Jun
08
Filed Under (Health) by admin on 08-06-2009

Leading a life that’s full of joy and happiness requires an abundance of vigor and energy. For many people there is not enough gas in their tanks and each day drags on and tiredness is the daily battle.

We only have so much energy and the demands of physical exertion, mental work, and emotional demands all deplete the limited supply of energy we have available to us. Life for most people is a stressful experience. Our energy supplies are drained and they must be replenished.

As we experience daily stresses, our hormonal system plays a large role and the adrenal gland is the orchestra leader in instructing the body’s parts what to do. The primary stress handling system is called the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. This system turns-on to deal with all the stress we experience. But, after it starts to rev up, it must go back to its resting position.

The Stress Response System Must Turn-On, Then Turn-Off

Unfortunately, for many people, it rarely turns off so it has no chance to recover and heal. The adrenal gland has two parts: the medulla which secretes adrenaline. This is the well-known fight-or-flight hormone. Quick acting, it prepares us to fight or flee from imminent danger.

The adrenal cortex secretes cortisol which acts more slowly and is the primary hormone involved in dealing with chronic stress, such as war. Medical studies of the chronic and extreme fatigue syndromes have implicated the HPA axis as being involved.

The idea that deficient cortisol output led to fatigue developed in the late 1800’s. There is, however, little consensus among the medical people about the level of involvement of adrenal fatigue syndrome as a causative factor in chronic fatigue.

There are large variations in defining the capacity of adrenal output and this is a primary reason for the lack of a definitive answer about adrenal fatigue. If an individual does have adrenal weakness then he is at risk for adrenal crisis which might occur when he experiences a major stress such as a surgery or severe infection.

Sub-Clinical (No Diagnosis) is What Most People Suffer From

For most chronically fatigued persons, the medical investigation does not turn-up any specific dysfunction or cause. Only about 1-2% of chronically fatigued persons are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The lack of a diagnosis and the lack of support of the physician don’t make the condition any less real to the individual.

Current investigations have shown that the HPA axis is involved and that the primary defect is a reduced output of cortisol from the adrenal gland. Studies have shown that adrenal gland size is reduced by about half in those diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome showing a functional reason for less cortisol output.

This evidence supports the idea that adrenal fatigue syndrome arises from a reduced cortisol output because of the reduced size of the adrenal gland. Adrenal gland reduced capacity is likely involved in all cases of chronic and extreme fatigue. From a medical point of view, this understanding has not led to the development of any effective therapies.

Since medical therapies don’t exist, some have suggested to explore the treatments offered by alternative medicine. These include exercise, diet, vitamin/mineral complexes, and the use of specific herbal formulations and nutritional supplementation plans, such as the use of DHEA. The results suggest that adrenal fatigue syndrome can be dealt with effectively through alternatives to modern medicine.

This, of course, occurs outside of mainstream medicine, and without its approval. This creates a difficult environment for individuals who most often rely on their doctor’s guidance and are unwilling to take health care into their own hands. Yet, surveys show that many people are now turning to alternative medicine because their doctors offer no effective strategies for dealing with the ever-increasing epidemic of fatigue in our modern times.

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Jun
08
Filed Under (Health) by admin on 08-06-2009

A good looking body is something that we all want, even if we wont admit it, but for those of us who are overweight or even underweight, it can be a challenge to even get started. Regular gym visits make very slow progress and when its hard to keep doing something that requires effort when you dont even see results.

People that feel they are too thin can have a frustrating time at the gym as everyone there seems to be bigger and you seem to be making no progress at all.

Overweight people have an even more of an ordeal to go through at the gym as it is far more difficult to lose weight than it is to gain weight, but surely there is a way to speed the process along?

Things like dieting supplements and protein shakes are things that we have all heard of, but probably dont know much about. A lot of people question whether they work or not, whether they will have side effects etc. and rightly so. The answer is; if theyre used properly, then they can work wonders for your body, but otherwise, the chances are they will not do much.

Whey protein and carbohydrate supplements are ideal for skinny people who are looking to bulk up. When used alongside regular workouts, they can aid your bodys natural muscle growth process, but it is important that you keep working out as well.

A drink of whey protein consumed as instructed by your particular brand (they vary in strength and concentration) can be invaluable in helping you bulk yourself up. This is because whey protein (which I find is more effective than creatine) can be easily turned into muscle tissue by the body, but will only be fully effective if combined with regular workouts to give the body an incentive to create more muscle.

Unfortunately there is quite a bit more effort involved if you are overweight. The reason for this is that you cant turn fat cells straight into muscle, you have to burn the fat cells off first, then build muscle in its place. A supplement containing Sida Cordifolia would be ideal for this as it improves your metabolic rate, increasing the energy you used when doing anything, meaning fat cells burn off much quicker.

Using a dietary supplement such as this can help shed the unwanted weight in a minimal time frame. After this, start with a muscle building supplement as previously mentioned, and realistically, you will probably start to see your body take shape in 7-10 months, if you keep regularly working out and exercising.

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Jun
08
Filed Under (General) by admin on 08-06-2009

Fantasy sports have become quite popular among adult males, but the demographic is quickly changing to also include sports fans both young and old of both genders. Sports leagues available online are becoming so popular for their entertainment value, but also for their ability to gain players real stipends.

Fantasy cricket leagues found online are popular because they can bring a group of friends together. It’s neat to be able to have a group of friends join an online service and earn bragging rights throughout the cricket season for having the best team. Having “on the side” bets for fun is also a good way to keep things competitive and entertaining at the same time.

If you don’t have friends who share a love for cricket, which is unfortunate, joining an online cricket league is a good way to meet new friends with like-minded tastes. By learning from others, joining forces, and otherwise communicating with players you are sharing your interests with others in a social environment. In effect, you are gaining many new friends to conduct entertainment with.

It’s perfectly fine if you haven’t been caught up on cricket lately. Even if you have been neglecting your love for sports due to other commitments, you can still catch up and do great with a fantasy cricket team. This is also a good choice if your friends are die-hard buffs of cricket and you have been slacking lately. This way you can get back on conversations that are centered around cricket, as opposed to being left out in the dust.

It’s possible to find a website that rewards its visitors for doing well in a fantasy cricket league. Websites do this to attract more users and create a larger community- which only makes it more fun for new league players. It also gives the veterans a reason to keep coming back and getting a shot at the prize at the end of the road. Not all websites do this, so you will have to find a trusted resource on your own to spend time with.

You will have no problem finding free sources of cricket entertainment online. There are some services that charge for the ability to play online cricket leagues, but that certainly isn’t the case with every website. The paid websites might offer you extra benefit or rewards, so it is up to you on whether or not you want to pay extra. For the beginner it probably isn’t the best idea.

In Conclusion

Fantasy sports are becoming quite popular- and not just with cricket fans. Continue your search for an online service with your friends by finding what you think would be ideal in a fantasy sports service. If you are new to the scene, consider joining a free service so you can judge whether or not you like it.

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Jun
07
Filed Under (Health) by admin on 07-06-2009

Maybe you’ve decided that your slinky black dress is becoming rather - shall we say, lumpy…Perhaps that dreaded school reunion is just around the corner, or you haven’t been able to see your toes for a while - whatever the cause, you need to drop 10 or 15 pounds. Enter, the 3 day tuna diet and it seems to be fast and easy. just what you were thinking of!

Hold off! There are a few facts about the 3 day tuna diet that you will want to know before you decide to get started.

True, the 3 day tuna diet has climbed the popularity charts very quickly. As a crash diet, it’s one of the hot ones. Why? Most people believe it can’t be harmful to your health due to the short amount of time involved.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. This, and virtually EVERY crash diet adversely affects your metabolism. What that means bottom line is that you are setting yourself up to gain back all the weight you lost - fast - plus some. Your 10 pound annoyance will rapidly escalate into a 20 pound disaster.

Crash diets all tend to rely on starvation and the 3 day tuna diet is no exception. That’s why they’re successful at first…and also why they aren’t healthy. Your caloric intake is far too low and will force your body into starvation mode within the first day!

When your body - in an attempt to protect you - has switched over to starvation mode, it’s usually fairly easy to tell. You’ll feel sluggish and not want to do anything, you might start to dream about food (night dreams AND day dreams), you could have trouble keeping warm and will constantly be cold, specially in your extremities.

The 3 day tuna diet has so few calories, that it is very near to being a VLCD or “very low calorie diet”. Any diet that is under 1200 calories per day is considered a “low calorie diet”. Below 800 calories per day is considered “very low calorie.”

Regardless of the level of obesity, no child should EVER be on a “VLCD”. No adult should attempt it without close supervision of a doctor.

The name of the 3 day tuna diet suggests that you are only on the diet for 3 days…not true. You are on and off the diet for a full month. Plus, the foods are NOT a balanced diet and have no hope of ever creating a long term weight loss.

A large portion of the diet consists of refined carbohydrates. They are considered as “empty calories” and have little if any nutritional value. Refined carbs also create spikes in our production of insulin. Spikes and drop offs of insulin can create HUGE medical problems as well as energy peaks and valleys and food cravings.

During the four days a week you are NOT on the 3 day tuna diet, most of us gorge and overeat. the food cravings we generate are just too much for us. Studies conducted as far back as the 1970’s show that the average dieter gains an ADDITIONAL 8 pounds on top of his beginning weight in the weeks following the diet.

You can lose weight and keep it off. There are many diets that work very well - and safely. They replace bad food choices and habits with better ones. With these safe diets, you should NEVER experience hunger.

For your own sake…stay away from crash diets like the 3 day tuna diet. For information on diets that DO work, visit my website right away. While it’s still free, get a copy of my “Fast Weight Loss Tips!” mini-course. your body will thank you.

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Jun
05
Filed Under (Health) by admin on 05-06-2009

If you are a person who has anxiety or panic attacks then you understand that panic attack medication is a way to use drugs to minimize or eliminate your anxiety symptoms. Of course we will assume you have already saw your doctor or have made arrangements to do so. The purpose of this article is to educate you on the available medications before your visit.

Benzodiazepine Medication

These drugs are commonly used for the relief of panic attack symptoms. Of course like any drug out there it does more then just one thing. It’s greatest benefit for relieving panic attacks is it’s ability to calm a person down. This in turn leads to minimizing or eliminating anxiety, agitation and ultimately anxiety attacks. Because they work fast they can be utilized to stop a current attack or “wave” of imminent attacks. They are not suited for long term use because they can lead to addiction or physical dependence.

SSRIs or (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

SSRIs are a modern and widely prescribed drug for people with depression and anxiety. Because anxiety is what actually causes panic attacks to occur, these drugs are quite helpful. The most commonly prescribed ones are paroxetine and citalopram.

Alternative That Is Drug Free

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is considered to be one of the leading alternatives to drugs for people suffering from panic attacks. This mental illness is actually caused by a fear of panic attacks in the first place. Take away the fear or the anxiety about future panic attacks and they will actually disappear.

CBT takes this concept into account which is labeled “positive forward feedback loop”. CBT teaches you to recognize the triggers of an imminent panic attack so that you can basically defuse them. This in turn leads to an elimination or minimizing of the panic attack symptoms.

This describes the main organizing principle behind CBT when it proves to be effective. That is it gives you a framework to identify the starting stages of an imminent panic attack so that you can apply a rational though process to it. If done enough times it will become habitual. In time by lowering your exaggerated effect to anxiety you will start to think like a person who does not suffer from panic attacks.

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Jun
05
Filed Under (Health) by admin on 05-06-2009

While peel skin treatment used to be offered only in a doctor’s office, thanks to today’s inventions and less harmful chemicals, it can be done safely in the comfort of your own home. There are several excellent product lines available over the counter that can be used by anyone to dramatically improve the youthful glow of their skin. The skin peel can also be used effectively to remove such nuisances as age spots, freckles, and hyper pigmentation in the skin caused by sun damage or illness. If used over the prescribed six to nice days, the skin will peel evenly to reveal skin that is clear of these pigment issues.

The peel skin treatment is also useful to people who suffer from acne and blackheads, caused by clogged pores or toxic buildup in the skin. As the chemicals gently work on the layers of the skin, the pores are opened up, infectious oil, bacteria and toxins are expelled from the skin and the complexion is cleared. This is much less damaging than trying to squeeze the oil out of the skin or using other methods. The peel skin method leaves less noticeable scars and even improves the condition of existing acne scars or oversized pores. Skin is then free of marks and is restored to its former beauty.

Another advantage of using the skin peel method of improving the look of your skin is that it evens out the skin tones and reduces the affects of skin damage to the lower layers of the skin. Sometimes this damage can’t be seen right away, but over time it’s what causes wrinkles and discoloration to form. Using the skin peel, these damaged layers gradually work their way to the surface where they are sloughed off and new healthier skin layers can form. Using a skin peel followed by wearing proper sunscreen can slow down the aging process and preserve the younger skin underneath from further damage.

When used properly, the peel skin treatment is an effective means to improve the look and feel of your skin. Be sure to choose high quality products that are right for your skin type and consult with a knowledgeable skin care specialist before attempting to do this at home.




Jun
05
Filed Under (Health) by admin on 05-06-2009

Its quite normal for teeth to gradually become discolored over a lifetime, particularly if you smoke or drink a lot of coffee or tea. That doesnt mean youre stuck with yellowed teeth for the rest of your life though! Laser whitening is a procedure that can restore your pearly whites to their former glory.

Originally a dental procedure that was reserved for the likes of movie stars and other wealthy people, this latest method of teeth whitening has become something that just about anyone can have done now. The main attraction is the speed with which teeth can be returned to a nice clean color and many people use it for special events, such as a wedding or graduation. The process usually takes less than an hour.

How It Works This is a whitening procedure that needs to be done in the dentists office and there is no home version. The first step in the process is cleaning the teeth to remove any debris that might interfere with the bleaching procedure. This also involves getting rid of any plaque that might be hiding along the gum line, which can also interfere with the whitening.

Next, a very strong bleaching gel is applied to the teeth. This is stronger than what you would get with a home bleaching kit. The patients mouth is held open with a special device to allow for maximum exposure of the teeth for full whitening. The last step is to activate the bleaching gel, which has tiny crystals that draw out the discolorations in the teeth. This is done by using a special light, which is not actually a laser. The teeth are exposed to the light for varying times, depending on the severity of the stains and the type of stain. Discoloration from coffee is easier to whiten, for example, than those caused by antibiotics. For most people, one session is all that is required. In very extreme cases of discoloration, two appointments may be needed, but this is quite rare.

Who Needs Laser Whitening? Anyone can use this method of brightening their smile. However, it is particularly well suited to those who find they have sensitivity to the chemicals used in bleaching kits. Using a tooth tray or home bleaching kit might not be a good option since the prolonged exposure to the bleach can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. By using the laser whitening, exposure is limited to a single time and while there may be some issues still, they wont last and there are no ongoing effects.

People who have never tried bleaching are also good candidates for this type of brightening. It really is an excellent method for just about anyone, particularly because it is so quick and can be done with no extra preparation. Whether the teeth are discolored by common items such as coffee or cigarettes or something a little more penetrating like certain types of medication, this technique is very effective. Laser whitening is rapidly becoming one of the most common dental cosmetic procedures and thanks to its effectiveness, it can only become more popular.

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Jun
02
Filed Under (Beauty, Health, Tips) by admin on 02-06-2009

Why should you get rid of your yellow teeth? Beside your eyes, your smile is the other thing that people notice about you right away. Even knowing that, most of us rarely think about our smile. Before you get rid of yellow teeth you need to know what causes your teeth to turn yellow and then you can take action.

It is a lot easier to get rid of yellow teeth if you know why you have yellow teeth. There are many causes of teeth turning yellowish. Smoking, old age, drinking pop and coffee, and even the foods you eat can all make your teeth yellow.

Another cause of teeth being yellow is from childhood illnesses. This is much less common now because doctors started to realize that some of the medicine they were prescribing to children were destroying their teeth.

If this is the case with your teeth then you should see your dentist. Using an at home whitening method will not get your teeth white. They only work for yellowing on the surface of teeth.

There are several ways to whiten your teeth. It goes from using peroxide to seeing the dentist.

Eating crunchy foods (carrots, not Doritos) to get rid of yellow teeth falls under the category of exfoliating your teeth. The hard materials will gently rub the surface of your teeth and over time will remove some of the staining. This can take a long time to see results.

Another method is to use crushed strawberries or lemons to brush your teeth. This will get your teeth whiter but you need to be careful. The way this gets your teeth white is by eating off the enamel of your teeth. Without a sufficient amount of enamel on your teeth they are more likely to get cavities or just rot completely out.

There is also the baking soda and peroxide method. To do this you need to make a paste with the baking soda and peroxide and then brush with it. Do not swallow this mixture. Leave it on your teeth for two minutes and then brush with regular tooth paste. If you are going to use this method then make sure that you do not use it too often because this will also destroy the enamel on your teeth.




Jun
01
Filed Under (Health, Tips) by admin on 01-06-2009

By know you are probably aware that sugar feeds the Candida, so sweets are definitely a no no. But be sure to realize that while fruits are good for you, in this case the sugar in fruits acts the same way to feed the Candida, so you must avoid fruit in the initial stages of your diet. In time you can be sure to re-introduce fruit, as they provide good vitamins and nutrition.

The next step in the diet is to stop the spread of yeast by avoiding putting any more yeast into your body. Avoid yeast in bread and some sauces until the spread of infection is under control.

Your body allows the infection to take place because your immune system is overrun or suppressed to the point it cannot fight the spreading Candida. For this reason you need to avoid foods which suppress the immune system, foods such meat and chicken are injected with antibiotics to keep them healthy, as well as hormones and preservatives, all of these things help to suppress the immune system, non worse then antibiotics. As well as meats, vegetables can have toxic sprays on them to kill off bugs. The solution is to eat totally organic, or as much organic food as possible.

More obvious things that suppress your immune are nicotine and especially alcohol which also contains sugar.

Other things to avoid are fungus foods, like mushrooms.

The main point of the Candida diet is to avoid high and refined carbohydrates that stress the digestive system, along with sugar, yeast, fungus and immune suppressing foods.

You need to turn your focus on organic leafy vegetables, whole grains, sea vegetables, herbs, and seeds, as well as organic meats, just not to much red meat, as it can stress the digestive system.

Flushing your system with lots of water is essential to the diet, and it is a good idea to incorporate plenty of garlic since it kills Candida cells. This program really can be interesting if you understand the foods you can eat and are willing to experiment with recipes.

The Candida diet is not easy if you are use to consuming the highly refined foods low in nutrition that are found everywhere from supermarkets to fast food chains. You will find that cooking your own meals will become a big part of your new diet.

Today’s fast paced lifestyle of looking for quick and easy meals has lead to this epidemic. But don’t worry, once you get use to consuming highly nutritious foods, and feel the energy they provide you won’t feel like going back to your old habits.

Change is difficult, but once the habit is made you will appreciate the new lifestyle.




May
30
Filed Under (Health, Tips) by admin on 30-05-2009

Before choosing coloured contacts, always make sure that your eyes are thoroughly checked to get the right prescription. You should also research the brands of coloured contacts available, and make sure that the colour you go for is right for you. Coloured contacts can also be worn without a prescription, but it’s still advisable to get your eyes checked and always buy your lenses from a reputable source. Either way, you’ll need to take care of them in exactly the same way.

It’s important to pay attention to how your contacts are delivered. Colored contacts will generally arrive in a blister pack. They will be marked LEFT and RIGHT. This is especially important when the contacts are also used to correct vision. Since each eye will often require a different lens, it’s important not confuse the lenses.

When ever you handle your contacts follow a few guidelines. Make sure you’ve washed and dried your hands. Don’t use hand lotions until after you’ve put your contacts in. Keep your nails short. Doing these things will avoid damage to your contacts and keep dirt and oils off the lenses. These little things will help maintain the health of your eyes and avoid irritation.

Take the coloured lens out of the pack carefully, and insert it as per the instructions on the pack or as provided to you by your eye care specialist. Once you’ve become accustomed to them, you’ll often forget that they’re even there, until you look in the mirror and notice the difference! Always take them out after the recommended time, and always remove them before sleeping. Make sure that you clean each lens in the solution provided and leave to soak in the case provided overnight, making sure that you’ve put the right lens in the right side. Before you use them the next morning, thoroughly rinse both lenses to remove any deposits.

If, however, you decide to use daily coloured contacts which can be disposed of after a single use, you won’t have to worry about most of the steps above. Cleaning and rinsing of disposables won’t be required so they can save a lot of time and effort, but you will still have to make sure that the packs are stored in a safe place to prevent any damage being done to them or the coloured lenses inside.

So, if you want to change your appearance, or match an outfit, coloured contacts are perfect. Once you have become used to wearing your lenses, and you follow the guidelines for wear time and cleaning, these lenses will prove to be a welcome and enjoyable accessory.