Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Nutritional Values of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

The Pacific islanders are generally known to be healthy and disease-free people, and they have been that way for a long time. Research shows that organic virgin coconut oil, which is an integral part of their diet, is an important reason for staying healthy and fit. These people will testify that coconut oil has many characteristics that help keep our system strong and boosts immunity. Coconut oil also reduces cholesterol levels and fights many harmful bacteria in our body. There are a number of ways we can harness the nutrition and healing power of coconut oil.

Contrary to popular belief, coconut oil has not been found to contribute to coronary heart disease. It has a neutral effect on the triglyceride and cholesterol levels. It is stable and cannot be oxidized easily.

Organic virgin coconut oil composition is such that it builds a strong protection against a wide range of yeasts, protozoa, pathologic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Expectant mothers are often advised to include coconut or coconut oil in their diet as it boosts the quality of breast milk. The better the quality of the breast milk, the stronger will be the health of the infant.

Organic virgin coconut oil is known to have many anti-viral properties. With its anti-viral properties, coconut oil can easily build your immunity, and you can enjoy a great deal of protection from many illnesses and diseases. The viruses inactivated by coconut oil are HIV, herpes simplex virus 1, herpes simplex virus 2, measles virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and the Visna virus. Other than these, coconut oil also builds protection against many other bacteria and viruses.

Coconut oil is also known to hasten weight loss and fight obesity. Coconut oil has been found to burn calories faster. Many individuals who consume coconut oil are less obese than those who consume soybean, olive, or other types of oils.

Organic virgin coconut oil provides one of the best known nutrients to your hair. It not only stimulates hair growth, but also imparts a shiny look to the hair. Regularly massaging some coconut oil on the scalp keeps it free from lice, dandruff, and dryness.

Coconut oil is also known to reduce stress. To get relief from stress, gently massage coconut oil on your scalp.

It is also an excellent tool for skin care. It works as a natural moisturizer for all types of skin, and the effects are equal to that produced from mineral oil. However, the coconut oil is absolutely free from any kind of side effects and is absolutely safe to use.

It is recommended that you consult a physician before you decide to use organic virgin coconut oil as part of your daily diet and other activities. It is essential to find out how will your body react to coconut oil and whether it can absorb the benefits fully.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Natural Remedies for Asthma: The Best Treatment

Did you know that nearly 8.2% of the American population suffers from asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It occurs in the form of attacks, and can prove to be fatal if not treated well and on time. Traditionally, asthma patients are known to carry inhalers and are usually on allopathic medication. In recent time, increasingly more people are turning to natural remedies for asthma as opposed to medication.

Natural remedies for asthma have been known to not only control attack severity but also to cure the disease almost completely. Asthma control requires a lot of dietary and lifestyle changes that might seem difficult to incorporate at first but once one is used to the changes, they can experience a world of difference.

Five Natural Remedies for Asthma

Asthma is characterized by shortness of breath that can leave a patient gasping desperately for breath. Since it is a breathing disorder, most of the natural remedies for asthma focus on improving breathing, as well as the health and capacity of the lungs.

  • Breathing techniques: The breathing technique of Buteyko is a very good remedy for asthma. It follows the premise that shallow breathing pulls in more carbon dioxide into the lungs, and dilates the airways’ muscles and, as a consequence, opens them up wider, making it easier to breath.
  • Dietary Remedies: Go vegan. Cutting out dairy products from the diet is one of the few natural remedies for asthma that not many people know about. Milk and milk products cause phlegm formation that can aggravate and lead to asthma attacks. Also, an increase in the intake of vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes and green leafy vegetables, is highly recommended. However, be sure to consult your doctor before you make any drastic changes to your diet. Keep in mind that not everyone is suited to a vegan lifestyle.
  • Butterbur: The active constituents of butterbur are petasin and isopetasin. These constituents are known to reduce spasms of the smooth muscles and are also anti-inflammatory. The recommended dose is one microgram a day.
  • Omega Fatty Acids: The primary cause of inflammation in the body is believed to be arachidonic acid, found in egg yolks and shellfish. These are fatty acids and their effect can be countered by the intake of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oil like cod liver oil and krill oil.
  • Coffee and Tea: Breathing problems are also a result of slow blood circulation. Caffeine present in the coffee accelerates the circulation, making it easier to breath. But one has to be careful to not drink too much coffee; it should be taken in moderation.

Asthmatic attacks can be a harrowing experience, but with the right treatment and at the right time, the attacks can be managed or even stopped. Of course, prevention is better than cure, and therefore, some things must be avoided by asthma patients. Avoid exposure to sudden temperature changes and stress. Asthmatic patients must take time out daily for breathing exercises and relaxation.

Natural remedies for asthma will only help so far as they are taken daily. The effect in some cases might be slow to show but they are always long lasting. Natural remedies for asthma treat the breathing problem as well as help improve the lifestyle of patients.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Top 5 Natural Cures for Anxiety

Is anxiety always bad? The answer is NO. In certain situations, anxiety helps us to stay alert, improves our focus, and spurs us to take action against a problem. However, constant anxiety without any sound reason can take a huge toll on your mental and physical health. Persistent and overwhelming anxiety is often an indication of anxiety disorder, a condition that needs to be dealt promptly and firmly. There are many natural cures that can help you overcome the negative emotions and live your life to the fullest.

Symptoms of anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorders are of different types and affect different people differently, both physically and mentally. Some of the common symptoms of anxiety disorders are:

  • inability to concentrate
  • heart palpitations
  • dry mouth
  • tension in the muscles
  • sweating
  • hyperventilation
  • shortness of breath
  • diarrhea or frequent urination
  • fatigue
  • insomnia
  • dizziness
  • upset stomach
  • restlessness

If you show all or some of these symptoms on a regular basis, then it’s about time you pay attention to what your body is telling you and seek help through various natural cures for anxiety. Now let’s take a look at the top 5 natural cures for anxiety.

Meditation
Meditation and other deep breathing exercises are one of the best natural cures for anxiety. Regular meditation promotes good physical health and better control over negative emotions.

Meditation aids the production of endorphin, a hormone that leads to a feeling of euphoria. It also strengthens your immune system and makes you less susceptible to pain and the effects of stress. Various studies show that 15-20 minutes of daily meditation can help you tangibly reduce your anxiety levels.

Physical Exercise
Physical exercises such as jogging or brisk walking are among effective natural cures for anxiety. When you exercise, the body produces more endorphin, which is instrumental in reducing negative emotions and promoting a feeling of well-being. Start with an exercise regime that is not very demanding and try to exercise 4-5 times a week for at least 30-45 minutes.

Balanced Diet
The food we eat affects us in more than one way. Deficiency of certain nutrients such as magnesium can make you more susceptible to anxiety and stress. Focus on eating a balanced diet and stay away from caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, which can aggravate your anxiety.

Massage Therapy
A list of natural cures for anxiety cannot be complete if it doesn’t include massage therapy. Massage therapy is an effective remedy for anxiety, as it eliminates muscle tension and stress. It also promotes a feeling of relaxation, and, in turn, helps you block negative emotions.

Aromatherapy
The last in our list of natural cures for anxiety is aromatherapy. Using the right essential oils can elevate your mood and promote a feeling of relaxation. Some of the oils that help you reduce anxiety include jasmine, lavender, rose, melissa, and sandalwood.

The best part about using natural cures for anxiety is that they can be used in conjunction with other anxiety remedies. Anxiety natural cures, such as the ones mentioned above, provide you with tangible results quickly without any side effects.

Related link:
K-OK Kiddie Calmer

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Why You Should Consider Natural Medicine for ADHD

What is ADHD? ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects nearly 5% of children all over the world. ADHD is an acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurobehavioral development disorder that manifests itself as raised levels of impulsiveness, activity, and inattentiveness.

In most people, the symptoms of ADHD start showing before the age of seven. As of today, no definite cause of ADHD is known. Also, the disorder is incurable. Nearly 30% of children diagnosed with this behavioral disorder continue to deal with it in their adulthood.

Due to severe side effects of ADHD drugs, many health experts recommend natural medicine for ADHD treatment. Below is a list of natural medicines for ADHD.

Herbs
Herbs such as gingko biloba, St. John’s wort, valerian, kava kava, skullcap, and ginseng are acknowledged by health experts as effective natural medicine for ADHD.

Different herbs help in controlling and managing ADHD differently. While herbs such as gingko biloba improve the concentration abilities of ADHD patients, other herbs such as skullcap reduce restlessness and agitation.

When using herbs as natural medicine for ADHD, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

  1. Always use herbs under medical supervision.
  2. Certain herbs such as valerian can react with certain medications. Ensure that you discuss all the existing pre-conditions and medications that your child is taking with your doctor.
  3. Certain herbs are known to not suit some people. In case your child develops rashes or shows an allergic reaction to an herb, consult your doctor immediately.

Diet
A diet rich in essential nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and iron has also proved to be helpful in alleviating ADHD symptoms. Various studies have shown conclusively that children with ADHD are often lacking in these essential minerals, and that a mineral rich diet helps in reducing ADHD symptoms.

A simple blood test is used for measuring mineral levels. Based on this test and your doctor’s advice, you can use mineral therapy as a natural medicine for ADHD.

Avoid Sugar
Studies done on ADHD shows that people with this disorder are unable to process sugar as efficiently as someone without the disorder. The inability to properly process sugar, in turn, leads to elevated hyperactivity. That is why health experts recommend that ADHD patients cut down on their sugar intake.

Meditation
Meditation and deep breathing exercises are also considered as effective natural medicine for ADHD. Meditation helps in reducing hyperactivity and promotes good sleep, something which ADHD patients struggle to achieve.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing the symptoms associated with ADHD. That is why fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is often used as a natural medicine for ADHD.

To ensure effective management of ADHD symptoms, health experts recommend that a combination of different natural medicine be used. A comprehensive ADHD treatment plan can help your child manage ADHD symptoms better.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Herbal Pain Relief

Herbal pain relief has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Pain is a condition that is very common in our lives, and we would do anything to get rid of pain. Medical science has responded to this problem with many painkillers and other drugs. However, it is important to eliminate pain without any side effects, and this is why herbal pain relief is so relevant. The herbal remedies for pain use a combination of natural anti-inflammatory herbs and pain inhibiting plants to eliminate pain. Let us take a look at a few herbal remedies for pain below.

Holy Basil
Holy Basil is an Indian herb that is known to fight inflammation and reduce pain. Holy Basil contains a compound known as ursolic acid that fights the enzymes that cause inflammation in the body. Holy Basil not only prevents inflammation, but also reduces swelling in the body. You can drink basil tea or just chew basil leaves, it can do wonders for the pain in the body.

Turmeric
Turmeric is often used in curries and it also brings about pain relief when properly used. It is a spice that contains curcumin, which can reduce inflammatory conditions. Do not forget to have turmeric in your diet. You can sprinkle some on your soup as well. As you consume turmeric steadily, your resistance to pain grows.

Arnica
Arnica is also known to be a very effective herbal pain relief. Arnica has its origins in a European flower. Research has shown that Arnica can reduce pain associated with specific types of surgery and knee injuries.

Bosweillia
Bosweillia is known to be a highly effective herbal pain relief agent as well. It provides pain relief by fighting inflammatory conditions. German Scientists discovered that Bosweillia therapeutic effects that are similar to those produced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds. The best thing about this herbal pain relief is that it does not adversely affect your immune system or the stomach. Bosweillia has been found to reduce inflammation in the cases of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Fish Oil
Fish oil has been found to be a very effective herbal pain relief agent and is a very popular one. Research has shown that at least two-third of all patients who have used it have reported a significant reduction in pain very quickly. In fact, these beneficiaries have stopped taking prescribed pain relievers completely after they have consumed cod liver oil supplements on a daily basis. Fish oil is particularly beneficial for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Capsaicin
Capsaicin has been found to be specifically useful for soothing the nerves when you are experiencing pain. It is also useful for reducing pain associated with migraine and arthritis.

While herbal pain relief is an excellent way of eliminating pain and is not known to produce side effects, it is always advisable to find out the suitability of the herbal agents with your specific conditions and take herbal agents that give you the maximum benefits. Also, remember to consult your doctor before exploring alternative approaches to relieve pain.