Leg Cramps

18. Jan, 2012 Categories: Uncategorized by 0 Comments

Many people over the age of fifty have recurrent lower leg cramps usually in the evening.  Their calve muscles seem to tighten up into a knot.  Stretching does not alleviate the pain.  though massaging the calves often  help.

The culprit of these  leg cramps is  usually mineral deficiencies.  This can happen even if you are taking a multivitamin.  The three most common deficiencies, in order, are magnesium, calcium, potassium.  All these are involved om nerve and muscle contraction.  Blood test can detect these deficiencies, but the test often are not accurate.

T he first thing to do is to eat foods that are rich in these minerals.  Magnesium is found in whole grains, legumes and green leafy vegetables.  Good source of calcium include brocolli, collard greens, kelp, yogurt, and milk unless you are sensitive.  Potassium rich foods include apples, oranges, bananas, tomatoes and potatoes.

Many people get relief from leg cramps by taking a combination  supplement. Take a calcium {500 mg, } Magnesium{250 mg.} complex after dinner.  For most people, this will resolve the problem within a day,  If that doesn’t help  a potassium deficiency may be the problem.  Drink eight ounces of vegetable juice a day, such as low sodium V-8 juice.

Resource: Mark A. Stengler, ND, is associate clinical professor.  National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland Or. and a naturopathic physician at La Jolla Whole Health Clinic , La Jolla, Ca.

Dry Skin Brushing

02. Jan, 2012 Categories: Beauty, Health by 0 Comments

Dry Skin Brushing  Benefits

Dry skin brushing must be tried and tested to be believed.  You will feel more refreshed , cleaner , more alert, and ready to cope with just about anything.

Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies.  It flushes out toxins outward by way of perspiration and absorbs nutrients and minerals from natural sunshine.  The skin also breathes and absorbs oxygen while exhaling carbon dioxide formed in our tissues.  The thousands of sweat glands which should operate to expel at least one pound of waste produces daily, regulate body temperature and act as miniature detoxifying organs working to cleanse the blood and free the system of suffocating poisons.  For all these reasons, it is worth taking special care of your skin.

Dry Skin Brushing

Skin brushing stimulates the circulation , helping to pump the blood down through veins and up through the arteries feeding those organs of the body which lie near the surface.  It also stimulates the lymph and the adrenal glands.  It has a powerful rejuvenating effect on the nervous system  because of the hundreds of nerve endings in the skin.

The major lymph nodes are dumping stations for waste fluids and you can stimulate the expulsion of mucoid lymphatic material and impacted lymph {cellulite} by skin brushing.  These lymph nodes are situated behind the  elbows and knees, under the arms either side of the throat and especially the groin.  ‘Dry skin brushing ‘removes dead skin layers and other impurities, thus keeping the pores open and unclogged, and increases the eliminative capacity of the skin.  Used in conjunction with hot and cold showers skin brushing will help to stop colds from developing.

Five minutes of energetic dry skin brushing is equivalent to thirty minutes of jogging as far as physical tone is concerned.  It will build up healthy muscle tone and stimulate better distribution of fat deposits.  All in all it can help you feel younger and gives a terrific sense of well being.

Dry Skin Brush

Skin Brushes

 

You will need a natural bristle with a detachable long wooden handle.  You should not share a skin brush, nor lend it to other people.  Nylon and synthetic fibers won’t do as they create static in the body.

How To Dry Skin Brush

 

  • Make sure your skin is dry.  Start with the soles of your feet.  Brush upwards towards the heart from below and downwards the toes from above
  • Brush vigorously up the legs and over the thighs remembering to brush towards the groin where the lymph nodes lie.   Use a circular clockwise movement over the abdomen, following the line  of the colon.  Do this ten times.  Avoid the genital area and the nipples.
  • Brush your palms and the backs of the hands, up the arms to your shoulders.  Use downward strokes on your neck and throat and over your chest.  To stimulate the lymph nodes under the arm you need to use your hands  to create  a pumping action. Lodge your thumb under your shoulder bone and with all the fingers grip your chest muscle  making sure the fingertips  get right into the armpit.  Squeeze and then release this area about fifteen times on each side.
  • Attach the handle to the brush so that you can brush across the top of your shoulders and the upper  back, then up over the buttocks and lower back.  This should take you about five minutes a daily. First thing in the morning is the best time.  Should you need to brush twice a day, don’t brush too close to bedtime or you will not sleep.  Brush every day for three months then reduce it to two or three times a weekly, changing the days of each week.
  • The scalp can be brushed to stimulate hair growth and get rid of dandruff or impurities but you may prefer to massage the scalp with your fingertips to move scalp skin.

Do not brush the face, use a softer and smaller brush.

Never brush skin that is irritated, damaged, infected, or over bad varicose veins.

Natural Ways to Balance Hormones

13. Dec, 2011 Categories: Health, Uncategorized by 0 Comments

How to balance hormones naturally.

Natural Ways to Balance Hormones

Your risk of hormonal imbalance skyrockets in the fall, due  the rapid reduction in UV light exposure.  UV shortfalls inhibit the pituitary and pineal glands, which  impact production of the hormones responsible for vitality.

Belly fat? Fatigue?

Problem hormone :Testosterone.

Women need testosterone to keep their muscles firm, bellies flat, skin youthful and energy levels and sex drive steady.  The best way to boost levels ,doing multi-joint exercises such as walking, swimming, which on the genes that stimulate testosterone production.  Four 30-minute sessions per week [raking leaves, washing the car,  and playing tennis all count] can cut most bothersome symptoms by 67% in just three weeks.

Anxiety? Brain fog?

Problem hormone: Oxytocin.

This ‘cuddle’ hormone reduces anxiety, sharpens memory and focus, soothes pain, lowers blood pressure  and speeds wound healing.  And the more oxytocin you produce, the more powerfully your body responds to it.  You can optimize oxytocin production in 60 seconds  by enjoying

A soothing repetitive motion of a swing, rocking chair or hammock.  Holding hands with a loved one or grooming a pet have a similar effect, says Brown University.

Heavy periods? Hot flashes?

Problem hormone: estrogen

When estrogen levels swing, you feel it in the form if heavy periods, hot flashes , night sweats, PMS, bloat and blue moods.  To the rescue , edamame.  It contains plant compound s that latch on the estrogen-receptor sites in the body to determine whether estrogen levels are too high or too low, then work to achieve balance.  This can relieve symptoms in a mere week.  The beneficial dose: 1 cup daily. Try it raw or in stir-fries.

Catch every cold  or bug?

Problem hormone: Cortisol

UV shortfalls can amplify the effects of this stress hormone, leading to compromised  immunity, sleeplessness and headaches.  But research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggest that a daily dose of pantothenic acid [vitamin B5] can dampen cortisol production and lead to a health turnaround in three weeks.  To restock your stores eat a few of these foods daily: 1 oz, of sunflower seeds or trail mix, or 1 cup of bran cereal, corn, or couscous.

Flabby? Low energy?
Problem hormone: Growth hormone.

They key to staying fit and having stamina can rest on whether your pituitary gland makes enough growth hormone.  According to Scottish researchers, sleeping an extra 30 minutes a night can normalize growth hormone production since most of the hormone is made as you snooze.  Can’t sleep,

  • Keep bedroom dark and cool
  • Limit caffeine intake

These things are more effective than meds at easing insomnia.

Prone to mood swings?

Problem hormone: Insulin

This hormone helps muscles absorb glucose, which is the key to prevent blood sugar flux that leads to low moods, fatigue and fat storage.  An effective way to normalize insulin levels and ward off symptoms within 30 days is to consume taurine, say Japanese researchers.  To get this proven dose of this amino acid, enjoy two eggs, two egg whites, or 4 oz. of fish, poultry or meat daily.

Tired ? Sagging Skin

Problem hormone:IGF-1

Insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] could be the most important hormone you’ve never heard of , “says Joseph F. Rano, M>D>, an antiaging researcher in Longwood Florida. “This liver enzyme is essential for keeping energy levels high  and fending off saggy skin, achy joints and other signs of aging”.  The connection:IGF-1 switches on the genes that repair damaged cells.  A short one-two minute burst of high-intensity exercise-like running for the bus, engaging in fast paced tidying spree or anything else that leaves you breathless instantly revs up IGF-1levels.  Aim for four burst of activity a day.

Fat Fix: A Burst of Activity

Also smart: Drink three glasses of low-fat milk a day-the calcium and whey protein stimulate IGF-1 production for steadier energy.

How to Soothe the Mind and Body with Beautifying Spa-Bath Soaks.

29. Nov, 2011 Categories: Uncategorized by 4 Comments

How to Soothe the Mind and Body with Beautifying Spa-Style Soaks.

Reduce tension with a Lavender Salt Spa  Bath!

For ‘the  mind’…. Calm your nerves! Lavender is rich in linalool, an essential oil that de-stresses your nervous system,

For your health ….Soothe aches and pains! Lavender’s anti-inflammatories help relieve muscle aches and sinus pressure.

For your beauty… Erase skin imperfections! Lavender oil stimulates cell rejuvenation-that’s why herbalist use it to treat eczema and to minimize scarring and stretch marks.

Recharge with a Mint Spa  Bath!

For  the mind… Enjoy instant energy! Inhaling the scent of peppermint instantly energizes and awakens your mind.

For your health… Ease a headache! Studies show that peppermint oil– both inhaled and massaged into the skin –can relieve headache pain and even migraines.

For your beauty…  Applying one or two drops of peppermint oil on hair strands adds shine and gloss while also taming frizz and flyway’s.

Rejuvenate in a Rose Oil Spa  Bath!

For the mind!…Boost your mood! The scent of rose oil is a natural mood elevator and aphrodisiac.  It boost the production of dophamine , a calming brain chemical that puts you in a positive mood.

For your health … Tame PMS! Rose essential oil helps balance hormones, regulate your cycle and ease tension.  In a recent study found women with painful periods used a rose oil blend, their cramps were reduced dramatically.

For your beauty… Heal skin damage! Rose oil is packed with vitamins that help to rejuvenate skin cells and soften damaged skin.

Reawaken in a Citrus Spa  Bath!

For the mind...sharpen your focus! Lemon oils are uplifting and invigorating .  Aromatherapy studies show the scent increases concentration while boosting memory.

For your health… Stop itchiness! Itchy skin?  Lemon oil has an antiseptic and anti– inflammatory properties that calm the irritation, so you can stop scratching.

For your beauty… Even out skin tone!

Relax in a Chamomile Milk Spa  Bath!

For the  mind… Sleep soundly! Chamomile relaxes your mind and helps relieve anxiety/

For your health… Fight off a cold! Researchers found that chamomile works as an antibacterial to release cold symptoms like muscle and tension.

For your beauty…Beautify your skin ! Chamomile is an ideal ingredient to be used in general skin care, and especially where inflammation may be present, such as in various skin problems, including acne, irritation and other forms of rashes and skin complaints, plus the fact that it promotes granulation and cell regeneration.

The Cancer Fighting Benefits of Lemons

01. Nov, 2011 Categories: Uncategorized by 2 Comments

Fight cancer with lemons

This came to me in an email, and  I decided to share it Read carefully & you be the judge.

Lemon (Citrus) is a miraculous product to kill cancer cells. It is 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy.

Why do we not know about that? Because there are laboratories interested in making a synthetic version that will bring them huge profits. You can now help a friend in need by letting him/her know that lemon juice is beneficial in preventing the disease. Its taste is pleasant and it does not produce the horrific effects of chemotherapy. How many people will die while this closely guarded secret is kept, so as not to jeopardize the beneficial multimillionaires large corporations? As you know, the lemon tree is known for its varieties of lemons and limes. You can eat the fruit in different ways: you can eat the pulp, juice press, prepare drinks, sorbets, pastries, etc… It is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts and tumors. This plant is a proven remedy against” cancers  “of all types. Some say it is very useful in all variants of cancer. It is considered also as an anti microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms, it regulates blood pressure which is too high and an antidepressant, combats stress and nervous disorders.


The source of this information is fascinating: it comes from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world, says that after more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970, the extracts revealed that: It destroys the malignant cells in 12 cancers, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreas … The compounds of this tree showed 10,000 times better than the product Adriamycin, a drug normally used chemotherapeutic in the world, slowing the growth of cancer cells. And what is even more astonishing: this type of therapy with lemon extract only destroys malignant cancer cells and it does not affect healthy cells.

Institute of Health Sciences, 819 N. L.L.C. Cause Street, Baltimore, MD1201

Floral fix for Hot Flashes!

01. Nov, 2011 Categories: Health by 1 Comment

Cool Down Hot Flashes

Floral fix for Hot Flashes

Cool down quickly from a hot flash

Too cool down quickly from a hot flash, try a geranium-scented spritz, says Integrated Medicine at Stanford  Hospital  in Stanford Connecticut.  Mix 15 drops of 100% geranium essential oil with 2 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle and chill in the fridge.  Spray your face and chest as needed.

An active ingredient geraniol, affects your nervous system, which may be responsible for hot flashes.

Cut back on calories!

Cut back on calories!

30. Aug, 2011 Categories: Health, Uncategorized, Weight Loss by 3 Comments

The chia gel

Chia Gel

With this gel

No need to give up baking your favorite cakes, cookies and other treats-just try replacing half of the recipe’s oil or eggs with chia gel, a gooey concoction made when chia seeds are soaked in water .  You’ll cut 20 calories and 2 g. of fat from every serving without affecting taste and texture, reveals recent study.

Calorie-trimming secret: Chia gel has a consistency similar to vegetable oil and eggs and has a mil taste that’s noticeable in foods.

To make chia gel

Pour 2 cups warm water and 1/3 cup chia seeds into a covered container and shake 15-20 seconds.  Let the mixture stand for about 30 minutes, or until gel forms.  Refrigerate unused portions for up to a week.

Burn fat with milkshakes!

Burn fat with milkshakes!

30. Aug, 2011 Categories: Health, Uncategorized, Weight Loss by 0 Comments

Orange flavored milk shake.

Fat burning milk shake

Milkshakes can be creamy, delicious and slimming.  For one thing they can load you up with calcium, which plays a crucial role in making fat cells burn more fat, say University of Tennessee researchers.  And when sweetened with vitamin C rich fruit say-kiwi fruit, mango, or orange they help prevent the buildup of abdominal fat , according to a recent study.

Creamy Orange Milkshake

In a blender  combine:

1/3 cup of orange juice

1/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

1/4 tsp sugar

1/2 cup ice

Discover the miraculous benefits chanca piedra

16. May, 2011 Categories: Health by 120 Comments

Chanca piedra breaks up kidney and gallstones

The miraculous benefits of chanca piedra

In a recent study 94% of kidney stone patients were st0ne free within a week or two using this rain forest herb. Remarkable! Even more remarkable, lab tests suggest it doesn’t just dissolve kidney and gall stones but prevents them from formimg again!  Scientist have found that chanca piedra enhances liver and kidney function, lowers blood pressure and fights pain more effectively than aspirin or acetaminophen -which may explain why stone sufferers who use it often report relief before the stone suffferers who use it often report relief before the stone is broken up! Take the capsule or liquid as directed.

The disease fighting benefits of pau d’arco!

16. May, 2011 Categories: Health, Uncategorized by 2 Comments

Pau’d arco prevents disease!

Pau d'arco prevents disease

Studies show pau d’ arco boost white blood cells, which revs immunity and kills bacteria and fungi.  It can even fight off infections such as antibiotic resistant staph!  Packed with immunity -boosting antioxidants and flavinoids, like co-enzyme Q10, pau d’ arco proven to improve heart health.  Find it in capsules or tea form.

Older Entries »