Alternative Medicine

Detoxify Your Body And Treat Your Ailments

August 27, 2005 on 4:00 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off If you are like most of us, you?re tired, maybe overweight, caffeine addicted and stressed out. You just don?t feel your best. You may even have more serious health problems like irritable bowel system or high blood pressure. Want a natural alternative to more over-the-counter and prescription drugs? Try detoxifying your body.

An internal body cleansing can have many great benefits. Cleansing your body of toxic buildup can provide relief from fatigue, tension, headaches, constipation, skin problems and acne and PMS, just to name a few. By assisting your body in this natural process, you?ll be strengthening your organs and boosting your immune system.

Substances that are potentially toxic to our bodies are everywhere. Pollution, petroleum based products, pesticides and other compounds are harmful to our bodies. Our organs, including the colon and liver, are responsible for removing the toxins and waste materials from our bodies. But when these organs aren?t functioning up to standard we become tired, break out and have digestive problems. More serious illnesses may result.

In your body, enzymes attach themselves to certain toxic substances. The resulting material is processed in the liver and colon to be eliminated. Unfortunately, sometimes the liver and colon cannot process all of the waste that is present, either because they are just overwhelmed, or there is a lack of required nutrients. The toxic compounds can?t be processed, so they build up to unhealthy levels.

Detoxification provides the liver, colon and other organs with the enzymes, nutrients and support that they need to eliminate the waste build-up and to function efficiently again.

Don?t procrastinate any longer. Detoxify your body and reap the benefits of a clean engine!

Sandra Kim Leong owns the resource-rich site on detoxification and cleansing. For more FREE information and articles, please visit <a href="http://www.detox-cleansing.com" target="_blank">http://www.detox-cleansing.com</a>

Oral Chelation — What Can It Do For You? (Part 1)

August 4, 2005 on 4:00 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off Due to amazing advancements in science and technology men have increasingly become dependent on machine and artificial ways of things. As a natural corollary, massive biological disorder of most of the human population has become a global phenomenon.

Some of the advanced medical researches have established a direct link between many modern day diseases and the excessive toxification of human body. It is like slow poisoning that damages the body beyond any cure. The dedicated studies in this field have confirmed the benefits of oral chelation therapy as an effective and efficient way of fighting out this slow assassin.

What is oral chelation?

In simple medical terminology, oral chelation is the name of the therapy that aims at cleansing your system off the toxic substances like harmful metals, minerals, or other chemical toxins and help to keep the toxin level in the body within its endurance level.

Researches in the areas of detoxification have proven the curing powers of oral chelation especially with regard to the cardiovascular ailments and some neurotic disorders. Like diet- control and exercise, oral chelation also is an excellent preventive therapy. Along with the consumption of plenty of filtered water daily, a systematic adherence to oral chelation regimen ensures a long and healthy life.

The need of oral chelation:

Due to the phenomenal increase in the use of industrial products we are constantly exposed to the heavy or toxic metals in the environment, which are consumed within the body through the air we breathe, through the food we eat, through the water we drink and even through the absorption by our skin. Heavy metal toxicity invites neurological and cardiovascular dysfunctions. They can also badly affect the enzymatic, hormonal, reproductive and urinary systems. They also cause impairment to the detoxification canals like liver, kidney, and colon. If taken regularly, the oral chelation helps to prevent these diseases.

How does oral chelation work?:

Some metals like, iron, zinc or calcium are naturally found within human body in a low concentration. These are the trace metals that are absolutely safe and even useful. But when they acquire a very high density, they are no longer beneficial for human body and become highly toxic. Not being metabolized by the body, they start getting accumulated upon the tissues. If this accumulation takes place at a faster rate than that of the natural detoxification process of the body, it brings permanent damage of the whole system.

Oral chelation means the consumption of some chelating agents through mouth. The Chelating agents are capable of forming chemical bonds by encircling the ions of the harmful metals. The oral chelation agents first form bonds with the toxin elements and then force them out from the body through urine and excreta. The oral chelation agents contain anti-oxidant properties and prevent the movements of the free radicals. Lactic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid and acetic acid are the commonest form of organic acids that can be found in the food and can be consumed as oral chelation agents.

The heart and circulation system is the most important, and all good health programs need to start here. Let Candy guide you in getting started. <a href="http://www.oral-chelation-reviews.com/articles/what-can-oral-chelation-do-for-me.html" target="_blank">http://www.oral-chelation-reviews.com/articles/what-can-oral-chelation-do-for-me.html</a> - Candy Gent - <a href="http://www.edta-oral-chelation-reviews.com" target="_blank">http://www.edta-oral-chelation-reviews.com</a> - <a href="http://www.oral-chelation-products-reviewed.com" target="_blank">http://www.oral-chelation-products-reviewed.com</a>

The Poop On Colonics

August 3, 2005 on 4:00 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off Taking care of the colon seems to be a popular trend in health these days. While many in the medical and alternative medicine fields are saying that most disease and illness starts in the colon, there has been a huge demand for information on how to clean and care for this vital organ.

The job of the colon is to absorb water and minerals as well as eliminate the waste or feces that is no longer needed by the body. Some say that a healthy colon will produce 2 or 3 bowel movements a day, shortly after eating. Unfortunately many people do not take proper care of their colons and suffer constipation and illness.

Colon hydrotherapy is becoming a popular way to clean out the colon so that it can function properly. A series of colon cleanses can remove encrusted fecal matter that has been sitting around in your colon for years as well as parasites that can hinder digestion and absorption of minerals.

If you plan to add colonics to your health routine, you should make sure that you see a therapist that is certified and recommended by your doctor. It is important that you follow a course of treatment that is under the supervision of a trained medical person as colon hydrotherapy is serious business. In addition, you will want to make sure you start to eat healthy so that you can keep your colon in tip top shape once your treatment is over.

A colon hydrotherapy session can last up to 45 minutes. During this procedure, a speculum is inserted into the rectum and the colon is filled with water via a tube attached to the speculum. Fecal matter is expelled through a hose leading back to the machine. It is important that you use an experienced hydrotherapist as they will know exactly how much water to use - too much water and it will be painful. The colon hydrotherapy should not hurt at all, although you may experience a bit of gas. Also during the procedure, the therapist may massage your abdomen to help loosen impacted fecal matter.

If you plan on having colon hydrotherapy, be prepared to have several sessions. Depending on how bad your eating habits have been, you could have decades of impacted fecal matter in your colon which may take several sessions to dislodge.

Learn more about colon health at http://www.colon-articles.com where Lee Dobbins is a contributing writer. Visit the article database at: http://www.colon-articles.com/colon-articles.html

Hidden Dangers From Poison Oak, Ivy & Sumac Plants

August 2, 2005 on 4:00 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off Hidden Dangers From Poison Oak, Ivy & Sumac Plants Copyright 2005 Wayne McDonald

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, each year 10 to 50 million Americans develop an allergic rash after contact with Poison Oak, Poison Ivy and Poison Sumac Plants. The invisible oily resin called urushiol causes the ill effects of these poisonous plants.

Poison ivy, oak, or sumac is found in every state except Alaska and Hawaii. These plants are important to the eco-systems where they thrive. The small, white or bluish berries found on the ivies feed a number of birds and small animals. The irritants found in urushiol oil do not effect most animals and the tangles from the plants serve as shelter.

This oily resin can stay on pets, shoes, hiking boots, clothes, toys, garden tools, lawn mowers and anything else that has made contact. In fact, the oil stays active on any surface, including dead plants, for up to 5 years.

Symptoms

After making contact, the reaction (called dermatitis) may include a rash followed by bumps and blisters that itch. Scratching does not spread the outbreak but may cause infection because it allows bacteria from dirt on the hands to enter the skin. Symptoms can last ten days to several weeks to heal.

Mild Symptoms

* Severe redness * Signs of infection, such as pus * Rash in mouth, eyes, or genital area * Rash on a large portion of your body or face * Mild symptoms can be treated with simple and natural home remedies. See below.

Severe Symptoms

* Swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips * Difficulty breathing or swallowing * Weakness or dizziness * Bluish lips and/or mouth * Unconsciousness * Severe Symptoms need immediate emergency medical care.

Caution

NEVER burn poison ivy. Burning these poisonous plants puts the urushiol resin in the air and can get in your lungs and possibly your neighbor's lungs. If you get poison ivy in your lungs, you will need to go to the hospital.

Pet Alert

The only threat to resin on our pets is if it is rubbed off onto other things or people. If your pet merely has the bumps and is itching, you can not catch it from them.

Treatment

Because urushiol is a oily resin and not a water based fluid, it will not evaporate and it can linger for several years.

Use mild soap and cold or cool water to wash off the resin. Do not use hot water because it opens your skin pores and thus absorb more of the oil.

You may want to apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area(s) with cotton balls, and then rinse again with cold water. You can apply calamine lotion, a zinc oxide ointment, or baking soda paste (3-tsp. soda to 1-tsp. water) to the affected area(s), or soak in an oatmeal bath, to relieve the symptoms somewhat.

Generally, the best treatment is time - the rash and itching should go away on its own in one to two weeks. Try to keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and face, and scratch as little as possible, as this will irritate the rash further and may introduce infection.

This article is for general information only and not intended for or to replace any medical advice. Always check with your doctor for treatment of any health condition.

Wayne McDonald is a health care professional and public speaker for safe natural treatments of annoying and burdensome health challenges. Learn more at http://www.OurFamilysHealth.com/poison-oak

Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes

August 2, 2005 on 4:00 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes Copyright 2005 Michael Brooks

That's right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it's a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce the risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until the 19th century.

What is the Active Ingredient?

The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is the carotenoid called Lycopene. Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present.

How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?

In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some organs, such as the testes and adrenal glands, store higher levels of lycopene than do other organs or tissues. Lycopene acts as a super antioxidant by picking up free radicals in the body. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their primary danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.

Is there any Research on the Cancer fighting power of Lycopene?

Although more large-scale studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be made, current research does suggest that lycopene from various tomato products is indeed associated with the lowered risk of several types of cancers. Several published reports are listed below.

Gann et al. 1999 - Cancer Research The study examined initial plasma caroteniods (including lycopene) of 1872 men in 1982, and then followed them for 13 years. These men were randomly assigned to a placebo group or a group to receive beta-carotene and aspirin supplementation. Of the men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects. Lycopene was the only antioxidant with a significantly lower average blood level in those men with cancer as compared to those without cancer. In those men not receiving the aspirin and beta carotene, plasma lycopene levels were very strongly related to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This study concluded that increased consumption of tomato products and other lycopene-containing foods may reduce the onset of prostate cancer.

Giovannucci 1999 - Journal of the National Cancer Institute This journal is a review of research studies available regarding cancer risk (not just prostate cancer) and intake of tomato based foods as well as blood lycopene levels. After identifying 72 studies that fit these criteria, it was found that an inverse relationship between tomato intake or blood lycopene levels and cancer risk was reported in 57 of them. Of these 57, it was found that 35 of these inverse relationships were statistically significant. It was also found that cancer protection from lycopene was strongest for prostate, colon and stomach cancers, but also appeared to have some benefit in the treatment of other cancers.

Rao et al. 1999 - Nutrition and Cancer This study examined plasma and prostate lycopene levels in cancer patients and a control group free of cancer. Though only 12 patients were in each group, significantly lower serum and prostate lycopene levels were found in those with cancer. Levels of other carotenoid substances did not vary between the groups.

Additional Benefits

In addition to fighting cancer, the lycopene found in tomatoes has been associated with better mental activity in old age and a reduced risk of heart disease. A University of Maryland study found that tomatoes might protect the eyes by hampering macular degeneration, a cause of vision loss in older adults.

How do I get Lycopene into my body?

The best source of lycopene intake is through eating tomato-based products. This is more effective than supplementation. You will get the most lycopene through concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste, sauce, soup and canned tomatoes. Heating helps to release lycopene and adding a little light olive oil will increase absorption. Start packing your diet with more tomato based recipes and begin enjoying the cancer fighting power of the mighty tomato.

Mike Brooks has been a life long follower and proponent of the fitness lifestyle. Through his avid research, Mr. Brooks has come to the realization that being healthy is a choice and encompasses not only proper diet but also a fitness regimen that includes the mind, body and soul. Mike Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief for the health information site http://www.Ultimatehealthreport.com.