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Post by The Mayor on Jul 14, 2007 6:29:14 GMT -5
Aching Arthritis This painful disease affects many people especially as they age. The cartilage gradually diminishes around the joints making the joint painful and immobile.
Sometimes the arthritis aches flare up and the pain that ensues is very debilitating. It is believed that diet plays an important part in the treatment of arthritis.
There is some agreement among practitioners that it is best to avoid the following foods: eggplant, tomatoes, bananas also appear to be a problem as do peppers (the red and green kind) make a change in your diet to include seafood, and lots of green leafy vegetables and add nuts and sunflower seeds and natural yoghurts.
Try 1 Tablesthingy of apple cider vinegar and a teasthingy of honey in warm water before breakfast every day: some people swear by this simple remedy
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Post by The Mayor on Jul 15, 2007 10:54:09 GMT -5
Lactose Intolerance People who are lactose intolerant don't produce the enzyme lactase, and can't digest lactose - the sugar found in milk. Sufferers experience an upset stomach with cramps, nausea and vomiting about 20-30 minutes after drinking milk. When found in infants, this may cause irritability and fatigue, and interfere with growth. Some people lose the ability to produce lactase slowly and become intolerant between the ages of 10 and 20. 75% of Black and Indian South Africans are lactose intolerant, whilst only 20% of white South Africans are. If you are lactose intolerant, make sure that you maintain healthy bones by exercising regularly and adding alternative sources of calcium to your diet.
These sources include:
tofu salmon sardines almonds brazil nuts sesame seeds dried figs and apricots dark-green, leafy vegetables
Look out for the latest dairy products in your supermarket, with a reduced lactose content.
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Post by The Mayor on Jul 16, 2007 20:26:06 GMT -5
Muscle Cramps And Spasms A short, sudden, often very painful contraction of a muscle.
Possible Solutions: For immediate relief, rub and/or stretch the affected muscle. Have a warm bath with muscle relaxant essential oils such as the oils listed below. Massage muscle relaxant essential oils into your legs before going to bed in the evening. Muscle relaxant essential oil cream: 50 ml aqueous cream 15 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil 10 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil 10 drops sandalwood (Santalum album) essential oil Blend and apply every evening and when necessary.
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Post by The Mayor on Jul 21, 2007 6:59:32 GMT -5
Cramping whilst sleeping Unexpected cramping whilst sleeping is more common as one ages. This may be due to the fact that blood supply is decreased due to hardening of the arteries. The resultant accumulation of toxins in the calf increases the likelihood of muscle spasms. Varicose veins can also increase the likelihood of night cramps.
Night cramps are common in the last stages of pregnancy, because of the pressure exerted on the blood vessels and nerves running to the leg muscles.
Regular stretching, and sleeping with your feet flexed upwards, may prevent cramping. You can also try sleeping with a magnet under the affected area.
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Post by The Mayor on Jul 25, 2007 11:07:40 GMT -5
"Good" Fats Are Good For Us - Part 1 Our fear of eating fat - all fat, any fat - has resulted in the majority of us being deficient in essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are very important for fat metabolism, so not eating enough of them could be one of the reasons why you may be struggling to lose weight.
These "good" fats are involved in regulating every body function at the cellular level.
American nutritionist, Ann Louise Gittleman, sums it up very nicely: "With the right fats, you'll end fat cravings, feel full, have more energy and lose weight".
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Post by The Mayor on Jul 26, 2007 6:45:59 GMT -5
"Good" Fats Are Good For Us - Part 2 The "good" fats are called essential, because our bodies cannot make them - we have to get them from our diets.
Eat more coldwater fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel - look for wild fish rather than farmed.
Also, wild game or grass-fed beef have more of the good omegas than grain-fed meats.
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Post by The Mayor on Jul 27, 2007 14:00:19 GMT -5
"Good" Fats Are Good For Us - Part 3 Essential fats can be found in walnuts, soybeans, bean sprouts and leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and radish greens. Linseeds are also an excellent source of EFAs and are especially good for women's hormonal health. They can be ground up and added to oats or a smoothie for breakfast.
Linseed oil can also be added to a smoothie or can be mixed with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and spices to make a healthy salad dressing.
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Post by The Mayor on Jul 28, 2007 18:47:13 GMT -5
"Good" Fats Are Good For Us - Part 4 One of the ways "good" fats help with weight loss is slowing the absorption of carbohydrates so your blood sugar levels will be more balanced.
They are also used to make serotonin which is important for controlling food cravings, alleviating depression and improving mood.
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Post by The Mayor on Jul 29, 2007 10:14:25 GMT -5
Cramping whilst exercising Cramping whilst swimming is likely to occur where the water is cold. Remember to stretch before swimming, and make sure that you are well hydrated. If you start to feel cold, rather swim in shallow water.
To prevent cramp in the abdomen (a stitch) wait for at least 2 hours after eating to exercise. Bend over, tightening your abdominal muscles, and keep still in order to relieve a stitch.
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Post by The Mayor on Jul 30, 2007 8:19:37 GMT -5
"Good" Fats Are Good For Us - Part 5 It is really important to make sure that you aren't negating the good effects of your EFA consumption.
Stress affects the absorption of the EFAs, so make time for yourself and have some down-time.
Eating a diet high in refined sugar, with refined processed carbohydrates and lots of hydrogenated oils and trans fats, will also prevent efficient absorption of these good fats.
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Post by The Mayor on Jul 31, 2007 6:45:48 GMT -5
Sores and grazes Cuts and grazes happen, no matter how careful you might be.
Possible Solutions: Depending on the seriousness of the injury, often little more is required than cleaning the wound. Apply a quick cold compress with essential oils of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), lemon (Citrus limonum ) and lavender (Lavandula officinalis) to stop the bleeding. When the bleeding has stopped apply lavender oil neat to disinfect the area and start the healing process. One of the many properties of lavender essential oils is that it is cytophylactic, which means it helps in building new cells. Use Calendula or Aloe Vera gel to assist in the healing process. If the wound is serious enough to require a dressing, change the dressing 4 times a day and apply aloe gel each time. If the wound appears to be too serious, for example a very deep cut, or there is copious bleeding that is difficult to stem rather err on the side of caution and seek the advice of a health professional.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 1, 2007 11:10:50 GMT -5
Drain the Pain with Coffee Are you finding it hard to stick to an exercise routine because you can’t stand the pain that comes with it?
Drinking a cup of coffee could fix this. Researchers at the University of Georgia studied exercising women who don’t drink any coffee.
It was found that women who drank the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee had reported 48% less pain after the workout than those women who had no coffee at all. Drink no more than 2 cups a day though.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 2, 2007 6:58:18 GMT -5
Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) Raspberries are laxative, diuretic, and can help clear toxins from the system by inducing sweating. They are a traditional cooling remedy for fevers and cystitis. They are also recommended for indigestion and rheumatic pains.
Due to the drying effect of the tannins it contains, Red Raspberry is used to treat painful and profuse menstruation, whitish or yellowish discharge (from the girl thingy), diarrhea and dysentery.
Tea, made from the silvery coloured leaves, is used in herbal medicine as a tonic for the female reproductive system.
Red Raspberry leaves contain vitamins A, B, C, G and E, and they are rich in calcium, phosphorus, niacin and iron.
Try your nearest health store for various forms of Red Raspberry.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 3, 2007 11:18:24 GMT -5
The "Heads Up" On Labour During labour and delivery of a child, the mother's soft tissues will stretch. However, women with a small pelvic opening will find it difficult, sometimes impossible, to deliver a large baby. This is due to the fact that the pelvic opening, made of bone, cannot stretch. The degree of difficulty depends on the size of the baby's head in relation to the pelvic opening.
The pressure of the contractions encourages the fetus to take a position in which the smallest part of the head is coming first. However, some babies may assume other positions, making labour longer and more difficult.
However, the fetus' head can change shape during labour, as the bones are not attached to each other as they are in an adult skull. This is known as molding and takes time. This is why a baby born after a long labour has a "cone head" for up to 2 days after birth.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 4, 2007 6:44:27 GMT -5
Hydrotherapy for Headaches Next time you have a headache, it might help to put your feet in cold water.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 5, 2007 13:16:33 GMT -5
Benefits Of Honey We all know and have heard that honey is good for you. Here's why:-
Honey is a natural antiseptic, moisturiser and because of all its antioxidants, it is an anti age fighter as well. Use a small amount on insect bites or blisters since it has a natural protective salve which seals out further infections and it creates a moist healing environment within.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 7, 2007 6:53:34 GMT -5
Immune System Beta Carotene (1 Glass of Carot Juice 4 x per week - not more) builds the immune system and generates white blood cells. Too much can be toxic!
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 9, 2007 6:46:31 GMT -5
Skin Diseases/Ailments After you have a bath, do rinse your complete body with fresh water. (Remember you are actually soaking in your own dirty water, and rinse your skin with it!) By rinsing your skin you could prevent skin irritations and ageing!
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 10, 2007 11:19:33 GMT -5
Teeth After each meal or drink that you have, rinse your mouth. It is the ideal place for bacteria, as it is warm and moist. This can prevent gum diseases!
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 11, 2007 6:33:50 GMT -5
Boils 101 A boil, or skin abscess, is an infection deep in the skin, which usually starts as an inflamed spot. The area will then become hard, and eventually develop a soft center of pus. Once a head forms, the pus may drain out through the skin or can be surgically opened. Often, larger boils contain several pockets of pus that must be opened and drained. Antibiotics are often used to get rid of the associated infection.
Boils can be caused by an ingrown hair, foreign material lodged under the skin, or plugged sweat glands. People with impaired immune systems are more likely to develop boils.
Apply heat to a boil as soon as you notice it, to increase the circulation to the area. Regular use of antibacterial soaps can help to prevent bacteria from building up on the skin, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection of the hair follicle. If you suffer from continual inflammation of the hair follicles on the back of the arms or around the thighs, regular use of a loofah can disintegrate oil plugs and build-up around the follicles.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 13, 2007 16:01:44 GMT -5
Nap Time Did you know that food shuts down protein producing brain cells which are responsible for keeping us awake and alert.
According to a renowned researcher in Manchester, England, afternoon naps may be Nature's way of regulating glucose levels and protecting energy reserves.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 15, 2007 11:38:59 GMT -5
Insomnia Symptom:
The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep for at least 6 hours a night.
Possible solutions:
Many of my clients have improved just by avoiding coffee and tea during the day. Avoid all stimulants, that is sodas with caffeine in them. Note: The popular health product Green tea also contains caffeine
Prevention:
Deal with stress daily. Have a cup of chamomile tea before retiring. Avoid alcohol at night as it can cause one to wake up a few hours later.
Supplements:
If the insomnia is stress related, there is a product at health food stores called tranquilyte which helps Exercise daily.
Food:
Add some more Iceberg lettuce to your diet, as it does have some natural opiates which have mild sedative and muscle relaxant effects. Oats has a similar effect.
Herbal tea:
1 teasthingy - Dried Passion flower [Passiflora incarnata]. Do not use the fresh flower. 1 teasthingy - Dried chamomile flowers [Chamaemeleum nobile] 1 teasthingy - Lime flowers. Tilia europa [also known as linden flowers] Use this in 500ml boiling water, allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain, then drink
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 17, 2007 12:20:34 GMT -5
Mold Killer Put a little bit of anti-freeze on a wash cloth and wipe down areas that have mold. It will disappear right before your eyes.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 23, 2007 6:38:55 GMT -5
Let Food Be Your Medicine Foods that stain teeth include coffee, tea and red wine. Food that actually clean teeth are those that require a fair degree of chewing: apples; celery; carrot. Spinach, lettuce and broccoli create a protective film over the teeth, which prevents staining.
People in Sweden often clean their teeth with strawberries, by rubbing half a fresh strawberry over the teeth and gums. This removes stains and plaque.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 24, 2007 11:14:36 GMT -5
Swimming After A Meal The belief that one should not swim after a meal is an old wives' tale. There is no medical evidence for this.
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 27, 2007 11:50:28 GMT -5
Eat This for Better Blood Sugar When you want to grab a blood-sugar-balancing snack, which is better: a fresh apple or a slice of rye toast?
Go for the bread -- as long as it's whole grain. Getting about 17 grams of grain fiber a day (the kind found in whole-grain breads and cereals) could slash type 2 diabetes risk by a third, research shows. And rye bread seems to steady blood sugars best.
When it comes to preventing type 2 diabetes, controlling blood sugar is what it's all about. And fiber keeps blood sugar nice and steady, so you don't get glucose spikes that send your pancreas into overdrive. (Are you getting enough fiber?
Although some fruits and veggies are great sources of fiber, they didn't have quite the diabetes-busting magic touch that the cereal fiber had in a recent study. It may be that magnesium, phenols, and other goodies in whole-grain bread interact with the cereal fiber to help lower diabetes risk. (How close are you to getting diabetes?
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Post by The Mayor on Aug 29, 2007 11:37:45 GMT -5
Have You Got The Travel Bug? If you are traveling, check that there is no visible bed bug feces in your bed - it looks like little pieces of black dust. Wash all your clothes in hot water when you get home, in order to kill any bed bugs that you may have picked up. Put the dirty washing straight into the machine, rather than dumping it somewhere like on your bed. Educate children to be wary of transferring bed bugs from one location to another.
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Post by The Mayor on Sept 4, 2007 6:48:24 GMT -5
A Little Antibiotics Can Be Dangerous Even if you start feeling better, always complete your full course of antibiotics. The bacteria might still be in your body, and you could get sick again. The bacteria might even develop resistance to antibiotics.
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Post by The Mayor on Sept 13, 2007 13:30:29 GMT -5
Bloodshot Eyes Common causes of bloodshot eyes include coughing, eyestrain, dry air, overexposure to sun, dust, foreign bodies, allergic reaction, infection, trauma, fatigue, high blood pressure, lack of vitamin B complex or alcohol consumption.
For a mild case of bloodshot eyes, close and splash the eyelids repeatedly with cold water. This constricts the blood vessels, and also helps to cool and lubricate eyes.
If the eyes are not itching, a warm compress can be used. This could be due to fatigue.
The powerful antioxidants in grape seeds strengthen the blood vessels in the eyes.
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Post by The Mayor on Sept 15, 2007 17:49:28 GMT -5
Post-Nasal Drip Post-Nasal drip is when one has the feeling that mucus is accumulating in the throat or dripping from the back of the nose.This is caused by excessive or thick secretions, or by disorders of the throat/swallowing.
An increase in thin clear secretions can be caused by colds and flu, allergies, cold temperatures, bright lights, foods or spices, and hormonal changes. Medication such as birth control pills and high blood pressure medication, as well as structural abnormalities (such as a deviated/irregular septum), can also increase secretions.
Increased thick secretions during Winter is often a result of too little moisture in heated areas. They can also be due to sinus or nasal infections, as well as to allergies to foods such as dairy products. If the secretions are no longer clear, there is most probably a bacterial infection. If a child exhibits thick secretions from one side of the nose, this may mean something is stuck in the nose.
Swallowing problems are a result of the following factors:
Swallowing muscles often deteriorate with age.
Anxiety can trigger spasms of the throat muscles that feel like a lump in the throat.
Growths or swelling in the food passage
To establish the appropriate treatment, one should visit an ENT to establish the cause of post-nasal drip. A lot of people, especially the elderly, need more fluids to thin their secretions. If this is the case, drink more water, and eliminate diuretics such as caffeine.
Nasal irrigation might help with thickened secretions. You can do this 2-4 times a day with a nasal douche. Alternatively, saline nasal sprays that moisten the nose may help.
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