Vitamin D Activates Your Immune System.

Recently-published research reveals some amazing facts about how vitamin D activates your immune system to respond to influenza (including the swine flu). Yet, at the same time, vitamin D also balances your immune response to avoid a dangerous inflammatory response Read more.........

Chronic Fatigue Disorder

What are the symptons of chronic fatigue Syndrome?

The symptoms include:

• debilitating low energy levels
• painful muscles and joints
• disordered sleep
• gastric disturbances
• poor memory and concentration
• neuropsychological complaints
• painful lymph nodes
• prolonged fatigue after exercise

Scientists have now found the cause of this disorder.

Read more........

Tomatoes For Good Health.

 Tomatoes are common and found everywhere. In fact, they are one of the most commonly used foods in the whole world. They are naturally delicious and known to be full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

For centuries, tomatoes have been recognised  as one of the healthier natural medicinal agents used in maintaining a healthy diet.

Tomatoes contain lycopene, that useful pigment that gives it its colour. Lycopene is a powerful natural antioxidant. It is now being extracted and injected into all sorts of foods today, as well as ground up and shaped into multivitamin pills.
Tomatoes have very high amount of lycopene. Tomatoes have been used in tests against cancers of the cervix, stomach, mouth, colon, and even rectal cancer. The results of the tests done using tomatoes have been positive.



Tomatoes have also contain nicotinic acid and has been used as a natural antiseptic agent to fight off viruses and infections. It can also be used to fight clogged arteries and even heart disease, stimulating blood flow and regulating cholesterol levels.
Medicinal Uses of Tomato.
Plenty of tomato in your diet can help:
Prevent certain types of cancer.
Revitalise the skin.
Heal wounds and sores.
Purify and thin the blood.
Get rid of kidney stones.

Unhealthy Men

Unhealthy men 'may lose 10 years' Middle-aged male smokers with high blood pressure and raised cholesterol levels face dying about 10 years before healthier counterparts, a study warns.
The UK study looked at more than 19,000 civil servants aged 40-69 and traced what happened to them 38 years later.
The Oxford study, in the British Medical Journal, said men with these three risk factors could expect a 10-year shorter life from 50 years of age.
The British Heart Foundation said over 40s should have a heart health check.

The study was set up in 1967-70 at the peak of the vascular disease epidemic in the UK.
Participants had their height, weight, blood pressure, lung function, cholesterol and blood glucose levels measured and completed a questionnaire about their previous medical history, smoking habits, employment grade and marital status.
Current smokers made up 42% of the men, 39% had high blood pressure and 51% had high cholesterol.
They were followed up nearly 40 years later in 2005 by which time 13,501 had died.






Risk factors

RISK FACTORS FACTS

• 26% men & 25% women in England aged 35-49 smoke

• 23% men & 22% women in England aged 50-59 smoke

• 34% men & 26% women in England aged 45-54 have high blood pressure

• 74% men & 78% women in England aged 45-54 have high cholesterol

Source: BHF

The researchers from the University of Oxford focused on smoking, high blood pressure and cholesterol because they are the main cardiovascular risk factors.

But when they broadened it out to look at all risk factors including obesity, diabetes and employment grade, they found a 15-year life expectancy difference between the 5% with the highest number of risk factors and the 5% who had the lowest number of risk factors.
The proportion of deaths attributed to vascular disease in old age has declined from about 60% in 1950 to less than 40% in 2005 for both men and women.
Dr Robert Clarke, of the Clinical Trial Service Unit at the University, led the study.
HAVE YOUR SAY Nobody can guarantee that if you live the life of a saint and the diet of a rabbit that you will live longer Gremlin-UK, Manchester, UK

He said: "We've shown that men at age 50 who smoke, have high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels can expect to survive to 74 years of age, while those who have none of these risk factors can expect to live until 83.
"It is precisely this kind of very prolonged follow-up study that is necessary to get these results - that modest differences in heart risk factors can accurately predict significant differences in life expectancy.
"The results give people another way of looking at heart disease risk factors that can be understood more readily.
"If you stop smoking or take measures to deal with high blood pressure or body weight, it will translate into increased life expectancy. "
Healthy life
Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the BHF, said: "This important study puts a figure on the life-limiting effects of smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
"It provides a stark illustration of how these risk factors in middle-age can reduce life expectancy.
"The good news is that all of us can make changes to help us live a healthy life for longer, even after 50.
"We know that stopping smoking and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, by lifestyle changes and/or tablets, can prevent the onset of heart disease - and these findings suggest it could make a decade of difference to our lives.
"Although the study only involved men, there is no reason why the same should not apply to women.
"So, I urge all men and women over 40 to have a health check - that all GPs can provide - which will include finding out their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and starting to address any areas of concern."
Jane Landon, deputy chief executive of the National Heart Forum, said: "Public health strategies to discourage smoking and promote healthy eating and active lifestyles from childhood are vital to prevent the accumulation in middle age of these avoidable risk factors."
Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, president of the UK Faculty of Public Health, said: "These findings also help to explain why people who are less well off are more likely to die younger.
"Poorer people tend to smoke more, eat less healthy diets and suffer more psychosocial stress - all adding to their risk of heart disease. These are the people who need help most."

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/health/8260561.stm
Published: 2009/09/17 23:00:32 GMT
© BBC MMIX

Why are so many celebrities dying after chemotherapy?

Farrah Fawcett died following chemotherapy used to treat anal cancer and liver cancer. (http://www.naturalnews.com/026511_c...)

Famed newscaster Peter Jennings died from chemotherapy treatments for lung cancer.
Former White House press secretary Tony Snow died after receiving chemotherapy for colon cancer. (http://www.naturalnews.com/023626_c...)
Deadly pharmaceuticals
Beyond those celebrities being harmed or killed by chemotherapy, many are also killed by conventional pharmaceuticals:
Michael Jackson died from an overdose of doctor-prescribed pharmaceuticals.
Tim Russert's death is linked to heart medication (http://www.naturalnews.com/023434.html).
Bernie Mac died from immune suppression caused by pharmaceuticals A(http://www.naturalnews.com/023817_B...).
And Heath Ledger was killed by an overdose of pharmaceuticals prescribed by his doctors (http://www.naturalnews.com/022602.html).
The reason so many celebrities are harmed or killed by the cancer industry is quite simple: The cancer industry is a for-profit business. It makes money by treating cancer, not by curing or preventing cancer.Read more

Be Healthy, Be in Shape!!!!!

Resveratrol and Weight Loss

Resveratrol Antioxidants and Weight Loss: A Good Pairing? The golden rule in weight loss is pretty simple: take in fewer calories than you expend in exercise. However, as any dieter will tell you, it’s far from easy. Americans spend billions of dollars a year on weight loss supplements, exercise programs and other diet aids—and still we can’t seem to win the battle of the bulge—even when we get desperate enough to try risky surgery or fad diets. Recently a new product has come to light that may help people trying to lose weight stay on the healthy end of the spectrum: Resveratrol Select, which is unlike many diet supplements in that it uses a combination of natural and herbal ingredients designed to help the body stay healthy while losing weight. How? By mimicking certain aspects of the Mediterranean diet. Studies have shown that part of America’s war with weight lies in the uniquely modern American combination of stressful lifestyle and fast-food consumption, and that the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle seem to be more conducive to healthier weight levels and longevity.

In fact, much as been made on the news in recent months of the purported “French Paradox,” (how the French eat a high-fat diet, enjoy rich desserts, drink wine and still have better cardiovascular health than the rest of us). One of the biggest differences between the American and French diet seems to be the wine consumption, and red wine (a staple on most Mediterranean tables) contains one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, resveratrol, which is a key ingredient in Resveratrol Select. In addition to wine, resveratrol is also found in grape skins, blueberries, cranberries and other plants, and recent animal and in vitro studies indicate that it can have a positive effect on helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, supporting insulin health and optimizing metabolic and immune pathways that protect cells and improve mitochondrial function. * And one capsule of Resveratrol Select includes as much resveratrol as 200 glasses of wine—without the added calories that alcohol can add to the waistline. But consuming resveratrol alone isn’t enough to help with weight loss—so the manufacturers of Resveratrol Select also added a different type of antioxidant, Green Tea Extract (EGCG), which could make a big difference. Over time, green tea consumption helps increase metabolism, burn fat and reduce fat storage due to its caffeine and L-theanin content, which can be pivotal in helping to maintain energy for exercise. *Resveratrol Select combines these two powerful antioxidants with yet another energy boosting ingredient, Chromium, a niacin-based mineral that plays an important role in how the body uses insulin to burn sugars, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy.*Although relatively new to the market, Resveratrol Select seems to be making a big splash, and many people are taking advantage of the free trial offer to see how well the product works for them. The trial offer also includes two bonus tools to help with weight loss: an e-book with over 70 weight loss tips, and weight loss visualization audio. Of course, consuming fewer calories while burning more is the most efficient form of weight loss, and it’s always a good idea to inform your doctor before taking a weight loss supplement, but this new combination herbal supplement is worth a look for those concerned about maintaining good health while losing weight.

For more information on Resveratrol Select’s free trial offer and bonus materials, visit http://www.resveratrolselect.com/?aid=262847

For more information visit: http://www.resveratrolselect.com/?aid=262847

Anti-Inflamatory Foods

ANTI INFLAMATORY FOODS

Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Christopher R. Mohr, PhD, RD
www.mealplans101.com

Q: Recently I have been hearing a lot in the media about inflammation. Is there something I can do or take to help reduce inflammation in my body?

A: That’s a great question and it is good that you are hearing more about it! Inflammation is often called the “silent killer”. But remember that there are different types of inflammation. Acute inflammation is necessary for life. For example, when you cut your finger, an inflammatory process is necessary to heal that wound. That is acute inflammation and is good. Chronic inflammation, however, is dangerous and is the underlying issue for many diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. You can see why it is important to reduce chronic inflammation; particularly since many of these diseases typically begin to present as we age!

Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to reduce chronic inflammation. Here are 5 tips to get you started to a healthier you.

1. Eat more color! Diets which are very colorful, meaning loaded with fruits and vegetables, help decrease inflammation. And the darker the color, the better, so don’t shy away from dark leafy greens, red bell peppers, dark cherries, yellow squash, berries, tomatoes, etc.

2. Eat plenty off high fiber foods. Carbohydrates can affect inflammation; carbohydrates which are low in fiber can increase inflammation and those which are high in fiber can decrease it. Make it a habit to eat plenty of healthy, high fiber carbohydrates, such as whole grain rice, oatmeal, beans, and whole wheat pasta, which all also are a great source of B vitamins, folic acid, and other nutrients as well. And toss the high sugar items, such as soda, candy, cookies, and cakes, which have no nutritional benefit whatsoever.

3. Eat more omega 3 fats and less omega 6 fats. Omega 3 fats are found in fish, such as wild Alaska salmon, tuna, cod, anchovies, and others. The American Heart Association recommends at least 12 oz of cold water fish, like those listed above, each week. And consider a fish oil supplement if OK’d from your physician. The healthy fats in fish oil act like Draino for your blood vessels; they keep your blood flowing smoothly and don’t allow it to become sticky, like other unhealthy fats do. When considering a fish oil product, it is important to do your research; Nordic Naturals is the clear leader in quality fish oil products, for quality, purity, and freshness. And while you’re making an effort to increase your healthy fats, make sure you decrease your unhealthy fats, like those found in fried foods, pastries, French fries and the like. The fats found in these foods can be compared to putting sludge in your gas tank; probably not something that would be too wise.

4. Exercise regularly! Those who exercise regularly have lower levels of inflammatory markers in their bodies. Start each day with a short 10-15 minute walk, do another in the afternoon, and again in the evening. It’s never too late to start moving.

5. Drink tea! Second to water, tea should make up a large part of your fluid intake each day. Tea consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, potentially lower cholesterol levels, and is loaded with other healthy nutrients! It’s a great replacement for juice and soda, which are both pro inflammatory foods.

Making each of these suggestions a part of your daily routine will improve your health. Any lifestyle changes you can do to reduce inflammation are beneficial and each of the above can help do just that. Maybe the saying is true: an apple a day keeps the doctor away.



About the Author:

Dr. Chris Mohr RD, PhD is a health nutrition consultant to a number of media outlets and corporations including Discovery Health Channel, Clif Bar, Waterfront Media, and Fit Fuel. He has authored and co-authored several textbooks and textbook chapters, including consulting with LL Cool J on "LL Cool J's Platinum Workout" (Rodale Press, 2006). He is also co-creator of Meal Plans 101 nutrition software. For more information on how you can utilize Chris's expertise go to www.mealplans101.com

Cholesterol

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all our body's cells. It is an important part of a healthy body because it is used to form cell membranes. Cholesterol also aids in the manufacture of bile (which helps digest fats), and is also important for the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K. It is the major precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D and of the various steroid hormones (which include cortisol and aldosterone in the adrenal glands, and the sex hormones progesterone, the various estrogens, testosterone, and derivatives ).

Is Cholesterol good or bad?
Cholesterol has been wrongly accused because upon inspection of the arteries of someone at risk for a heart attack, levels of cholesterol and plaque build up are very high. Cholesterol is actually being transported to tissues as part of an inflammatory response that is there to repair damage. It will only lodge itself onto the artery and cause plaque if the artery has become damaged. Inflammation in the artery is what causes this damage. In fact, it is now known that the coronary disease that causes heart attacks is now considered to be caused mostly from chronic inflammation.

To blame cholesterol for heart attacks would be the equivalent of blaming increased police security in a high crime area. It was not the police that caused the crime, they were just placed there in response to the crimes.


A more important question to ask ourselves, is how do we decrease the amount of inflammation in our bodies so that cholesterol will not bind to our arteries?

We must decrease all of those things that we do that cause inflammation and increase things that decrease inflammation. First and foremost we must stay away from foods that cause inflammation in our bodies. Any food that causes a fast rise in blood insulin levels will quickly cause inflammation in the body. These foods are sugar, white breads, most dairy products and almost all packaged and processed foods. What does this leave you with? Fresh, wholesome foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean animal proteins, nuts, and lots and lots of water. Also, taking in lots of omega-3 rich foods will dramatically decrease inflammation in the body (salmon, organic eggs, walnuts and sardines).

What about cholesterol medication?
Some may be thinking, it is just easier to take a pill and not have to change what I am eating. But you may want to think twice considering the side effects of statins (cholesterol lowering drugs). The most common side effects reported are fatigued, headaches, nausea and the most common of them all, severe muscular pains and muscular degeneration. If you remember that cholesterol is essential for the formation of cell membranes, taking a drug that is drastically lowering cholesterol may be causing membrane damage in neural and muscle tissue. Most people on statins complain of neck, back or leg pain.

Millions of people all over the world are now on cholesterol lowering drugs, but the number of people suffering from heart attacks and heart disease is only increasing. Let’s take a personal responsibility for our health and truly get to the root of the problem. Managing your diet and staying away from those foods that are causing an inflammatory response in your body is your first step to decreasing your chance of heart disease and heart attacks.

Get Started on Your Own Weight Loss and Health Goals right away with these
Simple and Effective Healthy Meal Plans.

Cheat Your Way Thin!

Breaking Bad Habits.

A habit is something you do over and over and over again without thinking.
The brain has learnt the pattern of behaviour and set up a pathway. One good thing about habits is that they can be changed although this is not as easy as it sounds especially if the habit has been there for a long time.
Just as a bad habit can be changed so also can a good habit be formed or cultivated.
What is a bad habit?
Generally, any habit that affects your wellbeing is a bad had habit. Bad habits can lead to sleeplessness; affect relationships and waste ones time.
Examples of bad habits are: Skin picking, hair pulling and nail biting
Eating junk food or unbalanced diet
Engaging in excessive leisure activities such as television watching /internet surfing.
Not exercising enough.
Not going for medical checkups or appointments.
Worrying.
Smoking.
How to change a bad habit.
1. Identification: Identify the habit that you want to change. Be honest and challenge yourself. Why do you thin k that this habit is bad? In what way is it affecting or the people around you? If you change this habit, is it going to be of any value to you?
2. Decide to Change: You must make the decision to change. It is not going to be easy but you must convince yourself that the change in the habit is worth the effort involved.
3. Be Determined: Once you have decided that you want to change the habit, you now need to be determined. You must be determined to do whatever it takes for breaking bad habits so that you can be who you want to be and do what you want to do.
4. Be Consistent: Take consistent daily actions for breaking the bad habit. Focus on one habit at a time. Think of what you could do instead of the habit that would be a more positive way to deal with the feelings or situation. Write down some simple alternative behaviour that you could do instead. Pick one you want to practice.

5. Perseverance: As stated before, breaking a habit is not as easy as it sounds but with perseverance, it can be done. There will be times when you will feel like giving up but let your motto be ‘never give up’. Think about the rewards of a better habit that you are building and encourage yourself each day.
6. Let other people around you know what you are doing and get support from them. Tell your friends and family; they can be a great source of support and encouragement.

How to Relieve Stress

Stress. We all deal with it. Whether it be our jobs, family life, drama with friends, a relationship problem, or finances, stress is there. While a little stress is probably good for you, it's the excess that does the harm. But there are ways of relieving it.

1. Take a deep breath. This is your first, most immediate defense against stress. If you can get in the habit of pausing and taking a nice, deep breath every time you feel stress beginning to take hold, you'll have won half the battle just by preventing it from taking over. The other half is won by addressing the causes of your stress.
2. Communicate. Whether you talk to a friend or talk to your cat, getting it off your chest will help a lot. If you don't feel like talking about it, write it down. Keep a journal and write down whatever it is that's bothering you. Writing is a therapy of its own.
3. Laugh. Rediscover your sense of humor by making fun of your situation. View it from your future self's perspective, telling this story to a bunch of your friends over pizza and soda. Crack some jokes. Do your goofiest impression. Tickle a child that you love. Laughter, whether it's yours or someone else's, is the best medicine--and it's contagious!
4. Get fit. Perhaps your health and appearance are stressing you out, but even if they're not an issue, being physically fit can directly help relieve stress, which exists on both a mental and a physical level. Sometimes there's nothing like a long run, an intense yoga session, or a fresh swim after a stressful day to help you feel relaxed and stress-free again. Also, exercise releases endorphins; a feel good hormone. Chocolate releases endorphins as well (just only in moderation)!
5. Be organized. For the most part, stress arises from feeling overwhelmed. There's just too much to do, and not enough time to do it. Being organized and getting your priorities straight can help you break responsibilities down into manageable pieces and focus on the things that really matter to you, rather than getting caught up in details and creating extra work for yourself--all of which leads to more stress.
6. Soothe the senses. Light a scented candle that has a calming fragrance like lavender. Listen to your favorite, most relaxing music or, better yet, go somewhere that you can listen to wind rustle through trees or waves crash on the beach. Enjoy the scenery, whether you're outdoors or viewing an art exhibit. Drink some warm tea or taste--really taste--some dark chocolate. Treat yourself by getting a massage or, if you want to be alone, take a bath (bubbles are recommended).
7. Be aware of your choices; you always have a choice.
8. Learn to say no; you cannot do everything you are asked.
9. Learn how to delegate.
10. Be thankful. It does wonders for your state of mind.
    
11. If you need to apologize to someone, and it will not make the situation worse, find a way to do so. More importantly, learn to forgive, particularly to forgive yourself. Guilt adds pain to stress.
    
    
12. Do nothing. That's right, folks, do nothing at all. Close the door, open the window, have a seat, and take a little break from life. If your mind is racing, learn to meditate and just let that stress go.

13.Listen to music; believe it or not, listening to music does wonders and is a great way to relieve stress. But don't listen to something that'll make you feel worse. Listen to good songs that get you in a happy mood; and just forget about your problem. Music is know to be a significant mood-changer and reliever of stress.

Other ways of reducing stress

Lower your blood pressure!

Complete stress reduction programme.

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Home Remedies For Better Health

Most ailments can be treated with natural herbs, vitamins, foods, and minerals. Herbs are the natural way to health. The body is such that it heals itself without consuming drugs which are chemicals. Let's have a look at common cold.
When we have a common cold, we start sneezing, our nose runs, we cough, we get a fever, all signs that the body is healing itself. Our Sneeze is used by the body to expel some estrange invader trying to get inside of our respirator y system, our nose creates mucus to trap particles so that when we blow our nose, the particles are ejected, fever is the way the body elevates it's temperature to kill a harmful virus, that has made it inside.
So we go out and buy some medicines to get rid of these symptoms and suppress our immune system, we take them and we feel a little better but it takes the body a lot longer to heal itself. Drugs only target the symptoms, sure they are uncomfortable but that's what the body does.
Natural remedies boost our immune system, giving our body the tools and power to heal faster.
We are giving knowledge, so that you, can see your body like it is, the most perfect machine ever invented, capable of fixing itself, if we give it the chance. Even when we treat our bodies badly by smoking, eating the wrong things, drinking etc. the body is always trying to repair what's broken, from a bone to a cold.
The "Home Made Medicine e-book" is a complete encyclopaedia of natural remedies, it contains step by step instructions on how to make your own herbal remedies, to treat 100 diseases and injuries. Plus you get recipes, to make your own natural hair and skin care products, as a gift you get an additional section showing you how to make natural, chemical free household cleaners. This e-book has the health communities excited, you will save money and be healthier. Make and sample some of the remedies contained in the FREE DEMO.
Download it NOW!
Watch out for a review of this book!

Health and Water

Drink water and stay healthy.
We have been told that water makes up about 70% of the weight of the human body. Without water, a person can die in a few days. Our brain is made up of 95% water; blood is 82% and lungs 90%. If the quantity of water in the body drops by just 2%, it can lead to fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math and difficulty focusing on smaller print, such as a computer screen- these are signs of dehydration.
If you feel tired often during the day, you are probably not drinking enough water. Fatigue is a sign of mild dehydration.
The importance of water to the body is numerous. Water is like the medium through which all the organs in the body operate.

What does water do?
Blood is 82% water and blood carries nutrients and oxygen to all cells, organs and tissues including the brain.
Water regulates the body temperature.
Water reduces the risk of diseases such as colon cancer and bladder cancer.
Water is the best detox agent; it moves food through the alimentary canal and eliminates waste.
Water is a lubricant. It lubricates the joints and the saliva lubricates the mouth
How much to drink?
Drinking about eight glasses of water a day is ideal. Drinking enough water is important in prevention of disease.
Drinking enough water can cure many types of diseases.
The quality of the water we drink is as important as the quantity.
Hot or cold water?
I have a Chinese friend who always drinks hot tea with her meals. She never drinks cold water with any meal. This is a sharp contrast to my workmate who always drinks cold drink with his lunch.
Having cold water or drink after a meal could lead to serious health problems like cancer. The cold water will solidify the oily stuff that has just been eaten; this will slow down digestion. When th 'slugde formed reacts with acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine and soon trhis will turn into fats and may lead to cancer. Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals.
It makes sense to copy them and cultivate healthy habits.

Healthy Juices

Make your own juices from fresh fruits and not concentrates. They are healthier and taste better than you can imagine

Carrot + Ginger +Apple Boost and cleansre our system

Tomato + carrot + Apple Improve skin condition and eliminate bad breath.

Pineapple + Watermelon + Aple Dispel excess salts, nourishes the bladder and kidney.

Apple +Cucumber + Celery Prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol and eliminates stomach upset.