Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Self-help - The best mild depression treatment

Clinical depression is a condition that is far removed from the everyday meaning of “feeling depressed”. Occasional sadness or absence of motivation does not classify as clinical depression. A clinical diagnosis that refers to a prolonged state of sadness, melancholia or despair is what constitutes clinical depression. The sadness needs to have reached a level where it starts hampering work schedules and social activities for it to be apt for drug treatment.

Mild depression basically means that there are some symptoms of depression but the individual is still able to do justice, although with difficulty, to family, societal or job commitments that he may have. Treating depression with antidepressants is not advisable if you are suffering from mild depression. Mild depression can be managed using natural remedies for depression.

Even though it may not need drug treatment, mild depression should not be ignored. Simple solutions can save the day if such cases of depression are identified and addressed. Sometimes it is a simple case of giving vent to your feeling in front of a relative or a friend. Sometimes sharing your experience with others who have undergone similar experiences can help a lot. Self help groups or local agencies can be approached. Select a self help group that deals with conditions in certain specific areas like bereavement, marital issues, and childhood abuse. If all this does not work, you can consult a counselor who can give professional guidance and can suggest workable tools and methods to meet the challenge head on. If you are hesitant to seek external help, try some of the following methods. Some of them may sound a bit far fetched but they have proven to work for many people. All you need is an open mind and a positive approach.

Depression is usually triggered by negative thoughts like fear. This could be fear of the future, some perceived impending disaster and sometimes even fear of success. Fighting depression that emanates from fear involves trying to find positivism in what is actually feared. Read books that tell of how to meet challenges can be helpful. This therapy called bibliotherapy has known to show good results in treating mild depression. The books that are chosen should deal with situations that are similar to the ones that you are facing. Reading about how someone else fought and struggled and ultimately emerged victorious can be a great motivating factor.

Even though depression may pull you down, force yourself to go out for parties with friends. Once in the party, the mood is likely to change, making you feel better. Try to keep away from people who always tell doomsday stories and are critical about everything. Join a laughter club. To start with you may find it a bit odd to laugh without reason. With the passage of time you will realize that you can even laugh at sorrow.
Treating depression naturally can also be achieved by listening to music. There are many music albums that you can find that help you relax. This kind of music can help you ease the tensions that have been troubling you. Meditation and deep breathing are easy to learn. Just find a quiet place where you can introspect about what is going wrong with your life. You may realize that you can actually come up with solutions to problems that seemed impossible to handle before. You should not get too disturbed with passing phases of depressive moods. Avoid medication and try your hand at self help to get out of them.
Click Here to Visit Native Remedies, The Psychologist's Natural Choice

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Natural prostate relief therapy


Prostate enlargement like menopause and hypermetropia (inability to see near objects) is a middle age problem. The prostate is a male gland that practically doubles its size during puberty due to certain changes in the male hormone testosterone. As the gland increases in size it starts putting pressure on the urethral canal leading to problems with urination. The symptoms start once men reach fifty and increase with advancing age. The symptoms are in proportion to the pressure that is applied on the urethra but some men are lucky not to experience them despite the enlargement.

The growth of prostate is usually benign and known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) but there is always a risk of the growth becoming malignant. One of the symptoms of BPH is an aching pain in the loins due to cystitis or acute retention of urine in the bladder. A major problem arises when the enlargement is accompanied by pain. Prostate medicine mostly targets urinary symptoms and reducing the size of the prostate. Patients have to take separate medication for pain relief. As prostate treatment may last for a long time, taking too much medication is often frustrating. In addition, the side effects of drugs too need to be managed. A sitz bath is often recommended for easing the pain the natural way to avoid over medication with pain killers. A sitz bath is a bathtub in which your buttocks and hips are immersed as if you were sitting in a chair and you bathe in a sitting position. A hot water bath in a normal tub can be equally effective provided you keep your arms and legs out of the water.

Immersing the whole body in the tub tends to disperse the heat and reduce the focus on the buttocks and hips. The water should be hot, as hot as you can bear without burning yourself.

A minimum of thirty minutes in the bath, all the while draining some water as it cools down and replenishing with more hot water, can be very effective in relieving prostate pain. The heat helps the blood to flow better. A spray of cold water on the prostate area after the hot bath will cause a quick constriction of blood vessels as if squeezing blood and toxins. Herbs for prostate enlargement like saw palmetto and stinging nettle can help relieve prostate pain and reduce the size of the gland. Homeopathic remedies like Thuja Occidentalis ( Arbor Vitae ) Cantharis (Spanish Fly), Hydrangea ( Seven Barks) Solidago Virga (Golden Rod) are some of the proven pain relief remedies for pain in the prostate region, kidneys and bladder due to BPH.

Once the symptoms of prostate enlargement surface they can progress rapidly. Managing both BPH and pain at the same involves a long term regime of medications that have troubling side effects. Urinary problems of incontinence, dribbling and frequency can affect the quality of life in old age.

Natural treatments can go a long way in avoiding side effects of conventional drugs, relieve pain and improve prostate health.



Immune system remedies - fight low immunity naturally


If you have problems with immunity, you are most likely to get frequent bouts of cold, flu and some of those minor infections. Antibiotics are indeed the wonder drugs that they are made out to be, but recklessness in their use is not recommended. It is a misnomer that antibiotics can treat and cure all viral and bacterial infections. Antibiotics do not have any affect on viruses and unnecessary administration can actually be counter productive. It can make your body immune to the drug and lead to bringing down of immunity. A natural antibiotic alternative can go a long way to help in prevent further damage that drugs can potentially cause and relieve symptoms as well.

Your body’s immune system is the first line of defense against foreign invaders: bacteria, pathogens, viruses, parasites or anything that can potentially cause disease. The spleen, thymus, lymphatic system and tonsils are all part of this extensive network of organs, tissues and cells including white blood cells, which help in self healing. Herbs for immune system and natural foods should be made a part of your daily routine to strengthen this complex system.

Low immunity is either primary or acquired. Primary conditions are mostly due to a genetic predisposition. Acquired conditions of low immunity are greatly affected by eating habits, lifestyle and overuse of medication for minor ailments like common cold etc.

There is scientific evidence that a natural diet, herbal antibiotics and an active lifestyle boost your immune system health and help in avoiding simple diseases as common cold or life threatening diseases like cancer.

* Vitamin A, C and E are most essential for maintaining immune system health. A handful of almonds daily will provide you sufficient quantity of Vitamin E. guava, oranges and other citrus fruits are a natural source of Vitamin C.

* Garlic is perhaps the oldest cultivated plant in the world and its history as an effective herbal antibiotic and a booster for the immune system dates back to the days when the pyramids were built. It is natural builder of white blood cells, one of the most important constituents of the immune system.

* Carrots and other red, orange and dark green vegetables contain carotenes, which are converted into Vitamin A by the liver. These are extremely helpful for protecting thymus gland. The thymus is a ductless glandular organ at the base of the neck that produces lymphocytes. It plays an important role in producing immunity and preventing atrophies due to advanced age

* Zinc is another element that is essential for immunity. The element is next only to iron in concentration in the body. Its deficiency can impact the immune system in more ways than one. It acts as a catalyst in immune responses for killing pathogens and necessary for white blood cells to perform their functions. Peanuts, peanut butter, and legumes and dark meat of chicken, beef and lamb are excellent sources of zinc.

* Six ounces of natural and fresh yogurt every day keeps the intestinal flora healthy for proper digestion. The yoghurt bacteria convert the lactose in milk into lactic acid, which is perfect for maximizing calcium absorption, vaginal and bladder infections.

* Among the herbs for immune system, Echinacea and the Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha ((Withania somnifera) are worth mentioning for their stimulating affect on the immune system.There is an old saying that says that whenever in doubt: go back to nature. A natural lifestyle and home cooked food coupled with daily exercise will keep many ailments at bay.

pregnancy and conception

During both the conception process and throughout pregnancy it is important that hopeful moms maintain their physical wellbeing and as well as their psychological health.


This broad field of women’s health includes psychological issues surrounding mood, stress and relaxation, as well as physical areas such as infertility, nutrition, morning sickness, labor and delivery and more.

Monday, April 28, 2008

anti-aging article

The aging process begins when we enter the world and the effects of aging are evident in our bodies through out our lives. Beginning in our 20's, the signs of aging start to become noticeable. Genetically programmed chronologic aging causes changes in collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that supply firmness and elasticity to the skin. The genetic program of individuals is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared to another. As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier and underlying fat padding begins to disappear. With the loss of underlying support by fat padding and connective tissues, the skin begins to sag; it appears less supple and wrinkles form.

Although wrinkles, lines and age spots are formed by the natural effects of getting older, one way to prevent them from appearing early on in life is to avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreens with SPFs 15 or higher. And, although most of us have some form of sun-damaged skin, there are ways to regain healthy, smooth skin. After many years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below.

Vitamin A (Retinol) - Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines. Vitamin A or Retinol is the main ingredient found in TYK Young Again, M.D. Forte, DDF and SkinScience products.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns. This healing ingredient is found in SkinCeuticals, Cellex C and Obagi Cffectives skin care products.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection. Vitamin E is found in Cellex C, Exuviance and MD Forte products.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. AHAs are the main ingredients found in MD Forte, TYK Young Again, Super Skin and SkinScience products.

Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin's surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses. Glycolic acid is found in products by Gly Derm, MD Forte, Z. Bigatti and Super Skin.

N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) - The nature-identical plant growth factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C.
Copper Peptides are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Copper is the main ingredient in products by Neova and Osmotics.

Pal-KTTKS - Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It's found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without with out expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections. This patented peptide solution is found in StriVectin-SD.

Green Tea Extract - Green tea's anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores. Green Tea is found in the Dr. Brandt skin care line, Z. Bigatti and Gly Derm products.

TNS - The biotechnology of the skin's natural healing process has arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for smoother, softer, younger looking skin. TNS is found in SkinMedica's TNS Recovery Complex.

Many customers ask which anti-aging product is best and we always respond by saying that there is no best product. Since every individuals skin is different, the results of using anti-aging products will be different as well. We recommend that you consult with a skin care professional prior to use of any new skin care product to determine your skin type, skin condition and possible sensitivities to active ingredients. Your skin care professional may recommend specific products, or you can try a few on your own based on your consultation. If you are not happy with the first product you try, try another one. It's important that you choose a product and skin care regimen that makes you feel 100% comfortable with the look and feel of your skin.

Customers also inquire about when they should expect to see results from using anti-aging products. Again, we respond by saying that results will be different for each individual, generally due to the condition of ones skin prior to use. However, across the board, we say not to expect a miracle, as there is no anti-aging product on the market that provides overnight results. Whether you are trying to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness or age spots, the process is gradual and takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of your problem areas. After allowing the products time to take effect as well as following product directions, you can be sure to notice significant improvement in the appearance of your skin.

To see the quickest results, you will have to undergo professional cosmetics procedures. While procedures such as laser treatments, injections and dermabrasion produce the fastest, most noticeable improvements, they are all are somewhat painful or uncomfortable and very costly. In addition, pre and post treatment plans are required to achieve maximum results, which consist of using skin care products, that are also proven to be safe, effective, painless and less expensive alternatives to professional cosmetic procedures.

Please note that with the use of any new skin care product, it is highly possible that your skin will react to the ingredients. You may experience irritation, redness, dryness or a mild breakout, which should only last for the first 3-5 days of use. If you experience any of these reactions for a longer period of time, please discontinue use and consult a skin care professional. It is also recommended that prior to using any new skin care product to consult with a skin care professional.

Botanic Choice






For Nearly 100 Years, Botanic Choice has been the Healthy Choice!




Botanic Choice is where you'll find the highest quality nutritional supplements, the purest, all-natural herbs and the freshest vitamins.
Since 1910, health-conscious consumers have benefited from their superior quality, exceptional value and exclusive formulas, including:
Apple Cider Vinegar Plus™ to support weight loss,
Prostate 9 Complex® to ease
male discomfort, and Breath-EZ™ for deeper, clearer breathing.


You can TRUST what you buy at botanicchoice.com – their products are doctor recommended and always carry an unconditional 100% money-back guarantee.
Go there now and get free shipping on your first order!





Sunday, April 27, 2008

How to stay healthy and maximize your results on a low carb diet

We know that low carb dieting works, but did you know that nutritional
supplements can help it work better? First the basics on low-carb
dieting.

Q: What are carbs?

A:
Carbs (carbohydrates) are organic compounds that exist in foods as a sugar, a
starch, or a cellulose (a woody fiber). There are two kinds of carbohydrates:
Simple (refined) carbohydrates are “fast” sugars. They break down into sugar
fast in your system, and cause a rush of insulin to come to help process the
sugar, which then leaves your system unbalanced, with too much insulin. Simple
carbs like cake have been stripped of fiber and nutrients, then processed into
starchy, sugary foods like white breads, donuts, cookies, white rice, pasta, and
such. They sure help you gain weight! They can also lead to a dangerous
condition called metabolic syndrome, which can lead to diabetes and other
serious health problems.

Complex (unrefined) carbohydrates are “slow”
sugars. They break down into sugar slower in your system, and cause a slow
release of insulin, keeping a proper sugar-insulin balance. It’s harder for your
body to burn foods like brown rice and whole grains. These unrefined carbs also
make your body burn some fat for energy. These carbs give you slow, steady
source of energy.

Simple and complex carbohydrates are rated with
something called the Glycemic Index or GI. To find out more about the Glycemic
Index, click here.

Q: What does a low-carb
diet do?

A: A low carb diet (perhaps better named a low
simple-carb diet) strictly limits your carbohydrate intake, and forces your body
to burn mostly fat. It can do this because limiting carbs limits sugar. There is
less sugar to burn, so your body turns to all that extra stored fatto burn for
energy! That’s why you lose weight on a low-carb diet.

Be sure to ask a
doctor or health care professional if low-carb eating is a good choice for you.
Here are nutritional supplements from Botanic Choice that can benefit your
health during low carb dieting:


High Potency
Vitamin and Mineral Formula
makes sure you have all the basics for health.
It contains high amounts of Vitamins A, C, D, E, B-1, B-2 and B-12 for your
protection, plus 12 more important nutrients and minerals.


Vitamin C is
recommended in addition to a strong multivitamin, because C has proven
antioxidant protection. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so it needs to be replaced
frequently.


Chromium GTF
has been shown to be part of the body’s “glucose (sugar) tolerance factor” and
this essential mineral can help promote fat loss while increasing lean muscle
tissue.


Calcium
Carbonate
is good for the important calcium-potassium balance in every
cell.


Super EPA Fish
Oil
gives you essential fatty acids known for keeping cardiovascular and
circulatory systems in the best health.

Round out your low carb dieting
program with a good fiber supplement like
Psyllium Husk
or Oat
Bran
and try to fit in at least 20 minutes of brisk exercise each day.

Visit Botanic
Choice to learn more about low carb dieting and more ways to lose weight simply
and effectively.



These
statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These
products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Consult your physician.


pounding head? discover 13 sure-fire herbal remedies


They can be caused by a number of things including dehydration, hunger, grinding
your teeth, a food allergy, sleeping on your neck wrong, giving up caffeine, and
of course STRESS. Whatever the cause, there’s no mistaking that throbbing
discomfort that plague so many Americans. Here are 13 natural remedies to attack
your agony head on.


Tension, Hormonal, Seasonally-Occurring? Try...



  1. Magnesium - Replaces a magnesium deficiency that can cause head discomfort.

  2. Vitamin B-12 - Refills a Vitamin B-12 deficiency that can trigger
    discomfort.


  3. Ginger - Stimulates circulation, thins the blood, and helps blood flow
    to the surface.


  4. Valerian - Relaxes the mind and, encourages a healing sleep.


  5. St. John’s Wort - Promotes a positive outlook after too many “blue”
    days.


  6. Licorice - In Chinese herbal medicine, licorice root is an ingredient
    found in almost all herbal formulas for the purpose of “harmonizing” the
    separate herbs involved. One of its many active
    constituents—glycyrrhizin—has been found to possess anti-inflammatory
    action.


  7. Angelica - For centuries, Angelica Root has been hailed as the
    ultimate remedy and a blood purifier. Angelica is believed to be a
    health-protective herbal, as it blooms on the day of Saint Michael the
    Archangel.


  8. Skunk Cabbage - Also known as symplocarpus foetidus,this herb soothes the nervous system, which helps to reduce stress and mental fatigue.


  9. Chamomile - Calms the body. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Indians used this herb to treat disorders of the kidneys, liver, and bladder, and mind. Chamomile works well to promote healing.


  10. Kava Kava - It’s been used for three thousand years by the people of
    the South Pacific for ceremonial, social and medicinal purposes. Today,
    kava is proven to relax and de-stress.


Regular, Ongoing Head Distress? Try...

  1. Melatonin - Physiologists know that melatonin helps to regulates sleep
    patterns, and thus promote overall health.


  2. Cayenne - This herb enhances delivery of more oxygen to your brain,
    and relieves discomfort.

  3. 5-HTP - Your body needs 5-HTP to make serotonin, needed for normal
    nerve and brain function. It promotes calmness and sleep.


Feel better by taking care of your everyday stress in healthy ways.
Visit
Botanic Choice to discover other natural de-stressers.
It's also good to avoid
dehydration or hunger. Take your regular breaks and lunch times. Eat and drink
sensibly. Most importantly, be good to yourself!


These
statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These
products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Consult your physician.


Friday, April 25, 2008

Mom & Baby

After a baby is delivered, it is important that new moms maintain their physical and psychological health, as well as that of their newborn.


Addressing the health of mothers includes psychological issues surrounding mood, stress and relaxation, as well as physical areas such as healing, breast-feeding and energy levels. Baby’s health issues include sleep and relaxation, cradle-cap, teething and much more.

Men’s Health

Men’s health is not just about toughing it out when they’re sick; it’s about illness prevention and living well. For men, staying healthy means taking care of the mind as well as the body, so it is important to pay attention to exercise, diet and overall stress maintenance.


Also, learning more about the top health concerns for men – heart disease, cholesterol, stroke, prostate cancer, and lung cancer – will help with disease prevention; staying informed on other areas such as fertility and sexual dysfunction is also important.

General Health

Whether you’re a parent or child, man or woman, young or old, staying healthy is very important. Maintaining an individual’s overall wellbeing can involve treating everything from colds and flu, to cuts and scrapes, and sometimes even embarrassing conditions like diarrhea or body odor.


Keeping the right tools on hand (both treatments and information) will prevent frustration and help in the time of crisis; even if the crisis is just a bruised knee from a bicycle fall, a sore elbow from too much tennis, the sniffles, or a quick immunity boost in hopes of avoiding the seasonal cold.

Children’s Health

When parents think about their child’s health, it is important that they not only consider the physical wellbeing of the child, but the psychological and social health as well.


This broad field of children’s health includes psychological issues surrounding mood, behavior, learning, and concentration, as well as physical areas such as appetite, bedwetting, fever, sleep, chicken pox, tantrums, weight loss, and more.


It even includes complicated, and increasingly diagnosed behavioral health issues like Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Body & Physical Health

The human body is a highly complex mechanism. Body or physical health refers to the overall condition of that system. We say that optimal physical health is achieved when the body is free from disease, abnormality and injury, and is able to function well.


However, often the body does not function well when it is attacked by environmental elements, genetic malfunction, injury, and biological intrusions. These factors can result in a multitude of ailments that affect the thyroid and adrenal glands, as well as the liver and pancreas. They can cause damage to the respiratory system (bronchitis, asthma, etc), hinder digestive processes, and even cause cancer.

Beauty & Personal Care

Taking proper care of your body involves more than just exercise, nutrition, and treating diseases or ailments; it can also mean maintaining standards of personal hygiene and treating yourself right on the outside. Often seen as luxuries, it’s important to keep up with personal care because it can have immense healing effect on both the mind and body.


Many ailments can affect your outward appearance and cause severe discomfort both physically and mentally. From simple issues like dry skin, damaged hair or poor nail care, to more complex conditions such as psoriasis, balding, acne or weight troubles, taking care of your personal hygiene and outer body can be a big part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.