health-conditions

Detoxing with The Master Cleanse

Sun, 30 May 2010 04:06:55 +0100

IF YOU ARE GOING TO TRY THIS DETOX-WEIGHT LOSS I HIGHLY SUGGEST THAT YOU PURCHASE THE BOOK AND HAVE IT ON HAND TO REFER TO YOU CAN BUY THE BOOK AT THE RAW FOOD WEBSITE

There is also a discussion group that you can join and read what others are doing and share your questions.

The Master Cleanse is a 10-day fast that is used for detox and weight loss purposes. It has also been called the Master Cleanser Diet after the original book that described it, the Lemonade Diet, the Maple Syrup Diet, and the Cayenne Pepper Diet after some of the ingredients used, and the Beyoncé Diet after its most famous fan.

Although the Master Cleanse is often referred to as a fast, it’s not really a complete fast, in that up to 1,300 calories are consumed each day in the form of sugars from the ingredients in the beverage that Master Cleansers prepare and drink.

Does it Work

Does the diet work for weight loss? If you follow the instructions, it most certainly will work. Any fast will cause you to lose weight, because you aren’t eating food. The Master Cleanse in the strict sense is not a fast because you drink a considerable amount of sugar-containing lemonade, about 650 to 1,300 calories worth per day, depending on the number of glasses you drink. Thus you will have a daily calorie deficit: Most non-overweight people need from 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day to maintain their weight (women will be on the lower end of that range). If you are overweight, you are probably consuming more than that to maintain your weight.

As an example, if you normally eat 2,150 calories, and you choose the extreme 650-calorie version of the Master Cleanse, you will have a 1,500-calorie deficit, losing three pounds of fat per week (and perhaps some water weight also). (There may be other factors that will affect this result.) Many reputable diets prescribe a two-pound per week loss, so in this sense the Master Cleanse is actually not that radical: it just substitutes lemonade for real food and adds the shock effect of constant colon cleansing.

How to Do the Master Cleanse In a nutshell, the Master Cleanse is this:

The diet takes at least 10 days (up to 40 days, the period of time that Jesus fasted after his baptism, as Burroughs points out)

The only nourishment that you take is a special lemonade concoction made from lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water, six to twelve glasses per day, each glass containing about 110 calories in sugar carbohydrates

An herbal laxative tea is drunk at night and a quart of salt water is drunk first thing in the morning, resulting in several liquid bowel movements every day — you need to always be near a toilet when you do this diet, and you need to stock up on toilet paper

You come off the diet by transitioning to solid food over a few days, ideally becoming a raw food vegetarian in Stanley Burroughs’ version of the diet

The Master Cleanse Lemonade The lemonade is prepared by mixing the ingredients in this free recipe: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice. Burroughs recommends organic lemons, fresh, not bottled juice. Limes may be substituted. Lemon zest and pulp may be added, making sure that the lemons are organic and not artificially colored or treated with pesticides.

2 tablespoons of Grade B maple syrup. This must be pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Burroughs recommends the darker Grade B, which has more color and nutrients than Grade A, which is also acceptable. He goes into aspects of maple syrup production that would be difficult for the average person to investigate, such as whether formaldehyde or plastic tubing is used (not recommended by Burroughs).

1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Burroughs insists that cayenne chili pepper be used, but permits ramping up from a lesser amount if the taste needs getting used to. The more cayenne you can tolerate the better.

Water. Burroughs recommends a 10-ounce glass of medium hot water, but also allows cold water to be used. Some have interpreted “10-ounce glass” to mean 8 ounces of actual water. Since Burroughs also allows plain water to be drunk during the fast in addition to the lemonade, this doesn’t seem important.

I usually make enough in the morning to last me until mid afternoon and then make more. The fresher the lemons, the better. I do not have access to much organic produce so I have to use what I can get. I just don't use the pulp and I put all my produce in an ozone bath that helps to rid chemicals and pesticides.

Whenever you get hungry just drink more of the mix and your hunger will subside in 10 minutes or so. Make sure that you drink at least 6 drinks a day preferable 10-12. Plus more water and you can have herbal peppermint tea. This is all you consume for 10 days.

Things to Avoid at All Costs

Burroughs strongly counsels against the use of honey in the lemonade or the consumption at any time of honey, which he describes as predigested bee vomit, popular only among “gullible health foodists.”

Burroughs also cautions against taking any kind of supplements or vitamin pills or using illicit drugs. Although Glickman wisely recommends against going off any prescription medications without your doctor’s approval, it’s unclear what Burroughs’ opinion was on this point. He reprints without comment an endorsement from a follower who relates how he quit his medications for blood pressure, nerves, and lack of energy during his fast.

You shouldn’t smoke or drink alcohol, coffee, tea, cola, but the good news is that your cravings for them will completely disappear, according to Burroughs. Burroughs allows the consumption of extra plain water and of mint tea.

No other food or drink should be consumed at all, say both Burroughs and Glickman.

The Colon Blaster

There are two preparations needed to induce colon cleansing.

Laxative herb tea. Although Burroughs is quite specific about types and amounts of lemons and maple syrup, on the subject of laxative herb teas he simply suggests without further elaboration that you should buy any good brand offered by your health food store.

Internal salt water bathing solution. Dissolve two teaspoons of uniodized sea salt in a quart of lukewarm water.

The laxative herb tea and the salt water are the one-two punch that will keep your colon in full-time Old Faithful mode during the diet, cleansing it clean as a whistle.

During the Diet To begin the diet you need to choose the minimum number of days that you are going to attempt, steel yourself for what is to come, and follow the following daily routine.

Tips For PMS

Sun, 30 May 2010 03:54:43 +0100

To relieve water retention
1. 10-20 drops of dandelion root tincture in a cup of water with meals and before bed.
2. A strong infusion (one ounce of dried herb in a quart of boiling water, brewed overnight) of the common weed, stinging nettle, not only relieves, but also helps prevent further episodes of water retention.

To moderate mood swings
Tincture of the flowering tops of fresh motherwort is a favorite calmative of herbalists. Use 5-10 drops in a small amount of water as a dose, repeat as needed, sometimes as frequently as 3-4 times an hour, until the desired effect is achieved. "

For women who consistently feel rage premenstrually, use 20-30 drops of motherwort tincture twice a day for a month to help stabilize moods.

One or more cups of an infusion of the herb oatstraw (the grass of the plant that gives us oatmeal) helps the nerves calm down and provides a rich source of minerals known to soothe frazzeled emotions.

To relieve digestive distress

A cup of yogurt in the morning (buy it plain and add fruit at home) replaces gut flora and insures easy digestion all day long.

Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Sun, 30 May 2010 03:52:22 +0100

Lifestyle changes and natural remedies may help to control high blood pressure, but your doctor may also recommend medication to lower high blood pressure. It is important to work with your doctor, because untreated high blood pressure may damage organs in the body and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, brain hemorrhage, kidney disease, and vision loss. See a drawing of a hypertensive heart. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
There is some evidence that the supplement CoQ10 may help to reduce high blood pressure.

A 12 week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 83 people with systolic hypertension examined the effect of CoQ10 supplements (60 mg twice daily). After the 12 weeks, there was a mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of 17.8 mm Hg in the Coq10-treated group.

Another study conducted at the University of Western Australia looked at the effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure and glycemic control in 74 people with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 100mg CoQ10 twice daily, 200mg of the drug fenfibrate, both, or neither for 12 weeks.

CoQ10 significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure(mean reduction 6.1 mm Hg and 2.9 mm Hg respectively). There was also a reduction in HbA1C, a marker for long-term glycemic control.
To learn more about CoQ10, read the Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) fact sheet.

Garlic
In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials of garlic supplements, three trials showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. Researchers concluded that garlic powder supplement may be of clinical use in patients with mild high blood pressure.

Garlic supplements should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) similar to aspirin. Garlic may interact with many drugs and supplements such as the prescription "blood-thinners" drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Trental (pentoxifylline), aspirin, vitamin E, gingko. It is usually recommended that people taking garlic stop in the weeks before and after any type of surgery.

To learn more about garlic, go to the articles about garlic.

Hawthorn
The herb hawthorn is often used by traditional herbal practitioners for high blood pressure.

In a randomized controlled trial conducted by researchers in Reading, UK, 79 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive either 1200 mg of hawthorn extract a day or placebo for 16 weeks. Medication for high blood pressure was used by 71% of the patients.

At the end of the 16 weeks, patients taking the hawthorn supplement had a significant reduction in mean diastolic blood pressure (2.6 mm Hg). No herb-drug interactions were reported.

Fish oil
Preliminary studies suggest that fish oil may have a modest effect on high blood pressure. Although fish oil supplements often contain both DHA (docohexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), there is some evidence that DHA is the ingredient that lowers high blood pressure. Learn more about fish oil.

Folic acid
Folate is a B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.

One small study of 24 cigarette smokers found that four weeks of folic acid supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure. Learn more about folic acid.

Diet
Changing your diet is an important part of lowering high blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is promoted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Insitutes of Health (NIH).

The DASH diet includes fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, beans and nuts. Sodium is limited to 2,400 mg per day.

Studies have found that the DASH diet can reduce high blood pressure within two weeks. These are the daily guidelines of the DASH diet:

7 to 8 servings of grains

4 to 5 servings of vegetables

4 to 5 servings of fruit

2 to 3 servings of low-fat or non-fat dairy

2 or less servings of meat, fish, or poultry

2 to 3 servings of fats and oils

4 to 5 servings per week of nuts, seeds, and dry beans

Less than 5 servings a week of sweets

Serving Sizes
1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta
1 slice bread
1 cup raw vegetables or fruit
1/2 cup cooked vegetables or fruit
8 oz. of milk
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 ounces cooked meat
3 ounces tofu

A related diet called the DASH-Sodium reduces sodium to 1,500 mg a day, which is approximately equal to 2/3 teaspoon from all sources (processed and canned foods contain hidden salt).

Patients following the DASH-Sodium diet had a significant reduction in high blood pressure.
More: The Salt Wars: Is Salt Restriction Necessary?

Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium
Calcium. Calcium supplementation appears to have a modest but statistically significiant reduction in systolic blood pressure (mean difference of 2.5 mm Hg), however better quality studies are needed. Learn more about getting enough calcium in your diet.

Potassium. A meta-analysis of five trials indicated that potassium supplementation compared to a control resulted in a large but statistically non-significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (mean difference 11.2 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (5.0 mm hg). Learn about potassium in the diet and find out which foods have potassium.
...
About Potassium:
Potassium is a dietary mineral that is generally quite abundant in most people's diets, so most healthy people get plenty from their diets. Due to illness, however, some people need to restrict their dietary potassium intake and some people may actually need to increase their intake. If you have any questions about your potassium levels, please speak to your doctor.
Why You Need Potassium:
You need this mineral:
as a component for balancing the pH of your body
for normal water balance in your body
for normal muscle growth
for healthy nervous system and brain function
Measuring Potassium With Blood Tests:
Most of your potassium is found inside the cells in your body. Only about two percent is found in the blood. Your body likes to keep the amount of potassium in your blood fairly level.
Abnormal Blood Potassium Levels:
Blood levels of potassium may fluctuate due to kidney disease, diabetes, vomiting, as a side effect to certain medications, fluctuating hormone levels, amount of potassium in the diet and blood pH.

Potassium in Foods:
If your potassium levels are too high, you doctor may tell you to go on a potassium-restricted diet. If your potassium levels are too low, your doctor may tell you to get more potassium in your diet. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium:

raisins
prunes
apricots
dates
strawberries
bananas
watermelon
cantaloupe
citrus fruits
beets
greens
spinach
tomatoes
mushrooms
soy products
veggie burgers
peas
beans
turkey
fish
beef
salmon
cod

Magnesium. In 12 randomized controlled trials, participants receiving magnesium supplements did not have a significantly reduction in systolic blood pressure, but they did have a statistically signicantly reduction in diastolic blood pressure (mean difference 2.2 mm Hg). \

Most dietary magnesium comes from vegetables, particularly dark green, leafy vegetables. Other foods that are good sources of magnesium are:
Legumes and seeds
Nuts (such as almonds and cashews)
Whole grains (such as brown rice and millet)
Fruits or vegetables (such as bananas, dried apricots, and avocados)

8 Natural Remedies That May Help You Sleep

Sun, 30 May 2010 01:56:13 +0100

Before you rush to the drugstore to buy an over-the-counter sleep medication, try one of the following natural sleep remedies. They are safer and have fewer side effects. Many of these can not only help you fall asleep and stay asleep, but they can also promote muscle relaxation.

Magnesium and calcium

Magnesium and calcium are both sleep boosters, and when taken together they become even more effective. Plus, by taking magnesium you cancel out any potential heart problems that might arise from taking calcium alone. Take 200 milligrams of magnesium (you can lower the dose if it causes diarrhea) and 600 milligrams of calcium each night.

Wild lettuce

If you’ve suffered anxiety, headaches, or muscle or joint pain, you might already be familiar with wild lettuce. It’s also effective at calming restlessness and reducing anxiety, and may even quell restless legs syndrome. When using a wild-lettuce supplement, take 30 to 120 milligrams before bed.

Hops

Beer fans are already familiar with the calming effect of hops, the female flowers used in beer making. For sleep purposes, this extract has been widely used as a mild sedative for anxiety and insomnia. Take 30 to 120 milligrams before climbing under the covers.

Aromatherapy

Lavender is the trick here, as studies have proven that it aids in sleep. It’s also an inexpensive, nontoxic way to slip into a peaceful slumber. Find a spray with real lavender and spritz it on your pillow before bedtime, or buy a lavender-filled pillow.

Melatonin

Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep, so it’s no wonder that it naturally induces sleep. Studies show that lower doses are more effective — plus, there’s concern that too-high doses could cause toxicity as well as raise the risk of depression or infertility. Take at most 0.3 to 0.5 milligrams before bed

L-theanine
This amino acid comes from green tea, and not only helps maintain a calm alertness during the day but also a deeper sleep at night. However, green tea doesn’t contain enough L-theanine to significantly boost your REM cycles, and might make you wake up to go to the bathroom. Instead, buy pure, active L-theanine (some brands have inactive forms of theanine that block the effectiveness), and take 50 to 200 milligrams at bedtime.

Valerian

Valerian is one of the most common sleep remedies for insomnia. Numerous studies have found that valerian improves deep sleep, speed of falling asleep, and overall quality of sleep. However, it’s most effective when used over a longer period of time. Keep in mind that about 10 percent of the people who use it actually feel energized, which may keep them awake. If that happens to you, take valerian during the day. Otherwise, take 200 to 800 milligrams before bed.

I personally believe that melatonin is one of the best options on the list, as it occurs naturally in your body. It’s produced by a pea-sized gland in the middle of your brain called the pineal gland.
I take 3-4 melatonin before going to bed.

For most people, the pineal gland is totally inactive during the day. But, at night, when it gets dark, the pineal gland is switched “on” and it begins producing melatonin to be released into your blood.

Melatonin makes you feel sleepy and less alert, and in a normal night’s sleep, your melatonin levels stay elevated for about 12 hours (usually between 9 pm and 9 am). Then, as the sun rises and your day begins, your pineal gland turns “off” and the melatonin levels in your blood decrease until they’re hardly measurable at all.

The amount of melatonin you create and release every night varies depending on your age. Children usually have much higher levels of melatonin than adults. And as you grow older, your levels typically continue to decrease. Researchers believe this may explain why many older adults occasionally experience disrupted sleep patterns. Even turning on a light in the middle of the night (such as when you get up to go to the bathroom) will disrupt your melatonin production and interfere with your sleep.

Another thing that I have found that helps is to drink an infusion of Rosemary Tea. It seems to help me sleep better.

Common Causes of Sleep Trouble

Insomnia, which can occur intermittently or for several days or months at a time, is classified as:

1. Difficulty falling asleep
2. Waking frequently during the night
3. Waking too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep
4. Waking feeling unrefreshed

Insomnia will affect your hormone levels and accelerate aging, and may also play a role in diabetes, depression and cancer. While it may be tempting to look for a pill to quickly help you sleep, these will not address the top underlying causes of such sleep disorders, which include:

Stress: All types of negative emotions, including worry, fear, anxiety, etc., can keep you up at night. Stress tops the list when it comes to pinning down the cause of insomnia and other sleep disturbances.

Overactive adrenals: Increased levels of stress hormones in your body can lead to a hyperaroused state that makes it difficult to sleep.

Eye problems: People with damage to their optic nerve can have problems sleeping, including difficulty falling asleep, waking up at strange times, sleepiness during the day and insomnia at night.

Cell phones: Using a cell phone before going to bed could cause insomnia, headaches and confusion, and may also cut your amount of deep sleep, interfering with your body‘s ability to refresh itself.

Migraines & Spearmint

Sun, 30 May 2010 01:52:31 +0100

he author’s serendipitous discovery revealed that a decoction of a spearmint species (Mentha spicata, Lamiaceae) successfully treated her migraine headache attacks. This is a very easily prepared and inexpensive remedy with no adverse side effect. This remedy exceeds the efficacy of large doses of riboflavin (vitaminB2), that has been reported as prophylaxis for migraines 1,2, and that the author used it for over two years before spearmint.

Consumption of 5-6 cups of a spearmint decoction of a species grown in the garden miraculously cleared her headache within 75 minutes one summer day in 2001. Subsequent consumption of this decoction became a daily refresher. The author experienced no additional migraine problems.

The author proposes a possible correlation between the pharmacological activities of sesquiterpenoids as found in feverfew, butterbur, monoterpenoids as found in cannabis, and of monoterpenoids as found in spearmint. She speculates that those terpenoids that are potential migraine remedies might be stereospecific (levorotatory). She further promotes studies of spearmint decoction as a safe and very low-cost natural antimigraine remedy.

1. Schoenen, J., Lenaerts, M., Jacquy, J.: Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis, Neurology, 50, February 1998, 466-470.
2. Boehnke, C., Flach, U., Reuter, U., et al.: High-dose riboflavin treatment is efficacious in migraine prophylaxis, Eur. J. Neurol., July 2004, 11(7), 475-7.

Preparation of Spearmint Decoction

Into a 4-qt crock-pot, place 6-7 pieces of fresh or dried above-ground (leaves and stems) parts of a spearmint (mentha spicata) plant, 10-12 inches/piece. Add hot water to the top of the pot, set the pot to “high” until the water boils. Decant and drink the clear dark amber color liquid without condiments. Drink 6-7 cups within 90 minutes for an acute attack.

Alternatively, if spearmint plant is not readily available, commercial Organic Spearmint tea bags are available at natural food stores. I suggest that the tea made from the bags be concentrated.

Use one bag in 8oz hot water in a ceramic/glass CLOSED container (to avoid evaporation of essential oils). Allow it to boil 3-5 minutes until the liquid is clear dark amber color. Drink 6-7 cups within 90 minutes for an acute attack.

For prevention: Drink a more diluted tea several glasses daily.

I have also found that adding 2-3 drops of the essential oil of Spearmint to my hot tea daily also helps to prevent migraines. I use about 6-8 drops daily.

Disclaimer
This abstract and preparation reflect ONLY the experience/opinion of the individual who posts the message. The information contained above is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question.

Kidney Stones

Sun, 30 May 2010 01:49:15 +0100

Functions of the Kidney

Elimination of metabolic wastes
Blood pressure regulation
Erythrocyte production – erythropoietin (stimulates red cell production)
Vitamin D activation
Prostaglandin synthesis
Acid – Base balance (excretes alkaline salts)
Fluid balance
Electrolyte balance

At least once a day, three days a week, do take watermelon seed tea as a part of the water. This would be prepared by pouring a pint of boiling water over a tablespoonful of watermelon seed (ground or cut) and allowing it to steep. Let it cool, then strain and drink. This will clarify those conditions that cause reactions in the kidneys and bladder, for, the lack of eliminations and the slowing up of the circulation causes a greater quantity of drosses to be held in the system, and these need to be eliminated from the body.
More will be eliminated through using this stimuli for the kidney activity than in most any way.

____________________________________________________________

Joe Pye Weed is a North American native perennial herb found in moist woods and meadows from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas.
Cultivate from seed or root separation, with partial shade to full sun in
rich alkaline soil. Growing to a height of about 12 ft. it makes a handsome addition to any garden or as a privacy border. The sturdy, hollow, purple stems are covered with whorls of 4 to 8 dark green, lance shaped, and serrated leaves, up to 1 foot long. Atop each stem is a rose pink to whitish domed cluster of flowers, about 1 foot in diameter, blooming in August and September. The root is woody, thick and purplish brown with cream colored flesh. Gather leaves anytime and entire plant in full bloom. Dig roots after frost.

Properties
The entire plant is used as an alternative medicine with the roots being the strongest part. Crushed leaves have an apple scent and are dried then burned to repel flies. Infuse dried root and flowers for a diuretic tea
to relieve kidney and urinary problems. Tea is used to induce sweating and break a high fever. Also useful for rheumatism, gravel (gallstones), and dropsy (fluid retention).
Root tea: To 1 pint boiling water add 1 oz. dried rootstock steep for 30
min. take in ½ cup doses 4 or 5 times a day.

Flower tea: To 1 cup boiling water add 1 tsp. dried flowers steep for 10
min. drink 1 to 3 cups a day.

Cinnamon May Help Stop Type 2 Diabetes

Sun, 30 May 2010 01:46:31 +0100

merican scientists have claimed that a teaspoon of cinnamon a day may help prevent the onset of diabetes.

The common spice could help millions of sufferers of Type II, non-insulin dependent diabetes. This condition usually develops in middle-age and prematurely kills 100 million people around the world every year. Type II diabetes causes cells to lose their ability to respond to insulin, the hormone that tells the body to remove excess glucose in the bloodstream. If glucose builds up in the blood, tiredness, weight-loss and blurred vision are some of the resulting symptoms. In extreme cases this can lead to blindness, heart disease and premature death.

Data from the Agricultural Research Unit in Maryland was first published in the New Scientist in August 2000. The researchers found that cinnamon rekindled the ability of fat cells in diabetics to respond to insulin and greatly increased glucose removal. It is believed that a substance in cinnamon called MHCP is the main reason for its beneficial results.

When mice were given MHCP, their glucose levels fell dramatically and tests on humans have begun this year. The researchers are so confident that cinnamon will have the same dramatic effect of reducing insulin tolerance in humans they recommend that type II diabetics should take a quarter to one full teaspoon of cinnamon per day.

Many Type II diabetics have already found a new feeling of well-being and improvement in health by using this simple cinnamon supplementation in their diet. Cinnamon has long been known as an “energizing” spice, and it is likely that increasing the intake of this common and cheaply available food will benefit even non-diabetics, if used as a daily energizing tonic.

The insulin resistance that leads to type II diabetes develops relatively slowly as the body ages and even those who have not yet experienced severe symptoms may have some degree of elevated insulin resistance.

Cinnamon is also a rich source of magnesium, which is essential for maintaining bone density, electrolyte balance, certain enzyme functions and many other crucial biochemical processes. Magnesium is also linked to the more dramatic forms of diabetes that occur earlier in life.

Much research has been carried out to establish a metabolic defect in diabetics that prevents the absorption of magnesium. As cinnamon provides a readily available source of MHCP, magnesium and possibly other beneficial substances it seems like a very cost-effective way of offsetting future health problems related to glucose/insulin imbalances as we grow older.

Cinnamon can be bought inexpensively in a convenient powdered form at almost any food shop and taking it couldn’t be easier: just use up to a teaspoon a day in milkshakes or fruit juice.

Diabetics should always inform their doctor before taking cinnamon as it may affect medication requirements.

If you are considering using cinnamon daily I would suggest that you purchase a ground cinnamon that is organic. Some of the cinnamon that you find in the grocery stores may have additives.

We offer bulk herbs at discount prices at www.feedmysheep.biz

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know you have read it elsewhere, but have you done anything about the use of cinnamon for your diabetes? The evidence is big – as little as one-fourth teaspoonful can be beneficial, although I tell my patients to use one teaspoonful daily. A recent study by the Department of Agriculture of a group of type-2 diabetics who were given from 1 gram to 6 grams (1/4 tsp) of cinnamon for 40 days produced these results:
18-29 percent lower sugar levels
23-30 percent lower triglyceride levels
12-26 percent lower cholesterol levels
This study was conducted by Dr. Richard Anderson, a biochemist and lead researcher at the USDA’s Beltsville Human Research Nutrition Center in Maryland. Dr. Anderson says he has been deluged with calls and testimonies from delighted cinnamon users who were diabetic and regularly monitor their blood sugar. Don Oraves, a biochemistry professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara says: “Cinnamon does much the same thing biochemically as insulin without the side effects
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Cinnamon has previously been indicated as a potential
insulin substitute for those with type 2 diabetes
- researchers have found that cinnamon contains a
bioactive component with “insulin-like” effects. It
was also determined that cinnamon increased the rate
of glucose metabolism.
Here are some of the many benefi ts of cinnamon:
• Reduces blood sugar levels
• Reduces triglycerides
• Reduces LDL cholesterol
• Supports digestion
• Relieves congestion
• Relieves pain and stiffness
• Contains anti-infl ammatories
• Prevents urinary tract infections
• Is a powerful antimicrobial

Your Thyroid & Iodine

Sun, 30 May 2010 01:42:24 +0100

There is probably no greater general interest subject than thyroid function. Low functioning thyroids are common in both male and female, although it has been
my experience that females are far more apt to have hypothyroidism than males.

Let’s start with what the thyroid is and what are its functions. The thyroid is a butterfl y shaped gland which lies at the base of the throat. Thyroxine (T-4) is the hormone secreted by the thyroid and it converts into triiodothyronine (T-3) as needed to control the body’s metabolic rate.

If the body produces too little thyroxine, many of its normal chemical processes slow
down, a condition known as hypothyroidism.

Here are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism:
• Continuous feeling of fatigue
• Aching muscles
• Cold hands and feet
• Weight gain without eating more
• Coarse, dry, thinning hair
• Dry skin
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Forgetfulness
• Loss of libido
• Slow heartbeat
• Mental sluggishness

Try this iodine patch test:
1. Begin this test in the morning (after showering).
2. Use Tincture of Iodine to paint a “2 X 2” square on the inner arm.
▪ Tincture of Iodine is available from any drugstore or pharmacy. Be sure it’s the original orange
colored solution and not the clear solution.
3. Write down your starting time: ______ : ______ am
4. Observe the coloration of the patch over the next 24 hours.
5. Record the hour of time for the following:
▪ Hour patch began to lighten: _______ : _______ am / pm
▪ Hour patch disappeared completely: _______ : ________ am / pm
Overall, the faster the body draws in the iodine, the greater the iodine need is likely to be.
Repeat the Iodine Patch Test every 1-2 weeks to carefully monitor the need for iodine.
When the patch no longer fades or disappears within 24 hours, lower the iodine dose appropriately.

Quick Test
One simple, inexpensive way to check the health of your thyroid is to do an iodine skin patch test. It
should last 24 hours when painted on your wrist/forearm. If it’s less than 10 hours then it’s a very
tired and malnourished thyroid and time to give itsufficient iodine.

Another test that may be taken at home to find out if the thyroid is low.

For four days keep a thermometer by your bedside. As soon as you wake up in the morning put the thermometer in your armpit for ten minutes. You must do this before you get up. If you get up first you will not get an accurate reading. If your temperature runs below 97.8 then you most likely have low thyroid. It is important to shake the thermometer after each use.

An option for treatment that I, the group leader uses is below. I take these Iodine capsules along with one L-Tyrosine capsule daily.

This is now being presented as Organic Iodine caplets. My normal suggestion is 2 caplets with
morning and evening meals for two months, then 1 caplet morning and evening for a prolonged period.
One of the physicians had been taking that amount of iodine for over six years and was very pleased with the response not only on his patients but on himself.

For more information on this subject go to: Let’s Talk Health Newsletter Archive and see Aug 2007 Newsletter

ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP containing triclosan may be the cause of your low thyroid function. When absorbed through the skin, this chemical suppresses the function of the thyroid. Low thyroid function can have a far reaching effect on your life. (I do not suggest using anti-bacterial soap on a regular basis.)

Identifying Candida Symptoms

Sun, 30 May 2010 01:40:12 +0100

Candida is nearly an epidemic in our society and is responsible for many of the chronic illness categories we see so frequently. Candida symptoms are vast and all encompassing and can even incapacitate the individual.

Most people are unaware that it even exists, because most main stream doctors are uneducated about its impact on our health. People suffering from this condition often go from doctor to doctor for years and are usually told they are a hypochondriac or that it is stress or a psychiatric problem, before ever discovering the real culprit.

Candida Albicans is a yeast that occurs naturally in the human body. Normally it lives in harmony with a variety of other microorganisms and actually performs a couple important functions. The problem occurs when something upsets the balance of bacteria in the body and this allows the yeast organism to proliferate and take over all the healthy microorganisms.

It normally resides in the intestinal tract, mouth, throat and genitals, however it can burrow holes in the intestinal tract, enter the blood stream and then make it’s way into any organ of the body. To make matters worse it emits over 70 different toxins into the body. Some people may even become allergic to the yeast itself.

Once this hardy organism proliferates in the body, it wrecks havock in many ways and is the insitigator of many common maladies, conditions, syndromes and illnesses in our population.

Some of the most frequent Candida symptoms are: abdominal gas
headaches

migraines

excessive fatigue

cravings for alcohol
anxiety

vaginitis

rectal itching

cravings for sweets

inability to think clearly or concentrate

hyperactivity

mood swings

diarrhea

constipation

hyperactivity

itching

acne

eczema

depression

sinus inflammation

pre-menstrual syndrome

dizziness

poor memory

persistent cough

earaches

low sex drive

muscle weakness

irritability

learning difficulties

sensitivity to fragrances and/or other chemicals

cognitive impairment

thrush

athletes foot

sore throat

indigestion

acid reflux

One of the most well known forms of yeast is the vaginal yeast infection.However, it may play a role in just about any mental health condition or chronic illness you can think of. Yeast overgrowth is considered to be a leading contributor in alcoholism, anxiety disorders, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, addisons disease, mcs – multiple chemical sensitivites, crohns, autism, cfs – chronic fatigue syndrome, leaky gut syndrome, pms, endometriosis,fms – fibromyalgia syndrome, prostatitis, attention deficit disorder, multiple sclerosis, asthma, food allergies, muscle and joint pain, clinical depression, repeated urinary tract infections, hormonal imbalances, migraines, digestive disturbances, difficult menopause psoriasis, lupus, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis and many more.

Men may like to read the Candida symptoms in males section for additional information about some of the unique aspects that apply to them, but be sure to return back here for the majority of material is found here.

The brain is the organ that is most frequently affected by Candida Symptoms, but it also has profound negative effects on these systems:

digestive nervous

cardiovascular

respiratory

reproductive

urinary

endocrine

lymphatic

musculoskeletal\

Candida symptoms can vary from one person to another and often move back and forth between systems within the same individual. One day you may experience symptoms in the musculoskeletal system and the next day it could be the digestive system ,etc. Info from Holistic Health Solutions

Home Remedies for Migraine

Sun, 30 May 2010 01:36:21 +0100

#1: Primrose oil, is an anti-inflammatory agent, that keeps the blood vessels from constricting.

#2: Multivitamin and mineral formula, they are necessary daily to complement the nutrients we do not include in our diet.

#3: Rutin, removes toxic metals which may cause migraines.

#4: Garlic, is a potent detoxifier.

#5: Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, helps in producing an anti stress adrenal hormone and enhances immunity.

#6 Feverfew reduces discomfort and pain. Caution: Avoid during pregnancy

#7: The herb Kava is a very useful alternative for migraine, its properties allows a very peaceful sedative feeling which helps to achieve a deep state of relaxation these effects reduce migraine headaches, improve sleep without diminishing concentration. Take 180 mg. a day for only threes days in a row. Kava is a very powerful herb; high levels can have adverse effects on the liver. Do not take more than the recommended dosage.

#8 2 Teaspoons of Cayenne Pepper in a glass of water, drink straight down, results in 10-15 minutes

#9 Headache Inhalant

1 d. Rose oil
1 d. Basil oil
1 d. Orange oil
1 d. Rosemary oil

Mix together in palm of hand. Rub hands together briskly and cup over nose and mouth. Inhale deeply through nose 3 times. Wipe off excess oils on a tissue or cotton pad and place in baggie for use throughout the day.

Do NOT get into eyes. If you get Essential Oils into eyes, flush with a vegetable oil, NOT with water!

#10 Migraine Tea

1 2/3 oz. St. Johns Wort
1 oz Valerian
1 oz. Linden Flowers
1/4 oz. Juniper Berries

Use 1 tsp. of the mixture per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 min, strain and sweeten. This tea helps dilate blood vessels and improve Circulation. If your Headaches are triggered by weather, drink the tea as the weather is changing

#11 Help can be had by use of the ‘cool’ things such as slices of Lemon, raw potato or cucumber, rubbed and patted onto the temples and across the back of the neck.

#12 One of my favourites is putting your hands in hot water, which seems to pull the pressure out of your head. It’s also a good excuse to do the dishes before your headache gets much worse!

I peel a lemon and place pieces of the lemon peel on the temples and secure with a headband. Amazingly enough this has relieved many a migraine ( Hazel aka Yaakova)

When faced with a migraine that won’t respond to treatment, many headache specialists will give an injection of magnesium. You should be able to get benefits from long term (2-3 months or more) regular magnesium supplements. The magnesium migraines link may make a big difference to many people.