There are so many dietary supplements to pick from to help you lose weight. But one good natural dietary supplement is green tea. Green tea comes either caffeinated or decaffeinated, and you can ingest it in a variety of ways, not just by drinking the tea.
Green tea originated in China, where people have been growing the leaf for at least 5,000 years. India is the second country known to grow green tea. Invented during China's Song Dynasty, the tea was first medicinally used to control bleeding, blood pressure, help heal wounds, regulate body temperature, and promote digestion.
Green tea is so popular in Japan that it is known more commonly as simply tea. Once green tea made its way from China and India to Japan, it became wildly popular among the island's inhabitants. Green tea was brought to Japan by Buddhist monk My?an Eisai. Soon after its arrival it began to be grown in Japan, as well.
There are also many different varieties of green tea. Green teas in China are grown all throughout the many provinces of the country. The leaf's grade and quality all depend on how it's been grown, where it's been grown, what parts of the plant are used, and how the leaf has been processed. Although there aren't quite as many varieties as in China, some of the green teas grown in Japan rival ones grown in China.
The most famous of the Chinese green teas is Xi Hu Longjing. The name of this green tea means "dragon well" in Chinese. The tea is pan fried and has very unique flat look. Yet, there are many farmers who grow green tea variations and try to pass them off as Xi Hu Longjing. But the authentic variation is grown in the Zhejiang province of China, where some of the most famous, well-known, and high-quality green teas are grown. Other green teas in the province are Long Ding, Gunpowder, Hui Ming, Qing Ding, and Hua Ding.
There are many people who religiously drink green tea. Some drink it out of habit, some because they truly enjoy the taste, and some because of the health benefits of the tea. There have been many studies as to the authenticity of the tea's health benefits. Among its benefits are that the tea has anti-cancer properties, it increases your metabolism (this is how it helps you lose weight), it helps those suffering with diabetes, it boosts the immune system and mental awareness, lowers the chances of cognitive impairment, and lowers stress hormone levels.
Many people also drink the tea for an energy boost that is without any bad after effects. The caffeinated variety of green tea has about a fourth of the caffeine that coffee has per cup of liquid. Therefore, green tea is better for those who are more sensitive to caffeine, but who still would like a boost of energy in their days.
Green tea has just recently increased in popularity in the United States. Along with the top three countries who have liked green tea since its creation, the tea is also widely popular in Taiwan, Korea, many Middle Eastern countries, Malaysia, Singapore, Morocco, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Green Tea: A Good Dietary Supplement
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Asbestos and it’s connect with mesothelioma.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa
Until recently, anorexia was believed to be solely a psychological disease. Now, however, scientists and nutritionists have identified a number of physical symptoms as well, such as a zinc deficiency and a chemical imbalance similar to the one associated with clinical depression. Because of this combination of psychological and physiological components, it is essential that the anorexic seek counseling with a specialist trained in eating disorders as well as a nutritionist. In the meantime, eat a diet high in fiber, including fresh raw fruits and vegetables. These foods cleanse the body and help your appetite return to normal. Avoid sugar and processed or junk foods, which contain no nourishment at all.
In addition, follow these guidelines daily to help your system adjust to normal eating habits.
Most Important
multivitamin and mineral complex that supplies these dosages: beta-carotene (25,000 IU), vitamin A (10,000 IU), calcium (1500 mg), magnesium (1000 mg), potassium (99 mg), selenium (200 mcg)
zinc (50 mg, not to exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements)-take with copper to prevent copper deficiency
copper (3 mg)
Also Recommended
a prodophilus formula (taken as directed on label)-to replace the friendly bacteria lost from vomiting and use of laxatives
vitamin B complex (100 mg 3 times daily) helps prevent anemia and replaces lost B vitamin
vitamin B12 injections (1 cc 3 times weekly) increases appetite and prevents loss of hair; use in lozenge form if injections are not available
vitamin C (5000 mg in divided doses)-to repair the immune system
brewer's yeast (start with 1 tsp and work up to 1 tblsp)-supplies balanced amounts of the B vitamins
kelp (2000 to 3000 mg)-replaces minerals
vitamin D (600 IU)-helps calcium absorption to prevent bone loss
vitamin E (600 IU)-increases oxygen uptake for total body healing (Consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.)
Aromatherapy
To lessen anxiety and soothe the nervousness and low spirits that often accompany anorexia nervosa, aromatherapy practitioners suggest any of the following essential oils: bergamot, basil, Roman chamomile, clary sage, lavender, neroli, or ylang-ylang.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic practitioners worry about the lack of nourishment as well as the depression that's often associated with anorexia. They may recommend cardamom, fennel, and ginger root to help stop vomiting and improve digestion, and advise a bland, soothing diet without spices, coffee, or tea.
To soothe and calm the nervous system, practitioners also may suggest massaging the head and feet with warm sesame oil.
Herbal Therapy
Try herbs that stimulate the appetite, such as ginger root, ginseng, and peppermint. Herbal products are availablein health food stores and in some pharmacies and supermarkets. Follow package for specific directions. Remember to consult your doctor before enr barking on any new regimen. Anorexia shouldn't be ignored; the disorder can have serious consequences.
Hydrotherapy
Use constitutional therapy several times weekly: apply alternating applicatioons of hot and cold towels to the front alii! back of the body focusing on the abdomen and lower back. To stimulate the digestive system, apply cold compresses to stomach for 30 minutes before meals.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
AcupunctureAcupuncture can help enhance an anorexia sufferer's general recovery by promoting feelings of well being and by balancing the body's chi, or energy levels, which have most likely been impaired by the patient's habitual self-starvation. The length of treatment will vary, depending upon the needs of the individual and the severity of her condition.
Chinese Herbal Therapy Anorexia wreaks havoc with the digestive system and depletes the body of essential vitamins and minerals. Herbs may be used to counteract these imbalances and restore the body to its natural state of being. Some common prepared formulas include Saus. sure a and Amomum Stomach Nurturing Pills and Vitality Combination.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga seeks to enhance emotional control and restore peace of mind. Yoga. poses build chi (vital energy), improve body awareness, and stimulate and tone the digestive and the endocrine systems. Specific yoga poses for eating disorders include Bow, Boat, Pea. cock, Rooster, and Lion. Daily meditation can help you achieve increased emotional control.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Herbal and Alternative Medicines for Bedsores
As anyone who has been bedridden for any period of time can tell you, bedsores are one of the unfortunate parts of the experience. Also known as pressure sores or decubits ulcers, they begin as sensitive, red patches of skin that eventually become sores or ulcers. Bedsores develop on weight-bearing parts of the body-commonly on the hips, shoulder blades, elbows, base of the spine, knees, ankles, and heels-where the bones are near the skin.
Signs and Symptoms
Areas of red, sensitive skin (in early stages)
Open, ulcerated sores that don't seem to heal (in later stages)
Conventional Medical Treatment
For bedsores to heal, you must keep. weight off of them. Place cushioning at pressure points to help distribute body weight more evenly, thus keeping pressure from building in one spot. Air mattresses, foam pads and specially-designed pads for heels and elbows are available from medical supply stores. Clean ulcerated areas twice daily with an anti-microbial cleanser to keep sores germ-free and speed healing.
Complementary and Alternative Treatments
Nutrition and Supplementation
People who suffer from bedsores are usually deficient in a number of nutrients, especially zinc and vitamins A, E, ata balanced diet of which 70 percent is raw fruits and vegetables. Drink liquids (steam-distilled water, herbal teas, sugar-free Juices) around the clock to keep the colon clean. Eliminate animal fats, junk food, processed foods, fried food, and sugar. Get your fiber from oat bran Or ground flaxseeds. Fiber prevents constipation and absorbs dangerous toxins.
Supplementing your vitamin and mineral in take is very important. Try the following daily suggestions until healing is complete.
Most Important
vitamin E (400 IU)-improves circulation
zinc (30 mg, not to exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements)-heals tissues
copper (3 mg)-balances zinc
Also Recommended
free-form amino acid complex (as directed on label)-supplies protein needed for healing
mixed carotenoid formula (15,000 IU)-improves skin tissue
vitamin B complex (100 mg twice daily with meals)-reduces stress and aids in healing
vitamin B12(2000 mcg twice daily)
vitamin C (3000 to 10,000 mg in divided doses)-aids in healing, improves circulation, and enhances immune function
vitamin D (400 to 1000 IU)-essential for healing
colloidal silver (apply topically as directed on label)-a natural antibiotic that destroys viruses, fungi, and bacteria; promotes healing
garlic (as directed on label)-a natural antibiotic
kelp (500 to 1000 mg daily)-provides a balance of minerals
vitamin A (25,000 IU for 1 month, then reduce to 5,000 IU; do not exceed 8000 IU daily if you are pregnant)-heals skin tissue
(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)
Aromatherapy
To clean sores and promote healing, dab a solution of 4 drops of tea treeoil and 1 cup of water over the affected area.
Herbal Therapy
Herbal therapists recommend external application of the following therapeutic herbs, under appropnate supervision: echinacea, goldenseal, myrrh gum, pau d'arco, slippery elm.
Herbal products are available in health food stores and in some pharmacies and supermarkets. Follow package for specific directions.
Homeopathy
To help heal bedsores, apply Calendula ointment to the affected skin.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Acupuncture can be used to improve blood and energy flow to the affected area-including the shoulder blades, buttocks, and hips-which may help bedsores heal faster. Acupuncture also can be used to relieve the pain associated with this condition.
Chinese Herbal Therapy There are many Chinese herbs that can speed healing and lessen the pain of bedsores, including Bletilla Striata, which can be mixed into an ointment with sesame oil and applied to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. Some herbalists may add powdered amethyst to this preparation to enhance its curative properties.
Additionally, Lien Chiao Pai Th Pien is a skin-healing formula that can be found at health food or herb stores; follow package instructions (and do not use it during pregnancy).
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Agel MIN: The Best Way to Get All of the Necessary Vitamins and Minerals to Keep Up Your Pace in this World!
This is an ever growing trend and the cause is most likely - barring any sort of serious health condition - the fact that you're simply not getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals that your body requires to function at 100%.
With our diets becoming increasingly worse and worse, in addition to the depleted levels of vitamins and minerals in the food that we do eat, most of us are walking around without sufficient energy to get through our busy days.
A revolutionary company named Agel Industries has done exactly what's necessary to assist you in getting all the vital nutrients that you need everyday with their innovative product Agel MIN. This is a product that provides you with the ideal amount - 100% of the Recommended Daily Intake, (otherwise known as RDI) of vitamins and 50% RDI of essential minerals.
So how does this help you?
Well...it's as simple as this. Vitamins and minerals are the basic foundation of healthy living. They are basically involved with every single biochemical action that occurs in your body in some sort of way, which means that they act as coenzymes and cofactors. Again, this just means that they assist with all the going's on in our bodies that makes us sustain health.
Now here's how Agel's MIN differs from all of the other "me too" multi-vitamin products out there in the overcrowded market, and why MIN is quickly becoming a stand out product. The way that this product is designed, just as all of their products are designed, is within a revolutionary proprietary gel formula unique to Agel known as gelceuticals. What this means for you is that the nutrients within the product - the 12 essential vitamins and 11 vital minerals - are absorbed more completely and efficiently into your body and into the digestive system.
This is because these ingredients are either suspended within the gel, or dissolved into the gel, so that as your body absorbs it, it's also just as quickly and completely absorbing the nutrients within. Compare this to the ordinary vitamin pill which must be digested first, and then whatever nutrients are left after that whole process, gets absorbed into your body - that is if it's not excreted out before it gets a chance to do what it's meant to do. It's a huge difference, and if you really think about it, a huge money saver. You could almost say that buying pill vitamins is the same as flushing your money down the toilet.
Now most people go through life in the "more is better" mode, and if one is good then 10's better, hence the traveler lugging a bag full of 15 rattling pill bottles everywhere he goes. This is not the case with Agel MIN simply because it provides you with the ideal amount of what you need for the best possible health result - not too much and certainly not too little.
The fact is that MIN uses a proprietary formula so that your body more efficiently is able to assimilate the nutrients, plus reserve them in your body which will leave you with a sustained energy like you've never gotten before from a multi-vitamin. It's truly revolutionary. Just as exciting is the fact that it's so easy to take on the run throughout your day because Agel MIN comes in easy single serving packets of the gel formula so that it's readily mobile, and when you're ready you just rip off the top, and squeeze the great tasting gel right into your mouth...Easy as 1-2-3!
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Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Enjoy Better Health with Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that exists in several forms, the most common being calciferol. Vitamin D is found in some foods, but is also produced by the body with help from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Vitamin D is most necessary to maintain the right level of phosphorus and calcium within the blood. Along with several other minerals, vitamins, and hormones, Vitamin D is needed to form and maintain strong, healthy bones that will not break nor become brittle. Vitamin D deficiencies may result in increased risks of hip and bone fractures, particularly in older women.
Another possible health benefit of Vitamin D being studied and researched through clinical trials is the promotion of a healthier immune system, and cancer prevention. Regarding the latter, there has been some concrete evidence that vitamin D may have the potential to protect the body from certain types of cancers such as colon cancer. However, more research is needed to determine if it is the increase of the vitamin that actually protects the cells from cancer, or whether instead it is a deficiency of Vitamin D that increases one's cancer risk.
In the United States, Vitamin D deficiencies were rampant in the 1930s, prompting the government to implement a fortified milk program. Rickets, which is a weakening and softening of the bones, usually occurs in children suffering from a lack of Vitamin D, but is relatively unheard of in the U.S. since the advent of fortified foods. Osteomalacia is a condition that causes a weakening of the bones without an adequate supply of Vitamin D that affects adults, as well as the potential for osteoporosis.
Sources of Vitamin D
Sunlight: UV rays from the sun cause a process within the skin known as Vitamin D synthesis. The liver and kidneys are also vital to the absorption of Vitamin D as they both work to chemically convert it into its active form, the essential dihydroxyvitamin D.
10 to 15 minutes of daily sunlight exposure is an adequate amount. However, factors such as the time of day and year, clouds, pollution, and sunscreen all affect the absorption of Vitamin D.
Food: Foods that naturally contain Vitamin D include:
- Cod liver oil
- Eggs (yolks)
- Fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, sardines)
- Liver (beef)
Some foods that are fortified with vitamin D include:
- Bread
- Breakfast/snack bars
- Cereals
- Crackers
- Ice cream
- Margarine
- Milk
- Pastries
- Pudding (made with fortified milk)
Recommended Daily Requirements
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Vitamin D will vary depending upon a few factors, such as a person's age, with the number of International Units (IUs) increasing as we grow older. The RDA refers to the amount of vitamins that are needed to meet all of the minimum requirements needed for good health.
Age 19 to 50 - 200 IUs daily
Age 51 to 69 - 400 IUs daily
Age 70 and over - 600 IUs daily
While getting the right amount of sun exposure and consuming fortified foods are usually enough to maintain a healthy level of Vitamin D, there are some groups of people who may still need a dietary supplement to meet the daily requirements.
Infants who are only fed breast milk may need a daily supplement of fortified formula during the first few months of life. Older adults, people who are homebound, or who have limited exposure to the sun, such as those living in the northern hemisphere, may need a dietary supplement to avoid a Vitamin D deficiency.
With all of the positive health benefits that come from Vitamin D, it is important to make sure we are regularly getting adequate amounts. Fortunately, in addition to the many supplements and numerous sources of fortified foods, getting enough of the "sunshine vitamin" is as easy as stepping outside on a nice, sunny day.
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Determine Whether Vitamin A Enhances Immune Response
Several approaches have been taken in an attempt to determine whether Vitamin A supplementation enhances immune response and resistance or recovery from infection. In some investigations, researchers have attempted to correlate plasma concentrations of beta-carotene or retinol with immune response or susceptibility to infection. One limitation of this approach is related to the fact that plasma concentrations may have depressed plasma retinol levels as a result of disease. Therefore, it is not possible to establish whether low plasma retinol levels resulted in suppressed immune response or if plasma retinol levels decreased in response to disease or infection. Another approach used is to supplement the diet with retinol precursors and examine immune response at a later time point. This approach may be useful in examining the particular aspects of immunity that may be altered by supplementation, but additional studies are necessary to determine whether these effects have clinical significance in terms of disease outcome. Vitamin A has been fairly well studied in terms of its immunomodulatory effects, and we will review the evidence from randomized controlled trials as well as potential mechanisms of action.
Vitamin A supplementation may afford some protection from infection in malnourished individuals, but the potential benefits of supplementation in normal wellnourished individuals remain to be established. There is evidence from several studies that suggests that vitamin A deficiency is associated with depressed immune function and an impaired response to influenza infection. Supplementation of vitamin A is associated with a reduction of mortality and morbidity among certain populations. It appears that populations suffering from malnutrition may benefit from adequate or additional vitamin A supplementation. However, it is less clear if normal, healthy, well-nourished individuals will benefit from additional supplementation with respect to enhanced immunity. The results from several studies involving beta-carotene supplementation in the diet of healthy individuals suggest that certain aspects of innate immunity, such as NK cytotoxicity and monocyte production of the cytokine TNFcx, are enhanced. It appears that lymphocyte subsets or the lymphocyte response to mitogens are not altered. In addition, one study of healthy older individuals found that vitamin A supplementation was associated with a reduction in the number of T lymphocytes. Whether these observed changes of immune function in response to supplementation actually result in reduced susceptibility to infection in healthy individuals is not well established. The results from one study demonstrated no association between vitamin A supplementation and incidence of bacterial infection. we are not aware of any long-term, randomized clinical trials that have evaluated the incidence of viral infection in response to supplementation with vitamin A alone. However, several studies have examined the possibility that supplementation with several multivitamins and or trace elements such as zinc, may alter susceptibility to infection. In general, the findings from these studies show no protection from infection in association with vitamin intake, but a slight decrease in the incidence of infection in those individuals consuming supplemental trace elements such as zinc and selenium. At this time, the potential benefits of vitamin A supplementation for healthy well-nourished individuals regarding susceptibility to infection remain to be established.
A high beta-carotene intake has also been associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Earlier epidemiological studies suggested a high natural (fruits and vegetables) intake of beta-carotene was associated with reduced risk of cancer. However, more recent studies have not observed any benefit of beta-carotene intake on incidence of cancer and two studies actually observed an increased incidence of lung cancer in those participants consuming beta-carotene supplements. The presence of other carotenoids in fruits and vegetables has been suggested to be the protective factor in regards to cancer incidence in the early epidemiological studies based on the findings from these recent studies, dietary supplementation with high doses of synthetic beta-carotene may be contraindicated for smokers. As a reminder, it has been known for some time that a high intake of vitamin A results in adverse effects (neurologic, dermatologic, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, birth defects) and the results from the most recent studies suggest a potential risk of high doses of synthetic beta-carotene in certain populations. At this time it is probably safest to follow the National Cancer Institute recommendations that suggest five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Immune Effects and Exercise
We are currently aware of only one study that has examined whether vitamin A supplementation is associated with a reduced incidence of infection in athletes. Several studies have shown that the risk of upper respiratory infection is increased following competition in marathons or ultramarathons However, vitamin A supplementation before marathon competition did not reduce the incidence of infection in the postrace period. Therefore, to our knowledge, vitamin A supplementation has not been associated with enhanced resistance to infection in healthy athletes.
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