Posted on June 23, 2008 in Alternative Health, Health & Fitness by adminNo Comments »

What are some of the most common herbal supplements, and how do practitioners believe they operate within the body? Kelp, a sea vegetable which has been consumed for centuries by native Asian Islanders, contains concentrated vitamins and minerals. Among these potent nutrients are magnesium, iodine, and iron. Kelp may assist with metabolism by stimulating the production of hormones in the thyroid.

Another herbal supplement which many nutritionists swear by is red clover. This herb is a great source of isoflavones, which may assist in preventing the proliferation of metastasized cancerous cells. Although evidence as to the efficacy of herbs like red clover in battling cancer is inconclusive, early indicators suggest that red clover may indeed have some tangible positive effects. An herbal remedy generating a great deal of awareness as a potential cancer fighter is essiac tea–a blend of eight herbs that is said to boost the functioning of the immune system. Essiac tea contains kelp and red clover, in addition to six other herbs that have immune-boosting, health-promoting properties.

Healthful Herbal Supplements
When taking herbal supplements, its important to consult your regular physician to make sure that you dont consume anything that might be counter indicated by your current medical course. Developing a whole body wellness mentality means recognizing the benefits both of traditional medicine and of herbal medicine. A comprehensive strategy may be the fastest path to wellness.

Bear in mind that just because an herbal supplement may be beneficial in small doses doesnt mean that it will yield amplified results if you take megadoses. In many cases, the efficacy of an herb depends to a large extent on preparation. Work with your herbalist to design and implement a progressive plan of preventative health maintenance which includes herbs and a balanced diet.

Posted on June 22, 2008 in Alternative Health, Health & Fitness by adminNo Comments »

Cancer remains a prolific killer in the United States and around the world. The promise of defeating malignant growths via one or two panacea medicines may never come to fruition. Thats because the term cancer describes a number of complicated cellular growth irregularities, many of which need individual treatment. So what does the future for cancer therapy hold?

Many scientists and physicians believe that improved oncological treatments may result from better technologies. Indeed, some really prolific and exciting work is being done in the field of nanotechnology. Some researchers believe that, in the near future, medical companies will create and engineer tiny enzymes and medicines which can attack cancer at the cellular level.

Various Forms of Cancer Treatment
Yet for all the excitement surrounding the nanotechnology revolution, the truth is that many cancer patients need action today. Early diagnosis has been shown to reduce mortality rates. In addition, more aggressive treatments, combining drugs and chemotherapy, can be incredibly effective in some kind of cancers. Beyond these traditional means of fighting the disease, some patients and doctors have experimented with herbal remedies.

One of the most popular herbal cancer treatments is essiac, a proprietary blend of medicinal herbs which many believe play a role in immunological support. There is debate among the medical community as to the mechanisms by which essiac tea operates, but many agree that the tea delivers salutary effects. There are recommended dosages and brewing suggestions, both offered by reputable vendors of essiac. Be sure to pay attention to their information on dosage to ensure the best effects. Essiac tea is typically taken cold. It should be
stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Many people mix it with fruit
or vegetable juice to make it more palatable. Indeed, many people call it
essiac juice rather than essiac tea.

Posted on June 21, 2008 in Alternative Health, Health & Fitness by adminNo Comments »

If you are in an at-risk group for disease or cancer, you can take immediate and proactive steps to improve your health and wellness. First and foremost, reevaluate your diet and exercise regimen. If youre like most Americans, chances are that you dont get enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, and you dont do nearly enough cardiovascular exercise every week.

Doctors dont recommend that patients jump into unusual diet and exercise programs without consultation. The truth is that there are a lot of suspect programs out there designed to bilk anxious patients out of their money. One single treatment method or pill wont likely be a panacea to your health issues–you need to engage in a whole body program of wellness and nutrition.

Steps to Improve Your Health
Getting enough cardiovascular exercise can be a challenge for those with persistent joint problems. After all, those with pain find it difficult to run twice a week or even to work out on elliptical machines. Swimming is a great low-impact aerobic form of cardiovascular exercise. In addition, you might want to consider taking a yoga class and doing some form of breathing and meditation.

When youre trying to rework your diet, focus both on what you eat and when you eat. Nutritional studies show that people who eat food late at night tend to gain more weight. Flip flopping when you eat may be enough to generate substantial results. However, you also might want to increase your intake of green foods, herbal teas, and phytonutrients. This holistic program will likely make you feel better and reduce your chances of getting sick.

Posted on June 20, 2008 in Alternative Health, Health & Fitness by adminNo Comments »

Many nutritionists market herbal formulas as cure-alls for certain diseases or cancers. Yet the truth is that, even the most potent herbal formulas on the market can only do so much in terms of preparing your body to meet the challenges of disease fighting. The best herbal formulas detoxify the blood and assist with certain immunological functions.

One of the reasons why essiac tea has proven so successful for so many people may have to do with the fact that it contains herbs which, when taken separately, generate surprisingly good results. For instance, consider the slippery elm bark that is found in most formulas for essiac. Slippery elm bark has a long history as a poultice for scratches and cuts. It also proves to be a useful lubricant for battling sore throats.

Herbal Formulas for Better Health
Another great herbal ingredient in essiac is watercress. This herb is extremely high in vitamin C, a compound which has been demonstrated to assist with immunological health. In addition, watercress stimulates the appetite and may help alleviate certain neurological conditions and liver ailments. Watercress contains a compound called rhein, which may inhibit bacterial growth in the intestines.

Another great herbal ingredient in essiac is watercress. This herb is
extremely high in vitamin C, a compound which has been demonstrated to
assist with immunological health. In addition, watercress stimulates the
appetite and may help alleviate certain neurological conditions and liver
ailments. Watercress contains a compound called rhein, which may inhibit
bacterial growth in the intestines.

However, in addition to the individual properties of the eight herbs found
in essiac tea, herbal formulas blended in specific ratios such as essiac may
have a synergistic effect above and beyond the properties of the individual
herbs. In other words, taking the eight herbs in the specific essiac ratios
may yield better results than just taking the eight herbs individually.
This was indicated through the Brusch clinical trials conducted at the
Brusch Medical Research Center in the 1960s and 1970s. The special eight
herb essiac formula is not in the public domain in order to keep it away
from unscrupulous marketers looking to take advantage of those who are ill
with cancer.

When analyzing the medicinal properties of herbs, you should also take into
account the benefits of traditional treatments. The best course of action is
probably a combination of traditional and alternative treatments. Make sure
your diet and exercise routines are appropriate for your circumstances. Do
as much research as you can on your condition, and reevaluate any treatment
phase if you feel discomfort.

Posted on June 19, 2008 in Alternative Health, Health & Fitness by adminNo Comments »

The natural health industry has blossomed in a major way over the past few decades. While some cynics chalk up the expansion of this industry as not being important, many practicing physicians believe that there are numerous legitimate and healthful natural formulas and herbs on the market. The problem is that there are not a lot of epidemiological data to demonstrate how these herbs and supplements aid the body.

The reality is that the human body is immensely complicated, and not even the most prestigious doctors understand all the mechanisms that occur at the cellular level. Thus, when youre crafting a regimen for a healthy life, you want to cover all your bases. Most natural herbal supplements that are sold widely dont generate negative side effects, at least when taken in regular doses.

Surveying Natural Health Supplements
Even if science proves that these herbs have ultimately no effect on health, you wont risk injury. That said, some significant scientific studies on the potency of herbal formulas are underway. Talk with your physician about what kind of natural supplements you should take. It also may be a good idea to reevaluate your current dietary and exercise habits in the context of your lifestyle.

Freshly squeezed vegetable juice and fruit juice are great supplements to your diet. Dont rely exclusively on the RDA label on the back of your juice to comprehensively describe a products nutritional benefits. RDA labels are designed to provide a minimum of information. Yet many of the most potent compounds in freshly squeezed juice are not listed on most RDA labels.