Archived Articles - June 2014


Apple cider vinegar cures acne better than chemicals
    Jun-02-2014

It is very difficult to find a completely natural acne remedy among the products available over-the-counter these days. The creams, cleansers, spot applications and toners available in the market enclose numerous chemicals that are ruthless on the skin and may be detrimental for your health. According to Kids Health organization, using the commonly available acne medications like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in excess may aggravate acne. What is worse is that a physician may prescribe you a remedy that can even upset the natural systems of your body, thereby causing adverse side effects. Hence, it is advisable that you use apple cider vinegar that is harmless when consumed. This is a natural substance that offers acne combating benefits and clears the skin in a safe and healthy manner.

Apple cider vinegar

This is a completely natural substance that will not have any detrimental effects, if any, on your body compared to the chemicals present in the commonly used skincare products. Apple cider vinegar is prepared from fermented apples. Sugar present in the fruit is converted into alpha hydroxy acid by micro organisms. The acne fighting actions of apple cider vinegar are attributed to alpha hydroxy acid. Apart from the acid, apple cider vinegar also encloses water, mineral salts and vitamins.

Apple cider vinegar and skincare

Our skin is coated with a natural acid, which defends against pollution and germs that our body is exposed to regularly. Several skincare products, including cleansers affects this natural acid adversely, eroding its aptitude to protect us from foreign forces. However, alpha hydroxy acid present in apple cider vinegar helps to maintain the equilibrium of the natural acidity of the skin, thereby ensuring that it is protected. Moreover, the elements contained by apple cider vinegar can get rid of dirt and makeup from the skin, in addition to combat bacteria and break down dead cells. Precisely speaking, apple cider vinegar rinses out and balances the skin naturally.

Like most other vinegars, apple cider vinegar might also aid the skin if you ingest it. According to Acne Einstein, vinegar contains acetic acid, which regulates insulin levels, thereby helping to balance the hormones responsible for acne. However, further studies are required to ascertain the potential effects of vinegar on acne.

Which type of apple cider vinegar works

Practically, all apple cider vinegar varieties possess some acne treating attributes. However, you need to use organic non-pasteurized and non-filtered apple cider vinegar for best results. However, the apple cider vinegar needs to enclose the "mother" - a strand within the vinegar developed by bacteria. While this vinegar will not be harmful, you can filter it if you like.

Using apple cider vinegar for acne

Apple cider vinegar offer acne-combating benefits and serves as a facial toner. You can prepare the toner by blending vinegar with water in proportions of 1:3. Before using the toner, rinse your face with a mildly natural cleanser. Subsequently apply the facial toner using a cotton ball and allow it to remain. When the toner dries up, you may preferably use moisturizer or any other product.

Despite being natural, apple cider vinegar may cause skin reactions. Hence, you should start using more diluted vinegar to test the way your skin reacts to it. If there is not adverse reaction you may use more vinegar in the solution.

In case you are using apple cider vinegar for regulating blood insulin levels, you need to consume the vinegar. For best results, drink one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar daily. If you find the taste unpleasant, you may blend it with some food or juice. Preferably you should take the vinegar prior to consuming large amounts of carbohydrates, as it will retard the pace of processing the carbs, thereby preventing rise in insulin levels.

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Two rainforest cancer fighting herbs that also alleviate chemotherapy side effects
    Jun-03-2014

If you or anyone known to you is suffering from cancer, struggling with conventional treatments and seeking alternative means to alleviate the condition, it is time that you try any of the following potent rainforest herbs, which possess the ability to invigorate the right systems to help them combat cancer effectively.

Cat's claw

Also called una de gato, cat's claw is a big wooded vine native to the Amazon rainforest. This herb is called cat's claw owing to the hook-like thorns akin to a cat's claws that grow the length of the vine.

People in Europe and Peru have been using cat's claw since the 1990s in the form of a supplementary cancer therapy and also to treat other ailments that affect our immune system. This herb encloses numerous active plant chemicals and oxidole alkaloids are the most researched among them. They are said to possess anti-leukemic and immune-stimulant properties.

Scientific studies involving cat's claw (botanical name Uncaria tomentosa) show that it have several anti-cancer properties. Some of these are mentioned below.

An in vitro study undertaken by Italian scientists in 2001 showed that cat's claw worked to inhibit human breast cancer cells by about 90 percent. Similarly, an in vitro study undertaken by scientists in Sweden 1998 noted that the herb retarded leukemia and lymphoma cell growth.

Findings of Keplinger's observatory examinations revealed that cancer patients who took cat's claw along with other conventional medications like chemotherapy and radiation therapy suffered lesser adverse effects, such as nausea, weight loss, hair loss and secondary infections. Other studies have also demonstrated that using cat's claw may be helpful in repairing DNA cells and putting off cell mutations. In addition, the herb may aid in avoiding white blood cell loss and damages to immune cells due to chemotherapy drugs.

Cat's claw is also effective in combating free radicals, killing viruses and lessening inflammation.

Graviola

This rainforest herb is a small, straight evergreen tree that grows up to a height of about 5 to 6 meters and produces big, shiny, dark green hued leaves.

Recent studies have shown that the leaves, stem, bark and the fruit seeds of graviola enclose a group of chemicals known as Annonaceous acetogenins, which possess notable anti-tumour attributes and are selectively toxic against a variety of carcinogenic cells when used in extremely small doses. However, they do not harm the healthy cells.

Several studies undertaken on graviola have documented that this herb effectively combats cancer. Some of the findings are discussed below.

In 1997, data made public by the Purdue University showed that besides having an affinity for tumours resistant to many anti-cancer agents, the group of novel chemicals present in graviola kill all such tumours effectively. In other words, these chemicals possess the ability to destroy cancer cells having multi-drug resistance or MDR. Precisely speaking, acetogenins present in graviola selectively kill MDR cells by obstructing the transfer of ATP, which forms the cells' main energy source, to the carcinogenic cells.

The National Cancer Institute undertook a plant screening program in 1976, which showed that the leaves and stems of graviola are toxic against carcinogenic cells, and in vitro studies revealed that particular acetogenins were toxic to certain tumour cells types, including human breast cancer cells, lung carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, liver cancer cell lines, prostate adenocarcinoma, human lymphoma, colon adenocarcinoma, and MDR human breast adenocarcinoma.

In 2003, findings of studies undertaken in Taiwan showed that annonacin, the main acetogenin in graviola, was extremely toxic to certain cancer forms - breast, cervical, ovarian, and skin cancer, even when used in very low amounts.

Apart from carcinogenic cells, graviola also eliminates bacteria, viruses and parasites, in addition to encouraging digestion and alleviating depression.

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Five best means to detox appropriately
    Jun-09-2014

Spring is the time when people rejuvenate them, often by undergoing various detox programs. However, it is unfortunate that many over-enthusiastic people go about with detox programs in a reckless manner compromising their effects. Hence, even before you undertake a 21-day juice fasting, you should take into account the vital activities to obtain the utmost gains from the detox program.

Support the liver

The liver is the biggest internal organ of our body and it purifies the bloodstream by removing all toxic and waste substances and preventing their re-entry. When the functioning of the liver is hindered, toxins accumulate faster owing to the organ's inability to manage and eliminate them properly and, hence, it is prudent to invigorate and detoxify the liver specifically to enable it to function effectively. Foods and herbs that promote the functioning of the liver include artichoke, burdock root, dandelion, and turmeric, milk thistle, avocado, green vegetables, garlic, walnuts, grapefruit and fermented foods such as kefir and sauerkraut augment the functioning of the liver.

Support the kidneys

Despite the relatively small size, the kidneys filter roughly 20 percent of the blood eliminating wastes and excessive water from our body. Subsequently, the filtered blood goes back to the system, while the waste removed from it is accumulated in the bladder till it is eliminated via the urethra. When you plan to detoxify your system, you enhance the quantity of wastes that need to be eliminated and in case the kidneys do not function appropriately, it may lead to problems like kidney and bladder infections.

Herbs and foods that are vital for supporting the kidneys include corn silk, horsetail, uva ursi, golden rod, juniper berries, apple cider vinegar, unsweetened cranberry juice and magnesium.

Encourage bowel movements

Regular bowel movements are vital for appropriate detoxification of the body, and lack of it may lead to reabsorption of toxins by the intestinal walls. Subsequently, they will return to the bloodstream and other body areas. Therefore, you should ensure that you move your bowels frequently and properly by consuming appropriate herbs, foods and nutrients to lubricate your digestive tract.

For this, you need to drink lots of filtered or spring water; consume fresh vegetables and fruits like cabbage, aloe vera, broccoli, cauliflower, ginger, garlic, leafy vegetables; activated charcoal, bentonite clay, diatomaceous earth to bind and remove toxins; vitamin C; and magnesium.

Clear the pores

The skin is the largest detoxification organ and when it becomes irritated, dry or blemished, it is an indication that the skin is eliminating toxins, as the other detoxifying organs such as the liver and kidneys are overloaded. Therefore, you need to ensure that the skin pores are open and free to force our toxins. You may do a few things to clear the skin pores - exercise; undertake dry brushing; take hot baths adding essential oils and magnesium to your bath water; and use infrared sauna.

Promote lymphatic circulation

The lymphatic system is responsible for purifying the fluid surrounding the cells in our body by means of getting rid of wastes and impurities, which aids in shielding the body from toxic substances and also improves the functioning level of the cells. Unlike the blood, the lymp system lacks a pump and, hence, movement is necessary to invigorate it and prevent its stagnation. You need to do a few things like massage, rebounding and possibly acupuncture to keep the lymph in circulation.

So, go ahead as you are now more equipped to undertake an effective detox program.

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Five super foods that help to put off belly fat
    Jun-17-2014

Although several studies have associated too much belly fat to heart diseases, high blood pressure and even untimely death, numerous Americans continue to be obese, putting on inches and pounds every year. Apart from undertaking regular exercises to avoid belly fat, you should also make necessary dietary changes to reduce the accumulated fat. Here we will talk about five super foods that will help you eliminate excessive belly fat.

Cruciferous vegetables

Vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and kale enclose phytochemicals, particularly indole-3-carbinol (I3C) - a phytochemical that aids in neutralizing the actions of xenoestrogens that work like estrogen. We intake xenoestrogens from various sources like air pollutants, plastics, herbicides and pesticides. They may also come from meat of animals, which have ingested hormones for "fattening-up". Inside our body, xenoestrogens may lead to excess estrogen and contribute to belly fat build-up. I3C not only neutralizes xenoestrogens, but also detoxify the body from their detrimental actions. Consuming plenty of cruciferous vegetables help to augment the I3C levels, thereby boosting the aptitude of the body to defend against the detrimental actions of xenoestrogens and also prevent formation of belly fat.

Avocados

Loaded with healthy fats, avocados are beneficial for the heart's health. They also suppress your craving for fatty foods and prevent "sugar swings". In addition, avocados contain healthy fats that control the hormones that regulate your appetite, making you feel full and lowering the desire for food in general. Avocados also contain elevated levels of vitamins and dietary fiber that makes it a perfect food for people struggling to lose weight. Avocados ensure that you only get nutriments that are necessary to remain healthy.

Lentils

These foods enclose starches that are digestion-resistant - starches that are difficult to metabolize and taken up by the body. In other words, lentils provide all benefits of a diet that is fiber-rich and facilitates digestion without any side effects like fat build-up in the body. As it is difficult for the body to absorb lentils, they make you feel full for a long time and also reduce your hunger.

Here is a note for people consuming lentils for the first time. Eating excessive lentils as well as other beans and legumes may make such people believe that these foods are contributing to their belly fat. This is because when you consume too much lentils, you may experience bloating. As majority of the present day diets do not incorporate elevated levels of fiber-rich foods, our body is not habituated to effectively breaking down dietary fiber. This results in rapid gas formation inside the stomach. You may avoid this problem by initially consuming foods with elevated fiber content in small quantities and augment the amount gradually, as the body regains its ability to effectively break down dietary fiber. In case you don't like lentils, you may try taking other fiber-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, chickpeas and tea, which also enclose resistant starches.

Kiwi fruit

This fruit contains remarkably elevated levels of vitamin C. Precisely speaking, the vitamin C content of one kiwi fruit is in excess of our recommended daily allowance of this nutrient, which helps our body form carnitine, a metabolite. This, in turn, facilitates the body to burn fat. Findings of a study undertaken in Arizona demonstrated that consuming supplements containing vitamin C boosts the body's capacity to burn fat four times.

Green tea

Findings of several studies have revealed that green tea contains natural chemicals known as "catechins", which enhance the body fat-burning ability, with no requirement for caffeine. It has been found that consumption of numerous cups of green tea daily is beneficial for nearly all individuals. However, if this seems too much or you just loathe its flavour, you may consume natural green tea supplements to obtain similar health benefits.

The best part of these super foods is that they are available easily and also do not cost you much. In other words, you can make the necessary changes in your diet right now with a view to reduce belly fat and prevent its build-up. So, before it's late, include them in your grocery list.

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Daily consumption of coffee lowers risks of liver cancer
    Jun-22-2014

Contrary to the age-old belief that coffee is harmful for our health, latest reports show that drinking the beverage daily offers numerous health benefits. Apart from the findings that consuming a cup of coffee every day help to prevent strokes, type 2 diabetes, as well as Parkinson's disease, latest studies show that people who drink coffee on a regular basis also have less chances of developing specific forms of liver cancer. In addition, it also has several other positive effects on our general health and wellness.

Prevents most common forms of liver cancer

Scientists at the University of South California's Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center have demonstrated that a positive relation exists between consuming coffee and reduced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risks. The scientists presented their findings at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research. While presenting their findings, scientists remarked that people with high risks of this cancer form would benefit if they drink coffee every day.

V. Wendy Setiawan, a physician and associate professor at the University of California's Department of Preventive Medicine, says as many as 179,890 men and women participated in the study undertaken over 18 years. These subjects belonged to different races, including Hawaiian Americans, Japanese Americans, African Americans, Caucasians and Latinos. During the study, the scientists tracked their coffee intake, in addition to other aspects associated with their lifestyles.

Among those who participated in this study eventually 498 were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma. The scientists observed a fascinating association between the quantity of coffee consumed by a subject and his/ her chances of developing cancer. It was found that subjects who consumed one to three cups of coffee on average daily faced 29 percent less risk of developing HCC compared to those who consumed less than 6 cups of the beverage every week.

Consuming more coffee reduces liver cancer risk

The results of subject who consumed four or additional cups of coffee daily were more amazing. It was found that the chances of developing liver cancer were 42 percent less in these subjects. Although the findings are heartening, it is not the first time that scientists have found the healthy relationship between drinking coffee and reduced risks of developing cancer.

Studies show positive results of drinking coffee

A study carried in the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2013 evaluated the findings of various studies undertaken on the issue over several years. This study examined 16 previous studies undertaken between 1999 and 2012 and concluded that people who consumed coffee regularly faced 40 percent lower risks of developing HCC. Moreover, the risks were reduced by another 10 percent when people consumed no less than three cups of the beverage daily.


The many amazing health benefits of ginger
    Jun-24-2014

Medline Plus suggests that consuming 1 gram of ginger prior to any surgery may possibly help in lessening vomiting and nausea in the post-operative stage. Ginger, which is reputed for lessening vomiting and nausea, has several therapeutic uses. For instance, this herb has been used for more than two-thousand years by the Chinese for treating nausea, stomach disorders, heart problems and arthritis.

In addition to the above mentioned health benefits, ginger is also useful in lessening pain, inflammation and migraines. This spicy herb has also proved to be useful in treating complications related to diabetes, gout and ulcers. It is an excellent remedy for digestive problems and is also known to counter various types of carcinogenic cells. This herb encloses two compounds - gingerol and shogaol, which are believed to contribute to the health benefits offered by ginger.

Improves digestion

Ginger is excellent for use after meals, as it helps rinse out the palate and sinuses, besides being a wonderful digestive aid. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center suggests that this herb facilitates digestive system by encouraging production of saliva as well as digestive juices. Findings of a study carried in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology revealed that ginger facilitates the stomach muscles to contract, which, in turn, helps digestion by means of transferring the ingested foods from the stomach to the small intestine - very beneficial for people suffering from indigestion.

Reduces inflammation

Many experts are of the view that an inflamed colon is a sign of developing colon cancer. Findings of a research undertaken by scientists at the University of Michigan Medical School and carried in Cancer Prevention Research journal showed that administering a ginger root supplement to those who participated in the study reduced the inflammation markers in the colon in just 30 days.

A co-researcher of the study, Suzanna M. Zick, N.D., M.P.H., elucidated that it is possible to reduce the risks of colon cancer by getting rid of colon inflammation. According to Zick, it is necessary to apply similar severity to the type of queries regarding the actions of ginger roots, which are relevant to other clinical examination researches. She said that people's interest in ginger will increase as they continue to seek means to avoid cancer, which are non-toxic, and enhance the quality of their life in a worthwhile manner.

Alleviates pain

Findings of several studies have revealed that ginger is effective in alleviating osteoarthritis pain. One particular research showed that consuming 500 mg of ginger extract two times every day works better than 400 mg of ibuprofen taken thrice daily for hip and knee pain due to arthritis. Studies have also hinted that using ginger and orange oil in massage therapy may possibly aid in lessening knee pain and stiffness.

Reduces vomiting and nausea

Studies on humans have suggested that taking one gram of ginger daily may aid in lessening nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. One study discovered that using ginger reduced vomiting and nausea by 38 percent. In addition, ginger may possibly also aid in alleviating dizziness. Drink a tea prepared with fresh ginger pieces and some honey to prevent vomiting and nausea. It is advisable that you carry some ginger capsules while traveling and take them before you experience nausea and/ or vomiting. Pure ginger capsules with no additive can also be opened and contents sprinkled in hot water to prepare ginger tea.

Additional uses

Findings of a number of studies have suggested that ginger may aid in preventing blood clot formation and perhaps also lower cholesterol levels.

Other uses include:


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