Superfoods for Conquering the Pain of Arthritis

With some thought and planning, it’s easy to make these nutrient-dense foods part of your daily diet.  With choices from virtually every food group, you’ll soon be well on your way to arming yourself to battle the pain of arthritis and begin to manage it from the inside out. 

1/ Salmon:
Salmon is among the richest sources of healthy fats, making it an ideal source of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, salmon contains calcium, vitamin D, and folate. Besides helping with arthritis, eating salmon may protect the cardiovascular system by preventing blood clots, repairing artery damage, raising levels of good cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure.

2/ Bananas:

Commonly referred to as one of nature’s ‘perfect foods,’ bananas are perhaps best known for packing potassium, but they're also good sources of arthritis-fighting vitamin B₆, folate, and vitamin C. They’re easy for your body to digest, and since they’re a great source of soluble fiber, they are an important player in your weight loss efforts, because you fell full after eating one without consuming a large number of calories.  

3/ Green pepper:

If you are in need of vitamin C but aren’t a big fan of citrus fruits, reach for a green pepper. A single green pepper contains 176 percent of your daily needs for vitamin C -- and colorful red and yellow varieties have more than double that amount. That makes them richer in C than citrus fruits, but sweet peppers are also excellent sources of vitamin B₆ and folate.

4/ Shrimp:

Vitamin D is a tough one to come by in foods, but shrimp fills that bill, since they have about 30 percent of the daily recommended amount in about three ounces – much more than a cup of milk.  Shrimp also contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C, along with other nutrients essential for general health, including iron and vitamin B₁₂.

5/ Cheese:

Hard or soft, fresh or ripened, cheese in all its variety is an excellent source of calcium for bones, and protein for muscles and other joint-supporting tissues. Cheese can be easily sliced to put on a cracker or a sandwich, grated into your favorite recipe, or eaten alongside an apple or pear for a fresh, quick snack.

6/ Green tea:

Green tea contains hundreds of powerful antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols and has been cited for helping prevent problems ranging from cancer to heart disease. But studies also suggest green tea may help prevent or ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 

 

Cure for Modern Day Stresses

Yoga is a 3,000-year-old, Hindu discipline of mind and body that became known in Western society with the hippie generation of the Sixties and early Seventies. Its image as a mystic practice is disappearing as fast as the stressful aspects of the Eighties are appearing.

As an effective method of stress management, yoga is spreading into the business world, the helping professions, nursing and old age homes, and is used in the treatment of alcoholics, hyperactive children and youngsters with learning disabilities. Yoga centers are getting stiff competition from adult education classes of community colleges, boards of education and parks and recreation departments.

The meaning of yoga is union of the body, mind and spirit with truth. There are many kinds of yoga to study, and there can be endless years of practice for the willing student.

Hatha Yoga is among the most popular forms in the west. It emphasizes the practice of postures, which stretch and strengthen the body, help develop a sense of balance and flexibility, as well as body awareness and mental concentration. All forms of yoga incorporate the practice of proper breathing techniques for relaxation, to rest the mind from its constant chatter, to experience an internal calm, and to energize and purify the body.

As stress levels in society reach new heights, Raja Yoga, the yoga of meditation, is growing in popularity in Western society, while others, such as Krya Yoga, the yoga of cleansing, and Mantra Yoga, the yoga of chanting, not surprisingly, have little appeal for newcomers.

Stretching and toning, though beneficial, aren't the primary reasons people turn to yoga. Newcomers are hoping that yoga will provide them with a means for handling stress and diffusing tension. The difference between exercise and yoga is that yoga has a meditative quality.

A lot of people are exercising for the psychological benefits and trying many of the Eastern activities, like yoga and tai chi. Yoga seems to have a calming effect on people.

And the techniques work on children as well as adults. When your children are quarreling, ask them to stop what they're doing, raise their arms over their heads, lean forward and breathe deeply to help diffuse their anger. It definitely helps them to cool it.

Vitamin E And Your Body

We all know that oxygen is a primary component that is needed for life.  This very same oxygen, once inside of the body, becomes very reactive through certain molecules and will start to cause damage through the free radicals, which is known as oxidative stress.  As an antioxidant, vitamin E will help to prevent this type of stress, which will prevent the cells from aging or sustaining any type of permanent damage as well.

Cholesterol, which is a fatty substance found in many foods, is absorbed by the body then transferred from the liver to be stored by tissue as fat.  This is carried through the bloodstream by molecules known as LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins).  When the LDL is oxidized, it reacts to the cholesterol and a fat substance known as plaque begins to get deposited on the artery walls, which causes the blood flow to stop.

Vitamin E will stop cholesterol from forming into plaque, which will allow the blood to flow properly.  If you don’t use vitamin E, in this situation, the blood will stop flowing and the arteries will begin to get backed up.  As most of us know, this is the main cause of heart attacks, high blood pressure, and other serious diseases.

Even though many researchers and doctors have linked vitamin E to preventing cancer, this hasn’t been conclusively proven.  There are many doctors that have said in the past that vitamin E can indeed prevent cancer, although no documentation or proof has been given to back up such statements.  We all know that it is a very important vitamin, regardless.

There are studies however, that have proven vitamin E to be very effective in protecting the skin against UV rays.  Vitamin E has been shown on numerous occasions to shield the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, which as we all know, can lead to skin cancer.  If you include sources of vitamin E, or supplements in your diet you can help to prevent the damage of UV rays to your skin.

Along with these types of benefits, vitamin E can also protect against alzheimer’s disease and inflammation of the pancreas.  This vitamin can also be very beneficial with reducing scars, and healing many types of burns and wounds.  Included in your diet, vitamin E can help your skin to heal from many discrepancies over time.

When included with vitamin C, vitamin E can be one of the most important vitamins for your body.  It offers many different benefits, besides the ones listed above.  You can find it in many different forms, including fruits and nuts.  Fruits are excellent sources of vitamin E, especially oranges.  Oranges have always been known to be rich in this vitamin, whether you are consuming whole oranges or just drinking orange juice.  If you are drinking orange juice that contains pulp, you’ll be getting plenty of vitamin E in your diet.

All things aside, you should always make sure that you include vitamin E in your diet.  Along with fruits and nuts, you can also find this vitamin plentiful in vegetables as well.  You can include it into your diet, or take supplements that provide it.  You should be getting around 1,000 mg of the vitamin a day, which isn’t hard to do if you eat the right foods.  If you consume the right amount of vitamin E in your diet, you’ll notice that your body will perform much better - and you’ll be well protected against numerous diseases as well.

Supplements And Your Health

A lot of people these days are trying to make their health better.  No matter where you turn, from TV to newspapers, you’ll see stories about people and how bad their health actually is.  Even though there are many different companies out there that offer vitamins and supplements and claim that they will change your healthy, you’ll need to research what they offer and sure that you aren’t just wasting your money.

If you are looking to improve your health, you’ll need to at many different vitamin supplements to find which ones are the best for you.  You should look at everything available, and not just try a few to see what happens.  Dieting is the ideal place to start, as it can make the most improvements on your health.  Dieting can change your body, and make you feel a lot better as well.

These days, a lot of people eat way too much sweets and sugar, choosing refined products over healthy food.  Even though it isn’t a bad thing to enjoy sweets and chocolate, you should never make a habit out of it.  You can still enjoy your favorite foods as well, although you should be looking at the healthy benefits of food as well and think of everything as a whole.

If you include healthy foods such as salads, vegetables, and fruit into your diet, you’ll be eating healthy.  Protein is also beneficial to your health, as it promotes the growth of your muscle.  Those of you, who are serious about eating healthy but are unsure where to start, should contact a nutritionist.  They will be able to tell you where to start, and how to achieve a healthy diet that will chance your life.

Even though you may be eating healthy or trying to eat healthy, you’ll probably find yourself wondering about vitamins and supplements and how much of an impact they have on your diet.  Dieticians are ideal to consult with these types of questions, as they can answer any questions relating to vitamins that you have.  They can also tell you which supplements are ideal to your health, and which ones you should include in your diet.

Different people will have different needs and requirements, making it essential to get advice from a qualified professional.  If you get the advice from a professional, you’ll know what you can add to your diet.  If you try to do it all yourself without the advice of a professional, you can end up not getting enough in your diet, or you could end up taking something that you shouldn’t be taken.

Exercise is also important to your diet and your health.  Although supplements and vitamins will go a long way, exercise will do a lot for your body.  If you exercise on a regular basis, and take the right supplements and vitamins with your diet, you’ll notice that you have more energy and you feel better than you ever have in your life.

Before you start with your new diet or rush out and buy your new vitamin supplements, you should always check with your doctor first to see if he has any recommendations.  You should also tell him what type of exercise you are planning on doing, and see if there are any complications with your health.  Getting a healthy lifestyle is always a great thing, although you should always consult with your doctor.  This way, you’ll know the best way to start and how to go about getting in the best shape of your life.

What's Wrong With Crash Diets?

Many desperate people turn to crash diets hoping they will lose the most weight in the shortest time that way. Perhaps they have had past experiences of losing weight successfully with this type of plan, or they have read about a new diet that some celebrity has followed to lose weight fast. So what is wrong with crash diets? Is there any reason why they have such a bad reputation?

The most obvious problem with crash diets is that the weight loss is almost always temporary. If you suddenly change to a restricted diet, your body will respond by storing less water. You will lose weight and be less bloated, i.e. thinner, but you will not necessarily lose any fat. When you end the diet that weight will go right back on.

Of course, you may lose some fat too, depending on the diet and how long you follow it. However, the body often goes into starvation mode during these diets. It thinks a famine has hit, and it should slow down the metabolism and store as much fat as possible to guard against the hard times ahead. When you increase your food consumption, even if you do it in a healthy way, that famine metabolism can persist and lead your body to gain some or all of the weight back.

Added to that is the psychological effect of breaking a crash diet. Whether this happens at the end of the planned diet or in the middle out of desperation, it tends involve overeating. For this reason alone, many people who follow crash diets find that a month later, they are heavier than they were before the diet.

In addition, there are some significant health issues with crash diets. First, diets that focus on losing weight fast are usually very restrictive in the types of foods that you can eat. Many foods (and sometimes whole food groups) will be cut out. This is not something you could do in the long term without suffering from deficiencies. It is not good for the body in the short term either.

On many crash diets you will not be getting the nutrients that the body needs. It is true that you can take supplements, but many supplements rely on substances in whole foods to make them work most effectively. Nutrient deficiencies lead to cravings, making it harder to stick to the diet and more likely that you will break out in a binge. At the same time, you may be getting more of some nutrients than is healthy.

To summarize, crash diets can only ever be a temporary solution, for example for a situation where you need to lose a little weight for a particular event, and you do not mind if you gain it back - and more - afterward. The healthiest option for losing weight is to make changes that will allow you to lose weight slowly on a healthy eating plan that does not ban any foods completely, but allows you to incorporate occasional treats. In the long term, people who follow crash diets are likely to gain weight, not lose it.

Benefits of Detoxing for Fitness and Health

It seems to be a little disgusting when you are detoxing or cleansing. Your body shows some signs that you have built up toxins. These toxins can affect your whole body fitness and health.

There are times that you feel sluggish and feel the stressful. Your body may experience continuous aching, diarrhea, constipation, and feeling of clumsiness. Rapid weight gain and the incapacity to lose the excess weight can also be signs of having toxins in the body.

Moreover, the toxins found in the body are found and stored on your fat cells. For Americans who are taking the usual American diet, a person may consume 70 trillion garbage cans for each cell. In detoxing your body and cleaning that unwanted garbage in your cells, you should pay attention on your elimination organs.

There are particular organs in your body that deal on cell waste management. These organs play a major role in the detoxing process for a fit and healthy body.

1.    Your liver is the organ that recycles the unwanted chemicals in the body. It sorts out the toxins and places them to the organ for elimination during the process of circulation. The principal elimination organs will back up the liver on where these toxins will be stored and then eliminated.

2.    The lymph glands also play an important role in eliminating the toxins. A network of tubing brings out the excess waste of the cells from the body and to the final eliminating organs. The appendix, thymus, tonsil, and spleens are major lymphatic glands that help the major organs of the body in cleansing and detoxing.

3.    The kidneys help in the water management of the body. They are the ones that keep the good chemistry of the blood alkaline by eliminating the dissolved acid waste. You can help your kidney to function very well by drinking plenty of water. It is much better if you drink fresh alkaline juices and purified water. You may take ½ ounce of alkaline everyday to see positive results on your body weight.

4.    The lungs are the organs that keep the blood air purified. They allow the oxygen to go directly to the bloodstream. It is also responsible in removing waste gases that are found in every cell of the body. Deep breathing and fresh air is very helpful in keeping the lungs healthy and free from toxins. If you are in the urban area, it is recommended that you find an oxygen rich area where you can perform deep breathing.

5.    The colon is a solid waste management organ in your body. Medical practitioners have found many peolpe that may have an 80-pound mucus and rubber like solid waste that are found on the walls of the colon. Detoxing and cleaning the colon can be a real tough thing to do. However, having a free waste colon can certainly provide you good benefits of having a clean and healthy body.

If you are experiencing some signs of detoxification, you may try doing a regular walking exercise. Exercise is a good key in having a fit and healthy body. Many diet doctors also suggest that you drink plenty of lemon water. This is an effective way of maintaining a very good circulation and can increase the rate of detoxification inside the body.

Benefits of Fish Oil for Fitness and Health

When the words oils and fats are mentioned, health-conscious individuals tend to run for cover. What they fail to realize is that there are good fats and bad fats. Complete avoidance of intake of oils and fats would actually be detrimental – rather than beneficial – to their health.

The Truth about Fish Oil

Essential fatty acids must always be part of our daily diet – without them, we take one step closer to our deaths. Essential fatty acids are divided into two families: omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAS.

Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other, studies have revealed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news, however, is that the opposite is true for omega-3 EFAs. Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while omega-3 EFAs can be found in fish oils among other foods.

Omega-6 vs. Omega-3
Physicians and scientists are of the same opinion that the cause behind increasing cases of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain kinds of cancer is none other than an imbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs.

As mentioned earlier on, omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils. This includes but is not limited to corn oil and soy oil, both of which contains high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can be found also in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils. It should be significant to take note that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed to provide many benefits to the human body. In the early 1970’s, a study on Greenland Eskimos have revealed that one of the major reasons why they rarely suffer from heart diseases is because of their high-fat diet (mainly composed of fish).

The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food have also proven to be useful in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Other Benefits of Fish Oil
There are a lot more illnesses and situations in which intake of fish oil has proven to be significantly beneficial.

Making the Heart Healthier
The heart is inarguably one of the most important parts of our body and having an unhealthy heart means having to suffer a rather limited lifespan. Naturally, it’s in our best interests to keep our hearts happy and healthy and one way of doing that is eating food that contains fish oil.

In Athens, Greece, for instance, a study was made to show if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those who ate more fish than the others had a lower level of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used to measure likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.

Fish to Become Thin
In Perth, Australia, a study had revealed that fish consumption can be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss diet which includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be quite effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.

Fish Oil to Combat Asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil for asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that approximately 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason behind it.

Researchers of UW (University of Wyoming) conducted a study by subjecting a number of children to a high-fish diet while others continued with their regular diet. Results revealed that the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.

Consult Your Nutritionist Now
Nothing is good when consumed or used excessively but complete avoidance of a particular food type is equally harmful as well. Ask your nutritionist for the right amount of fish intake for your age and health status.

Secrets to Natural Health and Beauty

Makeup can help enhance your looks but there is no substitute for natural beauty that comes from being healthy and happy. Health and happiness shine through and give you a radiance that can't be found in any bottle of makeup. It is something that you can't fake and you can't buy. But you can attain it by using these simply guidelines to a happier, healthier you.
Your health is vital to how you look so it is important to take care of yourself. This means eating right, getting enough sleep, getting exercise and not letting stress drag you down. Fortunately, these 4 things work together for a cumulative effect. Eating properly will make you feel better and help you deal with stress better as well. Exercise will help keep you toned, will help relieve stress and will help you sleep better. There is no makeup available that can give you the effects of a well toned body or a restful nights sleep. All of these things will contribute to a healthier look.
When it comes to makeup, you need to know what type of makeup is best for you. You need to choose a makeup that suits your skin type, whether it is dry or oily. You also need to know the undertones of your skin and whether they are warm or cool. Always choose a foundation that matches your skin because foundation that is too light or too dark will only make you look artificial and as if you have something to hide. You want your makeup to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up.
Never overlook the little self care things, such as keeping your hair trimmed and grooming your fingernails. Unkempt, unhealthy hair, along with scraggly nails and chipped nail polish all detract from your natural beauty. You don't have to go overboard with a luxury manicure or hairstyle. A simple, healthy and well cared for appearance is better looking than any overdone manicure or extreme hairstyle.
Learn to avoid things that will detract from your beauty and health. Smoking causes wrinkles and dull skin. Too much sun causes skin damage, wrinkles and age spots. Drinking alcohol can dehydrate you, disrupt your sleep and prematurely age you. They are all fine in moderation but should be avoided when possible.
Sticking to a daily routine of beauty can pay off in the long run. Make skin care, exercise, hydration and grooming a part of your daily routine. Little things like always cleaning your face of makeup before bed and applying moisturizer will pay off in a more youthful and healthy look.
Avoid stress and learn how to deal with it. Stress can cause wrinkles and can lead you to make unhealthy choices and make you look chronically unhappy. Deal with stress by exercises or find ways to deal with it that are good for you. Taking care of yourself makes you feel better and exude more confidence.
It is natural to want to look your best. But true beauty is not something that can just be bought in a bottle. It is something that is a reflection of you, something that radiates from your inside. So take the time to take care of yourself and to establish healthy habits and winning ways.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Cale_Standish

The Various Benefits of Consuming Natural Health Foods

Nowadays, more and more people around the world are realizing the importance of a healthy diet. Overdependence on fast food has led to a massive increase in obesity, diabetes and other health problems all over the world. Most fast food chains use high amounts of oil to make their food, which leads to high cholesterol and heart diseases as well.
There are a number of natural health food products available in the market these days. These products promise to be just as tasty and filling as fast food items, and do not cause any harm to the body. While apple chips, organic fruit preserves, etc. are partially processed foods, they do provide almost as many benefits as the real thing.
Foods like burgers, fries, cheese, and certain desserts have a high amount of unsaturated fat, which could lead to clogged arteries and heart diseases. A lot of fast food joints have started to offer healthier items on the menu. However, what most people don't realize is that some of the components used in such foods such as sauces and dressings, minimize any benefit you get from eating healthier items.
While buying natural health foods, make sure that you read the labeling and look at the nutrient information. Healthy food will have high levels of HDL, fiber, vitamins, etc. Avoid foods which have trans-fat. HDL stands for high density lipoproteins, and is also called good cholesterol. These are tiny molecules which carry fat and other harmful materials from the heart to the liver, to get disposed of. It is believed that having a high HDL count will substantially reduce the risk of heart attack, and other related diseases.
Generally, foods which are high in omega 3 fatty acids, rich in HDL and those which contain a high level of some antioxidants such as resveratrol are considered valuable in improving the health of the body. Items such as baked salmon, apples, pears, tofu, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, walnuts, etc. are good for your health. Look for products which have been baked, and not fried in oil. Having a couple of glasses of wine a day is supposedly good for you as well.
While you are looking for natural health foods, try and stick as much as you can to products made by reputed companies. There are a number of guidelines in place regarding the features of such products. Make sure that the item you are buying, meets all such guidelines, and does not contain high amounts of trans-fat and other potentially harmful ingredients. Look for items which have been sourced from organic suppliers.
Studies have shown that consuming products such as apple chips, canned fruits, etc. provide significant health benefits over similar health products such as potato chips and wedges. They provide a greater amount of fibers and nutrients, which improves your overall health condition. Keep in mind the fact that even though these foods are good for health, you should avoid going overboard with them. Too much dependence on natural health foods may not provide desired results.

When buying natural snacks, make sure you check the label and the nutrition information, while also sticking to products of a reputed company for the best health benefits through time. For some help with your food choice, visit this website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sidney_A_Stein

Natural Health Remedies for Depression

Herbs for depression have been known to work wonders and many people turn to them as an alternative natural remedy for helping with depression.
Herbal remedies for depression are natural and help to restore better health. They are natural to the environment, unlike synthetic drugs or man-made prescription antidepressants. But before you start taking any kind of natural depression remedies it is always worthwhile to get a physical medical check to see if your body has any organs or functions that are causing your depression.
There are many different herbal or home remedies that help with depression as well as homeopathic treatments. There are literally thousands of nature's remedies with all sorts of mixtures that can help someone who is depressed. It is a good idea to search for the best depression remedy that suits the individual.
Below are a few remedies to help reduce or ease the symptoms of depression naturally.
Herbs for Depression
St. John's Wort herbal help for depression
The herb St. John's Wort has been known to help in cases of depression and has been researched extensively in trials and shown to have significant effects similar to prescription anti-depressants but without the dangerous side effects.
Take one 300 mg capsule, three times daily, of a standard extract that contains 0.3 percent hypericin and 5 percent hyperforin which are the main active compounds.
Allow 6 weeks for the herb to start working.
Caution: Do not take St. John's Wort during pregnancy or with other medicines without first consulting your doctor.
Herbs Remedies for Anxiety and Stress
Chamomile and catnip herbal tea
Chamomile has been long used in herbal medicine for its relaxing and calming effects and catnip also produces a mild tranquillizing effect that can help with anxiety and stress. You need will need:
250 ml of boiling water
1 teaspoon of dried chamomile
1 teaspoon of dried catnip
Pour the boiling water over the herbs. Cover and steep (soak) for ten minutes and strain. You can sweeten the tea with honey if you like and have three cups per day.
Improve stress resistance with ginseng
Siberian ginseng is a herb used for stimulating and is excellent for strengthening the adrenal glands - the glands that help the body cope with stress.
Chronic stress impairs the adrenals causing them to be tired or burned out and can lead to a weakened immune system. A weak immune system causes health problems such as chronic fatigue and lethargy as well as other physical problems, so it's always worth getting a physical examination to check your adrenal glands are functioning properly.
Ginseng helps the body adjust more easily to physical and emotional stress. Buy an extract that has been standardized for eleutheroside (the main active compound in ginseng), and take approx 250 mg twice a day. It is safe to take for up to six weeks.
Caution: If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before taking any type of ginseng.
Health Article: Natural Remedies for Depression

Theta Health http://www.thetahealth.co.za is a health and wellness website supplying vitamin supplements and health products in South Africa and is dedicated to helping people improve their health and wellbeing.
Our goal is "Making People Healthy and Happy!"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nigel_Billington