BE HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL: THOUGHTS ABOUT HEALTH AND WELLNESS: April 2010

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Spring is in the Air !!

Yes, spring is in the air. And, so are a wide variety of pollens. Tree pollen, grass pollen....oh, they can make our lives miserable. Runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes...we all know the routine.
But, there are other allergens that can affect our health year round.
Do you have pets ?

Specifically, do you have

CATS ?

Cats are one of the most allergenic pets. Some evidence suggests that
dogs may be worse than cats, but cats are probably responsible for more allergic
reactions. The allergens from cats can cause hayfever like symptoms. They can
also cause asthma and cat scratch fever.
Cat fur is always blamed for the allergies.

But, the fur is not the problem.
Cats clean themselves, and the saliva deposited on the fur
drys and becomes dandruff.

Here lies the source of the allergic reaction:

DANDRUFF

The allergy occurs as a reaction to an allergen, and histamines are produced

Symptoms include:

itchy eyes
sneezing
and even rashes.

The allergen is a protein in the saliva.

FEL d 1
Petting the cat releases the dandruff from the fur.
That is why cats need brushing, and long hair cats need even more.
Bathing can reduce the allergen, but we all know how cats love water!!

Scratches from cats can cause cat scratch fever.
Although the name refers to fever, a fever rarely occurs.
The reaction is to a bacteria,

Bartonella henselae.
In stead of fever, systemic illness and lymph node
lesions can occur.

Healthy humans will have a minor infection.
Those with poor immune systems are at greater risk.

Learn more about cat disease and humans:

cats

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Be Healthy and Beautiful

Hey, one thing I wanted to pass along in the context of health, is the power of Zinc. That'right!!! Zinc helps with many skin disorders like psoriasis, when taken as directed. And when you realize that vitamin C is a great healer, the combined effect of this powerful mineral and potent vitamin can be phenomenal. Always check with your physician first, before trying home remedies- but I personally can vouche for it!!
I am currently working at home, so I get to experiment with different ideas. Have you ever considered working at home?

By the way, pomegranate juice is more potent than green tea. Join the discussion about Health and Beauty at :
greentea

RESVERATROL : Antioxidant Power

You may have heard of resveratrol. It was featured on Oprah with Dr. Oz. There has been some controversy about its' effectiveness. This debate centers around the product quality. As in any product, manufacturers can use low quality ingredients. The desired results diminish with inferior products. Always choose a high quality product.
In my research, RESVERATROL ULTRA seems to be the best available. It also contains acai berry which doubles its effectiveness.
Resveratrol seems to improve results on cognitive test scores. It also increases overall energy, reduces appetite, and helps in a weight loss program.
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant. There is evidence to suggest that resveratrol helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. As you know, the French love their wine, and heart disease is not a major contributor to death in France. The Romans used to say "In Vino Sanitas" or "In wine there is health". Resveratrol is found in wine.
The grapevine produces resveratrol which is stored in the skin of grapes. It helps to fight fungal disease and sun damage to the plant.
Studies have shown that resveratrol inhibits blood platelet aggregation-the production of blood clots. It also has been proven that resveratrol helps to fight cancer.
Resveratrol can be found in :

grapes
bluberries
peanuts

Red wine extract is a superior source of resveratrol.

Or,

HOW ABOUT A NICE GLASS OF MERLOT !!

Resource:

www.resveratrol.com

TOOTH AND GUM CARE 3/19/2009

In order to properly care for your teeth, there are four essential steps:
brushing
flossing
eating healthy
dentist visits
Brush your teeth at least two times a day, if not between every meal. Brushing removes plaque. Plaque is a bacteria film that builds up on teeth surfaces. The combination of food and plaque results in acid production which leads to cavities.
Flossing at least one time a day removes food from between teeth, where the brush cannot be effective. Meat eaters should be especially careful about particles that cling between teeth. These particles will decay and produce acid with bacterial action. Also, bacterial plaque can harden between teeth and produce tartar. Tartar must be removed by a dentist.
So, what foods are good for your teeth ? Foods that must be chewed are the best. These foods strengthen and massage gums. They also help to clean the surfaces of teeth.
Here are some good healthy food tips:

Eat apples
carrots
radishes
cucumbers
These foods increase salivation which neutralizes acids in the mouth. Avoid sugars and sweets. Coffee and tea can also lead to tooth decay. Drink plenty of water and avoid those in- between meal snacks .

PERSONAL TIP
Personally, I like to use a little baking soda along with my toothpaste. Hydrogen peroxide is also useful for whitening teeth, but don't overdo it. Always rinse well, and use mouth wash to control bacteria growth. And... keep those fingers out of your mouth. Nail biting is not only unattractive, but it can introduce more bacteria into your mouth.
What are your personal routines ? How do you keep your teeth and gums healthy ? Share with us.

Reference:

http://www.web.md.com/

Resource:

http://www.thefatfreekitchen.com/

WHAT IS SELENIUM ? 2/17/09

Selenium is a non-metallic element that is important for the human body to function properly. It has the atomic number of 34. It was first discovered by Jons Berzelius in 1817. Selenium helps the body to efficiently use oxygen.
Selenium also works with vitamin E to help remove toxins from the body. Research shows that selenium helps our memory and even promotes normal chromosomal development, which helps to stop various forms of cancer.
The thyroid gland needs selenium to function properly.
Selenium also helps to control blood pressure and heart disease. Many foods are rich in selenium like Brazil nuts. Eggs are also a good source.
Deficiencies of selenium can result in thyroid problems. Fatigue and lack of energy occurs. Keshan disease results from a lack of selenium in ones' diet.
Fortunately. selenium can also be bought as an over the counter supplement. About 55 mg. are needed daily.

Did you find this article informative ?
Do you take selenium supplements ?
Share your nutritional regimen with us .

Have you ever been constipated ?

Learn more : laxative

ARTHRITIS: Types, causes, and remedies with a little personal touch. 2/11/09

Arthritis, I guess all of us have some form of arthritis, one way or another. It involves damage to the joints of the
body. A fall, a sports injury, stepping off a curb awkwardly; all of these things can cause joint damage. Sometimes a pre-existing genetic tendency to joint damage excellerates the problem. Whatever the cause, the pain is real.
The most common type is osteosrthritis. Age plays a factor in developing this type, but trauma to a joint can lead to the same result. Other forms of arthritis are autoimmune dis-
eases where the body attacks itself, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. It can also be caused by a buildup of uric acid crystal deposits in the joint. This type is known as gouty arthritis. Joint pain can be severe and there are a number of remedies available. Exercise seems to be the best remedy, while a sedentary lifestyle only aggravates the situation.
In genereal, following a few simply dietary guidelines can also help. First, eat a variety of foods. Maintain a good weight, avoid fat and cholesterol, limit sugar, avoid sodium. and drink alcohol in moderation. There seems to be little evidence that foods can cause arthritis to worsen.
Supplements like glucosamine have been shown to be effective. Just be careful that the supplement doesn't contain sugar or high levels of sodium. Synergistic ingredients that work well with glucosamine are chondroitin, omega 3 fatty acids, aloe vera and even yucca.
Liquid glucosamine is better than creams or pills. Sometimes, pills are not absorbed well and evidence suggests that creams do not enter the bloodstream like an ingested liquid.

I have been having my own battle with arthritis. That burning sensation under the skin, stiff joints and even psoriatic breakouts on the skin, can really but a damper on my day.

I try to avoid cold weather. Living in the North East of the USA , there are four seasons to contend with. Spring and summer are the best for my joints, and winter is the worst.
I try to keep moving. Sitting to long causes my joints to stiffen. I massage my joints by hand, and often use a hand vibrator.
I take glucosamine, in a pill, and I believe that it helps my joints. I have had a number of injuries and that probably is the main contributor to the problem.
So, if you can , avoid injuries. If you still get arthritis, you can try my remedies. Do you have any home remedies for arthritis ? Share them with us.

Reference:
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthritis
http://www.arthritis.org/

Resource:

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/

HAIR CARE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. 2/01/09

Before we discuss caring for your hair, it is important to consider your hair type. All hair is made of protein , but not all hair is the same. Some hair is oily, other hair is dry. Still, other hair is "normal". Taken this into account, will lead us to the proper hair treatment.
Since hair is composed of protein, a diet rich in amino acids can help to promote hair growth. Amino acids are the building blocks of complex protein molecules. There are commercial formulas available that can give you the proper amino acids needed. Amino acids like L-Leucine, L-Serine, and L-Alanine are available in these formulations All in all, I believe that there are about 18 essential amino acids needed for proper hair growth. Fatty acids are also neccesary to produce natural oily lubrication for the hair follicles.
Personally, I used a formulation that contains amino acids for hair growth and have had some results. Everyone is different and results will vary. Topical applications can also be used to stimulate growth, especially if there is hair loss involved.
http://www.hairformula37.com/

Herbs can help your hair. Turmeric, horsetail and rosemary are three noteworthy herbs . Other ingredients in vitamins such as inosital and biotin can help to promote hair growth.
Hair is affected by the environment. Wind, sun, and cold take there toll on your hair. Seasonal changes are also responsible for hair damage. So, your hair needs to be conditioned as well as washed daily. Deep conditioning may be done once a month, or once a week depending on the hair damage. But, daily conditioning is recommended by many sources.
So, if your hair is very fine wash it with a shampoo that contains wheat protein. If your hair is normal, wash it with a shampoo that contains lecithin. Thick hair benefits from traditional pomades.
Conditioning improves the hair texture. This is accomplished by leaving protein on the hair follicle. Deep conditioning occurs when the conditioner is left on the hair for a longer period of time , so that the protein can be absorbed.
Keep in mind that some hair products contain alcohol. Alcohol dries the hair. Try to avoid alcohol in hair products.

HOME REMEDIES

Do you have any home remedies for healthy hair ? Share them with us. I have some.
As a kid, I remember my grandmother washing her hair with egg !! Yes, egg. I guess it makes some sense: protein and cholesterol. Sometimes, she would use mayonnaise. Again, protein from egg and cholesterol. The only drawback was the oil residue left on the scalp. Fortunately, her scalp was always dry and the oil helped to lubricate the skin.
On the other hand, my hair was always oily during puberty. I would wash and wash , and still oil. My mother told me to try flour !! Yes, flour on my scalp to absorb the oil. Guess what ? It worked.
Only two more tips ; avoid stress and exercise. Stress causes circulation problems in the body, If the blood circulation to the scalp is affected, then the hair follicles cannot function properly. That is why exercise can help. Exercise increases
blood flow to all parts of the body. Yoga can help also.
PS: Do you have hair spray buildup ? Try some vinegar wash. After washing your hair, pour some vinegar on your head and remove the hair spray residue. Remember to rinse the vinegar off and then condition. Do whatever you can to improve and KEEP your hair. Once you lose it, it is hard to regrow hair from damaged follicles. Massage your scalp often to stimulate blood flow.
Resources:

http://www.holisticonline.com/
http://www.bellaonline.com/

ACNE-Acne Causes and Treatment 1/19/09

I remember as a youth, the constant battle with acne. No matter what I tried, the pimples and blackheads kept appearing. Back in those days,the treatment involved dry ice sloughing of the skin and the antibiotic, tetracycline. My diet was reduced to unspicy food, avoidance of chocolate and coffee and applications of various lotions.
Today, some of the medical knowledge remains the same, but there have been some great strides taken in the battle against acne. So what causes acne ? A lot of the problem lies beneath your skin and you will be glad to know it is not your fault. I used to think it was my fault. This guilt about the problem can lead to emotional problems that affect our hormonal balances. By the way, hormones do play a factor.
It all starts deep down in your pores where dead skin cells clog together with sebum,which lubricates the skin, to form a plug called a comedo. Bacteria get trapped below the skin surface and are attacked by our immune system causes inflammation. It takes about 2 weeks explode into a pimle or whitehead-white blood cells fighting the infection. Sometimes, dirt gets trapped in the pore and creates a blackhead.
As I mentioned, hormones play a role in the whole process because they control the production of sebum. Too much sebum, and uneven sheeding of dead cells will cause clumping and blockage of pores.
What to do ? Keep your face clean for one thing. It can't hurt !! Pay attention to your diet. Some foods can aggravate the situation. There are many over the counter remedies available, but some may require a physician. Consulting a physician is always a good idea.
Some natural remedies are also available. Dietary considerations will vary from individual to individual, but here are a few. Avoid coffee and tea. Eat seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. Substitute tofu or Soya for dairy products. Eat a lot of beans and lentils. Drink lots of water to remove toxins.
One remedy that worked for me, was avocado washing. That's right-wash your face with avocado. Sometimes, I have heard that garlic rubs work well. I don't know all the "whys" to it all, but some further research might reveal some scientific in-
sight. Would you like to share your experiences and remedies with other readers ?

Reference:
http://www.naturalacneremedy.com/
http://naturalelements.co.uk/acne

http://forums.myspace.com/t/4326494.aspx?fuseaction=forums.viewthread

More blogs about skin: riboflavin

ACID REFLUX DISEASE: causes and acid reflux natural remedies. 1/29/09

I would guess that each of us have experienced heart-
burn: that burning sensation in your chest that occurs after you have been over indulgent, or maybe just because you have had a bad day. The cause of heartburn ranges from diet, usage of drugs, to nervous conditions. Personally, I suffered from acid reflux disease for many years and discovered that nerves played a significant role in my affliction. I used trad-
itional antacids to deal with the problem. However, it wasn't till later that I discovered that there are acid reflux natural remedies.
First of all, let us realize that your diet greatly affects this condition. Avoidance of orange juice, grapes, sauerkraut, beef, hot dogs and mozzarella chesse can help the condition. Beer, cola, and ketchup can aggravate the esophagus and allow stomach acid to backup into the food tube and even as far as the oral cavity. I personally had experienced such a violent regurgitation. The problem lies in the functioning of the LES-the Lower Esophagael Sphincter. This complex of smooth muscles at the lower end of the esophagus allows food to enter the stomach and closes afterwards. When, the sphincter is damaged due to diet, drugs or nervous conditions, the muscles become weakened and stomach acid enters the esophagus.
This backup can cause damage to the esophagus and even tooth damage. So what can you do to cope with this problem? First of all, remain calm. Avoid foods like mac and cheese, french fries and buffalo wings. Chocolate can also a bad choice.
Drink plenty of water-about a gallon a day. Also, a great natural treatment can be garlic because it promotes probiotics in the intestine. However, for some people garlic may worsen the condition. Nevertheless, the natural way to deal with this problem lies in the probiotics we can introduce into our diet. Acidophilus is a "good bacteria"- it promotes good health.
PS: If garlic works for you, it is working because you ingest it crushed. Swallowing whole garlic will not release allicin which is the important ingredient.
Have you had a bad experience with acid reflux? Share your remedies with other readers.

Reference:
http://www.acidrefluxguru.com/

Acai Berries and Weight Loss !! 1/12/09

Lately, I have been seeing a lot of information about acai berries. These berries are grown in the rainforests of Brazil. They taste like a blend of chocolate and blueberries. There are reports of rapid weight loss, while following an acai berry diet. As much as 30 pounds in two weeks !! That's amazing !! Apparently, the quality of the berries affects the results. High quality berrries are better than berries of lesser quality when it comes to helping weight loss. I might just like to try them for the taste !! After all, I would assume that you need to lose a substantial amount of weight, before you try such a diet. As always, it probably is wise to consult a physician before trying to lose weight in such a dramatic fashion.

Reference: http://www.weightlossnow.com/