Archive for November, 2012

The Potentially Unsafe Side Effects of Herbal Dieting Programs

The Potentially Dangerous Complications of Plant based Dieting Products

You can find so many dieting, fat burning and lose the fat solutions in the marketplace that it can be difficult making a choice. The selling point to products which are more natural will never be lost on people who provide such diet products. That is the reason why you always see the use of plant based materials on the labels because the marketing is successful. But there’s a strong word of warning to people with these products. First, many people see the words, natural or herbal, and they believe the merchandise is safe. So people simply read a product has 100 % natural ingredients and they use it. However, numerous herbal products do have probable negative effects, and there can often be dangerous bad reactions with prescription drugs. Another possible problem exists because some people may be hypersensitive or susceptible to side effects while others may not.

There is yet another major point to remember about herbal ingredients in diet pills. Probably the majority of the substances have not been fully studied by reputable and impartial research. What frequently takes place is a research analysis will be performed on behalf, and paid for by, the maker that wants to market the product. As is straightforward, that reveals certain concerns along the lines of neutral research. So it is hardly surprising when the results are optimistic and the claims are fantastic. There are usually many ethical challenges associated with that circumstance as is plain to see. The obvious likely loser in these products will be the people who buy and take them.

There are quite a few natural dieting products available, but few of these substances have been researched or proven to work in some degree. One exception to this rule is ephedra when used in combination with caffeine because they actually produce results for weight reduction. The US Food and Drug Administration ultimately banned ephedra because people became severely ill and some passed away from using it. Most recently a new alternative emerged, Hoodia was released on the market amidst significant amounts of marketing and hype. This product, which is a plant derivative from South Africa, has been analyzed to some extent. You should know that hoodia can present dangerous potential negative effects for certain people. The way hoodia functions is it stops the capability for the brain to realize thirst and hunger feelings. So this product should be treated with guardedness if used.

Here is a very good example of what can arise with unproven, untested plant based weight loss ingredients. Seventy people who took an herbal diet product in Belgium experienced complete kidney failure. About fifty or so more persons experienced damage to their kidneys. Also, there was evidence of lesions that were cancerous in a number of the kidneys that were removed from those people. The natural compound used was Aristolochia fangchi, but the alarming part was that it was mistakenly used in place of a totally different herbal ingredient.

There isn’t any question that herbs have their place in alternative treatments. The issue is any person who decides to take them ought to become knowledgeable before using any plant based product. The only solution to safeguard yourself is to understand as much as you possibly can and try to use products made by trustworthy businesses.


Acai berry – Gain Overall Health Benefits

For human body, one of the healthiest ways of sugar consumption can be accomplished through certain types of fruits. But there are certain other types of fruits that are actually full of sugar, so if you are looking for a significant weight loss solution or want to get rid of excess fats, they might not help you. It is also essential to learn about the fruits that can help you gain overall health benefits. Acai berry is one of those fruits, which is low in sugar harmful to our body and can let you attain the optimum health you desire. A plentiful amount of acai supplements are available on the market, among which Pure Acai capsules are proven to be more beneficial to those who want to enjoy a hassle-free and disease-free life.

What are the benefits of acai berry?

In order to maintain a better health, it is a must to take wise decisions with regards to eating patterns. There have been several studies and researches done on acai berry capsules, and it has been found that these capsules are healthy and powerful supplements of essential nutrients. Acai berry can aid in healthy weight loss and overall well-being by boosting energy levels. Besides the above-mentioned benefits, there are several other benefits of acai berry capsules as well such as improved skin tone, enhanced vision, improved digestion, good sleeping pattern, and fortified immune system. These supplements are purely made of acai berry, so there are fewer chances of any side effects. In a survey, it has been found that most people, who are concerned for their fitness, consume this natural supplement in form of pills, powder, juice and other products. They may find these capsules as a true gift for their health. Acai berry fruit usually grows in Central and South America. This fruit is rich in antioxidants and contains several other essential vitamins. Due to these benefits, acai berry has gained an immense popularity among people who want to live a healthy life. It can help you attain natural health benefits as significant weight loss, high energy and high potency. These health supplements can be taken by both men and women of all ages, as it can help them lose body fats in an easy and natural way. Pure Acai supplement is a significant source of Omega 3, 6 and 9 and other essential fatty acids that can help in boosting metabolism. It can also help in fast and extended fat burning due to its antioxidant and dietary fibre content. This natural supplement is also rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. High proteins can help in providing amino acids to the muscles, which is needed for toning and shaping of the body. Each piece of acai berry carries about 8 grams of protein to form building block of the muscles. Dietary fibres in this natural fruit can help in digestion and detoxification the whole body. Improved immune system with the help of essential nutrients can put you in a better position to fight off various infections and lead a healthy life.


Vitamin D Deficiency Linked To Chronic Back Pain

Vitamin D deficiency is emerging as a potential factor in many chronic pain conditions. If you have back pain that has not responded to treatment, it is a good idea to have your vitamin D levels tested.

Vitamin D is usually absorbed through the skin from sunlight, and a small amount is obtained through diet. The winter months leave people in cold places at greater risk of becoming deficient in this vitamin, but anyone who doesn’t get much sunlight is at risk during all seasons.

Dr. Stewart Leavitt, executive director of Pain Treatment Topics, reviewed 22 studies assessing vitamin D levels in people with chronic pain. These studies represented 3,670 participants from various countries and of various ages. Leavitt found that 70% of chronic pain patients in these studies had deficient levels of vitamin D. In one study of 360 females with back pain, vitamin D supplementation resulted in improved symptoms for over 95% of participants.

Vitamin D and Calcium

Vitamin D plays many roles in the body, including the facilitation of calcium absorption. There are vitamin D receptors in the intestines that help calcium from the foods we eat to be absorbed through the intestinal wall into the blood, which then delivers it to many parts of the body, especially bones. Calcium keeps bones hard and strong. When vitamin D deficiency leads to inadequate amounts of calcium available to bones, this condition is called hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia, even on a small level, can increase the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH).

PTH is responsible for regulating the amounts of calcium in the body. When calcium levels fall low, PTH kicks in to increase levels. It does so partly by causing calcium to be released from bone. This is because other tissues of your body need calcium; muscles, for example, require calcium for contraction. Chronically high levels of PTH lead to improper bone mineralization, which is the process of transforming calcium and phosphorus into hard bone layers. High PTH levels can cause a spongy layer to form beneath the periosteum, or membrane that covers bones. This layer can expand by absorbing fluids and create pressure on the periosteum. A significant amount of pain can be experienced during this process, as periosteal membranes contain many nerves.

Low calcium levels cause bones to grow softer and weaker. Osteomalacia is the name given to this condition. Osteomalacia in the lower back can cause significant pain, as this area is highly mobile.

Since muscle contraction is facilitated by calcium, low levels of calcium (caused by low levels of vitamin D) lead to weaker muscles. Weak muscles are highly susceptible to fatigue and strain as they are incapable of performing work. The spine requires strong core muscles, including muscles in the lower back, to keep it aligned and upright. Weak muscles throughout the body will distort posture, which will cause pain in addition to fatigue and strain.

Aching bones and muscle pain are symptoms of many possible conditions, vitamin D deficiency being one. If you experience these symptoms and have not responded to other forms of treatment, it is possible that a deficiency in this crucial vitamin is the overlooked cause of your condition.

Besides facilitating calcium absorption, vitamin D acts to improve immune function, modulate the inflammatory response and regulate mood. If you receive a blood test that reveals a deficiency, your doctor can help determine what dosage is right for you. The vitamin is toxic in very high doses, so don’t exceed recommended doses.


Startling Facts About How to Get Rid Of Acne for Good

Getting rid of Acne

Have you ever actually sat down and thought about ways of getting rid of acne? I’m here to tell you that a simple solution does exist that will clear up your skin and prevent new blemishes. While in this article I will cover a few good tips about preventing acne, we will first look at some basic facts surrounding the condition.

Over the past few years, it seems as though a large variety of new products have arisen with distinctive methods to prevent and get rid of acne. Trust me; I have gone through all of them. While I do believe that most of them can help at some level, I’m pretty sure the majority are based on some kind of one-size-fits-all formula that is not aimed at your specific problem or skin-type.

For most of us, it would be best to try to eliminate acne by using more than one method. And trying these approaches can significantly reduce your stress. And while I don’t know about you, I definitely seem to be somebody who is not as stressed when I don’t have acne.

While there seems to be an uncountable amount of theories as to what will actually prevent acne, most can be categorized under stress, skin care, and diet. And from my experience, when I become more stressed and eat a lot of junk foods my acne becomes worse.

Let me explain

Scientifically, the link between what we eat and our activity levels regarding acne is currently unclear. However, there are studies which suggest that lower stress levels assist in getting rid of acne.

Stress is bad for acne because causes the balance between your internal system and your skin to go out of whack. Consequently your adrenaline and your sugar levels will generally increase, which in turn can cause an outbreak. To effectively prevent and get rid of acne you should consider your stress levels as well as basic skin care.

How I get rid of acne

Well, I make sure that I make time every day so I can do things that I like to do. Generally I keep people who stress me out away whenever possible.

Over time I learned that sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night allows my system to purify itself naturally while I rest.

You should also make sure that you get lots of vitamins. Often times we don’t get enough nutrients from diet alone, so I suggest you pick yourself up a good multivitamin that can be found easily at a grocery or health store near you.

I have noticed that when I started to take a good multivitamin on a regular basis, it started to gradually clear my skin and get rid of breakouts.


A Secret Way to Feel Fit and Healthy

Are you having problems with swelling? I know how hard it can be to get back on your feet after a nasty injury. In just a few sessions lymphatic drainage could help speed your recovery and get you back to 100%. Is this something that you would like to know more about? A secret way to feel fit and healthy all the time. If this is what you want, please read on and learn all about the lymphatic drainage.

You are sitting at the computer, perhaps you feel a little swelling in your ankles?

The act of sitting swells your legs especially if you are motionless for hours on end. This is due to your lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is a very complex system… it is everywhere in the body. It consists of glands, network nodes (such as the venous system) and lymph nodes. Lymph is the fluid flowing through it. It allows cells to feed, carries cellular waste and helps defend the body by transporting the necessary antibodies. Lymph flows through lymph vessels and lymph nodes that serve as filters for toxic substances in our body.

Interstitial fluid is the bath in which most of our cells float. It is this liquid that appears if we burn ourselves: it is the liquid in the blisters that form. It is also the fluid that is causes swelling.

When it comes to cells, lymph contains the necessary food to feed them and transports various wastes (digestion, dead cells, damaged cells, etc.) away. An imbalance between the fluid in the tissues and the ability to drain the lymph, causes congestion (edema), which has an impact on the functioning of the body. When the lymph slows, the cells can be poisoned by their own waste therefore good lymph circulation is necessary for the health of the body.

The lymphatic circulation system runs parallel to the bloodstream. The vessels are located between the skin and muscles.

Now that you have learnt a little something about the lymphatic system perhaps the solution to your problems is a good massage which specialises on lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique which consists of wave like movements. These movements are performed on the nodes and networks of the lymphatic system.

As you read this you feel relaxed, you would feel better after a massage especially concentrating on lymphatic drainage because it is very relaxing but more importantly lymphatic drainage has the effect of speeding up and facilitate the journey of lymph to the heart. In addition to this, it stimulates the lymph which activates the immune system and helps eliminate organic waste. The drainage also helps to expel the accumulated fluids in the tissues to reduce swelling and tissue congestion.

Lymphatic drainage can be used to:-

*Help reduce swelling;

*Help reduce inflammation (eg, bursitis, tendinitis, epicondylitis);

*Reduce sinusitis and allergies;

*Reduce headaches and migraines;

*In Preparation before surgery to increase the antibodies of the immune system;

*Improve circulation and help decongestion after the operation or injury;

*Improve sleep;

*Just relax.

Earlier, I asked if you wanted to know the secret to being healthy and feeling good. Lymphatic drainage is the answer. Try it and see for yourself.


Why Do I Feel Light Headed?

Millions of patients ask their doctor “Why do I feel light headed?” and they usually receive an answer with lots of possibilities. In fact, being light headed is the second most common complaint that doctors hear in their practices. The National Institute of Health predicts that 70% of Americans will experience this symptom in their life time. But there is one common cause that is often over looked.

First, let’s talk about some known causes of dizziness and being light headed.

Many of us experience this malady because we simply are dehydrated. How much water do you drink a day? Do you depend too much on coffee, tea and sodas? It is believed that nearly 75% of the population is simply dehydrated. Make sure you drink a glass of water when you get out of bed in the morning. Another potential cause could be poor blood circulation. This can only be confirmed by your physician and it could also be the root cause of other symptoms like numbness and coldness in the extremities. A poor diet and too much caffeine cannot be over looked as the culprit either.
I personally felt light headed symptoms over 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and acid reflux. The hiatal hernia at times causes spasms in the vagas nerve which can cause a whole host of symptoms not the least of which is being dizzy and light headed.

If you are on any kind of prescription drug then by all means read the side effects description for that drug. There is a pretty good chance that one of the effects is your problem. This is also true of over the counter remedies especially those that can be purchased for seasonal allergies. Since I’ve mentioned allergies you might want to consider them as a potential cause. Both seasonal and food allergies have been known to cause problems in this area. There are many other prime suspects to be considered such as low blood pressure, low blood sugar, physical exertion and diabetes. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor when experiencing symptoms that are not normal for you.

Secondly, let’s talk about an over looked cause of being light headed.

Research is bringing more light to the effects of stress on our emotions and our physical well being. Panic attack symptoms can include tingling in hands and fingers, a racing heart rate and light headedness. Studies conclude that growing numbers of people are experiencing anxiety disorders/panic attacks and the vast majority are not well informed about the causes and cures. The next time you wonder – why you feel light headed remember to check out anxiety and stress as a cause.


It’s a Great Time to Be on the HCG Diet

HCG is short for human chorionic gonadotropin. It is a hormone that has found a home being used in the regimen of weight loss.

In the world of dieting it is not too often that a diet comes along that can allow a person to lose one to 3 pounds per day for weeks, then be repeated, and then allow a person to lock in that weight loss forever. The biggest problem with diets is most of the weight comes back within a few years.

That is exactly what the HCG diet has allowed people to do. The diet has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity over the past 10 years. Interestingly, the diet has a severe calorie restriction associated with it. Patients on the standard hCG diet are only allowed consumption of 500 calories daily.

Over the past year, more modern weight loss doctors are allowing patients to consume 800 to 1200 calories per day. This modified calorie hCG diet has made all the difference in how patients view the ability to complete the diet. For instance, if the patient knows they’re going to have severe calorie restrictions in their diet it will make them want to cheat subconsciously by thinking they are not getting enough calories. Or because they are simply hungry.

In addition when you are able to increase the calories from 500 and double that up to a thousand, it allows patients the ability to exercise which is a primary components of how any good diet should be. The benefits of the hCG diet go beyond simply losing a lot of weight. That truly is the primary benefit is that patients look better, they feel better, self-esteem goes up tremendously.

But what really is additionally beneficial is that often times patients are able to lower their blood pressure, are able to stabilize their blood sugars, and are also able to get back vitality, energy, and sex drive with a new sense of enthusiasm for life.

Being on the HCG dieters are forbidden from eating processed foods. Foods on the diet are natural and do not contain significant saturated fat. It really does make individuals want to eat better which will help the patient shift into a new metabolic rate and then have it locked in. That means that future weight gain is not nearly as likely as with other diets. Individuals who will have a few pounds to lose may want to truly consider the HCG diet for their weight loss needs. It is a very doable diet and can completely change one’s life for the future.

Phoenix Integrative Medicine represents the premier weight loss center in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ along with providing bioidentical hormone replacement and wellness programs for anti-aging and cancer prevention.


Considering How To Remove A Mole Yourself

If you are intrigued by how to remove a mole yourself, then there are several strategies which you can successfully employ in this instance. There is no need for you to undergo any expensive or invasive surgery for this to happen as there are a host of different options which are available to you.

You can see moles appearing anywhere on your body. If they are notably prominent then this may make them draw unwanted attention and this may be the cause of personal embarrassment. This can have a detrimental effect on you. Moles are perfectly natural but you may not like the impact they have on your appearance.

If this applies in your case then you may have been looking at the many options which happen to be out there to help you treat the matter. Several mole removers can be used instead of opting for surgery. They are cheap, effective and widely available. If you choose surgery this involves either laser surgery or a process which involves cauterization using stitches which can leave scars.

These can be purchased from most pharmacies and are relatively inexpensive. In fact this will prove a great deal cheaper than forking out for surgery which can spiral into the thousands. For a lot less you can utilize ingredients that can help to get rid of your mole and this can be achieved without you being affected by any notable side effects.

If you are confused about which one is best for you, then it is always a good idea to try looking online at various user testimonials as you will see which ones have proven most effective. These are generally composed of natural ingredients which have few side effects. Before applying, scratch the moles surface with a clean needle.

When you have done this, the mole remover should be applied to the area in question. The ingredients begin to get to work. The many natural ingredients which can prove useful in this regard include tea tree oil and Castor oil. They are good to use to improve the overall condition of your skin and have a range of qualities that are anti bacterial and this will be useful when it comes to regular maintenance of healthy skin.

When you have dealt with the concern, it is always wise to figure out ways to reduce your chances of getting more moles. This can be achieved when you stick to a few basic guidelines which are easy to follow. Many things can cause moles to arise but sun exposure is something that you have control over. Make sure you always protect yourself well when you happen to be out in the sun and avoid exposure to the sun whenever this is possible.

If you are thinking about how to remove a mole yourself, then you are better off trying these methods and not opting to cut it off. This may cause infection if you try it and anything of this nature should be performed by a skilled professional. This may seem like a quick fix to the matter but should be avoided as it is potentially dangerous.


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