The more children drink soda the less they drink water, 100% juice or milk. Soda dehydrates the body so there is a constant thirst but the more soda you drink the less your taste buds will crave the water your body is needing. The facts are in and the adds are very geared toward teenagers and they are drinking it in (no pun intended).
Soda's are the root cause of headaches, ADHD, ADD, cavities, obesity and huge health problems not only in our children but in adults. Soda used to be for special events only and the health implications were minimal. However those numbers are flipping and soda is the drink of choice. Is it any wonder we are seeing such an increase in childhood onset diabetes? Heart problems in those between 40-50 rather than in your 70's? Pilots have been taken off the docket to fly if they have consumed diet soda due to the seizures that were being seen.
The list of side affects from diet soda is even longer that it's sugary counter part. Migraines, seizures, tumors, memory loss, tremors, and the list goes on an on. The FDA says that only a small percentage of our population are affected by the artificial sweetener, especially those who have a PKU problem. That is a condition where your body does not use proteins properly. Do you know if you are one of those who could have a pre-existing health problem that is exacerbated by the use of these sugar substitutes? Most patients who come in with these problems had no idea that they were at risk until they have major diseases to deal through.
The answer is simple and very inexpensive! DRINK WATER and set a great example for your children while you save your self thousands in medical bills down the road.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Herbal remedies
Herbs have been used as medicines for thousands of years. In fact, many of the pharmaceutical products sold today are synthetic chemicals based on herbal extracts. Herbal medicines may contain a whole plant, parts of plants, or extracts of either one or a combination of plants. Many people prefer to use herbal medicines because in many cases they give beneficial effects without the side effects caused by many pharmaceutical drugs.
In the western world, in the last 10-20 years, there has been a tremendous growth in the interest in herbal medicines and more natural and less toxic therapies have become increasingly popular. Scientific researchers have also produced a large amount of information on the use of plants and plant substances as medical agents. Much of this information provides scientific validation for the uses of plants which have been known to healers for thousands of years.
While herbs are, in many cases, free of the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, they must be used appropriately. Many herbs have potent effects and may also interact with other medications you may be taking. It is always wise to check on these interactions if you plan to take herbal medicines, especially if you are pregnant or have a chronic medical problem. These are some of the basic remedies for cold and flu symptoms. There are little to no side effects associated with these particular vitamins, minerals and herbs.
Zinc is one of the immune boosters your body can use if you are dealing with a cold or flu bug. Large amounts of zinc may impair copper absorption and reduce your ability to taste sweet and salt. If you were to take large doses of zinc for long periods of time a copper deficiency can lead to heart disease.
Echinacea stimulates the immune system, helps in tissue healing and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects. Echinacea should not be used for prolonged periods of time as your system will develop a resistance to the herb.
Astragalus strengthens the digestion and stimulates the immune system. It also aids adrenal gland function, acts as a diuretic and dilates blood vessels. Astragalus should not be used in cases of acute infections or fevers.
Cayenne contains carotene molecules which have powerful antioxidant effects. It aids in digestion, improves circulation and lowers cholesterol and blood fat levels. Applied topically it acts as a pain reliever. High doses on an empty stomach can cause gut irritation and eventually ulcers in susceptible people.
Garlic is an antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Boosts immune function and limits free radical damage to blood fats. Taking garlic at the onset of a sore throat is an ally in fighting infection. The only side effect of garlic is that your friends may keep their distance as the stronger the garlic the more bacteria fighting properties it has.
Goldenseal prevents bacteria from attaching to cells, stimulates the immune system, and lowers fevers. It can be used to treat respiratory infections and as a mouthwash and to treat skin infections. Goldenseal should not be used in pregnancy or in cases of high blood pressure.
Horseradish root stimulates blood circulation and has antibiotic action. It can be used externally and internally, to treat lung and urinary infections, and rheumatic conditions. Take care using it externally as it can blister the skin. Anyone with low thyroid function or taking thyroxin should avoid horseradish.
Sage is anti-microbial, astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. Sage is used to treat colds, sore throats and indigestion. It should not be used during pregnancy.
These are some of the main herbs that are used to treat symptoms of colds and flu. Vitamin C is also very beneficial in lessening the effects of a cold. You can take 3,000 -4,000 mg per day but should build up slowly and go back down gradually. Taking too much Vitamin C too quickly can cause problems with the kidneys and can cause diarrhea. Many studies have been done on the benefits of C by increasing the production of B and T cells and other white blood cells, including those that destroy foreign micro-organisms. It also increases interferon levels and antibody responses and has antiviral and antibacterial effects. These effects lead to improved resistance against infections.
In the western world, in the last 10-20 years, there has been a tremendous growth in the interest in herbal medicines and more natural and less toxic therapies have become increasingly popular. Scientific researchers have also produced a large amount of information on the use of plants and plant substances as medical agents. Much of this information provides scientific validation for the uses of plants which have been known to healers for thousands of years.
While herbs are, in many cases, free of the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, they must be used appropriately. Many herbs have potent effects and may also interact with other medications you may be taking. It is always wise to check on these interactions if you plan to take herbal medicines, especially if you are pregnant or have a chronic medical problem. These are some of the basic remedies for cold and flu symptoms. There are little to no side effects associated with these particular vitamins, minerals and herbs.
Zinc is one of the immune boosters your body can use if you are dealing with a cold or flu bug. Large amounts of zinc may impair copper absorption and reduce your ability to taste sweet and salt. If you were to take large doses of zinc for long periods of time a copper deficiency can lead to heart disease.
Echinacea stimulates the immune system, helps in tissue healing and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects. Echinacea should not be used for prolonged periods of time as your system will develop a resistance to the herb.
Astragalus strengthens the digestion and stimulates the immune system. It also aids adrenal gland function, acts as a diuretic and dilates blood vessels. Astragalus should not be used in cases of acute infections or fevers.
Cayenne contains carotene molecules which have powerful antioxidant effects. It aids in digestion, improves circulation and lowers cholesterol and blood fat levels. Applied topically it acts as a pain reliever. High doses on an empty stomach can cause gut irritation and eventually ulcers in susceptible people.
Garlic is an antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Boosts immune function and limits free radical damage to blood fats. Taking garlic at the onset of a sore throat is an ally in fighting infection. The only side effect of garlic is that your friends may keep their distance as the stronger the garlic the more bacteria fighting properties it has.
Goldenseal prevents bacteria from attaching to cells, stimulates the immune system, and lowers fevers. It can be used to treat respiratory infections and as a mouthwash and to treat skin infections. Goldenseal should not be used in pregnancy or in cases of high blood pressure.
Horseradish root stimulates blood circulation and has antibiotic action. It can be used externally and internally, to treat lung and urinary infections, and rheumatic conditions. Take care using it externally as it can blister the skin. Anyone with low thyroid function or taking thyroxin should avoid horseradish.
Sage is anti-microbial, astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. Sage is used to treat colds, sore throats and indigestion. It should not be used during pregnancy.
These are some of the main herbs that are used to treat symptoms of colds and flu. Vitamin C is also very beneficial in lessening the effects of a cold. You can take 3,000 -4,000 mg per day but should build up slowly and go back down gradually. Taking too much Vitamin C too quickly can cause problems with the kidneys and can cause diarrhea. Many studies have been done on the benefits of C by increasing the production of B and T cells and other white blood cells, including those that destroy foreign micro-organisms. It also increases interferon levels and antibody responses and has antiviral and antibacterial effects. These effects lead to improved resistance against infections.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Foods to prevent cancer
We hear more and more from the medical world that the foods that you eat do not make much difference in preventing illness however studies are constantly coming out of those who have healed their bodies from cancer and other debilitating diseases by changing their eating habits. Here is a list of the top ten foods to help fight and prevent cancer.
1. Garlic - Garlic contains a number of compounds that can protect against cancer, especially that of the skin, colon, and lungs.
2. Dark Leafy Greens- Greens are rich sources of antioxidants called carotinoids. These scavenge dangerous free radicals from the body before they can promote cancer growth.
3. Grapes - Grapes (and red wine) contain the chemical resveratrol, which is a very potent antioxidant that can prevent cell damage before it begins.
4. Green Tea - The flavonoids in green tea have been shown to slow or prevent the development of several types of cancer including colon, liver, breast, and prostate.
5. Tomatoes - The compound lycopene, (which is most easily absorbed from cooked tomatoes) has been shown to prevent prostate cancer, as well as cancer of the breast, lung, and stomach.
6. Blueberries - Of all the berries blueberries are the richest in cancer fighting compounds. They are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer.
7. Flaxseeds- Flax contains lignans, which can have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. The omega-3 fatty acids can also help protect against colon cancer.
8. Mushrooms - Many mushrooms contain compounds that can help the body fight cancer and build the immune system as well.
9. Cruciferous Vegetables - Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain strong antioxidants that may help decrease cancer risk.
10. Whole Grains - Whole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds including antioxidants, fiber, and phytoestrogens. These can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.
Of course eliminating soda and replacing it with purified water with lemon to alkalize the body will make a huge difference. Cutting out white sugar, bleached flour and processed foods go along way to strengthen and boost your immune system.
1. Garlic - Garlic contains a number of compounds that can protect against cancer, especially that of the skin, colon, and lungs.
2. Dark Leafy Greens- Greens are rich sources of antioxidants called carotinoids. These scavenge dangerous free radicals from the body before they can promote cancer growth.
3. Grapes - Grapes (and red wine) contain the chemical resveratrol, which is a very potent antioxidant that can prevent cell damage before it begins.
4. Green Tea - The flavonoids in green tea have been shown to slow or prevent the development of several types of cancer including colon, liver, breast, and prostate.
5. Tomatoes - The compound lycopene, (which is most easily absorbed from cooked tomatoes) has been shown to prevent prostate cancer, as well as cancer of the breast, lung, and stomach.
6. Blueberries - Of all the berries blueberries are the richest in cancer fighting compounds. They are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer.
7. Flaxseeds- Flax contains lignans, which can have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. The omega-3 fatty acids can also help protect against colon cancer.
8. Mushrooms - Many mushrooms contain compounds that can help the body fight cancer and build the immune system as well.
9. Cruciferous Vegetables - Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain strong antioxidants that may help decrease cancer risk.
10. Whole Grains - Whole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds including antioxidants, fiber, and phytoestrogens. These can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.
Of course eliminating soda and replacing it with purified water with lemon to alkalize the body will make a huge difference. Cutting out white sugar, bleached flour and processed foods go along way to strengthen and boost your immune system.
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