The Mediterranean Diet as Natural Medicine

If, like many people, you have a family history of heart attacks and strokes, you may want to think about preparing a meal plan for yourself and your family that closely mirrors the Mediterranean diet. These eating habits, which were historically typical in southern Italy and nearby regions, involve eating lots of legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, some wine, and avoiding excessive consumption of animal fats.

Olives in olive oil.

Image via Wikipedia

 

This kind of diet is slowly disappearing from the lives of people who live in the Mediterranean region for reasons related to globalization. However, it is recognized by the U.N. for its value as a cultural contribution. This recognition includes social customs related to the food and to the transmission of culinary knowledge from one generation to the next. This recognition is important for the preservation of customs in the face of a changing world.

A number of studies, including the extensive Seven Countries Study, have shown that the Mediterranean diet is protective against heart disease. The research team of Dr. Cecilia Samieri recently published a new study in the journal Neurology showing that people who consume lots of olive oil have a 41% lower chance of suffering from a stroke. The study was the result of the analysis of thousands of medical records of senior citizens in France over a several-year period. The researchers made sure to account for socioeconomic differences, but cautioned that olive oil could not be completely separated out from other variables such as fruit and vegetable consumption.

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Healthy, Organic Yogurt

In recent years, supermarkets have been selling organic yogurt as one of America’s top health foods.  Scientists have determined that organic yogurt and other organic goods have over 40% more antioxidants and nutrients than typical, inorganic produce.  Customers who are determined to lead a healthy lifestyle turn to the dairy section of their supermarkets to receive healthy food that is both tasty and less fattening than other snacks.

Of course, the Food and Drug Administration recommends five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, and many people do not receive that.  Healthy yogurt can help nourish the body and keep weight off at the same time.  For many people, it is a fun way to enjoy produce combined with many vitamins and minerals.  One must be choosy when purchasing yogurt, however.  Not every brand is the same, and many people do not notice the artificial flavorings or sugar that is added to some yogurts.  Many buyers focus on the probiotics advertised on commercials and sales signs, and they ignore other important information.  Probiotics are important for a healthy digestive system, but they are not the only key ingredient.  They have become a point of recent scientific studies concerning the digestive system, but other vitamins in yogurt are important as well.

Buying organic yogurt can alleviate the problem of artificial ingredients.  Organic yogurt does not contain any preservatives or chemical used in the growth of cattle that produce milk for the yogurt.  Whole fruits from organic farms are used to make the yogurt.  The Food and Drug Administration insists that, for a product to be classified as yogurt, it must contain active cultures in the fermented milk.  Although only two of these cultures are required, many producers add ingredients and other healthy components.

All kinds of yogurt have organic options today.  Regular yogurt, Skyr, Greek yogurt, and Kefir are all able to be made organically.  They contain forms of fermented milk that is only organic as well.  Customers enjoy choosing organic yogurts and other dairy products in the designated sections of their supermarkets.

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Echinacea: An Age Old Remedy

Tea is about as simple a drink as can be – steep some leaves in hot water for a minutes and you’ve got it, a delicious warm beverage. But, the effects of some teas can be so much more complex than their easy preparation would lead you to believe. Echinacea, for example, is an ingredient in many teas that has a variety of health benefits.

Long used as a form of alternative medicine and as a folk remedy, echinacea has been in the sights of healers for generations. Among Native Americans and early American settlers, it was used as a general remedy for many afflictions, including as a cure for rattlesnake bites. While the claims that it countered the venomous bite of the rattler where never substantiated, echinacea is still a popular tool among practitioners of herbal medicine.

The roots and plant system of this purple flower are taken and prepared into a medicine that is designed to help boost immune support and fight infection. This means that it is primarily used when battling a common cold, or the flu. It is also used to fight other infections because of its ability to kill viruses and bacteria that cause disease. Its echinacein content also makes it effective against a variety of illnesses due to its ability to impede an enzyme that germs use to break down human tissue. In order to support immune functions, echinacea is believed to increase the body’s support of T-cells.

This wonderful plant has also been used to help the body during radiation treatment, when fighting a yeast infection, trying to heal a cut or sore, or dealing with arthritis. While still important to consult a physician before trying out a new medication, echinacea is worth asking about. In conjunction with other medication it may be just what you need to give yourself an extra boost.

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Exploring Arnica

Aching backs, strained muscles, and general soreness are all too common for many people. They are the kind of regular ailments that people try to heal in many different ways. Microwavable heat packs may help take down the soreness, but they cool quickly. Electric hot pads can help skirt the problem of diminishing heat, but they require that you stay plugged into the wall. Over the counter painkillers may work, but many people do not like to use these too habitually. So, what is another option?

One remedy that the alternative medicine community has been using for a long time is an herb called arnica. A two foot tall yellow flower and a member of the sunflower family, arnica has been used in different forms throughout history. Currently, it is most often applied topically as a cream or salve in order to help heal a wide spectrum of ailments. These include but are not limited to bruises, sprains, burns, and aching muscles – It is used mostly on afflictions that require a reduction of swelling or inflammation though it can have other applications.

Though not taken orally, due to a range of possible side effects, arnica has been used in a diluted form in homeopathic medicine. A heavily diluted formula available in the form of a capsule is said to solve a number of problems similar to those of the localized topical applications, but also address more general ailments. Whether in the form of a cream, a pill, or anything else, arnica should be taken in accordance with the instructions on the label. Like all medicines, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking arnica.

So, if you are looking for a new or alternative way to deal with swelling, aching, or a variety of inflammation induced symptoms, perhaps it is worthwhile to look into arnica.

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A Brief History of Acupuncture

There are not many of forms of ancient medicine as detailed and complex as traditional Chinese medicine. It includes many different treatment methods ranging from herbal remedies to the use of obscure animal parts. While often overshadowed by the medical advances of today, some traditional Chinese medicine practices can still be found in use now, in modern times. One such type of treatment is acupuncture. While widely contested, the practice of acupuncture is still very prevalent in the world and has a long and rich history.

Acupuncture is the process of piercing the skin with a needle at certain key points of the body to receive a desired effect. Existing in history thousands of years back (just how many thousands is a point of contention), traditional acupuncture predates medicine as we now know it. As such, it is based around the idea of two opposing energies that flow throughout the body and it is designed to help keep these energies in harmonious balance. These energies, or Qi, were thought to travel very distinct paths through the human body, which in traditional Chinese medicine are called meridians. Through the calculated pinpointing (quite literally) of these meridians, acupuncture aims to alleviate a variety of symptoms.

Though its practice rose and fell several times throughout Chinese history, the knowledge of acupuncture was retained and has, in relatively recent times, spread from China to many different parts of the world. Now, acupuncture has effectively permeated many cultures and is regularly used in conjunction with other medical practices. It can be found in many clinics working in tandem with more modern techniques. These days, acupuncture is often practiced by licensed professionals and is taught in several locations. It is a well-known form of alternative medicine, and one that people seek out for a wide variety of ailments all over the world.

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Herbal Remedies for Depression

Herbal remedies have been known to treat depression in patients for many years.  Many people rely on these natural methods of assistance rather than medication and doctors visits. Although supervision should occur when using herbal treatments, most people feel that their bodies react more positively to the natural chemicals in these plants.

St. John’s Wort, studied since 1996, shows the most effectiveness in treating depression.  It is a mild MAO inhibitor and chemically assists in balancing hormone levels in the brain and body.  Many people that have taken St. John’s Wort experienced the same effects as they would if they took traditional anti-depressants.  There are certain risks and side effects associated with this chemical, however.  Upset stomach, fatigue, dizziness, and rashes are the most common and are usually mild.  More dangerous side effects can occur if patients are taking additional depression medications along with St. John’s Wort, or if they are taking medications with hypericum extracts.

SAMe is another herbal treatment used for depression.  It is already a natural chemical in the body, and by using it as a medication, one can boost his/her mood naturally.  Generally, SAMe works very quickly and has less side effects than St. John’s Wort.  It increases the body’s ability to make neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine.  Unlike many anti-depressants, this one has been found safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

A simple herb, ginkgo, improves the flow of blood in the brain.  It has been known to help patients become more alert.  In addition to this, moods are generally more positive. Side effects include nervousness and eventually, ineffectiveness of the herb itself.  Similar to caffeine, it can improve mood for a while, but should be used only on a short-term basis.

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Five More Healthy Foods

People all over the world are concerned with their health.  Because of the rise of disease and other detrimental environment factors, people are choosing foods that are rich in vitamins and have illness-combating qualities.  Here are five more of the healthiest foods:

• Walnuts:  out of all the nuts, this one contains the largest amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which helps reduce bad cholesterol.  These helpful acids have been known to bring feelings of well-being as well as fight depression.  They also may help protect the skin from harmful sun rays, and by regularly consuming these tasty morsels, one will sleep better due to their melatonin content.
• Avocados:  although rich in fat, these are extremely healthy.  They can reduce cholesterol significantly (up to 22%) and just one of them has about 44% of the folate a person needs in a day.  Folates reduce the risk of heart disease.  Avocados increase the absorption of beta carotene, so by adding one to a salad, consumers can receive more vitamins and nutrients from the food they eat.  Avocados are known as a “superfood” because of all their positive qualities.
• Garlic:  well-known for its health benefits, this assists in preventing harmful bacteria from multiplying in the digestive system.  E.Coli and other diseases are reduced by simply adding garlic to pastas, sandwiches, dips, and bread.  Garlic contains allicin, which lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.  Allicin is also an anti-inflammatory that is most potent in fresh garlic.  Be sure not to overcook garlic though; more than ten minutes on heat reduces its health benefits greatly.
• Spinach:  everyone knows this is a healthy food.  The key to making spinach tasty to eat is the cooking method as well as added ingredients.  Garlic and other healthy foods can increase the attractiveness of this vegetable, especially for children.  Spinach possesses lutein and zeaxanthin, which are helpful for eye health and cancer fighting.
• Beans:  including legumes and lentils, this category is prominent in reducing breast cancer and heart disease.  Overall, the darker the bean, the more antioxidants it possesses.  Black beans and kidney beans are popular ingredients in soups, salsas, and salads, and they can be largely effective when cooked properly.

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Five Healthy Foods

Some of the healthiest foods are not the first ones people think of on a daily basis.  By adding some of these foods to their diets, people of all ages can reap huge health benefits:

• Lemons:  rich in vitamin C, these little fruits are handy to add to drinks and sautéed vegetables.  They naturally boost energy and contain powerful nutrients to help the body absorb antioxidants and other disease-fighting elements.  Putting a fresh slice of lemon in a glass of tea increases the body’s ability to absorb antioxidants in the tea by about 80%.
• Broccoli:  because it is stocked full of vitamin K, this healthy vegetable is one of the most effective foods for building strong bones.  More than 200% of a person’s daily recommended dose of vitamin C can also be found in broccoli.  It is best to eat this vegetable fresh, because if it is overcooked it can lose some of these benefits.  Broccoli is also known to fight cancer-causing free radicals in the body.
• Dark Chocolate:  believe it or not, this tasty treat reduces blood pressure for otherwise healthy individuals.  Cocoa powder contains antioxidants that reduce bad cholesterol.  Do not mistake this for milk chocolate though; that kind only contains a fraction of the health benefits of its darker counterpart.
• Red/Sweet Potatoes:  containing effective bone-building nutrients, red potatoes contain about the same amount of folates as spinach or broccoli.  Sweet potatoes are known for their vitamin A content, which helps fight cancer.  Adding a small amount of butter, sour cream, or salsa can bump up the flavor and add nutrients as well.
• Salmon:  Omega-3 fatty acids are prominent in this flavorful fish.  These are helpful in reducing depression, cancer cells, and forms of heart disease.  Also, salmon is rich in niacin, which has been known to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.  Choosing wild salmon over farm-raised can increase the food’s nutritional value as well.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is gaining popularity in many alternative medicine practices today.  Through use of thin needles rooted in an ancient Chinese tradition, acupuncture has the ability to heal many types of ailments with little to no pain for the patient.  Pressure points in the body are easily accessed and relieved by the tiny needles when they are shallowly inserted into the skin.

Acupuncture is similar to massage as far as relieving pain.  Both techniques use the manipulation of pressure points to relieve pain.  Typically, professionals who practice acupuncture will diagnose patients through several methods.  Palpitation, or “thumping” of parts of the body to determine their sensitivity and density, is widely used to locate points that need relief.  Doctors may also inspect the tongue’s color, texture, and markings to assist in acupuncture, because the tongue can reveal areas of stress within the body.  Dehydration, malnutrition, sleep habits, and stress can all be displayed via the tongue.  Finally, professionals may use auscultation, or smelling, to help diagnose a patient.  Body odor and other factors show areas of pain as well.

After diagnosis, acupuncturists correlate the patient’s pain with a pressure point in the patient’s body.  There are hundreds of these points in the body and each one, through massage or needle pressure, can relieve pain by becoming relaxed.  Mindful acupuncture and massage are the keys to this because the patient must be in a relaxed state for the procedure to be successful.

In most cases, the needles that are used are discarded afterwards, and in other practiced, needles are sterilized and reused.  This procedure, though effective for some, is not without risk.  Since it is considered a slightly invasive procedure because the skin is penetrated, infection and side effects may result.  Some patients experience lightheadedness or nausea following the procedure, but in most cases, no side effects are present.

Acupuncture has been used to treat pain from pregnancy, injury, as well as everyday ailments such as headaches and nausea.  Research on acupuncture’s effectiveness continues and many patients agree that the positive effects of this procedure are numerous.

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Alternative Medicine

Homeopathic remedies are used throughout the world by many patients and doctors.  These ways of curing patients’ symptoms involve holistic treatments, natural ingredients, and diluted substances that have a healing effect on the body.  Patients may choose this alternative medicine rather than typical drugs and treatments found in hospitals and physicians’ offices.  Overall, these treatments cost less, and in many patients’ minds, cure their symptoms and ailments just as well as other interventions.

Typically, alternative medicine is more of a procedure to cure the patient than an actual medication itself.  It may involve an exercise regime, detoxifying diet, as well as other unusual interventions to increase patient well-being.  By enhancing the person’s health, symptoms and pain usually fade and become less noticeable over time.

For people looking for health benefits outside of the normal realm of medicine, homeopathic remedies maybe the answer.  Most of the time, alternative medicine and homeopathic remedies have not been investigated thoroughly enough to ensure consistent results, but many patients believe that the benefits are numerous.  Alternative medicine concentrates on both healing as well as prevention.

A combination of folk knowledge, spiritual beliefs, and brand new healing techniques is used in alternative medicine practices.  Many patients are able to self-medicate simply by practicing holistic techniques that incorporate both the mind and body in the healing process.  Some cancer patients believe that traditional chemotherapy combined with alternative medicine contributed to their successful healing.  Although alternative medicine is not as widely practiced and as its traditional counterpart, many doctors incorporate some form of it with their patients.

Through mindful massage, exercise with concentration on balance and overall body control, and holistic healing approaches, doctors have found ways to treat everyday illnesses and terminal problems without the use of traditional antibiotics.  Invasive procedures that would be difficult to recover from may be avoided through the use of alternative medicine.  Patients find a healthy and invigorating option that they can use in their future to ensure better health overall.

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