Monday, November 8, 2010

Effective Ways To Treat Hemorrhoids Naturally

Natural treatment for hemorrhoids, which can be described as the condition of swollen painful anus and rectum is now a possibility. Some common symptoms for hemorrhoids, which is either internal or external include; bleeding and swelling of the anus, pain, itching and swelling (external symptoms). The truth is hemorrhoids should not be allowed to last for too long because it can lead to other serious problem in the future. However, treatment can be both natural and through proper medication from medical experts. Nevertheless, hemorrhoids are better treated naturally; especially if you want a permanent cure for it. This article is going to be based on the natural remedies for hemorrhoids.

Butcher's Broom

One of the active components present in the butcher's broom is known as Ruscogen. For those looking for cure for piles, the butcher's broom can be taken in the form of capsules or in the form of tea, alongside some other sweet substance. However, it is advised that people with high blood pressure do not need to use this method; as it may not go down well with their health or body conditions. Butcher's broom is one of the best treatments especially where the blood circulation is very poor.

Bioflavonoid

This will really help to stabilize and strengthen the walls of the blood vessels in the body system. Citrus fruits and hesperidins are also in the categories of intakes that can help you treat hemorrhoids naturally. As a result of the stability they bring to the system, it is possible for the person suffering from this condition to start experiencing comfort in the anal region.

Horse Chestnut

This treatment is similar to the butcher's broom, which enables the blood in the vein to move freely. This time around, the Horse Chestnut contains an active component called the Aescin, which acts as a cure for piles. Though, a great natural remedy for pile, people who are allergic should avoid using this treatment because horse chestnut could also have some side effects.

Some other minor, but highly effective natural treatments for hemorrhoids include: ointments, which is for external treatments, and helps to reduce inflammation caused by pile; triphala, which helps to relieve constipation; and regular body fitness exercises. However; exercises are not just recommended for people suffering from this kind of health condition, but are also good for everyone.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=HB_Smith

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Green Tea May Reduce Lung Cancer Risk—Even for Smokers

green teaFor thousands of years, the people of China, Japan, India, and Thailand have consumed green tea and used it medicinally to treat everything from headaches to flatulence. In fact, the ancient Chinese proverb, “better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one,” gives us an idea of how much they believed in its curative abilities. Over the past few decades, however, research in both Asia and the West has begun providing scientific evidence of green tea’s numerous health benefits.

As a whole, studies indicate that regular consumption of green tea may slow or prevent conditions including high cholesterol, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, impaired immune disease and liver disease. In addition, some studies have indicated green tea may have cancer-fighting properties, lowering the rate of gastric, esophageal, and mouth cancers. And in a conference this week sponsored by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), researchers reported that Taiwanese smokers who consumed one cup of green tea each day significantly reduced their chances of developing lung cancer.

For their study, Dr. I-Hsin Lin, of Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan, and her colleagues recruited 170 people with lung cancer and 340 healthy patients as controls. The participants completed questionnaires regarding their lifestyle habits, including how much they smoked, how much green tea they drank, their dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, cooking practices and family history of lung cancer. They also underwent genotyping on insulin-like growth factors: IGF1, IGF2, and IGFBP3, all of which have been reported to be associated with cancer risk.

The results showed that both smokers and non-smokers who did not drink green tea were 5 times more likely to develop lung cancer compared to those who drank at least one cup of green tea per day. Smokers who did not drink green tea at all were more than 12 times more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than those who drank at least one cup of green tea per day. However, the protection was greatest for those carrying certain genes. Green tea drinkers, whether smokers or non-smokers, with non-susceptible IGF1 (CA)19/(CA)19 and (CA)19/X genotypes reported a 66 percent reduction in lung cancer risk compared with green tea drinkers carrying the IGF1 X/X genotype.

Lin explained that green tea’s cancer-fighting benefits are due to its rich concentration of chemicals called polyphenols, notably a catechin called as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which acts as a powerful antioxidant. “Tea, particularly green tea, has received a great deal of attention because tea polyphenols are strong antioxidants, and tea preparations have shown inhibitory activity against tumorigenesis,” she said. “Our study may represent a clue that in the case of lung cancer, smoking-induced carcinogenesis could be modulated by green tea consumption and the growth factor environment.”

But cancer experts say the findings don’t change the fact that smoking is bad for health and shouldn’t be used as an excuse to continue smoking. “Smoking tobacco fills your lungs with around 80 cancer-causing chemicals. Drinking green tea is not going to compensate for that,” said Yinka Ebo, of Cancer Research UK. “Unfortunately, it’s not possible to make up for the harm caused by smoking by doing other things right like eating a healthy, balanced diet. The best thing a smoker can do to reduce their risk of lung cancer, and more than a dozen other cancer types, is to quit.”

More people, both male and female, die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer. In 2005 (the most recent year for which statistics are available), 196,687 people in the United States were diagnosed with lung cancer, and 159,217 died from it. About 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80 percent of lung cancer deaths in women are due to smoking.

from healthnews.com

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Fish Oil Versus Krill Oil - What Exactly Is The Difference?

fish oilYou will find research saying that there is a new omega 3 supplement around to challenge the currently respected and reliable oil supplement - that awesome is krill oil. But could there be really much major difference? Let's look at more details on the fish oil vs. krill oil issue and be aware of facts.

Fish oil has already recognized its prowess as a good supplement. Hoping to make the most out of the health advantages omega 3 in it can provide, there are experiments at present to produce supplements that are more efficient and will give more omega 3.

Lately, it has been found that there might just be an alternative source which could give as much or maybe more omega 3 than it. This has lead some to mention krill oil is one more good source of omega 3, while there are other people saying that it's just a promotion gimmick to promote this latest gimmick.

Effects of Krill and Fish Oil to our body

Krill and Fish Oil are believed to likely help lessen inflammation, boost healthy heart and even cardiovascular health, help elevate mood levels, promote weight loss and much more. These krill oil benefits are all because of omega 3 fatty acids. Anyway, Fish and Krill Oil are both natural supplements that can be safely taken everyday without the unwanted side effects.

Does krill oil have more antioxidants?

What's good with krill oil is that it contains more antioxidants to some but not all brands of fish oil. These antioxidants such as astaxanthin are readily absorbed into the body easily. But, there are some fish oil that contain added astaxanthin and deliver more of it compare to krill oil. Therefore, if you use this measurement of astaxanthin antioxidants.

Vitamin A and D maybe also present in Krill Oil

Apart from its antioxidant content, krill supplements are also known to contain vitamins A and D that are not present in fish oil. This could be bad or good, depending on whether you are already taking a multivitamin that already has enough vitamin A and D. There are doctors that advices not to take too much Vitamin A or D, so consult your doctor how much of those vitamins are good for you.

In spite of the new fad, there are still many people who stick with good old reliable, tried and tested fish oil supplements. Here are some reasons why:

Insufficient evidence and possible extinction of krill?

Although Omega 3 fatty acid health benefits have already been established, krill has not been as extensively studied as fish oil. More importantly, there's some people believing that krill will also be included in the listing of species that are already decreasing in numbers - too much consumption of krill oil might actually not good for the environment. This is also the food of whales so the question arises: are we taking away food from endangered whales?

Krill oil is expensive compared to fish oil

Currently, there are only a few trustworthy companies who manufacture krill oil. Currently, krill oil often is more costly than fish oil. What this mean is you will need to invest more cash on a supplement that has fewer studies to demonstrate whether it really gives health benefits equal to fish oil.

Fish Oil has all the important omega 3 fatty acids

Though Fish oil is said to contain large amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, krill oil remains to be superior regarding amounts of important omega 3 acids for example EPA and DFA. This means that the exact benefits as well as desired effects might possibly be better acquired with krill oil.

The verdict between Fish Oil and Krill Oil

Base on the facts above, paying more for krill oil maybe great for consumers. This means that for now, you can maybe pay more to buy krill oil supplements, taking foods of endangered whales, getting too mmuch vitamin A and also much vitamin A and D. But you can always buy the tested and proven fish oil until more studies are done on krill oil.

It's also important to remember that there are also brands of fish, have added astaxanthin antioxidants and as a result they have this ingredient just like krill oil does. So the same amount of antioxidants just like krill oil has.

These statements are not medical health advice and haven't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Fish oil supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Reasons why you need krill oil

It is a well-known misconception that all fats are not good for the body. This is definitely not true because there are some fats that are very good for your body. One kind of fat that is nice for your body is the Omega-3 fatty acids. Foods that provide this fat to the body should be part of your diet.

What you need to understand about krills

Krills look like tiny shrimp that resides in the base of the sea. Krills are near the base of the food chain, it also serves as food to other underwater creatures. Did you know that even whales feed on krills?

Human consumption of krills are not solely a new thing. You just have not heard of it. Krills are customary food in Japan probably even before 19th century. But, there as many types of krills as there are fish. Remember that not all kinds of krills are to our health though.

In fact, there is only one type of krill that have been examined and proven to be beneficial to us and that is the antarctic krill oil. Antarctic krill oil has plenty of benefits which I will mention after you finish reading the article below. But for the meantime, let's research the alternatives!

Krill Oil and Fish Oil Comparison

People have been consuming fish oil for quite some time now because of the health benefits that we can get from it. But there are various kinds of fish which can end up in the production of fish oil and we are coming to find out as time goes on that there may be certain kinds of fish oils which are better for the body than others. Fish oil are really good to your overall health because it contains the 2 vital omega-3 fats to our well-being - the DHA & EPA. DHA & EPA helps promote healthy heart plus supports your immune system.

But, fish oil has barely any antioxidant in it. The problem with thisis, as omega-3 fats intake increased, you need to raise your ingestion of antioxidants as well! This is simply because fish oil is highly perishable. Antioxidants are needed to prevent fish oil from oxidizing and cause more damage than good.

Krill oil on the other hand, contains both DHA & EPA but it also contains strong antioxidants property. Which means you do not need to be concerned regarding increasing your intake of antioxidants!

Krill Oil Benefits

1. It Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
2. Ease premenstrual syndrome and also menstrual cramps
3. Combats signs of aging
4. protect cell membranes
5. supports liver function
6. supports memory plus learning
7. strengthen immune system
8. important for healthy skin

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

What's Krill Oil?

Krill are little crustaceans, a lot like shrimp, which grow to be from 1 to six centimeters lengthy. They reside alongside the oceans floor, and feed mostly on phytoplankton. Eaten by a large variety of animals this kind of as whales, seals, penguins, squid, and bass or all kinds, these creatures are pretty much on the bottom of the meals chain.

Most commercial kind krill fishing is done within the southern portions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean, as well as the northern component of Pacific Ocean, around the coasts of Japan and Canada. The fisherman catch these wildlife to use them in aquaculture and aquarium feeds, for sport fishing, or for food. If krill is used for food in Japan it's called okiami.

The oil that is naturally found in these creatures is extracted and offered as a nutritional supplement. The cause for this really is due towards the reality that it's extremely higher in omega 3 fatty acids. It also contains an antioxidant that is known as astaxanthin. The algae that is eaten by krill produces the vibrant red pigment, astaxanthin which makes krill, shrimp, lobster and other crustaceans their pinkish color.

These anti-oxidants assist to shield the cells within our physique from some thing called 'free radicals'. Totally free radicals are unstable substances which many believe contributes to a number of different persistent diseases. Astaxanthin crosses the blood to brain barrier, which makes most researchers believe that it may protect the eyes, brain, and central nervous system from the damage caused by totally free radicals. Other anti-oxidants don't cross this barrier.

Individuals ingest krill oil for the same uses that they'd ingest flax oils, fish oils, or other omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil can occasionally cause a fishy burp or aftertaste, which is a recognized following impact if fish oil. Krill oil also has a larger amount of astaxanthin than fish oils do. Its used for a number of various well being causes which include:

• Decreasing Cholesterol- Inside a study done around the results of krill oil on high cholesterol, 120 individuals had been offered both krill oil, fish oil, or a placebo. The ones who ingested krill oil showed a discount of 34% in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol, and an increase of 43.5% in HDL or 'good' cholesterol compared to those that got a placebo. Those who got krill oil also had a lowered triglyceride count. The ones who took the fish oil showed a discount of LDL cholesterol by 4.6% compared to the placebo, and and improve in HDL by 4.2%.

• Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS- Research shows that krill oil might assist wit the symptoms of PMS, by additional analysis is still becoming conducted.

• Arthritis-According to analysis posted within the 'Journal with the American School of Nutrition' when individuals took 300 mg each day of krill oil compared to a placebo, those who got krill oil showed effective outcomes in relieving arthritis pain, inflammation, and other signs.

As far as side effects are involved, there are actually very couple of. Of course, individuals with allergy symptoms to seafood ought to not ingest these oil. Individuals who have bleeding disorder are advised to talk with a doctor and be supervised by a professional well being expert before using krill oil. It isn't recommended to make use of it with blood thinners this kind of as aspirin, warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, or NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, or naproxen ought to not use krill oil with out checking with their medical doctors. The same goes for gingko bilobo and garlic. Side results may include looser stools and indigestion.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Choosing the Healthiest Sources of Protein

Protein from either an animal or vegetable source, once it's digested, basically works the same. It's broken down into individual amino acids that are then recombined to form other proteins found in your body - e.g. muscles, bones, organs, blood, etc.

Animal source protein, however, is complete protein since it provides all nine of essential amino acids needed for human health. Vegetable source protein always lacks one or more of these vital amino acids. This is usually not a problem for people who eat a vegetarian diet, as long as they eat a wide variety of good quality protein foods.

But there's another big difference between animal and vegetable source protein that must be taken into consideration when looking for the best protein source for good health. And that's the extra food components that come along with the protein.

Take a four-ounce porterhouse steak, for example. It provides a lot of complete protein. 25 grams to be exact. But it also provides about 30 grams of fat of which more than 10 grams are unhealthy saturated fat. The same size serving of broiled salmon delivers about the same amount of complete protein - 23 grams, but only 12 grams of fat, less than 3 of them saturated. A cup of lentils, on the other hand, has about 18 grams of incomplete protein, but under a gram of fat.

So paying close attention to the dietary source of protein makes good sense if you want to get and stay healthy. Animal source protein may be complete but it also contains a lot of extra unwanted fat. Studies show, for example, that people who eat more than 18 ounces of red meat each week have a much higher risk of colon cancer. The best sources of animal protein are lean fish, and poultry.

If you enjoy red meat eat it only on an occasional basis and always choose moderate size portions of the leanest cuts. And stay away from processed meats - bacon deli meats and hot dogs - that are linked to cancer risk. When eating dairy products, choose healthier low fat milk, yogurt and cheese.

Vegetable source protein like beans, nuts and whole grains may be incomplete but they also provide vitamins, minerals and healthy fiber. When limiting animal source protein in your diet, it's vital that you eat a wide variety of protein rich foods to be sure you're getting all of the amino acids you need. Combining rice and beans and peanut butter on whole grain bread are excellent vegetarian choices that provide a complete amino acid profile.

from ezinearticles

Monday, May 31, 2010

5 Best Android Apps for Health and Fitness

google androidit’s time to get outside and get in shape. Technology has been a great part of our lives and we should take advantage of it as much as possible. You can find a lot of phone applications today that you can use for tracking your calories and kilometers to stay in shape. As the Android is gaining popularity, here are ten popular health-related apps in the Android Market today that will help you get and stay in shape.

1. CardioTrainer + Racing

The CardioTrainer is a great Android application that challenges users to beat their own best times. It has features such as virtual race simulator and even a nifty voice that tells the user exactly how far behind or ahead he is. That's not all, for only $2.99 you will be able to enhance the free CardioTrainer app with a weight loss module.

2. Fast Food Calorie Counter

Its hard to resist the allure of fast food especially when you are trying to watch your weight. This application can help you mitigate the disastrous effects on your body of your favorite fast foods. You will find compiled data from 72 fast food restaurants. Those who are watching their diet and weight will surely love the data included in this app such as calories, fat grams, fiber, carbohydrates and protein. You can even try the free version of this app, Fast Food Calorie Counter Lite, if you are still undecided to purchase the full version.

3. CalorieQuick™

CalorieQuick will provide you with the help you need to track and control your calorie intake and exercise. Many people love how easy it is to set up and use, it is also designed for quick updating, and provides you with just the feedback you need to improve your health and appearance.

4. Endomondo Sports Tracker

Runners, cyclists, joggers and rollerskaters/rollerbladers will surely love this application. The Endomoohelps can help you track your time, distance, speed and altitude, and keeps a history of your workouts.

5. Calorie Counter by FatSecret

The Calorie Counter is a simple tool for those who would like to keep track of their calories and other nutrition facts. This app also figures the recommended daily intake for a user to achieve his or her fitness and weight goals. It even has a built-in bar code scanner to help you find healthy foods in a snap.

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