Entries Tagged as 'Miscellaneous'
Omega 3 fish oil EPA and chronic fatigue syndrome
David McEvoy
Since the release of a book called” beat chronic fatigue
the natural way” many people are turning to the natural
substance omega 3, and in particular pure ethyl epa to
help treat the debilitating condition known as chronic
fatigue syndrome.
WHAT IS CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME?
We all get tired. Many of us have felt depressed at times.
But the mystery known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is
not like the normal ups and downs we experience in everyday
life. The early sign of this illness is a strong and
noticeable fatigue that comes on suddenly and often comes
and goes or never stops. You sometimes feel too tired to do
normal activities or are easily exhausted with no apparent
reason. Unlike the mind fog of a serious hangover, to which
researchers have compared CFS, the profound weakness of CFS
does not go away with a few good nights of sleep. Instead,
it slyly steals your energy and vigour over months and
sometimes years.
Who gets chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects both men and women,
and its incidence cuts across a wide gap of age, racial and
socio-economic groups. It was first described in the 1930s;
CFS received a flurry of publicity in the mid-1980s when
the syndrome was erroneously associated with the
Epstein-Barr virus. In the early to mid 1990s it was being
described as “yuppie flu”.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
• muscle aches and pains, especially after physical
exertion
• feeling depressed and emotional
• poor sleep, difficulty getting off to sleep, frequent
wakings, and not feeling refreshed after sleep
• nausea and loss of appetite
• a recurrent sore throat, feeling of enlarged glands in
the neck which come and go
• running a slightly high temperature for no apparent
reason
• feeling of faintness and dizziness
Omega 3 fish oil EPA and chronic Fatigue syndrome
The most recent study that has been performed was published
in the journal Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. In the
study Doctors from London found that in the brains of
people with chronic fatigue syndrome there are high levels
of two key chemicals, choline and creatine.
Choline is important for controlling fat levels in brain
cells while creatine provides energy.
The doctors said the findings suggested CFS patients had
abnormal phospholipid metabolisms. Phospholipids are
special types of fats which are an essential component of
cells. They are protected by certain types of fatty acids.
The Doctors in London believe fatty acid supplements could
help to restore the chemical imbalance in the brain and
alleviate the symptoms of CFS. EPA which is found in omega
3 fish oil supplements may be particularly useful.
The lead Dr said: “This study suggests that if patients
with CFS take a high-EPA fatty acid supplement, then this
should have a beneficial action on the chemical imbalances
in the brain which we have identified.”
Conclusion
Since this study was published more and more people are
turning to high grade ethyl EPA fish oil to help with this
debilitating condition. Whether this will lead to a main
stream treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome remains to be
seen. However a large majority of people who are trying
this as a form of treatment are reporting some very
interesting and very good results.
Dave McEvoy: A great resource for high grade ethyl EPA with
a concentration strength of 90% visit
http://www.mind1st.co.uk
Tags: Miscellaneous · Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Toast Of The Town: Wine As A Preventative Medicine
By: Jason Flintstone
While not many of us look forward to taking our daily medication, some remedies are more palatably pleasing than others. Among these, some preventative medicines for heart disease and some cancers, including red wine.
And while many are cheering the benefits of the robust beverage others are wondering if it’s really the toast of the town. And, according to experts, the answer is an unresounding yes and no.
They note that although wine offers many preventative powers against heart disease, some cancers, and inflammation cause by arthritis, these qualities are not intrinsic to the fruit of the vine.
Experts assert that while red wine (in moderation) “does” have health benefits, they are not any greater than those they can obtain via a hearty diet of antioxidants including fresh fruits such as red grapes, fresh squeezed grape juice, grape seed oil, deep green veggies, melons, pumpkin, squash, blueberries, peppers and other brightly-colored fruits and foods.
However, they “do,” note that the antioxidants in red wine may be more concentrated than in other foods due to the fermentation process. Yet, the concentrated levels may not be significant enough to make daily consumption recommended.
Also, health and nutrition experts note that there is also evidence that moderate amounts of other alcohol may be just as effective in boosting HDL (good) cholesterol. Still, they (the experts) assert that they remain reluctant to encourage people to start drinking in an effort to stay healthy (against heart disease and some cancers) because alcohol consumption may raise other risks and concerns. Among these, weight gain and addiction problems. Excessive drinking can also increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and also estrogen levels in women, which has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer.
For women who fancy white wine, beer and other types of alcohol, the “bad” news is that none possess the same preventative and protective powers as red wine, since all the antioxidants are found in the skin and seeds of the grapes. White wine is fermented without the skins of the grapes.
Women wine drinkers say experts can enjoy two to three ounces a day for the added antioxidant and benefits, but remember not to use it as an excuse to drink or in place of a healthy and balanced diet rich in preventative properties.
About the Author:
LIFamilies.com - Community resource for Long Island
Source: www.isnare.com
Tags: Miscellaneous · Antioxidants · Heart Health · Alcohol
Detoxify Your Body And Treat Your Ailments
Sandra Kim Leong
If you are like most of us, you’re tired, maybe overweight,
caffeine addicted and stressed out. You just don’t feel your
best. You may even have more serious health problems like
irritable bowel system or high blood pressure. Want a natural
alternative to more over-the-counter and prescription drugs?
Try detoxifying your body.
An internal body cleansing can have many great benefits.
Cleansing your body of toxic buildup can provide relief from
fatigue, tension, headaches, constipation, skin problems and
acne and PMS, just to name a few. By assisting your body in
this natural process, you’ll be strengthening your organs and
boosting your immune system.
Substances that are potentially toxic to our bodies are
everywhere. Pollution, petroleum based products, pesticides and
other compounds are harmful to our bodies. Our organs, including
the colon and liver, are responsible for removing the toxins and
waste materials from our bodies. But when these organs aren’t
functioning up to standard we become tired, break out and have
digestive problems. More serious illnesses may result.
In your body, enzymes attach themselves to certain toxic
substances. The resulting material is processed in the liver
and colon to be eliminated. Unfortunately, sometimes the liver
and colon cannot process all of the waste that is present,
either because they are just overwhelmed, or there is a lack of
required nutrients. The toxic compounds can’t be processed, so
they build up to unhealthy levels.
Detoxification provides the liver, colon and other organs with
the enzymes, nutrients and support that they need to eliminate
the waste build-up and to function efficiently again.
Don’t procrastinate any longer. Detoxify your body and reap the
benefits of a clean engine!
Your body should clean itself naturally, but today’s diets make
that process difficult. Many turn to internal body cleansing to
rid the body of waste products and toxins. A detoxification
treatment is designed to help the body eliminate stored toxins
and strengthen the organs involved in this process.
Colon cleansing helps clean the organ that assists the body in
the elimination of waste. A dirty colon can lead to a build up
of toxins in the body and illness. By using herbal treatments
or irrigation therapy, a colon cleansing eliminates the toxins
and helps the intestinal tract work properly. It is essential
to do this cleanse first so that the waste produced by other
detoxification procedures can be eliminated efficiently.
Your kidneys clean about 200 pints of blood daily. A kidney
cleanse will help your kidneys function more efficiently. It
usually involves consuming a very large amount of water or
juice and then eliminating it all to flush the kidneys out.
Your liver completes about two dozen processes for the body
daily, and cleansing this important organ helps the liver to
assist the immune system and support the body’s digestive
functions. There are several supplements and liver flush
programs available.
Cleansing the lungs is also important for good health. American
diets high in dairy products often result in fatty lung tissue.
Cleansing the lungs eases this problem.
Finally, skin cleansing releases the toxins lodged in the fatty
layers just underneath the skin. Most are performed with herbs,
saunas and sweat lodges.
Cleansing your body from toxins is a great way to keep your
systems “clean” and running smoothly. The results are worth it:
improved immune system, clearer skin complexion, better sleep,
curing of acne, constipation, disappearance of unpleasant body
odour, just to name a few!
About The Author: Sandra Kim Leong publishes information and
resources relating to detoxification and cleansing. For more
details, please visit http://www.detox-cleansing.com
Tags: Miscellaneous
Antioxidants and their importance to good health
Zaak OConan
Everyone has heard the news about antioxidants and their importance to good health and proper nutrition. It seems the more scientists learn about antioxidants, the more their value and potential increases. Antioxidants have shown promise in everything from preventing heart disease to slowing the degeneration of the eyes and brain.
Antioxidants work in a fairly straightforward way. What makes them so effective is their ability to neutralize a group of highly reactive, highly destructive compounds known as free radicals.
The production of free radicals is a normal bodily process, and it is part of the process of breathing and living. Free radicals are normally neutralized by the body’s natural defense system, rendering them harmless. However, anything that weakens the body’s natural defenses weakens its ability to fight off these free radicals. Those weakening agents include environmental pollution, excess UV radiation and even excessive consumption
of alcohol.
When free radicals are not properly neutralized, the body is left open to damage. Free radicals can damage the structure and function of cells in the body, and recent evidence suggest that free radicals contribute to the aging process and may play a role in a great many illnesses, including cancer and heart disease.
While vitamin supplements containing antioxidants such as vitamin C can be important, there is no substitute for a healthy diet. It is estimated that foods contain more than 4,000 compounds that have antioxidant qualities. Eating a healthy diet is the only way to take advantage of these antioxidant
properties. In addition to the well known antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains also contain lots of lesser antioxidants. Scientists are only now discovering the important role these lesser known antioxidants have in keeping the body healthy.
Let’s examine some of the dietary sources for the major antioxidant vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is probably the most studied of all the antioxidant vitamins. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin found in all bodily fluids, and it is thought to be one of body’s first lines of defense against infection and disease. Since vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, it is not stored and must be consumed in adequate quantities every day. Good dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits such as
oranges and grapefruits, green peppers, broccoli and other green leafy vegetables, strawberries, cabbage and potatoes.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver and other tissues. Vitamin E has been studied for its effects on everything from delaying the aging process to healing a sunburn. While vitamin E is not a miracle worker, it is an important antioxidant, and it is important that the
diet contain sufficient amounts of vitamin E. Good dietary sources of this important nutrient include wheat germ, nuts, seeds, whole grains, vegetable oil, fish liver oil and green leafy veggies.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is the nutrient that gives flamingos their distinctive pink color (they get it from the shrimp they eat). In the human world,beta-carotene is the most widely studied of over 600 carotenoids that have thus far been discovered. The role of beta-carotene in nature is to protect
the skins of dark green, yellow and orange fruits from the damaging effects of solar radiation. Scientists believe that beta-carotene plays a similar protective role in the human body. Sources of beta-carotene in the diet include such foods as carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, collard greens, kale, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots.
Selenium
Selenium is one of the most important minerals in a healthy diet, and it has been studied for its ability to prevent cell damage. Scientists see this ability to protect cells from damage as possibly important in the prevention of cancer, and selenium is being studied for possible cancer preventative
properties. It is important to get the selenium you need from your diet, since large doses of selenium supplements can be toxic. Fortunately, selenium is easily found in a healthy diet. Good sources of dietary selenium include fish and shellfish, red meat, whole grains, poultry and eggs, and garlic. Vegetables grown in selenium rich soils are also good sources of dietary selenium
Zaak O’Conan discovers and presents useful information on how to enhance and/or repair your life, body and relationships. You’ll find his other articles on eating better and other ways how to improve your life at http://your-health-center.com
Tags: Vitamins and Supplements · Miscellaneous
3 Best Ways to Prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia
Junji Takano
Did you know that Iron Deficiency Anemia affects about 20% of the world’s population? It is also the most common type of anemia caused by inadequate dietary intake or absorption of iron. But if you do suffer from iron deficiency anemia due to lack of iron in your body, don’t look again on those poisonous iron supplements.
Just follow these three preventive ways and you’re on the way of better living.
1. Eat Foods that are Rich in Iron
The best food sources of iron are wholegrain cereals, pulses and legumes, and fish. The best plant sources are green leafy vegetables such as dry lotus stems, cauliflower greens, and turnip greens; fruits such as black currants, watermelons, raisins, and dried dates. However, irons from these foods are hard for the body to absorb. It is recommended that you eat animal products, which contain heme iron. If you mix some lean meat, fish, or poultry with beans or dark leafy greens at a meal,
you can improve absorption of vegetable sources of iron up to three times. Foods rich in vitamin C also increase iron absorption.
2. Cook Using Cast-Iron Cookwares
Did you know that cooking in cast-iron cookwares can add
significant amounts of iron to your food and into your body? Yes, it’s true and this was proven by researchers who tested 20 foods. Acidic foods that have higher moisture content, such as applesauce and spaghetti sauce, absorb the most iron. In fact, for 100 grams of each (about 3.5oz.), the applesauce increased in iron content from 0.35mg to 7.3mg, and the spaghetti sauce jumped from 0.6mg to 5.7mg of iron.
Food cooked for longer periods of time absorbed more iron than food that was heated more quickly. Foods prepared with a newer iron skillet absorbed more iron than those cooked in an older one. Foods that were cooked and stirred more frequently absorbed greater amount of iron because they came into contact with the iron more often. Foods such as hamburger, corn tortillas, cornbread, and liver with onions won’t absorb much iron due to the shorter cooking times.
This list was provided so you can have general idea of the
difference in dietary iron content when cooking in a cast iron pan:
Foods Tested (100g/3.5oz) = Iron content when raw = Iron content after cooking in iron skillet
- Applesauce, unsweetened = 0.35mg = 7.38mg
- Spaghetti sauce = 0.61 = 5.77
- Chili with meat and beans = 0.96 = 6.27
- Medium white sauce = 0.22 = 3.30
- Scrambled egg = 1.49 = 4.76
- Spaghetti sauce with meat = 0.71 = 3.58
- Beef vegetable stew = 0.66 = 3.4
- Fried egg = 1.92 = 3.48
- Spanish rice = 0.87 = 2.25
- Rice, white = 0.67 = 1.97
- Pan broiled bacon = 0.77 = 1.92
- Poached egg = 1.87 = 2.32
- Fried chicken = 0.88 = 1.89
- Pancakes = 0.63 = 1.31
- Pan fried green beans = 0.64 = 1.18
- Pan broiled hamburger = 1.49 = 2.29
- Fried potatoes = 0.42 = 0.8
- Fried corn tortillas = 0.86 = 1.23
- Pan-fried beef liver with onions = 3.1 = 3.87
- Baked cornbread = 0.67 = 0.86
3. Avoid Whole Cow’s Milk on the First 12 Months of Life
Whole cow’s milk contains as much iron per liter as breast milk, but only a very small proportion is actually absorbed into the body. However, the iron in breast milk is very well absorbed by babies. Therefore, breast milk is one of the best sources of iron for baby providing all the iron needed (with all other nutrients and benefits) for the first 6 months of life. Bottom line: breast-feeding is the best way to prevent iron deficiency anemia in babies. If breast-feeding is not an option, or is stopped before 9-12 months, then iron-fortified formulas, which contain
added iron, should be given to baby instead of whole cow’s milk.
Things to Remember:
* Chronic blood loss, times of increased need such as pregnancy, and vigorous exercise can trigger iron deficiency.
* Don’t take iron supplements unless advised by your doctor.
* There are two types of iron: heme iron (found in animal foods) and nonheme iron (found in plant foods). Combining foods that are high in heme iron with nonheme iron foods boosts the absorption
power.
* Keep iron supplements away from children - as little as one to three grams can kill a child under six years.
About the Author:
Junji Takano is a Japanese health researcher and has been studying the causes of viruses since 1960s. In 1968, he invented Pyro-Energen, the first electrotherapy device that eradicates viral diseases in a non-narcotic way.
Visit him at: http://www.pyroenergen.com
Free newsletter: http://www.pyroenergen.com/newsletter.htm
Tags: Miscellaneous · Minerals
