is high in fiber, potassium, sodium, and many other minerals. It can reduces inflammation and protect against cancer. Celery has a chemical call polyacetylene, which reduces prostaglandins that cause inflammation.

Celery has a calming effect on the nervous system. If you have been using laxatives, which have overworked your colon nerves, celery will help to relax these nerves and give them a rest.

Adding carrot juice to celery juice provides an even better nutritional drink. This drink will help to restore nerve function in your colon and improve its health.

Celery has the highest content of organic sodium. This sodium is used throughout the body as lymph saline liquid allowing cells to work and live properly.

Celery is also beneficial for the stomach. The stomach lining is filled with sodium and this sodium is necessary to prevent ulcers.

Here's what to do,

Eat carrots and celery during the day and for your salads; drink a glass of carrot juice in the morning and one in afternoon. By eating slightly steamed carrots you can increase the carotene available from the carrots by up to 4 times. However, by cooking carrots, you destroy the enzymes that will help you to digest them quickly and completely.

Boost your carrot juice by juicing with it a few stalks of celery, which includes the leaves. The leaves have more nutrients than the stalk and are part of the nutritional value of celery.

Tomato, Carrot, Celery Drink

Here's a drink you can take in the afternoon to activate a bowel movement.

With a juicer, juice some tomatoes, carrots, and celery. By experimenting, you can discover the amount of each vegetable to use according to your taste. Mostly likely you will want equal amounts of tomatoes and carrots and you will want to add a few stalks of celery including the leaves.

Now, let's add a few more items to give your drink more pushing power. Squeeze in a small amount of garlic, onion, and radish. While juicing your carrots, juice a small bunch of spinach or parsley.

Drink 1 to 1 ½ cups in the morning and see the results soon after.(By Rudy Silva/naturalhealthweb)

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Tips to Feel and Look Younger

Being young forever is only a dream, but feeling and looking youthful is not. For some people, we can see that they are looking much younger than their real ages. When we were still in the elementary school, back then, remember our peers, classmates, every one looked in the same age. But, why now after tens of years, some look older or younger than the others? How could they be?
For some people who look younger, they usually have some habit or mindset that make them feeling happy, looking fresh and energetic and maintaing their good health.
Here are some tips from them:

Drink Water

Since most of our body consist of water, it becomes very essential for helping functioning of our cells. Drinking sufficient amounts of water each day aids our kidneys in ridding our body of toxins and metabolic wastes and keeps our energy levels up. On the other hand, when our body runs low on water it is like a car running low on fuel and this leads to imbalances in our body as our cardiovascular system has to work harder to pump blood around the body.

Do Exercise Regularly

Exercising builds denser and stronger bones which helps lowers the risk of osteoporosis as we age. In our increasingly sedentary and lethargic lifestyles, obesity and fatigue are commonplace. Regular exercise and movement serve to boost our energy levels and mental alertness by sending more blood to the brain and more oxygen absorption by our brain cells. It can also boost serotonin levels, a chemical in our brain that stimulates calmness and that “happy feeling” and keeps stress and depression at bay.


Laugh

When we are laughing, it provides great physical release by exercising our diaphragm, abdominals and upper body. It relaxes our muscles and aids our mental, emotional and spiritual health. Each time we laugh or smile endorphins - the body’s natural pain killer - are released while excess stress hormones like cortisol are reduced. This helps us relieve pain, stress and sickness. It also connects us to others in a positive manner, increasing our social energy. So choose comedy shows, funny movies and humorous stories over gossip, horror flicks or violent computer games.

Spend Time and Play With Children, Be a Child

To feel younger, simply play like you did when you were younger. Spend time and play with kids whenever you can; wonder, laugh and marvel with them. Feel free to let your inner child emerge and join in their worry-free imagination and innocence. Even if you cannot physically catch up with them or participate in their games, being around their laughter, spontaneity and energy is invigorating and helps you fight ageing.

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Why Natural Treatment is The Best Migraines Cure?

Every migraine doctor share the same question. When the migraine sufferer and concerned family get around the doctor, the most frequent asked question is “Please, please tell me what the best treatment of migraines cure?”

Well, that is the question the doctor can not answer in short simple sentences. Yes, there is definitely the best migraines cure treatment for every patient. For a long time, I have studies the follow up questions just to make sure I really understand what answers do they really expect.

The answer they were expecting is immediate migraines cure. They need the doctors to hand out the prescription with magic pills which could conquer all migraine pains they suffer.

Trust me, I am as eager as the sufferer for those magic pills’ coming. But, as there are different types of migraine, the treatment is also different. Even the sufferers share the same type of migraine, the trigger might pose another problem. As we all know, migraine could be triggered by working stress, irregular meals, or even a sudden weather change, which made the diagnosis harder than most other disease.

On the other hand, it is also an easy question. The best way to prevent and treat a migraine is always the migraine natural cure methods. Some may think it is useless and pure waste of time to try some lavender oil, they want something quick, just as quick as the magic pills.

There are numerous migraine meds which doctors could give you over the counter, but have you ever considered the following question, what will you do if there is another sudden migraine attack? There are still quite a lot of debates over the side effects of migraine meds. The symptoms of migraine is usually a neurological problem, the function of some migraine meds is easing down or numbing the nerves, which is hard to tell if there are permanent damages to the nerves.

What if I tell you the lavender oil have the same effects of certain migraine meds but do not have the side effects? What if I tell you the migraine natural cure have a variety of choice other than the lavender oil? You will never know the magic power of migraine herbal treatment, and a single slice of ginger could do you great you help easing the migraine pain.

Please, do try some migraine natural cure methods before you seek the ultimate answer for migraine pains.

To tell you the truth, besides the unknown side effects of migraine meds, there are no magic pills yet dealing the migraine pain better than a slice of ginger does. You could keep seeking and trying your magic pills in a medical lab, or you could find the useful migraine natural cure in your everyday life, which will improve your life quality a lot.

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Sugar Intake Is Linked to Aging of Your Skin?

Do you know that high sugar intake has relation to cause dull skin, wrinkles and signs of skin aging?

Dr Fredric Brandt, a dermatologis in Miami and New York City, as quoted by Health magazine said when you have sugar, the sugar absorbed into the blood stream coats proteins around the body, a process called glycation. The process then results in new molecules being formed called advanced glycation end products or AGEs for short. The AGEs can damagas the important proteins in your skin - collagen and elastin.

The more sugar you have, the more AGE proteins are formed. This means the more sugar you have the more wrinkled, dull your skin are. You will look years older than you really are.

When a person getting older, especially after 35, the process of sugar coating or glycation occurs even faster.


So if you want to prevent your skin from aging by these AGE proteins, you may consider these helpful tips:


- Cutting back the amount of sweet things is a must. By keeping your sugar intake to less than 10 percent of your total callorie intake per day. It is about 10 teaspoons of sugar a day for an average person.

- rather than natural sugar you can turn fruits and vegetables as replacement.

- Be aware of some ingridients in food, since sugar can be disguised by many names such as dextrose, corn syrup, dextrose, maltose, maple syrup or molasses are forms of sugar. In fact fructose corn syrup is the worst when it
comes to causing the AGE proteins, so avoid this one.

- Take sufficient vitamin B6 and B1 in your daily meal. A number of studies have shown that these B vitamins will reduce the formation of AGE proteins. If you are not sure have them enough from your meal, you can take a multivitamin to ensure you're getting enough. Your body will just eliminate what's not needed so there are no worries
about toxicity.

- A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology mentions that exposing skin to the sun will form AGE protein significantly. So, avoid your skin from getting exposure to the sun. Wearing hat, or use daily moisturizer with an effective sun block when you are out are very recommended.

- Don't forget to take rich antioxidants sources in your meal. You can get them from fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and green tea. Antioxidants can help your body to
prevent the formation of these AGE proteins. If you aren't sure that you're getting an adequate amount in your diet, you can take a supplement to help.

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Constipation Remedy Using Apples and Other Juices

Here are two constipation remedies that you can use for a mild case of constipation and for a chronic case of constipation.

Apple and Pear Juice

If you have a mild case of constipation, you can use this remedy to get results.

Prepare equal amounts of fresh apple and pear juice. Drink this combination when you first wake up and one hour before bedtime.

Juice the pears that are slightly hard. If the pear is ripe, it is best to blend it whole with apple juice to create a thick drink. Using the whole pear will give you additional fiber. Just remove the seeds but do not peel the organic type.

Pears have minerals, vitamins, and chemicals that help to clean out your colon, kidney and to regenerate your blood cells.

Apple Juice and Prune Juice

Here's a constipation remedy that you can use if you have chronic constipation. In addition to just drinking apple juice, you can accelerate your peristaltic action with prune juice.

Here's how to do it.

If you have a juicer you can make fresh apple juice and drink 3-4 glasses a day. You can also drink store-bought apple juice but try to get fresh squeezed and not the type that has been flash pasteurized or pasteurized. If you can find fresh apple juice then use flash pasteurized.

Buy your juice in glass containers if possible.

Plastic containers are processed using solvents that stay in the container walls and gradually outgas into the apple juice. This out gassing is more severe when plastic containers are stored in hot places.

To speed up the laxative effects of apple juice, take the following combination first thing in the morning before you have breakfast,

Drink 2-3 cups of prune juice.
After ½ hour, drink one cup of apple juice
Then, 1-hour later drink another cup of apple juice.

I usually buy my prune juice in a bottle and fresh squeeze my apple juice.

Be prepared to head for the bathroom after you drink your prune juice and your first glass of apple juice. You may need to head to the bathroom soon after you drink prune juice, everyone is different. I have used this combination and have recommended it to my clients and have had good results.

Prune juice by itself is good for constipation. It is a safe, gentle and an effective laxative. Drink a cup in the morning and a cup in the evening. Prune juice contain the substance dihydrophenylisatin, which is responsible for the laxative action. Prunes are also high in iron and are a great supplement if you are anemic or low on iron.

If you add prune juice to your diet, do not drink as much of it as you would when you have constipation. Drink ½ glass in the morning and perhaps ½ glass in the evening.(Rudy Silva/EzineArticles)

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Cure Swine Flu in Natural Way

Swine flu has become pandemic now. According to Wikipedia, "An influenza pandemic is an epidemic of an influenza virus that spreads on a worldwide scale and infects a large proportion of the human population."

First a little history, it isn't a new flu at all, many conspiracy types seem to think the government has concocted this super bug for some dastardly reason but this is not the case. A flu outbreak occurred in the 70s as well as in Spain in 1918 called the Spanish flu.


Currently the main treatment for flu is tamiflu, an anti-viral drug also a swine flu vaccine is almost ready. There are however flu vaccine side effects they include Redness, swelling, rash and tenderness at the site of injection, Mild fever, general feeling of unwell, muscle and joint pain. These are the minor flu vaccine side effects

A natural approach of boosting your own immunity has to be the most responsible and effective means of getting through this pandemic. A few tips for boosting natural are as follows

* Echinacea - best taken before you are sick
* Olive Leaf Extract - a natural immunity building powerhouse
* Elderberry Extract
* Adaptogens - these are plant extracts that have an ability to pass on natural immunity to humans.

All these herbs are very cheap to buy and don't have anywhere near the side effects that the flu vaccine has.

Putting all this together it's easier to see with some planning and preparation it is indeed possible to cure swine flu.(Bob W Emmick/ezinearticle)

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Herbs To Lower High Blood Pressure

There are a variety of herbal remedies that can contribute to lowering high blood pressure. This article will reveal just some of the remedies you can use to cure your hypertension.

Hawthorn - Hawthorn vasodilates the blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely around the body. In a study of 79 patients, who were randomised to receive either 1200mg of hawthorn extract or a placebo for 16 weeks, it was shown that at the end of the study patients taking the hawthorn supplement showed a significant reduction in mean diastolic blood pressure.


Garlic - Garlic is one herb with a variety of health benefits, none more so than for easing hypertension. In one study garlic was shown to reduce systolic pressure by 20 to 30 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 10 to 20 mmHg.

Maitake - Studies on animals have shown the powerful blood pressure reducing and cholestrol lowering effects of this herb. Studies have also shown that Maitake mushrooms have lipid lowering and anti-tumour qualities.

Yarrow - Yarrow has been found to contain substances that are capable of lowering blood pressure and lipids. Studies have shown that after consistent use of yarrow for two months, then both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly.

High blood pressure is a killer and using herbs effectively is a great way to help lower high blood pressure and potentially save your life!

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Constipation remedies

Constipation is defined as irregular bowel movements. There are two types of constipation, one being weak colon muscles and the other being no regularity in bowel movements.


Improving regularity of bowel movements can be as simple as changing a few things that you eat, adding more fiber in your diet is the best way to improve regularity. Water is also another way to improve regularity, adults should drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You should add regular physical activity into your daily routine this helps the bowels to move, if you do not have a lot of physical activity you have a better chance of irregular bowel movements. There are many prescription medications such as codeine that also may cause constipation. If you are taking narcotic painkillers you may consider adding a little more fiber or drinking more water to prevent possible constipation.


Fiber filled foods are the best way to prevent constipation, foods such as prunes, figs, cereals, and nuts are filled with fiber and are important for daily food intake. When eating fruits and vegetables, which contain a high quantity of fiber, remember to eat the whole fruit or vegetable because the peelings and other discarded parts have the most fiber quantity. Examples when eating an apple or pear eat the whole fruit including the peelings.


To help in drinking eight glasses of water per day, if you’re not a water drinker, substitute your coffee, tea or soft drink with meals with an eight ounce glass of iced water. This is a good way to drink instead of drinking the water by itself.


Remember the best way to avoid constipation is to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, drink water daily and avoid starchy foods.

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How to Eat More and Lose Weight at the Same Time

Is it even possible to lose weight when you are eating more? Sounds too good to be true. But fitness enthusiasts are secretly smiling. They know something that others don't. It is, in fact, true that you can eat more than you normally do, and still lose weight at the same time. How does that work?

The secret lies in knowing what to eat. I'm sure you would have heard of the many so-called "healthy" diets that TV programs promote. Those are full of salads and other low calorie meals. But consuming low calorie meals is just one part of the equation.


If you want to lose weight for the long term, you must master both sides of the equation. On the one hand, you have your diet plan to think about. And on the other hand, you have your exercise program to think about.

The two must go hand in hand. Otherwise, your weight loss program is destined for failure. Let's take a look at why you need both for your program to be successful.

If you only have a diet plan, and you don't work out, you are not growing any stronger. In other words, there is no chance of your metabolism improving. That means the only way to lose weight is to lower your calorie count. But there is a limit as to how much calories you can avoid consuming per day.

Don't view calories as the ultimate enemy. It is not. In fact, you need between 1500 to 2000 calories each day in order to stay healthy. With all that calories, how does one lose weight then?

Here comes the other part of the equation - your exercise program. In order to boost your metabolism, you have no choice but to gain lean muscle mass. And there is only one way to do so - by engaging in resistance training.

Resistance training here means that you are using your muscles to push against an opposing force. It can be dumb bells, resistance strings / springs, or it can be your own weight. As long as you are using your muscles to push against an opposing force, your muscles will respond and grow accordingly.

When you are engaged in work outs, you have to choice but to eat well. Feed yourself with lots of proteins (about 1g of protein for every 1 pound of weight) so that you have enough for muscle growth and repair. As your muscles grow, your metabolic rate will become faster.

After about 4 weeks, you will start to notice changes to your body. Not only will you feel better, you will also look better. With an increased metabolic rate, your body now burns fat at a faster rate.

That's the main reason why you can eat more and yet lose weight at the same time! Your body just burns off the fat, even while you are not exercising.

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Beet Root Juice As Alternative Health Medicine

By Laura Lin

There has been a search for alternative health medicine and there has revealed many amazing findings. Beet root juice is now one of the alternative health medicine. A study has found that by consuming or drinking beet root juice, it is becoming a way to maintain a healthy cardio system and has also become one of the ways that we could use as a fight against high blood pressure.

Beet root is a plant in the beet root family. It is also known for its healing properties. It is rich in carbohydrates, high in iron, calcium, prosphorous and potassium. Beet root does not contains fat, has very few calories and a good source of fibre. Beet root has been known for its herbal medicinal power, which is why it is now used as an althernative health medicine. The Beet roots are high in vitamin B which is good for anemia patients. It is also good natural alternative natural cure for cancer.

Beet root juice has also many health benefits as it contains a good source of soluable and insoluable fibre that will help to keep the intestinal track running smoothly and keep our sugar level and cholesterol level in control. It contains high potassium which is good in regulating our heartbeat and keeping blood pressure at normal rate. A study reveals that the beet root also contains dietary nitrate that has been found in green and leafy vegetables which effectively help reduce blood pressure. It also act as an antioxidant due to its vitamin content.

A healthy person who consume beet root juice is able to reduce the blood pressure within 1 hour of taking the drink. Beet root has one of the highest sugar content of any vegetable makes it one of the most delicious juices with a vibrant red and gives a rich refreshing taste. Even though it has a firm texture, the beet root can be juiced raw and goes well with citrus fruits. You can also blend with other vegetables like carrot or celery to make for another great alternative health medicine as beet root juice.

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Mineral Makeup Facts

Choosing right makeup is important for healthy skin.If you have sensitive or problem skin such as rosacea, ruddy red skin or post-laser treated skin, and have had bad experiences with cosmetics in the past, then mineral makeup is right choice for you. The minerals not only soothe inflamed skin, but have superior oil control. Once you start using mineral makeup, you will see that the health and condition of your skin will actually improve.

Just a quick summary of Mineral makeup benefits :

Why Mineral Makeup?
• 100% pure crushed mineral base makeup - Beneficial for your skin.
• Oil free and non-comedogenic - Skin can breathe, prevents potential bacteria
• Talc Free - Prevents skin to look dry and old.
• Chemical Preservatives Free - Paraben or synthetic fragrances, fillers, or chemical dyes which irritate the skin.
• Natural Light Reflector - Mica gives the skin a youthful and healthy glow.
• Organic ingredients - Minimum allergy risk, sensitivity tested
• Absolute Sun Protection - Micronized TITANIUM DIOXIDE and ZINC OXIDE.
• Broad color choices - Increased creativity, and flexibility in choices
• Highly Water Resistant - Titanium Dioxide and Zinc oxide increases to repel water!
• No Animal Testing
• Recommended by plastic surgeons and dermatologists - Applied after laser or peel. The titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are anti-inflammatories

o Cover the redness
o Help to calm the erythema.
o Provide coverage and soothing properties
o Can be applied as soon as the skin has re-epithelized.

Mineral makeup powder is a world apart from other non-mineral powdered makeup. The mineral pigments are all natural in mineral makeup while regular makeup contains synthetic versions of these minerals .For example, iron oxide may be naturally mined or synthetically made, but still called iron oxide in either case.

There are some facts to be considered for choosing right mineral makeup.
First of all, The use of mineral powder that contains right ingredients is the most important. The most irritating ingredients in cosmetics; talc, dye and fragrance needs to be in watch out list.For example;Most non-mineral powders are so drying because they use talc as a main ingredient. Not only does talc dry the skin out, it is also under suspicion as a carcinogen (cancer causing agent).

Another important point; you need to keep in mind that mineral makeup is not all organic , it is all NATURAL. You should not be confused with all natural and organic terms.

Also, We can not say that all mineral makeup are vegan.It should be noted that even mineral makeup can contain petro-based, animal-based or synthetic ingredients since they are natural.

Last of all, It is possible for some people to have allergic reaction to mineral makeup.That does not mean everybody will have a reaction.It is the fact that while even a good quality natural cosmetic does not carry a guarantee, the likelihood of a reaction is rare.

I recommend that as a mineral makeup consumer you need to consider all of the points that are mentioned above, before purchasing mineral makeup in order to have the best result for your skin. Happy mineral makeup days!

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Using Calcium and Magnesium for Constipation

By Rudy Silva

Using calcium and magnesium in the right quantities can prevent or relieve constipation. They can support the health of your colon and keep you regular.

In your colon, calcium combines with excess bile and decaying fat to form a harmless insoluble soap, which is excreted with your stool. This helps to keep your colon clean.

Most Nutritionists recommend you take 1000 - 1500mg daily of Calcium. Because Calcium can cause constipation, it is necessary to take 500 - 1000 mg of magnesium at the same time you take Calcium.

You should space out your intake of calcium over Take only 400 to 600 mg each time. Also take some time-out when taking calcium and other vitamin supplements. In a month, take 2-3 Sundays or Saturdays of from taking vitamins.

Avoid taking calcium carbonate, which will reduce the times you will have a bowel movement. Avoid, also, taking calcium when eating foods that contain oxalates phosphates, or phytates. They tie up calcium and are excreted with the fecal matter

If you are taking a thyroid hormone, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, or antibiotics, calcium supplements can interfere with adsorption of these drugs.

It is best to take calcium around 2 hours before or after taking these and other drugs.

Avoid taking calcium citrate with aluminum-containing antacids. This combination has been seen to increase your body's absorption of aluminum. Aluminum has been associated with senility and Alzheimer's

Calcium is safe for pregnant women and they should take an adequate amount of calcium.

The best calcium to take is calcium gluconate, orotate or aspartate. The gluconate type is similar to the calcium you get from milk and some vegetables. It is a gentle calcium and is easily absorbed by children and adults with weak digestion.

The foods to eat for good calcium are:

Goat milk, egg yolk, fish, lemons, rhubarb, cheese, skimmed milk, bone broth, seeds, dulse, kelp, greens, nuts, cauliflower, celery, cottage cheese, gelatin preparations, barns,

Magnesium helps reduce constipation

Magnesium, a gentle laxative, helps to prevent constipation by relaxing your colon walls when you are under stress, have anxiety, or have too many worries. It normalizes tension on colon walls allowing for a normal peristaltic action.

Because magnesium attracts water, you can bring in more water into your colon by taking magnesium supplements or by eating foods, which are high in magnesium. Water in your colon makes your stools softer and allows your colon to absorb water from your fecal matter if you body needs it.

How do you know if you are short on magnesium? You will get cramps in your calves at night or so called "Charlie horses." Or, you will feel sore after some mild exercise or activity.
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Take 400 mg in the morning and 400 mg in the evening of Magnesium gluconate, or citrate.

Jesse Lynn Hanley, M.D., in his book call, Tired of Being Tired, 2002, gives another way to take Magnesium to relieve your constipation,

"Take at bedtime. Begin with 200 milligrams magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate-you may increase the dosage in 200-milligram increments until your bowels move regularly. The dose for magnesium is individual, so begin low and increase the dosage as needed. Reduce the dosage if you experience loose bowels. Unlike irritating laxatives, magnesium does not create laxative dependency."

If taking hypoglycemic drugs, magnesium may increase absorption of these drugs. It is recommended you consult with your doctor on the effects of magnesium with the type of hypoglycemic drug you are taking.

If taking magnesium, do not take it within 2 hours of taking any kind of drug.

If you have severe kidney or heart disease, you need to avoid magnesium and consult with your doctor on its use.

Magnesium is considered safe for pregnant women.

Foods High in Magnesium

Chlorophyll is high in magnesium and chlorophyll comes in capsules. These are some of the foods that are high in magnesium.

Greens, berries, wheat germ, grains, nuts, cornmeal, apples, apricots, oats, pears, pecans, spinach, tofu, lentils, honey, fish, cabbage, avocados, cashews, peas, prunes, soy milk, chard

You can see that calcium and magnesium is not just for bone building and acid neutralization, but it is also good for constipation prevention and relief.

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Natural Solution For Sexual Problems

by: Brianthomas

Now a days we have treatment for every disease, that could be a sexual disease or any other kind of disorder. We can get treatment within short period of time. If you come to impotence, you have several treatment options available but Viagra has been dominating all over the world in the treatment of Impotence. At the movement Scientists discovers new alternatives for medications.

How watermelon effects in male enhancement

Researches describes watermelon improves sexual effects same as viagra. Watermelons contain a natural constituent called citrulline that will improve production of admixture that helps relax the body's blood vessels, same formula will apply when you use viagra. Flesh and crust of watermelons, produce amino acid that will help to increase blood flow in to pinis.

Watermelon may not work as viagra or other male impotence drugs, but it will helps to keep relax vessels. Watermelon contains nitric oxide which can cure chest problems, blood pressure, and also other cardiovascular problems, you could not get any side effects like other drug. Watermelon will increase sugar in body just remember it.

Citrulline acts to dilate blood Vessels thereby to increase blood flow in body. watermelon rind contain more citrulline compare to flesh, you can find enough citrulline in yellow watermelons.

Aphrodisiace foods

Aphrodisiace foods will give more effects in sexual enhancement, aphrodisiace foods includes carrot, banana, eggs, garlic, ginkgo, peach, shilajit, onion, honey, Spanish fly, walnut oil and fennel. Gingo nuts are enhance blood circulation within the body's portion. Nitric oxide also helps in sexual drive. You can find more nitric oxide in eggs. These all fruits and vegetable contains most useful vitamins and minerals those will help you to improve your body and brain condition. Physical and mental condition impact on sexual remedies.

Impotence or other sexual problems there are lot of alternative drug and medications. However everyone trusted viagra is best drug in all other medications.

Watermelon and other fruits will helps you to improve your sexual performance. It will give same effects like viagra but we would not expect same results for every time and for everyone, because there are several reasons for erectile dysfunction. Stress and depression are the main reasons for impotence while eating Watermelon you can not control your stress. It will not work on your psychological problems. It helps to keep your body cool and improve blood flow. Regular exercise also effects positively on your sexual problems because your physical health plays major role in your sexual drive.

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Drink Water to Help Weight Loss

Do You know that drinking enough and good quality water can help you loss weight?

Weight loss is primarily the result of our liver converting stored fat into usable energy. This process not only requires sufficient water intake‚ but also can be greatly accelerated by consuming an abundance of clean‚ healthy water. Water also suppresses the appetite naturally and helps digest our food properly.

The quality of the water we drink also greatly impacts our body‘s ability to achieve or maintain a certain weight. Here is why:

One of the main functions of the liver is to act as a filter and eliminate toxins from our body. The liver performs this vital process using water in a joint effort with our kidneys. If the water we consume contains chemicals like chlorine‚ lead or agricultural and industrial pollutants‚ then much of our liver‘s capacity is spent on filtering contaminants instead of processing fat into energy.

Many recent studies have even shown a link between consuming chlorinated water and thyroid dysfunction, leading to weight gain.

So, no wonder that all weight loss programs are based on a reduced caloric intake and an increased rate of metabolism‚ both of which are "naturally" achieved with an increased intake of clean‚ healthy water.

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Calcium Magnesium The Natural Sleep Aid

by: Randal A. Pope

The hustle and bustle of modern life has increasingly made winding down at night more difficult. As a result more people are turning to sleeping pills. In fact the use of sleeping pills has risen by 50% among Americans over 45 years of age in recent years. The increase in the use of sleeping pills has given rise to an increase in addictions to sleeping pills. The irony is that many over 45 are already taking a natural supplement that can replace sleeping pills if it is used correctly. Many are already taking Calcium Magnesium to help strengthen their bones. What you may not know is that Calcium is also a natural sedative.



By simply changing the way that you take your Calcium Magnesium you can not only benefit from its sedative properties but you can increase the effectiveness of its bone strengthening properties. Many do not realize that when you take Calcium with other vitamins the effectiveness of both the calcium and the other vitamins can be decreased by as much as 50%. By taking your Calcium Magnesium at least one hour before and after other the other vitamins that you take you are increasing the benefits of the calcium on your bones. At the same time you are increasing the benefits of other vitamins that you are taking by as much as 50%.

All you need to do to receive the full benefits of your Calcium supplement is to change the time of day that you take your it. Most people take there vitamins at meal time as a means to regiment their vitamin schedule. Since you are looking to separate the taking of your calcium by one hour before and after other vitamins you should begin to take your calcium supplement at bed time. This will allow you to continue to schedule your Calcium and whether you are taking sleeping pills now or not by taking your calcium about one hour before bed time you will enhance the quality of sleep that you are getting each night.

Why spend good money on vitamins if you are going to destroy half of the benefit that you are taking those vitamins. For maximum benefit of your entire vitamin intake get into the habit of taking your calcium at night. You will enjoy greater health because of the effectiveness of all of your vitamins, and because you will receive greater benefit from a better nights sleep.

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Home remedy for toothaches

Many herbs have been employed to relieve tooth aches and gum problems. Native Americans applied the inner bark of the butternut tree to their gums to get relief. Please check with your doctor before using this remedy.

The butternut tree, Juglans cinerea, is a native of North America and a cousin of the black walnut. It thrives in rich woods, along rivers in well drained soil, and does well in yards. The butternut can reach heights of 40 to 60 feet at maturity, its bark is light gray, and both the leaves and its fruit resembles the black walnuts, with the fruit being more elliptical.


The medicinal part of the butternut is the inner bark, but the twigs and inner part of the root have also been used. The inner bark, after being dried, is ground into a powder, and is considered a gentle, effective laxative. Native Americans applied the bark to the gums to alleviate tooth aches, and it is said that it works quite well for this.

Calendula, Calendula officinalis, or Pot Marigold, is a hardy annual with bright green leaves and stems tinged with yellow. The petals are delicate and are what is used in herbal medicine. Flowers, picked when they’re newly opened, are spread out to dry, and then the petals are picked off. It is a safe and gentle herb, and is used in ointments and dressings for wounds and sores. An infusion of calendula blossoms eases toothaches and ulcers in the mouth.

Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus is a member of the same family as daisies, with small yellow flowers. From the two types of tarragon, French and Russian, and the more aromatic French variety is preferred for both cooking and medicine. An infusion of the leaves stimulates the appetite, relieves gas and colic, helps alleviate the pain of arthritis, and expels worms for the body. The fresh leaf or root, when applied to aching teeth, acts as an anesthetic until one can get to the dentist.

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, originated in Europe and Asia, but is now naturalized throughout North America. Yarrow grows wild in fields, meadows, roadsides and open woodlands. Yarrow has the ability to stop bleeding, aids in healing wounds, and yarrow tea is also beneficial to rashes, skin ulcers and hemorrhoids. But the root of the yarrow is also an anesthetic. To relieve toothaches, apply the fresh root or leaves to the gums or teeth.

Clove, Caryophyllus aromaticus, is an evergreen tree, native to the Spice Islands and the Philippines, but also grows in other tropical areas. The medicinal part of the clove is the dried flower bud. Clove oil will stop the pain of toothache most effectively.
Raw plantain leaves, crushed with salt rubbed on to them will, also help stop a toothache. In Oriental medicine, a concoction of roasted eggplant and salt, called Dentie, is widely used for toothaches.

A paste of slippery elm powder and water put into a tooth where the filling has come out, will be very helpful until one gets to the dentist. And a mouthwash made with sage or marigold and a pinch of salt, is beneficial to bleeding gums.

These are just a few helpful herbs one can use on aching teeth until one can get professional help

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Juice Fasting a Quick Guide

by: Mark Henry

A little instruction from me on the subject of juice fasting, when you consider it in this day and age a lot of variable quality foods and drinks get consumed with little or no regard for the 42 odd feet of tubing that makes up our digestive tract. Yes 42 feet between you mouth and your butt, it stands to reason that it needs some rest and cleansing once in a while.

Fasting is an excellent way to give your body a rest from its normal day to day duties and giving it a chance to concentrate on kicking out stored up toxins and other nasties. Juice fasts are a particularly effective method as while you fast from solid food you nourish your body with a ready supply of no effort, liquid, super nutrition in the form of cold pressed organic juices. Brilliant.


Lethargy, lack of concentration, flatulence, I.B.S, skin and hair problems are all signals that the digestion of your food it not quite happening as well as it could. Skin problems in particular can just be as a result of nutrient not quite reaching the skin, a sure signal of an inefficient gut. So what can we do to help? Try a juice fast and healthy eating!

The detoxification headache: if you life a caffeine,convenience food and alchohol lifestyle then do expect to feel worse before you feel better! When your body takes this opportunity to kick out stored toxins, you can expect to fill a little low, queasy and or headachy, this is perfectly normal, so stick with it, the end result is well worth while.

A few cautions, a fast if you're not used to it, should not be entered into lightly, you must consult your healthcare professional before embarking on any health regime! Fasting should not be attempted by infants, elderly, pregnant women and those recovering from illness and or on medication

So, if you are still interested in doing a juice fast? The thing to do is to start slowly, with a 1 day fast, it may not sound like much but if fasting is new to you it's plenty to begin with. So have a look at the fasting plans below and with the help of a trained health professional investigate the healthy power of a fast.

The one day juice fast is a great way to try things out and see, I would think if you are reading this you are already familiar with juicing and are a bit of a health fan ready to take it to the next level. Good action is best!

The day before your fast is important, the body responds best to gentle treatment so going from Burger King to 7 day fast expert is not a good idea. Prepare your body with the following steps, cut out sugar and caffeine for a day before the fast and eat lightly and freshly on the day before your fast. Keep it fresh, simple and well hydrated.

Your pre- fast day

No caffeine or cut right down, no sugar we want nice stable blood sugar.

Start the day with a glass of warm water with a twist of lemon in.

For breakfast keep it light, yogurt and fruit, brown rice and steamed veggies. Try and avoid manufactured cereal.

Have a juice for a mid morning snack.

For lunch, have a salad, no meat just salad and veggies maybe rice or pasta but make the rice or pasta 10% of the overall meal

Have a juice for an afternoon snack.

Dinner again keep it a light salad, no need for any rice or pasta at this time of the day, have fruit for desert.

You can drink as much water as you like but not with meals, in between meal times and stop at 2 litres per day.

If you crave sugar sweeten with honey or black strap molasses.

The Fast Day

The first thing to do is relax and enjoy the day, this is a day for you, so use this as a guideline, don't be too rigid about the schedule.

On rising: drink a glass of warm water with a squeak of lemon in.

10 am: have your first juice, make it and drink it fresh, after all this is a day centered on fresh living. Mix fruit and veggies have a half pint and keep the rest for laterm, this saves on cleaning

11 am: time for another glass of water, filtered or bottled

12 pm: the second juice of the day, make this vegetables only, again half a pint, include beet and ginger

1.30 pm: another glass of water, and take a leisurely stroll or do some gentle stretching may be walk the dog!

3 pm: juice number three, less veggies more fruit and add citrus as this will help cleanse

4pm: another half pint of water or herbal tea or infusion

6pm: the last juice of the day, give it some body with a banana but no citrus fruit its too acidic.

8pm: another glass of water or herbal tea, nothing too perky though, you want a restful night

10 pm: Time for bed, if you have not gone to sleep already, wind down with a relaxing bath or massage treat your self!

Breaking the fast

On rising, be easy and good with yourself, have a glass of warm water or herbal tea and start with a glass of mixed fruit and vegetable juice. When it's time for the first solid food, have a vegetarian salad or fruit and yoghurt and ease for self back slowing into normal living.

Try to adopt eating light and juicing regularly as a lifestyle rather than a fad, lasting changes make for the best long term effects.

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