Saturday, December 29, 2012

Vitamins to Stop Hair Loss

What could be the worst possible thing for a woman and man? Sure, all of us are accustomed to losing a few strands of hair everyday but what happens when the hair loss increases? There are many causes of hair loss, among which the most common causes is a poor diet and lack of vitamins. According to the doctors at WebMD, women can cope with this condition easily with vitamins for hair loss.

Charlotte Mathis, a doctor by profession, authored an article about the significance of vitamins for hair loss. She is quick to admit that although there are a number of medical treatments for conditions such as alopecia, there are several alternative natural treatments for hair loss, which can help get your glorious mane back.

If you are experiencing hair loss, your first step should be to check your diet. You can either take a note of all the food that you eat in a week or simply replace processed foods and takeouts with home cooked meals and fresh fruits and vegetables. Doing so will provide your body with the nutrients it requires for your overall health, and also for your hair. Include essential fatty acids, like those found in fish oil or walnuts and take an iron supplement.

Doctor Samantha Heller, a nutrionist at the NYU Medical Center, says that an iron deficiency is largely responsible for hair loss in women. Heller says that the iron deficiency is so slight that it can barely be noticed but can result in large degrees of hair loss. Supplementing your diet with iron rich foods such as broccoli will definitely help in reducing hair fall.

Hair loss expert, Ted Daly, says that vitamins for hair loss can definitely control the extent of the condition. He suggests increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamin B12, such as eggs and meat. Daly says that a vitamin B12 deficiency can single handedly result in hair loss in women because it is a nutrient that hair cannot live without.

Clinical researcher, Andrew Lessman, points out the importance of Biotin as vitamins for hair loss that can help reverse the condition. Both Daly and Lessman suggest vitamin B12 and biotin as vitamins for hair loss. Patients are recommended to take 3mg of biotin daily for the overall health of the body, skin, and hair.

Some hair loss product manufacturers suggest using zinc, which is essentially a mineral and not considered among vitamins for hair loss but it has properties which can help control the condition to a large extent. Irrespective of that, doctors suggest using zinc supplements only when recommended by a doctor since a large intake may do more damage that good.

In addition to this, vitamin A has also been shown to be helpful in bringing hair back to ‘life’ that is restoring shine and vitality.

In conclusion, it can be rightly said that vitamins for hair loss along with a healthy diet can definitely help women fight hair loss. Of course, results will not be seen overnight since the body will take time to recover from the damage.

Related links:
Healthy Hair Combo Pack
Regrow Scalp Massage Oil

Friday, December 28, 2012

How to Overcome Anxiety Without Drugs

Though not a medical condition per se, anxiety is a problem that affects 97% of the world’s population, with the degrees ranging from mild to severe. It is a mood condition characterized by emotional, cognitive and behavioral changes that result in an overall unpleasant feeling. Symptoms of anxiety include heart palpitations, tension, nausea, weariness, chest pain or stomach pain. If these symptoms become severe, the condition is termed as an anxiety disorder. Doctors in the United States typically prescribe medicines for what they call panic attacks, a feeling where the person feels that they will pass out or die.

While there are several drugs that are recommended by doctors, there are several natural remedies for anxiety that are helpful in the treatment of the condition, without subjecting your body to drugs that may result in long term side effects, such as a dependency on the drug itself. Some of the best natural remedies for anxiety can be found at home, in your kitchen and will improve your condition if taken regularly. Because these remedies are natural, there are no side effects at all.

  1. Discovery Health suggests a massage with warm oil. If you have sesame oil at your disposal, that is the best but otherwise, you can use coconut or sunflower oil. Heat the oil to make it warm and massage over your entire body including your scalp before your morning bath. Wash off with warm water and your favorite shower gel or soap and you wouldn’t have to worry about anxiety. You can also use this before bed time if anxiety is resulting in insomnia.
  2. Anxiety can also be caused by a severe deficiency of potassium and folic acid. This is common in people who do not take regular meals or survive on processed foods. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is one of the natural remedies for anxiety. Otherwise, include foods such as onions and celery in your diet.
  3. Though not among natural remedies for anxiety per se, talking about the condition with a friend or a family member can help you feel better. Think of this as a way out from taking medicines which do more harm than good in the long run.
  4. Smell an orange! A lot of people find the aroma of an orange to be very calming. Keep a bottle of orange essential oil handy, either in your bag or at home. Adding a drop of orange essential oil to bath water can also help you feel better. You can choose any essential oil that you like.

There are several natural remedies for anxiety that can help you feel better. Some people like to take a jog while others listen to music to feel better. Anxiety is a natural body reaction towards any uncomfortable situation and it is not something permanent.

In any case, treatment is possible but following natural remedies for anxiety can help you in finding a natural solution for the problem. Many physicians now prefer to provide natural remedies for anxiety to their patients, reserving medicines and allopathic treatment for severe anxiety only.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Natural High Blood Pressure Remedies

The number of people seeking natural high blood pressure remedies has considerably increased over the past decade. As patients face difficulties coping with the killer disease, the daily meds and the side effects that persistently affect the quality of their lives, they decide to substitute the drugs for natural and alternative medicines.

There are plenty of naturally occurring substances that can keep hypertension at bay. For patients who have chosen to take the natural route, it is primarily important that they practice patience, discipline and perseverance because unlike medications, natural high blood pressure remedies requires them to strictly follow some of the points mentioned below:

  • Smokers need to quit or drastically reduce nicotine intake if they want to be cured of hypertension. Nicotine affects almost all the organs, especially the heart. High blood pressure patients are already at an increased risk of heart failures. Nicotine also adversely affects blood circulation and harms the walls of the arteries.

  • Alcohol should be strictly avoided.
  • Exercising is a must for all patients suffering from hypertension. Increase in heart rate is directly proportional to lack of exercise. When heart rate increases, the force with which the heart pumps blood also increases, which leads to high blood pressure.
  • Consumption of all food items that may potentially increase the level of sugar in the blood needs to cut down to a minimum.
  • A high fiber diet should be maintained. Incorporating fruits and vegetables (preferably in the raw form) is essential to control high blood pressure.
  • Patients who believe in the potential of natural high blood pressure remedies must also realize the importance of proper sleep and a routine life which minimizes stress.
  • The significance of weight loss is high for people with high blood pressure.
  • Sodium and potassium levels will need to be controlled. A low sodium diet will make a huge difference in controlling blood pressure.

These few steps should get an individual started on the path of natural healing. Given below are some natural high blood pressure remedies that can be prepared easily at home.

  • A mixture composed of equal amounts of honey, ginger juice and cumin powder can be used to curb high blood pressure. Two to three tablespoons of this mixture should be taken twice a day for a period of three months.
  • Curry leaves are widely used in the treatment of hypertension. Around 40 fresh curry leaves are boiled in a glass (250ml approx.) of water. This potion may be drunk after cooling on an empty stomach each morning.
  • The dried seeds of watermelon are used as an effective natural cure for high blood pressure. Around one to two tablespoons of powdered seeds can be dissolved in a glass of water and consumed.
  • The fresh juice obtained from spinach or carrots works amazingly well to reduce high blood pressure. Consuming either vegetable raw is another great option.
  • Fenugreek seeds are also very effective in lowering blood pressure. What patients can do is boil 2-3 tablespoons of the seeds in a glass of water and drink the strained liquid two times a day over a period of three months.

Natural high blood pressure remedies can not only control the disease, but also reduce the risks related to this illness without causing side effects.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Discover the Health Benefits of Krill Oil

Krill is a shrimp-like crustacean found primarily in the cold waters of the north Pacific and Antarctic Oceans. With a length of 1-6 cm, krill is present near the bottom of the food chain, and hence, is healthy. Krill is used to feed fish in fish farms and is eaten as a delicacy in Japan. There are several health benefits of krill oil or red krill oil for humans.

Top Health Benefits of Krill Oil or Red Krill Oil
Regular consumption of krill oil being. EPA affects moods and behavior, and DHA boosts learning, memory and pre and post-natal brain development. Hence, consuming diets deficient in essential fatty acids leads to cells that are brittle, leaky and incapable of releasing wastes.

Research also suggests that possible role of krill oil in reducing the risk of developing certain cancers, such as colon, prostate and breast cancers. However, it may not prevent or cure the disease on its own.

Krill oil is rich in vitamins A and E and astaxanthin, which is a flavonoid and carotenoid-like substance. Astaxanthin is a bright red pigment produced by the algae that krill feeds on (responsible for the reddish pink color of crustaceans). Astaxanthin inhibits the production of prostaglandins (pro-inflammatory substance) in the body. The combination of essential fatty acids, phospholipids and antioxidants in krill oil endows it with anti-inflammatory properties. Astaxanthin also crosses the blood-brain barrier, thus helping protect the brain, eye and the central nervous system from free radicals. Astaxanthin also offers protection against UV light and UV-induced skin damage.

Benefits of krill oil also include reduction of pain, stiffness, inflammation and functional impairment in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

It also helps improve vision, delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and reduce symptoms associated with personality disorders and depression.

Krill oil also boosts weight loss, as it regulates blood sugars and cholesterol.

It is also found to be an effective treatment of ADHD in adults.

Unlike fish oil, red krill oil does not have an aftertaste or result in fishy burps. To enjoy the myriad health benefits of krill oil, you must purchase high quality, affordable krill oil supplements from reputable providers. With high quality supplements, you not only get relief from diseases, but also enjoy optimal health and overall well-being.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Natural Remedies and Cures in Your Kitchen

Herbal natural remedies exist for all common illnesses and diseases. They have been used effectively since the medieval age and some of them have a higher success rate compared to standard medicines.

Tinctures, poultices and herbal tea are the common variants of herbal remedies. Some companies also manufacture herbal extracts of neem, sage, bitter gourd etc in the form of pills which can be taken daily without any side effects. In fact, most products sold as herbal remedies can be easily prepared at home using everyday kitchen ingredients.

Most herbal cures have originated from countries like India, China, Malaysia and Sri Lanka because of the innumerable variety of herbs that grow there. Did you know that Indians worship the Tulsi (basil) plant? It is known for its healing properties and is commonly used in tea. Holy basil leaves are effective against cold, stomach disorders, malaria and acne.

In general, many people use herbs for seasoning. Here are some benefits of the herbs that are used across the world for cooking:

  • Caraway seeds can be taken with warm water to heal stomach ache.
  • Honey mixed with ginger juice or ground black pepper should be taken 3 times a day for treatment of common cold. Tea made with extracts of ginger, black pepper, holy basil and cloves is also helpful.
  • Aloe vera helps heal minor burns. Keep a potted plant in your home and just snip off a leaf, extract the gel and apply on burns. It can also be used as a face mask for large pores and is useful against sun burns too.
  • Taking pain killers with a cup of coffee can provide greater pain relief.
  • Use lots of garlic in your cooking, it helps heal stomach ulcers by killing ulcer causing bacteria.
  • Psyllium husk is effective as a laxative.
  • Turmeric powder taken with milk heals internal injuries.
  • Ginger helps relieve menstrual pain.
  • Bitter gourd extract helps regulate insulin levels and is recommended for diabetics.

You can find many similar remedies on hundreds on online websites. The benefit of using herbs is that you don’t have to worry about any dangerous side effects. The variety and availability of herbs vary depending on the weather and country, but you can get herbal supplements and extracts at any store. Most of them are available over the counter.

While there is no regulation you need to exercise while taking herbs, it must be kept in mind that excess of anything can be bad for your body. Using a lot of ginger or garlic can produce rashes since these are considered ‘hot’ foods.

It is also important to mention that you must consult your doctor in cases life threatening diseases such as malaria or even cancer. Herbal natural remedies can help prevent a lot of diseases, even cancer, but there is no proven cure once the disease has set in. Do not approach quacks or shamans or take an over the counter drug just because your friend recommends it.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Effective Herbal Remedies for Insomnia

Insomnia is a health condition that is more than just a mere annoyance. If left untreated, it can seriously affect your physical, as well as mental health. Today, many insomnia sufferers are using herbal remedies to get better sleep on a permanent basis.

Insomnia Herbal Remedies vs. Insomnia Medications
An insomnia herbal remedy has various advantages over insomnia-treatment medications. Given below are two important reasons why you should opt for an insomnia herbal remedy if you are having trouble sleeping:

  • Insomnia herbal remedies provide permanent relief from the condition whereas sleeping pills provide only temporary relief.
  • An insomnia herbal remedy is free from side effects whereas all insomnia treatment medications are laced with at least a few side effects.

All the insomnia herbal remedies discussed below are 100% safe and non addictive. If you are pregnant, we recommend that you consult your doctor before using a natural remedy for insomnia. Below are the top 5 herbal cures for insomnia.

Chamomile
Chamomile is regarded as a great insomnia herbal remedy. Chamomile contains chrysin, whose anxiety relieving properties have been well documented. It helps in aiding digestion, relieving nervous tension, and promoting good sleep. You can use chamomile orally or externally.

If you want to use chamomile orally, then drink a cup of chamomile tea half an hour before bed. To use externally, take a hot water bath in the evening and add a few drops of chamomile oil in the bath.

Passionflower
Passionflower is another effective insomnia herbal remedy since it is one of the best non-addictive herbal tranquilizers. Passionflower is known for its ability to promote sleep, relieve pain, and curb muscular spasms. We recommend that you drink two cups of infused hub in the evening for better sleep.

Valerian
Valerian is a natural relaxant and is used for relieving nervous tension and anxiety. Valerian is known to calm the mind and treat insomnia if the cause is anxiety or over-excitement. Drink one cup of valerian tea forty-five minutes before your bedtime to improve both the quantity and quality of your sleep. You may also add one teaspoon of honey in your valerian tea to increase its effectiveness.

Caution: Though an effective natural remedy for insomnia, valerian does not suit everyone and can cause occasional excitement. If valerian causes any discomfort, then we recommend you use any other natural herbal remedy discussed in this article for the treatment of your insomnia.

Jamaica Dogwood Jamaica dogwood has a history of being used as a treatment for insomnia if the cause is nervous tension, pain, or menstrual cramps. Just like chamomile, you can also take Jamaica dogwood orally (by adding it to your tea) or use it in an herbal bath.

Lavender Lavender promotes good sleep by calming the nerves and reducing irritability. A lavender herbal bath is an effective way of curing insomnia.

When it comes to insomnia, the quicker you address the problem, the better it is. You don’t have to pop a sleeping pill and then live with its multiple undesirable side effects to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Instead, select a natural remedy for insomnia to address the root cause of insomnia and enjoy permanent relief from your condition.

Related link:
SereniteJr — Promotes healthy sleep patterns and restful nights for children and babies

Monday, December 10, 2012

How to Stop Hair Loss

It is considered normal to lose 20 to 100 strands of hair every day but if you see your brush full of hair after a wash, alarm bells should start ringing. There are several hair loss treatments available in the market but the demand for natural hair loss remedies has been on the rise because people want to avoid the pain, discomfort and high costs associated with clinical products.

There are many natural remedies for improving hair growth but it is important to understand the usage and expected results of each of these before you try them. The most common base for natural treatments is herbs and essential oils. Essential oils have been known for their therapeutic properties and if administered correctly, they can help cure a range of diseases. Herbs have been used for different medicinal purposes since 1000 BC.

One of the main reasons for hair loss is improper diet and irregular sleep patterns. Of course, life isn’t as simple as it used to be and people hardly have time to sit & enjoy a proper meal but it is important to include fruits, vegetables and proteins in your diet for overall well being. Most hair loss problems can be easily cured by taking vitamin supplements and increasing your water intake.

The other common factor for hair loss is the use of chemical based sprays, pomades etc and also subjecting hair to constant heat from straightening and curling irons. If you use any of these things daily, chances are that your hair structure has become badly damaged, resulting in hair loss. If this is the case, stop subjecting your hair to the constant violence and use organic shampoos and conditioners. You can use hair loss natural remedies like henna, coconut and olive oils, palmetto and rosemary.

Here is a list of effective hair loss treatments that have been tested successfully across the world:

  1. Henna heals the hair follicle and makes it stronger, increasing hair resistance against breakage. The best way of using henna is to mix powdered henna leaves with warm water and let it rest for 2-3 hours. Apply this as a pack and wash off after a couple of hours.
  2. Coconut and olive oil can make the hair resilient and more moisturized. Apply warm coconut or olive oil three times a week for an hour prior to washing hair. If you suffer from dandruff, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the warm oil.
  3. Boil rosemary and sage, strain and apply before washing hair. Rosemary and sage help cleanse pores, stimulate hair follicles and condition the scalp.
  4. Though initially used for prostate enlargement, saw palmetto is being increasingly used as a popular hair loss treatment as well. Palmetto shampoos and supplements are readily available in any store. However, doctors suggest that green tea is more beneficial for women compared to palmetto.

Hair loss can also be induced by changes in the weather, hormonal changes and pregnancy. Hair loss natural remedies can be effective in these cases as well but hair loss because of these factors should not be a cause of worry since it will only be temporary.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Alternative Cures in Your Kitchen

On an everyday basis, there are many things that we end up throwing in the garbage because we consider them useless. This happens a lot in case of kitchen ingredients but little do we know that these kitchen ingredients can come in very handy as natural remedies for health, including common ailments such as cold or even problems such as high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Increasingly more people these days are shifting towards alternative natural treatments for overall health and wellness because they do not have any side effects and can be taken for long periods of time without common side effects such as headaches, nausea and dizziness. In this article, we will discuss some of the best natural remedies for health and common illnesses.

  1. Stomach aches can be discomforting and quite painful. The most common causes of stomach ache are eating spoiled or rotten food, gastritis or acid reflux, and indigestion. In some cases, stomach ache may be accompanied with explosive diarrhea and nausea or vomiting. Taking a handful of caraway seeds with warm water can help provide relief from stomach ache. This is one of the many natural remedies for health that is commonly used in South East Asian countries.
  2. For conditions such as acid reflux or gastritis, take small meals throughout the day. Your stomach should never be empty. Avoid eating processed foods and spices. The ideal diet should include a lot of fresh fruits and salads. Taking a mixture of powdered coriander seeds with ground cane sugar will also help in providing relief. This is an ayurvedic natural remedies for health.

  3. Common cold or flu is a condition that affects many people. Getting over the counter medicines for this condition is not possible without a doctor’s prescription but there are several natural remedies for health that can be useful in case of flu. For sore throat, crush whole black pepper, mix with a teaspoon of honey and take it 4-5 times during the day for relief. In case of cough, you can take any flavor of herbal tea and add crushed ginger and holy basil to it when preparing the tea. This will help provide instant relief from cough. Eat home cooked meals as much as possible during this time.
  4. Another common problem that people report is that of headaches and migraines. There are a number of natural remedies for health for headaches that you can find in your kitchen. Organic cane sugar, also known as jaggery, can provide relief from migraine if taken regularly. Take a small pod of jaggery post lunch or dinner. It also helps in increasing the metabolism rate of the body, helping you digest food effectively. One of the natural remedies for health for cold, ginger tea, is also helpful in case of headaches. Ginger works by having a calming effect on the body and helps in relieving stress as well.

Similarly, there are many other natural remedies for health that can you find at home. Your grandmother will definitely have a repository of helpful hints about using kitchen ingredients to treat common illnesses.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Natural Back Pain Relief

Chronic back pain is a problem that affects 70% of the world’s population and is especially common in people who have a sedentary lifestyle or have desk jobs. As a neurological disorder, back pain is at par with headaches. Though there are a lot of natural back pain relief products and back pain relief systems in place, you must first get the pain evaluated by your physician to rule out the possibility of chronic conditions such as a disc injury or spondylitis.

Once the cause of the back pain has been found, you can safely use natural back pain relief systems to alleviate the pain completely. Among the various natural products that can be used for back pain, the one that stands out from the rest is inversion therapy, which is administered through the use of inversion tables.

According to Dr. Randy A Sheleraud, MD, inversion therapy uses traction to help relieve back pain, by taking gravitational pressure away from the spinal cord and increasing the space between vertebrae. As a temporary pain relief method, inversion therapy is a natural back pain relief system that can be useful in pain caused by spinal disk compression. Inversion therapy involves standing head down on an inversion table. It is not advised to be administered for a long period of time because blood pressure to the brain may increase, resulting in injury. It is also not advisable for those with cardiovascular and other heart problems. Inversion tables are easily available online. Some popular inversion tables brands are Teeter, LifeGear, and Ironman.

Another natural back pain relief product is the Nubax Trio, which is a therapeutic device. The device works similar to the way inversion therapy works. All you need to do is lean forward on the Nubax Trio such that your torso becomes suspended on a common pivot point. It then lifts off the gravitational pressure and creates more space between the vertebrae, just like in inversion therapy. Many people have found relief using the Nubax Trio. This back pain relief product comes with an instructional booklet and the CD, making it simple and easy to use. Unlike the inversion table, the Nubax Trio does not involve standing head down and can be used safely by pregnant women and those with high blood pressure.

You can also try some sun therapy. Getting some sun can help reduce back pain. The sun provides human body with essential vitamin D, the lack of which can result in bone diseases. Most pain arises from the bones, as researchers at the University of Minnesota found. In a study conducted on 150 people with chronic back ache, 90% people were found to have a Vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin B12 can also cause back pain, albeit the pain is restricted to the muscles. However, getting vitamin B12 supplements or injections can be helpful in reducing pain. Some people have also found the Indian art of Yoga helpful as a natural back pain relief system. Yoga cannot provide instant relief. Those interested in taking Yoga classes must continue them for at least 12-16 weeks to see a significant reduction in back ache and other ailments. Yoga is a great exercise for overall health and provides strength to the immune system.

The Sheffield University in United Kingdom conducted a study on the benefits of acupuncture as a back pain relief system where the treatment was provided to more than 180 people, of which 100% of the people receiving acupuncture treatments regularly reported a significant reduction in back aches and back pain.

The test group also mentioned that the relief they experienced with acupuncture was long lasting and it was unlikely that they would go back to using pain killers. Acupuncture releases natural pain relievers and sends signals to the nervous system, helping in the reduction of pain. Typically, an acupuncture session costs about $100 but is considered a medical expense which is covered by some insurance companies.

Previously unheard of, the Capsaicin cream has been shown to provide an analgesic effect resulting in a significant decrease in the production of pain-inducing neuro chemicals. The cream contains capsaicin, an active ingredient found in chili pepper and is readily available in drug stores and health food stores. A tube of the cream is priced around $10. It should be applied four times a day at the affected area. Side effects include burning or a stinging sensation because of the constituents.

If you opt for natural back pain relief cures that are available online, remember to buy them from a reputable store.

Related links:
The 7-Day Back Pain Cure (FREE report)
Inversion Table Therapy vs. Nubax Trio
Inversion Table 30-Day FREE Trial
Back Pain Articles

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