Exercise is an Integral Part of Balanced Health

Last Updated on Thursday, 13 October 2011 05:11 Written by Natural Health Team Thursday, 13 October 2011 05:11

Health Information about Exercise is an Integral Part of Balanced Health

In the field of natural health it is important to remember that balanced health is more than a healthy diet. Although focusing on good nutrition is important, we must not forget that physical exercise is also an important component of overall health and fitness. Studies conducted by Harvard and the University of San Diego concluded that sexual dysfunction among middle aged adults is least likely to occur in those who exercise regularly for 20 to 30 minutes daily.

A fully balanced exercise program should consist of aerobic activity, strength training, stretching, and flexibility exercises.

It is recommended that a healthy individual should participate in aerobic exercise three times per week for 30-60 minutes. Aerobic exercise can include running, swimming, bike-riding, using stair-simulation machines, as well as most sports.

Strength training is recommended as a form of physical fitness training that improves muscle tone and improves bone density. These attributes help prevent injury and reduce stress on joints as the body ages. Strength training is recommended: three to four times per week, every other day.

Yoga is a great form of exercise because it builds strength, flexibility, and balance. It consists of a series of poses that can be tailored to virtually all body types, ages, and abilities. The most difficult pose in yoga, and for that matter in life, is total relaxation. An essential component of health, relaxation is an exercise that can be practiced in almost any circumstance and promotes overall wellness. It can be as simple as regular breathing exercises. Studies have determined that cardiovascular disease risk may be reduced by doing yoga breathing exercises for 10-15 minutes per day.

Reducing stress will make regular exercise even more effective. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress related conditions, as has regular exercise. Combine a healthy diet with regular exercise in a quest for balanced health.

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Teen Mental Health – Depression in Teenagers – Part 3

Last Updated on Saturday, 8 October 2011 10:21 Written by Natural Health Team Saturday, 8 October 2011 10:21

Health Information about Teen Mental Health – Depression in Teenagers – Part 3

Depression in teenagers could be a drawback for an entire nation. However, it can be cured with therapy and proper medication.

Teen Depression The Cure

The remedies available and which the therapists commonly advice include the Cognitive-behavioral therapy which deals with the patients pessimistic thinking pattern. Group therapy and Family therapy are the solutions that help to break down the patient’s isolation, from which many of the teenagers suffer nowadays.

Additionally, it also helps the teenager reunite with his family and express their selves by verbal communication and help release their stress. Other remedies could be introduced to the patients, such as physical exercises and medication. Physical exercises can be very effective in driving away depression. They help to replenish the endorphin and seratonin secretion in the brain, which results in an alteration of temper.

Extra curricular activities such as drama, music, painting can help bring about fruitful results and help shape the emotions of the teenagers. Volunteering can also help teenagers to overcome depression. This allows the adolescents to see other people’s problems from a different point of view. So this takes some of their stress off as it gives them a feeling of satisfaction while helping out the people in need.

Mass increase in the number of patients with depression has given rise to different types of medications and hospitals. If some kind of medication has been prescribed for the patients, it should be administered with serious caution and under supervision. If the depressed teen is extremely suicidal, he should be kept under continuous observation, which is only possible if the patient is kept in a hospital.

Apart from these therapies, teenagers could be introduced to special programs such as schools that are especially designed for stress relief. Theses types of institution are ideal for troubled adolescence. These schools serve as rehabilitation centers for the teens and help them learn to cope with their community, build up composure and acquire skills and learn to trust others and work with them.

The school also helps in the improvement of the adolescent’s grades and their pessimistic behavior. Whether the options for special schools are worth or not mostly depend upon the teachers and the staffs conducting the schools. At times the staff in charge of the schools might not be trained professionals and might harm the teenagers by misguiding or mistreating them rather than trying to put away their depression.

Parents and guardians of the teenagers are strongly advised to monitor their child’s behavior and if any abnormal changes are observed then the particular teenager is advised to be taken to a therapist. Before deciding to go with these therapies it is important to conduct some careful researches on their philosophy and their way of teaching and also the qualification of the staff working within the institution.

Destigmatizing Mental Illness: Mental Illness Awareness Week October 2-8, 2011. Jeremy Bennett, an author, professional speaker and television personality from St. John’s, Newfoundland.

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Teen Mental Health – Depression in Teenagers – Part 1

Last Updated on Sunday, 2 October 2011 10:21 Written by Natural Health Team Sunday, 2 October 2011 10:21

Health Information about Teen Mental Health – Depression in Teenagers – Part 1

Teenage depression could be just another threat for the juvenile generation. It is a disease not quite uncommon these days and teenagers are more vulnerable in case of suffering from this mental disease. In fact there might be some youngsters around you who are actually suffering from this syndrome.

Depression And Its Symptoms

This where the jeopardy lies, as most people are not aware of the hazards the disease could cause. Rather the case is handled without due consideration, in most cases. Teenage depression is not only about moroseness or frequent despondency. This disease causes despair, glumness, and miseries in a teenager that greatly affects his healthy life and for a span of time that could be as long as weeks months or maybe some several years, bringing about conditions like insufficiency of the person to function conventionally in his daily life.

An early diagnosis of the symptoms of teenage disorder can be very complicated to perform since most of them are implicit and the symptoms seem to be part of their ordinary daily life. Still under very careful observations, the depression could be seen to be expressed as abnormal changes in eating and sleeping habits. These changes could be either an excessive intake of food or no or very poor appetite. This in turn results in a considerable amount of weight gained or lost.

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Other changes that are often noticed include irregularity in schools and poor performance followed by abrupt declination of grades, gradual detachment from family, friends or closed ones, decreasing desire for activities that were once pleasing, prone to become more hesitant or absent-minded, lack of attentiveness towards most things, feelings of triviality or guiltiness, overreaction to criticism, occasionally feeling of irritability, anger, rage or fretfulness and frequent complaints about their health disregarding the fact that there is no physical ailment. They might even undergo conditions where they will be inclined to think that nothing is worth the effort.

The most common and distressing symptoms include the notions of suicide or death and drug abuse among the teenagers and teenagers with probable intension are most likely to be suffering from frequent hallucination, insomnia and panic attacks. These are the signs of extreme depression in a teenager. In recent years, the advancements in mental medication and stress diagnosis have helped treat many young adolescents to shape up their personalities and their everyday lives.

The schools and colleges have come up with better counseling services and have helped the students lessen some of the stress that the students had been subjected to by their family, friends or their relationships. As parents, it is a subject of major responsibility for them to monitor their child’s mental behavior the same way they take care of their physical health. Mental disorders in early adolescence can have adverse affects in their children’s future lives; relationships and their professional careers and some of these effects may last their entire life and are totally irreversible.

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Natural Health Therapies and Cancer ? Part Three

Last Updated on Monday, 19 September 2011 05:10 Written by Natural Health Team Monday, 19 September 2011 05:10

Health Information about Natural Health Therapies and Cancer ? Part Three

This article is the third installment of a series on Natural Health Therapies and Cancer. The material presented is meant to inform you of complementary cancer therapies that are available in the medical community. These therapies are to be used in cooperation with other cancer treatment methods. They are not meant to be done in place of your physician’s care. In the previous articles, we have covered the basics of cancer, the causes, the various types and stages, and how nutrition can trigger and promote cancer growth. This article will focus on Anti-Cancer Herbal Supplements as a form of cancer therapy.

Herbal therapy is also known as Phytotherapy or Phytomedicine. As you may recall from previous articles, the word ‘phyto’ means ‘plant.’ This form of cancer therapy focuses on herbal or botanical supplements have been used for centuries in dealing with a wide range of diseases. Many of these plants have been studied by pharmaceutical companies to isolate active ingredients for use in drugs. A few key examples are foxglove (used for digitalis), rauwolfia (used in reserpine), and opium poppy (used in morphine).

The anti-cancer herbal supplements that we will discuss in this article are listed below in alphabetical order. Due to the number of herbals involved, we will only be able to cover each one briefly. However, this does give us a starting point to follow-up at the library for more in-depth information. Remember that ‘herbal’ does not equal ‘safe.’ Although herbal therapies usually work more slowly than pharmaceuticals, adverse reactions can occur if the wrong dosage, a poor quality herb, or the incorrect herb is used. In addition, there are potential interactions with prescription drugs. Always check with a medical professional before using any complementary therapies.

The effects of these various herbs on cancer have been researched and documented by a large number of studies worldwide. The results indicate that the herbs work by:

• Stimulating DNA repair

• Producing antioxidant effects

• Promoting protective enzymes

• Inhibiting cancer-activating enzymes

• Inducing oygenating effects

The anti-cancer herbal and botanical supplements currently being used by a variety of medical practitioners are:

Algae

Chlorella, Sea vegetables, and Green Drinks provide high levels of antioxidants that help to clean up the damage done by free radicals. The albumin, vitamins, and minerals contained in chlorella are considered a major detoxification resource.

Aloe Vera

Long used for burns, cuts, and minor skin irritations, tests indicate that this plant has tumor-fighting capability. A major component of aloe vera called Acemannan has displayed remarkable ability as an immune system stimulator.

Amygdalin

Known also as Laetrile, this substance is found in the pits of apricots and other fruits. It has been used for centuries and produces a cyanide compound that targets cancer cells.

Astralagus

This herb is widely used in China, often in conjunction with ginseng. Research shows that it increase Natural Killer (NK) cell activity, reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and boost interferon levels.

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Cat’s Claw

Used in Peruvian tribal medicine, this herb displays antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. Studies have indicated that it enhances the immune system as well as digestive system.

Echinacea

This well-known herb has shown properties that enhance the immune system. Test results indicate an increase in NK cell activity ranging from 90-221%. Echinacea provides support to battle secondary problems like infection.

Essiac

This is an herbal tea originally used by Native Americans. It contains burdock, sheep sorrel, Indian rhubarb, slippery elm, and other herbs. It has been shown to boost immune system function, diminish inflammatory processes, and reduce the toxic side effects of many drugs.

Flavonoids

A group of phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables. These substances have very high antioxidant levels. This group contains quercetin, rutin, citrin, hesperidin, proanthocyanins, and anthocyanins.

Garlic

Enough scientific evidence exists for this longtime folk remedy that scientists held the First World Congress on the Health Significance of Garlic and Garlic Constituents in the late 1980s. Research points out garlic’s ability to suppress cancer initiation and growth by boosting NK cell and T-cell activity. Garlic also blocks cancer cell adhesion to blood vessels which helps prevent metastases.

Gingko Biloba

This herb has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. One of its components, gingkolide B, interferes with a chemical in the body that promotes tumor growth. Gingko also has a high antioxidant level.

Ginseng

Used for centuries in Asia, this small woodland plant has been documented to have immune system enhancing properties. It stimulates macrophage and NK cell activity as well as boosting the production of antibodies.

Grape seed extract

Pycogenols, the active ingredients in grape seed extract and pine tree bark, might be the most powerful antioxidants found to date. Studies show that they are 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C in reducing free radical damage.

Green tea

A popular drink in Japan and China, green tea has been shown to reduce the risks of throat and liver cancers. This is attributed to the high antioxidant properties found in green tea, far exceeding those of Vitamin E. The average daily consumption of green tea in Asia is 2-10 cups.

Haelan 851

This is a liquid soybean concentrate made with a specialized fermentation process. The preparation contains zinc, selenium, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, D, E, and K. It also contains high levels of genistein, an isoflavone shown to increase cancer cell death, inhibit blood vessel growth to tumors, regulate hormonal imbalance, and provide other anti-cancer functions.

HANSI

A homeopathic combination of about 10 herbal components, HANSI has been shown to increase NK cell activity in the immune system. The primary ingredients in the formula are from rain forest and desert plants such as cactus, aloe, arnica, licopodium, and lachesis. Made in Argentina, this formula is available in the U.S. on a three month supply basis.

Hoxsey’s herbs

This is an herbal preparation that contains red clover, burdock root, buckthorn, barberry bark, stillingia root, chaparral, licorice, cascara amarga, and prickly ash bark. Used since the 1840s, these herbs produce documented antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-estrogen activity. They also have been shown to boost immune function and inhibit blood vessel growth to tumors.

Iscador (Mistletoe)

Used by European physicians since 1920, Iscador has been found to increase the length and quality of life, stabilize the cancer, cause tumor reduction, and improve the overall condition of the patient. Immune system function, particularly NK cells, increases within 24 hours after Iscador treatments.

Larch arabinogalactan

This is a complex carbohydrate compound derived from the Western Larch tree. Studies have shown that it enhances the activity of NK cells, macrophages, and immune-enhancing chemicals called cytokines.

Maitake mushroom

Maitake, shitake, and reishi mushrooms have all been shown to promote NK cell and antibody activity. Maitake mushrooms consistently show the greatest results in inhibiting cancer development and metastasis.

Pau D’Arco

An herbal extract derived from the inside of the bark of certain trees in the South American rainforest that has displayed anticancer properties. The key component, lapachol, has a unique molecular composition that produces biological activity against cancer.

Pectin, modified citrus

This is a food fiber found in fruits which has been modified to bring out the immune system enhancement properties. Research show that modified citrus pectin boosts the function of both T-cells and NK cells in the immune system.

Silymarin

Known also as milk thistle, this herb is full of antioxidants and flavonoids. It has been seen to provide protection from liver damage. Studies indicate that Silymarin accelerates the regeneration of damaged liver tissue. This is important in cancer patients because all toxins including chemotherapy drugs are filtered through the liver and excessive toxins can result in liver dysfunction.

Turmeric

A major ingredient in curry powder, this herb comes from India and is a member of the ginger family. Studies show that it provides powerful antioxidant effects, inhibits tumor growth and formation in certain cancers, and reduces production of some cancer-promoting enzymes.

In the next article, we will explore the use of Physical Support Therapies for cancer therapy. These methods include Detoxification, Biological Dentistry, Water Therapy, Heat Therapy, Bodywork/Therapeutic Massage/Exercise, and Qi Gong. I hope that this material has been helpful and informative. The material in these articles is a portion of an e-book available on my website.

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Natural Health Therapies and Cancer ? Part Four

Last Updated on Monday, 19 September 2011 03:11 Written by Natural Health Team Monday, 19 September 2011 03:11

Health Information about Natural Health Therapies and Cancer ? Part Four

This article is the fourth installment of a series on Natural Health Therapies and Cancer. The material presented is meant to inform you of complementary cancer therapies that are available in the medical community. These therapies are to be used in cooperation with other cancer treatment methods. They are not meant to be done in place of your physician’s care. In the previous articles, we have discussed the fundamentals of cancer, reviewed a list of causes, explored the various types and stages of cancer, examined the role that nutrition can play in cancer growth, and looked at the use of herbal supplements as a form of cancer therapy. This segment will discuss various Physical Support Therapies and their benefits for individuals with cancer. The specific physical therapies will include Detoxification, Biological Dentistry, Water Therapy, Heat Therapy, Bodywork (which covers such areas as Therapeutic Massage and Exercise) and the ancient Chinese practice of Qi Gong.

Detoxification

I know that I have talked about the practice of detoxification in articles on diet, fasting, and cleansing your digestive system. In the society we live in, we are constantly bombarded by pollutants that directly affect our body. Right now, most drinking water contains over 700 chemicals; over 10,000 chemicals are used in food processing and storage; and over 3000 chemicals are added to the food supply. We directly ingest all of these toxins and they can remain in our body for years. The only way to cleanse the system is through a detoxification process.

There are several different systems to detoxify the body; the length of time for the various systems lasts from one week to several months. A thorough detoxification will address clearing all areas through which the body releases toxins — the intestines, the bladder, the lungs, and the skin. In addition, each system will have a special program of nutrition to help rebuild the body’s healing system.

In order to do a proper detoxification, you should consult with your physician regarding dietary changes, reduction of stress load, massage and skin brushing (stimulates nervous system and lymphatic system), herbal supplements, and nutrients such as antioxidants and probiotics to boost your immune system function.

Biological Dentistry

The practice of Biological Dentistry involves removing dental toxins such as mercury-based dental fillings and root canals that can harbor unidentified infections. This practice has been developing since the 1940s, and focuses on using nontoxic dental restoration material instead of mercury dental amalgams.

Practitioners believe that the mercury leeches out from dental fillings and travels into the body tissues. This process weakens the immune system, providing an opportunity for cancer growth. They also believe that root canals can contain hidden infections, which can directly contribute to the development of cancer.

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The removal of amalgam fillings must be followed by any detoxification of the body in order to eliminate any residual mercury that may still be in the body tissues. This is a dietary process similar to the one described above and lasts roughly three months.

Water Therapy

The technique of Water Therapy or Hydrotherapy uses water, ice, steam, as well as water at hot and cold temperatures to assist the body in removing toxins. Techniques included steam baths, hot and cold compresses, sitz baths, colonic irrigations, and full-body immersions.

Water Therapy is used for detoxification as well as for the relief of stress and pain. This is achieved by increasing the blood circulation and heightening the immune response to the application of water techniques at various temperatures.

Heat Therapy

Hyperthermia or Heat Therapy is beneficial to individuals battling cancer because cancer cells are vulnerable to high temperatures. Methods of raising the temperatures include saunas, hot packs, steam baths, or wrapping oneself in hot blankets. Common medical approaches include ultrasound, shortwave or microwave diathermy, radiant heating, and extracorporeal heating.

Ultrasound increases the body temperature by the frictions of the sound waves as they pass through the various body tissues. Diathermy causes the body temperature to rise by electromagnetic energy delivered at certain radio frequencies. Radiant heat is the application of infrared heat to areas of the body. Extracorporeal heating is the practice of removing the blood, heating it outside of the body, and returning it to the body at a higher temperature.

Hyperthermia has been shown in studies to change the structure of cell membranes. It makes tumor cells, easier to attack with radiation or chemotherapy, while protecting the normal cells.

Bodywork

The term Bodywork refers to a wide range of practices such as Therapeutic Massage and Exercise. These techniques provide physical relaxation, stimulation of the circulatory system, reduction of pain, stimulation of the lymph system, and enhancement of the body’s immune system.

Massage helps to relax muscle tension as well as speeding the removal of toxins from the system. Prolonged muscle contractions contribute to pain and interfere with the elimination of chemical wastes in the muscles.

Exercise helps with digestion, weight control, detoxification, and immune system function. Yoga, low-impact aerobics, calisthenics, stretching and flexing exercises are all good ways to strengthen the body’s healing system. The benefits of exercise for people with cancer are as follows:

· Increased blood supply to cells — cancer cells cannot survive in an oxygen rich environment.

· Lymph system stimulation — muscular contractions help the lymph system remove toxins more rapidly.

· Increased immune system function — exercise increases the activity of the body’s Natural Killer cells.

· Increased body temperature — exercise elevates the body temperature to a level that is destructive to cancer cells.

Qi Gong

Qi Gong (pronounce chee-GUNG) is a therapy of slow movements used to develop deep relaxation, enhanced oxygen supply, increased lymph circulation, and to reduce symptoms associated with cancer. This system has been used in China for centuries as a preventive measure. Qi Gong directs the production and flow of qi or vital life force throughout the body. This life force is considered an essential component of Traditional Chinese Medicine and determining the flow of qi is an important part of the analysis of any disease.

The main ways that Qi Gong aids in resisting cancer are by:

· Supplying additional oxygen to the body cells – this is helpful because cancer cells cannot survive in an oxygen-rich environment and unlike vigorous exercise the oxygen is distributed throughout the body instead of being concentrated in the muscles.

· Improving the balance in the autonomic nervous system – this is beneficial because the autonomic nervous system controls our ‘fight-or-flight’ response and dumps stress-related hormones into our system that suppress our immune system. Balancing this system decreases blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels, which helps the oxygen supply and boosts the immune function.

· Increasing the function of the lymph system – this is advantageous because the lymph system acts as the body’s sewage system, taking toxins from all the body’s cells. Improving the circulation of the lymph system rids the body of toxins more rapidly and transporting immune system cells to areas of need.

In the next article, we will complete our five part series on cancer as we explore the use of Energy Support Therapies for cancer therapy. These methods include Electrodermal Screening, Magnetic Therapy, and Light Therapy. If you would like more information on any topic discussed in this article, you can contact me through my website. As always, I hope that you have found this information helpful and educational. Remember that you are the one in charge of your health.

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