Archive for January, 2008

acne prevention tips

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

Acne Prevention Tips

Writen by Tyler Casselman

Preventing acne is an extremely difficult thing to do. There really isn’t a cure for it, yet it drags yourself esteem way down. So just what can an acne suffer do to help minimize breakouts? Here are some basic tips to help control your condition.

Wash Your Skin Gently:

When you wash you should be very careful about how hard you press or rub your face. If you press to hard it will irritate your skin. This can also break open any pimples that you currently have. So, be sure to press lightly when washing and drying your face.

Dont Pop those Zits:

Popping pimples is a really bad idea. By breaking them open you can leave scares and cause more infection.

Avoid Stress:

Stress will cause you to have a breakout. You need to make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy, and take time to have some fun. This will be one of the hardest things to do when trying to prevent acne.

Loose Clothing:

Loose clothing will be much more easier on your skin when your working out. Tight clothing will cause the sweat and oil to be absorbed into your skin more then it needs to be. Loose clothing will also allow for less irritation from the clothing itself.

These are just some general tips to get you started with your acne prevention. If your acne has gotten out of hand you should always go see your family doctor. They will often recommend something with benzoyl peroxide.

Tyler Casselman runs the healthy skin protal at Healthy Skin 4U

frequent heartburn

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

Frequent Heartburn

Writen by Patsy Hamilton

Heartburn and heart disease are not related, but many of the symptoms of heartburn are similar to those experienced during a heart attack. Severe or frequent heartburn that does not respond to over the counter heartburn medicines is cause for concern for many reasons.

Chest pain is one of the major symptoms of a heart attack. Heartburn chest pain is usually accompanied by a burning sensation. Most people have heartburn occasionally. Frequent heartburn is defined by most practitioners as heartburn that is experienced several times a week. If your heartburn seems worse than usual or if you feel pain in your chest that you would describe as squeezing or crushing, seek medical attention immediately.

Other symptoms of heart attack that are not typically associated with frequent heartburn include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and sweating. If you have these symptoms, you should, once again, seek medical attention immediately. Chronic or frequent heartburn that does not respond to over the counter heartburn medicines should be evaluated by your physician. Although there is no link between frequent heartburn and heart disease, chronic or frequent heartburn can be a symptom of a more serious condition and frequent heartburn that is untreated can lead to more serious conditions involving the esophagus.

Even though it is called heartburn, it has nothing to do with your heart. Heartburn chest pain occurs when stomach acid that is normally confined to the stomach by muscles in the esophagus flows back up into the esophagus. You may feel the burning sensation in your stomach, the center of your chest or the back of your throat. Most over the counter heartburn medicines are designed for occasional use and should relieve heartburn chest pain and the burning sensation. Frequent heartburn may be related to the foods you eat, the beverages you drink or your lifestyle. Stress, obesity and overeating can all lead to frequent heartburn.

Heartburn chest pain is commonly accompanied by indigestion or gas and over the counter heartburn medicines are designed to relieve discomfort associated with bloating or gas, as well as indigestion and heartburn. Most prescription heartburn medicines are designed to prevent frequent heartburn and heartburn chest pain. They are taken on a daily basis for a month or longer depending on the individual. Some over the counter heartburn medicines may be used to prevent the heartburn chest pain that you know will follow a particularly spicy meal or before eating some other food that you know causes you problems. Over the counter heartburn medicines have few side effects, but should only be taken as directed and are intended for occasional use. If you have frequent heartburn, an over the counter product may not be enough. Prescription heartburn medicines, which are designed for use by persons with frequent heartburn, have many side effects, as most drugs do, and should not be used by persons with certain other medical conditions. Your doctor, your pharmacist and the package insert will all help you decide if a prescription heartburn medicine is right for you and if so, which one. There are several.

Heartburn chest pain is not related to heart disease, but there are certain heart medications that may increase your risk of heartburn problems. Always remember to advise your doctor about any medications that you are taking. Frequent heartburn should not be ignored.

For more information about heartburn and other common digestive complaints, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.

Patsy Hamilton writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Visit us at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

breast enhancement becomes less hazardous with a reduction in nicotine

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

Breast Enhancement Becomes Less Hazardous With A Reduction In Nicotine

Writen by Dianne Kristie

A couple of weeks before you make a trip to a specialist to receive breast enhancement surgery you surgeon may well ask you to totally refrain from smoking. It has been found that smoking makes breast surgery patients suffer more at the time of surgery and also afterwards. Nicotine levels should be heavily reduced at the very least prior to any breast modification.

Firstly, if you cease smoking in advance of surgery you will become healthier. Poorer performing bodies related to people who smoke are less able to withstand the harsh conditions of surgery and later recovery. Blood circulation is slowed when someone is smoking, the inhaled nicotine entering the bloodstream via the lungs acts to vasoconstrict (i.e. reduce the diameter) the blood vessels. Surgery typically uses anesthetics that by their very nature bring the blood oxygen levels to a minimum. Vasoconstriction only acts to exacerbate this low oxygen situation. Additionally, anesthetics administered have a more predictable and therefore safe use with people who don’t smoke, so called ‘complications’ being rarer. An important part of the body’s natural healing process after surgery is the fast and efficient flow of new blood to the damaged sites. Lowered flows translate to lower blood oxygen levels and resultant slower tissue repair. Below a certain low level of oxygen delivery to the cells healing is prevented and necrosis may set in, the then dead tissue will need to be cut out. If necrotic cells are left attached to the body they typically become infected, pathogens subsequently move onto the surrounding healthy tissue.

Upon the cessation of smoking your body will be able to rid its self of nicotine within only a day. Unfortunately the same is not true of other smoking related chemicals such as carbon monoxide (binds to hemoglobin in blood stronger than oxygen!) which remain for a considerably longer period of time. These other chemicals are known to reduce the body’s ability to form blood clots therefore lowering the ability of damaged areas of tissue to gain new and healthy tissue. Another effect of these deleterious chemicals is that of immune system suppression.

Yet another beneficial reason to stopping smoking at least a small duration before surgery is that of lessened nicotine withdrawal. It can take around a month to see major benefits of having quitted smoking. New healthy habits such as this are reported to form in around 21 days, possibly the number of days not smoking endured by the end of the surgery!

The feeling for many smokers of wanting to smoke heavily prior to surgery will not impress your surgeon. Blood and urine samples will be required of you during your pre-op surgery visit. These samples quickly and efficiently detect whether you’ve been smoking or not. Evidence of smoking may well mean the surgery is delayed. All in all the risks associated with smoking are simply not worth taking if you want to receive peace of mind, timely surgery and fast healing.

Are you thinking about silicone breast implants, then visit http://www.breastenhancementfacts.com/A-Primer-On-The-Various-Types-Of-Silicone-Breast-Implants.php for more information.

cysts need to take care

Wednesday, January 30th, 2008

Cysts – Need To Take Care

Writen by Paul Cris

Cysts are formed due to the oil getting blocked in the pores of the skin. Cysts usually appear dark and are found on the back, face, neck and armpits. Cysts on the face are usually acne and those that are on the back etc., are known as sebaceous cysts. These cysts if plucked usually secrete a white material, which could be smelly too. If the cysts get infected they become soft and sometimes they are painful.

The condition can be taken care of by maintaining proper hygiene at home. Wash your hands constantly and do not touch the cysts even if you feel like touching them. Use antibacterial soap. If the condition worsens, a doctor could remove the cysts surgically.

There are many medicines that are available in the market for this condition. But, a visit to a dermatologist is the best option, as the doctor will find out the real reason for the condition and prescribe medicines accordingly. Self-medication is a strict no-no. The doctor will also be able to test and discount any other reason for the cysts. Some cysts on the body could be due to other conditions and only a doctor would be able to discount the possibility.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1648.html http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1648.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

exercise induced asthma

Wednesday, January 30th, 2008

Exercise Induced Asthma

Writen by Paddy Moogan

How can exercise induce asthma?

At the same time as healthy exercise can be handled by patients, exercise can often be the cause of an asthma attack.

Symptoms of exercise induced asthma

Wheezing, coughing and a tightening of the chest are all symptoms of exercise induced asthma. These symptoms will usually be felt after beginning the exercise and will gradually worsen even after exercise stops.

Why does exercise induce asthma?

Even after years of research, the reasons for exercise induced asthma are unclear. However in theory asthma sufferers will breathe faster which does not allow for the nose and airways to add moisture to the air, therefore the air being taken in is dry and cold. This intake of cold, dry air is thought to trigger asthma symptoms.

How do Doctors diagnose exercise induced asthma?

Doctors will often refer to a patient’s medical history and perhaps perform peak flow tests in order to determine if a case of exercise induced asthma exists. However in some cases it may be difficult for the Doctor to make a full diagnosis without further tests at a specialised unit.

How to manage your exercise induced asthma

Long distance or cross country running can be triggers for asthma attacks due to the intake of cold air without any breaks.
On the other hand sports such as football, basketball or tennis are less likely to induce an attack if short breaks are taken.
An excellent sport for asthma sufferers to take part in is swimming, I can speak from experience on this matter. The theory behind this is that warm humid air in the swimming pool is less likely to trigger asthma symptoms. It must be noted however that heavily chlorinated pools can have the opposite effect, as can swimming in cold water.
Another good exercise for people with breathing problems is yoga, the muscles are relaxed and can help by practising breathing exercises.

Remember – asthma should not stop you from enjoying sports Personally I have suffered with asthma since I was very young, however I have always taken part in sports and although I still have breathing problems from time to time, I can control them by remembering a few things

Take the correct medication
Consult your Doctor regularly and ask for advice
Start the sports slowly and pace yourself to see how much you can do comfortably.

Keep your asthma controlled during exercise by following a few steps

Taking regular exercise and taking part in sports can have a positive effect on your breathing problems and reduce exercise induced asthma in the long term.
Warm up and warm down.
Try to avoid cold air, this can induce breathing problems. If you take part in sports in cold weather it is a good idea to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf.

Keeping your child’s asthma under control at school

Unless your child suffers from very severe asthma, they should be able to take part in PE and extra curricular sports at school. However remember to inform their teachers of their asthma and keep spare medication at the school in case your child’s runs out or loses it. Teachers can also encourage the child to warm up and warm down whilst making sure the child doesn’t over exert themselves.

Taking part in competitive sports

The usual inhaler medications are not banned in competitive sports, however you should register the fact that you have asthma and are taking medication to control it. You should make sure that your friends who you play the sport with are aware of your asthma in case of emergencies.

Taking part in adventure sports

It is recommended that you consult your Doctor before taking part in adventure sports, if you are cleared to take part then make sure that you inform your instructor of your breathing problems. Also ensure that you keep your medication close to hand. If you need insurance for taking part in adventure sports then you should declare that you have asthma before taking out the policy.

Can I take part in scuba-diving?

Recently the medical profession has recognised that people with controlled symptoms of asthma can take part in scuba-diving. But the pressures involved in scuba-diving such as the exposure to cold air and the possibility of stress and emotion, can induce breathing problems.

If you are planning to take part in scuba-diving whilst on holiday abroad, it is worth checking what the guidelines are on scuba-diving for the country you are travelling to. Some countries do not allow asthma sufferers to take part in scuba-diving.

There are several recommendations made by the British Sub-Aqua Club, for those with mild controlled asthma

You have not needed to use your inhaler or shown symptoms of asthma within the last 48 hours.
You do not have asthma that is triggered by cold, exercise stress or emotion.

Can I take part in mountaineering?

Mountaineering shouldn’t be a problem as long as you are physically fit and your asthma is controlled. You should also make sure you plan well for your trip and take more than enough medication.

If your asthma is triggered by air pollution, then the mountain environment is ideal for you. Dust mites are unable to live at the low temperatures of the mountains and therefore the air is cleaner.

However there are several asthma triggers that exist in the mountains such as the cold, dry air and exercise.

The British Mountaineering Council provides good medical advice on high altitude mountaineering.

Can I take part in skiing?

Skiing shares many of the same principles as mentioned above in mountaineering, for example people with well controlled asthma should be able to enjoy skiing without any problems. However as usual if you are concerned it is best to seek medical advice prior to engaging in this activity.

You should seek advice particularly if you are planning to take part in cross country skiing which can be a stronger trigger than downhill skiing.

What about parachute jumping?

As a general rule you can parachute or skydive if

Exercise does not trigger your asthma
You can completely control your asthma
Cold air does not trigger your asthma

As always you should consult your Doctor before taking part in this type of activity. You can also find more information from the British Parachute Association.

By Patrick Moogan

Founder of http://www.AsthmaOnline.co.uk. Patrick has suffered with asthma since he was a small child and knows how it feels to have an asthma attack. He writes articles in the best way he knows how, from personal experience.

can chronic pain come from food additives

Wednesday, January 30th, 2008

Can Chronic Pain Come From Food Additives?

Writen by Jane Oelke

It is always amazing to me when I find a food substance that when taken in excess can cause pain the body. And sometimes these foods, and food additives that are regulated by the government, are supposed to be safe. When I test clients and their supplements, or ask about their dietary habits, or chemicals in their work environments, we often discover chemicals or foods that are causing their chronic pain symptoms. When these chemicals are removed, much of their pain subsides.

When I talk to clients, I often ask if they can decipher what foods tend make the pain worse or better, and if they crave certain foods in their diet. One of the foods I am always listening for are diet soft drinks with aspartame (Nutrasweet). From personal experience, I have been relieved of constant headaches when I was convinced to stop drinking Diet Pepsi. I was a regular user and once I stopped drinking it, the nagging headaches that I had for a long time totally cleared up. So if you are drinking diet soft drinks, STOP NOW, and see what difference it makes. I have had quite a number of clients feel much better just a couple weeks after abstaining from soft drinks.

Recently, we have been introduced to the new fake sugar called Splenda. Advertising for Splenda says that is made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar. But this doesn’t tell the whole story. Splenda is made by taking out 3 of the 6 molecules that make up sugar, and adding chlorine molecules. If you are avoiding chlorinated water because of chlorine toxicity, then you should be avoiding Splenda. You are getting chlorocarbons from Splenda that can cause immune system problems, such as thymus gland shrinkage, and other genetic and reproductive damage.

The FDA approved Splenda in 1988 as a sucralose sweetener that tastes just like sugar. But the sugar flavor is artificial, since Splenda is about 600 times sweeter than natural sugar, so the sugar flavor is forced out of the partial sugar molecule. And our body cannot use the sugar in Splenda as fuel for our brains. It does not turn into the glucose we need for brain function and energy production. Early studies show many of the same side effects, such as headaches and chronic pain, as found with aspartame.

Soft drinks have surpassed water as the number one choice of beverage in the United States. Aspartame is not the only problem. When you have fibromyalgia or any other autoimmune disease, you need good minerals in your diet to distress the immune system, and the phosphoric acid in the dark soft drinks will rob your body of calcium. The sugar version is not better for you either, since sugar stresses your adrenals, especially when it comes in concentrated doses, like it does in any sugar-laden soft drink.

Also all soft drinks are very acidic, with an average reading of 2 to 3 pH. Acid urine and saliva pH readings are related to immune system stress, and joint and muscle stress. So if you want to have your urine and saliva pH levels stay in balance (in the 6.4 pH range or higher) avoiding soft drinks is very important. Coffee is another acid drink, along with beer. Green tea is the only relatively popular alkalizing drink. Or you can add lemon or lime to your water (without sugar) for flavoring.

Other substances also can cause chronic pain. Fillers, preservatives, food additives and coloring agents in supplements can build up as toxins in the tissues. This often makes it harder to lose weight, and can create pain when these toxins are stored in your tissues disrupting your nervous system pain response. This is why it is important to use high quality nutritional supplements without a lot of fillers. Too many over the counter vitamins and minerals seem to have more fillers than nutrients on the label, and these are the ones to avoid.

When choosing foods for your daily diet, or supplements that support your daily diet, look for foods and supplements that do not have fake sugars, preservatives like propylene glycol, and any food colorings. By finding out what chemicals, processed foods, or supplements are causing your pain; you will also be able to see a remarkable difference in just a short period of time.

Jane Oelke, N.D., Ph.D. is a Traditional Naturopath and Doctor of Homeopathy in southwest Michigan. She is the author of “Natural Choices for Fibromyalgia” and “Natural Choices for Attention Deficit Disorder.” She is a professional speaker on natural health topics. She can be contacted at DoctorOelke@aol.com or through her website at http://www.NaturalChoicesForYou.com

angelica species

Tuesday, January 29th, 2008

Angelica Species

Writen by Jacob Wood

Angelica species are biennial or perennial plants with hollow fluted stems that rise to a height of three to seven feet. The umbels of greenish-white flowers bloom from May to August. The plants are found in damp mountain ravines and meadows, riverbanks and coastal areas. Angelica is also a widely cultivated species. In Asia, Angelica species is grown primarily for it’s medicinal action, whereas in Europe and the U.S. it is grown as a flavoring agent for food and beverages. Considering all species, the roots and rhizomes are the most extensively used portions of the plant.

History of Angelica Species:
In Asia, angelica’s reputation is perhaps second only to that of ginseng. Predominantly regarded as a female remedy, Angelica species has been used to treat such conditions as dysmenorrhea )(painful menstruation), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), metrorrhagia (abnormal menstruation), and menopausal symptoms. Archangelica was used in northern Europe for protection against contagion, for purifying the blood, and for curing every conceivable malady. The therapeutic use of American angelica mirrors that of European angelica. The most common use has been for the treatment of heartburn and flatulent colic. Chinese and Japanese angelica are similarly composed of various coumarins, essential oils, and flavonoids, which are responsible for their medicinal actions. The essential oil of oriental angelica contains n-butylphthalide, cadinene, carvacrol, n-dodecanal, isosafrole, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, safrole, sesquiterpene, and n-tetradecanol.

Angelica species is remedy for
Menstrual and menopausal complaints
Asthma
Bronchitis
Toothache
Skin Lice

Angelica is a warming and tonic remedy and is useful in a wide range of illnesses. All parts of the plant will help to relieve indigestion, gas, and colic.

Angelica species can be helpful in cases of poor circulation since it improves blood flow to peripheral parts of the body. Extracts of Chinese angelica have been shown to possess antibacterial activity whereas the Japanese counterpart showed no such properties. The oil of angelica archangelica has shown significant antifungal properties, but virtually no antibacterial activity.

Like it’s Chinese and European cousins, Bai Zhi, or angelica dahurica, is given for problems attributed to damp and cold conditions such as sores, boils, and ulcers affecting the skin. Bai Zhi is also used to treat headaches, aching eyes, and toothaches, and appears to be valuable in treating the facial pain of trigeminal neuralgia. Although not used historically for this purpose, angelica does possess significant blood pressure-lowering action.

More Detail About Angelica Species

cholesterol are we being told the truth

Tuesday, January 29th, 2008

Cholesterol – Are We Being Told The Truth

Writen by Michael Russell

Is there any truth to the cholesterol scare or is it merely a fraud? There are two schools of thought on whether high cholesterol is harmful and can cause risks of heart disease and heart attack.

The conventional medical community has been telling us for many years to avoid certain fats in our diet and by doing so, will keep our cholesterol levels low; thus, preventing heart attack and stroke. Along with diet, they recommend exercise and in some cases, certain medication that claims to help lower the cholesterol levels.

Many have been led to believe cholesterol is a foreign substance in the body and is not needed or wanted, when, in fact, it is a necessary substance that performs many vital functions in the body. Cholesterol is naturally produced by the liver and is found in all the cells of the body, most prominently in the brain and nerve cells. Cholesterol protects the wall of the cells and is used to produce hormones, bile acids and vitamin D. Each day large amounts of cholesterol are used by the body to perform all these necessary functions. When the body makes large amounts of cholesterol, it’s because the body needs it and not because the body wants to clog the veins and arteries.

By eating meat and dairy products or any other foods deemed to be high in cholesterol, our bodies are supplied with less than ten percent of our cholesterol needs. The body then produces its own supply of cholesterol, amounting to three to four times the amount eaten. Thus, by cutting down on high cholesterol foods, the body simply produces the rest of the needed cholesterol naturally. Regardless of diet, the level of cholesterol in our blood is managed naturally by the body. This is why only a few points are dropped, when someone uses diet to bring down their high cholesterol level.

The claims of high cholesterol causing heart disease and heart attack are not really justified, as studies have shown that people with low cholesterol have just as many heart problems as those with high cholesterol. In fact, it has been found with heart attack victims that they have not eaten any more fat than other people.

Stress, physical activity and body weight contribute to blood cholesterol levels. Also, if the body is unhealthy from another illness or disease, the cholesterol level may rise.

Cholesterol lowering drugs are given to those with high blood cholesterol levels. These drugs have serious side affects and can lead to eventual death. Over the past forty years there have been four important studies done on the effects of cholesterol lowering drugs, which showed a seven percent increase in premature death. .

The newest of these drugs are called statins. The possible side effects to these statin drugs include damage to the liver and to muscle tissue. The doctor needs to keep close check of the person’s liver who is taking these drugs and if the liver is found to be not functioning properly, then the drug should be stopped. Damage to the muscle tissue can be very serious. Pain, weakness and tenderness in the muscles should be reported immediately to the doctor, as a very dangerous condition can develop, if the drugs are not stopped. The brain is also affected by these drugs and can cause memory loss and inn addition, can cause individuals to do traumatic things such as commit homicide and suicide.

Even more alarming, the American Diabetes Association is recommending all diabetic patients be put on the statin drugs, in case it’s found sometime in the future to be a good treatment for diabetics. It’s also reported that some doctors have convinced their patients to take the statin drugs, even though their cholesterol isn’t high.

One has to wonder what has caused this misconception or fraud to be perpetrated on the people. All one has to do is follow the money trail, as usual. It’s all driven by greed. The drug companies make billions a year selling these statin drugs and there are more of these sold than any other.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Cholesterol

dietary sources of vitamins and minerals

Tuesday, January 29th, 2008

Dietary Sources of Vitamins and Minerals

Writen by Jean Bowler

Whenever possible, we should try to get our antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals through our diet. A proper diet is necessary to offset the signs of aging and the foods listed here tend to be healthier than a burger and fries.

However, it is not always possible to eat enough of the foods in the proper form, e.g. raw, and we never know if the food in question has enough of the essentials we need (maybe due to soil depletion) so taking supplements is still necessary.

Here is the list of dietary sources. Try to include some of the foods missing from your diet right now in your meals. You will find that many of these foods contain more than one essential vitamin or mineral and in many cases contain quite a few nutrients.

Also note that some substances, such as Alpha Lipoic Acid and Acetyl L-Carnitine, have no specific dietary sources and must be taken as supplements, although someone with a healthy diet, concentrated on the foods listed here is not likely to have a deficiency.

Dietary Sources for Antioxidants and Vitamins

Vitamin A: liver, dairy products, darkly colored fruits, leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach, kale, watercress), red bell peppers, halibut and cod.

Vitamin B Complex: brewer’s yeast, wild Alaskan salmon, raw nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds), beans (pinto, soy, black, lentils, chick peas, kidney), dairy products (yogurt, milk, cottage cheese – preferably low-fat), vegetables (asparagus, avocado, cauliflower, spinach), chicken and turkey breast, melons and oranges.

Vitamin C: citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli.

Vitamin D: fortified milk, salmon, mackerel, sardines, eel, fish oils such as cod liver oil, egg yolk.

Vitamin E Complex: vegetable oils, nuts (hazelnuts, pecans), wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals, olives and asparagus.

Astaxathin: wild Alaskan salmon, rainbow trout, shrimp, lobster and crabs.

Co-enzyme Q-10: small amounts in oily fish such as sardines. Best taken as a supplement.

DMAE: Fish, especially wild Alaskan salmon.

L-Carnitine: dairy products, meats.

Lycopene: red fruits and vegetables (watermelon, tomatoes)

Lutein: green leafy vegetables (kale, turnip greens, collard greens, spinach, broccoli), eggs, oranges and orange juice, papayas and tangerines.

Green & White Tea: prepare according to package directions and drink in place of coffee, black tea or soda.

Dietary Sources for Essential Minerals

Calcium: diary products (milk, cheese, yogurt), wheat germ, green leafy vegetables (kale, collard greens, turnip greens, broccoli), seeds and nuts, tofu, sardines and salmon.

Chromium: calves liver, brewer’s yeast.

Magnesium: nuts (almonds, peanuts), oatmeal, tofu, avocados.

Selenium: fish, poultry, nuts and garlic.

Zinc: fish, poulty, nuts and oatmeal.

As you can see, wild salmon is enriched with many important antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. For those of us who do not live in the Pacific Northwest, this is hard to find. Even there it is seasonal.

Antiaging starts from the inside out. Work these foods into your diet and you will be obtaining their antiaging and antidisease benefits naturally.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.

Jean Bowler is a life long fitness freak. She was a ballet dancer and teacher, a private fitness trainer and more. Visit her site, http://www.ageless-beauty.com for advice on diet and nutrition, skin care and more.

home remedies to cure nail fungus

Monday, January 28th, 2008

Home Remedies to Cure Nail Fungus

Writen by R. Drysdale

Home remedies to cure nail fungus are easy to come by. They have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive, but virtually all of them have mixed reviews: whichever one you pick, you will find that some people say it worked for them and others will say it didn’t work. Most of them have not been clinically tested. It’s important to remember, however, that the prescription medications get similarly mixed reports, and clinical testing has confirmed that they don’t work for everyone either.

Home remedies to cure nail fungus tend to be relatively safe when used as directed, and with a little common sense. Many of them are household products, such as white vinegar or bleach (used diluted!) or common over the counter (OTC) products like Vicks VapoRub, or Listerine mouthwash. All the usual cautions apply to home remedys for nail fungus: think carefully before putting anything in your mouth that isn’t food, and always read labels and pay attention to any cautions you see there.

Besides the home remedys for nail fungus, there are a number of commercially available natural remedies that you may want to investigate. The majority of these are topical treatments that are applied to the infected fingernails or toenails. They include essential oils, such as Tea Tree oil, or oregano oil, an antifungal “mud” called Saprox, and various other creams and lotions. The problem with topical preparations and home remedies to cure nail fungus is that they may not penetrate the thick toenail and do not directly contact the fungus. This is one reason that many people prefer a prescription drug that is taken orally.

One of the commercially available home remedys for nail fungus, Leucatin, combines a topical solution and an herbal supplement that is taken orally. The manufacturers of this product claim that the solution is unusually effective at penetrating the nail, while the herbal pills help the immune system fight off the fungus from the inside. If their claims are true (results within two weeks and over 90% success rate), the treatment performs substantially better than any other home remedies to cure nail fungus. And although it’s more expensive than white vinegar, it’s much cheaper than the prescription alternatives.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Home remedies for nail fungus, a blog dedicated to the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus.