Is It Only The Sugar? Diabetes Awareness

Diabetes is something we hear about often these days. Over 20 million Americans have diabetes.

When the world went fat-free, sugar took over to add taste to otherwise lame tasting foods. Unfortunately there is sugar in most packaged and fast food. You have to really study the labels to see if sugar is added to even seemingly non-sugar needing foods. Take packaged smoked salmon for example. Why do I need sugar in my salmon, or my tomato sauce? In my sushi? Or salad dressing?

Is it only the sugar ?
Omitting the processed sugary snacks, cookies, and foods with sugar added is not the only thing to do for prevention of a potential sugar overload lurking around the corner. Whether you already have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or just want to bring more awareness around sugar into your life, this hopefully will help you out. Most people think that diabetes is only about getting the sugar and simple carbs out of the diet. It is NOT. Meat and dairy plays a role as well. Surprise to most of you?

A new study that just came out says that a low-fat vegan diet treats type 2 diabetes more effectively than a standard diabetes diet, according to a study in Diabetes Care, a journal published by the American Diabetes Association. Study participants on the low-fat vegan diet showed dramatic improvement in four disease markers: blood sugar control, cholesterol reduction, weight control, and kidney function.

This is not surprising news to the macrobiotic world though. Michio Kushi has for years recommended wholegrain, especially millet, round sweet vegetable, especially pumpkin, and beans, especially adzuki beans, for diabetes. These are foods that help strengthen the pancreas.

In her book What to Eat, Marion Nestle talks about how children with type 1 diabetes often have antibodies against cow-milk proteins, which might have cross-reacted and destroyed the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

In another study, just one egg per day added to the diet of diabetics doubled their risk of heart disease.

And how does meat fit in? Excess meat not only makes you highly acidic, it also affects your pancreas, which then can affect insulin production. Animal fat and saturated fat is actually linked to insulin resistance.

Diabetes Prevention: Where does the sweetness in life come from?
Replace sugary substances with naturally sweet foods; omit cookies and candy. But also remember the fruit juices, sport drinks, and all those so-called naturally sweetened ice-teas.
Watch out for granola bars and other health fakes that promise energy. They are normally loaded with sugar, which indeed gives you energy, here and now. But increased health? No.
Instead blend fruit juices with water, put some fresh lemon in water, have chilled peppermint tea or unsweetened green tea. Choose fresh fruit and nuts instead of granola bars.

Replace refined grain and flour with wholegrain. People who eat wholegrain have a lower risk of diabetes, say researchers at the University of Minnesota. Wholegrain, fiber from grains, and the magnesium found in wholegrain seem to have a positive effect on diabetes, the study concluded.

Refined grain converts to sugar too fast as it does not have the same fiber content as wholegrain. This means omit or at least limit, all refined flour, wheat, tropical fruit, most cold cereals (normally coated in a sweetener), regular refined wheatflour pasta and white rice.

It is also best to omit bread because of the yeast. Yeast can cause bacteria overgrowth and increase mycotoxins, which are linked to diabetes. You can get bread from sprouted grain instead that are actually quite delicious. As for the yeast, this also includes beer, wine, and all other baked goods.

Add more fiber rich food:
-Wholegrain (millet, oats, rye, bran, brown rice, quinoa, barley and buckwheat)
- Legumes; beans, lentils, peas.
- Have lots of most vegetables. For some root vegetables are fine, for others, be careful with the glycemic index. The more fiber in the vegetables, the slower the sugar is absorbed. Pumpkin is also recommended.
- Fresh fruit (dried fruit has a higher glycemic index).
- Alkalize with a lot of green food and chlorophyll. Dark leafy greens such as kale, fiber rich green food such as broccoli, brusselssprouts, string beans, asparagus; and green drinks from cereal grasses such as wheatgrass, if you are on a health track.
- Limit saturated and animal fats. This means meat and dairy products such as cheese, butter, and milk. There are also mycotoxins found in meat, again linked to diabetes.
- Instead, get your healthy fats from foods rich in omega 3. Nuts, seeds, avocado, flaxseed, olive and flaxseed oil. Some fish can be implemented especially those higher in omega 3 fatty acids. (Wild salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines).
- And of course, do not forget to exercise, move, breathe, de-stress (stress causes acidity in the body as well)

In his book, The Healing Power of Illness, Thorwald Dethlefsen draws the parallel between the pancreas (the organ weakened in diabetes) and our longing for love. Is that why we crave the sweet stuff?

SO: Since I always come from the perspective of Self-Nourishment, consider where your sweetness in life is coming from. Don't let it be the substitute of sugar, let it be the real stuff as in good healthy food, nature, love, community, laughter, and some nice ME-time.

In a nutshell:
1. A carefully balanced diet based on whole foods; wholegrain, beans and lentils, vegetables and fruit, plus low in saturated and animal fat.
2. A pure, positive, and creative mind. -Try some meditation. And a loving, open heart. -Especially when it comes to loving yourself.
3. An active lifestyle, which includes work, physical movement, and breathing exercises. -Yoga works well, so does nice walks or bicycle rides.

LIFE IS SWEET AFTER ALL.

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Is Juvenile Diabetes Hereditary?

The genetics of diabetes are very complex, but before I delve into that, you need to be aware that the terminology has changed. What used to be called Juvenile Diabetes is now called type 1. What used to be called Adult Onset diabetes is now called type 2, as you note. The reason for no longer using the terms Juvenile and Adult Onset is that both Juvenile and Adult Onset Diabetes occur throughout the life span. Thus, the old terms are misleading.

Type 1 and type 2 are completely different conditions which share a common clinical end result, elevated blood glucose levels. Actually type 2 and 1 are really families of diseases, but we'll leave that complication out for simplicity's sake.

Yes, diabetes of both types can run in families and there is a genetic component to the diseases which may, or may not, be inherited. On the other hand, the majority of diabetics, of either type, do not have a first degree relative with the disease. The genetic predisposition to diabetes is fairly easy to come by. In both cases, there are probably many contributing genetic locations and the probability you will get the disease depends on which subset of the locations that have the disposing characteristic a particular individual winds up possessing. There also appear to be some genes which protect from the disease. The general picture of the onset of diabetes is that you have a genetic predisposition which is then triggered by some environmental factor. Beyond this very general picture the two types start becoming distinct.

The probability that an individual with a type 1 sibling will develop type 2 diabetes is the same as in the general population, since they are independent conditions. The estimates of the risk of type 2 vary quite a bit for a couple reasons. Type 2 incidence rises very steeply with age and so any age cut off in your sample has a dramatic effect on the cumulative incidence. Rates also vary widely depending on the details of the population you look at. Lastly, much of the type 2 diabetes remains undiagnosed, so your calculated rate depends heavily on your estimate of the undiagnosed population. In round numbers, the risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during a 70 year life is 10%. The risk of contracting type 2 is close to twice that.

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Is There a Cure For Diabetes?

The health burden caused by diabetes mellitus, known to most simply as diabetes, is growing which is forcing the diabetes community to respond with one of three choices. The first choice is to prevent diabetes, the second is to cure it, and the third is to take care of the people who have it in order to prevent complications which can be devastating. All three approaches are actively being pursued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the CDC, or Center for Disease Control. The National Institutes of Health is involved especially in doing research of methods to cure both type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes, but they are focusing on type 1 diabetes. The Center for Disease Control on the other hand, is focusing most of the programs that it runs on ensuring that all proven science is put into daily practice for those who are dealing with diabetes. The general idea is that if every piece of important research and science is made meaningful in the day-to-day lives of people who are dealing with diabetes, then the research is not wasted. These are the approaches for a cure that are currently being pursued:

• Transplantation of the Pancreas.

• Transplantation of Islet cells which produce insulin.

• Development of an artificial Pancreas.

• Genetic Manipulation, which will create pseudo islet cells by inserting the human insulin gene into fat or muscle cells which do not normally make their own insulin.

These approaches are still facing challenges, like preventing rejection by the immune system, finding enough adequate insulin cells, keeping transplanted cells alive, etc. Progress is being made fairly consistently however, in all of these areas.

Is Insulin a Cure? No, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, and neither is injecting it. Insulin can allow a diabetic to survive, but many devastating consequences can be caused by the disease when the blood sugar level is crudely controlled. The insulin injections a diabetic takes cannot be as precisely or as continuously adjusted to maintain sugar levels that are safe, in the way that blood sugar and insulin levels match normally. The diabetic can risk a dramatic injection of insulin when blood sugar levels are too low. These reactions can include loss of consciousness, confusion, coma and even possibly death if not handled properly. When the injected insulin is below the amount that is required, the diabetic’s blood sugar can rise to cause damage to the diabetic’s eyes, heart, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels. Insulin is not a cure for diabetes, because it does not restore the diabetic’s ability to adjust their production of insulin every minute, which is a normal part of living.

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Diabetes Mellitus: How Do I Get It?

Diabetes Mellitus is a group of chronic disorders that are caused by a minor or total insulin deficiency.

Although there are genetic factors to it, developing the disease also depends greatly on environmental factors.

It affects over 130 million people worldwide. In America, 1 in every 20 people has diabetes.

The disease itself must be managed through monitoring and maintaining proper blood sugar levels through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

It is a disease that weakens the vascular system and causes many complications, such as loss of eye sight or kidney damage.

For every one patient that is diagnosed with this disease, there is another who is not.

The complications of those who have not received, or ignore their diabetic diagnosis, at times overwhelm the medical community and it is also the disease that has the most financial impact on the economy at 100 billion dollars per year.

Diabetes is divided into two major groups. The first group, known as Primary Diabetes Mellitus, covers the most commonly known types of diabetes:

*Type 1 - this is an insulin dependent type of diabetes *Type 2- this is a non-insulin dependent type of diabetes *Type 3- this is a malnutrition related type of diabetes, not commonly discussed *Gestational Diabetes- this a type of diabetes that develops in women during pregnancy

The second group of diabetes is known as Secondary Diabetes Mellitus.

These types of diabetes are caused by outside factors other than genetics and environmental factors.

When things like acute or chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer destroys the pancreas- which is the insulin producing organ in the body- secondary diabetes will occur.

Chronic liver disease like in Hemochromatosis, endocrine abnormalities like in Hyperthyroid and Cushing syndrome are very common.

The use of medications to treat other conditions can all bring about a diagnosis of secondary diabetes.

Genetic disorders, like Down syndrome is involved in diabetes.

The main abnormality with diabetes is the difficulty of having to control blood sugar. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and its function is to control your blood sugar in a narrow range. In type I diabetes we find that there is not enough insulin production. In type II diabetes, most of the time we find enough insulin but it is not available to control the sugar levels. Both the above situations lead to a rise in blood sugar and further on to diabetes.

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Juvenile Diabetics Get Help from a Fish

Sometimes simple solutions rule. Isn't it great when that happens? Well, recent research shows that a simple solution can help prevent juvenile diabetes for millions of children all around the world - and simple salmon is the solution!

Research from a nationwide study at the Norwegian Institute of Health revealed that when parents give their children cod liver oil (don't worry, I'll get to the salmon), during their first year of life, the risk of juvenile diabetes goes down by more than 25%. That's significant. And the discovery was so important it was published in the highly respected, peer-reviewed American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Scientists believe the reason for these results is the inflammation reducing capabilities of omega 3 fatty acids in certain fish with high EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Those names are a mouthful, but they work wonders. And salmon is the highest source of EPA and DHA. (See, I told you I'd get to the salmon!)

There are two kinds of diabetes - type 1 and type 2. In both diseases, the body is unable to make insulin properly or use and store glucose. This causes blood sugar problems. Type 2 diabetes is traditionally adult onset. But, because of poor lifestyle health habits, more and more children are developing Type 2 diabetes.

Juvenile onset diabetes (type 1) usually begins in childhood or adolescence. And then the production of insulin shuts down entirely requiring daily insulin injections. Over time, there are often complications for insulin-depend diabetics. Within 15 years of the onset, over 80% end up with major eye damage. Some have kidney failure and need kidney dialysis to survive. And 35% of juvenile diabetics die from heart attacks before their mid-fifties.

Isn't it great that omega 3 fish are swimming to the rescue? But, it's not the first time. Over the past two decades, research has proven that EPA and DHA have many incredible health benefits, including positive results for people with type 2 diabetes. Now this new study shows omega 3 fish oil can also help prevent type 1 juvenile onset diabetes. Kind of makes you want to kiss a fish. (Or maybe not!)

EPA and DHA are found in cold water fish like cod and salmon. And salmon, from unpolluted Arctic Ocean waters, is the purest, most potent source. Since a common cause of type 1 diabetes is autoimmune disease, scientists believe the extraordinary natural, anti-inflammatory, immune building properties of omega 3 fish are what helps to prevent juvenile diabetes.

When taken by a mother during pregnancy and nursing, pure fish oil with EPA and DHA provides many other life-long health benefits for children. For example, it greatly improves a baby's nervous system, vision and hearing. Research also shows omega 3 fish oil is vitally important for the development of a baby's brain and produces higher intelligence.

So, if you want your child to grow up smart, strong and healthy and be well equipped to swim up stream, my recommendation is to make sure you and your family eat more cold water fish and add high quality omega 3 salmon oil capsules to your diet.

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Benefits of a Low GI Diet for Diabetics

Type II Diabetes is a serious health condition that generally results when the body is unable to properly process excess amounts of glucose circulating in the blood stream. More commonly occurring in adults, type II diabetes does not require insulin injections for management, but rather can be controlled by careful adherence to a low Glycemic index diet.

Nutritionists have long been advocates of the premise that high Glycemic index foods should be limited in our diets in order to promote low blood sugar and its related damage to other organs in the body. In addition to being directly related to type II diabetes, a diet consisting of primarily high Glycemic index foods has also been associated with stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and even nerve damage to the lower extremities of the body.

Type II diabetes is often referred to in medical circles as a silent killer, primarily because most people who suffer from it are not aware they have it. Due to its insidious nature of presenting no obvious symptoms, type II diabetics are often unaware of just how serious their condition is because although the deficiency of insulin is a viable health risk, the pancreas struggles very hard to produce some insulin in order to keep the body functioning, which makes early detection difficult.

Type II diabetes can be readily controlled by a careful adherence to a diet that is based primarily on consumption of low Glycemic index foods interspersed with a minimum of high Glycemic index content.

A well-balanced diet for someone who has been diagnosed with type II diabetes should consist of low Glycemic index foods. In addition, consideration should be given to:

-Foods low in saturated fats. Foods known to be high in fat include anything fried in hydrogenated oils like French fries, onion rings, etc. These foods should be totally eliminated or severely restricted for any diabetic.
-Try to limit protein intake to those products prepared with non-fat dairy products. Skinless poultry, baked fish and lean meats should be eaten in moderation.
-Carbohydrate consumption should be restricted to whole grain cereals, pasta and bread again, in moderation.
-Increase consumption of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Some nutritionists believe that consumption of uncooked, raw vegetables can actually reduce and sometimes eliminate the detrimental effects of type II diabetes.
-Choice of food should be relevant to variables such as vitamin, mineral and fiber content.
-Have at least one low Glycemic index food at every meal while severely limiting highly processed, starch laden foods like potatoes and refined breads and pasta.
-Instead of plastering salads with creamy dressing, use vinaigrette on the side. Try dipping veggies in vinaigrette instead of pouring it on. You use much less that way.
-Take smaller portions of food. Eat slowly -give your stomach a chance to digest what you have eaten before you overload it.

Foods with a low Glycemic index should be a part of a healthy eating plan, but there are other considerations for type II diabetics such as regulating meal times, limiting glucose intake, increasing fibre and reducing fat intake.

Understanding Glycemic index can help control glucose levels and cholesterol levels which will go a long way in promoting overall good health.

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Prevent Diabetes Through Managing Stress

Stress plays a big part in triggering or aggravating all major illnesses; including cardiovascular problems, strokes and also, diabetes. Researchers have determined that work related stress is linked to many metabolic syndromes including high cholesterol and triglycerides and high blood pressure. Thus, to prevent diabetes, you should think about reducing the level of stress.

A study was recently conducted that included over 10,000 men and women between the ages of 35-55 years old. The study aims to prove that there is a link between work related stress and metabolic problems. Prior to joining the study, the participants were tested to see if they had any metabolic problems. The study concluded that the more work related stress that the individual experiences, the more likely that the person has or will be diagnosed with a metabolic problems, including diabetes. People who work in chronic stress were found to have twice the risk of developing diabetes. Researchers concluded from this study that stress does increase the risk that you will develop a metabolic problem and/or diabetes.

Learning how to cope with stress at work will aid in preventing diabetes from developing. What do you do to handle stress at work? Do you let it go when you leave the job or do you carry it home with you? If you cannot let it go, you are hurting your body and increasing your chances of diabetes.

Here are some ways that you can help relieve some of the stress at work and hence prevent diabetes.

- Regular breaks can help if possible. If possible, get up and move around your office at least one time per hour to keep your stress down.

- While sitting at your desk, you can do relaxation and stretching exercises.

- Replace your caffeinated coffee and soda with water.

- Leave the work in the office if you can.

- If you have days off, then take them. Avoid social situations where the talk will revolve around work.

- Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help you relieve your stress levels even while sitting at your desk.

The link between stress and metabolic diseases is strong. One reason is that stressed people do not take proper care of themselves by exercising and eating well. This, along with the stress hormones, increases your blood sugar levels, too. The key to keeping your blood sugar levels stable and to prevent diabetes is to learn how to deal with stress.

Keeping your attitude positive can help reduce your reaction to stress. If you feel yourself starting to get stressed, then it is time for you to do something positive for yourself, such as take a walk, read a book, listen to relaxing music, or call a friend. Anything that you find makes you feel good and lifts your spirits is what you need to do to keep the stress from hurting your body and to prevent diabetes. Breathing techniques can help you relax, increase the oxygen to your brain, and make you feel better, too.

If your job is causing most of your stress, then it is time to do something about it. You should talk to your boss and see if you can find ways to make it less stressful. It is also far better to take on a less stressful position than to be stressed and unhealthy. If you want to prevent diabetes, there is much that you can do to improve on the stressful situation.

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Natural Cure for Diabetes

Food Therapy should be followed under the supervision from your doctor. Check your sugar level frequently so that sugar levels do not go beyond the recommended level

Foods to avoid

It is always advisable to avoid some foods if you are diabetic such as refined sugar, sweets, syrups, glucose, jam, molasses, fruit sugar, ice-cream, cakes, pastries, sweet biscuits, chocolates, soft drinks, condensed milk, cream and fried foods. Fats like butter, ghee and hydrogenated vegetable oil should also be avoided. White sugar and white flour should be reduced drastically. Avoid all processed foods, junk food, pastries, cookies, canned and preserved foods. They contain harmful preservatives and lot of salt. Avoid soft drinks since these have a lot of sugar. Try to avoid fried foods from your diet. Smoking results in the using up of oxygen in the body. It will result in less of oxygen needed by the body to metabolize glucose. So smoking should be avoided.

Foods to be limited

Salt consumption should be reduced to a minimum. You will get enough salt form the vegetables and fruits you eat. Reduce animal foods especially red meats. Reduce poultry and egg. Reduce caffeine and alcohol. Do not drink tea and coffee more than 2 cups a day. Try to replace it with green tea or herbal teas like Parsley tea, Blueberry leaf, Tea made of tender walnut tree leaves, Water in which kidney bean pods have been cooked is good diabetes.

Do not consume alcohol in empty stomach. Alcohol on an empty stomach can cause low blood glucose or hypoglycemia.Foods that should be consumed in moderation are honey and other natural sugars like palm sugar, dates which can be used instead of white sugar. Remember these should be consumed in very little quantity only.Pasta, coconut, other nuts, unsweetened juices, eggs should be limited. You can replace it with whole grain, unpolished rice and Soya products. Try to eat whole grain bread instead of white flour. Fats like olive oil and peanut oil are more advisable that hydrogenated fats. Low fat food like skimmed milk and low fat home made cottage cheese can be taken in moderation. You can also substitute it with yoghurt. Sea food and fish also can be taken in moderation.

Foods to be taken

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. An alkaline diet with natural food is recommended. Wholegrain, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and dairy products form a good diet for the diabetic. Raw vegetables can be taken in high quantities. It has been found that cooked foods raise blood glucose higher than raw, unpeeled foods. Cooking destroys many of the enzymes and some vitamins and minerals.

Eat at least five fruits every day. Fruits like grape fruit, pomegranate juice, Indian blackberry, banana, granny smith apples, fig, cranberries, black berry, kiwi fruits, and citrus fruits are highly recommended. It can be taken as a snack. Cucumber, Lettuce, onion, garlic string beans cucumber radish, tomato, carrot, leaves; spinach turnip, cabbage and Jerusalem artichoke are good for diabetes. Colorful vegetables are good for the functioning of pancreas. Drink Fruit juices without sugar. Brewer’s yeast and sprouted alfalfa and mung beans are good for the body. Unripe banana also can be cooked and eaten.

The most important of all is eating high fiber diet which lowers need for insulin. It releases energy into the body slowly. It has also been found that diabetes decreases and may even disappear in people eating a high fiber or whole food diet. High fiber diet has more chromium and chromium is very good for people with diabetes. Eat lot of potassium rich foods like raw peanuts, tomato, bananas, melons, dried peas, potatoes, apple cider vinegar, skimmed milk powder, wheat but do not take potassium supplements.

Include soluble fiber in your meals like barley, oatmeal, almond meal, dried beans, kidney beans, cooked black beans, peas, cereals, chickpeas, Bengal gram which has low glycemic index, , Black gram, lentils and corn or garbanzo beans to helps considerably in reducing blood sugar levels. Soy products like tofu, tempeh, soymilk, soya powder, soy bean sprouts, nuggets etc are also very good in containing neurological complications in diabetes. You can make bread out of any of the whole grains. Get a lot of soluble fiber into your diet. When you eat lots of bread, cereal and starchy vegetables you will get enough of starches which is very helpful for diabetes. Insoluble fibers, found in bran (oat bran, wheat bran), whole grain breads, whole grains and nuts, act as intestinal scrubbers by cleaning out the lower gastrointestinal tract. Fiber cleans your intestinal tract by moving out the food so that it wouldn’t stay there and putrefy. Butter milk and yoghurt diet are very beneficial.

Helpful herbs and vegetables

1. Bitter Gourd (Karela): Bitter gourd Momordica-charantia or bitter melon juice contains plant insulin and should be taken 2 ounce 2 times daily on an empty stomach. It is found to be very effective for diabetes. Or It can be cooked as any vegetable and eaten. Or The bitter melon powder can be made by drying. Take bitter gourd powder I teaspoon daily in empty stomach.
2. Taking half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day may help prevent the onset of diabetes. Even soaking a cinnamon sticks in your tea, could also benefit non-diabetics who have blood sugar problem but are unaware of it.
3. 30 gram fenugreek seeds can be soaked in a glass of water at night and after 12 hours take it and grind it into a paste with the soaked water and drink it on a empty stomach. Or 2 teaspoon if powdered seeds can be taken with water or milk. Or You can add fenugreek into anything you cook.
4. Eating upto 3 grapefruits a day has also been helpful.
5. 1 tablespoon of amla (Emblica officinalis) after removing the seeds extract the juice and mix with a cup of bitter gourd juice and take daily for 2months in a empty stomach.
6. Gymnema Sylvestre a traditional ayurvedic herb the leaf of which is to be taken up to 4 grams per day.
7. Indian blackberry seeds or Jamun seed powder (scientific name of Jamun is Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium cumini L and) is very good for diabetes. Take 1/4th teaspoon with 1 teasoon honey for 50 days.
8. Eating freshly crushed raw garlic 3-4 grams a day lowers blood sugar. You can wash it down with a glass of water.
9. Neem seeds daily 2 times a pinch. Taking a gram of neem leaf daily helps in diabetes.
10. Bael (Aegle marmelos) : The leave of the bael tree when chewed are very useful in diabetes. Pulp of this fruit could be dried and taken in doses of 5 to 10 gms a day.
11. A pinch of pure turmeric powders mixed in amla juice (Indian goose berry) and eat daily in empty stomach.
12. Use of turmeric and gooseberry in equal quantities in powder form taken with warm water is very useful in this behalf. These activate the pancreatic cells and more insulin is produced.
13. Wild jeerakam cumin seeds black colored 60 gm in 1 liter and boil a reduce it ti 1/4th liter and take half divide it into two equal parts and drink one part in the morning and one in the evening 2 times daily.
14. Grind (Bacopa monnieri )Bhrahmi and add a teaspoon of it to milk and drink.

Vitamins that help

Supplements in natural forms are more conducive to the body. Magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Vitamin C: 500 mg is recommended. Vitamin E: This vitamin is very valuable for diabetes. A daily dose of 200 i.u. of Vitamin E is recommended for a fortnight at a time. Chromium: Whole grains, seeds, mushrooms, corn oil and brewer’s yeast are relatively good sources of biologically valuable chromium. Vitamin A:. Take A dose of 15,000i.u. on alternate days. Vitamin B: Avoid large dosage of vitamin B because this vitamin interferes with the absorption of insulin by cells.

Things to do

Controlling your Weight is the best way to treat diabetes. Exercise improves the body's response to insulin. An exercise program should be started only with the advice of a doctor to avoid unnecessary complications. Walking, light games, jogging and swimming are also good.

Yoga can help a lot. To relieve stress do meditation once a day for 10 to 40 minutes. Yogic asanas like Siddhasana, Vajrasana, Talasana, Yastikasana,, like Yogamudra, Hastapadasana, Paschimottanasana, Chakrasana, Ustrasana, Bhujangasana, Sarvangasana and Viparitakarani, as halasana, shalabhasana, dhanurasana, Pratipaksabhavana and shavasana will also be beneficial.

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Natural Remedies for Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which blood-sugar (glucose) levels are above normal—either the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin, which breaks down sugar in the blood, or it cannot utilize its own insulin properly. Diabetes can cause serious health complications including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and even limb loss. The good news is that if you are one of the 20.8 million Americans struggling with diabetes (type 1 and type 2 combined) there are natural approaches to help avoid these life-threatening conditions.

As in almost all areas of health, exercise and proper diet can help tremendously for diabetes. That does not mean a heavy exercise regimen nor does it mean a radical weight loss. Moderate exercise and a weight lose of only 5% or slightly more can make a substantial difference (and that holds true for those considered significantly overweight as well as those carrying a few pesky extra pounds. To achieve a 5% or more weight loss may require no more than cutting out soft drinks and taking regular walks for example. At any rate, losing 5% is easily achievable with modest exercise and a sensible diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruit (though little or no fruit juice because of its high sugar content), fermented whole grains, and getting rid of dangerous trans fats.

In addition to sensible dieting and physical activities, the following have all shown the ability to help with diabetes:

Pycnogenol - Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant derived from French maritime pine tree bark and the subject of more than 180 studies over 35 years which has been shown to reduce high blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose without affecting insulin levels. Of particular note is its ability to reduce leakage into the retina by repairing capillaries in the eyes. While still largely unknown to American doctors, Pycnogenol is the leading prescription for diabetic retinopathy in France.

Bitter Guord - Make a watery juice of a small Bitter Guord (remove seeds) and drink every morning. Bitter Guord also helps to clear pimples and maintain a good skin, and is good for de-worming the intestines.

Fenugreek seed - Soak fenugreek seeds in about one teaspoon in water at night, drink that water in the morning and chew and eat the soaked seeds. Helps reduce blood sugar.

Green plaintain peels - Wash a green plantain and peel it, then put the peel in a jar and cover with water. Let sit overnight, and then drink this water three times a day. Lowers your blood sugar level. Keep drinking as needed and change the peel every other day and refill the jar with water.

Mullaca - Mullaca is employed in herbal medicine systems today in both Peru and Brazil. In Peruvian herbal medicine the plant is called mullaca or bolsa mullaca. To treat diabetes, the roots of three mullaca plants are sliced and macerated in 1/4 liter of rum for seven days. Honey is added, and 1/2 glass of this medicine is taken twice daily for 60 days. In addition, an infusion of the leaves is recommended as a good diuretic, and an infusion of the roots is used to treat hepatitis. For asthma and malaria, the dosage is 1 cup of tea made from the aerial parts of the plant. In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed for chronic rheumatism, for skin diseases and dermatitis, as a sedative and diuretic, for fever and vomiting, and for many types of kidney, liver, and gallbladder problems.

Agaricus Blazei Murrill (ABM) Mushroom – referred to in it’s native Brazil as “The Mushroom of the Gods” with good reason due to it’s amazing immune boosting and disease fighting properties. Available in health food stores.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - In Germany, alpha-lipoic acid is an approved medical treatment for peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. It speeds the removal of glucose from the bloodstream, at least partly by enhancing insulin function, and it reduces insulin resistance, an underpinning of many cases of coronary heart disease and obesity. The therapeutic dose for lipoic acid is 600 mg/day. In the United States, it is sold as a dietary supplement, usually as 50 mg tablets. (The richest food source of alpha-lipoic acid is red meat – but to insure proper health, use lean cuts of organic beef that has not been subject to antibiotics or feed lot practices)

Cat’s Claw – Used by indigenous tribes in Peru and South America to treat diabetes. Available at health food stores.

"Oleander Soup" - A carefully prepared aqueous extract of the oleander plant made according to the directions in the book "Cancer's Natural Enemy"(http://www.rose-laurel.com). Diabetics who have used this remedy report being able to either reduce or eliminate medications altogether, often being able to control their diabetes with diet alone. Note: Oleander is extremely poisonous in raw form, but safe when boiled and strained according to the directions in the book.

Other Good Foods and Supplements - Almonds, apples, oranges, and substances high in omega three oils (olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, borage oil).

Live long, live healthy, live happy!

Required disclaimer: The author is not a qualified medical professional and the information in this arrticle has not been evaluated by the FDA. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Anyone who has a medical condition should first see a qualified doctor, preferably a qualified naturopathic doctor or one who has been trained in integrative medicine.

Live long, live healthy, live happy!

Tony Isaacs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Isaacs

How To Control Your Diabetes When On A Holiday?

Are you in a holiday mood but worried about your diabetic condition? Stop that worry now. Shed them all and get into the total groove of the holiday season. Because your blood sugar level can be perfectly controlled with a proper diet even on a holiday. Just a little care and precaution and the holiday that you are planning will become a moment of lifetime.

Holiday is a season when your treats are laden with rich diets of carbohydrates and fats. And I can understand that such foods are not easy to resist. But a self control and love for your health can do wonders even when you are suffering from diabetes.

There are some simple tips that you can follow to control your diabetes while still enjoying your holidays:

You need to face this fact that you are diabetic and need to keep a regular tab on your blood sugar levels. Holidays do not mean that you will be taking break from your health. Keep your regular fitness and dietary regime alive. But if you are not able to resist yourself from eating those tempting food stuffs, then the only advice for you is to eat less. And if this is not working with you, then try to burn out those extra calories by increasing your physical activity.

Next, do not just eat continuously. Keep a check on the amount of food you are consuming and maintain proper interval between your consecutive meals. Remember this golden mantra: If you eat less at a single point of time, you will be in a state to eat more variety of food.

Do not forget to perform tests for your blood sugar levels even when out for a holiday. It is the only method by which you can keep a proper check on the amount of glucose in your blood. The best advice is that you should test it more often.

Start your meals with healthy food products like fresh salads, vegetables and fruits. And only after that start munching on the fried, over processed desserts.

As I have already mentioned holidays do not mean that you will be deviating from your regular exercising regime. If you are eating exorbitantly, you need to work out more.

Follow these simple tips with a smart planning and diet and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joann_Grant

Type 1 Diabetes - the Signs and Symptoms

When my daughter, Alissa, was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 11, there was no-one more surprised than us.

Yet, when we looked back, there were some key signs and symptoms that we had simply missed. Whilst everyone is different, here’s our own story, in the hope that it might help other parents.

Weight loss

We barely noticed it at the time, but, looking back Alissa probably lost about half a stone. We just thought she looked thin and tanned in our holiday photos, but that was because she was unable to gain energy from her food and instead was burning up all her stored fat.

Headaches or migraines

A few months before diagnosies Alissa was diagnosed with migraines.

We now wonder whether this was her body slowing down it’s production of insulin, and whether these headaches were caused by ketones.

Thirst

This is probably one of the most common symptoms in individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Whilst your body is trying to create a balance, the increasing levels of ketones will make you continually thirsty.

Frequent urination

This can be a side-effect of drinking so much – as the body is trying to heal itself, but is simply unable to do so.

We overlooked this as it wasn’t the first time that Alissa had needed us to stop on journeys, we just hadn’t had to stop so often when making long car journeys! We’d even considered the fact that she regularly got cystitis on longer journeys when sat down – but hadn’t carried out the simple tests available to see whether this was indeed the cause.

Exhaustion

I’d say tiredness, but Alissa started to look drawn and worn out. She suffered a lack of energy that became really apparent when we went on a walking holiday in Switzerland.

This is because her body was unable to turn the food that she was eating into energy properly.

Smell of Pear Drops

When the body is releasing ketones as a result of too much glucose in the bloodstream, a very unusual symptom is that the breath that smells like pear-drops. This is often a way that medical staff can tell straight away whether someone may be diabetic, although their family may have simply got used to the smell over a period of time.

When to take Medical Advice

These are just some of the symptoms which may be an indicator of type 1 diabetes. If you or your child experience these, it's important to seek medical advice.

Your health care professional will be able to administer a very accurate, quick blood or urine test to tell whether or not it is likely to be diabetes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jen_C

Diabetic Foot Care:Ten Tips

It is estimated that over 18 million Americans have diabetes. About 10 million diabetics are between the age of 20 to 60. Most individuals in this age group have type 2 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes the body produces insulin, but it does not produce enough of this hormone or the cells don't respond appropriately to it. The result is an elevated blood sugar and sometimes an elevated insulin level as well. The blood sugar is high because the sugar is not being taken into the cells and utilized for energy properly. Most of the diabetics over the age of sixty have type 2 diabetes.

Serious complications associated with diabetes include stroke, heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, high blood pressure, nervous system diseases and amputations. In 2002 there were 82,000 lower extremity amputations in diabetics. Six individuals out of every 1,000 people with diabetes will have a lower extremity amputation. A slow healing or non-healing open sore (known as an ulceration) on the foot is the most common reason diabetics will end up with a foot or leg amputation. Over 2 million diabetics have ulcerations and one in four diabetics with an ulcer will have an amputation. Unfortunately, over 25% of diabetics have not heard of an ulcer.

Treating diabetic ulcers is difficult. Preventing diabetic foot complications is not. Preventing diabetic ulcerations is the key in decreasing the risk of amputation. It is important to see a podiatrist for diabetic checkups every two months to help keep ingrown nails, corns and calluses from becoming a problem.

Take these steps to help prevent diabetic foot complications:

1. Check your feet everyday! This is an absolute necessity. If you can’t reach your feet, have a friend or family member check your feet. If needed, put a mirror on the floor and put your foot over it to look for cuts, scraps, bruises, openings or areas of irritation. Make sure you check between your toes. Look for moist areas, white areas or red areas. Look for anything unusual. If you see something unusual, make an appointment with your podiatrist.

2. Don’t walk around barefoot. Needles, tacks, broken glass, splinters of wood can be hidden in the carpet, even if you vacuum regularly. You can puncture a foot without sensation. Punctures can go unnoticed and develop into ulceration or infections.

3. Watch out for folds in your socks. Rough seams in the socks can cause areas of irritation that may lead to skin breakdown and ulceration. This can also result from small folds in the socks.

4. Don’t be a victim of fashion. High fashion shoes usually lead to a high number of problems in the feet. Make sure the shoes are wide enough. Don’t buy shoes that are too wide or too long which can cause a lot of slipping. Pick shoes that are soft and flexible and allow for cushioning on the top and sides, but are rigid on the sole. Make sure they don’t fold in half. You may be eligible for your insurance to pay for diabetic extra-depth shoes with custom insoles. These shoes will take the pressure off your feet. Ask your doctor.

5. Check your bath water with your hand before you put your foot in it. The temperature your foot feels is much different from the temperature your hand feels when you have neuropathy. Make sure to check the temperature with your wrist. This will be much more accurate than testing the water with your foot.

6. Avoid medicated corn pads. Medicated corn pads contain acid and can be dangerous to diabetics. Yes, it will remove the corn, but there is a good chance it will also remove all the surrounding skin. What you will be left with is an ulceration. Check foot products you buy to make sure they are safe for diabetics.

7. Dry between your toes. Increased moisture between your toes can lead to the skin breaking down. This will eventually lead to an ulcer between the toes. Ulcers between the toes go unnoticed for longer periods of time and they can be difficult to treat.

8. Don’t use a heating pad on your feet. Although many diabetics complain about cold toes, a heating pad is not a good way to warm them up, if you have neuropathy. The heating pad could be placed too high and cause a burn, without you knowing it.

9. Know your risk. Some diabetics do not have any loss of sensation or circulation in their feet. They are not at risk of developing a ulceration and have a low risk of an infection becoming a problem. Others, have severe neuropathy or circulation problems and don’t know it. It’s important to know where you stand. You want a podiatrist to evaluate you and tell you what your risk is, and the steps you need to take to prevent these things from happening.

10. Do not trim your own toenails, calluses or corns. If you have a loss of sensation or blood supply then have your podiatrist trim your corns, calluses or toenails.

Christine Dobrowolski is a podiatrist and the author of Those Aching Feet: Your Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Foot Problems. To learn more about Dr. Dobrowolski and her book, visit http://www.skipublishing.com/.

Natural And Herbal Cure Of Diabetes

With the failure of the over the counter medications, the herbs have re-emerged as the dominant powers in the treatment of diabetes. According to Chinese Medicine, diabetes is not considered as a disease as such. It is a condition of disharmony. The major symptoms are severe thirst and hunger. At the same time, in spite of the excessive hunger, you lose weight. There are many Chinese herbs that were used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes. These herbs are now the subject matter of extensive research. The results of the research are encouraging.

One such Chinese herb that has shown its mettle in the treatment of diabetes is mai men dong. The sole problem in the treatment of diabetes, is to maintain the level of insulin. Research done on this herb indicates its right potential. Through this herb, the Chinese researchers have shown the capability to stimulate regeneration of cells. The cells in question are in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. These are the cells that owe responsibility for appropriate production of insulin. If this process is taken care of, perhaps you are taking care of the diabetes.

Another Chinese herb that has the capability to reduce the blood sugar level is tian hua fen. It is now extensively used in herbal formulations to treat diabetes.

A vegetable extensively grown in India, bitter melon, is known to lower the blood sugar levels. It is dried and then used in the powder form as well. This vegetable has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

There is another important treatment for diabetes, on which not much research seems to have been done, but traditionally, it is very popular. Take fresh curry leaves (4 to 5 leaves), in the morning on the empty stomach, after properly masticating it. Continue with this schedule for about 6 months. Even the chronic diabetes will be cured once for all.

When you are told about the qualities of herbs that have the potentiality to give you relief in your diabetic condition, do not be under the impression that herbs alone will do the job. You need to review your food habits extensively and decide what went wrong with you, which made the entry of diabetes in your body easy and possible. It is no use if you take the herbal medicines on the one side and continue with your junk food and ice creams on the other side. You need to change your lifestyle according to the needs of your body.

The supreme advantage of herbal medicines in the treatment of diabetes is that they have no side effects. If at all they are there, they are not harmful, but beneficial!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Javier_Fuller

Diabetes - Natural Treatment

Jose M. Flores, a Medicare beneficiary who lives outside McAllen, used the new drug benefit four times from January to April to purchase Byetta, an injectable medicine for diabetes. Each time he paid $40.

So when he went to the pharmacy on May 25, he was dismayed to be told that he owed $167.56 for the next month's supply. Mr. Flores had reached the notorious gap in Medicare's drug coverage. He had to pay the full price of Byetta. His Medicare drug plan paid nothing.

"It's almost useless," said Mr. Flores, a 66-year-old school bus mechanic who was interviewed at his home in La Joya, Tex. "I'm paying the premium, but not getting protection."

Millions of beneficiaries will have similar experiences, as the cost of their drugs reaches the initial coverage limit of $2,250. Like Mr. Flores, they will have to pay the full cost of each medicine until their out-of-pocket costs reach $3,600. At that point, Medicare coverage resumes, paying 95 percent of the cost of each prescription.

On May 2, Mr. Flores paid $20 for Plavix, a blood thinner used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and Medicare paid $109.62. But when he refilled the prescription at the end of May, he was in the coverage gap, so he had to pay the full amount, $129.62.

Mr. Flores is angry with Medicare, with his drug plan and even with the pharmacists who try to help him. He says no one told him about the coverage gap when he signed up.

Vanessa M. Recio, a pharmacist at Saenz Medical Pharmacy in Mission, Tex., said: "All I do all day is talk to angry patients. I process insurance claims and try to solve problems with Medicare."”

[...] http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/11/us/11medicare.htm

Mr. Flores experience is played out hundreds of times every day. Fortunately, there is help for diabetics and other life treatening illnesses.

A combination of herbs researched at a Canadian University for over 20 years was hailed by the Asian Diabetic Association as "The Final Cure for Diabetes." Research shows that a natural diabetes remedy can regulate blood sugar and eliminate the need for painful injections. The herbs Banaba, Guggle, Bitter Melon, Licorice extract, Cinnamon herb powder, Gymnema Sylvestre, Yarrow, Cayenne, Juniper Berries, Huckleberry, and Vanadyl Sulfate each have an important role to play in a scientifically engineered formulation that is proven to successfully go to the cellular level to lower your blood sugar level, lower your insulin resistance, and increase insulin production. This scientifically proven formulation is available under the brand name Diamaxol.

The diagnosing, treatment, and testing of Diabetes brings in over $10 Million Dollars every hour of the day to Doctors, Pharmaceutical companies, and testing supply businesses. With that much money on the line the medical, pharmaceutical and testing supply companies will go to extreme lengths to silence information about natural treatment of diabetes. It was widely reported that one company, which had successful results with an herbal treatment, was offered $30,000,000 to take the product off the market. Fortunately the recent education thrust on the benefits of natural health treatment has made it possible for companies with natural products to resist such pressure.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Author, International Speaker and Inspirational leader empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net

Aloe Vera healing power

Aloe vera (barbadensis miller) is one species of the genus Aloe. The genus Aloe contains about four hundred species of flowering, succulent plants. Despite looking like a cactus, the Aloe vera is in fact a member of the Lily family (Liliaceae), which includes garlic. The name Aloe was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning "bitter" because of the bitter gel in the leaves.

Aloe vera is native to Africa and has been used by used by many different cultures including Greeks, Arabs, Egyptians and Spaniards for millennia. In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use of the plant for treating burns, infections and parasites. The earliest record of Aloe vera is on a Sumerian tablet dating from 2100 BC.

Aloe vera extract, juice and gel.
Aloe vera extract is made by pulverizing the whole leaves of the plant, the juice is made from the inner leaf. Gel is the leaf pulp, a clear jelly-like material from the tissue that makes up the inner portion of the leaves.

Aloe vera is one of the most vitamin and mineral packed nutrition drinks around. Aloe vera contains about 96% water, 18 amino acids, vitamins including vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, vitamin C, niacinamide, vitamin B-6, choline, essential oil, calcium, chlorine, sodium, potassium, manganese, monosaccharides and polysaccharides including uronic acid, mannose and glucose. Aloe vera also contains aloin (barbaloin), ethereal oil, isobarbaloin, emoding lucosides of d-Arabinose, emodin, resitannol, ester of cinnamic acid and cinnamic acid.

Acemannan has antiviral and antitumoral activities through activation of immune responses.

Aloin (barbaloin) is an unwanted, harsh, irritant, bitter tasting, laxative contained in the yellow sap of Aloe, which is removed during processing. Aloin has strong laxative properties.

Cinnamic acid has the formula C6H5CHCHCOOH and is an odorless white crystalline acid. It has a floral aroma, is found in the essential oil of cinnamon and in shea butter. Cinnamic acid is used in flavours, synthetic indigo, pharmaceuticals, and to manufacture esters for the perfume industry.

Emodin is an orange crystalline compound, C14H4O2(OH)3CH3, obtained from rhubarb and other plants and used as a laxative. Emodin belongs to a family of compounds called anthraquinones, which have shown anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.

Mannose is a monosaccharide, C6H12O6. The word mannose is from Manna, the food the Israelites ate in the desert in the book of Exodus. D-mannose, this form is used as a remedy for urinary tract infections.

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, glucose C6(H2O)6 is a monosaccharide.

The Health Benefits.
Aloe vera is a rather amazing plant. My great aunt did not know about acemannan but she did know about Aloe's ability to heal. She always said, "If it burns, stings, itches, hurts, or you want it to look like a baby's skin put the magic jelly on it". She called it, "the magic jelly" because fresh Aloe vera gel heals burns like magic.

The gel has been used topically for thousands of years throughout the world to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. There are very few places where it has not been used.

The Benefits to Skin.
Aloe vera is well known as the supreme skin care regimen. It can aid in keeping the skin supple, and is used in the control of acne and eczema. It has a moisturizing effect and is a common remedy for sunburn and skin irritation due to insect bites and allergies. Aloe's healing power comes from increasing the availability of oxygen and strengthen the skin. My advice is to pamper your skin with a little fresh gel everyday. Keep a few plants healthy and you will always have a steady supply. Cut a leaf in half and smooth it on your skin.

Intestinal Health.
Many traditional liquid health treatments are made from a base of Aloe vera juice with other herbs included. Drinking the juice and gel is widely endorsed by herbalist for soothing digestive tract irritations and general gastrointestinal health. It is also used to alkalize the digestive juices to prevent over acidity. It is said to cleanse the digestive tract and exerte a soothing, balancing effect.

The dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf can be taken orally as a laxative. Careful with this one, I tried it, it works. Drink lots of water and do not go far from the house.

Gastrointestinal issues can be serious, not something you want to mess around with. Check with your doctor before you do anything. It is important to get a diagnoses.

Suggestions for Use.
When you are stressed and need a herb bath put a leaf in the freezer for 30 minutes to get it cold. When taking a hot herb steam bath cut it in half and rub it on your face to cool you down. It soothes the skin on contact. Add the juice or jell to orange or grape juice, an organic banana and a little ice and blend in a blender. This is a good drink to cool you down and sooth the plumming. If your stress is casing you digestive trouble add a spoon of Slippery Elm to the blend. If you have intestinal pain or menstrual troubles make a Yarrow tea and add this to the mixture.

To make a salve, remove the thin outer skin and blind the leaves in a blender, add 500 units of vitamin C powder to each cup add a tablespoon of honey to help preserve. It is best to use fresh but you can store it in your refrigerator for a couple weeks. This salve is great for skin. For stess, after the salve has been in the refrigerator and having cooled use it on your face during a hot bath or if you do not feel like a hot bath but want to cool down rub it on your feet. Even better get someone you love to rub it on your feet.

Growing Aloe Vera
Light - Most Aloe species make excellent house plants when they are given enough light. If they are grown outdoors in warm climates, they should be planted in full sun, or light shade. Potted Aloes benefit from spending the summer outdoors. Because Aloe plants consist of mostly water, they are extremely sensitive to frost.

Soil - The soil should be sandy, moderately fertile, and drain well. Aloes have roots that are shallow and spread so when it is time to repot them pick a wide pot, they are better than deep ones. Fertilize yearly, in the spring with a half strength, bloom type fertilizer (10-40-10). Do not over fertilize. New plants may also be grown from seed or propagated from the offsets around the base of mature plants.

Water - Established plants will survive a drought quite well. During the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and utilize very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. During the summer months, the soil should be completely soaked, but then be allowed to dry again before giving the plant a cup or two of water.

Nothing in this essay is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Aloe vera has not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration for the treatment of any disease.

Article Source: http://www.abcarticledirectory.com/

Cure Arthritis with Herbal Remedies

Herbal Remedies have been the treatment of choice for arthritis for centuries. Below are listed some of the most effective herbs and supplements for arthritis.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa can be sprouted and eaten with a salad, or used either powdered or drunk as a tea. It's easily prepared by placing one ounce of alfalfa in a pot, adding one quart of water and boiling for thirty minutes and should be strained and drunk over a day. The treatment needs to be continued for at least three weeks and then a break for seven to ten days is taken before resuming treatment again for best results.

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is an American Indian treatment for arthritis. There are five species being used globally. The constituents are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodics and aspirin like substances which makes it an excellent herbal remedy for arthritis.

This can be prepared by simmering one teaspoon of black cohosh root in one cup of boiling water for duration of twenty minutes. The tea is then strained and taken in two divided doses during the day. The regime is continued for duration of three weeks before taking a break of ten days in between.

Boswellia

Boswellia has been known for centuries as a natural anti-inflammatory. It has been proven that boswellic acids contained within the herb can block the formation of leukotrienes, the immune cells responsible for inflammation, while also promoting the formation of free radicals. With regular use, blood supply to the joints is also maintained, keeping soft tissue nourished and viable.

Celery

Celery as a natural remedy for arthritis has proved very effective The different parts of the celery plant contain well over twenty-five anti-inflammatory constituents. A cup of celery contains well over three hundred and forty milligrams of potassium, which makes it particularly effective considering that Potassium deficiency leads to aggravation of symptoms of arthritis.

The preparation is easy with one teaspoon of celery seeds being placed in a cup and filled with boiling water. Allow to stand for fifteen minutes. Then strain and drink three times a day during an acute arthritic attack for best results. Alternatively it can be eaten fresh.

Devils Claw (Harpagophytum Procumbens) is found only in Africa, Devil's Claw has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is used globally for osteo-arthritis, fibrositis, rheumatism, small joint disease and lower backache. Because of its strong anti-inflammatory properties, Devil's Claw is not recommended for people with stomach ulcers or heart conditions, unless medically supervised.

Dong Quai (Dang Gui)

Also called Angelica, this herb has been used in Europe for centuries as a herbal remedy for arthritis. The western variety is known to have twelve anti inflammatory constituents (which decrease the symptoms of pain and swelling of the joints), ten antispasmodics (muscle relaxants) and five anodyne constituents (pain relievers)

This is best taken by placing one tablespoon of the roots of any of the species in a pot and adding of one pint of water which is then brought to the boil and then covered and boiled for two minutes. The pot is removed from the flame and left to stand till it reaches room temperature and then strained and drunk.

Do this two or three times a day for a duration of three weeks. This is followed by a break of ten days before the treatment can be resumed again.

As with all herbal remedies for arthritis, not all these remedies will be instant. They may take a few weeks to build up in the body. But persistence will bring relief.

Article Source: http://www.abcarticledirectory.com/

Health Benefits Of Celery Juice

There are various health benefits derived from celery and its juice. The medical virtues of celery were first described by the Greeks Discorides and Pliny. In the early middle ages celery juice was very beneficial for curing ailments such as stones, constipation, menstrual problems and for health disorders of the liver and gall bladder.

The green leaves and stem and the bulbous root of celery are all extremely rich in active ingredients that make celery a very important medicinal plant and very beneficial to health. There is a well balanced content of the basic minerals, vitamins and nutrients, but in addition there are important concentrations of plant hormones and the essential oils that give celery its strong and characteristic smell. These oils have a specific effect on the regulation of the nervous system, and have a great calming influence. It is the presence of the essential oils which makes celery special. These are also found in the seeds and, if available, they too can be added to the juice.

Celery is used for its strong stimulating and beneficial effect on a weak sexual system, but as is usual with plant therapies the normally active person does not have to fear an uncontrollable upsurge. Plant therapy tends to make the system normal. Like beet there is also a general health tonic effect.

The strong diuretic (water removing) powers of celery enable it to be used in the control of health problems such as arthritis and rheumatism. Sufferers cannot have too much and may consume the vegetable cooked or raw, or in juice form which is the most health effective treatment of all.

A tablespoonful of honey in celery juice, sipped slowly, will very effectively reduce the appetite if taken before a meal, and makes a delightful drink. You can take the same mixture as a nightcap when it will help you to relax into a soothing and restful sleep.

Those who take the juice who have in the past suffered from a tendency towards stones in the gall bladder or the kidneys usually find that these painful deposits do not form again. It seems likely that this effect is related to the anti-arthritic properties of the juice.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes

Eyes that are bright and sparkling attract attention. Puffy or red eyes are lack luster and make you look tired and ill. Puffy eyes are one of the most common beauty problems. Puffiness is often caused by the accumulation of fluids around the eye. Besides sleeping on your face, crying or lack of sleep, if you're menstruating or pregnant, retaining food, eating salty food or drinking water less than two hours before bed, you're likely to wake up with puffy eyes.

Rubbing aggravates irritation and tends to make your eyes puffier. For immediate relief, do not rub your eyes when you see them puffy.

Nature's best ingredients for removing puffy eyes are cucumber and potato. Take a small raw potato or cucumber, slice it into small pieces and blend to a fine consistency. Strain the excess juice and reserve the pulp. Make a cup of basil tea and mix it well with the pulp. Pour the mixture into ice tray and freeze it. Whenever you have puffy or red eyes, dab the ice cube on your closed eyes for some time. Rinse your eyelids gently and pat dry.

Use your middle finger and gently press along the eyebrow and around the eye socket. This will stimulate the lymphatic system and help drain excess fluid. The swelling will reduce.

Take a rounded metal spoon and place it in your fridge for few minutes. When it gets cold, take it out and hold the rounded portion against your eye for few minutes. This helps in reducing the puffiness.

To make your red or sore eyes look healthy and sparkling, mix 2 tbsp water to a glass of mineral water. Bathe your eyes in this solution 3-4 times a day.

Apply a cold compress on your eyes such as cloth dipped in cold water or ice cubes in a wash cloth. When the cloth feels warm, dip it in cold water again or add more ice. Repeat this at least 4-5 times or till you feel the puffs under your eyes drained out.

Applying cold tea bag wrapped in tissue on closed eyes makes the skin taut and reduces puffiness. The natural astringent in tea - tannin works wonders.

Strips of grated potato or cucumber placed under the eyes helps to reduce the swelling.

Soak cotton wool pad either in iced water or ice cold milk. Lie down with dampened pads over your closed eyes. Replace the pads when warm. Continue to till puffiness reduces. This also brightens the whites of your eyes.

By drinking enough water, your body will stay hydrated and will reduce the puffiness around your eyes.

Make sure you get enough sleep with regular timings. Inadequate sleep shows on the eyes more than on any other part of the body. Sleep soothes the eyes and relieves fatigue.

Dip cotton wool pads in ice-cold rose water. Use them as eye pads over closed eyes.

Stiffly beat few egg whites. Add a drop or two of witch hazel. Apply to the face and under the eyes with a brush. This will make the skin feel tighter and look less puffy.

If you keep your head in an elevated position while you sleep, it discourages fluids from settling around your eyes.

Avoid eating salty foods like chips, pickles, drinking alcohol that retains fluids that settles in the eye area.

The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader, not the site, and the writer.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

The Healing Touch of Body Massage

Most of us experience this feeling of just giving up our fatigued bodies to a masseur who will massage away all the aches and pains caused by physical stress and mental tensions. The pain just seems to vanish out of your system once it is their expert hands. If you keep dreaming about this on your low days, well you are probably not alone for massage is a known stress reliever. Massage at its best has the power to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.

What is a full body massage? How to massage?
Technically, full body massage is a hands-on manipulation of the skin, muscle and joints to relax muscle spasm, relieve tension, improve circulation and hasten elimination of toxins and wastes from the body. Massage is an ancient art. It has been known to be in practice in the Orient for over 3000 years. The expert hand of the masseur not only rubs away fatigue inducing stress but also improves blood circulation in the body. Apart from creating a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissue (the muscles, tendons and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it mainly affects the muscles just underneath the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the internal organs.

Massage Therapy: Alternative medicine?
An essential part of alternative medicine, massage has gained popularity in the West too and is widely used to treat a variety of ailments. Different forms of massage include - Acupressure, Athletic Massage, Polarity Massage, Reflexology, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Sports Massage, Swedish Massage, Traeger Massage and Watsu. Aromatherapy massage makes use of aromatic essential oils known for their stress relieving effects. Manipulation of soft tissues affects many of our bodily systems; hence massage therapy stands to help many of the health problems we face today.

General Benefits of Massage
• Soothing relaxation • Healing • Eases tension, stiffness and pain • Improves breathing • Improves circulation • Enhances well-being

The therapeutic benefits of massage
• Massage aims to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function. • Boost immune system function, improve circulation and speed up recovery time. • Relax tight and tense muscles • Ease or prevent physical dysfunction and pain. • Reduces overall stress and fatigue • Massage therapy is effective in the control of pain - chronic or acute, stress reduction and in creating a sense of soothing relaxation and well-being. • Massage can be fun and can be wonderfully sensual; it can be an effective tool to revive a sagging sex life. Erotic Thai massages or even simple massages are a great way to begin a night of intimacy.

Full Body Massage helps you relax!
Although even a one odd massage does leave you with a pleasant feeling, the effects of massage are cumulative and undergoing a series or course of massage treatments, is what will give you the maximum benefits. Regular massages strengthen and tones the muscles and boosts the entire body mechanism, so as to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries. Massage has the power to stimulate the nervous system as much as it can relax, hence it can be used, depending on the individual's need.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

Natural headache cures

Headaches can be annoying and a severe headache may even stop you from being able to function properly. Headaches are common and can occur to anyone. Unless a headache is chronic it is usually not serious. Although there are many over the counter headache relief medications, they are not without side effects and should not be taken too often.

Instead, one should seek natural ways to get rid of a headache. A natural headache remedy works just as good as traditional medications, minus the side effects.

Many headaches are brought on by dehydration. Rehydrating the system will often be enough to ease a headache. It is important to consume plenty of water everyday. As soon as you feel the onset of a headache, drink some water or juice. Avoid caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, soft drinks and chocolate.

Too much eyestrain may bring on a headache. If you use the computer a lot, you should take regular breaks. Once a headache starts, try taking a five-minute break by closing your eyes. You may want to apply a cool compress on the forehead. This may ease the headache by regulating blood flow to the head. Keep re-applying the cool compress as needed.

Stress is a common cause of headache. If your headache is brought on by stress, you should learn to de-stress. One way is through meditation. Sit in a quiet room to meditate. Focus on your breathing and when your thoughts wander, bring your awareness back to the present. Through practice you can train yourself to meditate anywhere and any time. Movement may make a headache worse but if the headache is stress related, exercise may help. If you don't feel like moving, try a gentle exercise such as yoga. Simple yoga stretching and breathing techniques can even be done at your desk while at work.

Acupressure uses applied pressure onto points on the body to help eliminate pain. For a headache, apply pressure to each side of the temple using your thumbs. Slowly increase the pressure. Then slowly rub your thumbs in small circles. Do this for 5 minutes. There are some herbal cures for headaches that work very well. These are usually better than prescription or over the counter medications because they do not have any side effects.

Feverfew – Feverfew contains substances that inhibit the release of mood hormones in the brain. For best results, use fresh feverfew. If this is not available, consume feverfew as tea or in capsule form.

Bay – There have been some doctors who recommend taking feverfew with bay to prevent a headache. You can find this combination available at most health food stores.

Ginger – Ginger has long been known to relieve and prevent headaches. It is an anti-inflammatory and contains substances that provide natural headache relief. Take in capsule form, according to directions.

Peppermint – Taken internally or used externally, peppermint is a natural headache remedy. To take internally, drink peppermint tea. To use externally, mix several drops of peppermint oil with lotion or body oil and massage into the temples.

Try these natural headache remedies to find the combination that can get rid of your headache quickly and naturally. If you suffer from chronic headache, you should consult with your doctor to rule out any underlying problem that requires medical attention.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

Are you A Good Candidate For LASIK Surgery?

Do all people make good candidates for LASIK surgery laser vision correction? Not according to reports by Austin news sources. This information was not meant to discredit LASIK surgery but more as information provided to consumers so they may be able to make an informed choice when choosing a LASIK surgery Austin based doctor clinic. The news report cited information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is applicable to any location offering LASIK eye surgery.

In an Austin news story, the FDA has reported that there are certain risks associated with laser eye surgery or LASIK. As with any surgery, there are risks and LASIK is no exception. Some patients do not achieve perfect 20/20 vision after the eye surgery. These patients may still require glasses or other corrective lenses, based on FDA findings in this LASIK surgery Austin based report.

Some of the side effects associated with Lasik eye surgery might include double vision, glare, a halo effect, and difficulty driving in dim conditions, an Austin news story reported. The FDA states that a doctor who doesn't discuss risks as well as benefits is not a good choice for a LASIK surgery Austin based procedure. Before having LASIK surgery, Austin patients, and those located elsewhere, should learn all the risks from their doctor.

Is it possible that and existing eye problem means that Lasik surgery is not the best choice for you? Laser eye surgery weakens the cornea, so persons with thin corneas are not good candidates. The FDAs web site has confirmed the story put out by Austin news. An Austin LASIK eye surgery candidates with dry eye or even enlarged pupils might also be disqualified from laser vision refractive surgery.

If you're having hormone changes and vision changes than LASIK surgery may not be for you. This fact was also cited by the Austin news report. Young people often experience several vision changes in a year, according to the FDA. Potential LASIK surgery Austin based patients should wait until vision changes don't occur during the previous year. Recent Vision changes due to disease (for example, diabetes), prescription medications or pregnancy might also complicate any eye surgery.

The FDAs web site has echoed many of the statements concerning LASIK surgery as cited by the Austin news report. This esulted in an informative story. Many potential laser vision patients eagerly flock to their local eye clinic without knowing both the benefits and the risks. Texas residents seeking LASIK surgery Austin doctors and clinics will be well-informed eye surgery patients.

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http://bestlasicsurgery.com/ar/lasik-surgery-austin.php

Cats Claw - For Better Health & Immune System Protection

Cats Claw may not be as well known as some other herbs but the protection it can give to the body and its overall health benefits have seen it rise dramatically in popularity.

Let's take a closer look at Cats Claw and its immense health benefits.

Description

Cat's Claw is a tropical woody vine that grows in the rain forests and jungles of Peru and has been referred to as "Miracle Herb of the Rain Forest ".

The vine derives its name from the small thorns at the base of the leaves, which look like a cat's claw.

Medical research

It has been drawing increasingly more interest among the proponents of natural health care and Cats Claw has been the subject of medical research since the 1970's.

These studies suggest that Cats Claw may help in the treatment of:

Arthritis, bursitis, allergies, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, herpes, organic depression, menstrual problems and also beneficial for conditions of the stomach and intestines.

Protection of the immune system

Cats Claw is proven to boost the immune system.

Cat's claw is valued largely because of its immune-building properties and although not as well known as more popular herbs such as Echinacea, goldenseal, Pau D'Arco, garlic, and ginseng is seen as being just as important.

With the spread of HIV medical research has intensified in this area as well.

Active ingredients

The active ingredients in Cat's Claw are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals such as oxinole alkaloids, triterpines, glycosides, and sterols. These phytochemicals have adaptogenic, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Health Benefits

* Helps the body fight off infections by helping the body's immune system * Helps Protect the body against degenerative diseases and aging

* Seen to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks by reducing the heart rate lowering blood pressure, improving circulation as well as controlling cholesterol

* Used to treat and protect against arthritis and rheumatism, as well as, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, PMS, lupus, and prostrate problems

* Used in the treatment of cancer, acne, diverticulitis, parasites, hemorrhoids, as well as varicose veins. * Helps treat digestive disorders including ulcers, gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and conditions involving chronic inflammation

* Used in the treatment of herpes infections

* Acts as an all round powerful antioxidant to help protect the body from free radicals. When looking at essential herbs to take for better overall health don't overlook Cats Claw, as we have seen its benefits are immense.

Source: http://www.net-planet.org/index.htm

Prostate Cancer Diets That Can Help Control The Disease

Prostate Cancer Diets are a growing necessity with the growing number of men who are afflicted by this type of cancer. According to research a diet change and regular exercise can help to slow the growth of prostate cancer. A proper diet will be our focus for today.

So the question is basically, what can you eat? What can't you eat? We will cover foods and vitamins to take and avoid. We will discuss what not to eat and what you can eat to make a change in the cancer or to hold it steady. We will also discuss two diets that are very popular to control prostate cancer. There is so much information on the Internet today about different diets that can help with cancer patients diagnosis. Prostate cancer is one of the few that you can control in the early stages with a prostate cancer diet until you can get proper treatment.


Don't Feed Your Cancer, Starve It! (Certain Things)


Before we do that, I would like to cover some of the basic rules of thumb. First, you should keep your meals at about 500 calories or less. Run away from any fats or alcohol if you can. Do not consume more than 22 grams of fat per day. Cancer likes calories and both of these provide that to it. Stay away from meat in general. If you are going to eat meat, don't eat red meat at all. Limit your meat intake to a couple of days a week. Studies done by the Adventist Health group states that people who eat meat as a major part of their food intake are twice as likely to get colon cancer and the National Cancer Institute says that men who eat red meat 5 times a week are five times as likely to get prostate cancer. Drink about 2 quarts of water a day. If you want to drink something other than water, stick with green, red and white teas, not black teas. Get your fiber.

It is recommended that you get at least 30 grams of fiber a day when you have cancer. If you can't get it through foods, take a supplement. They have all kinds on the market that actually do taste pretty good now. Avoid oils that are high in Omega 6 fatty acids, such as corn, safflower, cottonseed and soybean oils. Why? Because they are associated with an increase in the number of tumors found in the body, according to Simpoulos, a doctor who specializes in cancers. You should limit your intake of calcium. This means that you should also limit your milk intake to 2 glasses a day. Men who consume more than 2000 mg of calcium a day, approximately 8 glasses of milk, have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer than those who drink less then 1/4 that amount. Other dairy products such as cheese, ice cream and yogurt should be taken in at a minimum, also. Dairy products have been proven to show a 50% increase in risk of getting prostate cancer. These are just some of the points we need to look at when considering what not to do.


What to Feed Yourself Instead of Your Cancer!


You are on your way to a better life already. Now lets discuss what you can eat to create a better, healthier diet and a show stopper for the cancer cells. Fruits and vegetables are your friends. I know you used to sneak them under the table to the family dog. (Some of you still do... :-) But instead of giving Fido all his daily vitamins, you should probably consume them for yourself. I will list specifics later in this section. Soy products are better for you than their dairy counterparts.

You should also consider, if you are going to eat a "meat", that you should eat fish. You see, by dietary standards, fish is not considered a meat. The reason fish is so good for you is because it has Omega 3 fatty acids, which are actually good for you. You can find them in Ocean fish and walnuts in its healthiest form. You should eat plenty of peas, beans and grains. Also, remember to take your Vitamins C, D and E, Selenium and Zinc, which are all very beneficial to you during cancer treatments. Always try to get your Daily Value from somewhere other than supplements. Supplements usually have a higher than needed amount in the bottle and your body doesn't always metabolize the full amount in the pills that are provided. Some of the fruits that are especially good for you include red grapes, strawberries, dried fruits, skins of citrus fruits and blueberries. Blueberries have also be found to reverse the aging process in a study that was done. This could be an added bonus. Fructose has been found to protect against prostate cancer in cancer research studies. They say that you should eat 5 servings of fruit a day. Further study showed that this may actually decrease your chances of having cancer by 37%.

Some others to consider include Shiitake Mushrooms, Legumes, broccoli sprouts, tomatoes, grains and fibers. High Fiber diets that include soy protein, which have isoflavins, are actually very good for you. Isoflavins apparently help with slowing the cancer down. For anyone wondering what fiber does to help with your cancer diagnosis, please read the following information. According to the National Academy of Sciences, "in addition to regularity, it reduces circulating androgen levels and thereby slows prostate cancer growth." You should consume around 25 mg a day of fiber. Grains have the best of everything in your prostate cancer diet. They will provide you with a low fat product that is rich in protein to help you replace the meat you are not eating and fiber to boot. You can find grains in many forms, including breakfast cereals and breads. Shiitake mushrooms are good for you because they have a compound that is used for many cancer patients in Japan. Lycopene, found in Tomatoes, is a powerful antioxidant.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition said that in 72 studies that almost half of them showed lowered cancer risk when an increase in eating tomatoes was present. This was particularly true for prostate patients, where the risk was lowered by about 40%, says the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The broccoli that your mother always tried to feed you and you told her you hated, well, it turns out that she really did know what was good for you. The only thing she didn't know what that 3 day old broccoli sprouts are even better for you than regularly matured broccoli. It contains 20 to 50 times more chemoprotective compounds according to the National Academy of Sciences.

Two Diets you can use right now to lower your risk of cancer include the Japanese diets and Southern Mediterranean diets. The Japanese diets are shown to reduce the risk of cancer. They include Green Tea, soy, vegetables and fish, also they are low in fat and calorie intake. The Mediterranean Diet is basically a fresh fruit and vegetable diet. It includes garlic, tomatoes, red wine and olive oil, and fish in the diet also. Neither of these diets include a lot of red meat.

There are many resources online to get your cancer diet headed in the right direction. Just look over the information and see what fits you, or what you can live with depending on how vital you find food to be in your life. You should be able to find plenty of foods to help with creating a variety of meals. The information above is limited, you can find much, much more information through doing more research. Never stop your search for great health.

For more detailed information on prostate cancer diets try visiting http://www.onlineprostatehealthguide.com, a popular website that offers prostate cancer related tips, advice and resources to include updated information on finding the best prostate cancer cure.


Natural Prevention of Prostate Cancers

Prostate cancer is one of the three very common prostate diseases. Many experts estimate that every man will eventually develop cancer of prostate if he lives long enough.

  1. Natural prevention of prostate cancers begins with the habit of maintaining urinary tract as clean as is possible. A daily fluid intake to as much as 8 to 12 glasses will increase the urine amount. When you are drinking enough, you are urinating more often than usual. Eliminated extra fluids help maintaining the urinary tract clean. Since the prostate is involved seminal fluid producing, there is a strong belief that regular ejaculations - two or three times weekly - will also help. There is no much scientific proof of this, but it is risk-free.
  2. Diet is also a factor.
    • Avoid red meat. There is a strong correlation between high red meat consumption - more than four servings weekly - and the development of prostate cancer.
    • Eat cereals - wheat, oats and bran - as a good source of protein
    • For the prevention of cancer as well as for healing, eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. Include in the diet apples, all kinds of berries, fresh cantaloupe, watermelons, zucchini, carrots, pumpkin (seeds tea especially), parsley, squash and yams.
    • Increase the zinc intake using Wheat Germ oil, Wheat Germ and Oatmeal.
    • Tomatoes, eat tomatoes as much as you can.
  3. Massage
    • Lying down on the bed, face up, massage the lower abdomen just above the base of the penis. Be gentle, you should feel some pressure, but not pain.
    • Massage each leg about 5 minutes/day to stimulate reflexology points.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men like prostate cancer prevention.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerian_D.

Natural Supplements For Prostate Health

Each year thousands of men are treated for inflamed prostates, in most cases those cases of prostatitis could have been prevented with the help of supplements for prostate health. A healthy prostate is of the utmost importance. Men suffering from prostatitis often suffer from sexual dysfunction, difficulty urinating and even chronic abdominal and back pain. Prostate health should be important not only to elderly men, but also those as young their 40s. In order to encourage a health prostate, much consideration should be given to supplements for prostate health.

The first step to a healthy prostate should be one's dietary habits. Recent research has shown that the foods we eat have a strong impact on prostate health. Afflictions of the prostate are most commonly found in developed countries whose dietary habits focus on red meat and dairy products. Contrast that with a country whose diet focuses on fruit and vegetables and it is easy to see that natural foods can encourage a healthy prostate. A diet with significantly higher amounts of calcium will also lead to increased chances of developing prostatitis. Foods with tomatoes, pink grapefruits and even watermelons are rich in Lycopene, which is an antioxidant. Lycopene and nutrients like zinc and selenium are available in supplements for prostate health. A deficiency of vitamins like vitamins D and E can also lead to an increased chance of developing an enlarged prostate. Herbal remedies have long been found effective as supplements for prostate health.

In countries like the United States herbal supplements are often regulated to "dietary supplement" status, meaning many will not discover the incredible benefits that an herbal supplement may provide. In some cases, herbs are more effective then the most popular brands of prostate medications available. Much care should be taken to completely research any herbal regiment. Make no mistake, herbs are as powerful and in some cases are more powerful then prescription medication. Look for any supplemental information available on herbal remedies, prior to including them as supplements for prostate health.

Dean Iggo is the webmaster of a website on http://www.prostatehealthadvice.com/ providing prostate cancer questions and answers for everything from an enlarged prostate to prostate cancer.


The Truth About Natural Remedies For Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a very serious disease that is claiming the lives of able and strong people all over the world. The rise in the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer however is not surprising given the increase in the age of our population. With the baby boomer bubble now reaching around 60 years old, were looking for treatments and natural remedies to deal with this mostly senior disease.

Prostate cancer is typically considered a disease that usually affects men in their later years. This isn't to say the prostate cancer is ONLY a senior disease as some men have been diagnosed as early as their mid-30s with this type of cancer. There is research to suggest that prostate cancer may at least in part be hereditary. That is, if your father, uncle's or other close male relatives have or have had prostate cancer, your risk goes up dramatically.

Although agent heredity has been identified as major contributors to the increase in prostate cancer, there are a lot of things we can do to proactively prevent the disease or limit its impact on our lives. This is where natural remedies can really shine.

It's no secret that a healthy body is better able to fight off disease. It stands to reason than, that a natural, proactive remedy such as staying fit an active can only help.

Add to an active lifestyle, a low-fat diet, along with vitamins, minerals, and supplements to strengthen our immune system, and we have a strong arsenal to fight off many diseases such as prostate cancer. Let's be clear however, that I'm not suggesting a healthy lifestyle and vitamin supplements can cure cancer or even keep you from getting the disease.

Still, a healthy body, well charged with the necessary vitamins and minerals, can more effectively fight off a variety of illnesses and diseases. And in the event that a disease such as prostate cancer would take hold, a healthy body is better able to withstand the medical treatments that may be necessary to attack and cure the cancerous condition.

So although we may call them natural cures, the alternative medicine approach is much more effective in sustaining our outlook and body to ward off diseases in the first place. No matter how out of shape you may be, start today to make yourself healthier.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, health, and home. For more info on alternative answers to prostate cancer visit the site at

http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-expert.com/