Archive » August, 2009 «

Organic Nutrition Can Help Fight Mesothelioma

Monday, August 31st, 2009 | Author: Organic Blogger

mesothelioma cancerIt has been stated by the National Cancer Institute that 35 percent of all cancer diagnoses can be linked to poor nutrition. Even though mesothelioma is not a cancer that can be prevented by better nutrition, people who have been diagnosed with this type of cancer can benefit from a healthier and more balanced diet in a number of ways.

Malignant mesothelioma is caused primarily by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a number of military and industrial applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was used mostly as insulation, brake lining and piping. Treatment options for this type of cancer are usually limited as symptoms do not become noticeable for at least 20 years after exposure and the diagnosis is often made late in the disease’s progression.

Good nutrition is vital to anyone fighting mesothelioma. It is important to eat a diet heavy in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, supplementing with dairy and healthy carbohydrates (such as whole wheat pastas and potatoes). In addition to improving chances of survival, proper dietary care can help relieve the painful or uncomfortable symptoms of cancer.

One of the most common side effects of cancer and cancer treatment is nausea. There are a number of dietary changes you can make to help this problem. Dry grain products like crackers and toast can help calm an upset stomach. Bland foods will also help with nausea, as well as acid reflux problems. Another common characteristic found in cancer patients is low white blood cell count, which increases the chance of contracting an infection. To avoid this side effect, a number of changes can be made in the foods you ingest. It is most important to avoid “bad” bacteria, which is common in foods that are damaged or not prepared well. Avoid buffets when eating out, wash your hands before preparing meals, avoid raw meats and fish (like sushi), and throw away any foods that are bruised or damaged.

Fresh foods are cancer fighting because they contain live enzymes that act as a catalyst for detoxification. Fruits and vegetables are the best source for these enzymes. Berries in particular can be quite helpful for someone fighting mesothelioma cancer. In fact, just one cup of strawberries has the same amount of vitamin C as one cup of orange juice, and all berries are great sources of this anti-oxidant and immune-strengthening vitamin. In addition to essential vitamins, berries are packed with several different types of cancer-fighting nutrients. In one study, extracts of six types of berries were tested for their ability to prevent the growth and spread of different types of cancer cells. Amazingly, each different type of berry was found to have an entirely unique combination of phytonutrients, and all six varieties of berry extract were able to kill cancer cells in the laboratory.

Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, romaine lettuce and collard greens are bursting with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide important cancer-fighting benefits. They contain beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin; all powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against all forms of cancer by destroying free radicals. Dark leafy greens also contain folate which is essential for the proper repair and replication of DNA. Without folate, damaged cells would be unable to repair their own DNA. The phytochemicals in these greens boost levels of enzymes that help cleanse the body of carcinogens and block the activity of enzymes that are known to activate carcinogens.

Cancer is a complex medical condition, with many factors playing various roles in development and treatment. However, most patients will undoubtedly benefit from a better diet in a number of ways. In addition to eating a balanced diet, use the following tips to help strengthen the body’s ability to function well and fight disease:

  • Avoid alcohol in excess amounts.
  • Monitor weight carefully, not only being sure to stay trim, but also being sure to avoid becoming too thin.
  • Learn about safe food preparation techniques.
  • Cut the “bad” fats from your diet, opting instead for “good” fats, such as olive oil.
  • Choose fruits and vegetables daily (these food groups should represent the bulk of your diet, approximately 50 percent).
  • Avoid processed foods, like prepackaged meals.
  • Make healthy choices when eating out, opting for low-carb or vegetable-based meals when possible.
  • Monitor the types of fish you eat, choosing species low in mercury.
  • Buy products that are organic.
  • Do not eat fast food.
  • Cut tobacco products out of your life.
  • Take a multi-vitamin every day.
  • Include adequate amounts of fiber in your diet.

Category: Healthy Living, Organic Health | One Comment

Should You Use Organic Toothpaste?

Thursday, August 20th, 2009 | Author: Organic Blogger

organic-toothpasteThe Question: Why organic tooth paste?

Just take a look at the shelves in your local supermarket. Products loaded with dangerous synthetic ingredients are everywhere. Triclosan (a registered pesticide), Methylparaben and Ethylparaben-parabens (which can affect hormone production) and even potentially cancer causing substances, these are not exactly ingredients you would want to put on your skin, never mind on your toothbrush.

Luckily you don’t have to. There is a clean and pure option. Organic toothpastes have been proven effective in toning gums, whitening teeth and above all else keeping your smile young and healthy looking.

How do organic toothpastes work?

Organic toothpastes clean with pure ingredients such as essential oils, medicinal herbs and natural cleansing agents. Numerous studies have proven that these ingredients have qualities that cleanse, whiten, protect and promote fresh breath. Organic options are made with concentrated natural ingredients that work with your mouth to promote good dental hygiene. Synthetic toothpastes simply blast your mouth with unnatural chemical compounds, sometimes with ingredients your body naturally rejects.

So the real question is, why wouldn’t someone use organic toothpastes?

The fluoride myth

For the record, fluoride is important. It promotes the remineralization of teeth while also preventing tooth decay and minimizing the harmful effects of oral bacteria. However, a balanced diet, especially one that includes lots of fruit and vegetables, will provide you with more than enough fluoride to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Dangers of fluoride

Basically, fluoride is a good thing for teeth, but too much can be overkill. In fact, too much fluoride, especially in children ages 1 to 4, can cause a condition called enamel fluorosis, which is characterized by tiny white streaks on the teeth, but in severe cases appears in the form of black and brown stains. Although rare, fluoride overdoses have been known to cause grave health problems. One of the more famous cases occurred in 1974, when a 3 year-old child from Brooklyn, New York, went into a comma and later died after receiving a fluoride treatment at the dentist.

Use of fluoride toothpaste has also been known to cause Perioral dermatitis (red papules around the nose, eyes and mouth). This is mostly affects women aged 20 to 45 and has a high rate of recurrence after the condition is identified.

The answer: Why organic toothpaste?

We encourage you to go organic in every way possible. You’ll be healthier, look better and be doing your part to protect our planet. Toothpaste may be a small thing, but it’s the little things in life that add up to make a big difference.

If you would like to purchase organic toothpaste, Saffron Rouge has partnered with Organic Health Blog to offer all readers 10% off dental care products. Simply enter the savings code TOOTH1 during checkout to receive your discount.

If you’ve never heard of Saffron Rouge, they offer one of the largest selections of organic beauty and skin care products on the web. What’s great about their website, is they exclusively deal with pure organic products, so you never have to worry about green washing. Well worth a look.

Visit Saffron Rouge today at www.saffronrouge.com.

Have a healthy day!

organic-toothpaste-discount-coupon

Category: Organic Health, Organic Spotlight, Recommended Product | 11 Comments

Need More Oomph – Chi Your World

Monday, August 17th, 2009 | Author: Organic Blogger

yin-yangAre you finding it hard to get motivated, inspired or excited?

Then perhaps you need to increase your Chi.

Chi is your life force, your spark or the ‘fire in the belly’. It exists not only inside you but around you in your home and the world you live in. Your own personal Chi is always mixing with the Chi around you.

If you want to increase your Chi you need to look at the food you eat, the way you move your body, the thoughts you have and also at your environment.

The Chi you take in from your environment, including clothes, sounds, light, color and people, influences your moods, emotions, physical energy and over time, your health. That’s why it’s so important that the Chi around you is not only plentiful and free flowing but that it’s harmonious and it supports you. This is the basis of Feng Shui.

Creating harmony in your environment will promote inner balance, reduce stress, slow down early aging and allow vitality to flow through your body.

Below are some easy tips on ways to help you get some more zing in your life.

Natural Clothing
Wear clothing made from natural materials such as cotton and wool, as synthetic fabrics can prevent the natural flow of Chi to and from your energy field.

Remove Clutter
The space around you is one key indicator to what is going on in your mind, and therefore your life. To enhance your Chi, discard items that no longer hold value for you with the intention of releasing the old thoughts, beliefs, and emotions attached to them. By clearing out items, you open the path for new energy to enter your life.

No Chemicals
Chemicals can block the flow of Chi. Start using natural cleaning products, pesticides and cosmetics.

Natural Light
Whenever possible live and work in natural light as it provides healthy, harmonious Chi, while artificial lighting can drain your Chi.

Avoid Chi Drainers
These are activities, people or places that drain your energy and leave you feeling depleted.

Colors
Colors have a major impact on your emotions and energy levels. Some colors such as red are very stimulating and can be great when you need an energy pick-me-up, while other colors such as blue are very calming and are perfect in the bedroom or after a hard day at work. So surround yourself and wear colors that make you feel good. Just remember that as your personal energy changes, the colors that you need around you also need to change to complement what’s happening internally.

Music
Music has a major impact on your emotional state and energy levels, so make sure you listen to music that makes you feel good – this will increase your Chi.

Have Fun
Be spontaneous – laugh. Do something silly! Do what you love. If you don’t enjoy your day then your Chi will naturally become suppressed. Sometimes you need to ‘fake it till you make it’. By making yourself laugh you will be increasing your Chi which will in turn will naturally increase your feeling of well-being.

Nature
Spend time in nature or bring the outdoors in with flowers and plants as these all impart positive healing Chi.

Balance Yin & Yang
Yin and yang are polar opposites of each other, complementing each other. They are found in all things in life and both are needed for a healthy balanced life. The ideal is to balance these two opposing energies for harmony and health. – balance darkness with light, warmth with cold etc.

By following these simple, yet powerful tips, you can increase your energy and improve your health by facilitating your Chi.

Article Submitted by: Rosanna Commisso

Category: Healthy Living, Self Improvement | 2 Comments

How to Get Bigger Muscle Gain

Friday, August 14th, 2009 | Author: Organic Blogger

get-bigger-musclesWhat does getting bigger actually mean? You can get bigger by stuffing yourself with junk food all day, but this will just make you fat. You can get bigger and lean to get a ripped physique, but this usually involves first getting bigger and then doing a cutting phase to get lean. Or you could get a physique which is in between these two physiques.

Getting bigger is normally referred to as “bulking up” which requires making adjustments to your diet and training regimen. Bulking up is a benefit to people who want to know how to gain weight. Gaining 30-40 lbs within 6-months of being on a bulk up diet and training is very common. It won’t all be muscle, but gaining some fat should be the least of your concerns. You can always get lean after you have gained the weight, and you will not look out of proportion because of the muscle you would have gained.

However, bulking up is not for all body types. If you are overweight and have a tendency to put on weight easily then it’s not suitable for you. If you have a fast metabolism (which is typical for hardgainers), then this method can be an effective way to increase muscle mass, get stronger and smash through those training plateaus.

Eat Big To Get Big

You need to eat a lot in order to get bigger! Missing out on breakfast and having lunch on the go is no longer an option if you are serious about getting bigger. You need to learn to eat proper meals, and you will want to buy food in bulk so you can prepare meals in advance. Just grab the prepared meals from the fridge in the morning when you are in a rush to get to work so you don’t skip on meals.

Meal Frequency

Eat at regular times throughout the day. Generally speaking you will want to eat 6 meals per day, every 3 hours like clockwork, including breakfast (6am), mid morning snack (9am), lunch (12pm), mid afternoon snack (3pm), dinner (6pm), and before you go to bed (around 9pm). Obviously the times can be different. This is the minimum eating requirements on a bulk up diet. It’s not uncommon for people who are bulking up to eat more than 2,500 calories. Exactly how many calories you will need to bulk up will depend on your weight, how often you are training, how much weight you want to gain and how fast you want to do it.

Stick With High Calorie Foods

Swap low calorie food for high calorie foods which have a high nutritional value. You need to be consuming excess calories if you want to bulk up.

Get Enough Protein

Buy a good protein supplement like Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey. Whey protein isolate is fast digesting and a cheap way of getting adequate protein in your diet. Protein powder can be easily added to weight gain shakes. The best time to take a weight gain protein shake is first thing in the morning and last thing at night. On workout days, instead you can drink one for breakfast and after the workout. Don’t always drink shakes to get your protein though. Eggs are another very good source of protein. You can make an eggs omelet with mushrooms, onions and salsa, which is very tasty and packed with protein.

Don’t Be Too Strict!

You are allowed to cheat with junk foods occasionally, just don’t make it a bad habit. You want to get the majority of your calories from unprocessed healthy foods. Eat what you want whenever you feel like it, just as long as are consistent with eating healthy foods.

Training

During the bulking up phase you will want to limit doing cardio because this form of exercise burns too many calories and does little for building muscle. You don’t need to spend hours in the gym in order to get big. In fact, over training can be detrimental to muscle gains. If you’re a hardgainer, you will not want to workout more then 3 times per week for 45 minutes each session.

When lifting weights, do heavy workouts with low reps (6-10 repetitions). This is the best way to get bigger. Focus on the basic compound exercises like squats, bench press, military press, pull ups, and so on. These exercises target the larger muscle groups. Working the large muscle groups like the chest, back, legs and shoulder will help with your efforts to increase testosterone levels, which is an anabolic hormones which plays a key role in muscle building.

Category: Dieting & Weightloss, Fitness, Weight Gain | 2 Comments

How To Treat Gallstones

Monday, August 10th, 2009 | Author: Organic Blogger

gallstonesAre you wondering how to treat gallstones? This year alone, about one-half of a million Americans will remove their organ, the gallbladder because of gallstone problems. Unfortunately, western medicine still believes that removing an organ is the best treatment for gallstones.

However, thousands of people will treat their problem with an alternative treatment which helps the body flush the gallbladder. In the process of flushing the gallbladder, the stones are painlessly passed from the body.

However, most medical establishments do not recommend passing your stones naturally because it could mean millions of dollars lost from less cholecystectomy surgeries. In this article, you will learn some simple natural health secrets about treating this problem naturally.

How to Save Thousands of Dollars and Your Organ

Imagine saving thousands of dollars and passing your gallstone at home. Though this sounds too good to be true, it just may be easier than you expect. One of the most popular ways to treat this common disease is with a liver and gallbladder cleanse.

With a liver cleanse, you are rewarding the liver for its daily work and in the process you are helping alleviate the possibility of additional strain being placed on the gallbladder with the excess cholesterol and bile salts that can accumulate with an under-functioning liver.

Many people have found that using simple vegetables, fruits, herbs and basic cooking ingredients can quickly and painlessly pass gallstones.

How to Pass Your Gallstones from Home

  1. Many people begin a home treatment by supplementing magnesium. For instance, magnesium has been shown to reduce the risk of stone development in the gallbladder. Many natural health doctors recommend a diet that has about 400 mg a day of magnesium.
  2. You may also wish to prevent gallstones with preventing them from forming. By avoiding saturated fats, such as red meats and pork, you will help the gallbladder cleanse itself. Your gallbladder will then be able to work at flushing the stones naturally.
  3. Fiber has been shown to help flush cholesterol from the gallbladder and also help the liver’s effectiveness. Fiber therapy is a commonly used treatment to help both the liver and gallbladder work more effectively. One part of the treatment calls for 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
  4. Another quick tip is to drink one cup of coffee daily. Recent studies have shown that coffee will increase the flow of bile and decrease the risk of developing gallstones.
  5. Try converting the cholesterol stones into bile by supplementing ascorbic acid, vitamin C to your diet. You can supplement 3000 mg daily.

Article By: Joe Barton

Guaranteed! Researched! Step by Step! Joe Barton and Barton Publishing have helped thousands of sufferers learn how to treat gallstones at home. Now it’s your turn! www.getridofgallstones.com/gall

Liver & Gallbladder Cleanse

DOCTOR’S NOTE: If you do not have a gallbladder, the liver has to work twice as hard and can thus accumulate twice as many stones. This cleanse is highly recommended to help support individuals without gallbladders.

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon of apple juice (freshly pressed organic). The malic acid in the apple juice helps to soften stones and dissolve stagnant bile that may be present. You can use distilled water or Wellness Water® instead of apple juice if you are allergic to apples or need to watch your sugar intake due to diabetes
  • 2 ounces (1 full bottle) of Livatrex®
  • 3 Tablespoons of Epsom salt
  • Organic ingredients for making the Liver/Gallbladder Soup
  • Organic Fruits for breakfast each morning
  • 8 oz. Organic Walnuts or 3 Organic Avocados with 1 Organic Lime or Lemon for the mid-afternoon snack on day 5. (Choose one or the other)
  • 6 oz. of Organic Olive Oil – Use Extra virgin high quality, cold-pressed for best results
  • 1 bottle of Oxy-Powder® & 1 bottle of Latero-Flora™
  • 1 bottle (8 ounces) of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (available at most health food stores or online)

Complete Liver & Gallbladder Cleanse Instructions

Category: Health Care, Healthy Living, Home Remedies, Recommended Product | Leave a Comment

Is Eating Purely Organic Food Better for you?

Wednesday, August 05th, 2009 | Author: Organic Blogger

eating-organicThere have been many recent studies circling around the debate of organic food, as many people have speculated that eating organic foods is not as healthy as they are advertised to be. Sales have doubled among organic food since the federal government began to deem foods as organic, which has therefore led to the increase of the products within many grocery stores among the nation. The fact that this trend has reached many urban city centers through venues like Whole Foods and other “trendy” grocery stores has led for an outcry that organic foods are equivalent to healthy eating overall.


Recently, people have jumped to the conclusion that food is better for you if you are organic. Eating “organic” has no guarantee of eating well or healthfully and as many healthcare professionals have discovered, the root to the unhealthy eating habits of Americans circle around their affinity for soda and sugary sweets. While organic food can be better for you in the long run, it is mostly because they are “real” ingredients, rather than those ingredients contained within many of the fatty foods we ingest every day. The health of many Americans may increase over time as we begin to shift away from a focus on fast-food meals and soda, instead focusing on this new form of organic food which contains little if any added preservatives. Additionally, producing organic food also aids the environment as much less land, water, and chemicals are used to produce this type of food and therefore less greenhouse gases are emitted.

Therefore, many debates have opened up as to whether eating organic has really been found to be better for you in the end. The decision to eat organic meals is one which slowly begins to edge out more calorie-ridden foods which may be the reason for the overall increase in healthy lifestyles after the switch, which actually has little to do with the manufacture of the food in general. However, since eating organically has become such a trend for 30-something-year old “yuppies”, it has since transpired to a whole new culture in which people are eating healthier and beginning to care about the stipulation that most Americans are overweight. By eating less of their favorite processed foods and drinks, instead looking to organic food as a switch in diet, it has been studied that more Americans will lose weight and concentrate on eating better in the long run. In the end, it is not organic food per say that has led to a healthier lifestyle, but the exclusion of food that has been processed in a different manner.

This post was contributed by Kelsey Allen, who writes about the organic food coupons. She welcomes your feedback at KelseyAllen1010 yahoo.com

Category: Natural Diet, Organic Health | 4 Comments