Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Top 5 Natural Asthma Treatment Methods

According to a survey by the Asthma Society of Ireland and Allen & Hanburys, asthma impacts one’s quality of life significantly. Asthma symptoms caused 55% patients to wake up at night, while 73% experienced some limitation in activities due to the condition.

A respiratory problem, asthma cases have been rapidly increasing due to increasing levels of environmental toxins and pollution. While traditional medicine helps reduce symptoms and provides relief temporarily, it is not without side effects. So, experts have been developing natural asthma treatment methods that result in long-term elimination of symptoms, and the frequency and progression of the condition.

Top 5 Natural Asthma Treatment Methods
Here are some effective natural asthma treatment methods:

  • Diet: Diet plays an important role in preventing and curing asthma; as they say, "we are what we eat". So, some foods may alleviate asthma symptoms, while others aggravate them. Food allergies also have a big role in triggering asthma attacks. So, it is important to determine the foods that you are allergic to and eliminate them from the diet. Some foods that aggravate asthma include those containing preservatives, high salt and saturated fat and dairy products (it is important to replace dairy products with other calcium supplements). These cause inflammation in the body, aggravating asthma symptoms. Hence, asthmatics should preferably avoid red meats, egg yolks, milk, cheese, butter, shellfish, artificial sweeteners and food colors.
  • Foods that alleviate asthma symptoms include omega-3 fatty acids, fruit and vegetables. These foods reduce inflammation, enhance lung function and relieve symptoms. At least three to five servings of fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, tomatoes, apples, pineapples and green leafy vegetables, are recommended every day to alleviate asthma symptoms. Some sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids include nut oils, krill oil, algae, flaxseed and fish such as tuna, salmon and halibut. Hence, diet forms the first step in natural asthma treatment.

  • Homeopathy: An alternative medicine that stimulates the body’s self-healing capabilities, homeopathy uses small doses of natural substances (from plants and animals). It boosts the immune system, thus avoiding disease recurrence. Homeopathic remedy for asthma, for instance, includes the use of pollen and weeds that help asthmatics develop resistance to the allergen.
  • Yoga: A natural asthma treatment approach, yoga is based on the principle of pranayama. Pranayama teaches slow, steady breathing that not only improves fitness, but also reduces stress that is a major asthma trigger.
  • Massage therapy: Professional massage focused on specific points on the arm, neck and chest helps relieve stress and enhance lung function. Massage therapy also eliminates phlegm and congestion and reduces inflammation. Children suffering from asthma are also known to experience increased peak airflow and enhanced pulmonary capabilities with 20-minute massage every night before sleep.
  • Exercises: Light, aerobic exercises help in strengthening the lungs and stretching the bronchial tubes, which facilitate easy breathing. Exercise also helps reduce obesity, which is a major risk factor in developing asthma.

Natural asthma treatment focuses on adopting the right lifestyle and eating habits which help cure asthma effectively in the long-term. You can consult a qualified natural medicine expert to get help with treating asthma naturally, effectively and without side effects.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

How Salmon Oil Benefits Your Health

According to a report by the US Department of Agriculture’s Western Human Nutrition Research Center, San Francisco, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol increases by 10% with the consumption of high salmon diet for 20 days. Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, salmon has HDL-increasing properties. Moreover, it also offers several health benefits. To enjoy these benefits, it is important to include moderate amounts of salmon in your diet (twice a week) or take salmon oil supplements (1-3 grams/day). However, amounts greater than that may cause side effects like bleeding. Here we discuss the main benefits of salmon oil.

Health Benefits of Salmon Oil
Salmon oil is derived from salmon, a small-sized fish with relatively short life span compared to other fishes. Listed below are the main health benefits of salmon oil:

  • It prevents cardiovascular diseases and protects against heart attack. It also lowers the amount of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in the body. According to research, anyone with high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in their body is less likely to die within an hour of a heart attack.
  • Salmon oil helps in improving the eyesight. It also protects the eyes against macular degeneration and prevents dry eyes.
  • It reduces inflammation, pain and discomfort associated with arthritis; it also reduces menstrual discomfort.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids are also effective in reducing joint pain and early morning stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • A rich source of essential fatty acids, salmon oil helps reduce the symptoms of diseases, such as asthma, arthritis, atherosclerosis, psoriasis and gallstones. Children who consume salmon every day have lesser risk of developing asthma.
  • Reduces the risk of developing prostate and breast cancer. The essential fatty acids in salmon oil help reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 40% and colorectal cancer by 60%. It also reduces inflammation caused by UV rays.
  • Helps reduce the symptoms of depression.
  • It reduces the risk of memory loss and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. It also retards the degeneration of cognitive function caused by aging. Additionally, it also helps in brain development and memory.
  • It helps reduce high blood pressure.
  • It is used in medications that fight inflammatory and respiratory diseases (omega 3 fatty acids are effective in treating these diseases)
  • When taken as a supplement, dieters lose more weight than those consuming the same calories without the supplement. Salmon oil is less likely to be stored as fat, as the body utilizes it for vital functions. Essential fatty acids are associated with decreased abdominal fat and reduced body weight.
  • It helps treat diseases such as diabetes, ulcerative colitis and Raynaud’s illness.
  • The fatty acid eicosapentaenoic in salmon oil stimulates leptin production, which regulates metabolism and the body’s response to insulin.
  • Benefits of salmon oil are available to pets as well -- it helps reduce the symptoms of allergies, improve coat quality, ease arthritis pain and reduce the risk of kidney diseases.

In order to enjoy optimal benefits of salmon oil and to remain free from side effects, source your salmon oil from reputable providers. Besides, you must take them only under proper medical supervision to ensure the best results without any side effects.

Monday, June 10, 2013

A Few Tips for Natural Hot Flashes Treatment

Hot flashes are experienced by 75% of the women during menopause. Menopause is a difficult time for any woman. A lot of very uncomfortable changes take place in the body during this time. Menopause is a transitional phase, where the reproductive system of a woman starts slowing down and eventually stops.

The resulting hormone imbalance due to the cessation of the production of estrogen can cause a whole host of symptoms. Out of all the symptoms, hot flashes are the most frequent and uncomfortable ones. Hot flashes treatment can be carried out through natural remedies and medications as well.

Types of Hot Flashes Treatment That Work
Before hot flashes treatment is addressed, it is important to understand what a hot flash is and what causes it. A hot flash is a sudden inexplicable feeling of warmth or heat that runs through the body. However, it is often felt more strongly in the neck and head region, and is often accompanied by rapid heartbeat and dizziness, sweating, nausea, anxiety, weakness or headache. The flash is often followed by a "flush" that leaves one red and perspiring.

A hot flash is caused primarily by hormonal imbalance. The hypothalamus is affected by the cessation of the production of estrogen. And since the hypothalamus is responsible for the regulation of body temperature, a fluctuation in its functioning causes it to perceive the body as cold and as a result it triggers a sudden increase in body temperature. This sudden flare up of the temperature is called a hot flash. Here are some natural ways to beat hot flashes:

  • Avoid Triggers: Stress is the most common trigger of a hot flash. Controlling the amount of stress one takes on can help. Hot flashes treatment involves trying to control the stress that you experience on a daily basis.
  • Dietary Precautions: Hot flashes treatment also includes avoiding certain foods and beverages that are capable of triggering off a hot flash. These include alcohol, coffee, spicy food and diet pills.
  • Natural Remedies: A major part of hot flashes treatment is natural remedies like black cohosh, yams, licorice, etc. Natural remedies are safe as there are no side effects. They are definitely a more preferred option than hormone replacement therapy.
  • Miscellaneous Tips: There some therapies that don’t involve taking medication. Some useful tips for hot flashes treatment include avoiding wools and synthetic fabrics, dressing in layers so that you can take off layers when you feel warm, avoiding turtle necks, keeping a glass of ice water within reach, lowering the temperature on your thermostat and using cotton sheets for your bed. These are just some handy tips that can keep one cool and therefore can counteract the effects of a hot flash.

Hot flashes treatment is popularly carried out with the aid of hormone replacement therapy and other allopathic treatments as well. Natural remedies and behavioral changes are also known to make a big difference without further compromising the health of the individual.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Tips on Selecting Bee Pollen Supplements

A substance rich in amino acids, enzymes, minerals, fatty acids, folic acid and Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, bee pollen helps maintain optimal health and well-being. They offer several benefits, including skin and body rejuvenation, reduced stress and enhanced endurance, mental clarity, memory, concentration, libido and immunity.

Women also get relief from pre-menstrual symptoms, and men benefit from increased sperm count and prevention of prostate difficulties. Moreover, it also supposedly possesses a penicillin-like antibiotic, which restricts harmful organisms like Salmonella.

Available as pills, tablets and capsules, they also help suppress appetite, enhance energy levels and detoxify the system. They score over other weight loss supplements because they consist of only natural ingredients. Realizing the huge potential benefits of bee pollen, pharmaceutical companies have come up with bee pollen supplements that enhance users’ health and well-being.

According to Carlson Wade, an expert on bee pollen, a person could survive on 22 grams of pollen, with 30 grams (about a handful) being necessary for proper functioning. Before you begin to consume bee pollen supplements, it is important to consult your doctor.

Here are some tips on selecting bee pollen supplements:

  • Stay away from inferior-quality bee pollen providers that blend high grade pollen with cheap quality pollen and sell them at premium prices.
  • Enquire about the source of bee pollen because pollen procured from an industrial area will be low in nutrients and high in contaminants.
  • Opt for unprocessed or raw pollen granules rather than products with the outer shell removed. Some manufactures process the granules, claiming easier absorption. However, the truth is that it only destroys nutrients, as the pollen is exposed to heat and light during the process.
  • Source bee pollen supplements from your own country so that it helps you develop immunity against the pollen found in your region.
  • Ensure that the pollen that has been cooled soon after collection. Cooling ensures the perseveration of nutrients and maintenance of high pollen quality. Pollens that are cooled and stored properly are also the freshest and the most potent pollen.
  • Purchase only from manufacturers that offer 100% satisfaction guarantee. Also, make sure that the company will support you in case you have any questions or problems with your purchase. The company must also be experts in the fields of bee products and nutrition.
  • Make sure that they are free from additives and fillers, such as sucrose, silica, gluten, starch, artificial colors, flavors and dyes.
  • In the US, the best products are produced at GMAP compliant facilities that adhere to stringent quality standards, which minimize contamination risk.

The best products are sourced from the untouched unpolluted regions of the world and are guaranteed to not have any low grade stuff. They are natural, raw and unprocessed and are freeze dried to ensure preservation of nutrients and vitality associated with bee pollen supplements.

Monday, May 20, 2013

The Most Effective Herbs for Anxiety

Anxiety is a completely natural human feeling. However, some individuals suffer from constant and severe anxiety, which affects their personal and professional life. Persistent, overwhelming anxiety and constant irrational fears are some of the common symptoms of anxiety disorders.

There are many treatments available for anxiety sufferers, such as medical, therapeutic, and herbal. Among all the different types of anxiety remedies, herbal remedies for anxiety have shown the most promise and offer relief with fewer side effects. There are many natural herbs for anxiety available, such as chamomile, passionflower, and St. John’s wart that can help you effectively deal with anxiety.

Here’s a look at the top 5 most effective herbs for anxiety that can provide you with relief from your anxiety symptoms.

Chamomile sits at the top of the list of herbs for anxiety. You can consume chamomile as a tea or capsule. Chamomile tea is a sweet drink that provides reduces anxiety symptoms, soothes an upset stomach, and relaxes tense muscles.

Passionflower -- Another natural herb that is ranked high in the list of herbs for anxiety is passionflower. Passionflower, like other herbs, is available in extracts, dry herbs, tea, and tinctures. Passionflower not only relieves anxiety, but also has been found useful in the treatment of insomnia.

St. John’s Wart is recognized by herbalists as one of the most effective herbs for anxiety. Besides effectively treating anxiety, St. John’s wart can also provide relief from depression and menopausal problems.

Withania(Indian ginseng) has been used for years to relive anxiety, tension, improve memory, calm the nerves, and restore vitality. Boil a gram of Withania roots in a cup of water and drink the solution daily to enjoy the multiple health benefits that this natural herb offers.

Kava Kava -- The roots of the kava plant contain kavalactones, which in turn possess anti-anxiety properties. People in the Pacific Ocean region have been using kava roots for centuries as a sedative.

It is best to consume kava roots by soaking them in water or milk. When preparing a kava solution, do not use hot water, milk, or any other liquid, as heat kills kavalactones. Kava supplements are also available in the market, but you should avoid using them. Kava supplements are not as effective as a kava solution, and some studies suggest that extensive use of kava supplements may cause damage to the liver.

Things to keep in mind when using herbal remedies for anxiety
While all the herbs for anxiety mentioned above offer you relief from anxiety symptoms, there are certain things you need to keep in mind while using them:

  • Herbal remedies for anxiety should never be consumed with alcohol.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use herbs for anxiety treatment without consulting their doctor.
  • People who are taking medication for another preexisting condition should use herbs only under medical supervision.
  • People with a weak liver or a history of liver disease should not use the above mentioned herbs for anxiety treatment without consulting their doctor.
  • Some of the above mentioned herbs may show some side effects in certain people. If you find that a herbal treatment is not suiting you, you must immediately stop using it.

We recommend that you keep the above points in mind when using herbs for anxiety treatment. Also, give yourself 3-4 weeks’ time, as some of the herbs discussed above may take some time to show results.

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