Losing weight for good is a big topic. There will also not be much said about some fairly obvious health issues. If you smoke or have a problem with alcohol or drugs, you probably realize that this isn’t good for you. The same with overeating. Some of the methods here can help you with these issues, but I am not going to go into any detail about subjects that are so extensively covered all over the mainstream media and internet. The same with the advice to exercise. I do refer to exercise in the breathing chapter, but I don’t spell out “get x number of hours of exercise per week.” Exercise is important, but it should be tailored to you as an individual. I don’t want to imply that what I haven’t written about in detail is not important. It just isn’t the focus of this report.

What I am doing here is presenting a solid foundation upon which you can build. If you do have specific health challenges, need to lose a lot of weight, get into better shape, everything here will definitely be a good base upon which to add anything else you may need.

One final note about the focus of this report. I try, as much as possible, to give positive rather than negative advice. What I mean by that is, except where it is absolutely necessary (as with the chapter on junk foods!), I try to keep the focus on the positive –what is good for you rather than on what to avoid. Read the rest of this entry »

Looking to make a change and lose some weight? I have reviewed the top diet on the internet and you can go and read over 200 comments people have made about why this diet has worked well for them, as well as some of the problems.

Tags: allergy, animal products, antibiotics, athlete, Autism, Ayurvedic medicine, cancer, dairy products, depression, diabetes, energy, healthier products, healthy products, heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, meditation, nutritional product, obesity, Organic products, particular systems, reflexology, relaxation, restaurant food, Sleep deprivation, strenuous sports, sweet products, Swimming, vegetarian diet

Are you trying to lose weight fast? The 5 tips that follow will help you. Keep in mind, however, that if you want to lose weight and keep it off that you have to change your lifestyle. That means following these tips consistently. It can be difficult to change life-long habits. Starting out is usually the hardest part. Once you develop healthier patterns, they too can become habits!

1. Eat Healthier Fats -the latest research shows that it’s not so much fat itself that is the problem when it comes to health and weight loss, but the kind of fat. In general, it’s a good idea to avoid trans fats, which are found in many junk foods, margarine, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and commercial sweets such as cakes, cookies and donuts (you can find healthier, organic versions of these products). Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: animal products, beverage consumption, energy, food, meditation, obesity, oil, relaxation, Sleep deprivation, Weston Price Foundation

High blood pressure remedies can be useful for people suffering from this dangerous condition. High blood pressure or hypertension is usually diagnosed when the blood pressure is consistently 140/90 or more (including being over one of those measurements but not the other).

Normal pressure is defined as between 90/60 and 120/80. Between 120/80 and 140/90 there is a gray area where you have a slightly increased risk of the complications associated with hypertension (including stroke, heart attack and kidney failure) but not so much that hypertension would be diagnosed. If you are in this band you should have your blood pressure checked regularly and take steps to lower it.

There are many things that you can do to help control your high blood pressure. The best is to combine them all.

Reduce Weight

There is a strong link between obesity and hypertension. If you are overweight your doctor will already have suggested that you try to lose some weight. However, it is best to lose weight slowly and you probably want to deal with your hypertension fast. So it is good news that there are other high blood pressure remedies that you can try too.

Reduce Stress

Stress is well known to lead to high blood pressure. There are many stress busting techniques that you can learn but one of the best for lowering the blood pressure consistently is meditation. A few minutes of deeply relaxing meditation morning and evening can have a big effect on your stress levels throughout the day.

You can learn meditation with a local class or on your own from a CD. Most Buddhist groups teach meditation but it is not only a Buddhist practice. Many yoga teachers include meditation in their classes or you may find relaxation classes which will be based around meditation.

Avoid Salt

Salt can cause or contribute to high blood pressure when the levels of salt in the diet are too high for the kidneys to process quickly. How much difference salt makes to blood pressure depends on the individual and how efficiently their kidneys deal with salt. Some people are salt sensitive and even a diet that is moderate in salt will contribute to hypertension. But most of us eat high levels of salt and a reduction will help almost anybody who has high blood pressure.

This does not necessarily mean you have to stop using salt completely. A pinch of salt in a pan of vegetables will not give you much sodium. However, you should not add salt at the table or eat foods that are high in salt – including most packaged foods.

So throw out the TV dinners and start cooking from fresh. A diet based around fresh vegetables, fruits and grains with some beans and low fat dairy products will be best for your hypertension. Check the sodium content on any frozen, canned or packaged foods. Cut down on meat, fats and sugar as well as salt.

If your diet has not included many fruits and vegetables until now, it may also help to increase your potassium consumption to balance out some of the sodium. High potassium foods include bananas, cantaloupe, spinach and yogurt.

Other Substances To Avoid

Alcohol can make hypertension worse. Subject to what your doctor says about your individual condition, you can probably have the occasional alcoholic drink but you should avoid drinking a lot at one time or drinking regularly. Some people find it easier to quit completely.

Liquorice raises the blood pressure so you should always avoid liquorice if you suffer from hypertension. This may sound easy but liquorice can be found as an ingredient where you might not expect it. It is often used in medications, e.g. for coughs, sore throats and peptic ulcers, so always check labels.

You should also avoid non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin and Ibuprofen.

Consult with your doctor to have your blood pressure checked and ask about high blood pressure remedies for your individual case.

Tags: anti inflammatory, coughs, fat dairy products, heart attack, high blood pressure, hypertension, kidney failure, meditation, obesity, peptic ulcers, relaxation, sore throats, stroke

The amount of physical exercise that you exert during the day is one of the key ingredients to helping you get a good sleep at night. The more active your body is during the day, the more likely you are to relax at night and fall asleep faster.

With regular exercise you’ll notice that your quality of sleep is improved and the transition between the cycles and phases of sleep will become smoother and more regular. By keeping up your physical activity during the day, you may find it easier to deal with the stress and worries of your life.

Research and studies indicate that there is a direct correlation between how much we exercise and how we feel afterwards. You should try and increase your physical activity during the day. The goal here is to give your body enough stimulation during the day so that you aren’t full of energy at night. Your body requires a certain amount of physical activity in order to keep functioning in a healthy manner. It is also important to note that you should not be exercising three or four hours before you go to bed.

The ideal exercise time is in the late afternoon or early evening. You want to make sure you expend your physical energy long before it is time for your body to rest and ready itself for sleep. You should attempt to exercise at least three or four times a week for a period of 30 minutes or so. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: aerobic exercise, amnesia, energy, good sleep, insomnia, joint pains, physical activity, physical energy, relaxation, sleep at night, Tai Chi

It is likely that you have heard about Tai Chi but know very little information about it. This article is going to discuss what Tai Chi is and the benefits you can receive by practicing it regularly.

Tai Chi is the ancient Chinese system of exercise that strengthens the body and the energy within it. The slow, flowing movements of Tai Chi help to relax the mind and body, while at the same time bringing you a sense of vitality and wellness. Daily practice of Tai Chi has a profound impact not only on the body but also the mind.

People who take part in Tai Chi for any length of time note an increase in self-confidence and thought clarity. This is because Tai Chi increases the life energy within the body, bringing about clearer thoughts and actions that lead to more positive thinking and self-confidence.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect to receive with a daily practice of Tai Chi.

Increased strength of core muscles and ligaments. The Tai Chi form works to increase the strength and flexibility of muscles and ligaments by the slow shifting of weight from one side of the body to the other. This tones muscles, tendons and ligaments while improving flexibility and strength throughout the whole body.

Deep relaxation. Tai Chi has the effect of inducing deep relaxation in the body. You may find yourself yawning and taking spontaneous deep breaths that release a great deal of physical tension during your practice. Not only does this feel great, it is also very beneficial. Less tension in the body conserves energy and provides a sense of well being and ease in your life.

Improves oxygen absorption. The ability to absorb more oxygen into the body has untold health benefits. Your brain works more efficiently, your heart and lungs become healthier, and energy is drastically increased. Basically, a system wide rejuvenation occurs.

Oxygen is absolutely critical to a healthy life. Most of us go along with just enough oxygen in our system to continue living. Few people have excess amounts of oxygen within their system. Having extra oxygen in the body is the key to vibrant health. It has even been discovered that cancer cells cannot survive in a highly oxygenated system. This shows the far-reaching implications of your body�s oxygen content.

Improves coordination. Tai Chi is wonderful for making your mind and body more connected. The movements of Tai Chi help to make the body far more agile and coordinated. This is of great benefit to anyone who feels disconnected to their body or is frequently clumsy. Your reflexes will become sharper and quicker, helping you in all aspects of your life.

This is just a taste of what Tai Chi offers. Very few forms of exercise offer such striking health and wellness benefits. The daily practice of Tai Chi can take under twenty minutes a day and will improve every aspect of your life. Try getting a beginner Tai Chi DVD to start learning the movements. You will feel a difference almost immediately. If you stick with your practice on a regular basis, your life will drastically soar in health.

Tags: cancer, energy, life energy, relaxation, Tai Chi, Tai Chi It

Many people look upon massage as an indulgence that is simply not necessary, I have to admit that I enjoy getting a massage but was always wondering if long term massage was good for me. This way of thinking keeps them from experiencing the miraculous healing power a good massage can have. This form of therapy is not only very pleasant and relaxing but offers great health inspiring benefits.

This article is going to reveal some of the key health benefits of massage and debunk the idea that it is a luxury not worth pursuing. Here is what you can expect by receiving a massage every week or two:

Increased circulation throughout the body. This is great for addressing a whole host of health issues. Better circulation brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. This allows them to reach optimal health very quickly.

Better flow of lymph fluid. This allows the lymph system to be far more effective in removing toxins and other pollutants. It breaks up the stagnant lymph fluid allowing the whole system to be freshened and cleansed.

Promotes deep, slow breathing. This is very beneficial to both the body and mind. Slow, deep breathing brings much more oxygen into the body. This is wonderful for your health. Oxygen is critical to every aspect of body operation. The more oxygen you have in your system the better. Deep, slow breathing also eases anxiety in the mind.

Helps the body recover faster from injuries to the muscles and tendons. This is because massage relieves harmful tension and inflammation and brings better circulation to the affected area. Be sure to tell your therapist about the injury so that they can treat it accordingly.

Releases serotonin and endorphins from the brain. These are the body�s natural feel-good hormones. People who have elevated levels of these hormones feel happy and exuberant. They are also very effective at relieving pain. This is of great benefit to anyone, especially people suffering with chronic disease. If you are prone to depression you will find a degree of relief by receiving a regular massage. This is because of the release of these natural hormones along with the relaxation of the body.

Makes the skin healthier and more vibrant. Vigorous massage brings new life into tired, old looking skin. Fresh nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the skin resulting in a healthy glow. A massage per week can keep your skin looking its best, deep into old age. Also, because the therapist uses a lotion to aid in the massage your skin becomes fully moisturized, leading to greater elasticity and a reduction of wrinkles.

The above benefits are only a quick overview of the health benefits of massage. To write about all the great things massage can do for you I would need many pages. It is important that you find a high quality, well-trained massage therapist. This will ensure you the best experience possible along with the greatest health benefits. Be sure to alert the therapist to any special needs or concerns you may have.

It is important to maintain a regular schedule of massage to receive maximum benefits. While a massage every now then is very healthy, it will not even come close to the power of regular massages. I find that a massage every one or two weeks provides the best benefits. Simply find a routine that works for you and stick with it. You will be very glad you did.

Tags: benefits of massage, circulation, deep breathing, healing power, Health Issues, inflammation, lymph fluid, lymph system, Massage, massage therapist, massages, nutrients, oxygen, pain, relaxation, therapist

OK this is a subject that every smoker knows and no non smoker could ever understand. The idea and the feeling of a nic fit. Nicotine fits are a feeling that comes over a smoker when they have gone to long without a cigarette. What are the feelings? A racing of the heart, a compulsive feeling of waiting for a cigarette, a tenseness of the entire body and finally a discomfort that there is something missing and craving that cigarette that just will not go away.

Nicotine fits are caused actually by the body noticing a drop in the nicotine level in the blood. This will start to occur probably within a couple of hours after a cigarette is last smoked but is of course your first nic fit after quitting smoking seems to happen almost immediately.

So not that we know what a nicotine craving is about and the feelings that it causes how can we be careful not to fall for the nic fit what we quit smoking? I think there are five things that will help you while you are trying to quit.

Change your schedule. When you change your schedule completely your body will be off balance and will not know exactly when to look for those cigarettes. This means have breakfast before your shower in the morning. Skip going for lunch, go out in the evening instead of staying home. Anything that will change things up is great.

Drink lots of water. Drinking water will get the nicotine out of your system more quickly but will also help you by keeping you hydrated which will also keep your energy up.

Keep your hands busy. If you keep your hands bust your body will be faked into thinking that the cigarette is in your hands and will not be so tense. Have you ever noticed that your nic fit ends just before you take that first drag? Your body knows what to expect so it is OK to wait a bit

Ride it out. A nicotine fit will only last a few minutes at most so if you can get some kind of relaxation in or walk around the block you will be better able to turn your mind away from the compulsion of the cigarettes.

Chew carrots or celery. The crispness of these two vegetables is something that will really help as you fight off your cravings. Go out and get a big bag of carrots and keep them everywhere and once you are tired of the carrots go and get some celery and do it again.

Don�t worry the nic fits that you feel for the first few days will go away quickly and you will be left with a great feeling of satisfaction in knowing that you can kick the habit. Good luck to you.

If you need a little help quiting smoking Bill has written a review of a great quit smoking support plan.

Tags: energy, relaxation

What if your mind’s eye could take you to a place so peaceful that the experience eased your pain or sped your recovery from surgery? It’s not such a far-fetched concept. In fact there are many studies that show that guided imagery can be good in many parts of your life.

“Guided imagery,” a type of mind-body therapy that uses visualized images to communicate to the housekeeping systems of the body, is making its way into traditional medical settings.

“People are just now taking a very serious look at it,” said David E. Bresler, co-founder of the Academy for Guided Imagery, in Malibu, Calif., and author of the book Free Yourself From Pain. “There are a handful of hospitals around the country and around the world that are starting to implement these programs,” he said.

In one study, researchers at Harvard Medical School found that more than 30 percent of U.S. adults have used some form of mind-body medicine, a category that includes imagery, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Bresler, a traditionally trained Ph.D. neuroscientist, first became intrigued with alternative methods of pain relief in the early 1970s, as founder and director of the University of California, Los Angeles, Pain Control Unit. Patients often used vivid images to describe their pain. It felt like an ice pick to one person, fire ants to another. One particular patient, a psychiatrist with a painful rectal carcinoma, suffered low back pain that he said “felt like a dog chewing on my spine.”

Bresler knew that when patients used their imagination to go to a peaceful place, it helped them to relax, so he guided the agitated psychiatrist through a relaxation exercise. When the man’s pain flared up, Bresler instructed him to speak to the dog. Would it let go of his spine? Then, an astonishing thing happened — when the dog let go to talk, the man’s pain subsided.

Today, guided imagery has numerous applications. Sports psychologists use it to enhance athletes’ physical performance. Cancer centers often use it to relieve patients’ pain and nausea.

In a 2004 study in the journal Pain, researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that children who used guided-imagery tapes before and after routine surgery had significantly less pain and anxiety than a control group. More recently, researchers examined how children used these tapes, which suggested that they “go” to a park, at least in their mind. Many, though, put their own spin on the proposed image, allowing them to escape to places like a swimming pool, a lake or an amusement park.
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Tags: Academy for Guided Imagery, agitated psychiatrist, Author, California, cancer, carcinoma, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, co-founder, Complementary Medicine, David E. Bresler, fatigue, fibromyalgia, Florida International University's School of Nursing, founder and director, Guided imagery, Harvard Medical School, imagery, imagery researcher and professor, involving chronic, Los Angeles, low back pain, Malibu, Miami, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, nausea, pain, Pain Control Unit, psychiatrist, relaxation, Sports psychologists, surgery, Swimming, United States, University of California, Victoria Menzies

Years ago I had a freind that wa selling Electronic Muscle stimulators ofr your abs or any other muscle group you wanted to use it on. The way that is worked was that you could put it across your stomach and it would send electric pulses through your muscles and help you lose weight or get a six pack or make you huge. The claims were not very well proven then and are still somewhat suspect. I do not think you are going to see a Mr Olympia from electocuting himself but anyway I ran into an FDA question and answer about these Electronic Muscle Stimulators that I wanted to pass on:

Consumer Info – Electronic Muscle Stimulators

Q. Why does FDA regulate electrical muscle stimulators?
A. Electrical muscle stimulators are considered devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Under this law and the agency’s regulations, the FDA is responsible for regulating the sale of all electrical muscle stimulators in the United States. Therefore, firms must comply with appropriate FDA premarket regulatory requirements before they can legally sell their stimulators. Most electrical muscle stimulators (EMS devices) that have been reviewed by FDA are intended for use in physical therapy and rehabilitation under the direction of a health care professional. If a company wants to sell EMS devices directly to consumers, the company needs to show FDA it can be used safely and effectively in that setting.

Q. These electrical muscle stimulators are advertised not only to tone, firm, and strengthen abdominal muscles, but also to provide weight loss, girth reduction, and “rock hard” abs. Do they really work?
A. While an EMS device may be able to temporarily strengthen, tone or firm a muscle, no EMS devices have been cleared at this time for weight loss, girth reduction, or for obtaining “rock hard” abs.

Q. Is FDA concerned about the unregulated marketing of these devices?
A. Yes. FDA has received reports of shocks, burns, bruising, skin irritation, and pain associated with the use of some of these devices. There have been a few recent reports of interference with implanted devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Some injuries required hospital treatment. It is very important that these devices be properly designed, manufactured, and labeled with clear and complete instructions for use and that anyone using them follows the instructions carefully. FDA is also concerned because many of these devices have cables and leads. If those cables and leads do not comply with electrical safety standards, there is the possibility of electrocution by users and other household members. FDA is currently investigating firms that are illegally marketing EMS devices.
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Tags: BMR NeuroTech Inc., burns, electricity, fda, Flex, important medical devices, major surgery, muscle atrophy, muscle spasms, pain, physical therapy, relaxation, similar devices, Slendertone Flex, stroke, United States

I would like to start this post just by saying that I know that there are many horrors of alcohol abuse and that there are many reasons why drinking alcohol may lead to an early exit but at the same time I just bottled my fourth batch of home made beer, Barons Beer actually, and thought that it would be fun to come up with a great big list of why beer is good for you.

Cancer preventer – A compound found only in hops, which are used to make beer, have been discovered to prevent cancer. Of course we all know that hops are an ingredient in beer and therefore Xanthohumol has high hopes of making beer a new anti cancer drug. Xanthohumol flavinoids have been tested and its use is hoped to be a preventative treatment against prostate and colon cancer and even may be a form of hormone therapy for women.

Getting your vitamins – A friend of mine used to say there is a pork chop in every glass of beer but recent studies show that there is vitamin B6 in beer increases the level of vitamin B6 in a beer drinkers blood which has been shown to decrease the level of homocysteine which increase the chances of heart disease.
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Tags: alcohol abuse, Austria, Austria's Innsbruck Medical University, BBC, beer, cancer, colon cancer, Fitness Nutrition, heart disease, hormone therapy, inflammation, Karolinska Institute, kidney stones, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Neuropsychopharmacology, relaxation, Stefan Brene, thanksgiving, the American Journal of Epidemiology, the International Journal, Tokyo University of Science Blood, United States