New Sources of Hyaluronic Acid Provide Hope for Increased Availability

Recent research into the purification of Hyaluronic acid (HA) from the vitreous humor of fish has shown great promise. This method is highly efficient and easier than derivation from rooster combs and other traditional sources of HA.

Specifically, scientists have pinpointed a way to derive highly pure Hyaluronic acid from the vitreous humor of fish. This method has the potential to be extremely important for the commercial Hyaluronic acid market as it provides an easy, safe and economical way to synthesize high amounts of Hyaluronic acid. If patent approved, the process could make Hyaluronic acid products even more readily available and could help scientists in the search for uses of Hyaluronic acid other than Hyaluronic acid injections, supplements, beauty products, liquids and serums.

The specific protocol to obtain pure HA from vitreous humor of fish consists of the following:

1: Using platinum electrodes for protein electrodeposition.

2. Diafiltration, which reduces ethanol consumption

3: Redissolution of the pellet

4: Alkaline treatment of concentrated extracts

There are many competitive advantages to this new process of creating hyaluronic acid. The two most compelling advantages are that the process results in higher quality HA, and requires less alcohol use which makes the process easier and more economical.

Hyaluronic Acid Resources is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to http://www.e-hyaluronicacid.com/.

Ohh La La Your Body Knows The Benefits Of Spa Treatments

Spa treatment is becoming more and more popular these days. Spa treatment is not limited to beautification purpose, it offers several other benefits and this is one of the main reasons why most spa treatment is gaining such popularity. It can help to reduce stress, soothes your muscles, and provide overall relaxation for your mind and body. Visiting the spa provides an effective way of escapism from your tight work schedule to a world that is quiet and peaceful.

Most spas offer various treatments and it is vital from your part to select the best that suits your needs. Some of the most popular treatments include Massages, Facials, and full Body treatment.

Massaging is considered as an effective technique of body treatment. Massaging helps to lighten muscle rigidity, cramps, or tremors and help to alleviate tension and anxiety.

Types of massages

There are several types of massages that execute various functions for your body. The different types of massages include:

Swedish massage

Swedish massage includes a wide range of techniques for muscle relaxation. This is achieved by applying pressure to them against bones and muscles. Swedish massage helps to boost the oxygen flow in the blood and releases the pollutants from your muscles.

Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage is performed on the deeper layers of one?s muscle tissue. This helps to releases chronic muscle tension from one?s body. Deep tissue massage allows proper circulation of blood and oxygen and releases toxins from your muscles. It also helps to eliminate scar tissues.

Sports massage

Sports massage is exclusively designed for sports personnel. A sports massage is done to reduce tension and stress, which develops in the body?s soft tissues mainly during bodily strain. It can be done before, during, or after an athletic event. Sports massage helps the athletes to reduce muscle tension, relieve swelling, and drain away exhaustion.

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy is a very useful and effective spa treatment. During aromatherapy massage one need to inhale essential oils through the mucosa of the nose and mouth. It is found that this type of massage offers several emotional and mental benefits.

Facial treatments

Facial treatments help to clean and cleanse the skin by dropping dead skin cells. Facials increase the smoothness of skin and maintain a good hydrated skin. There are different types of facial treatments. Such as:

Oxygenating Facial ? This treatment is perfect for those with dull looking skin. This type of facial features a vitamin formula that helps to restore tired skin.

Deep-Cleansing Facial ? this type of facial is targeted to skin type that generally utilizes a gentle botanical peel with essential oils.

D.N.A. Facial: this is a unique treatment for the skin, which helps to restore collagen. This helps to nourish tired skin.

Sea Beauty Facial ? this facial treatment helps to re-vitalizes one?s skin.

Body Treatment

Almost all spas offer body treatments. Body treatments are considered very important to your body as it helps to hydrate, nourish, and remove dirt from the inside your pores. Body wrap, body scrub, and body mask treatments are some of the most popular body treatments.

Body wraps may include moor herbal therapy treatment. Body scrub consists of massaging of the person?s skin with a blend of oil, salt, and aromatics like lemon. This eliminates the dirt from your skin and makes it smooth and soft. A body mask usually follows a body scrub.

To conclude, spa treatments prove to be a very effective way to provide relaxation for your mind and body. It is a perfect way to get relief from the strain of this high-tech world. Do your body a favor, and treat it to a spa treatment that it is right for you. Your body will be saying ooh la la!

Keisha Seaton is the owner of My Articles Directory. Visit My Articles Directory today to read more Beauty Articles, your body depends on it!

Do You Have Rosacea?

Could you have a disease and not know it? Yes, according to the National Rosacea Society. In fact, 14 million unknowing Americans have rosacea. Shocking as this statistic may be, it's even more shocking when you learn the disease is becoming more widespread.

WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease related to acne. The symptoms of rosacea are clearly visible and it often mistaken for sunburn, windburn, chapped skin, or in my part of the country, frostbite. I have had rosacea since I was a teenager. Living with rosacea isn't easy, but I have learned to do it.

Controlling my rosacea is an ongoing task. In my teenage years I was embarrassed to have rosacea. I'm a grandmother now and I'm still embarrassed. When I walked in the dermatologist's office her first words were, I can see your heritage on your face. (She was beautiful and had flawless skin.) The dermatologist was referring to the fact that rosacea usually strikes people who are 30-50 years of age, have fair skin, and blue eyes.

I have British and German heritage, I replied.

I can tell, she said.

Though some men have rosacea, more women have it than men, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Rosacea is often a family disease. Some people believe the social and emotional effects of rosacea are worse than the physical symptoms, the ADD notes. I agree with this statement because I have almost all of the symptoms of rosacea.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

People with rosacea (and you can spot them in a crowd) usually have red faces. Some people have splotches of red on their cheeks or noses. Do you have rosacea? Examine your face closely in a mirror. Look for these symptoms:

* red areas on your face, particularly your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead

* tiny, visible blood vessels around your nose

* blemishes (which may flare)

* watery eyes

* dry, red eyes

* itchy eyes

* thicker skin on parts of your face, such as the forehead

Rosacea can spread to your ears, neck and head, so it's important to keep it under control. Few treatments were available during my high school and college years. I was advised to keep my face clean, avoid fatty foods, and use a sunlamp. After I married and had children a dermatologist gave me a prescription for special make-up. I wore the make-up for several years but stopped because it did not help my rosacea and my face always felt hot.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Thank goodness treatments have improved since my student years. Early identification of the disease is the key to successful treatment, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. See a dermatologist right away if you think you have rosacea. While there is no cure for rosacea, it can be controlled, and even advanced cases improve with proper treatment.

The ADA lists treatment options on RosaceaNet and they are topical creams, antibiotics, acid peels, cleaning eyes with diluted baby shampoo, dermabrasion, light and laser therapy, and vascular lasers. I take a daily antibiotic and use a cream that slowly peels my face. My insurance plan won't pay for the cream, despite a medical diagnosis of rosacea, so I have to pay for it.

I just had my prescription refilled at my local pharmacy. Several months ago a tube of cream cost $100. This time it cost me more than $200. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. After I got home I checked the internet prices and found I could buy it for $50. You can bet that I will never have this prescription filled at my local pharmacy again. I will also check with discount store pharmacies before I order over the internet.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

If you are diagnosed with rosacea you should follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. Rosacea is an ongoing condition, and you have to keep after it. My rosacea flares though I am religious about taking my antibiotic and using the cream. This is common, according to the National Rosacea Society, and it has posted a list of tripwires on it website.

These tripwires include hot weather, sun exposure, frigid weather, and stress. What you eat and drink may also cause rosacea to flare. For some reason people with rosacea blush easily and their faces flush easily if they drink alcohol. If you imbibe you should drink slowly and monitor your intake.

The National Rosacea Society says you should also be careful about eating spicy foods and hot foods (coffee, tea, soup) which may cause flushing. It also says you should avoid hot showers, hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas. Heavy exercise may also cause rosacea to flare. People with rosacea share common symptoms, but each case is different, and you may discover other tripwires.

For example, I used to use an abrasive facial cleanser, but don't any more because it irritated my rosacea. I don't use perfume and wear Almay make-up. To relieve my dry eyes I keep a bottle of artificial tears in the kitchen and in my purse. Rosacea even influences my clothing purchases. You won't find any bright pink or red clothes in my closet. Instead, I wear flattering colors, such as blue, and neutral colors.

Do you have rosacea? If so, you are in famous company. The famous actor, W. C. Fields had rosacea and was known for his bumpy nose. President William Clinton has rosacea. Some famous ice skaters have it too, though I can't recall their names. Rosacea is treatable and you don't have to suffer. See a dermatologist now. Get started on your treatment and a better life.

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com http://www.healthwriger.blogspot.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief, written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com. A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find another review on the American Hospice Foundation website under the School Corner heading.

Seven Biggest Bodybuilding Mistakes: Avoiding Common Obstacles to Muscle Mass

Bodybuilding is hard work. As far as athletics and sports go, it may very well be one of the hardest. I have spent time in competitive boxing, martial arts, powerlifting and yet I think I can say with confidence that bodybuilding caused me to face some of my greatest challenges. All sports present different challenges that are unique only to that specific sport. My boxing taught me that I needed to take a punch, shake a punch and more importantly do my best to avoid getting punched. Boxing also taught me how to achieve incredible endurance. My martial arts training caused me pain in parts of my body I never knew existed. I learned the importance of stretching, flexibility and mental discipline.

Bodybuilding is completely different. Some of the same factors are there. Bodybuilding requires steadfast discipline, both mentally and physically. However, true bodybuilding is much more than a sport?it?s a lifestyle. From the diet, to the supplements, to the workouts that impact your daily schedule, bodybuilding requires dedication unlike anything else. Then, on top of all of that, you must look in the mirror every single day and see progress in the form of new muscle with greater degrees of definition. It can be very disheartening when the mirror doesn?t represent gains that you believe you have earned and worked hard for.

That?s why it grieves me to see novice bodybuilders and even worse, experienced ones, making mistakes and succumbing to obstacles that are avoidable and inhibit their progress. As we consider the following obstacles, let?s remember that they can make or break a bodybuilder.

1. Stick to the basics

Here comes Johnny Newcomer. He skips squats. He skips heavy bent over rows. If you asked him to do a deadlift he would look perplexed and wonder why you asked him such a ridiculous question. He would rather use the machines, swing the light dumbbells, and toy around with the cables. Oh yes, I forgot, he loves to bench press too. None of these things are bad and they all are important, but they must not replace basic, heavy compound movements (barbell). Compound movements involve more than one muscle group (squats, deadlifts, etc) and tax the body in such a way so as to cause the most favorable metabolic and hormonal environment?provided that you do not overtrain. If you incorporate heavy movements like squats, heavy bent over rows, deadlifts, and standing military presses into your regimen, you will see and feel the difference. Give it shot and let me know. I?m sure you will come back smiling even though they will take their toll physically.

2. Go home?enough already: Stop overtraining

You see them every day in the gym. They move from machine to machine and never seem to want to go home. Sometimes I sit in awe and I wonder, ?Does he have a home to go to?? They work 20-30 sets for biceps and then still have the nerve to do some back training after all that. If you?re training for more than an hour, you are overtraining. As far as I?m concerned you have reached what I call the point of no return. After forty-five minutes of intense resistance training your body?s defense mechanisms engage and that in turn causes a sharp increase in cortisol (stress induced hormone). You will also have significant decreases in testosterone and human growth hormone levels. If you cut your workout time and increase your recovery time and your post workout nutrients, you will grow.

3. Exchange light & fluffy for heavy & intense

Put down the light weights and stop looking at yourself in the mirror with such lust in your eyes. If you have the wherewithal to take smoldering glances at yourself in the mirror as you smirk and blow kisses, you may not be lifting a weight that is heavy enough. Muscles will grow only if they are forced to the adaptation necessary to lift something heavier than they are use to and normally recognize. In other words, lift heavy and lift with intensity. Working out hard and working out with intensity are two different things. Intensity is what you should strive for if muscle mass is your goal. How can you lift with more intensity? Lift heavier weight. I say that because I know the word ?intensity? gives some people the wrong idea. You can yell and scream in the gym, but that doesn?t mean you?re lifting with intensity.

In order to understand the true meaning of intensity I like to equivocate intensity with overload. I know that there can be a problem with this as well. Some can lift heavy, but lack the mental intensity. But keep in mind that when I use the word intensity I?m not only referring to the mental aspects, but also force, strength and velocity. Keep your rep range in the 4-6 area and do 9-12 sets per body part maximum. Heavy weight would be considered a weight that you can not get more than 6 reps with on your own while using strict form. When you get to this point and you can do 7 reps, add more weight until you continue to fall in this rep scheme. Drop the light & fluffy. Heavy & intense is where the muscle lives.

4. There?s no happy hour here: Focus, focus, focus.

I think that some people see gyms as bars, nightclubs or social societies. I?m amazed when I see people stop in the middle of a set to engage in conversation for 15-30 minutes or more. It?s unbelievable. It?s one thing if you?re done with your workout and you?re cooling down. But that is not the case most of the time. I once witnessed a girl walk up to a friend and begin conversation. Just by the duration I assumed she must have been done with her workout. Well, you know what they say about assuming?never do it. She turned around 35 minutes later as I was leaving and she picked up on the same machine she left off at. Focus and concentration is directly related to your degree of success and muscle growth. Save the conversation for after the workout. Think about and focus on nothing else but the muscle you are training. The only thing you should do between sets is mildly stretch the muscle you?re working on. And I?m not talking about the one in your mouth.

5. Now is the time: The importance of pre/post workout fuel

Last week a guy in the gym approached me and asked me if he should take a protein drink after his workout. I told him that if he didn?t plan on having a protein/carbohydrate drink following his workout, it would have better off for him to stay home. How can anyone think that it is okay to put the body through serious stressful resistance training and then not know how crucial it is to give the body the nourishment it needs to grow and repair? You have a window of opportunity immediately following a workout which could lead to the foundation of an incredibly anabolic (building) environment or one that is catabolic (tearing down). You should always ingest a good protein source at least an hour before your workout and then a protein/carbohydrate drink immediately following your workout. Make sure the pre workout source is pre-digested. It?s never a good idea to workout with anything undigested in your system. I would recommend 5 grams of glutamine before and after every workout. Never miss taking your glutamine.

6. The giver of life: Drink your water.

Your body can last months without food, but only days without water. Your muscles are made up of almost 70% water. Water is responsible for almost every single physiological function in your body. Lack of proper hydration can cause muscle weakness, stunt your muscular growth, cause joint pain, bring a lack of focus and concentration and inhibit your body?s ability to burn fat. That is just to name a few. Drinking your water is the most important thing that you can do?period. Drink a minimum of one gallon a day.

7. Put down the pills: Eat your food

He walks into the local health food store and the salesman smiles as he sees the eager young bodybuilder with his wide-eyed hunger for muscle. The young bodybuilder then walks out with a box of supplements that he can now get home only with a truck. The biggest mistake that most bodybuilders make is wasting tons of money on pills and potions when they are not eating the proper amounts of solid foods to begin with. Supplements have their place. But supplements must never take precedence over healthy eating habits. Eating 5-6 solid muscle-building meals each day will build more muscle than any pill or powder. Make sure to have a balance of Protein/carbohydrates and fats. For muscle gains I would recommend a ratio of 25% Protein, 50% Carbs, 25% fats or depending on your metabolism another good ratio I put my clients on is 35/45/20. If maximum weight gain is your goal then add 500 calories above your maintenance & total expenditure levels.

Avoiding the common pitfalls can bring about rapid gains in muscle. Try to implement these basics if you?re not currently doing so.

Tony DiCostanzo is a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer (NFPT-CPT) and the Founder of DreamBodies Body & Life Transformation System. With over 20 years of practical experience as a natural bodybuilder in the field of health & Fitness, Tony is also a coach and motivational speaker who has inspired many through his lectures and seminars. He holds certifications in Advanced Sports Nutrtion, Sports Hypnosis and Stress management. http://www.dreambodies.net

Dietary Fats Are Not Created Equal

Understanding the different types of fats can be difficult for the consumer. Since not all fats are created equal in health, it is important to understand the differences in dietary fats; healthy versus unhealthy.

Triglycerides (triacylglycerols) are an important class of dietary fats. The triglyceride consists of a molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acids. Biologic properties of triglycerides are determined by the presence or absence of double bonds, the number and location of double bonds, and the configuration (cis, trans) of the unsaturated fatty acid. Fatty acids consist of a hydrocarbon chain (C-H) with a carboxyl group (COOH) at one end. The glycerol molecule contains three hydroxyl groups (OH).

Much of the fat in the body is in the form of triglycerides. Many of the foods we eat also contain triglycerides. Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. These triglycerides are not directly from dietary fats but made in the liver from excess sugars that have not been used for energy. The excess sugar source is from foods containing carbohydrates such as refined sugar and white flour.

Saturated fats are a type of triglyceride. This triglyceride contains primarily fatty acids whose side chains do not contain any double bonds. These fats are characteristically called saturated because all available carbon bonds are occupied by a hydrogen atom. Saturated fats are highly stable and can resist oxidation. The saturated fat molecule is straight in form. Hence, saturated fats form a solid or semisolid at room temperature. Main sources of saturated fats are meat and dairy products, and a few vegetable oils (palm and coconut oils). A diet high in saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Monounsaturated fats are another type of triglyceride. The fatty acids contain only one double bond. A few sources of monounsaturated fats are olive, peanut, and rapeseed (canola) oil. This type of fat has the ability to favorably modify lipoprotein levels. A good example of a diet high in monounsaturated fat is the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean cultures show that a diet rich in olive oil is correlated with a low incidence of heart disease.

Polyunsaturated fats are a type of triglyceride in which the fatty acids contain more than one double bond. Double bonds in natural fats are rigid and introduce a kink in the molecule. This kink prevents the fatty acids from packing close together. As a result, unsaturated fats have a lower melting point than saturated fats. Most unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and referred to as oils.

The effect that the polyunsaturated fat has on heart disease is influenced by the location of the double bond within the molecule. Omega-6 fatty acids (n-6 fatty acids) are a type of polyunsaturated fat. The omega-6 fatty acid, primarily linoleic acid obtained from vegetable oils protects against heart disease. Good sources of omega-6 fats are nuts, avocados, olives, soybeans, along with sesame, cottonseed, and corn oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 fatty acids) are a type of polyunsaturated fat. The omega-3 fatty acid is primarily linolenic acid. These fatty acids are found primarily in plants and in fish oils that contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Omega-6 and omega-3 fats are considered essential fatty acids. These fatty acids are associated with a lowered risk of heart disease.

Trans fatty acids are chemically unsaturated fatty acids. However, in the body trans fatty acids behave much like saturated fatty acids. Why is this bad? Trans fatty acids increase serum low density lipoproteins (LDL?s) but not high density lipoproteins (HDL?s). With the shift in LDL levels, Trans fats increase the risk of heart disease.

Trans fats can be introduced into the diet in ways most are unaware of. During hydrogenation, polyunsaturated oils become exposed to hydrogen at high temperatures. The nature of the polyunsaturated fat becomes transformed into a trans fat. Most margarines and baked goods contain the hydrogenated polyunsaturated oils. Trans fats should be avoided at all costs.

Dietary fats are not created equal. The common diet conscious individual avoids any and all dietary fat. Some dietary fats are necessary for life. With a more specific dietary fat watch on the mind, the right food choices can be easier for a heart healthy dieter.

Copyright 2005 Kristy Haugen

Kristy Haugen is a mother working to finish her second bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering. She is also a Licensed Practical Nurse with a current bachelor degree in Biology and Chemistry. She writes to inform consumers about nutrition and health topics. Learn more about your health and Buy Vitamins Online at vitaminmaniac.com

Couple Hikes The Sierra Nevada For Depression Awareness

Today we are pleased to talk to Jeff Alt, author of ?A Hike for Mike.? The book is a true-life adventure of a couple who trekked the John Muir Trail as a depression awareness campaign. Hello Jeff.

Irene: What inspired you to write your second book, ?A Hike for Mike,? a true life adventure? Jeff: I knew I had a story that readers would be interested in and I had such a positive experience with my first book, A Walk For Sunshine. I received hundreds of letters from readers complimenting me and asking when my next book was coming out. A Walk For Sunshine received a book award, excellent reviews, and has sold through five printings. I just had to write another. But the real inspiration to write A Hike For Mike came after the tragic suicidal death of my brother-in-law ?Mike? due to untreated depression. Thousands of people across the country followed our Hike For Mike depression awareness campaign across the Sierra Nevada and we received hundreds of heartfelt letters from folks all over the country; even Europe. Our journey had struck a chord. A Hike For Mike, the book, seemed to be a natural sequel to A Walk For Sunshine.

Irene: Why do you believe this was an important book for you to write? Jeff: A Hike For Mike demonstrates how taking a walk in the woods can be such a fun and healing experience. The book allowed me to take the reader from where I left the Appalachian Trail into the journey of marriage and then back to the woods with my wife. The book has allowed us to help others by not only sharing our healing yet entertaining journey but also educating readers of the symptoms and treatment options for depression. On a professional level, A Hike For Mike helped me get beyond the ?one book author? funk. My goal is to continue writing and speaking about my adventures and the philanthropic causes they benefit.

Irene: Deep inside, when you decided to make the trek of 218 miles across the Sierra Nevada, what were you wanting to achieve on a personal level? Jeff: I wanted to help Beth work through the loss of her brother Mike. I also felt it was important to continue to enjoy our lives together in spite of such tragedy, and I knew the trail would help accomplish this. Beth and I walked down the wedding aisle four years prior but we had never taken a long hike together. I walked the entire 2,160 mile Appalachia Trail, chronicled in my first book, A Walk For Sunshine, and I asked myself ?What?s next?? ?What can top the Appalachian Trail?? Answer: The John Muir Trail accompanied by my wife. Although the distance of the JMT was much shorter than the AT, what we accomplished in our relationship was huge and can?t be measured with a pedometer.

Irene: Your wife, Beth, took the journey with you. How would this experience been different for you if she didn?t go with you? Jeff: Beth and I bonded nomadically living in the woods together for the better part of a month. Not many couples can say they?ve done that. We shared romantic sunsets. We ate out of the same dish. We became an efficient team as friends, husband and wife, and as hikers. We had no TV, newspaper, or radio; just each other. We learned the power of humor. We learned that each of us have strengths and weaknesses and that we must take turns being the engine and the caboose even in the woods. We worked through an adverse situation together. Beth proved that she was a survivor not a victim. Our hike made our marriage stronger. We would have never discovered this aspect of our relationship if Beth had not hiked with me.

Irene: You just mentioned that Beth proved she was a survivor not a victim. What do you believe changed within her to let go of being a victim? Jeff: When Beth committed to walking the John Muir Trail to raise awareness for depression she became a survivor. Beth knew that her brother?s death was most likely the result of untreated depression. Even though she couldn?t bring Mike back, she could help prevent someone else suffering from untreated depression to get treatment and avoid a potentially suicidal outcome. Beth saw the hike as a tangible vehicle to help heal from her brothers death and she was inspired by the fact that our hike would help prevent another needless death and help others realize they could live fulfilling lives instead of living under the cloud of untreated depression.

Irene: Were you a victim before the trek? If so, explain what changes occurred in you to also become a survivor. Jeff: I wasn?t a victim. I had known Mike about four years and usually only saw him a few times a year. But, Mike and Beth had grown up together. They were close. Beth was the maid of honor in Mikes wedding a few years before I came into the picture. I saw myself as more of a survivor coach. I wanted my wife to be happy again. I hated to see her so sad. I pulled from my own near death experience in order to help Beth move forward in survivor mode.

Irene: Why do you believe that accomplishing a goal is an important aspect of healing? Jeff: When tragedy strikes, it?s important to move forward. Working towards a goal takes courage and helps you focus to the future. And not get stuck in the past. It?s important to realize that life will get better with time.

Irene: When people are in a middle of a tragedy they often cannot see ?getting past? the situation. What encouragement would you give them?
Jeff: Tragedy such as losing a loved one is hard. I don?t really have all the answers. Grief counseling may be a good start. Beth and I learned:
?the pain will ease with time.
?It?s ok to laugh.
?Focus on the good memories.
?Treat yourself well.
?Exercise is important
?Spend time with friends and family

Irene: What is the most important message you have in your book, ?A Hike for Mike?, that you feel your readers would benefit from?

Jeff: A Hike For Mike demonstrates the healing power of nature and reflects on how one family overcame adversity. A Hike For Mike offers hope to those experiencing depression that with treatment, you will climb the ridge of life once again.

Irene: Thank you Jeff. Is there anything else you would like the readers to know about you, your journey, or your book? Jeff: A Hike For Mike is an award-winning, inspiring humorous adventure. I enjoyed reliving my adventure as I wrote the book. As a writer, I want the reader to feel as if they are on the trail with me. A Hike For Mike accomplishes this goal. As you walk vicariously alongside Beth and I through three national parks, ending atop the highest mountain in the contiguous United States, you?ll encounter bears, lightening bolts, fascinating people, and beautifully rugged scenery. You?ll also see a ray of light emerge from the dark ashes of tragedy. Our adventure reflects on perseverance, overcoming adversity, and navigating the mountains and valleys of life. All the best in the great outdoors!

Irene Watson is the Managing Editor of Reader Views, a book review service. http://www.readerviews.com. She is also the author of her memoir, The Sitting Swing.

High Blood Pressure and Your Health

In 2003, The American Heart Association reported that nearly one in three adults, or 65 million people had hypertension. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common and treatable condition. You have high blood pressure if your blood pressure has a reading of 140 over 90 or higher (140/90mm Hg). Prehypertension is a reading of 120-139/80-89 mm Hg. The AHA reports 59 million adults have prehypertension. Sixty nine percent of people who have a heart attack and seventy seven percent of people who have a stroke have high blood pressure.

When you have hypertension there are no symptoms you can feel or see. The only way to tell is to have your blood pressure checked. In most cases, diet and lifestyle changes can help control mildly high blood pressure. But sometimes, your doctor will prescribe medication as well as lifestyle changes.

Here are some tips to help lower your blood pressure. Stop smoking, smoking narrows your blood vessels causing blood pressure to dramatically rise. You should also try to maintain a healthy weight. Eat fewer high fat foods and increase your physical activity. Exercise regularly, aerobic exercise tones your heart, blood vessels and muscles and helps keep your blood pressure low. Drink alcohol in moderation and limit your salt intake. A diet high in salt causes the body to retain water, which increases the volume of blood in circulation and increases the pressure in the arteries.

If you are required take blood pressure medication, take all the medication as prescribed. Try to take your pills close to the same time each day, and never skip a dose. If you have side effects or don?t believe your pressure is high, see your doctor about your concerns. Make sure you refill your prescriptions before they run out. Do not stop medication because your blood pressure is normal, chances are it?s is normal due to the medication.

? Copyright Fitness-Pulse.com, All Rights Reserved.

Kelly Johnson is the owner of http://www.Fitness-Pulse.com where she writes about fitness, exercise, diet and other health related subjects.

The Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factor for Stroke in General People

The metabolic syndrome is characterized by a aggregation of conditions that occur together and rise the risk factors in one person.

The prominent risk factors for this syndrome are abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal cholesterol levels and elevated blood pressure. People with the metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

As prediabetic cluster of symptoms, the metabolic syndrome is a more prevalent risk factor for stroke than is type 2 diabetes mellitus. Having just one of the above four conditions contributes to your risk of serious heart disease. According to a new study, the relative risks (RR) associated with each condition were roughly identical RR = 2.10, while a combination of two or more ailments increased the risks significantly RR = 3.28.

In the general population the metabolic syndrome is about three times as prevalent than type 2 diabetes. Since, especially in women, metabolic syndrome accounted for more strokes than diabetes alone, this study concluded that this syndrome is a risk factor for stroke in nondiabetics.

Secondly, the study concluded there is a huge potential for to lower stroke risk in the mass population by targeting the each condition of the metabolic syndrome. By consequence, large waist girth, hypertension, elevated blood glucose, low HDL cholesterol levels and high triglycerides are the stroke's main early detectable symptoms, which are preventable and treatable.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men and women as well such as metabolic syndrome

Abdominal Flattening Exercises & Your Body Core

Abdominal flattening exercises must be able to improve your core as well as the visual effect you want for your abdominal muscles.

Unfortunately most people are so concerned about getting a smaller waist line that they neglect the better abdominal flattening exercises that also improve their body core.

You need a strong body core in order to do almost every daily task. Your core is used to help you get out of bed, lift children, to perform your job (even if your job consists of sitting in a chair all day) and to take you places.

Before discussing abdominal flattening exercises any further, lets take a look at just what your body core is.

Most people are confused when it comes to knowing exactly what their body core consists of. Some think it's just their abdominal muscles, others think it's their back, while others just don't know.

Let's explain it here.

Your body core is made up of the middle section of your entire body. It starts at your shoulders and goes all the way to your groin - in both the front and the back.

Therefore your core will include your pelvis, abdominal muscles (including the obliques), your upper, middle and lower back and the muscles that make up your chest.

It is this core that offers stability, balance and flexibility. That's why when you are performing abdominal flattening exercises you must make sure that they are good abdominal exercises that also develop your core.

Just because an abdominal exercise or piece of infomercial abdominal equipment is said to be good for your abs it may not be if it doesn't help your body core become stronger.

Every time you move your core comes in to play. Even when performing simple tasks, such as rolling over in bed at night, combing your hair or competing in some type of athletic event. If your body core is not properly conditioned through good abdominal flattening exercises in addition to exercises that work the rest of your core, it will limit your physical abilities.

You cannot focus on one aspect of your core such as your abdominal muscles and not pay the same attention to the rest of your core. If you do you will at the very least end up with a muscle imbalance, which can lead to injury.

Effectively exercising your body core muscles will improve the effectiveness of movements in your limbs. When you create a secure, strong base for all of your muscles you can optimize your results for each one.

As you know, you need to provide your body with proper nutrition, good clean water and exercise.

Your limbs provide the ability to move, lift objects, etc. it's your body core that provides the basis of each. If you are inactive, in addition to being in poor health, your muscles will weaken and can easily become injured.

Even if you workout or participate in sports, use the best abdominal flattening exercises available, you may not be working the body core muscles you need to.

In addition to effective abdominal flattening exercises what can you do to strengthen and develop your core?

Well there are a number of ways. There are many basic exercise routines and pieces of exercise equipment you can find that are very effective at developing the muscles in your core.

Personal trainers can create a customized exercise routine in order to properly develop your core depending on your goals, abilities, etc.

The exercises you can use to develop your body core do so by creating resistance or instability so that your core muscles respond to in such a way as to maintain proper balance.

Body core exercises, such as good abdominal flattening exercises need to be gentle on your joints but intense enough as to promote a positive change in the muscle structure.

One of the most important things to remember is that you must use proper form at all times on all exercises including abdominal flattening exercises.

All body core exercises, including abdominal flattening exercises are functional exercises. This means that while exercising, your body moves in the same way it moves during activities in your everyday life.

The 3 most popular forms of exercise that develop core body strength are Plyometrics, Pilates and the Exercise ball.

Pilates involves using your own bodyweight as resistance. It also incorporates proper breathing and helps to isolate certain muscle groups.

The exercise ball can be used with most resistance type exercises and abdominal flattening exercises in order to properly develop your core and improve balance.

Plyometrics are also extremely good at working your core but this is a far too in-depth subject to include here.

Make no mistake about it, improved core strength and development is important at every age and fitness level. Whatever your goals, find a way to incorporate good abdominal flattening exercises that incorporate body core conditioning.

This will help in the long-run to reduce muscle strains and pain, & improve your over-all strength and mobility. All leading to a more active and healthy life.

Patrick Mckeeman has very quick, easy & effective health & fitness solutions for you. For extensive information on abdominal flattening exercises & how to get 6 pack abs please go to: http://www.man-health-fitness-solutions.com/6-pack-abs.html.

Fighting Fibromyalgia Naturally

Fibromyalgia is a complex debilitating condition with no known cause or cure; women are five times more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia than men especially in the age group between 25 and 45 years of age. Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to symptoms from other health conditions. Typical symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain, aches and tenderness in trigger points around the lower spine, base of the neck, between the shoulder blades, elbows and knees, depression, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, chest pain, low-grade fever, swollen lymph nodes and insomnia are also other common symptoms. Studies have shown that people who suffer from fibromyalgia may have a dysfunctional axis between the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenals glands.

A change in diet may help with fibromyalgia; studies have shown that a vegan type diet with plenty of raw vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, oats, and legumes and no salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame is beneficial to those suffering from fibromyalgia.

Lifestyle changes can also help with fibromyalgia; low impact exercises, cognitive therapy, stretching exercises, meditation, chiropractic treatment and acupuncture are all beneficial.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Fibromyalgia.

5-HTP

Co-enzyme Q10

Garlic tablets

Ginkgo

Kava kava

Magnesium

Manganese

Olive leaf extracts

St John?s wort

Vitamin B1

Vitamin E

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh
Advice for a healthier natural life
Website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com

A Rude Awakening

When sometime mentions comatose, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of a serene deep sleep, like the ones experienced by the two female characters in the artsy movie Talk to Her. Or maybe you think of it as a retreat from the world from which one could wake from at any time and immediately continue on with life, similar to what Uma Thurman's character does in Kill Bill. As you might have guessed by now, these portrayals of comas are entirely inaccurate and may actually be harmful to viewers who cannot see their faults.

A recent study published in medical journal Neurology suggests that misleading depictions of comatose in films can drastically effect real-life decisions and reactions to the tragedy (Edmonton Journal). For the study, thirty movies that include incidents of comatose were reviewed for their medical accuracy and for the audience reception they created. While twenty-eight of those scenes were deemed misrepresentative and inaccurate, almost 40% of the educated, mature audience admitted they had allowed the scenes to influence their perceptions of comas (Edmonton Journal). Certain misconceptions in movies may not necessarily need to be clarified, but when false representations form one's knowledge and understanding of a serious medical condition, real-life decisions could be influenced.

Family members and friends of comatose patients are fully aware of the harsh reality of the situation and how films gloss over the ugly truths of the condition. With not a lot of information circulating amongst the general public, ideas about comas are primarily based on movie portrayals. Unfortunately, this leads to incredible disappointment when medical doctors describe the rare and uncertain possibility of recovery. In reality, films do not prepare us for the ventilators, intravenous hookups, and tracheotomy and catheter tubes (Stephanie Watson). The public is not aware of the disturbing effects that long-term comas cause, such as deteriorated muscle, sallow and transparent skin, contracture of the feet and wrists, and weight loss (Canadian Press). After being exposed to the pristine, peaceful sleep of coma victims in films, seeing their loved one as a shell of their old self can be irreconcilable.

In most cases, the occurrence of a coma also involves severe brain damage (Edmonton Journal). Therefore, despite what films may imply, the patient is not going to suddenly wake up, stand, and proceed with life as normal. The bleak reality is if a comatose patient remains in a vegetative state for a month or longer, 90% will not improve and will likely remain in a state of severe disability (braininjury.com).

Movies have the right to be creative. No one is denying them that freedom. However, it seems their persuasive powers are much more powerful than we ever thought. In fact, this study shows how film depictions can actually influence our grasp of reality, effect real-life decisions and form our expectations. It seems as if the medical community is drawing a line between acceptable entertainment and tragic misinformation.

When it comes to real-life, do you put your faith in tried and tested Truth or flashy Hollywood hype? Sure, it's enjoyable to escape reality for a while and delve into the fantastical world of magic, glamour and impossibility, but sometimes it may cause more harm than good. Perhaps it's time we get a stronger grasp on reality before the bliss of ignorance eludes us entirely.

Emily Smit is a student at the University of Alberta and the Executive Producer of MyHealthVideo.com, a streaming video sites featuring interviews with health professionals (http://www.myhealthvideo.com)

Working Out Is Not Like Doing Your Taxes

It comes once a year and it always seems to get put off until the last minute. You swear that you will never do it again, but alas, it is the last minute tax crunch. Unfortunately, working out is not like taxes. It is not something that you can get away with cramming in at the last minute and only focus on once a year.

Sporadic workouts done with great intensity are a sure way to land you with an injury, not to mention mediocre health and fitness. So what is the solution?

A better work out program? Plyometrics and periodic training? Better exercise equipment? Personal Trainer?

All of those things can help, but the key is consistency. No matter how great your plan, club, training, etc, is; it is quickly undermined by inconsistency. One month of working out, followed by eleven months of sitting on your butt, spells disaster.

The first key to being consistent is enjoying the process. Now enjoying doing your taxes is a stretch, but enjoying working out is possible. If you want the results working out can bring you, it is going to have to become a habit like brushing your teeth. You don?t have to love doing it, but you better make sure you don?t hate it.

The first step to turn working out into a habit is realizing that working out needs to be habit. It?s not just an inconvenience you push through to finally allow you to fit into those one size smaller jeans.

To be healthy and to keep your body running smoothly, you are going to have to maintain some type of consistent workout plan and the good news is that you get to choose the plan. Knowing that working out is something you need to be doing the rest of your life, why not make it enjoyable?

There is also a very powerful physiological effect that happens when you turn working out into a habit. By committing to the new healthier lifestyle, you start to remove internal sabotage. If you are fighting to get to the gym, doing a work out you hate, just to lose weight or get to a fitness level, there will always be a voice of doubt in your head. Everyday you will have to fight that voice and it will eventually win.

By committing to working out consistently, the voice of doubt eventually disappears. No longer are you on a mad push to get to that perfect fitness goal. You are committed to working out and enjoying the process which eventually also brings you that fitness goal.

All of a sudden, not working out will feel funny. You will crave the consistency of taking the steps that makes your body feel great. No longer will working out be a ?have to?, it will become a ?get to.? The act of following a consistent workout plan will become the habit and the target of that plan, will be the goal you are striving for. Whether you achieve your goal, have a set back, or decide on a different goal, your underlying motivation of consistently following a workout plan will never change. This allows consistently working out to become a habit, even though, the specifics of what you do, changes.

You have to work out consistently to keep you body running at its best and you have to do taxes. You might not like taxes, but if you make working out a habit you enjoy, you will end up keeping it the rest of your life.

Fracka Future, founder of Accountability Buddy, is committed to helping people to consistently take the daily actions that brings them their goals. When these actions become habits, their success becomes automatic. Join the successful. For a free trial visit: http://www.accountabilitybuddy.com/habits.html

What Colors Are on Your Plate?

Can the colors on your plate tell you what health benefits you are getting?

As researchers are learning more and more about the foods we eat there is one hot topic that keeps coming up?.phytochemicals. You may have heard the latest craze for lycopene found in tomato products boasting its heart health benefits. Phytochemicals are biologically active chemicals (not classified as vitamins or minerals) found in foods that our bodies may use as part of their disease-fighting arsenal. A single tomato or orange contains, hundreds, and possibly thousands, of phytochemicals. This is very exciting news for researchers since many of these phytochemicals act as antioxidants and also provide other benefits for cancer prevention. They have also found that the color of the edible part of our fruits and vegetables can tell us what class of phytochemicals it contains and therefore, what health benefits we can obtain. Finally! Now when your mother says eat your vegetables, their good for you? we can see how they are good for us!

Blue/Purple (blueberries, grapes, eggplant, plums)
Health Benefits:
a lower risk of some cancers,
aids in memory function, and
healthy aging

Green (spinach, broccoli, salad greens, green peppers, honeydew, kiwi)
Health Benefits:
a lower risk of some cancers,
vision health, and
strong bones and teeth

White (onions, bananas, garlic)
Health Benefits:
healthy heart, and
a lower risk of some cancers

Yellow/Orange (oranges, yellow and orange bell peppers, yellow watermelon, carrots)
Health Benefits:
healthy heart,
vision health,
improved immune system, and
a lower risk of some cancers

Red (strawberries, red bell peppers, pink watermelon)
Health Benefits:
healthy Heart,
improved memory function, and
a lower risk of some cancers

Now you can enjoy a colorful plate of food and improve your health at the same time!

? Meri Raffetto, 2004

About the Author

Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She offers individual nutrition counseling and has developed one of the only non-diet online weight management programs available on the internet. For more information or to sign up for Real Living?s free nutrition newsletter, visit http://www.reallivingnutrition.com.

Colon Cleansing and Weight Loss

Bernard Jensen, a very famous iridologist, first came up with a very important phrase that is revered by all alternative health practitioners - Death begins in the colon. As one of the main organs of elimination, the colon is where many nutrients from the foods we digest are broken down and then assimilated into the bloodstream for conversion into the muscle, tissue and fuel. It is also one of the largest organs in the body, and once it becomes dysfunctional so do many other organs and systems in the body.

A colon that is impacted with debris from inefficient elimination, lacking peristalsis from a lack of toning and exercise or traumatized by allergies or parasites can cause you to quickly gain weight.

Some people can carry as much as thirty pounds of uneliminated waste in their colons which often prolapse and cause droopy looking beer bellies.

Colons that contain parasites are often impacted with mucous that prevents nutrients for cells from being absorbed. This compels the individual to eat more and more in order to get enough nutrition to get through the day.

There are two ways to cleanse the colon. The fastest way is through a process called colonic irrigation, which involves the insertion of a tube into the rectum far enough into the colon to flush it out with water.

The second way is to use cleansing herbal formulas which often contain herbs that are known to kill parasites, reactivate the peristalsis (muscular action of the colon) and eliminate mucus and compacted feces from the sides of the colon wall.

Before you take a colon cleansing herbal formula make sure that you check with your doctor first to make sure that this is a good idea. Many powerful colon-cleansing herbs such as wormwood also come with unpleasant side effects such as headaches, disassociation and a fatigue that is very difficult to fight.

Neither way of colon detoxification is that comfortable but it is certainly a way to jump-start your weight loss program and make it more effective. You can eat all the healthy low calorie foods that you want but if they are not able to be absorbed by the body you will not make much progress. You will also suffer from unbearable hunger and fatigue.

Colon cleansing is also often the automatic result of changing your lifestyle habits. If you suddenly switch from refined, fatty and sugary foods to a healthy diet that consists mainly of vegetables the feces that are compacted on your colon walls will naturally detach. This will aggravate any bacteria or parasites that are present in the digestive tract, which usually respond by producing toxic substances such as alcohol.

As you drink more water, eat healthy and eliminate more often you may periodically find yourself experiencing some unpleasant side effects such as headaches, bloating, gas and nausea. Usually these symptoms only last a week or two in a healthy individual and are to be welcomed, as they are evidence that the detoxification and cleansing of your body is working.

One of the best ways to take care of your colon is to use a natural fiber product. Unlike those which are heavily processed and rely on harsh chemicals, the natural fiber products are gentle, reliable and actually have good food nutrient properties.

There are several natural products on the market and when you choose one read the ingredients carefully. Choose one with gentle ingredients such as apple pectin, one with both soluable and insoluable fiber, Ellagitannins, Ellagic Acid, OPC, Resveratrol and other nutrient cofactors from the plant sourced fiber as well.

Although most would like not to think about their colon, they should remember how much extra weight they may be seeing on the scale and on the tape measure due to avoiding the use of fiber products.

Fiber-Klenz Plus is my choice for a Fiber product learn more about the importance of fiber today

Learning About Cellulite Exercise

Ah, exercise... It's so healthy and good for you, yet we never seem to find the time to improve our lives through it. I know there are some days I really hate to do it, but I try to remember that it keeps me looking and feeling good!

Aside from a healthy diet, supplements and cellulite products, one of the single most important things to do is exercise. Exercise not only keeps us feeling healthy and young, but also improves overall circulation, detoxifies and helps to keep fats (a main contributor of cellulite) from settling on the body. However, there is no one cellulite exercise that will perform miracles on your butt and thighs if it is not part of the bigger picture.

Several cellulite exercises can be performed in your daily routine to contribute to the overall appearance of cellulite. Ideally, you want to incorporate two forms of cellulite exercise... aerobic/cardiovascular (running, power walking, swimming) and anaerobic (weight training).

Both of these serve a greater function in eliminating the problem areas in women, normally hips, butt and thighs. The cardiovascular portion of a workout improves the circulation of blood which allows the body to detoxify. It also reduces body fat, by burning it off. When you weight train, you build muscle tissue which also burns fat in a targeted area. So even if you aren't fat so to speak, you can still focus on the areas that need improvement.

To begin, there are several alternatives you may wish to explore to start your cellulite exercise program. This may include anything from consulting with a trainer to show you the proper way to perform the training or perhaps just working on your own. Aerobic and anaerobic exercise can be performed separately or in conjunction with one another as part of the same workout.

What this means is you can, for example, power walk, run or swim one day and weight or spot train the next. Or... if you choose to perform the aerobic and anaerobic exercise at the same time it may include a short warm up to get the heart rate going, then performing 3-5 types of exercises in repetitions of 15 to 25 with very little in terms of a break in between. Maybe just enough time to chug some H2O! By repeating this routine of 3-5 cellulite exercises over and over, you not only focus on firming and toning muscles, but also keep that metabolism up which is very important to rid the body of fat and detoxify.

What constitutes a cellulite exercise? Well, primarily you want to focus on your thigh, butt and hamstrings (the muscle that's behind and below your butt to the knee). These seem to be the areas where much fat tends to accumulate on women. Some good exercises for this area include lunges, leg curls, stiff-legged dead lifts and certain machines at the gym, more commonly known as abductor (outer) and adducter (inner) thigh machines. You may also do inner and outer thigh exercises on the floor with bands, leg lifts, etc.

Any combination of these cellulite exercises will help tighten and firm up the areas. As you become more accustomed to doing them, adding weight to your exercises challenges the muscles and helps them become stronger and more toned.

So in conclusion, add a healthy dose of cellulite exercise to your cellulite reduction program and diet to see the results happen!

Learn more information about exercises to reduce cellulite at our free resource: http://reducecellulite.blogspot.com

Puffy Eyes Remedies

The first thing I want to point out is that everyone's body is different. Wouldn't it be boring and bizarre if we were all the same :) So the suggestions I am giving are what has, and has not, worked for me.

I have had what is commonly referred to as puffy eyes or bags under the eyes since I was 26; I am now a 34 year old male in very good shape. I've always taken pride in my appearance, so when I started to have daily baggy eyes, it became a concern to me. Naturally, I searched the internet for resources and suggestions. Most of the one's I found said to try putting ice cubes, cucumbers, tea bags, steak or a cold spoon on the problem area. I even came across a couple of suggestions to try Preparation-H :) I have read that the Preparation-H suggestion was actually dangerous, so don't try that.

Which of these worked and which one's didn't? I should also note that I have tried a number of inexpensive, as well as expensive, creme's that are supossed to help puffy eyes. These creme's are usually found at pharmacies and online health and beauty websites. None of these creme's helped me one bit. What has worked best for me is tea (black tea) bags.

What you do is boil water and put 2 tea bags in like you would if you were going to make tea. After brewing for 5 minutes, take the tea bags out...ring out the liquid...and now put them in the freezer. You need to have them cool, but not frozen. I say keep them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Now lay down and apply the tea bags over the puffy areas under your eyes.

I try to leave them on for 15 minutes, turning them over 1/2 way through. After, make sure you rinse off any residue with a cold damp tissue or face cloth.

I find this has helped reduce puffiness, but is no cure. I am strongly considering seeing a certified Plastic Surgeon to get a professional opion on how to more permanently get rid of the excess fat under my eyes.

I have this article and others on my website http://www.plasticsurgerysurgeons.com and links to board certified plastic surgeons for puffy eyes and other plastic surgery procedures.

Are Bananas a Trigger for Migraines?

There can be a number of factors that trigger the onset of your migraines. One such factor is diet related. The food items trigger your migraines as they contain some chemical compounds. One of these chemical substances is known as tyramine. As tyramine is a predominant composition in bananas, this has led many to wonder: Are bananas a trigger to migraine headaches?

It is important to first have some understanding about what happens during a migraine, in order to explain how tyramine may set off your headaches. Migraine headaches tend to follow a characteristic pattern ? from prodrome to postdrome ? and the symptoms may differ from person to person. However, in most cases, the patient may experience a throbbing pain in any one side of the head (sometimes it spreads to both sides as well), and the condition is usually accompanied by phonophobia, photophobia and nausea or sometimes vomiting.

The exact cause of migraine is still under contention. Still there is some consensus by experts that migraines are caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain cells. This in turn springs from the constriction of arteries, which is triggered by certain external factors.

It is also widely believed that an excess concentration of tyramine in a migraine patient?s blood can cause vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the brain. In addition, it appears that people with migraines caused by dietary factors appear to be deficient in enzymes needed to break down tyramine. Some drugs used to treat depression (such as Nardil, Marplan and Parnate) also interfere with the process of breaking down tyramine.

The best form of treatment for migraines due to food triggers is prevention. Upon determining that you get severe migraine attacks due to sensitivity to a particular food, it is advisable to exclude it from your diet. Once set in, migraine can be very painful and can be difficult to treat. Consuming drugs for pain relief is not an option that you would like to use too often as you may get rebound headaches (a consequence of taking too much medication).

Thus, closely monitoring your diet can be helpful in preventing migraine headaches. It is not an easy exercise to precisely determine what your food intolerances or allergies are. You may need to seek the help of a qualified professional for this process. However, if you are successful in determining any potential food triggers, you will get immense relief from reducing the frequency and severity of your migraine headaches. Eliminating banana pancakes from your diet will not be such a bad idea after all!

Overconsumption of drugs for headache relief can result in rebound headaches and worsening migraines. Get more information on natural headache remedy or remedies here on this site at http://www.naturalheadacheremedies.com

Conquer Those Carbohydrate Cravings

Are you a hopeless carbohydrate addict? Let?s conquer these cravings once and for all?..

I drove over to my parents home the a few weeks ago for dinner. I arrived early, and asked my mother if I could help her finish preparing dinner. The smell of mom?s pot roast in the oven really got my mouth watering and I couldn?t wait for dinner.

She sent me to the pantry to retrieve some honey, I opened the pantry and was amazed at what I saw. Of course their was the standard pantry fare, but many other items were lurking in that pantry. Here were a few: crackers, cookies, potato chips, tortilla chips, oatmeal cr?me pies, white bread, sun chips, frosted corn flake cereal, pop tarts, and popcorn. No kidding, these were all in her pantry.

I asked my mother if she ate these items often. She said, ?Yes, I?m hungry all the time so I just snack on the stuff all day?. She said she eats three meals a day, but gets hungry so she snacks on crackers, chips, etc., then an hour or so later she is hungry again, so she eats more snacks.

The carbohydrate frenzy- trigger foods

Eating the fore mentioned types of carbohydrates all day will make anyone hungry and crave food every hour or so. You see, eating these types of snacks causes our blood sugar to spike and fall very rapidly, triggering our body to crave more food all day long. It?s a viscous cycle with no end. This type of cycle not only sets up our body for weight gain but the possibility of diabetes and a whole host health problems.

How to conquer these carb cravings once and for all

By reading this article I know you are motivated enough to stop these cravings for good. Here are some free tips to get you on your way to healthy eating and craving free!

1. Eat three balanced (protein, carbohydrate, fat) meals a day plus two healthy snacks. This stabilizes blood sugar, reduces cravings, turbo charges your metabolism (your body will naturally burn more calories), and helps you with weight loss.

2. Spend some time in your pantry and even your refrigerator. Pitch all the cookies, crackers, white bread, chips, store bought fruit juices, etc.. These foods have no nutritional value, only empty calories that will no doubt cause you to gain crave more foods and gain weight faster.

3. Eat healthy snacks such as protein shakes, nuts, fruit, veggies with dip, etc. At each snack eat a small portion of protein, carbohydrate and fat. These healthy foods have a positive impact on your body. They give your body vital nutrients, and most importantly, stop the cravings. You?ll feel better, and won?t be as tired during the day.

4. Drink plenty of water.

5. Limit your amount of caffeine. I know, I sure love drinking a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. If you are a caffeine addict, meaning you drink three cups or more of caffeine a day, try to cut it back to one or two. As far as cravings go, caffeine sure gives our bodies a jolt and can make us feel good and even more alert, but after that initial jolt and you ?come back down? your body will either crave more caffeine or carbohydrates.

6. The ultimate goal is to eat healthy foods, which in turn give our bodies proper nutrition, which in turn makes us feel better. But this can take time. If you are used to eating junk food, and always craving food, don?t worry. Start out slow if you have to. Your body will take time to adjust to a new way of eating. You may even feel lousy for a few days or even a week, while your body adjusts to the healthy foods. But in the end, you will feel great!

? Jeff Lugeanbeal - All rights reserved

About The Author

Jeff Lugeanbeal- Sought after Health and fitness professional, motivational and nutritional coach, is a recognized authority On the subject of weight loss. His Web site, www.worldwideweightloss.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on everything you'd ever need to know about permanent, natural fat loss and will help you achieve the body you?ve always wanted.