External toxins from the environment (i.e., chemicals found in foods, water and air, pesticides, heavy metals and other pollutants) bombard your body on a daily basis. If your organs of elimination and detoxification are functioning at optimal levels, your body is able to eliminate these unwanted substances safely and efficiently. However, if the body is taking in more toxins than it can safely eliminate, a state of chronic toxicity may occur. A detox allows your body to neutralize and safely eliminate harmful chemicals within the body.

Despite its increasing popularity, natural detoxification is not a new concept. The use of herbs, minerals, and other organic ingredients as a means of cleansing the body has been practiced for centuries and by countless cultures worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine, for example, focused on the use of herbal remedies to help eliminate toxins from the body and restore health and vitality, and similar methods were employed by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.1

Recently The New York Times ran a story on the growing popularity of natural detoxification, reporting that, “…sales of herbal formulas for cleansing, detoxification and organ support among natural food retailers were more than $27 billion” from the beginning of December 2007 to late November 2008. The reason for the growing interest? People are beginning to realize that the human body may be up against more than it can handle.1

These days our bodies are exposed to more dangerous toxins than ever before. They’re in our homes, our cars, our places of work. They’re in the air we breathe and the food we eat; they’re even in our cars, and although we’re equipped with certain natural defenses that help us to purge those toxins, our bodies are simply too overwhelmed to perform the task on their own.

The organs and organ systems we rely on to filter and eliminate waste and contaminants—primarily the lungs, liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, skin, blood and colon—have become bogged down under the weight of our increasingly toxic modern world, and the key to reversing the damage may lie with the healing benefits of herbal cleansing and detoxification.1

Headaches, fatigue, allergies, unexplained aches and pains, muscle weakness, acne, rashes, tinnitus, recurrent infections, brain fog, learning and attention issues, irritable bowel syndrome, fertility problems, and hormonal imbalances are just some of the possible symptoms associated with toxicity and can be diminished or eliminated by doing a detoxification program.

Detox programs can be an effective way to support overall health, but whether the goal is to eliminate toxins, flush away excess fat, or simply to live healthier, it’s important to know the difference between what is healthy and supportive, and what is potentially harmful and counterproductive. For example, if you’ve considered detoxification as a way to jumpstart weight loss, it’s best to think about your goal before you get started and focus on taking a healthy approach.1

Remember that cleansing and detoxification are not miracle cures for whatever ails you, and that being healthy means making a lifelong commitment to wellness. Once you do that, regular internal cleansing and other natural detox methods are like a booster. They help keep the body in prime condition by supporting those vital organs and organ systems that process and eliminate toxins, and when you slip and ‘fall off the wagon’, cleansing and detox can provide the jumpstart you need to reestablish a state of optimum health.1

1Watson, Brenda C.N.C. Http://www.brendawatson.com/In-the-News/Brendas- News/Natural-Detox-Fact-Fiction/

So why is it necessary to undergo a detoxification, or master cleansing? The fact is that the single greatest threat to our health is the continued presence and buildup of toxins in the body. All of the major organs can become repositories for toxins that exist in our food and in the air we breathe. As these toxins accumulate, they can negatively affect the function of the organs.

Toxins can come from a number of sources including alcohol, prescription drugs, sugar, caffeine, chemicals and hormones. The major organs such as the colon, liver, gallbladder, lungs, kidneys, bladder and skin are responsible for clearing those toxins out of your system. In order to do their job properly, these organs need regular stimulation.

An internal body detox is the perfect way to rid the body of excess toxins and return it to a state of cleanliness so that the organs can function better. It is a process that people have been turning to for years with great success and access to detoxification therapy has never been easier than it is today. If you want to detox, there are any number of methods you can follow.

Detoxification involves a multi-pronged approach, including the use of certain therapeutic herbs that remove toxins and promote healthy organ function and the adoption of a healthier diet. Even individuals who maintain a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet and plenty of exercise can still benefit from the effects of a master cleansing.

You can find detoxification kits available online and in your local drugstore. You can use these in the comfort of your own home to help promote gentle, natural healing. For more serious detoxification, there are facilities that offer programs at various levels, depending on your individual needs. These programs are overseen by trained professionals who can guide you through the process for the best results.

Eating fruit and vegetables and drinking plenty of water are an important part of any internal body detox. They help to naturally rid the body of toxins and promote a sense of well being. Those who have experienced the process of detoxification rave about the feeling they get afterward from a body that is squeaky clean inside and out.

Your body needs all the help it can get in order to function properly so why not take a proactive approach to fighting back against the onslaught of toxins? Ridding your body of these harmful substances will help you to be feel revitalized and stronger and can give you a whole new outlook on life!

After reading the article entitled “Why Internal Body Detox Is Good For You” you could extend your knowledge on this topic by clicking on internal body detox or taking a look at the thoughts connected with master cleansing.

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A lot of people who believe they’ve got a food allergy to a particular food are experiencing food intolerance. Examples of this are the shortcoming to completely digest a food, such as instances of lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, food poison as a result of toxins, stress or psychological aspects, and frequent digestive condition triggered by eating gluten, a protein in wheat and other grains.

Staying spot on to our theme of dietary worries, I would like to explore in-depth the region of sensitivity to food additives. Sulfites are sulfur based compounds that could appear naturally or be added to foods acting as an enhancer and preservative. The FDA estimates that one in 100 people is susceptible to this compound, although in my experience the numbers seem superior. This food intolerance can come about at any time, and its cause at this time is unknown.

Although sulfites are banned on fruits and vegetables that may be consumed uncooked, such as apples, they may still be found in various cooked and processed foods, and naturally in the manufacturing process of making beer and wine. The number two defense for those which possess a food intolerance to sulfite is avoiding foods which are prone to include sulfites is to read the labels on all food items, as rules at the moment necessitate manufacturers of their processed goods to register the compounds on their merchandise labels.

We feel that the number one protection is avoiding processed foods entirely, and stick to an eating routine of fresh fruits and veggies. When checking labels, the sulfite-containing ingredients to seek will be sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfate or metabisulfite, or sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, or sodium sulfite.

A food allergy is a more severe subject. It is definitely an adverse immune reaction to some food protein. In essence, the immune system mistakenly identifies these food proteins as harmful, triggering an allergic response. A food allergy might trigger a reaction which could range from mild to severe.

They may affect the skin, frequently in the shape of hives, gastrointestinal, presenting itself in stomach ache and unsettled stomach, and the most crucial, that is cardiopulmonary, plus a food allergy may have an effect on the respiratory tract and blood circulation, which is called anaphylaxis. These conditions entail urgent medical attention. One of the most common sensitivities is to peanuts, a member of the bean group, and sometimes can be very severe. When you’ve got a recognized food allergy and are dining out, it will be a very good idea to let the wait-personnel understand what that food allergy is.

Knowing how to distinguish concerning what are food allergy and food intolerance fare may help circumvent what can develop into a bad condition. Diet, that is being attentive to everything we consume, is not just significant for the way we appear but for our general health, and can have a major bearing not only on how long we exist but our quality of life. You should learn how to interpret labels, as not every food item on the market is truly harmless to consume.

Knowing what foods are good for you and those can cause problems can be a difficult task, so to avoid the confusion read Healthy Meal Plans that will relieve you of all the label-reading, and should you stick strictly to your diet or should you have a Diet Cheat Day? We have some ideas on what the best approach is.

Rich Carroll is a writer and health advocate living in London.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6548353

In my case it’s shell fish. One time when I was much younger I tried a raw clam; it turned my stomach really bad and about a couple of hours later I was vomiting. I think that was the start of my food intolerance. There is some information online regarding stressful situations in connection with a food episode like the one I had. But unfortunately it’s not understood why.

Regardless of the reason the intolerance was gradual as other food items were added to the list. In the case of raw clams I could never eat them but I was still able to eat lobster, cocktail shrimp and my favorite stuffed shrimp. First it was the cocktail shrimp; just putting it anywhere next to my mouth would make my stomach turn. Then the lobster, I felt really sorry when I couldn’t eat lobster but it wasn’t as hard to give up as stuffed shrimp.

So why was I able to eat these things when I was younger but not so much now? First of all let’s quickly mention that food intolerances are different from food allergies. For example, food allergies will cause an immediate reaction of your body’s immune system. This reaction can cause a life threatening condition called asphyxiation and requires immediate medical attention. Food intolerances on the other hand are normally non life threatening and usually cause problems with your digestive tract.

I for one will not die (as for now) eating shell fish but it will make me sick to my stomach. What are some causes of food intolerances? A quick search online list several causes including lack of certain digestive enzymes as in the case of being lactose intolerant. Other reasons include Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, sensitivities to preservatives found in some foods, even a stressful memory of certain food (as may be the case with my food intolerance).

Finally the question; can food intolerances and food allergies develop as we age? The simple answer is yes. Now as to why it happens exactly is not yet known. There are many different examples. For some people they may have had an allergy or intolerance when they were younger, but they grew out of it, only to find later in life they have it again or with another entirely different food.

Although disappointing that we do not yet know why we get food intolerances and allergies as we age at least we can test for them and learn how to live with them. It just goes to show that things are always changing especially within our own bodies and we have to stay alert. If you think you may have an intolerance or allergy see your doctor right away.

John Carlo is the webmaster for Food Allergies and Food Intolerance. For more information please visit http://www.foodallergiesandfoodintolerance.com/

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In fact some studies have concluded there is a link between how we stimulate the brain and levels of cognitive function later in life. There are many forms of mental stimulation that have shown themselves to be helpful in improving and maintaining the brains performance. Fortunately many of them turn out to be good fun too. They can include learning a new skill, playing challenging games such as chess or cards or just filling out a particularly taxing crossword puzzle. Even playing games on your computer console can improve your mental performance.

These days there are even natural supplements designed to help improve cognitive performance. The most successful of these being Procera AVH. The creator of Procera AVH, Josh Reynolds, has also authored a book called 20/20/ Brain Power. In it Reynolds has developed brain exercises that have been widely used by the public and health care professionals alike. They have been designed to help stimulate the brain, so it is able to process information faster and with more clarity. Thus improving overall cognitive and mental performance.

It has been demonstrated that brain speed, or cognitive processing, is vital in how well the brains focus, memory, problem solving and decision making functions operate. In fact how fast our brain processes information has been linked to our IQ and even our longevity. In his book Reynolds has devised many fun games that can quickly have a positive impact on your brains processing abilities. This in turn can lead to faster thinking, better focus and concentration levels as well as a much improved ability to remember and recall information.

Another area Josh Reynold covers in his book is nutrition. Whilst his brain supplement Procera AVH can help give the brain the nutrients it needs, it is important that we eat the right diet in order to achieve optimal brain function. Did you know for instance that even though the brain only makes up 2% of your total weight, it can consume up to 50% of the energy your body needs. Yes I was surprised to learn that too, however it seems our brains are nearly ten times more metabolically active than the rest of our body. When you understand that fact alone we can quickly see the need for a good diet.

So when your thinking feels a little fuzzy, or you are struggling to remember facts that used to come to you easily, think about how you are treating your brain. Are you giving it the stimulation it needs to stay on top of its game? Are you feeding it the nutrients it needs to have the energy to perform optimally. By taking the time to give our brain a good workout, and eating a healthy diet with lots of good brain foods, we are giving ourselves the best chance to keep our cognitive functions operating at their maximum level.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6552405

This is especially true of the brain. When the brain fails to receive the nutrients it needs cognitive abilities such as focus, concentration and memory will suffer. Therefore if you are finding that your brain is not performing optimally it could be time to take a look at your diet.

Of course none of us has what could be described as a perfect diet. In fact to try to achieve such a diet would be nigh on impossible. However it is important to understand there are some foods that provide us with no nutritional value whatsoever. This means that even though they may be enjoyable, at the end of the day they will do very little for us.

One such example is sugar. OK, we may all enjoy the energy boost provided by eating foods containing refined sugar, however we all know that this boost is short-lived. In fact not long after consuming sugary foods we will start to feel a little sluggish. Whilst we may all recognize this feeling in our body, we may not spot how it has affected our cognitive functions. Our focus, concentration and memory will all suffer with constant peaks and troughs in our blood sugar levels. Other foodstuffs such as trans and saturated fats can have much the same effect, a slowing up of both our body’s and our brains systems and functions.

It is therefore important to understand that improving our nutritional intake can make a big difference to our brains overall performance. A good place to start is by consuming foods with good levels of nutrition. There are now many recognized “super foods” that are believed to help the brain function better. These include omega 3 found in fish oils, fruit and vegetables as well as many kinds of nuts. Think about snacking on some of these foods during the day rather than eating junk foods. If you search online you will find a whole raft of information on foods that are good for the brain. Find a few you like and stick to eating them, you may well be surprised at the difference it makes.

These days your daily nutrient requirement can also be supplied by health supplements. Try using one such as Procera AVH, this has the advantage over many other supplements in that it has been created exclusively for brain health. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence, from users of brain health supplements, as to the improvements in cognitive functions they can bring about. By increasing the blood supply to the brain, these supplements allow it to receive more of the vital oxygen and nutrients all our brains need in order to operate optimally.

Try not to be fooled into thinking that loss of brain function is just a fact of growing older. There is no reason that clear thinking, good levels of concentration and great memory recall can’t be yours at any age. Make sure you feed your brain the nutrients it needs and start enjoying your brain just like you always used to!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6541001

The Goodness of Sleep

A good night’s sleep or a midday nap can benefit us more than we think.

· A good sleep increases memory and learning ability. A process called memory consolidation happens at sleep. This is the process through which a newly acquired knowledge or skill gets registered into one’s memory. Studies have revealed that people who have had enough sleep performed better on memory tasks than others.

A good sleep also increases concentration and helps one think faster. It also clears the memory of unneeded or unimportant experiences. With clarity of thought, one’s decision making skills also get better.

· Several important body processes occur during sleep. Studies have revealed that there is increased production of body cells and decreased breakdown of protein while sleeping. Sleep also induces the release of growth hormones. These hormones boost growth in children and muscles in young adults. Hormones that aid in maturation and reproductive processes are also released during sleep. A good sleep repairs the body cells from damages caused by stress and UV rays.

How Sleep Deprivation Can Affect You

1. Lack of sleep alters immune function. It reduces the body’s ability to ward off infections. Hence, it makes you more prone to various diseases.

2. Sleep deprivation can affect heart health. Insufficient sleep causes high blood pressure, release of stress hormones, and irregular heart beat. These can, in turn, trigger a host of heart problems, including heart attack.

3. Children who sleep less can have troubles with hyperactivity and decreased attention. This directly impacts their performance in school.

4. Irritability, moodiness, and lack of concentration are other outcomes of sleep deprivation.

5. Lack of sleep affects your biological clock (or circadian rhythm). This internal body clock makes us sleep during the night and keeps us awake during the day. A disturbance in the circadian rhythm can cause sleep disorders like inability to fall asleep and stay asleep during the night. This results in extreme drowsiness during the day and can cause road accidents while driving. It also impacts one’s performance at work.

6. Reduced sleep leads to increased appetite, and this eventually results in weight gain.

7. Chronic sleep debt can cause anxiety and push a person into depression.

Considering the above factors, it is quite evident that sleep plays a major role in our day-today functioning. Therefore, it is essential that we establish a good sleep routine and do all that is required to get a good night’s sleep.

Padmavathy Augustus is a freelance writer. With an experience of 11 years in the healthcare industry, writing health-related articles is her area of expertise. She can be contacted at padmavathy.augustus@gmail.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6546050

It may be beneficial to look at your lifestyle. You may use too much caffeine, get too little exercise, watch too much late-night TV, take afternoon naps.

Following are some lifestyle tips that may help to obtain better sleep.

• Don’t drink caffeine (including tea and soft drinks) four to six hours before bedtime.
• Avoid large meals two hours before bedtime. A light snack is fine.
• Get regular exercise, like walking, but don’t exercise within two hours of bedtime.
• Exercise can reduce stress hormones and help you sleep better.
• Don’t discuss emotional issues right before bedtime
• Don’t nap late in the afternoon.
• Do not watch late night TV and stop “working” on any task an hour before bedtime.
• Give your brain time to calm.
• Make sure your bedroom is well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature.
• Learn a relaxation technique like meditation or progressive relaxation.
• Keep noise and light to a minimum. Use window blinds, heavy curtains, earplugs or an eye mask.
• Keep pets outside your sleeping area if you can.

Many people toss and turn because of aches and pains, especially seniors. Use Tylenol before bedtime to relieve this.

Supplements for Natural Good Sleep

Most over-the-counter sleep aids contain antihistamine and are not helpful for long-term sleep problems. Any sleep aid should not be taken for long periods.”

Studies have shown that some natural remedies can help.

Chamomile And Other Teas for Sleep

People have used chamomile tea medicinally for thousands of years. The tea has been used for calming effects and for insomnia relief. If you have an allergy to ragweed, don’t use chamomile. Also, don’t take chamomile tea if you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding, as chamomile may act as a uterine stimulant.

A combination of Tension Tamer and Sleepytime Teas (Celestial Seasonings brand) will calm and may promote total relaxation so that better sleep is obtained.

You should not use these teas when driving as they may cause drowsiness.

Melatonin for Sleep

Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Advancing age, medications and diseases can reduce our natural melatonin levels. Also, jet lag, shift work, stress, and medications can upset the body’s internal clock. Melatonin is known to play a key role in keeping our sleep cycles regulated.

Melatonin supplements can be effective in treating certain sleep disorders, including jet lag, Timing is necessary to prevent jet lag. Take melatonin on your day of departure but close to the bedtime at your destination. Continue taking it for several days.

Studies have shown that melatonin helps with insomnia, whether the trouble is falling asleep or staying asleep, it enhances the quality of sleep, and may help you sleep longer.

Melatonin comes in two forms — extended release and immediate release. If you have trouble falling asleep, try immediate release. If you tend to wake up in the middle of the night, try the extended release before you go to bed.

Melatonin is considered safe in short-term use. However, there are concerns about risks of bleeding, especially in people taking blood-thinners like warfarin. There is also risk of seizure, particularly in children with brain disorders.

Valerian for Sleep

Valerian root has been used as a sedative and anti-anxiety treatment for more than 2,000 years and is now capsule form.

Studies have indicated that valerian may help sleep come more quickly and that it improves the quality of sleep. Valerian becomes more effective over time, so taking it nightly works best, rather than taking valerian only on random rough nights. Start with the lowest dose, then increase over several days’ time since some people experience stomach upset, headache, or morning grogginess. Although is considered generally safe to take for four to six weeks, it may add to the effect of other sedative medications or supplements.

Kava for Sleep

Kava is most often used for herbal remedies. Studies have indicated a significant reduction in anxiety among patients who took kava and that both kava and valerian improved sleep in people with stress-related insomnia.

Kava should not be used by people using alcohol or medicines metabolized in the liver, including many cholesterol medicines as this may be linked to a risk for severe liver damage.

Vera Norman

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6468182