Natural Fertility Treatment Options

Recent statistics show that a worryingly large number of men and women are considering fertility treatment options. While some physical anomalies like tubal damage, ovulatory disorders and endometriosis contribute to fertility issues, frequent reports like "unexplained infertility" have shifted the limelight on external environmental factors. That is where natural fertility treatment options score far better than conventional treatments.

Needless to say, the changing lifestyles of people are endangering the natural process of reproduction. Stress, anxiety and the widely chosen measures to alleviate them are having a negative effect on hormones and disrupting biological harmony. Drugs that promise to help couples conceive have, more often than not, proved to be letdowns, to say the least.

When it comes to natural remedies, there are many fertility treatment options available. Not all of them will apply to every individual, but an optimum combination guarantees success.

There are various aspects that require attention:

DIET -- Besides providing the essential nutrients to the body that will nurture a life, food helps maintain hormonal balance. A healthy diet contains minerals and vitamins that are responsible for the proper growth and maintenance of genetic material.

• One of the most important factors that influence conception is the activity of cervical mucus. Certain nutrient deficiencies may lead to the deterioration of quantity and quality of this natural substance that helps fertilization.

Incorporating plenty of vitamin C in the diet is extremely essential for the well-being of the cervical mucus. Some other important nutrients are nitric oxide, lactobacilli (these organisms ensure a healthy and fertile environment in the body), calcium and folic acid.

• Zinc and iron are some of the most commonly used dietary supplements recommended to women seeking fertility treatment options.

OVULATION CYCLE -- The chances of conception are highest on the first day of ovulation. Men and women who have been facing difficulties should consider marking the 28-day cycle on a calendar to evaluate the day when the woman is most fertile.

HERBAL TREATMENTS -- Traditional herbs have been used for centuries to cure infertility. The range of fertility treatment options in this regard is comprehensive and all-encompassing.

• Siberian ginseng is a Chinese herb known to boost fertility. The Chinese believe that it increases the body’s "chi" (vital energy). Studies show that this herb can effectively strengthen the muscular walls of the uterus, enhance uterine function, and help maintain the required hormonal balance.
• Gingko biloba is an herb which, as per scientific research, is being said to enhance fertility and aid the proper growth of the fetus. It ensures proper blood circulation in the reproductive organs of the body and also acts as an antioxidant.
• Red clover is said to contain isoflavones, which is a naturally occurring compound similar to estrogen. Women who have estrogen deficiencies will definitely experience a boost in their estrogen levels after using red clover. This herb has been in use as one of the most effective fertility treatment options for years.

Chasteberry -- This fruit is an extremely potent fertility enhancer. Women who suffer from disturbances in the menstrual cycles obtain maximum benefit from this natural substance. Besides regulating and restoring hormonal balance in the body, this fruit positively affects the pituitary gland.

There are many other natural fertility treatment options for men and women that do not have the harmful effects of prescription drugs or expenses associated with most fertility treatments.

Important Vitamins for High Blood Pressure

Minerals and vitamins for high blood pressure are being considered as effective alternatives to hypertension medications. Patients should understand the importance of an optimum combination of exercise, sleep and a proper diet containing minerals and vitamins for high blood pressure treatment. If patients do not pay proper attention to any one of these factors, the remaining remedies lose their effectiveness to a great extent.

Patients suffering from hypertension are required to follow a diet consisting mainly of fruits and vegetables. Not only does this ensure that the body obtains a lot more dietary fiber and less carbohydrates, but that all the necessary minerals and vitamins for high blood pressure are taken as well.

Vitamin A, B-complex, C, D and E have been scientifically known to combat hypertension.

Results show that individuals who take 240mg of vitamin C daily experience far lower risks of high blood pressure. Vitamin C helps in the conversion of cholesterol. Being an antioxidant, it also detoxifies the body and maintains the health of the organs. It is also known to strengthen arteries, prevent blood clots, and help circulation in general. All these properties of ascorbic acid make it one of the most important vitamins for high blood pressure patients.

The group of B vitamins includes B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12. All of these are said to be important in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Vitamin B-6, folic acid and B-12 is known to reduce homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is a toxic byproduct of protein and is directly linked to high blood pressure.

Vitamin A, C, E, and beta-carotene deficiencies have been linked to hypertension. All these vitamins inhibit the negative actions of free radicals on the endothelium lining of artery walls. That keeps arteries elastic and maintains their ability to respond to chemical signals.

Co-enzyme Q10 is a substance found in the body. It acts like an antioxidant. Co-enzyme Q10 also improves the functioning of many chemicals in the body and increases the amount of energy produced by the cells. It has been in use as an alternative medicine for high blood pressure for a few decades. One of the many ways in which smoking harms the body is by using up and destroying this essential substance in the body.

Fruits and dark colored vegetables are the best sources of vitamins. However, some patients may need to resort to supplementary pills to maintain or enhance their current vitamin intake. Not all the products available in the market are reliable. It is advisable to consult a doctor regarding the dosage as excess vitamin intake may disrupt the natural balance of the body and be detrimental to health.

Some very important minerals are also needed by individuals suffering from high blood pressure. Calcium, magnesium, potassium and selenium are some of them. The mineral balance in the body is essential to prevent water retention. Water retention (caused by sodium) increases blood volume and thereby elevates blood pressure.

The importance of minerals and vitamins for high blood pressure cannot be undermined. Herbs, exercises, and meditation, when adhered to in combination with the optimum dose of essential nutrients, will help control hypertension in the long run.

Diet as a Natural Treatment for Arthritis

Alarmed by the magnitude of the side effects that accompany arthritis medications, many patients are now looking for a natural treatment for arthritis. Researchers and professionals have been studying various herbs and other natural remedies that are associated with this disease, and while not every traditional and natural treatment for arthritis is 100% effective, most of them have been known to cure or prevent the occurrence of this dreaded disorder when used as intended.

There is a difference between curing arthritis and treating the inflammation and pain associated with it. There are plenty of natural products that will provide relief from arthritis pain. Since this disorder involves damage and wear and tear in the cartilage surrounding the joints, muscle dehydration, stiffening of joints and inflammation, natural products that address the root cause and restore normalcy are considered to be most effective.

Diet plays an important role in the natural treatment for arthritis. The following foods help reduce the pain related to arthritis to a great extent:

• Including vegetables like carrots, spinach, ginger, garlic, pumpkin, zucchini and squash in the diet regularly is beneficial. All of these can be boiled in water with salt and consumed. Boiled vegetables are preferred as steaming/boiling does not destroy any essential nutrients and is free of oil, which is harmful for arthritis patients. Legumes like soybean, black beans, kidney beans and chickpeas are beneficial for arthritis patients too.
• Fennel seeds, turmeric, coriander, cumin, asafetida and iodized salt are some of the essential spices and seasonings that should be generously used by arthritis patients.
• Raw vegetable juices are good for arthritis pain. The darker the vegetable, the more potential for it has for curing arthritis. Some popular choices in the natural treatment of arthritis include beetroot, carrot, spinach and cucumber.
• Coconut water makes for an excellent drink for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Fruits rich in antioxidants not only reduce inflammation and flush out toxins, but also repair and restore the connective tissue around the joints. Some of the most widely used fruits that treat arthritis are cherries, avocado, blackberries, prunes, papaya, apples, grapes and oranges.
• Vitamin C is considered to be one of the most effective and essential nutrients in the natural treatment of arthritis. Its primary function is to aid the generation of collagen, the main component that makes up a cartilage.

It often becomes necessary to abstain from certain food items to balance the effect and compound the activities of the required nutrients. For example, tomatoes and peppers inhibit the process of cartilage repair by vitamin C. It is best that arthritics avoid fatty and oily foods, foods containing excessive amounts of uric acid, starchy vegetables, and foods high in refined sugar and simple carbohydrates.

However, arthritis cannot be fought with diet alone. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle which involves adequate sleep and mild forms of exercise is essential for patients. Glucosamine sulphate (a naturally occurring compound) and chondroitin sulphate supplements, when combined with a recommended lifestyle program, are considered very effective in the natural treatment of arthritis.

Acai Berry and Colon Cleanse: Trends of the Hour!

Acai berry and colon cleanse is fast becoming a top priority on the list of every individual who is looking for weight loss and a healthy body. There are controversies surrounding colon cleansing and the health benefits that are being associated with the acai berry. There are some important issues that need to be addressed before a person gives in to the tempting advertisements and the plethora of supplements readily available for sale.

What is colon cleansing and what are the benefits?

The colon is that part of the digestive system where solid wastes enter before being excreted out to be rid of salt and water. Many professions believe that this site can cause severe health problems as the accumulated waste which cannot be properly eliminated remains inside this small region and invites the growth of harmful bacteria and parasites. Colon cancer has also been associated with an unhealthy and unclean colon.

Colon cleansing involves the detoxification of the intestinal tract and the colon through various alternative methods. A clean colon is said to ensure proper digestion (which reduces fatigue and other related issues) and weight loss. Whichever process is applied to cleanse the colon, the loss of essential nutrients from the body invariably takes place.

That is why researchers are combining the (recently discovered and apparently highly effective) acai berry and colon cleanse in therapies and claiming weight loss to be the primary benefit.

Acai berry diet as a weight loss program has already been written about numerous times. In all fairness, acai berries are highly nutritious fruits that can effectively team up with colon cleansing regimes. These fruits are very popular as detoxifying agents (being an amazing source of antioxidants) and ensure that most of the symptoms and problems that surface after a colon cleanse are alleviated.

Whether or not acai berry and colon cleanse can be positively associated with the weight loss claim is still a matter of debate though.

It is true that all the supplements that are being sold as colon cleansing products have some important factors in common that essentially support weight loss. When the focus is on dietary fiber, cholesterol lowering minerals, and essential metabolism boosting vitamins, some pounds are surely going to be lost. If colon cleanse does ensure a stronger digestive system, losing weight is going to be easier as the amount of food that is consumed will be properly utilized, reducing the need to eat repeatedly.

One lobby of researchers is, however, maintaining that a colon cleanse can cause irreversible damage in the long run to the health and that the acai berry is not the superfruit people are claiming it to be.

Although there are several first-hand accounts of individuals who have benefited from acai berry and colon cleanse by losing weight drastically without any side effects, it is advisable to consult health professionals before jumping onto the bandwagon.

The use of acai berry and colon cleanse as a combination therapy for weight loss is an emergent trend which undoubtedly needs to be subjected to further studies. As for the present, an acai berry diet and a colon cleansing regime will continue to ride on their success stories.

The Myth About Natural Diabetes Cure

As millions ponder over what is the best possible natural diabetes cure, experts in alternative medicine are expressly maintaining that this chronic illness cannot be a "one man fight".

No one factor can eliminate all the health hazards that arise due to diabetes. Albeit, there are some minerals, herbs and other nutrients that score above others when it comes to fighting high blood sugar levels, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle incorporating minor (but significant) changes.

A mineral known as chromium has attained widespread popularity as a natural diabetes cure. It has been thoroughly researched, and findings show that while a person not suffering from diabetes requires this nutrient in very low quantities, diabetics can hugely benefit from additional doses. Chromium is a hypoglycemic mineral and helps maintain blood glucose levels in the body. Some sources include whole grain products, meat, dairy products, mushrooms and lentils. It is important to not go overboard with this mineral as too much of it can cause hypoglycemia. 150mg per day for a diabetic is considered to be the optimum requirement.

Another important mineral that can be considered as a highly effective natural diabetes cure is zinc. Zinc enhances glycemic control in both diabetes I and II patients. It also negates the adverse implications of this disorder on the organs to a great extent, improves blood sugar metabolism, and helps in the proper functioning and growth of beta cells. Beta cells are responsible for insulin secretion by the pancreas. This mineral is abundantly supplied by nature in vegetables and fruits and is also available as a supplement.

The most popular herb considered as a natural diabetes cure is green tea. In fact, oolong tea and black tea work wonders too. It is the presence of polyphenols (an active component found in some herbs) that positively affect glucose control and the functioning of insulin. Besides, green tea is known for its anti-oxidant properties. Regular cups of green tea not only reduce the affinity to other (sugary) drinks, but also reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems that are often associated with diabetes. Some other naturally occurring substances that are rich in polyphenols are fruits of the acai palm, blackcurrants, berries, and cocoa beans.

Alpha lipoic acid (or ALA) is being widely used as a natural diabetes cure. It is an antioxidant that not only increases insulin sensitivity, but also helps treat diabetic neuropathy. Broccoli, spinach, liver and potato are good sources. However, patients may prefer supplements as ALA can potentially cause hypoglycemia if taken in large quantities, and dietary pills ensure a steady and controlled intake of this nutrient.

The aforementioned items have been evaluated for diabetes management, and the inferences drawn have all been positive. Any professional dietician will be able to supply a further list of food items that should and should not be taken by a diabetic, including supplementary requirements. However, what many people are overlooking while looking for that one natural diabetes cure is that no natural product or medication can treat diabetes on its own. A healthy and stress-free lifestyle is as important as any drug or natural supplement when it comes to treating this chronic illness.

Alcohol and cigarettes are on par with sugar loaded food items when it comes to harming a diabetes patient. The importance of exercise (yoga, jogging and brisk walking work amazingly well for non-athletes) cannot be overlooked in diabetes treatment.