Omega 3 fish oil is the undisputed health supplement choice of many - and not without reason. This nutritional wonder is classified as a polyunsaturated fatty acid. The human body needs the following classes of fatty acids for their very survival:


  • Cholesterols

  • Saturated fats

  • Mono saturated fats and

  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the likes of Omega 3 fish oil


Fish Oil Health Benefits...

The Nutrition wonder of modern times - Omega 3 Fish oil -- is overwhelmingly advocated as the nutrient of choice for a healthy heart -- recommended by none other than the American Heart Association.

The benefits of fish oil, however, are much more numerous than just a healthy heart. For starters, the human body would well die without the requisite content of some specific fatty acids and it is not without reason that these fatty acids are more familiarly known as Essential Fatty Acids (EFA).

These fatty acids are better classified as:

Omega - 3 Fatty acids and

Omega - 6 Fatty acids

The Health Ratio...

The human body needs and ingests two kinds of fats, which are indispensable for healthy well being -- Omega-3 and Omega-6. The optimal ratio for a healthy human would well be 1:1 ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6. On the contrary, the average American diet is often constituted of the ratio in the range of 20:1 to even as high as 50:1 -- which could well translate into a health disaster in the years to come.

The omega-6 fats are primarily sourced from soy, corn, safflower and sunflower oils. On the contrary, Omega-3 are sourced from walnut and fish oils. The benefits of fish oils then could scarcely be better underlined considering that of all the sources of Omega-3 fats -- the preferred source being fatty fish -- especially fish rich in EPA and DHA -- both of which are fatty acids crucial for human health.

Fish Oil Health Benefits...

The therapeutically beneficial effects of Omega 3 Fish oil could well be innumerable to say the least. The following conditions may benefit:


  • Cardiac Diseases - Angina, Cardiac Arrhythmias, Congestive

  • Cardiac failure

  • Cognitive Decline

  • Malignancies

  • Autoimmue conditions

  • Skin problems

The benefits of fish oil are myriad, and some evidence has shown potential promise for also...


  • Raynaud's disease

  • Diabetes

  • Arthritis

  • Ulcerative Colitis

  • Maniac Depressive Psychosis

  • Schizophrenia


Omega 3 fish oil Dosage...

To get the benefits of fish oil...

Fish oil capsules containing 120 mg DHA and 180 mg EPA and the omega 3 fish oil is best consumed in the dose of: one capsule for every ten pounds of body weight preferably ingested in two divided doses. The doses being ideally taken on an empty stomach to offset the undesirable gastrointestinal effects of the likes of belching.

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Description

Colitis, or ulcerative colitis as it is also known, is one of the two chronic disorders known as inflammatory bowel syndrome (the other is Crohn's disease). The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown, but the condition most commonly affects people of Jewish descent between the ages of 15 and 35 and those who have a family history of the disease.

Ulcerative colitis occurs when tiny ulcers and small abscesses develop on the interior walls of the colon, causing moderate to severe inflammation of the intestinal lining. This inflammation causes diarrhea and abdominal pain. Sometimes the ulcers bleed, streaking the diarrhea with blood. Ulcerative colitis usually affects only a small segment of the intestine, though the entire colon can be effected.

Most individuals with colitis have remission periods-during which they do not experience symptoms-that alternate with flare-ups. In some people these painful flare-ups are brought on by stress; in others the cause of flare-ups is less predictable. In the majority of cases, the condition is more a discomfort than a serious health risk. But approximately 15 percent of sufferers whose entire colons are affected are at increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea that contains either blood or pus

Painful, urgent bowel movements

Fever

Fatigue and muscle weakness

Weight loss

Joint pain, skin problems, and eye problems

Conventional Medical Treatment

After taking a detailed history of your symptoms, a physician may perform a barium X-ray, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy to arrive at a diagnosis. Treatment for ulcerative colitis is generally limited to symptomatic periods and typically includes an anti-inflammatory medication, such as sulfasalazine or corticosteroids. An estimated 20 to 25 percent of colitis patients do not respond to medication and need colostomy surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon. If you have had colitis for eight years or more, your physician may suggest an annual colonoscopy to check for cancerous growths.

Also Recommended

flaxseed oil (as directed on label)-protects the lining of the colon

garlic (as directed on label)-has a healing effect on the colon

Multimineral complex with calcium, chromium, magnesium, and zinc (as directed on label)-minerals are not easily absorbed in colitis victims; calcium is needed for the prevention of cancer, which can occur as a result of constant irritation

vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3000 to 5000 mg in divided doses)-boosts immune function and heals mucous membranes; use in buffered form

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

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Hawthorn berry extract is an old herbal remedy for heart conditions. Today, Hawthorne berries are used in some natural products designed to promote heart health.

Legends, historical evidence and scientific evaluation surround hawthorn berry extract. One Christian legend holds that the "Crown of Thorns" was made from the hawthorn berry tree or bush, which originally grew in Europe, Asia, Northern Africa and much of the Mediterranean region. Today, the shrub grows in many other areas of the world and the hawthorn berries are believed by some to have miraculous healing properties.

Archeologists have found evidence that appears to indicate that ancient Chinese people used hawthorn berries to make a fermented beverage. Remnants of the hawthorn berry have been found in pottery jars dating to pre-Christian times, around 7000 B.C. It is believed that these beverages were medically or religiously significant, even then.

The New York Medical Journal first published a report concerning the use of hawthorn berries in the treatment of heart disease in October 1896. A Dr. Green of Ennis, Ireland had developed a reputation for "curing" heart disease, but refused to share his secret with colleagues. After his death, his daughter revealed the name of the remedy used by her father. The name was Crataegus Oxycantha, the older botanical name for the Common Hawthorn. The official designation is now Crataegus monogyna, but the older name is often used. According to his notes, the doctor used an extract or a concentrated form of hawthorn berry.

Clinical trials and research continued on the medicinal value of hawthorn berries throughout the early 1900's and is still going on today. Scientific evaluation of the benefits of the hawthorn berry to human health has only been partially completed. It is believed that antioxidants, flavonoids or other compounds such as epicatechin, quercetin and rutin, are responsible for the beneficial effects of hawthorn berries. It is sometimes added to health supplements designed to promote heart health, reduce blood pressure and correct unhealthy cholesterol levels.

The most recent studies of the medicinal value of hawthorn berries are related to its affect on the liver, the digestive system, the cardiovascular system and as an anti-inflammatory. Numerous studies have been completed. These studies use a concentrated extract of the hawthorn berry.

The hawthorn berry extract used by scientists has natural anti-inflammatory action. Chronic inflammation has been associated with numerous life threatening conditions including cancer and heart disease, but use of the known anti-inflammatory drugs does not reduce the risk of developing these conditions. In fact, NSAIDs increase blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and can be damaging to other organs of the body, as well.

On the other hand, it is believed that natural anti-inflammatories, such as those found in hawthorn berries and other herbs, fruits and vegetables, can reduce cancer risks and the risk of heart disease. These natural compounds can also lower blood pressure and reduce blood cholesterol levels, two major risk factors for heart disease.

Hawthorn berry extract has been shown to reduce ulcerative colitis, probably due, once again, to its anti-inflammatory activity. Ulcerative colitis is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases. While not life threatening, it is difficult to live with and the best known treatment for many years was surgical removal of the affected parts of the bowel and colon. Some herbalists recommend hawthorn berries for people suffering from ulcerative colitis and other digestive problems.

Hawthorn berry extract has been shown to protect the liver from damage usually associated with cardiac events in laboratory animals. After a heart attack, liver function is impaired. The exact reasons for the beneficial affects of hawthorn berries extract on the liver are unknown.

In the vascular system, hawthorn berry extract has been shown to reduce calcification. It is calcification of arterial plaques that leads to atherosclerosis, which is commonly referred to as a hardening or narrowing of the arteries leading to the heart. Calcification of arterial plaques can also cause blood clots, leading to strokes and heart attacks.

Even though some health care professionals have recognized the medicinal value of hawthorn berries for over 100 years, research related to them is still considered preliminary. Most scientific research is funded by pharmaceutical companies and pharmaceutical companies cannot patent naturally occurring substances. So, hawthorn berries and other natural remedies are of little interest to them.

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There are many forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), with the main ones including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Whilst they are all different, the main symptoms remain almost the same. They all involve the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and they are basically caused by an abnormal response in the body's immune system.

The immune system is there to protect our bodies against foreign objects and disease. Unfortunately, when a person suffers from this bowel disorder, their immune system can mistake anything; including food and other helpful materials found in the digestive system, as a threat. It tries to protect the body by attacking the cells within the immune system and white blood cells go to the lining of the intestines and cause the inflammation. That is when the symptoms of the condition can be felt. The condition can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects people aged 15-30.

So, how do you know if you have Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Look for the symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of IBD?

There are a number of common symptoms that a person with IBD will suffer with. These include abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, bright red blood in the stools and vomiting. It is not uncommon for loss of appetite to occur and for you to feel increasingly drowsy.

Every person will experience differing levels of the symptoms. Some people may only experience slight discomfort every now and again, whilst others could develop frequent intestinal ulcers and inflamed joints or even eye problems.

If you suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, it only affects the large intestine. Crohn's Disease can affect any part of the intestines, but typically, it affects the lower small intestine.

Diagnosis of the Condition

In order to detect IBD, doctors will usually carry out a Colonoscopy. This includes a small camera being inserted into the anus so that the doctor can get a better idea of what is going on inside your intestines. A biopsy can be done during this procedure and foreign lesions can be removed if necessary.

However before that is given, the doctor will give you an initial consultation. You will have to provide your medical history details and discuss any medications that you may be taking. If this illness is suspected, blood tests may be given to see whether there is any inflammation within the body. You will also be required to give a stool sample.

Whilst a Colonoscopy is the most common test used to diagnose the condition, an upper endoscopy may also be given. This checks the stomach and the upper small intestine for any ulcers or bleeding. You may also be given a Barium Study that involves you drinking a thick white solution known as Barium. This solution shows up white on an X-Ray and the doctor will see exactly what is going on within the intestines.

Overall IBD is more serious than IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). The symptoms can be particularly painful and uncomfortable. If you do notice that you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above then you should consult your doctor straight away.

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The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) has helped thousands of people recover from bowel problems, including Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Celiac Disease. But will it cure your Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Cell science researcher, Elaine Gottschall MSc, popularized the SCD in her book, Breaking the Vicious Cycle. Gottschall learned about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet in a successful attempt to cure colitis in her 8-year-old daughter. Then she did the science to figure out why it worked.

The SCD is a way of eating that is gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and almost completely dairy-free-only lactose-free dairy products are allowed. It is designed to heal and prevent bowel problems when there has been damage to the intestinal wall.

Does this apply to you if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Probably not. Lots of people with IBS don't need to eat gluten-free and do well on a diet that includes white rice, oatmeal, and crackers and bread made from white flour. On the gluten-free, wheat-free Specific Carbohydrate Diet, these foods are big no-no's.

Secondly, there's no bowel damage in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. There is inflammation and damage in conditions like Celiac, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis but not with IBS, so there's no need to heal the bowel.

So, what's the story? Why do some people with IBS thrive on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and not others?

One answer comes from James Braly MD and Ron Hoggan MA, authors of Dangerous Grains. According to them, as many as one out of three people is grain-sensitive and will react to gluten, wheat and all grain products, even when they don't show reactions on a conventional allergy test. Fortunately, that means the majority of us-two out of three-are okay with grains.

Among people with IBS, you could be in either group, the one-out-of-three or the two-out-of-three, which is why some IBS folks are fine with grains and flour products and some aren't.

But how can you tell?

Braly and Hoggan recommend a blood test they describe in detail in their book, and believe this is more accurate than allergy scratch tests or challenge tests. There are also services in most cities that test for reactions to grains by computer or with applied kinesiology.

Probably the least expensive way to get a sense of whether or not you react to grains is to look at your blood relatives and their health patterns. Do your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or siblings have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac, chronic diarrhea or constipation, food allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, brain disorders, intestinal disease, chronic pain, digestive disorders, infertility & problematic pregnancies, diabetes mellitus, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, or lupus?

According to Braly and Hoggan, when your family members have any or several of these conditions, they can be a sign of the inability to digest grains even if there are no obvious bowel problems. (Many more diseases and chronic conditions are listed in their book which details over 100 health problems that are linked to grains.)

So will the Specific Carbohydrate Diet cure your IBS? It depends on what is stressing your digestion in the first place. If it's largely a grain- or mould-related stress, then the SCD could be your best friend. But if your IBS is more typically caused by stored trauma and you have no markers of grain-sensitivity, then you need a treatment that goes beyond food. For more information, see the article on this site called: Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Breakthrough in Brain Research Helps You Heal IBS.

穢 Results in Healing Inc.

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Cough with or without expectoration, chest pain, dyspnea and hemoptysis are the most frequent respiratory symptoms. Cough with expectoration is a prominent symptom in inflammatory lesions such as bronchitis and pneumonia or in irritative and allergic lesions of the respiratory tract. Pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis and early stages of bronchitis give rise to cough without expectoration. In some infections like Bordetella pertussis and Klebsiella, paroxysms of cough are followed by a long inspiratory whoop caused by laryngeal spasm. Cough elicited by change of posture (Postural Cough) is characteristic of bronchiectasis, lung abscess, and bronchopleural fistula, "Bovine Cough" or "gander Cough" is the term used to denote cough devoid of its explosive (tussive) phase. This occurs in bilateral adductor paralysis of the vocal cords. In asthma cough and dyspnea tend to recur regularly at night. In left sided heart failure with pulmonary edema, cough occurs in the recumbent posture. Development of a sudden and uncontrollable paroxysm of cough in an otherwise healthy person should suggest the possibility of an aspirated foreign body.

Cough is generally a protective reflex designed to keep the airway patent and clear the exudates. Sometimes irritant cough becomes troublesome, interfering with sleep and causing severe annoyance to the patient. Other unto-wards effects of cough include syncope (cough syncope), penumothorax, mediastinal and surgical emphysema and rib fractures (cough fracture). In children paroxysmal cough may lead to sub-conjuctival hemorrhage.

Sputum
The material expectorated from the respiratory tract is called sputum. In healthy individuals the secretion of the respiratory passages is less than 100ml in 24 hours. And this is just adequate to provide a protective lining, and there is no expectoration. Expectoration in excess of 10-25 ml of sputum in 24 hours, should raise the possibility of disease. Copious amounts in excess of 300 ml are seen in bronchiectasis and lung abscess. Character of the sputum often suggests the underlying pathology. Sputum is serosanguinous in pulmonary edema, mucoid and sticky in asthma and chronic bronchitis, thick and purulent in bronchiectasis and lung abscess, creamy yellow in pulmonary tuberculosis, blood stained in carcinoma, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, mitrial stenosis and pulmonary infarction, rusty in pneumonia and black in coal worker's pneumoconiosis. Foul smelling sputum is suggestive of bronchiectasis, lung abscess or gangrene of the lung.

Presence of blood in the sputum is termed "hemoptysis". In true hemoptysis blood is derived from the airways or the lungs. The quantity of blood may be small as in mitral stenosis or massive as in cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis or neoplasm. Sometimes blood is derived from the upper respiratory passages or mouth and this is termed "spurious hemoptysis". Hemoptysis is a manifestation of serious underlysing disease warranting full investigation. Though rare, massive hemoptysis results in considerable loss of blood demanding emergency management in non-respiratory hypertension occurring in mitral stenosis, acute pulmonary edema, pulmonary infarction, trauma and hemorrhagic diseases. Rarely massive and fatal hemoptysis may develop when an aortic aneurysm erodes into the trachea or a bronchus. Spurious hemoptysis is commonly resorted to by hysterical individuals to attract medical attention.

management of hemoptysis:
The patient should be hospitalized as an emergency and a rapid clinical examination is done to determine the cause. It is important to avoid percussion, which may worsen the hemoptysis. The patient is put to bed and sedated with diazepam 10mg administered intramuscularly. Respiratory depressants such as morphine should be avoided since they impair expectoration. Blood loss and its effects are assessed by monitoring the volume of blood expectorated and the pulse, respiration and blood pressure. If the blood loss exceeds 200-300ml in 24 hours and it is persistent, blood transfusion is indicated.

In the majority of cases the underlying cause can be made out by clinical examination and chest radiography. Specific treatment is instituted early (e.g antituberculosis drugs in abscess, etc) in conditions where such treatment is available, majority of cases subside with rest, sedation, and blood transfusion. In conditions like pulmonary neoplasms, bleeding tends to persist, In such cases emergency bronchoscopy is done to locate the lesion and bleeding is located and the opposite lung is normal, induction of collapse by artificial pneumothorax serves to arrest bleeding promptly.

Digital clubbing (Hippocratic fingers)
This is caused by increase in the volume of soft tissue in and around the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes, especially the nail beds. This leads to increased curvature of the nails. Severity of clubbing varies and this has been graded for clinical purposes.
Grade 1: Fluctuation of the nail can be elicited on the nail bed.
Grade 2: The normal angle between the nail and nail bed is lost.
Grade 3: The terminal portion of the phalanx and nail appears as a drumstick or a parrot beak.
Grade 4: In addition to digital clubbing, other regions show pulmonary osteo-arthropathy.

Causes
• Respiratory diseases- suppurative lesions like bronchiectasis, lung abscess, emphysema, and infected cysts; advanced tuberculosis with bronchiectatic changes, bronchoganic carcinoma, pneumoconiosis, fobrosing alveolitis, and pleural fibroma.
• Cardiovascular disorders- Cyanotic congenital heart diseases and infective endocarditis.
• Alimentary disorders- Malabsorption states, ulcerative colitis, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatomas and amoebic live abscess.
• Miscellaneous groups- Clubbing may develop in thyroxicosis. At times it may occur nonpathologically in several members of a family (familial clubbing). Repeated trauma to the finger tips as occurring in carpenters and blacksmiths leads to occupational clubbing.

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Ulcerative colitis is also a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It affects the intestines, especially the large intestine or colon. There are ulcers or open sores in the colon. The main symptom is a nagging diarrhea with blood. Ulcerative colitis is similar to Crohn's disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but it is not that serious a condition. It is an intermittent disease. It has phases of exacerbated symptoms and phases that are free of symptoms. The symptoms might disappear on their own, but usually this disease needs treatment. The symptoms are abdominal pain, mild fever, cramping, diarrhea, loss of appetite and anemia.

There are drugs to combat this disease. Coping with stress is not a substitute to medication, but it can ease the emotional anxiety that accompanies this disease. People suffering from ulcerative colitis are prone to stress. Their overactive immune system needs to be pacified. When an individual is under stress, the body starts secreting hormones like adrenalin, and molecules called cytokines. They are stimulants. This triggers inflammation as the immune system is stimulated. This aggravates ulcerative colitis. This phenomenon is called flare-up. Living with this disease is stressful. The patient has to be aware of the bathrooms when he visits someone's house. While others are enjoying the visit, he is full of anxiety owing to his precarious situation. Stress is bound to occur in such situations making the scenario worse.

Stress does aggravate ulcerative colitis. You will be tensed and unhappy if you are a victim of this disease. Try to cure yourself from it. It is a painful illness and an embarrassing one. Try to remain stress free and be on medication to cure yourself completely.

Crohn's disease is another type of inflammatory bowel disease which is a disease of the intestine that can affect any portion of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. It gives rise to abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea and vomiting.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease of the large intestine and it has an effect on the colon and the rectum. Irritable bowel syndrome is a bowel disorder which is identified by abdominal pain bloating, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits without a proper cause. Sometimes this discomfort is relieved by bowel movements. There is alternating diarrhea and constipation. It may be the outcome of a stressful life, onset of maturity or the effect of an infection.

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Before digestion actually occurs, the smell of food or the thoughts about food when you are hungry is the signal to salivate. This moistens the mouth and makes it possible to swallow food.

Digestion occurs in four stages beginning with the mouth, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

Mouth

There are two actions that take place when you put food in your mouth. One is to start breaking down food by chewing. While you are chewing saliva further breaks down food because of the enzyme amylase. Not chewing your food enough causes strain on the stomach to break down larger chunks.

Stomach

The stomach produces about 3 quarts of acid per day. This in combination with enzymes further breaks down the food. It is in the stomach that proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are processed for nutrient absorption. The hydrochloric acid also kills off viruses and bacteria.

Small Intestine

The pancreas, which releases enzymes, and the gallbladder, which releases bile salts, assist the small intestine in further breakdown. It is in the small intestine that most of the nutrient absorption takes place. Unfortunately, today's poor diets from over processed foods, pollutants in our agriculture and misinformation, has created a nation susceptible to poor health and disease. Long term poor diet results in the body literally starving for nutrients while we gain unwanted weight, fatigue and immune system difficulties.

Large Intestine

The large intestine takes the remaining mass and absorbs water, electrolytes and some left over nutrients. The indigestible mass remains until it can be excreted.

What Can Go Wrong

Most everyone has experienced diarrhea or constipation in their lives and someone who is in relatively good condition will find this to be temporary. Diarrhea is when the muscles in the intestines move the mass along too quickly and there is not enough time for the water to be absorbed in the system. This is why doctors get concerned about dehydration. The opposite is true for constipation where the waste moves along very slowly so the water gets absorbed and the waste hardens making it difficult to excrete.

There are several conditions that cause havoc in the intestines that can cause poor health.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS, is where the muscles in the colon are not working properly. This can cause constipation or diarrhea, bloating and cramping, a very uncomfortable condition.

Colitis is a chronic inflammation of the intestines where the top layer of lining of the intestinal wall can be damaged and ulcers occur. This causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and possible bleeding. Ulcerative Colitis can be difficult to diagnose because it is similar to IBS and Crohns disease.

Crohns disease mainly affects the small intestine but can affect any part of the digestive system including the mouth and stomach. This disease causes inflammation even deeper in the intestinal lining.

The stomach and esophagus are not immune to irritation. The esophagus can get inflamed from acid reflux or GERD. The acid from the stomach can move up to the esophagus and damage the lining. The stomach can experience ulcers which can be quite painful.

There are other digestive disorders that can make one's life miserable, but, there is hope for any of these conditions. Lifestyle changes and eating habits can do much to ease or reduce symptoms. The fuel you put in your body has everything to do with how efficiently your body runs. It is a well known fact that if you put bad gas in your car it will run poorly or not at all. The same holds true for a body. If you have spent years abusing your body by giving it bad fuel, it stands to reason that it will not function well. So what do you do?

Start by evaluating what you eat on a daily basis and keep notes. Get educated in health and nutrition. The grocery stores are full of canned and packaged processed foods. Processed foods are truly an enemy to good health. Some nutrition is taken out, preservatives put in to ensure shelf life, great for the shareholders who are happy with their profits but bad for proper health.

Next time you go to a grocery store try this little exercise. Avoid all the center aisles for food items. This means no canned or processed foods, only non food items such as toothpaste, paper towels etc. Do go to the meat dept. for all natural meats, (but do keep portions way down, you really don't need much more than 3 oz). Then go to the produce section for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, preferably organic. This means actual cooking which may not be as convenient as processed foods, but by far much healthier. If you don't have time to cook daily, take a Sunday afternoon and prepare meals to place in the freezer.

Drink a lot of water! Just drink up all day long. You would be amazed at what drinking water can do for your health. (Note, the more dehydrated you are, the more pain you feel) Water is so important in flushing your system of toxins and waste. Your toilet will not flush without water and this is true for your body as well. Most Americans are semi dehydrated and don't know it. You can get some of your liquids from fruits and vegetables, teas etc., but not drinking water through out the day will make it tough on your entire body. Some times when you feel a bit hungry you may actually be thirsty. Drink a glass of water first. If your craving for food goes away then you know it was thirst.

Your body relies on the digestive system for your very survival. A malfunctioning system impairs water and nutrient absorption. It can go like this for a long time but at your own peril. *** Long term neglect can result in conditions such as GERD, IBS which includes chronic constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitisor Celiac disease or even cancer.*** While you may enjoy the cookies, pies, cakes and fatty foods that you know are not good for you, you will pay later! No matter the state your body is currently in with regards to the digestive system, you can do something about it. So DO something about it! You'll live longer, lose weight and feel so much better.

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Osteoporosis is a general decrease in peak bone mass which may be a part of normal aging in most cases, however, the actual bone loss can lead to fragile and easily broken bones especially in the wrists and hips. It affects women more often than men with about 翹 of American women suffering from some level of osteoporosis to some degree. (It only affects 1/8 of men).

There are several factors that increase risk and certain demographic groups are more likely to have severe osteoporosis than others. These include Asian, American and Caucasian women. Risk factors include: smoking, heavy use of alcohol, steroid medication use, anticonvulsants, heparin (an anti coagulant medication) inflammatory bowel disease (both Chrohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis) and a sedentary life style. Small framed women are most susceptible and those who have family history, particularly of vertebrae fractures are also high risk groups.

Symptoms of osteoporosis include backache, a possible loss of height, abdominal distension and Dowager's Hump. Women who are at increased risk or those who show any of the symptoms of osteoporosis should have a bone scan which can determine how thin or thick the bone mass is. The National Osteoporosis Foundation suggests bone scans for:

- All women at age 65 or older

- Post-menopausal women under age 65 with one or more of the major osteoporosis risk factors

- Post-menopausal women who have broken a bone

- Those on long term estrogen replacement therapy

- Women who have taken glucorticoids for two months or longer

- Those with medical conditions that increases their risk

- Women who have lost one inch or more in height

- Women with a body mass index that is below 18.

Preventing osteoporosis is much easier than trying to deal with it once it is started. There are medications that can restore some bone density, but it does not work for everyone and can take a long time to start. There are several steps that can be taken to make sure that the bone density stays strong- including a healthy diet and weight bearing exercise. In addition, making sure that there is enough calcium in the diet is very important as well.

It is a persistent myth that protein can cause or exacerbate osteoporosis in the general public, however, that has been repeatedly shown to be false in numerous studies. The theory is that increased protein raises the acidity of the blood causing the body to use mineral from the bones to buffer the blood and bring this acid level back down to its normal range.

Early studies suggested that protein caused a faster rate of exertion of calcium in the urine, however newer studies are showing that 1) this is not actually true and 2) the results that were retrieved with the early studies were possibly skewed. Newer studies are showing that in some cases, the reverse might actually be true, however there are several factors that have to be considered-

- Earlier tests may not have taken into account mitigating factors including overall general health, dietary intake, activity level, gender and family history

- Athletes, who already have denser bones than others are typically the ones that are eating the higher protein amounts that were used in the earlier testing.

Most of the people who are at higher risk of osteoporosis are in their sixties or seventies. Most of this age group is not eating high protein diets to begin with, however they should be increasing their overall protein intake as well as their calcium intake, to protect against osteoporosis and other conditions and diseases that they may be facing.

Older adults typically do not have good appetites nor do they eat a healthy and well balanced diet. There are several reasons that older people, especially women, stop eating but it increases their risk for a number of vitamin and mineral deficiencies which may also increase their risk for osteoporosis.

Phosphorous is also a problem with those at high risk for osteoporosis. Sources for phosphorous includes: soda, halibut, non-fat yogurt, skim milk, salmon, chicken breast, oatmeal, extra lean ground beef, broccoli and lima beans. Nearly all (85%) of the phosphorous in the body is located in the bones and is vital for many of the chemical reactions in the body. However, the balance of calcium to phosphorous is so delicate that too much phosphorous will leach calcium from the bones and into the blood stream where it will eventually be filtered by the kidneys and then excreted by the bladder in the urine. It may be this imbalance that suggests that protein is the culprit (most of the foods that are high in phosphorous are also protein foods).

Eating a Better Diet for Health and Well Being

Experts suggest that seniors should increase their protein intake regardless of their activity level, however they should also increase their activity level. Weight bearing exercise can help maintain their bone density and prevent them from getting osteoporosis or can slow the progression of the disease. To have the energy that is needed to accomplish these exercises as well as being able to build lean muscle mass, the diet has to include the right amounts of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Because of the lack of appetite, using a protein supplement between meals or as a meal replacement might be beneficial to the older adult.

Protein, because it is so important to the body, must be consumed in the right amounts, but the right types of protein may also be a beneficial consideration as well. After all, not all proteins are created equally. Soy protein, for instance has been shown to decrease bone loss in postmenopausal women as well as another of additional health benefits. Miso, which is a fermented soy bean pasted favored by the Japanese, has been shown to increase bone density in post menopausal women as well as decreasing breast cancer risk.

Protein Supplements to Try

Soy protein and soy products such as miso are good sources of phytoestrogens, however, there are other protein sources that might be beneficial to the newly active, older adult, making sure that they are getting enough protein in their diet and possibly enough calories as well.

Soy protein is not only found in food sources, but in powdered supplement form, as both an isolate and a concentrate. There are some people who are allergic to soy however, so be careful when starting it as a supplement and always check with your doctor before adding any kind of supplement to your diet.

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Over 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disorder - if you're one of them - read on for a recipe that could provide some much needed relief!

Having an autoimmune disorder, namely Ulcerative Colitis, I'm probably a bit more in tune with my body than most - my body speaks to me loud and clear. Over the past few years I've learned what food and drinks work for my mind and body, and this has saved me a lot of heart (and stomach) ache.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, mint and ginger have healing properties that miraculously saved my Mexican vacation. Today I'll be showing you how to make a drink whose main ingredient is turmeric. Yep - a turmeric drink. Don't stop reading just yet! Along with providing a variety of health benefits, especially for people suffering from gastrointestinal issues, this drink comes with an added bonus: you'll experience what the locals in Indonesia drink - like becoming a world traveler without leaving your kitchen!

I first read about the healing powers of Jamu, or traditional Indonesian medicine, from fellow healer Chloe Park, who mentioned she fell in love with a turmeric juice beverage, Jamu Kunyit, when she was living in Bali. If you're like me, you're thinking, cool, a drink the Bali locals enjoy - tell me more! More likely, though, you're thinking, um, Turmeric juice sounds gross. Or you might even be thinking, I have no idea what turmeric is. Whichever category you fall into, let's rewind a bit and talk turmeric!

Turmeric is a fragrant yellow spice popular in Indian curries and contains the powerful compound curcumin, whose antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects benefit a whole range of conditions, including IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). It may also provide protection against colon cancer, boost cognitive performance, and early studies suggest it may even prevent and break down Alzheimer's brain plaques.

I was awakened to healing powers of Turmeric by a friend (Hi Nora!) who was able to stop talking a prescription medication (Asacol/Mesalamine) for her Colitis condition by taking Turmeric capsules (important note: I am not recommending you stop taking any medication, please first have a conversation with your trusted health professional!). When I heard Nora's story, I was intrigued, and did a little of my own research on the topic. More information on Turmeric came via a Harvard medical school graduate, and founder of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Andrew Weil. In his Self Healing magazine, Dr. Weil says: "Cancer, in many cases is probably related to chronic, on-going inflammation. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory, especially for people with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary (liver or gall bladder) malignancies" You can safely take 2-8 grams in a capsule form daily, which ideally contains piperine, a component of black pepper that boosts turmeric absorption.

Personally, I like to use Turmeric capsules when my body "asks for them". You may be thinking, what does he mean ask for them. Here, I'll explain. Through yoga and meditation, my intuition has greatly increased. I call intuition that gut feeling we all experience on the inside, knowing what we should do when we're in a dilemma, or when something is wrong, or right. As bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell explains in his bestselling book Blink: The Power Of Thinking Without Thinking - intuitive decision-making can result in a better outcome than relying on more lateral methods, such as lists of pros and cons. A recent study backed this up, with brain scans showing that a structure called the ventral striatum responds immediately to subconscious cues. Scientists call it 'instrumental learning' - your instinct recognizes a situation as familiar and suggests an instant response before you've had time to process rational thought. So "pain" as I feel it in a particular place in my body, at a particular level - goes away when I take turmeric. Visit your local health food store to see what turmeric suplements they carry.

Let's get back to Jamu Kunyit, shall we? As Chloe explains, Jamu Kunyit is a drink that is highly regarded in Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. While you might not think that a flavor used in curry sounds very tasty as a cold beverage, a little lemon, honey, and tamarind help create an exotic, flavorful drink with awesome healing benefits. As for me, I've found myself with higher energy, cleaner - and easier - bowel movements, less to no pain, less inflammation - and seemingly no joint pain that use to creep up sometimes. Magical eh?

If you're still unsure about whether to try this drink, consider that turmeric is also a natural liver detoxifier and a kidney cleanser. It speeds metabolism and aids in weight management. Plus, it alleviates conditions of depression, psoriasis, damaged skin, arthritis, and more.

Alright, you've got to be interested by now, right?!

Without further ado, here's my version of the recipe:Ingredients:

5-7 inches Turmeric

5-7 pieces of Tamarind

2 lemons (or lime if you prefer)

Raw honey

Water

Blender

Mason jar(s) or another glass jar with a lid

Peel Turmeric. Your fingers may turn yellow. No worries! Dish soap get's it right out. If your cutting board or counter top gets stained, slather on the all-natural dish soap and rub it in. Let it soak in for 5 min, or longer, and then scrub with water and sponge. The turmeric stain will vanish. Wanting a more potent drink, I used all the Turmeric in the package, and at less than $1.50, it was a bargain. In all I probably used around 12 inches.

Crack and open the Tamarind. Make sure you remove the inner roots as well. We're only going to use the inner fruit

Fill a pot with water, put peeled Turmeric inside and let boil for at least 20 minutes, or until the water becomes a rich and vibrant marigold color. Note, the amount of water you use will be the amount of liquid you have to drink later on.

While the Turmeric is boiling, get a pan and pour ~1inch of water into a pan with the peeled Tamarind. Stir the fruit with a wooden utensil. Mix it in with the water so it can melt and dissolve into a jam-like texture. More water shouldn't be needed, but if it's looking a bit dry, pour additional water as needed.

By this time you should be able to see the little seeds coming out. When the texture of the tamarind looks soft, turn the heat off and let it cool down

Back to the Turmeric water. The color should now look ready. Pour in a little bit of cold water to lower the temperature. Pour the Turmeric water into the blender with the Turmeric roots. We boiled it so the root could soften and have more flavor. Now it's ready to blend, for even more flavor, and richness! The color should now look like an extra, extra fiery marigold.

Go back to the Tamarind in the pan. Using a wooden utensil, or if, like me, you prefer your clean hands, separate the soft bits of the fruit, like a jam consistency from the seeds and seed peels. Note: If you don't want to get your hands dirty the original recipe called for a strainer and bowl for this step but it didn't work for me. If you figure that one out do let us know.

Pour the Tamarind that has been caught in the bowl into the blender with the Turmeric water. Buzz it around again.

Squeeze your lemons into the blender, pour your healthy anti-inflammatory elixir into the mason jar(s), add honey, close the lid and shake to mix.

Store in fridge up to 3-4 days and drink daily.

To Improve the bioavailability of the main ingredient, curcumin, experiment with mixing black pepper, virgin coconut oil, or raw egg yolk(hey - I'm just the messenger), in with the Jamu drink.

Enjoy your drink! The first time I made this drink it made me feel warm, alive, and energetic. I'd love to hear how you feel after drinking. Tell me in the comments section at the bottom.

Note: I found tamarind and turmeric root at my local Ranch 99 Asian grocery store. I've also heard Whole Foods carries them.

Oh, BTW, this drink was pretty fast to make but did result in what was probably one of my best kitchen mess disasters. (Note to Self: hold down the blender top while blending) I'll have to blog about that another time, with pictures. Also, I should note that I used my back-up blender as my friend was borrowing my Vitamix Blender. Now my back-up blender,Cuisinart, because it is made from plastic, is a yellowish hue - due to the turmeric. Ironically my friends tell me they like the color and thought I bought it this way.

Until next time, and in good health,

Joel

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