Tag Archives: disease
Acai for Your Health
Acai (Euterpe Oleracea) contains the essential fatty acid Omega 6 (Linoleic acid). Omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids (EFAs). They are essential to human health but cannot be made in the body. For this reason, they must be obtained from food. Omega-3 fatty acids are another important group of essential fatty acids. Together, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. EFAs belong to the class of fatty acids called polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are generally necessary for stimulating skin and hair growth, maintaining bone health, regulating metabolism and maintaining reproductive capability.
Deficiencies in EFAs can lead to reduced growth, a scaly rash called dermatitis, infertility, and lack of ability to fight infection and heal wounds. Lack of omega-6 fatty acids, however, is rare in diets of those living in certain Western countries, particularly the United States and Israel. In fact, North American and Israeli diets tend to have too much omega-6, particularly in relation to omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance contributes to long-term diseases, such as heart disease, asthma, arthritis, cancer and depression. A healthy diet should consist of roughly 2 – 4 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The typical American diet tends to contain 14 – 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, and many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the United States.
Acai oil is dark green and rich in Omega 6 & 9. Approximately 60 -80% of this oil is Omega 9 and 10 -20% Omega 6. Also contained in the oil are polyphenolics. The antioxidant capacity of this naturally occurring oil from the Acai fruit is as potent as that of the fruit itself. This oil is analogous to extra-virgin olive oil. The real test for Acai is the sign of the green slick on top of the juice.
There are few different types of omega-6 fatty acids. Most omega-6 fatty acids are consumed in the diet from vegetable oils as linoleic acid (LA). Acai is a good source of Linoleic acid. Be careful not to confuse this with alpha-linolenic acid [ALA] which is an omega-3 fatty acid. Linoleic acid is converted to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in the body and then further broken down to arachidonic acid (AA). AA can also be consumed directly from meat, and GLA can be ingested from several plant-based oils including acai.
Uses: Some preliminary clinical research suggests that omega-6 fatty acids may be useful for the following health conditions:
Acne and psoriasis – Preliminary clinical research has reported that dietary linoleic acid (LA, from corn oil and others) may prove beneficial for these skin conditions by replenishing the low levels of LA in these lesions. Further clinical research is needed in this area.
Alcoholism EPO may help lessen cravings for alcohol and prevent liver damage. Most of this information comes from animal studies, and more research in humans is needed.
Allergies – The use of EFAs to prevent allergic reactions or reduce their magnitude has had mixed results in clinical studies. There have been some reports of individuals lessening their allergic reaction by taking GLA from EPO. Well-conducted research studies are needed to determine whether EPO can be helpful for large numbers of people with allergies.
A clinical study evaluating the dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids relative to the risk of having hay fever (or allergic rhinitis) found an increase risk of developing symptoms associated with hay fever when using omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-6 fatty acids from the diet or supplements, such as EPO or other sources, have a longstanding history of folk use for allergies. Whether this supplement improves symptoms of the conditions listed above may be very individual. Work with your health care provider to first determine if it is safe for you to try GLA and then follow your allergy symptoms closely for any signs of improvement or lack or improvement.
Anorexia nervosa Clinical studies suggest that women, and possibly men, with anorexia nervosa have lower than optimal levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, including omega-6 fatty acids) and display abnormalities in the use of these fatty acids in the body. To prevent the metabolic complications associated with essential fatty acid deficiencies, some recommend that treatment programs for anorexia nervosa include PUFA-rich foods, such as organ meats and fish.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Clinical research to date has suggested an improvement in symptoms and behaviors related to ADHD from omega-3 fatty acids. Results of clinical studies supplying omega-6 fatty acids in the form of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) to children with ADHD, however, have been mixed and, therefore, not conclusive. More research on GLA for ADHD is needed before conclusions can be drawn. In the meantime, ensuring a healthier balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the diet seems worthwhile for those with this condition.
Diabetes – Omega-6 fatty acid supplementation, in the form of GLA from evening primrose oil or other sources, may assist nerve function and help prevent nerve disease experienced by those with diabetes (called peripheral neuropathy and felt as numbness, tingling, pain, burning, or lack of sensation in the feet or legs).
Eczema – Several clinical studies suggest that EPO is more beneficial than placebo at relieving symptoms associated with this skin condition such as itching, redness, and scaling. However, other clinical studies have not had the same positive results testing GLA derived from EPO. Talk to your health care provider about the possibility and safety of trying EPO for this eczema.
Eye disease GLA may be beneficial in dry-eye conditions such as Sjgren’s syndrome (a condition with symptoms of dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis).
Heart disease and high blood pressure – Animal studies suggest that GLA may lower the blood pressure of hypertensive rats — either alone or in combination with two important omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, both found in fish and fish oil. Together with EPA and DHA, the GLA helped to prevent the development of heart disease in these animals as well.
Peripheral artery disease causes blockages in the blood vessels in the legs from atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), causing cramping pain with walking. In one clinical study evaluating individuals with peripheral artery disease, men and women with this condition did experience improvement in their blood pressure from the combination of EPA and GLA. Much more research is needed in people before conclusions can be drawn.
Menopausal symptoms – Although EPO has gained some popularity for treating hot flashes during menopause, the research to date has not demonstrated a benefit of GLA or EPO over taking a placebo. Talk to your health care professional about whether it is safe for you to try EPO or another form of GLA supplements to alleviate hot flashes.
Multiple Sclerosis – Evening primrose oil (EPO) has a long history of use in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) although some of the clinical research on its effectiveness has been conflicting.
Osteoporosis – A deficiency in essential fatty acids, including GLA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA (an omega-3 fatty acid), can lead to severe bone loss and osteoporosis. Clinical studies have reported that supplements of GLA and EPA help maintain or increase bone mass. Essential fatty acids may also enhance calcium absorption, increase calcium deposits in bones, diminish calcium loss in urine, improve bone strength, and enhance bone growth, all of which may contribute to improved bone mass and, therefore, strength.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Although results of studies have been mixed, some women find relief of their PMS symptoms when using GLA supplements from EPO or another source.
Rheumatoid arthritis Some preliminary clinical studies suggest that GLA from EPO, borage oil, or black currant seed oil may diminish joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. . The clinical studies to date, however, have been small in size. Additional research in this area is needed. When using GLA for symptoms of arthritis, it may take 1 – 3 months for benefits to appear.
Tuberculosis – Animal studies suggest that guinea pigs fed a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids were better able to fight this infection than guinea pigs fed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Whether this would help people with tuberculosis is not known.
Ulcers Preliminary evidence from test tube and animal studies suggest that GLA from EPO may have anti-ulcer properties. It is premature to know how this might apply to people with stomach or intestinal ulcers or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).
Weight loss – Results of clinical studies regarding use of EPO for weight loss have been mixed and, therefore, use of this type of supplement may not work for everyone. One clinical study suggests that if the supplement is going to work, it does so mainly for overweight individuals for whom obesity runs in the family. In fact, if your body weight is only 10% above normal (for example, 10 – 20 pounds above average), EPO is unlikely to help you lose weight.
Foods like the Acai bring benefits to professional sport men and women who need more energy through healthy, natural, organic supplements. Read more about Acai juice today.
Finding The Psoriasis Cure
There is no psoriasis cure, a sad fact that too many sufferers are well aware of. There are, however, several treatments available that can reduce the lesions, swelling, and itching. The proper treatment may even cause your psoriasis to go into remission. You’ll want to make a plan with your doctor to help control your condition until a psoriasis cure is discovered.
The most effective treatment plans usually involve both regular medication and at-home remedies. One medication that your doctor may prescribe is a topical cream, such as a tar based ointment. Your doctor may also recommend steroid injections. These can be injected directly into the lesions, but may have side effects or only be suitable for short term use.
Photo-therapy, or therapy that involves exposing the skin to artificial ultraviolet light, is also a common treatment for psoriasis. It is a preferred treatment when the psoriasis covers so much of the body that topical ointments aren’t practical.
While not everyone agrees with alternative therapies, some people looking for a psoriasis cure find much success with them. The term alternative therapies cover many different treatments, many of them quite old and traditional in the East. Perhaps the best known, and widely accepted, is acupuncture. Others might find relief through qigong, reflexology, or acupressure.
Exercise and a well-balanced diet isn’t a psoriasis cure, but they can prove helpful. You’ll reduce your stress and boost your immune system by exercising at least three times a week and including plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet.
Remedies from your cupboard can also be useful. Apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, or olive oil can be added to bath water to help relieve symptoms. Aloe vera can be applied directly on the skin and can help clear up psoriasis. To make an ointment, mix baking soda with water and use a cloth to apply the mixture to the skin wherever your psoriasis is most bothersome.
Although there is no psoriasis cure, there are many things that you can do to feel better and lessen the affects of psoriasis on your body. While no treatment is currently perfect, new studies are always being done and new medications, perhaps even a cure, are developed.
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Simple Techniques To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
Hard stools is often the root of hemorrhoids. If you have infrequently bowel movements or have to strain to have them, then this sets up the conditions to form hemorrhoids. When you strain to have a bowel movement, you cause blood to congest in the rectum. This blood congestion causes an increase in pressure in the stomach and spincter veins and over time these veins balloon out, turning into hemorrhoids. Pressure in the stomach obstructs the return of blood from the lower colon.
there are many changes that you’ve got to make to dump trots. The first, the one most folks think about, is to extend dietary fiber. But if you do this, it is best to grasp what fiber to use and how much to eat. And, you have got to make some changes in your diet, if you’re eating mostly packaged foods. The other reason for hemorrhoids is feelings or anxiousness. When it comes to illness or body imbalances, they generally have some emotional element to it. So it is always best to implement changes in diet and to see what emotional issues are related to your hemorrhoids.
There are, of course, other reasons for hemorrhoids. Any activity that puts excess stress on the abdomen and rectum veins can cause hemorrhoids. If you’re pregnant, or if you sneeze or cough often, exercise too much, lift weights, or stand or sit too long, these conditions can lead to hemorrhoids. If you couple these conditions with a poor diet, then you increase the likelihood of hemorrhoids. Look at these various activities you do and make adjustments to their frequency.
Do not mistake itching for hemorrhoids. Itching can be a sign of allergies , yeast infection, parasites, or the employment of coarse toilet roll. Hemorrhoids are usually distinguished by bleeding, redness, swelling, discomfort, or irritation.
step 1 in dealing with your hemorrhoids is to stop straining to have a bowel movement. You can do this by inflating your fiber intake. It is always best to use natural fiber. When you used un-natural fiber, which is located in pharmacy diuretics, you can become dependent on them. Use cereal in the morning that has wheat ban or oat bran. You are able to add wheat germ to get more fiber and to get the B-vitamin
Next, you want to eat more fruit and veg. Eat the fruits as nibbles before lunch, dinner or after dinner. Eat at least 3 fruit a day and more if you can. Also eat plant with lunch and dinner. Raw veg are best and if you cook them, cook them lightly. Cooking plants diminishes the value of their fiber.
Look at your stools. Short ones or hard ones show the lack of fiber. If they sink quickly to the bottom of toilet water, they lack fiber. Your stools should be one long piece and brownish. They should be soft but should stay together in the water and float.
Eat a selection of natural fiber that comes from grains, fruit and vegetables. Back off on packaged foods since they lack fiber and nutrition. Fiber will help you release stools easily from your colon and this helps to reduce the pressure in your rectum veins when you have a bowel movement. Now you are on way to getting rid of hemorrhoids. For complete information on how to get rid of and stop hemorrhoids go to : Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids.
Don’t miss the free video on taking the first step to cure hemorrhoids naturally. Right there you will also get some psychological tips and complete strategy you can follow step by step get rid of piles naturally even if your condition seems impossible.
Go Green With the Way You Clean (And Save Money in the Process)
There’s a lot of opinions when it comes to going green and by buying green cleaning products. Many people think that this is simply an unnecessary expense. But the truth is that cleaning products are marketed for us to buy way more than we need.
It only takes a few simple ingredients to clean all of the different areas around the home. And it doesn’t take long to make your own green cleaning products from scratch, which really won’t cost you much at all.
But Why Are Traditional Cleaning Products Bad?
There is actually no law forcing manufacturers to label all of the ingredients that go into our cleaning products, which is why it’s very shocking to hear that a number of the ingredients haven’t even been tested for safety on humans!
What makes things a lot worse is that these ingredients are flowing through our body even if we don’t realise it. They fill the air of our homes, and are in all of the clothes we wear.
These ingredients are then sent into the environment through our water. The truth is these chemicals are not necessary for effective cleaning, so we don’t need to use them anymore.
Green Alternatives
You don’t have to buy the most expensive products to take steps to go green today. Start by using up the products you do already have, and saving the plastic spray bottles. These can then be used to make your own cleaning concoctions.
Some of the most popular ingredients to use include lemon juice, since it’s antibacterial. You can also use vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, which are very powerful for a wide range of cleaning applications.
You might not have the time to create all of your cleaning products from scratch, and if that’s the case then try buying eco-friendly brands like eCover. While this may cost more, you can save money by buying in bulk. There are also natural laundry options that can last around a thousand washes, ultimately working out a lot cheaper than your current detergent!
If you want to go green you don’t have to change everything straight away. Start with your laundry, then move onto another area of your life. Before you know it you’ll never know why you relied on those toxic cleaning products!
Eco friendly cleaning isn’t as difficult as it might first seem. I’ve found many different simple recipes and natural cleaners to help me on my journey towards going green.
Man Boobs: Get the Right Information on Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia
There are some misconceptions as to what gynecomastia really is and how it is treated as compared to pseudogynecomastia. Hopefully this article will help clear it up.
Gynecomastia is a condition where men develop breast tissue, and actually have male breasts. This is mainly seen in boys before puberty, but there are many cases of adult gynecomastia as well.
Gynecomastia has the same end result as pseudogynecomastia, and many folks believe it can be treated the same way. Unfortunately, that is a false assumption because pseudogynecomastia is causes by the buildup of fatty tissue in the chest area that gives the appearance of having breasts.
The ways these two conditions are treated are entirely different as well.
For boys gynecomastia well generally go way with the onset of puberty. For adult men the treatment becomes more serious, doctors either use hormone therapy or male breast reduction surgery get rid of the man boobs.
Pseudogynecomastia is much simpler, because the treatment for boys and adult men are exactly the same, exercise and weight loss. Because the pseudogynecomastia is caused by a fatty build up in the chest, the appearance of man boobs are generally reduced with the reduction in weight and build up of muscle.
The consult of a doctor should be sought by men with gynecomastia because they will be able to recommend the best treatment for their particular case. If surgery is the most effective option, then you should find a quality plastic surgeon that has done many male breast reduction surgeries before. Ask to see some before and after photos of previous cases to see how effective their work is. Go to You Tube and do a search for “male breast reduction surgery”, there are some very informational videos for you to watch.
For the guys with pseudogynecomastia, you should seek out a good exercise and weight loss program that both burns fat and build muscle at the same time. Do a Google search for “Man Boobs Solutions” to get started in the right direction.
I hope that I have cleared up and question that you may have had about the differences between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia and the way they are treated.
For More information on Man Boobs and pseudogynecomastia check out Man Boobs Solutions an awesome resource for men with the condition.
How To Diet For Psoriasis Relief The Correct Way
If you are worried that a psoriasis diet is all about counting calories or depriving yourself of your favorite foods, you can relax. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all psoriasis diet. Instead, it focuses on eating healthily and identifying your specific food triggers.
A food diary is necessary when you are trying to figure out which foods aggravate your condition. While some of the more common ones include soft drinks, MSG, berries, tomatoes, red wine, and meat, everyone’s body responds to foods in a different manner. Keeping a food diary is simple, but must be done on a daily basis. Simple list when you eat, what you eat, and how you feel afterward. If you notice patterns between foods and pain, eliminate the food to see if you feel better.
You want to be eating a well-balanced and healthy diet. Limit the amount of meat and dairy you consume while increase the number of fruits and vegetables. While you don’t need to forbid any food, you do want to limit fatty and sugary foods. Not only with this healthy diet help with psoriasis, it can help combat other diseases as well.
A psoriasis diet should include supplements of omega-3 essential fatty acid. The best place to find this is in either flax seed oil or fish oil. Consider adding cold water fish or flax to your diet or purchase the oil in either liquid or pill form. Some studies have been done on omega-3 and psoriasis that suggest it can help improve your condition. It may help reduce both itching and scales.
There are many herbs that can be taken with a psoriasis diet to help control itchiness and other problems. The most common ones include sarsaparilla, milk thistle, burdock, red clover, and mountain grape. Be aware that there have not been enough studies to say these herbs will help conclusively, but there are several anecdotal claims.
Herbs can play a role in a psoriasis diet, but talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplement. Keep in mind that not enough research has been conducted with respect to herbs. Some herbs may react with medication while others may be unsafe for people in certain conditions. If your own doctor is not familiar with the use of herbs, see if you can find one who knows.
By working with your doctor and taking an active role in your healing, you can develop a psoriasis diet that can help you control your symptoms and feel better.
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