Many studies link high salt consumption with heart disease and high blood pressure. Results from studies done by teams of scientist from Yale University in the U.S. and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany indicate that junk food diets, containing high amounts of refined or, processed salt may also be one of the major contributors to an increase in autoimmune diseases. The United States is mentioned to be particularly guilty of dumping this kind of bad salt on its citizens. U.S. fast foods are often more than twice as salt-laden as those served in other countries. The Canadian Medical Association Journal discovered from an international team of researchers sent out to compare the salt content in 2,124 food items sold by the America's leading fast food restaurants like Burger King, Domino's Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds, and Pizza Hut and even Subways, and discovered that U.S. fast foods in general contained more than twice the amount of salt than restaurants in other countries.
The U.S. government has tended to ignore efforts to reduce refined salt levels, unlike other countries whose public health campaigns have been more active in this area. Consequently, big fast-food companies have been free to go salt crazy said one of the study authors and blood pressure specialist at the University of Calgary, Norm Campbell M.D. Many low-fat foods advertised for their healthy attributes and good taste actually rely on salt, and lots of it for flavor. One packet of KFC's Marzetti Light Dressing claims to have only 15 calories and 0.5 grams of fat. However, it also has 510 mg of sodium or 1.5 times as much as one Original Recipe Chicken drumstick. Bread ranks number 1 in the U.S. as a source of consumption for refined salt. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, just one 6-inch Roasted Garlic loaf from Subway, without meat, cheese or anything else has 1,260 mg of sodium, equivalent to 14 strips of bacon. Enriched wheat bread also is linked to increased incidences of the autoimmune disorder Celiac disease.
A research team from Yale University studied the role of T helper cells in the body. These T cells activate and help other cells to fight dangerous pathogens such as bacteria or viruses and battle infections. Prior research showed that the subset of these T helper cells, known as Th17 cells are responsible for the development of autoimmune diseases. In a recent study, scientists found that when these cells were exposed to a table salt solution they acted more aggressively. For example, when mice were fed a diet high in refined salts, there was a dramatic increase in the number of Th17 cells in their nervous system, those cells that promote inflammation. Inflammation of course is a bi-product of autoimmune disorders. One other doctor involved in the study, a Professor David Hafler of Yale University said that nature did not design the immune system to attack its host body, so he surmised that an external factor was playing a part. Hafler concluded that "western diets all have high salt content and that has led to increase in hypertension and perhaps autoimmune disease as well."
All salts are not bad for us however. Actually salt is critical to our health and is the most readily available nonmetallic mineral in the world. When a salt is filled with dozens of minerals such as in rose-colored crystals of Himalayan rock salt or the grey texture of Celtic salt, our bodies actually benefit tremendously from this. "These mineral salts are identical to the elements of which our bodies have been built and were originally found in the primal ocean from where life originated" says Dr/ Barbara Hendel, researcher and co-author of Water & Salt, The Essence of Life. "We have salty tears and salty perspiration. The chemical and mineral composition of our blood and body fluids are similar to sea water. From the beginning of life, as unborn babies, we are encased in a sack of salty fluid." Only the refined, processed and bleached salts lacking in minerals, not salt content, may be the blame for health problems such as autoimmune disease. Mineral salts help us to be healthier because they give our bodies the variety of mineral ions needed to balance its functions, remain healthy and heal itself. Mineral salts with healing properties have been recognized in Central Europe, specifically in Poland. In a town called Wieliczka, where a hospital has actually been carved into a salt mountain. Autoimmune patients suffering from asthma, lung diseases and allergies have found relief in breathing the salt laden air in 90 per cent of all cases. David McCarron of Oregon Health Sciences University agrees with Dr. Hendel saying that salt has always been part of the human diet, but what has changed is the mineral content of our food. People are filling themselves up on processed food and fizzy drinks instead of eating food high in minerals like nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Jim Gonsler is a health and wellness consultant whose mission is to help autoimmune disease sufferers (like himself), who experience digestive disorders like Crohn's disease, or Arthritis induced inflammation of the joints find relief and regain the high quality of life they once had.
Thursday, 30 May 2013
How To Reduce Wrinkles Around The Mouth And Wrinkles Around Your Eyes?
Whenever you meet someone, your face is the very first thing they see. In fact, most people pay no attention at all to other areas of your body when they first meet you. As such, it is not really surprising that most people are so concerned about their facial appearance.
Acne sufferers have a never ending battle because once they manage to get rid of one unsightly pimple, the next one appears. Fortunately for them, acne can be totally eliminated by a few basic lifestyle changes. If a healthy diet is adopted, and chemical based skin care products are avoided, most people can rid themselves of acne.
The bad news for us older folk is that lines and wrinkles are far more difficult to get rid of. This is especially true when it comes to wrinkles around the mouth or eyes. Most of the products which can supposedly reduce fine lines and wrinkles end up failing miserably when you actually put them to the test.
All those celebrities you see who have such perfect complexions do not look that way because of one or other big name anti wrinkle cream. Their perfect complexions are a result of highly skilled makeup artists or highly skilled cosmetic surgeons.
Most brand name wrinkle creams contain an alarming number of chemicals, many of which have been linked to serious health risks. Several of them can certainly reduce wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, but the results are always short lived. Once the effects of the chemicals wear off, the lines and wrinkles return.
If you don't favor cosmetic procedures like laser treatments, and would rather rely on creams or lotions, then you definitely want to find and use products that contain only 100% natural ingredients. Below is a very short list of some ingredients which have been shown to be effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles:
* Natural Vitamin E - Scientifically recognized as a powerful antioxidant, and studies have shown it can help to prevent age spots and can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
* Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10 - This is a modified version of the much spoken about EQ10. With this newer "nano-emulsion" formula, the active ingredients are able to penetrate the skin a lot deeper than before, and in so doing, they are able to help stimulate natural collagen and elastin production.
* Avocado Oil - Avocado oil has been scientifically proven to stimulate collagen production, and what makes it a good choice is its excellent compatibility with oils that occur naturally in human skin.
* Grape Seed Oil - This is another natural ingredient which has shown extremely promising results in terms of reducing facial lines, and particularly those which are present on thin delicate skin, such as the skin around a person's eyes.
* Shea Butter - The benefits of Shea Butter are well documented, and it is considered by many to be the world's greatest natural skin moisturizer. It is readily absorbed by the skin, and as a result, you are not left with a greasy or oily film on your skin after applying it.
As is to be expected, there are many other natural ingredients which can help you to keep you skin looking vibrant and youthful. Everyone has their own personal favorites, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The most important thing of all is that you keep chemical based creams away from your skin.
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
5 Ways To Reduce Joint Pain Without The Use Of Medication
Tip #1: Ice Packs Will Certainly Come In Handy!
Arthritis is known to cause both pain and inflammation - this is where ice packs step in and help you reduce the inflammation. By icing your joints (or by soaking them in very cold water for several minutes), you will reduce the swelling and you will temporarily relief the pain as well.
Tip #2: Lose Several Pounds
This is by far one of the most important aspects you need to take care of if you suffer from arthritis. Extra weight not only increases the chances for dangerous diseases as you age, but it also puts unnecessary pressure on your joints, thus making them hurt even more.
Having said that, it is important to try and reach a normal weight for your height - in order to do that, you must firstly calculate your body mass index (BMI). You can do that using an online calculator. When you start losing weight, you will look better and feel better!
Tip #3: A Healthier Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle involves a balanced nutrition and regular exercises. If you have any vice such as smoking or drinking alcohol, then it is highly recommended to quit, as chemicals are the last thing you need in your body with all the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. Your blood needs as much oxygen as it can get, and smoking prevents the oxygen from reaching the blood and the vital organs.
On the other hand, you can also keep the pain and swelling under control using superfoods that have anti-inflammation properties. Increase your intake of lean meats, fruits and vegetables and try to do more exercises. Swimming and walking are two of the best exercises for joint pain, as they support your bones and joints and they strengthen your muscles.
Strengthening your muscles and ensuring their proper functioning is vital, as weakened muscles can increase the risk of joint deterioration in the future.
Tip #4: Massage
Massage has been used for thousands of years due to its wealth of health benefits. It is also used today to improve blood circulation, especially to support peripheral blood flow.
Professional therapists deal with arthritis sufferers on a constant basis, therefore they certainly know some techniques that alleviate the pain in a natural and efficient way. Besides, the results should be long-lasting, too!
Tip #5: Increase Your Calcium Intake
Calcium is essential for the health of your bones, so make sure that your daily calcium intake for joint support and bones is of 1000mg. If your body lacks calcium, it will start to get it from your bones, which will leave your joints without any support whatsoever - this is particularly dangerous for those who have been suffering from arthritis for several years.
To summarize, these are 5 natural ways that will help you control joint pain and inflammation without using NSAIDs or any other potentially dangerous drugs.
Top Ten Tips for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
We live in a world filled with chemicals. Those who are sensitive to these chemicals are the "canary in the coal mines". You are the forerunners in warning others of the trouble we are in, the challenges the earth is facing.
Here are ten things you can do if you or your loved ones suffer from this sensitivity.
1) Limit your exposure to anything that is a toxin. These may be items you are aware of and others you are not. Question everything you eat, every product you use in your home, your clothing, your bedding as they are all loaded with chemicals.
2) Reduce your body burden by eating and living clean. The less toxins you take in, the less of a body burden you will carry.
3) Always have a window open a small crack in your bedroom, winter or summer.
4) Have a high quality air purifier in your room. Whole house purifiers are great too!
5) You can also wear a mini air purifier around your neck if you are extremely sick. This protects you, to some degree, when you go out in public.
6) Undertake a detox and body cleansing program to clean the body. Liver cleansing will greatly assist your body's internal cleansing abilities.
7) Get as much exercise and fresh air as you can. Walk or run in forests and by rivers to get clean air in your lungs. A body filled with oxygen is a body with less illness.
8) Sleep well. Do all you can to insure a good nights sleep. Eat early and create a calm an hour before sleep, to wind down and prepare for a restful night. Sleep without a full belly will heal and repair.
9) Make and drink green juices. Green juices flood the body with healing nutrients and are liquid sunshine. Drinking at least 32 ounces of green juice a day and healing will occur.
10) Be sure you are eliminating properly, defined as eliminating every time you eat or at least two times a day.
I am a Certified Holistic Health and Lifestyle Coach who supports women in creating a life they love, filled with passion and purpose, letting their light shine.
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Secret Detox Drink-Transform Your Kitchen-Episode #36
This secret detox drink will help your body burn fat, lose weight, and reverse diabetes.
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis
The French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot was the first person to recognize multiple sclerosis as a distinct disease in 1868. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths around the axons in nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to demyelination (damage to the myelin sheath) and scarring which leads to a broad variety of other signs and symptoms.
Communication between nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to is affected in people with MS. Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals called action potentials down long fibers called axons, which are contained within a protective, insulating substance called myelin. In MS, the body's own immune system recognises myelin as a threat then attacks and damages it. When myelin is lost, the axons can no longer effectively conduct signals properly. This is what causes the symptoms of MS.
Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms are similar to other medical problems. Medical organisations have created diagnostic criteria to ease and standardise the diagnostic process. These criteria are especially effective within the first stages of the disease. The Schumacher and Poser criteria were both popular but now the McDonald criteria is more commonly used.
Clinical data alone may be sufficient for a diagnosis of MS if an individual has suffered separate episodes of neurologic symptoms characteristic of MS like changes in sensation such as loss of sensitivity or tingling, prickling or numbness. The most commonly used diagnostic tools are neuroimaging and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine also show areas of demyelination and the nervous system of a person with MS responds less actively to stimulation of the optic nerve and sensory nerves due to demyelination of such pathways. These brain responses can be examined using visual and sensory evoked potentials.
Although MS isn't considered hereditary a number of genetic variations have been shown to increase the risk of developing the disease. The chances of inheriting MS is higher in relatives of a person with the disease than in the general population, especially in the case of siblings, parents, and children.
As well as the obvious benefits of exercise, the benefits to healthy individuals, the benefits of exercise for people with MS include:
Improves muscle strength and tone to help maintain mobility and reduce muscle weakness
Helps to keep people with more severe MS stay mobile
Helps with weight management
Can help with some symptoms of MS
There is no single exercise that "cures" MS. Exercise is best thought of as merely a supplement or a preventative measure that aids your current therapy. Choosing what type of exercise you do depends on YOU! What do you enjoy doing? What sports do you like? Do you prefer to train with someone or go solo? Do you need help or instructions to start an exercise program? All these questions can help in choosing the right form of exercise for you and ensure your exercise programme is adhered to. Here's a few ideas to get you going:
Walking and aerobics have been shown to improve balance
Yoga, T'ai Chi and stretching helps with muscle stiffness and spasms
Pelvic floor exercises help with bladder and bowel problems
Aerobic exercise has been shown to help improve the symptoms of depression
The Health Fitness Project is a free database for health professionals and fitness enthusiasts, continually growing and full of scientifically based fitness advice put in to words that EVERYONE can understand.
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