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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Common Chinese Medicine Treatments for Asthma

Chinese medicine is an alternative medicine that uses many natural herbs to treat common health conditions. One of the most common conditions that is treated by Chinese medicine is that of asthma. Asthma is known as xiao chuan in Chinese. Over 22 million people suffer from asthma. The most common treatment of asthma is through steroid inhalers. Many people are opposed to the use of steroid inhalers because they are viewed as harmful to the body, which is why many people turn to Chinese medicine to relieve the symptoms of asthma. Here is a look at a common Chinese herbal treatment for asthma.

Throat Spray. This is a developed throat spray for sudden symptoms of asthma. It is believed that the herbs that are used in this spray will calm and sooth the inflamed airways that are causing the asthma attack. The throat spray uses the herb known as gingko biliba. It is first boiled, then strained and made into a water spray. The spray is applied to the back of the throat where it calms the airways and bronchial tubes.

Asthma Tea. Under Chinese medicine it is believed that you can prevent asthma symptoms from appearing altogether through the daily intake of an asthma tea. This tea is brewed using dried gingko biloba leaves as well as dried magnolia flowers and rehmannia root and don quai root. The dried leaves are seeped into a tea. The tea is supposed to be taken daily to prevent asthma from appearing.

Asthma tea and throat spray are common Chinese medicine treatments for asthma, however there are also dozens of other alternative treatments for asthma. If you are considering using alternative medicine to treat a condition like asthma it is advised to seek the advice of a trained alternative medicine professional. They will be able to direct you to the best course of treatment for you and your symptoms.

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Alternative Medicine–Naturopathy vs. Homeopathy

I’m sure you have heard the terms “naturopathy” and “homeopathy” but do you know what they are and what the differences are between them? Both naturopathy and homeopathy are the practice of medicine using natural methods rather than “traditional” medicine for healing. Both focus on treating the whole body rather than just the symptoms.

Naturopathy, which is also known as naturopathic medicine or natural medicine, is the therapeutic approach to medicine developed in the early 20th century. It initially combined natural therapeutic approaches with doctors who were practicing natural medicine at the time. Naturopathic medicine is an alternative medicine system that combines natural remedies with the body’s ability to heal itself along with heat, massage, acupuncture, and electric treatments to treat illnesses. Nowadays naturopathic physicians attend a four-year, full-time college to study naturopathic medicine, which incorporates studies similar to a medical physician with the focus on natural healing and treatment.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine developed in the 18th century. Samuel Hahnemann first developed the homeopathic system when he discovered that a substance that would normally cause symptoms in a healthy person could cure the same symptoms in a sick person when given in minute amounts. The aim of homeopathy is to stimulate the body’s immune system and healing process by administering microdoses of diluted natural substances derived from plant extracts, minerals, chemicals, or disease-producing germs. Homeopathy employs the idea of “like cures like…”

Although both naturopathy and homeopathy are alternative forms of medicine, they are quite different in their use and practices. Homeopathy is the use of a specific system to administer diluted minute amounts of natural substances to promote the healing process in a person’s body. On the other hand, naturopathy is a form of medical practice utilizing alternative medicine to treat an individual’s body through several alternative medicine modalities including homeopathy, nutrition, massage, and herbal medicines.

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Ginger Root–Not Just For Cookies!

For centuries, ginger has been widely used and accepted as a medicinal herb. It is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese medicine. Ginger is known as a warming herb and is said to enhance circulation. Chinese herbalists use fresh ginger to “warm the lungs and stomach.”

Ginger was prescribed in Chinese medicine as a treatment for the common cold, flu, coughs, vomiting, nausea and general intestinal upset, and bleeding. It is also an effective antidote to some herbs and plants that may have side effects, by effectively reducing the toxicity of other herbs and plants. Today, ginger is being used by herbalists and physicians to treat colds, arthritis, digestive conditions, respiratory tract infections, motion sickness, morning sickness, and cardiovascular disease.

Ginger has the unique ability to improve digestive organs. Ginger stimulates the secretion of bile from the liver and gallbladder, which in turn helps digest fats. It is also known to help reduce gas and bloating.

As an antiinflammatory, ginger naturally inhibits the release of prostaglandins and other chemicals in the body that promote inflammation and pain. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents can have serious side effects and can potentially damage the stomach, liver, and kidneys. Ginger is superior as an antiinflammatory in that it not only does not have any of those side effects, but it actually improves the function of other organs while reducing inflammation and pain.

Furthermore, ginger promotes cardiovascular health and improves circulation. In fact, there have been animal studies done that have shown that ginger improves the pumping ability of the heart.

Although side effects of ginger are rare, there are some people who do react to ginger with minor side effects of heartburn or getting too warm while taking ginger. Even with these minor side effects, ginger is definitely worth a second look, and it obviously has more uses than just as a spice!

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Finding The Right Supplements For Your Body

Your body many not just need a “vitamin.” You may also be lacking enzymes, minerals, or other substances. One way to determine your body’s needs would be to start with a blood test to determine the basics. You could also visit with a naturopathic physician or herbalist to go over some of your body’s specific issues and needs. Once you have determined what supplements your body needs, it is time to do some research to find the right ones. Not all supplements are created equal.

Of course the best way to get your nutrients is still through food, but sometimes that is just not enough. So where do you turn to find the right supplement? When shopping for supplements, you need to look at all of the ingredients included and the Daily Values (DV). Sometimes there are additives or fillers that you simply do not want or need in your body.

A good multivitamin will include 100% of the DV of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B12, D, and folic acid as well as chromium, copper, iodine, selenium, and zinc. A good vitamin will also include at least 20 micrograms of vitamin K. Because too much vitamin A can be a bad thing, you should be looking for a vitamin that includes no more than 5,000 IU of vitamin A of which 40% to 50% should be beta carotene. Ensuring that your multivitamin includes adequate vitamin C and E is essential, as these are powerful antioxidants that your body needs to maintain good health. If your body is lacking in iron, it is a good idea to find a supplement that includes iron as well.

There are hundreds of different varieties of supplements on the market today and it can get confusing as to which are best. Take the time to do a little research and read labels to determine what is best for your personal needs.

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Homeopathic Medicine Is Still Medicine

Homeopathy is the practice of using natural remedies to work with your body to stimulate your own defenses and boost your own immune systems. Homeopathic remedies are medicine and need to be used responsibly. It is never advisable to use any substance without knowing why you are using it and the effect it can have on your body. It is definitely never a good idea to start taking any herbal or homeopathic substance while on “traditional” medications without seeking the advice of a naturopathic/ homeopathic physician or medical physician first to learn of any potential risks or side effects of mixing medications and/or homeopathic/herbal remedies.

Homeopathy is natural medicine and should be treated as such. Do not start treating an ailment without doing some research first and preferably consulting a naturopathic/ homeopathic physician. Many conditions need to be followed closely and need to be treated with a specific plan in mind to aid in quicker treatment as well as avoid any potential risks or serious side effects. Just as with western medicine, homeopathic and/or herbal medicine can also cause reactions in people, as we are all different and our bodies respond differently to substances. It is important to understand what you are taking, why you are taking, and what activities or other substances need to be avoided while treating your ailment.

There are so many advantages to using natural remedies, herbs, and homeopathic preparations. The studies and evidence of the negative effects of “modern medicine” and the damage that so many of the “traditional” treatments have on our bodies is overwhelming. Many of the treatments that are meant to cure or contain so many ailments either worsen or create other problems, which then in turn have to be fixed by another medication. Isn’t it better to treat the whole body and reduce or eliminate the problem in the first place?

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Health Benefits of Cranberry

Cranberry juice is not just a great tasting drink. It is also an excellent “medicine” for urinary tract health and prostate health. For a long time the medical community believed this was just a myth or old “wives tale” but they are now coming around to see cranberries for their health potential and some physicians are even beginning to recommend drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements to their patients.

Cranberry has long been used in medicinal practices by Europeans and Native Indians. Not only is it used for curing urinary tract infections, but it has been used for dealing with gallbladder attacks, liver and stomach problems, and for the prevention of scurvy. Cranberry contains vitamin C and flavonoids, which help to prevent scurvy. Today cranberry juice and supplements are used all around the world by millions of people.

The main thing cranberry juice is recommended for is for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections and prostate infections. Research has shown that cranberry inhibits the growth of bacteria, specifically E. coli, which is the most common culprit in urinary tract infections.

Cranberry used to be recommended to be taken in juice form, but many people do not like the taste of cranberry or cannot handle drinking an unsweetened form of the juice. Cranberry juice is best to be taken in the unsweetened form, as sugar suppresses the immune system, which will just be working against the benefits you are trying to achieve. Therefore, more people are turning to taking capsules or tablets of cranberry. The dosages can vary depending on the form you are taking it in.

There are no reported side effects from cranberry, although due to the natural sugars in cranberry, diabetics should consult with a physician before taking large amounts of cranberry on a regular basis.

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Vitamin Supplementation–Health or Hype?

There are several different schools of thought on the subject of vitamin supplementation. Health professionals in general disagree on the necessity of supplementation. Some health professionals feel that daily supplementation with a multivitamin is essential to a healthy body, while others feel that the proper diet and a healthy lifestyle are sufficient and that vitamin supplementation is simply uncalled-for.

With the American diet, many people take vitamin supplementation as a replacement for a healthy diet. Rather than eating fresh fruits and vegetables, iron rich foods, whole grains, etc., and obtaining the necessary nutrients that their bodies need through the foods they are eating. Individuals feel they can “substitute” these nutrients by taking a multivitamin. Although, generally those who take a multivitamin on a daily basis are more in tune with their bodies and are working harder at living a healthier lifestyle to begin with! Dietary supplements are not meant to replace healthy foods.

One of the major issues that health professionals have with the vitamin industry is that so many supplements are made for everyone regardless of age, size, health, weight, etc. Not everyone is the same and not everyone is going to need the same supplements to ensure proper health.

It is important, therefore, when deciding to take a supplement to assess your individual needs. Get some basic blood testing done to determine where you weaknesses are and what your body specifically needs. Do some research on your age group, gender, lifestyle, etc. and find what nutrients are essential to your own body.

Your best source of micronutrients is not found in a pill, but rather in whole foods. To obtain the optimal nutrients that your body needs start eating a proper diet. Whole foods contain essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that our bodies need. If you still feel that through testing or otherwise that you need to supplement your nutrition, then find the best quality supplements you can find.

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