Massage: Luxury or Necessity?
YOUR DAILY FIT TIP
By The Lifescript Editorial Staff
Published April 24, 2011
Should regular massages be considered a luxury or necessity? If you exercise regularly, you’re putting your body through a lot, and you could benefit from receiving regular massages, which can help combat body strain through a number of mechanisms. Massage improves circulation and increases blood flow to your muscles, which may increase the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your working tissues. It also helps to prevent injuries to your muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as help speed healing at injury sites.
The benefits of massage don’t stop there – it can improve your flexibility by increasing the range of motion at your joints as well as reduce muscle recovery time in between exercise sessions by aiding in the removal of waste products, like lactic acid. The power of touch through massage is also a great tool in general for helping you to relax and reduce your stress levels.
Many insurance programs cover the cost of massages, so don’t get stuck thinking you just can’t afford one. If you really can’t get to a professional, enlist the help of your mate to give you a rub-down once a week, and don’t forget to return the favor.
Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!
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Monday, April 25, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
ALMONDS: Alternative Medicine for Headache and Joint Pains
ALMONDS as ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR HEADACHE AND JOINT PAINS
Ask Suzy Cohen
By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph., Lifescript Pharmacist
Published April 23, 2011
http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Alternative-Therapies/Natural-Remedies/Ask_Suzy_Cohen_How_to_Fight_Radiation_Poisoning.aspx?utm_campaign=2011-04-23-78990&utm_source=healthy-advantage&utm_medium=email&utm_content=healthy-well-wise_Ask%20Suzy%20Cohen%20How%20to%20&FromNL=1&sc_date=20110423T000000
Dear Suzy Cohen,
My dad used to eat almonds all the time, because he said it helped with his headaches and joint pain. I inherited this condition, and I’m not sure if they work but I eat them once a week. Is there any medicinal truth to the almond folklore?
-C.P., Portland, Ore.
Research suggests that nuts are good for pain relief. Almonds, for example, contain salicin which, when consumed, forms salicylic acid, the primary by-product of aspirin metabolization. This is why your dad feels better eating them.
In anecdotal evidence, some headache sufferers claimed that eating almonds daily has a cumulative effect. Regular headaches might become less severe and/or disappear gradually with regular consumption of almonds. Over time, eating 10-15 almonds per day might give you relief from that jackhammer in your head.
I say “might” because some people are allergic to salicin. So if your throat itches, or tongue and lips swell whenever you eat almonds, then avoid the nuts.
Besides the natural pain pacifier, almonds are rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps increase muscle relaxation. They provide even higher amounts of vitamin E, potassium and manganese, and a bit of copper, riboflavin, zinc and phosphorous.
Even though a quarter cup of almonds contains 18 grams of fat, 11 of those are the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind.
Emerging research suggests that eating almonds doesn’t result in weight gain, and may even contribute to weight loss because of the nuts’ tendency to cause a feeling of fullness after eating them.
So next time you feel a headache coming on, go ahead and get a little nutty with almonds. You can make or buy commercially prepared almond butter. Almond butter is a healthier (and tastier, I think) alternative to peanut butter. It also seems to be less allergenic than peanuts.
MY THOUGHTS
So that's why I can eat all the almonds I want. But not cashew nuts. Cashew nuts trigger my severe migraines. As in a week of delibitating pain.
Ask Suzy Cohen
By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph., Lifescript Pharmacist
Published April 23, 2011
http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Alternative-Therapies/Natural-Remedies/Ask_Suzy_Cohen_How_to_Fight_Radiation_Poisoning.aspx?utm_campaign=2011-04-23-78990&utm_source=healthy-advantage&utm_medium=email&utm_content=healthy-well-wise_Ask%20Suzy%20Cohen%20How%20to%20&FromNL=1&sc_date=20110423T000000
Dear Suzy Cohen,
My dad used to eat almonds all the time, because he said it helped with his headaches and joint pain. I inherited this condition, and I’m not sure if they work but I eat them once a week. Is there any medicinal truth to the almond folklore?
-C.P., Portland, Ore.
Research suggests that nuts are good for pain relief. Almonds, for example, contain salicin which, when consumed, forms salicylic acid, the primary by-product of aspirin metabolization. This is why your dad feels better eating them.
In anecdotal evidence, some headache sufferers claimed that eating almonds daily has a cumulative effect. Regular headaches might become less severe and/or disappear gradually with regular consumption of almonds. Over time, eating 10-15 almonds per day might give you relief from that jackhammer in your head.
I say “might” because some people are allergic to salicin. So if your throat itches, or tongue and lips swell whenever you eat almonds, then avoid the nuts.
Besides the natural pain pacifier, almonds are rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps increase muscle relaxation. They provide even higher amounts of vitamin E, potassium and manganese, and a bit of copper, riboflavin, zinc and phosphorous.
Even though a quarter cup of almonds contains 18 grams of fat, 11 of those are the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind.
Emerging research suggests that eating almonds doesn’t result in weight gain, and may even contribute to weight loss because of the nuts’ tendency to cause a feeling of fullness after eating them.
So next time you feel a headache coming on, go ahead and get a little nutty with almonds. You can make or buy commercially prepared almond butter. Almond butter is a healthier (and tastier, I think) alternative to peanut butter. It also seems to be less allergenic than peanuts.
MY THOUGHTS
So that's why I can eat all the almonds I want. But not cashew nuts. Cashew nuts trigger my severe migraines. As in a week of delibitating pain.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Honey as Alternative Medicine for Infection
Honey May Be Effective Alternative Medicine For Infection
April 15, 2011 by Personal Liberty News Desk
http://www.personalliberty.com/news/honey-may-be-effective-alternative-medicine-for-infection-800484392/
A type of honey from New Zealand has been shown to reduce bacterial infection in wounds and also prevent antibiotic resistance, according to researchers at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff.
Manuka honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the manuka tree. The sweet stuff is already used in some healing products, and scientists now believe that its antimicrobial properties may even be effective enough to act as alternative or complementary medicine to antibiotics.
"We need innovative and effective ways of controlling wound infections that are unlikely to contribute to increased antimicrobial resistance. We have already demonstrated that manuka honey is not likely to select for honey-resistant bacteria," said lead author Rose Cooper.
The scientists discovered that topical application of the honey helped prevent bacteria from sticking to a wound and also prevented a biofilm that protects the infection from treatment. Additionally, the substance appeared to weaken the superbug bacteria that causes the MSRA infection and is resistant to most antibiotics.
Authors are hopeful that the findings may lead to inexpensive, natural antibiotic therapies.
Website TrueHealth.org has reported that honey has long been used as a household remedy for wounds, burns and sore throats, as well as a gentle facial cleanser due to its antibacterial properties.
MY THOUGHTS
Here's the bee and the manuka flowers
Here's bottled Manuka Honey.
Go to Ebay to check price
April 15, 2011 by Personal Liberty News Desk
http://www.personalliberty.com/news/honey-may-be-effective-alternative-medicine-for-infection-800484392/
A type of honey from New Zealand has been shown to reduce bacterial infection in wounds and also prevent antibiotic resistance, according to researchers at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff.
Manuka honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the manuka tree. The sweet stuff is already used in some healing products, and scientists now believe that its antimicrobial properties may even be effective enough to act as alternative or complementary medicine to antibiotics.
"We need innovative and effective ways of controlling wound infections that are unlikely to contribute to increased antimicrobial resistance. We have already demonstrated that manuka honey is not likely to select for honey-resistant bacteria," said lead author Rose Cooper.
The scientists discovered that topical application of the honey helped prevent bacteria from sticking to a wound and also prevented a biofilm that protects the infection from treatment. Additionally, the substance appeared to weaken the superbug bacteria that causes the MSRA infection and is resistant to most antibiotics.
Authors are hopeful that the findings may lead to inexpensive, natural antibiotic therapies.
Website TrueHealth.org has reported that honey has long been used as a household remedy for wounds, burns and sore throats, as well as a gentle facial cleanser due to its antibacterial properties.
MY THOUGHTS
Here's the bee and the manuka flowers
Here's bottled Manuka Honey.
Go to Ebay to check price
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR THE HAIR
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR YOUR HAIR
from www.oprah.com
Since diet plays such a vital role in the health and beauty of the hair, here is a list of food and nutrients that are particularly nourishing.
Seaweed: My friend once told me that he was starting to go gray, but after a few months of having a daily dose of seaweed, he had completely regained his haircolor. Seaweed contains a wealth of nutrients vital to overall health and healthy hair, including iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, niacin, zinc, sodium, potassium and a range of vitamins. Seaweed also has the ability to bind with toxins and expel them from the body, keeping your body cleansed from the inside out. As an alternative, you could take a kelp supplement so you still get the benefits of the seaweed.
Leafy greens: Leafy greens contain large amounts of vitamins A and C, which the body uses to make sebum, which is secreted by the hair follicles and keeps the hair glossy and in good condition. Greens are also rich in minerals, including iron vital to hair health.
Pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts: As well as being good sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils, pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts are good sources of zinc and selenium, which are vital nutrients for hair health.
Brown rice: I mentioned earlier the importance of good-quality protein for hair health, and I recommend leaning toward vegetable protein in the form of grains and beans for optimum nutrition. Brown rice is also a good source of the stress-relieving B vitamins.
Beans: Beans are an excellent vegetarian source of protein, essential to hair health. They're also a good source of iron, folic acid and B vitamins, nutrients necessary for healthy, shiny hair. Combine with whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa to make a complete protein.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs): As the name implies, these are essential for the structure of every cell membrane as well as healthy joints, circulation, heart function, glowing skin and shiny hair. The body cannot make its own supply, so it's essential to get them from foods. EFAs fall into two groups: omega-3, found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts; and omega-6, found in seeds such as chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and nuts. Good-quality supplements of evening primrose oil and borage oil also provide omega-6 in a specially converted form known as gamma linoleic acid (GLA). Hemp seeds are another wonderful source of GLA and omega-3.
Silica: A trace mineral is a vital nutrient for healthy hair and also for strong teeth and bones. Silica helps the body utilize other minerals such as boron, copper, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. There are several food sources of silica, including seaweed, oats, millet, barley and whole wheat. You could take a silica supplement if your hair needs a boost.
MY THOUGHTS
There you go - healthy food means healthy hair. It's good that I love seaweed. They're just not readily available. Better go for brown rice and leafy greens. Never mind the beans.
from www.oprah.com
Since diet plays such a vital role in the health and beauty of the hair, here is a list of food and nutrients that are particularly nourishing.
Seaweed: My friend once told me that he was starting to go gray, but after a few months of having a daily dose of seaweed, he had completely regained his haircolor. Seaweed contains a wealth of nutrients vital to overall health and healthy hair, including iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, niacin, zinc, sodium, potassium and a range of vitamins. Seaweed also has the ability to bind with toxins and expel them from the body, keeping your body cleansed from the inside out. As an alternative, you could take a kelp supplement so you still get the benefits of the seaweed.
Leafy greens: Leafy greens contain large amounts of vitamins A and C, which the body uses to make sebum, which is secreted by the hair follicles and keeps the hair glossy and in good condition. Greens are also rich in minerals, including iron vital to hair health.
Pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts: As well as being good sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils, pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts are good sources of zinc and selenium, which are vital nutrients for hair health.
Brown rice: I mentioned earlier the importance of good-quality protein for hair health, and I recommend leaning toward vegetable protein in the form of grains and beans for optimum nutrition. Brown rice is also a good source of the stress-relieving B vitamins.
Beans: Beans are an excellent vegetarian source of protein, essential to hair health. They're also a good source of iron, folic acid and B vitamins, nutrients necessary for healthy, shiny hair. Combine with whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa to make a complete protein.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs): As the name implies, these are essential for the structure of every cell membrane as well as healthy joints, circulation, heart function, glowing skin and shiny hair. The body cannot make its own supply, so it's essential to get them from foods. EFAs fall into two groups: omega-3, found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts; and omega-6, found in seeds such as chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and nuts. Good-quality supplements of evening primrose oil and borage oil also provide omega-6 in a specially converted form known as gamma linoleic acid (GLA). Hemp seeds are another wonderful source of GLA and omega-3.
Silica: A trace mineral is a vital nutrient for healthy hair and also for strong teeth and bones. Silica helps the body utilize other minerals such as boron, copper, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. There are several food sources of silica, including seaweed, oats, millet, barley and whole wheat. You could take a silica supplement if your hair needs a boost.
MY THOUGHTS
There you go - healthy food means healthy hair. It's good that I love seaweed. They're just not readily available. Better go for brown rice and leafy greens. Never mind the beans.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
STRAWBERRIES AS ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Strawberries Show Promise in Fighting Esophageal Cancer
Published April 07, 2011
| FoxNews.com
A common fruit may be an alternative to drugs for the prevention of esophageal cancer, according to new research presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Orlando, Fla.
In a small study of 36 participants in China, researchers found that freeze-dried strawberries can help decrease the risk of getting this common cancer.
“We concluded from this study that six months of eating strawberries is safe and easy to consume,” said lead researcher Dr. Tong Chen, lead researcher and assistant professor, division of medical oncology, department of internal medicine at Ohio State University, said in a news release. “In addition, our preliminary data suggests that strawberries can decrease histological grade of precancerous lesions and reduce cancer-related molecular events.”
Chen and her team specifically studied esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which makes up 95 percent of cases of esophageal cancer worldwide. For the study, the participants ate 60 grams of freeze-dried strawberries a day for six months. They also completed a dietary diary chronicling their strawberry consumption.
“Using freeze-dried strawberries was important because by removing the water from the berries, they concentrated the preventive substances by nearly tenfold,” Chen said.
After the six months was up, researchers biopsied specimens before and after strawberry consumption, and the results showed that 29 out of 36 participants experienced a decrease in histological grade of the precancerous lesions during the study.
“Our study is important because it shows that strawberries may slow the progression of precancerous lesion in the esophagus. Strawberries may be an alternative or work together with other chemopreventive drugs for the prevention of esophageal cancer. But, we will need to test this in randomized placebo-controlled trials in the future,” Chen said.
Esophageal cancer is the third most common gastrointestinal cancer, and the sixth most frequent cause of cancer death in the world, according to Chen.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/04/06/strawberries-promise-fighting-esophageal-cancer/#ixzz1Izli8OZk
MY THOUGHTS
This is not yet official. But strawberries is a great low-calorie anti-oxidant. Why wait?
Published April 07, 2011
| FoxNews.com
A common fruit may be an alternative to drugs for the prevention of esophageal cancer, according to new research presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Orlando, Fla.
In a small study of 36 participants in China, researchers found that freeze-dried strawberries can help decrease the risk of getting this common cancer.
“We concluded from this study that six months of eating strawberries is safe and easy to consume,” said lead researcher Dr. Tong Chen, lead researcher and assistant professor, division of medical oncology, department of internal medicine at Ohio State University, said in a news release. “In addition, our preliminary data suggests that strawberries can decrease histological grade of precancerous lesions and reduce cancer-related molecular events.”
Chen and her team specifically studied esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which makes up 95 percent of cases of esophageal cancer worldwide. For the study, the participants ate 60 grams of freeze-dried strawberries a day for six months. They also completed a dietary diary chronicling their strawberry consumption.
“Using freeze-dried strawberries was important because by removing the water from the berries, they concentrated the preventive substances by nearly tenfold,” Chen said.
After the six months was up, researchers biopsied specimens before and after strawberry consumption, and the results showed that 29 out of 36 participants experienced a decrease in histological grade of the precancerous lesions during the study.
“Our study is important because it shows that strawberries may slow the progression of precancerous lesion in the esophagus. Strawberries may be an alternative or work together with other chemopreventive drugs for the prevention of esophageal cancer. But, we will need to test this in randomized placebo-controlled trials in the future,” Chen said.
Esophageal cancer is the third most common gastrointestinal cancer, and the sixth most frequent cause of cancer death in the world, according to Chen.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/04/06/strawberries-promise-fighting-esophageal-cancer/#ixzz1Izli8OZk
MY THOUGHTS
This is not yet official. But strawberries is a great low-calorie anti-oxidant. Why wait?
Saturday, April 9, 2011
DANCING CAN PREVENT DEMENTIA
Dancing can help offset dementia, weight gain, high blood pressure
Dancing fares well in studies.
By Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden
McClatchy Newspapers
Want to avoid your risk of dementia holistically? Besides controlling your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugars and decreasing your intake of inflammatory foods, what else can you do?
Start dancing!
Dancing has been shown to have numerous health benefits in various studies. The most obvious are increased socialization and improved physical functioning. Two recent studies conducted by University of Missouri researchers found that participation in dance-based therapy can improve balance and gait in older adults. This can reduce the risk of falls and injuries in this population.
Studies also have shown a strong link to a decrease in the development of dementia among participants who danced. A study funded by the National Institute of Aging and published in 2003 in the New England Journal of Medicine showed a significantly reduced risk of dementia in older adults who danced frequently.
The study looked at almost 500 adults aged 75 and older, tracking their activities and incidence of dementia for 5 years.
It showed a surprisingly strong correlation between dancing and reduction in dementia — a whopping 76 percent.
Dancing also was the only physical activity that reduced dementia. There was, for example, no reduction in the development of dementia among those who golfed frequently. Other physical activities studied included playing tennis, swimming, bicycling, walking for exercise and doing housework.
Some mental activities that did reduce the risk of dementia were reading and doing crossword puzzles.
Why does dancing help maintain the brain? The principle of Neuroplasticity hypothesizes that we continue to rewires synapses in the brain with continuous activity.
This is literally a "use it or lose it" phenomenon.
When we are dancing, we are using our cerebral cortex and hippocampus, which are critical to dancing. These areas of the brain are remarkably plastic, and they rewire themselves based upon their use. Researchers hypothesize that perhaps this greater cognitive reserve and increased complexity of neuronal synapses keeps dementia at bay.
— — —
(Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden are medical directors of Sutter Downtown Integrative Medicine program. Have a question related to alternative medicine? E-mail adrenaline@sacbee.com.)
MY THOUGHTS
Dancing is fun. And you do not even have to get out of the house to enjoy this exercise.
Dancing fares well in studies.
By Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden
McClatchy Newspapers
Want to avoid your risk of dementia holistically? Besides controlling your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugars and decreasing your intake of inflammatory foods, what else can you do?
Start dancing!
Dancing has been shown to have numerous health benefits in various studies. The most obvious are increased socialization and improved physical functioning. Two recent studies conducted by University of Missouri researchers found that participation in dance-based therapy can improve balance and gait in older adults. This can reduce the risk of falls and injuries in this population.
Studies also have shown a strong link to a decrease in the development of dementia among participants who danced. A study funded by the National Institute of Aging and published in 2003 in the New England Journal of Medicine showed a significantly reduced risk of dementia in older adults who danced frequently.
The study looked at almost 500 adults aged 75 and older, tracking their activities and incidence of dementia for 5 years.
It showed a surprisingly strong correlation between dancing and reduction in dementia — a whopping 76 percent.
Dancing also was the only physical activity that reduced dementia. There was, for example, no reduction in the development of dementia among those who golfed frequently. Other physical activities studied included playing tennis, swimming, bicycling, walking for exercise and doing housework.
Some mental activities that did reduce the risk of dementia were reading and doing crossword puzzles.
Why does dancing help maintain the brain? The principle of Neuroplasticity hypothesizes that we continue to rewires synapses in the brain with continuous activity.
This is literally a "use it or lose it" phenomenon.
When we are dancing, we are using our cerebral cortex and hippocampus, which are critical to dancing. These areas of the brain are remarkably plastic, and they rewire themselves based upon their use. Researchers hypothesize that perhaps this greater cognitive reserve and increased complexity of neuronal synapses keeps dementia at bay.
— — —
(Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden are medical directors of Sutter Downtown Integrative Medicine program. Have a question related to alternative medicine? E-mail adrenaline@sacbee.com.)
MY THOUGHTS
Dancing is fun. And you do not even have to get out of the house to enjoy this exercise.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR KNEE PAIN
6 Alternative Medical Treatments for Knee Pain
News by Granny Med
(March 16, 2011) in Health / Alternative Medicine
By Kate Wharmby Seldman
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/6-alternative-medical-treatments-for-knee-pain
Many different treatments and therapies come under the umbrella of alternative medicine. Whereas traditional medicine usually prescribes only a few treatments for a particular ailment, there could be tens of alternative remedies for the same condition.
Let’s take knee pain as an example. Mainstream medicine treats a sore knee as follows: first, rest is prescribed, as well as ice or heat, stretching, and physical therapy. Alternative-medicine aficionados may practice these treatments as well, since they don’t involve medication or surgery. Next, the patient might take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, like ibuprofen. Cortisone shots into the knee are another option to treat inflammation. If all else fails, the patient may undergo arthroscopic surgery, which involves inserting a tiny camera into the knee and using it as a way to view and repair torn ligaments, cartilage, or other issues within the joint.
In terms of alternative medicine, the remedies available are myriad. Acupuncture is popular for knee pain - the needles are inserted into points on the knee in order to open up channels of qi, or life energy, that, when flowing properly, can ease discomfort in the joints. Stomach 36 and Spleen 9 acupuncture points, located around the knees, are important points to use when treating knee pain. Medical science is starting to back up the effects of acupuncture on knee pain: a 1999 study indicated that acupuncture helped osteoarthritis patients build strength and flexibility while relieving pain and stiffness.
Electromagnetic therapy, in which magnets placed on the knee generate pulses of electricity, isn’t widely used anymore, but some studies have suggested it can help relieve pain. More research is needed to see if this therapy really can increase blood flow to the knee, thereby decreasing pain.
Homeopaths prescribe several remedies for knee pain, especially arthritis-related discomfort: these include arnica montana, bryonia alba, ledum palustre, apis mellifica, and rhus toxicodendron. There’s also a homeopathic remedy called osteoarthritic nosode, which is made from the tissue and fluid of an osteoarthritic knee.
Massage can be useful for knee discomfort. Massage therapists work on the areas above and below the knee to try and ease swelling and stiffness. They sometimes also massage the area with ice packs, which supposedly helps stop pain by replacing it with temperature signals instead.
The dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have helped knee pain sufferers get some relief. One study indicate that oddly, the worse the pain is, the better the supplement is at relieving it: it didn’t work very well for mild to moderate knee pain, but it helped sufferers of severe pain.
Herbal remedies for knee pain include comfrey and aloe vera gel. Another remedy involves wrapping the knee with cabbage leaves, which serve as a mild anti-inflammatory, and then surrounding the leaves with plastic wrap. The patient should leave the wrap on overnight, or change it every four hours when awake.
Read more at GrannyMed
MY THOUGHTS
These articles never fail to surprise me. Cabbage?
News by Granny Med
(March 16, 2011) in Health / Alternative Medicine
By Kate Wharmby Seldman
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/6-alternative-medical-treatments-for-knee-pain
Many different treatments and therapies come under the umbrella of alternative medicine. Whereas traditional medicine usually prescribes only a few treatments for a particular ailment, there could be tens of alternative remedies for the same condition.
Let’s take knee pain as an example. Mainstream medicine treats a sore knee as follows: first, rest is prescribed, as well as ice or heat, stretching, and physical therapy. Alternative-medicine aficionados may practice these treatments as well, since they don’t involve medication or surgery. Next, the patient might take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, like ibuprofen. Cortisone shots into the knee are another option to treat inflammation. If all else fails, the patient may undergo arthroscopic surgery, which involves inserting a tiny camera into the knee and using it as a way to view and repair torn ligaments, cartilage, or other issues within the joint.
In terms of alternative medicine, the remedies available are myriad. Acupuncture is popular for knee pain - the needles are inserted into points on the knee in order to open up channels of qi, or life energy, that, when flowing properly, can ease discomfort in the joints. Stomach 36 and Spleen 9 acupuncture points, located around the knees, are important points to use when treating knee pain. Medical science is starting to back up the effects of acupuncture on knee pain: a 1999 study indicated that acupuncture helped osteoarthritis patients build strength and flexibility while relieving pain and stiffness.
Electromagnetic therapy, in which magnets placed on the knee generate pulses of electricity, isn’t widely used anymore, but some studies have suggested it can help relieve pain. More research is needed to see if this therapy really can increase blood flow to the knee, thereby decreasing pain.
Homeopaths prescribe several remedies for knee pain, especially arthritis-related discomfort: these include arnica montana, bryonia alba, ledum palustre, apis mellifica, and rhus toxicodendron. There’s also a homeopathic remedy called osteoarthritic nosode, which is made from the tissue and fluid of an osteoarthritic knee.
Massage can be useful for knee discomfort. Massage therapists work on the areas above and below the knee to try and ease swelling and stiffness. They sometimes also massage the area with ice packs, which supposedly helps stop pain by replacing it with temperature signals instead.
The dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have helped knee pain sufferers get some relief. One study indicate that oddly, the worse the pain is, the better the supplement is at relieving it: it didn’t work very well for mild to moderate knee pain, but it helped sufferers of severe pain.
Herbal remedies for knee pain include comfrey and aloe vera gel. Another remedy involves wrapping the knee with cabbage leaves, which serve as a mild anti-inflammatory, and then surrounding the leaves with plastic wrap. The patient should leave the wrap on overnight, or change it every four hours when awake.
Read more at GrannyMed
MY THOUGHTS
These articles never fail to surprise me. Cabbage?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DIABETES
Natural remedies for Diabetes
Monday, 21 March 2011 03:15
Diabetes affects over 23 million Americans, nearly 8 percent of the population, and these numbers are on the rise. Diabetes prevalence increased 13 percent in the two years between 2005 and 2007. Add to this the 24 percent of people who are believed to be undiagnosed and you can see the picture of the epidemic rise of diabetes in recent years. Adult onset diabetes, the most common form, can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure.
Prevention and lifestyle are still the best medicine. Though there is no known cure, a healthy lifestyle can reduce symptoms. The National Institute of Health has launched a campaign that focus on lifestyle and dietary choices for diabetes prevention. Alternative medicine has also been busy researching natural treatments for diabetes prevention and health maintenance. Numerous products—including foods, botanicals, and vitamins—offer promising results.
*Alpha-lipoic Acid
Three research trials of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) demonstrate ALA’s ability to increase insulin sensitivity and enhance glucose metabolism. ALA may also heal nerve damage in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Doses of 600 milligrams were shown to be effective and well tolerated.
*Gymnema
Gymnema sylvestre is a climbing plant that grows in Southeast Asia and Africa. It has been used in India to treat diabetes as part of Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years. Modern research has shown gymnema to lower serum glucose levels by inhibiting the intestinal absorption of glucose. Gymnema has an added health benefit for diabetes treatment, in that it can be used alongside insulin. Other uses for this beneficial herb include weight loss and hypercholesterolaemia.
*Chromium
The element chromium is important in the regulatory function of insulin and blood glucose. Its action is similar to the prescription drugs used by diabetics: metformin and troglitazone. It is thought that chromium acts by decreasing the body’s insulin resistance. Chromium picolinate is the form that is best absorbed for this purpose.
*Beta-Glucan
Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber derived from the cell walls of algae, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and plants. It is also found in cereal grains like oat and barely. It is commonly used for its cholesterol-lowering effects and is now being cited for its ability to control blood sugar levels. You may have seen beta-glucan on the ingredient list on your morning cereal box because in 1997 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed oat bran to be registered as the first cholesterol-reducing food. (The recommended amount for this purpose is three grams beta-glucan daily.) Several trials are underway investigating the use of beta-glucan in diabetes and for blood sugar control.
*Ginseng
For over 2,000 years, ginseng roots have been prized in Chinese medicine for their health-giving qualities. Its name is from the Greek, Panax, means “all cure” (pan—all, akos—cure). Panax is a member of the Araliaceae family and should not be confused with Siberian Ginseng, which is from a different plant family (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Research suggests that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
*Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is a melon in the Cucurbitaceae family and related to honeydew and Persian melon. Bitter melon extracts and tea contain the glycosides momordin and charant that can be used to treat hypoglycemia. A 1999 study of bitter melon pulp with type 2 diabetic patients show a reduction in serum blood sugar levels that lasted for up to twelve hours. The plant acts on liver and muscle glycogen synthesis and inhibits the enzymes involved in glucose production.
*There are numerous other products from nature that may prove to have a healing effect on diabetes and blood sugar control. Alfalfa, aloe vera, barley, bilberry, bladderwrack, burdock, evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, fenugreek, fish oils, gotu kola, horse chestnut seed extract, marshmallow, milk thistle, rosemary, spirulina, stinging nettle, and white horehound are just a few of nature’s bountiful healing agents that have been used in treating diabetes with natural medicine in the past. Hopefully, modern science can investigate these natural substances, and find the quantizes needed for the healing doses needed to bring relief to those suffering from diabetes.
By Melanie Grimes
MT THOUGHTS
I've always known that bitter melon or bitter gourd is
but I didn't know that it's a relative of honey dew
And I didn't know that this is Persian Melon-another relative.
Monday, 21 March 2011 03:15
Diabetes affects over 23 million Americans, nearly 8 percent of the population, and these numbers are on the rise. Diabetes prevalence increased 13 percent in the two years between 2005 and 2007. Add to this the 24 percent of people who are believed to be undiagnosed and you can see the picture of the epidemic rise of diabetes in recent years. Adult onset diabetes, the most common form, can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure.
Prevention and lifestyle are still the best medicine. Though there is no known cure, a healthy lifestyle can reduce symptoms. The National Institute of Health has launched a campaign that focus on lifestyle and dietary choices for diabetes prevention. Alternative medicine has also been busy researching natural treatments for diabetes prevention and health maintenance. Numerous products—including foods, botanicals, and vitamins—offer promising results.
*Alpha-lipoic Acid
Three research trials of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) demonstrate ALA’s ability to increase insulin sensitivity and enhance glucose metabolism. ALA may also heal nerve damage in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Doses of 600 milligrams were shown to be effective and well tolerated.
*Gymnema
Gymnema sylvestre is a climbing plant that grows in Southeast Asia and Africa. It has been used in India to treat diabetes as part of Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years. Modern research has shown gymnema to lower serum glucose levels by inhibiting the intestinal absorption of glucose. Gymnema has an added health benefit for diabetes treatment, in that it can be used alongside insulin. Other uses for this beneficial herb include weight loss and hypercholesterolaemia.
*Chromium
The element chromium is important in the regulatory function of insulin and blood glucose. Its action is similar to the prescription drugs used by diabetics: metformin and troglitazone. It is thought that chromium acts by decreasing the body’s insulin resistance. Chromium picolinate is the form that is best absorbed for this purpose.
*Beta-Glucan
Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber derived from the cell walls of algae, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and plants. It is also found in cereal grains like oat and barely. It is commonly used for its cholesterol-lowering effects and is now being cited for its ability to control blood sugar levels. You may have seen beta-glucan on the ingredient list on your morning cereal box because in 1997 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed oat bran to be registered as the first cholesterol-reducing food. (The recommended amount for this purpose is three grams beta-glucan daily.) Several trials are underway investigating the use of beta-glucan in diabetes and for blood sugar control.
*Ginseng
For over 2,000 years, ginseng roots have been prized in Chinese medicine for their health-giving qualities. Its name is from the Greek, Panax, means “all cure” (pan—all, akos—cure). Panax is a member of the Araliaceae family and should not be confused with Siberian Ginseng, which is from a different plant family (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Research suggests that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
*Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is a melon in the Cucurbitaceae family and related to honeydew and Persian melon. Bitter melon extracts and tea contain the glycosides momordin and charant that can be used to treat hypoglycemia. A 1999 study of bitter melon pulp with type 2 diabetic patients show a reduction in serum blood sugar levels that lasted for up to twelve hours. The plant acts on liver and muscle glycogen synthesis and inhibits the enzymes involved in glucose production.
*There are numerous other products from nature that may prove to have a healing effect on diabetes and blood sugar control. Alfalfa, aloe vera, barley, bilberry, bladderwrack, burdock, evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, fenugreek, fish oils, gotu kola, horse chestnut seed extract, marshmallow, milk thistle, rosemary, spirulina, stinging nettle, and white horehound are just a few of nature’s bountiful healing agents that have been used in treating diabetes with natural medicine in the past. Hopefully, modern science can investigate these natural substances, and find the quantizes needed for the healing doses needed to bring relief to those suffering from diabetes.
By Melanie Grimes
MT THOUGHTS
I've always known that bitter melon or bitter gourd is
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| (from alibaba.com) |
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| (from alibaba.com) |
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| (from alibaba.com) |
Saturday, April 2, 2011
THE PET ALTERNATIVE
The Animal Alternative
By Michelle Fiscus | Email the author | March 22, 2011
http://herndon.patch.com/articles/the-animal-alternative
Why man’s best friend might help you stick with exercise, reduce blood pressure and alleviate depression
Call it alternative medicine, a placebo effect, or maybe just plain coincidence. However you want to justify it, turns out, pets actually do improve your health. It may sound crazy to some. But those who own and love a pet can vouch for the feelings and sense of well being animal affection can bring.
Several studies show stroking a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Johns Hopkins Researchers say, “Heart attack sufferers recover more quickly and survive longer when they have a pet at home, and children who are exposed to pets early in life may have a reduced risk of allergies and asthma."
Besides the health benefits, pets often encourage us to get out and exercise. This is especially true if you own a dog. When your animal needs to do his/her “business,” chances are you are going to take it outside, maybe even go for a walk. Getting out of the house and into nature is great for your pet, but also for you. Exercise helps reduce stress to some degree. If you are taking your dog for three 10-minute walks a day, that’s 30 minutes of cardio you can check off your list.
Pets also provide a great emotional benefit to their owners. It has been said time after time a pet gives unconditional love. If you have a less than stellar day at work, coming home to an excited, energetic pet who greets you as you walk through the door is a pretty nice pick me up. Our attention shifts from our problems to the animal.
Research shows people report less loneliness when they have an animal companion. Pets also have the potential to reduce depression to some degree. The same research linked to blood pressure revealed caring for a pet boost levels of the feel good mood-related brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine.
Not everyone is going to benefit from having a pet. Owning an animal brings responsibilities of its own, which if too much to handle can lead to its own stress. But, in most situations, the “pros” of pet ownership outrank the “cons.”
When looking for a pet, be sure to spend plenty of time looking for one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you choose a shelter or breeder, the animal needs to be able to adapt to your living situation, family members and daily habits. And if owning a pet proves to be all the “medicine” you need, it certainly is a worthwhile investment.
MY THOUGHTS
Most people I know love pets. I don't know if I do. I never gave myself the chance to find out. I doubt I can find one that would suit my lifestyle. I had a baby lobster once-the type you would put on the fridge when you need to be away from home for some time. It's supposed to hibernate while you're away. Mine didn't. I waited for it to wake up. For hours and hours. Until, finally, I gave up. My lobster probably had a nightmare! It broke my heart to have to throw away this tiny, pinkish creature. I never dared get another pet again.
By Michelle Fiscus | Email the author | March 22, 2011
http://herndon.patch.com/articles/the-animal-alternative
Why man’s best friend might help you stick with exercise, reduce blood pressure and alleviate depression
Call it alternative medicine, a placebo effect, or maybe just plain coincidence. However you want to justify it, turns out, pets actually do improve your health. It may sound crazy to some. But those who own and love a pet can vouch for the feelings and sense of well being animal affection can bring.
Several studies show stroking a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Johns Hopkins Researchers say, “Heart attack sufferers recover more quickly and survive longer when they have a pet at home, and children who are exposed to pets early in life may have a reduced risk of allergies and asthma."
Besides the health benefits, pets often encourage us to get out and exercise. This is especially true if you own a dog. When your animal needs to do his/her “business,” chances are you are going to take it outside, maybe even go for a walk. Getting out of the house and into nature is great for your pet, but also for you. Exercise helps reduce stress to some degree. If you are taking your dog for three 10-minute walks a day, that’s 30 minutes of cardio you can check off your list.
Pets also provide a great emotional benefit to their owners. It has been said time after time a pet gives unconditional love. If you have a less than stellar day at work, coming home to an excited, energetic pet who greets you as you walk through the door is a pretty nice pick me up. Our attention shifts from our problems to the animal.
Research shows people report less loneliness when they have an animal companion. Pets also have the potential to reduce depression to some degree. The same research linked to blood pressure revealed caring for a pet boost levels of the feel good mood-related brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine.
Not everyone is going to benefit from having a pet. Owning an animal brings responsibilities of its own, which if too much to handle can lead to its own stress. But, in most situations, the “pros” of pet ownership outrank the “cons.”
When looking for a pet, be sure to spend plenty of time looking for one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you choose a shelter or breeder, the animal needs to be able to adapt to your living situation, family members and daily habits. And if owning a pet proves to be all the “medicine” you need, it certainly is a worthwhile investment.
MY THOUGHTS
Most people I know love pets. I don't know if I do. I never gave myself the chance to find out. I doubt I can find one that would suit my lifestyle. I had a baby lobster once-the type you would put on the fridge when you need to be away from home for some time. It's supposed to hibernate while you're away. Mine didn't. I waited for it to wake up. For hours and hours. Until, finally, I gave up. My lobster probably had a nightmare! It broke my heart to have to throw away this tiny, pinkish creature. I never dared get another pet again.
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