Artichoke Promotes Healthy Fat Digestion and Metabolism

In discussing the health benefits of the artichoke, and the way it promotes healthy fat digestion and metabolism, we are talking here about the true artichoke: the globe artichoke. The alternative Jerusalem artichoke is not an artichoke at all, but a member of the sunflower family. The globe artichoke is a type of thistle.It is in fact a perennial thistle that originated in the Mediterranean area and is now cultivated world wide. The edible portions are the lower parts of the bracts and the base of the buds, known as the heart while the inedible portion in the center of the bud is known as the ‘choke’. Globe artichokes were introduced to the USA in the 19th century by French and Spanish immigrants who settled in Louisiana and California respectively. Contrary to popular opinion its name did not come from the ‘heart’ and the ‘choke’, but from the Arabic for ground thorn: ‘ardi shauki’.In today’s world of fast foods, a high consumption of fats and red meat and excessive alcohol consumption, your liver is put under a great strain. Its main function is as a chemical factory, to produce the chemicals, such as enzymes and other proteins, needed to maintain life and also to metabolise the nutrients we need from the food we eat. If you overtax your liver it will not work as it should, which results in poor digestion and assimilation of the nutrients in your food and an increase in the toxins in your blood.You will feel tired and run down, with digestion problems and many other health complaints. Liver abuse can result in malnutrition, which also results in cirrhosis which is not curable. You should seriously appraise your diet, and identify the eating and drinking habits that are causing the problem, and give your liver a rest. Artichoke extract is a great liver tonic, and your liver will respond well to a break from alcohol and fatty foods, and a course of artichoke leaves and extract. The main active ingredient of the artichoke is cynarine (1,5-dicaffeylquinic acid), a substance that stimulates the production of bile, and hence renders the artichoke an excellent starter for any meal. This is yet another example of science finding a logical reason for people eating artichokes for centuries in order to promote the health of their liver and digestive system. It is not only for its cynarine content that the globe artichoke is useful, however, but also the luteolin and chlorogenic acids that it contains.The stimulation of bile production by the cynarine is one the more important of the effects of artichoke on your well being. Bile emulsifies fats and renders them into an easily digested form. Most of the digestive chemicals are water soluble, and without this emulsification of the fat with water then most of the fats we consume would pass through the body unchanged. We would the vats majority of the fat soluble nutrients in our food, including vitamins A, D, E and K. Bile enables us to digest fats and to absorb vitamins from our food, and also promotes the general health of our digestive system. It is biosynthesized in the liver from various enzymes and triglycerides and then stored in the gall bladder until needed. Its use is prompted by the presence of fats in the system, and this is stimulated by the cynarine in the artichoke leaves. Its ability to improve bile flow has been recognized by scientist’s world wide, and artichoke juice has been used by the French for many years as a liver tonic. However, it is not just for the liver and the digestive system that artichokes are useful in maintaining good health. They also have an effect on the cholesterol levels in your blood. This is believed to be due to the inhibition of the activity of enzyme HMG CoA Reductase that helps the liver to generate cholesterol. Inhibiting the activity of this enzyme reduces the amount of cholesterol produced.This can have the effect of reduced the possibility of you developing atherosclerosis, a condition caused by deposition of low density lipid (LDL) cholesterol through the effect of free radical oxidation of the lipid. The less cholesterol to be transported by your blood, then the lower levels of the low density lipid needed to do this. This effect is also possibly due to the fact that bile is formed from cholesterol and triglycerides, and so stimulated bile production would possibly leave less cholesterol in the bloodstream.Artichoke also possesses antioxidant properties that would contribute even further to this effect by preventing the oxidation of the LDL by free radicals. These free radicals, formed in the body both naturally and by the effects of pollutants such as pesticides, cigarette smoke and traffic fumes, are destroyed by antioxidants. In atherosclerosis the LDL lipids are oxidised and deposited under the surface cells of the blood vessels, and are then digested by certain blood cells forming a hard fatty deposit that can eventually block the arteries affected.The result can be a heart attack or a stroke, depending on where in the body the blood vessels are affected, and if the cholesterol levels in the body are decreased through it being used to produce bile, then the concentration of LDL lipids used to transport it will also be reduced and the condition will be less likely to occur.. Apart from the liver, the gall bladder is also given a boost by artichoke because that is where bile is stored, and a regular flow to and from the gall bladder maintains its health. The only thing you should be aware of if is that if you are prone to gallstones then the increase in bile flow could cause the stones to be stuck in the bile duct. You should therefore refer to your physician before embarking on a course of artichoke extract if you have a propensity to develop gallstones. Apart from the phytonutrients already discussed, the globe artichoke also contains a good supply of fiber and minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus, and also some trace elements that your body needs. It is therefore more than just a bile stimulant, but provides a wide range off essential nutrition to your body. It is know to aid conditions such as gout, high blood sugar, and digestive complaints such as flatulence, bloating and abdominal cramps. Apart from cooking and eating the tender parts of the leaves, or bracts, you can make an infusion of the parts that you don’t eat. Chop up the tougher leaves and pour boiling water over them as if making tea. Leave it to infuse for a few minutes and then drink. Honey can be used to take away the bitter taste; honey rather than sugar due to its greater nutritional content.

With all the hype and talk about this plant the past few months I thought I would address some of the myths and facts about this plant. Regardless if you believe this is a cure all fruit or a hoax, the plant and fruit itself is amazing.

Some of the basic common names for this fruit are: noni fruit, Indian mulberry, Morinda, hog apple, meng koedoe, mora de la India, ruibarbo caribe, wild pine

The Scientific or Medical name is: Morinda citrifolia

First, let preface this entry with the following statement. There is no scientific evidence that noni juice is effective in preventing or treating cancer or any other disease in humans. Although animal and laboratory studies have shown some positive effects, human studies are just getting started. Research is also going on to isolate various compounds found in the noni plant so that further testing can be done to find out if they may be useful in humans. Proponents claim that the noni fruit and its juice can be used to treat cancer, diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol, high blood pressure, HIV, rheumatism, psoriasis, allergies, infection, and inflammation. Some believe that the fruit can relieve sinus infections, menstrual cramps, arthritis, ulcers, sprains, injuries, depression, senility, poor digestion, atherosclerosis, addiction, colds, flu, and headaches. It is further claimed that the juice can heal scratches on the cornea of the eye. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

In saying this, many countries have been using this plant for centuries for holistic treatments and cures. In India, proponents use noni as a remedy for asthma and dysentery, and folk healers in the Pacific islands use it for many types of illness. In the United States, some noni juice distributors promote it as a general tonic, stress reliever, facial and body cleanser, and a dietary and nutritional supplement.

The Noni plant is a tropical evergreen tree that grows to about 10 feet tall in Tahiti, Pacific Islands, Asia, Australia, South America, Philippines, Caribbean and Southern States of the United States of America.

The history of the Noni plant is also unique. It is assumed to have originated in Asia and was distributed throughout the Pacific Islands by natural and man-made means. About 2000 years ago, ancient people of French Polynesia brought the Noni plant with them as a source of food and medicine, so it is assumed, when the colonized the islands around them. Even Captain James Cook in the 1700’s wrote and observed the fruit was consumed in Tahiti and other small islands. It seems other publications in Fiji, Roratango, Australia, India, Roratango and the Philippines were eaten and used for medical purposes. The roots and bark of the Noni plant were scraped and pounded to form a yellow and red dye used to color clothes and clothing, and the leaves, bark and fruit were used for many different ailments.

No part of this plant seemed to go wasted, and is used as some form of medicine or food. Witch doctors and healers use the Noni leaves as bandages for wounds helping the healing to take place faster. Green fruits are crushed and the juice extracted as a remedy for lesions or sores. Root and bark is used to treat inflammation and infections. Each country had their own unique way of using this amazing plant for the people’s needs and wants. Stories of fevers, skin disease, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, menstrual and urinary problems, diabetes and venereal diseases are just a few of the ailments that this fruit is said to cure.

Here is a small list of traditional uses that these countries use and claim.

Plant Part Used Traditional Medical Use

Stem: Jaundice, hypertension

Leaves, flowers, fruit, bark: Eye conditions, skin wounds, abscesses, gum and throat disease, respiratory ailments, constipation, fever, laxative

Fruit: Lumbago, asthma, dysentery (Indochina), head lice (Hawaii), wound poultice, broken bones, sores or scabs, sore throat, peeling and cracking of toes and feet, cuts, wounds, abscesses, mouth and gum infections, toothaches, appetite and brain stimulant food, boils, carbuncles, tuberculosis, sprains, deep bruises, rheumatism, stomach ulcers, hypertension, Philippines this is used for acne and skin problems.

Leaves: Relieves cough, nausea, colic (Malaysia), tuberculosis, sprains, deep bruising, rheumatism, bone fractures, dislocations, hypertension, stomach ache, diabetes, loss of appetite, urinary tract ailments, abdominal swelling, hernias, vitamin A deficiency

Stem: Jaundice, hypertension

Seed: Scalp insecticide, insect repellant

Fruit juice: Regulate menstrual flow, urinary tract problems, arthritis

Flowers: Sties

Modern Uses of Noni: ADD/ADHD, addictions, allergies, arthritis, asthma, brain problems, burns, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue, diabetes, digestive problems, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, gout, hypertension, immune deficiency, infection, inflammation, jet lag, multiple sclerosis, muscle and joint pain, polio, rheumatism, severed fingers, sinus, veterinary medicine.

The smell and taste of this plant is sometimes overwhelming, however the uses and medicinal value surely overcomes this distaste. The juice can be mixed with other juices to hide the taste and smell.

The plant itself grows well in almost any soil condition including sandy or rocky soil. The areas though, it seems to grow the best are on the volcanic mountain areas of the Pacific Islands. The flowers are small and white, and grow from the structure of the plant. It would seem the nectar is preferred by other honey eating insects. It will bloom year around when conditions are right. The fruit are 3-8 inches in length. The fruit starts our green then turns light yellow or even white when it ripens. The fruit is edible but again have a horrific smell and taste. Grows well in a container, seems to tolerate shade and will bear large amounts of fruit in a pot. If kept indoors the flowers must be hand pollinated for fruit. This plant can NOT take cold temps below 55F, so you must protect it during the winter. If it goes below 55 but stays about 32 the leaves fall of but the roots stay alive and the plant will grow once the weather turns warm and will still fruit the same year. We water ours once a day, but this is not necessary. We have an automatic water system for our plants to help the growing process.

Acne â%26amp;#65533;%26amp;#65533;The Entire Process and Treatment

Acne gives sometimes the combination of symptoms like greasy skin white heads black heads, pimples, inflammation and scar formation on face . Acne generally affects young people in the age 14 - 25, but also sometimes in older persons, like women in their menopause process . Most teenagers experience the outburst of acne, some only little and but for others acne may develop into a serious skin ailment with the great cosmetic impact.THE CAUSES OF ACNEThe increased hormone production in the puberty also stimulates to increased sebum production. The male hormone testosterone, seem to contribute the most. Also girls begin to produce even more testosterone in the puberty. Also in other periods some altered hormone production may give acne, for example here by women in the menopause.Since not all teens get acne in their any degree, the increased hormone level totally cannot be the whole cause of the increased sebum production. The follicles of affected persons so must for some reason react stronger upon the higher hormone level.Dietary factors that like eating too much fat, too much sugar or the wrong kind of fat evenly may aggravate acne by some individuals. Lack of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids may actually contribute to development of acne.Poor digestion and lazy colon and constipation may aggravate acne in some individuals, probably due to productions of the toxins in the intestines. Lazy colon may be caused by the dietary faults, like lack of fiber.Very frequent washing and use of those strong soaps aggravate acne, and does not ease the condition as many think. Rubbing and scrubbing or squeezing the skin may also aggravate acne.WHAT CAN YOU DO YOURSELF TO AVOID OR TO TREAT ACNESometimes Acne is so severe that even special medical treatment is required, and sometimes the causes of acne necessitate the medical treatment. But you can do much yourself that also. Here are the listed things you can do yourself to prevent or treat acne:1. Some advices about the diet that may help prevent and cure acne:- Do not consume a reasonably great amount of fat.- The fat you add to the food should be so natural oils. Olive oil is the ideal, but use other types of oils here too, like walnut oil, sunflower oil and soy oil. However, do not use only soy oil as many there tend to do. Using only soy oil will give you too much of the some fatty acids and too less of others.- Eat much fish, and seafood but not so much meat.- Eat food with a great high fiber content to regulate the digestion, like vegetables, whole cereals, full corn bread and fruit.2. Here are some things you should avoid.- Do not use the greasy or heavy cosmetics that clog your skin and are difficult to wash away.- Do not use the strong irritating antiperspirants.- Do not wash with the strong soap or cleaners that dry up your skin and also take away all the natural oily protection in your skin.Ingredients used in products to reduce inflammation and to stimulate the healing may be: Aloe Vera extract, and Viola Tricolour extract, Rose hip oil, Vitamin E and Vitamin A.Tea tree oil and Grapefruit seed extract are best natural antibacterial agents used in many of these products. In other products artificial compounds those like Benzoyl peroxide are used.3. Oral supplements to fight the acne process and also nourish the skinSupplements taken by the mouth to nourish your skin may be useful. The purpose of these supplements is more or less the same as such that of nourishing creams.- To make the sebum more fluid so that it drains more easily.- To stimulate the substance exchange and with cleaning processes in your skin,- To stimulate your skin to get to heal,- To give your skin building nutrients much necessary to heal.Ingredients often used in these supplements really to stimulate the cleaning and healing processes in the skin are: Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, E, Folic acid, Beta carotene, Bioflavonoids, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, selenium, anti-oxidants from Green tea, Metylsulfonyl methane.

All About pH Balanced Diet

A pH balanced diet is an alternative diet that can help people loose weight or even keep their body in control during fat build up. It is referred to as an alkaline dieting system that helps you stay far away from poor digestion. It also prevents you from low energy feeling, cracks, pains and giving in to certain food cravings. The diet helps you prevent your body from any sort of fatal disease. It also lets you keep your mental stability and increases the energy level inside the body. You would be able to see fantastic results within a period of one full week. You must opt for a good pH balanced diet in order to live your life to the fullest and avoid stress. Remember that life full of stress can increase the storage of fat and reduces fat burning process in your body. The pH diet system facilitates you to control the flow of energy level and also motivates the person to get in to more physical action. The diet will make you feel very energetic early in the morning. If you want to follow a pH balance diet, you need to follow certain rules. Here are some rules that you must follow for an effective pH balance diet:Rule 1Your meal should not consist only acidifying foods. It should contain alkaline foods. You must not focus on a meal full of meat with pasta, fish and rice with cake and coffee for dessert. These are acidifying foods. Add a lot of vegetables in your meal such as salads, cooked vegetables and raw vegetables.Rule 2The amount of alkalizing foods should be high as compared to the acidifying foods at almost all meals. This makes sure that the acid levels are neutralized in the tissues and intestines. Here, the body will not require to draw from what it has already reserved. Rule 3You can go for an all alkaline vegetables and plant-based food as your diet option. However, it should be taken for only limited period and diet consisting only on vegetable cannot be continued for a long time because it will leave your body deplete of protein. Rule 4Take special care that your meal should not contain only acid foods. You must not depend on only eating fruits and yogurt or whey-based beverages. Your body may suffer from mineral depletion. Try to introduce a lot of fresh fruits, fresh cheeses, soft white cheeses, low fat cream cheeses, almonds, bananas, salad green and a combination of raw fruits and vegetables. Rule 5Do not eat acid foods too rapidly. Since, it is difficult to increase acid tolerance in a short period of time, try to increase the amount of acid foods in your diet slowly. Rule 6Acid foods, should be taken when your body is ready to receive them. If your body is not able to metabolize acids properly, you should not eat oranges and fruits in its morning. Have them in the afternoon or in the evening. Following a pH balanced diet will surely help you lose weight in a short period of time. You would also feel increased levels of energy in your body with this type of a diet.

One study that was done in Australia showed the prevalence of mid-frontal hair loss increases as people age and affects 57% of women and 73.5% of men aged 80 years and over. The normal cycle of typical hair growth lasts from two to six years. A bit of trivia- the word bald derives from the English word balde, which means white or pale, or the Celtic word - ball, which means a white patch or blaze, as on a horse’s head.

Some fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children which is easily treated with anti-fungal medicines. In the past it was believed that baldness was inherited from the maternal grandfather; while there is some basis for this belief, both parents contribute to their offspring’s likelihood of hair loss. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so it can be treated properly and fast.

Hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, like lupus or diabetes and hypothyroidism can cause hair loss, especially thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows. Traumas due to chemotherapy, childbirth, major surgery, poisoning, and severe stress may cause a condition known as telogen effluvium.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder also known as “spot baldness” that can result in hair loss ranging from just one area on the body to every hair on the entire body. If a medicine is causing your loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine or you may find you really don’t need the medicine after all. Poor digestion, parasites and nutrient deficiencies like an iron or biotin deficiency shouldn’t be overlooked as possible causes.

Minoxidil is a drug that is used daily to prevent hair loss but may create heart problems; the hair it grows is very fine, only on the top of the head and may fall out again soon after the drug is discontinued. There are hundreds of hair loss products on the market today used as remedies and treatments. There are many natural home remedies and all sorts of recipes for making mixtures to apply topically to the scalp.

Surgery is another method of reversing hair loss and baldness, although it is considered an extreme measure. Topical application of Ketoconazole, which is both an anti-fungal and a potent 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, is often used as a supplement to other medical approaches. Minoxidil is available without a prescription and is for topical application only, but one needs to consider the side effects.

Products for hair loss include: shampoos, shampoos with conditioners, conditioners, lotions, creams, concealers, thinning hair shampoos, laser combs, laser brushes, the Lasertron Hair Growth Brush, herbal-based products, chemical- based pills or tablets, Nizoral shampoo, Neutrogena T-Gel, and many others. Studies done on subjects of various adult ages suggests that weight training alone may increase testosterone in studies where aerobic exercise only was compared to either weight training or a moderately sedentary life. Propecia (Finasteride) and Minoxidil (Rogaine in the U.S and elsewhere as Regaine) are drugs that have reported having shown some success in partially reversing loss but one needs to consider the negative side effects and long term usage.

Massage the scalp nightly with an oil mixture made of one part rosemary oil and two parts almond oil. Make sure to test all remedies on a small area first and check with your doctor or skin doctor before trying any natural home remedy if it includes any irritating ingredients. You can try lying on a slant board with head down for 15 minutes a day, but clear it with your doctor first.

The Russian cure with honey and vodka remedy - combine one tablespoon honey with one jigger of vodka and the juice of a medium-size onion; rub mixture into the scalp every night, cover with a cap and shampoo in the morning. Polygonum Multiflorum is a traditional Chinese cure for hair loss; whether the plant itself is useful, the general safety and quality control of herbs imported from China can be very questionable these days. Vodka and cayenne remedy for hair loss - mix one jigger of vodka with a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (test on skin first for sensitivity) and rub it on the scalp; blood rushes to the hair follicles stimulated by the vodka and cayenne pepper - but be careful if you try it.

The olive oil and rosemary remedy for hair loss - use equal amounts of olive oil and oil of rosemary; combine them in a bottle, shake vigorously, massage into the scalp, put on a cap, go to bed and shampoo in the morning. The raw onion remedy - take half a raw onion and massage the scalp with it; cover the head overnight, shampoo and rinse in the morning. Resveratrol, from the skin of grapes, is a lipase inhibitor and by decreasing the body’s ability to absorb fat through the intestine walls, it reduces the total fat and calorie content of a person’s diet.

Circulation to the scalp is of utmost importance. Saw Palmetto is an herbal DHT inhibitor often claimed to be cheaper and have far fewer side effects than finasteride and dutasteride; unlike other 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, saw palmetto induces its effects without interfering with the cellular capacity to secrete protein specific antigen (PSA). Apple cider vinegar used as a hair rinse may also stimulate hair growth.

Keep in mind that hair loss should be continually treated, preferably naturally however, even after the loss stops. Sometimes it will indicate a disease or condition that hadn’t been recognized or diagnosed before. If you experience any form of hair loss that causes you concern, make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist to discuss the treatment options available to you for your particular condition.

The average typical loss of hair amounts to about 100 strands a day. And the average human head has about 100,000 hair follicles. Each one of these follicles can grow about 20 individual hairs during a person’s lifetime. Female or male pattern baldness varies from population to population based on genetic background. It’s important to understand the cause of your hair loss before you undergo any hair loss remedy or treatment.

Some drugs or medications can actually cause hair loss, which improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medications that can cause hair loss include the blood thinners, medicines used for gout and gouty arthritis, chemotherapy drugs used for cancer, too much vitamin A supplementation, birth control pills and antidepressants. Hypothyroidism can cause it, especially the thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows. Many women notice hair loss about three months after they’ve had a baby. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. So when the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts up all over again.

And some mycotic infections can cause massive hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause it in children, which is usually easily treated with antifungal medicines. About three or four months after an illness or a major surgery, you can suddenly lose a large amount of hair temporarily. This loss is related to the extreme stress of the illness.

Recognizing and properly treating an infection may help stop the loss. If the thyroid gland is either overactive or underactive, hair may fall out. However treating thyroid disease will remedy this. Poor digestion, parasites and nutrient deficiencies such as iron or biotin deficiency shouldn’t be overlooked as possible causes.

There are prescription drugs, herbal remedies and topical applications available for hair loss. Surgical methods used include hair transplantation, whereby hair-producing follicles are taken from the back and sides of the head and injected into bald or thinning areas, but this is very expensive and requires several sessions. Try to go a more natural way with treatment if possible. Taking drugs means many months of exposure to chemicals causing side effects and possibly irreversible damage.

Minoxidil is a very expensive drug, which costs about one hundred dollars per month for daily treatment. Very little testing has been done on the long-term effects of Minoxidil on women. Surgery is another method of reversing hair loss and baldness, although it should be considered an extreme measure. There are both natural products and chemical-based products for it.

Some of the products for hair loss include: shampoos, shampoos and conditioners, conditioners, lotions, creams, concealers, thinning hair shampoos, laser combs, laser brushes, the Lasertron Hair Growth Brush, herbal based products, chemical based pills or tablets, Nizoral shampoo and Neutrogena T-Gel. Stress reduction can be very helpful in slowing it down.

Polygonum Multiflorum is a traditional Chinese cure or remedy for hair loss. Whether or not the plant itself is useful, the general safety and quality control of herbs imported from China is now questionable. And saw Palmetto is an herbal DHT inhibitor often claimed to be cheaper and have fewer side effects than either finasteride or dutasteride. And unlike other 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, saw palmetto induces its effects without interfering with the cellular capacity to secrete PSA (protein specific antigen).

Garlic as a hair loss remedy - an hour before bedtime, slice open a clove of garlic and rub it on the area of loss, wait for an hour and then massage the scalp with olive oil, put on a cap, go to bed, shampoo your hair in the morning, repeat for a few weeks, and hopefully hair will stop falling out and regrowth will be evident.

One patient reported that he used virgin coconut oil on his hair and scalp for a year. During that time his hair became thicker and he hade more of it on the top of his head where he had been receding a bit. It’s good as a hair gel too. Some people lie on a slant board with their heads down for about 15 minutes a day, but clear it with your doctor first if you decide to try it.

The onion juice and honey remedy: prepare a hair-growing elixir by combining 1/4 cup of onion juice with one tablespoon of honey. Massage the scalp with this mixture every day.

Resveratrol, from grape skins, is a lipase (relevant to the hair loss process) and by decreasing the body’s ability to absorb fat through the intestinal walls, it reduces the total fat and calorie content of a person’s diet. Beta Sitosterol, which is a constituent in many seed oils, can help to treat BHP (benign prostatic hypertrophy) by lowering cholesterol. But consuming large amounts of it to get at small quantities of beta sitosterol is likely to exacerbate male pattern baldness. So be careful if you have BPH and are taking it.

The Asian remedy - rub sesame oil onto your scalp every night, cover with a cap or old towel. In the morning wash with an herbal shampoo, rinse with a solution of one tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar to one quart of water.

The olive oil and rosemary remedy - use equal amounts of olive oil and oil of rosemary. Combine them in a bottle, shake vigorously, massage onto the scalp, put on a cap and shampoo in the morning.

Massage the affected scalp areas with the fingers each day. And raw apple cider vinegar used as a hair rinse may stimulate hair growth.

Remember that any drugs you take for hair loss will be a long term commitment. When they are stopped the hair loss returns. Make sure you consider the risks to your health before doing this. If you experience any form of loss that causes you concern, make an appointment with your dermatologist, hair loss doctor or regular doctor to discuss the treatment options available to you for your particular condition. It’s important to find out exactly what is causing your problem in order for you to choose the right hair loss remedy or approach.

Male pattern baldness, also called alopecia, is characterized by hair receding from the lateral sides of the forehead, known as a receding hairline; an additional bald patch may develop on top. It’s much easier to prevent the falling out of healthy hairs than to regrow hair in follicles that are already dormant. Baldness is simply the state of lacking hair where it usually grows, especially on the head.

Many women notice hair loss about three months after they’ve had a baby; during pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out and when the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts up again. If the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, hair may fall out; treating thyroid disease will help remedy this. Poor digestion, parasites and nutrient deficiencies such as iron or biotin deficiency shouldn’t be overlooked as possible causes.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder also known as “spot baldness” that can result in hair loss ranging from just one area to every hair on the entire body. If a medicine is causing your hair loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine or you may find you really don’t need the medicine at all. About 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you can suddenly temporarily lose a large amount of hair; this hair loss is related to the stress of the illness.

Hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. In the past it was believed that baldness was inherited from a person’s maternal grandfather; while there’s some basis for this belief, both parents contribute to their offspring’s likelihood of hair loss. Tumors and skin growths can also induce localized baldness.

There are prescription drugs, herbal remedies and topical applications for hair loss. Go a more natural way with treatment if possible; taking hair loss drugs require many months of exposure to chemicals. There are natural home remedies and many recipes for making mixtures to apply topically to the scalp.

Please be aware there are side effects and serious side effects sometimes with the drugs that are commonly used for hair loss. Immunosuppressants applied to the scalp have been shown to temporarily reverse alopecia areata, though the side effects of some of these drugs make this therapy questionable. Stress reduction can be helpful in slowing hair loss.

Minoxidil is a drug that’s used daily to prevent hair loss but may create heart problems; the hair it grows is very fine, only on the top of the head and may fall out again soon after the drug is stopped. Minoxidil is a very expensive drug, costing about one hundred dollars per month for daily treatment. Propecia is available with a prescription; comes in pill form, is only for men and may take up to six months before you can tell if it is working.

Onion juice and honey remedy for hair loss: prepare a hair-growing elixir by combining 1/4 cup of onion juice with one tablespoon of honey; massage the scalp with the mixture every day. Massage the scalp nightly with an oil mixture made of one part rosemary oil and two parts almond oil. Asian remedy for hair loss - rub sesame oil on your scalp every night, cover with a cap or old towel; in the morning wash with an herbal shampoo, rinse with a solution of one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one quart of water.

Olive oil and rosemary remedy for hair loss - use equal amounts of olive oil and oil of rosemary; combine them in a bottle, shake vigorously, massage into the scalp, put on a cap and shampoo in the morning. Garlic oil remedy for hair loss - at bedtime, puncture a couple of garlic pearles, squirt the oil on the scalp, massage, cover with a cap, shampoo and rinse in the morning. Try using double-strength herbal sage tea as a hair rinse or apply to scalp every day as a tonic.

Rub vitamin E oil into the scalp nightly. Try scalp massage every day. Polygonum Multiflorum is a traditional Chinese cure for hair loss; whether the plant itself is useful, the general safety and quality control of herbs imported from China can be questionable.

Circulation to the scalp is important. One patient reported that he used coconut oil on his hair and scalp for a year and during that time his hair became thicker and he hade more of it on the top of his head where he had been receding a bit; good as a hair gel too. Apple cider vinegar used as a hair rinse may stimulate hair growth.

Remember that regrowing hair is a slow process, so don’t look for results overnight for any remedy or treatment you try. Remember that any drugs you take for hair loss will be a long term commitment; consider the risks to your health before doing this. Keep in mind that hair loss should be continually treated, preferably natural however, even after it stops.

Digestion - Simple Tips to Increase Energy %26 Avoid Illness

Are you so busy that you rush your food and snatch meals when you can?

Are you rushing your eating so much that it simply is not enjoyable?

Well if you do you will have poor digestion and this can be the cause of low energy levels and more seriously can cause a number of illnesses including:

Abdominal pain, inflammation, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections and allergies can then occur.

So if you want to avoid illness and get more energy take a look at your digestion and improve it with these simple tips.

1. Chew Your Food

Try and take smaller bites when you eat and chew slowly.

Thoroughly chew your food which allows amylase, the digestive enzyme present in saliva, to breakdown and digest the food properly.

2. Get More Fiber

Fiber is essential for healthy digestion and to cleanse the gut by keeping food moving through it; however most people simply don’t get enough of it.

Aim for 25 - 30 grams per day (the average for most adults is just 8grams) fiber rich foods include strawberries, apples, brown rice, chick peas, potatoes (with skins) figs, dates and prunes.

As a bonus eating fibre is a great way to lose weight as it fills you up and curbs hunger pangs.

3. Beans and legumes

If you don’t have time to cook dried beans, buy canned, but make sure you rinse them before cooking.

Lentils and split peas are less gas-forming than other legumes and are a great choice.

Ground flaxseeds are a gentle laxative. They are very useful for chronic constipation, damage to the intestine wall from laxative use, irritable bowels, and to soothe inflammation.

Sprinkle ground flaxseeds on any of your meals to make sure you get enough.

3. Good Gut Bacteria

There are over 400 different kinds of bacteria and yeasts in your digestive system.Of these, the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum are considered good.

“probiotic” bacteria because the help to maintain overall intestinal health.

Although good bacteria can be found in some yogurt, there is a wide variation in quality, so play it safe and look for good quality organic yogurt

Supplements containing acidophilus and bifidobacteria can be found in most health food stores.

They are especially helpful for the following conditions:

Irritable bowel syndrome

Diarrhea

Bloating, flatulence and gas

Vaginal yeast infections

4. Supplement to Restore Digestive Health

Enteric-Coated Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can reduce abdominal pain and bloating and you can take it naturally or simply buying it as a supplement.

Digestive Enzymes

Enzyme supplements are believed to support the body’s own digestive enzymes to aid digestion and help with other problems stemming from poor digestion.

Vitmain B12

Stomach acid naturally declines with age.

Too little acid can cause low vitamin B12 and folic acid levels you may want to consider a B12 supplementto help restore balance. .

5. Drink plenty of water

We can’t live without water!

We need it to live and you need to get plenty of it.

Drink 2 3 liters a day for hydration and to flush out impurities from the body.

Take care of ypur digestive system and

It will take care of you!

If you want to avoid illness, have more energy and have better looking skin, follow the above tips.

There simple and easy to do, so look after your digestion today.

Digestive Enzymes To Improve Wellness in Kids

It is very safe to say that most people experience some type of digestive difficulty, as digestive disturbances are very common, especially for those who do not practice healthy eating. The numerous advertisements for antacids and acid blockers clearly identify the degree of this problem. But, what about our children? It has been proven that kids are suffering from digestive problems more than ever before due to unhealthy eating habits and nutritionally deficient diets that are high in saturated fats and processed sugars and carbohydrates. The food that is served in school cafeterias often contains too much fried food and not enough fresh produce. Additionally, parents have to constantly fight a losing battle against advertisements for junk food. Many children follow in the footsteps of their parents, picking up the same bad eating habits, which frequently leads to poor digestion and health problems. Overeating, eating too fast, or not chewing food well hinders digestive capability leading to symptoms such as gas, heartburn, bloating, burping, bad breath, diarrhea, constipation, and general discomfort or fatigue after meals. Although these symptoms are common, they should not be considered normal as they are distress signals sent by our body telling us that the digestive process is not going smoothly and we are not receiving the full nutritional benefit of the food we eat. If digestion is not efficient or complete, inflammation may develop, which causes leaky gut syndrome, leading to various allergic reactions.

The brain is especially susceptible to protein fragments, which come from the incomplete digestion of grain gluten and dairy casein. Researchers believe that these fragments, which are called exorphins, are the main factors in the cognitive symptoms and abnormal behaviors of those kids with ADHD and autism. A recent study on thirty-six autistic children found that a majority of these children had digestive disorders including esophageal reflux and inflammation, gastritis, duodenitis and low carbohydrate digestive enzyme levels. Some doctors believe that seventy-five percent of the children that they treat have major deficiencies of pancreatic enzymes.

Enzymes are often called the spark of life or the missing link in nutrition because no plant or animal can exist without them. Digestive enzymes are protein catalysts which break down food so the body can absorb nutrients. Therefore, enzyme supplementation can be extremely helpful, especially when it is done in conjunction with dietary changes. And, yes, kids can take enzymes supplements, too. In children with digestive symptoms, enzyme supplements help to establish proper weight because better assimilation of nutrients helps growth and repair while still supporting a healthy metabolism.

Digestive enzymes come in mild-potency enzyme formulas which covers all of the food groups for children. Children should take a powder which is safest so there are no caps to swallow and chock on and powdered enzymes allow children to get their digestive enzymes through one scoop which can be added to your childs favorite juice. Some formulas add potassium carbonate, this form of potassium adds a fun fizz to whatever beverage is used, but is not recommended in milk or water. Look for a powdered supplement that is sweetened with xylitol, a safe and natural sugar substitute which supports tooth and gum health. Since more children than ever suffer from the consequences of incomplete digestion, digestive enzymes are a safe and effective way to support digestion and assimilation of important nutrients into your childs diet in an enjoyable way.

Why Should I Take A Liquid Vitamin Supplement?

There are more and more liquid products appearing on store shelves, but most people are unaware that they all fall into one of seven categories of people who should be using them. Below are the seven categories of people that can really benefit from liquid nutrition.

Type #1 consists of those people who have age-related poor digestion or a loss of appetite. As we get older, our ability to digest foods decreases. When liquids are manufactured correctly, they are much easier to digest and absorb for almost every person. Nutritional deficiencies go right along with poor digestion and loss of appetite. Therefore, a small capful of a multiple vitamins and mineral liquid offers a good amount of nutritional benefit to persons who have impaired digestion and loss of appetite. Also, a collagen-based liquid supplement can work to help build healthy tissues and keep lean muscle weight on people. Since collagen is the foremost protein in the body and makes up all our tissues, which include our hair, eyes, and nails, its role in our health is essential.

Type #2 people are usually too busy to eat and are very low in fiber. A lot of people are too busy to eat right, so liquid nutrition helps to meet the challenge. 9 out of 10 Americans do not get the daily recommended amount of fiber and most dont even get half the recommended amount. Newly available liquid fiber has made it more likely and easy for those Americans lacking fiber to achieve the recommended daily amount. The liquid can be taken as is from the bottle or added to any food or beverage.

Type #3 is those people who have difficulty swallowing which includes both children and adults. A liquid nutritional multiple vitamin and mineral provides a complete mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients in one single serving.

Type #4 people are those who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Liquid supplements are often the only way for these people to receive adequate nutrition as chemotherapy can diminish gastric function.

Type #5 consists of those people who are undergoing surgery, chronic disease, and recovery from illness. As some medical conditions can increase your nutritional needs and make it harder for you to meet those requirements from foods alone, liquid supplements, which are highly concentrated and typically supply many nutrients in a few ounces, are perfect for these individuals. With liquid supplements, these individuals are able to properly nourish their bodies to make up for what they are missing in food.

Type #6 is those people who are seeking nutrition insurance. Even though some people are consuming the minimum recommended dietary allowance for some nutrients, it does not mean that they are actually receiving enough for optimal health. Some recommended amounts are actually set too low for what we now know is needed for the average healthy individual. For these people, liquid supplements provide nutritional insurance and are easy to take and digest.

Type #7 people are those who are living on a budget. Liquid supplements actually save consumers money as compared to the number of different supplements you would need to purchase to equal what you would get in one capful of a super-concentrated liquid supplement. People who care about their health and take vitamin supplements can now enjoy their pills in liquid form.

Whether you fall under one of these categories or not, taking a liquid vitamin supplement can improve health and help you meat your bodies nutritional needs at a less expensive price than conventional multiple vitamin supplements. Visit your local health food store for brands and availability.