Everyone wants to grow old gracefully. Some go under the knife to get that youthful look while others opt for a more natural way to maintain that healthful glow. The way to make peace with age can be found in the types of foods that we eat and the miracle ingredient they contain.
This hidden “miracle” is called antioxidants. They have graced the pages of magazines, medical journals and every product from hand cream to supplement pills. But what are antioxidants and what can they do to keep you looking your best?
Antioxidants are substances that fight the aging process that goes on in your body. They are not produced by the body so to get the benefit of these power-packed substances you must ingest them. A variety of foods contain antioxidants.
Let’s go back to the beginning. The body continually replenishes its cells. Through a process called cellular metabolism, the body produces energy, more cells and repairs any damage. One by-product of cellular metabolism is unstable molecules called free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules that damage your body. They are unstable because they are missing an electron. To get another one and become stable, free radicals will steal electrons from cells. That theft damages the cells in a variety of ways.
The results are visible and invisible changes to our bodies. The development of diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis and neurological deficiencies may begin to affect you as you age. Also, thinner skin wrinkles and brittle bones are a problem. Free radicals enter our body from outside sources as well: cigarette smoke, radiation and the sun’s UV rays. The more free radicals we encounter, the greater the damage that can be done.
Antioxidants have been shown to be of great help in the free radical problem. Antioxidant substances combine with free radicals and neutralize them. Once they are neutralized, they can no longer do any damage. Scientists don’t have any idea of a recommended daily dose of antioxidants to correct free radical damage and the diseases that come with age, but they do know that eating foods rich in antioxidants makes a huge difference in how we live.
Where do you find antioxidants? They are all around us. Look no further than your local farmer’s market or produce aisle in the grocery store. Fruits and vegetables contain the principle sources of antioxidants.
Examples of antioxidants include:
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin E
* Lutein
* Lycopene
* Beta-carotene
Certain minerals like zinc and selenium also function in the body. They are not antioxidants but they boost the immune system to fight against free radical damage.
Antioxidants are also found in nuts, legumes, cold water fish, seafood and red meat. So, eating a varied diet of fruits, vegetables and the foods just named will increase the amount of antioxidants in your system and help reduce the incidence of disease. Eating fruits and vegetables in their natural form instead of juices brings the benefit of other nutrients found in the foods. Juices also contain a lot of sugar that is not needed by your body.
Food does more than stave off hunger. Natural substances found there can cause us to live longer and stay free of disease as we age.
Jan 12, 2010
Dec 21, 2009
Top Ten Healthy Power Packed Foods
What is the secret to a long and healthy life? It is in the food that we eat. As you well know, all foods are not created equal. Choosing and eating the right foods may help increase your life expectancy as well as the quality of your life.
Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!
1. Beans – If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. Soaking them first can help. Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein. This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories. If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.
2. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol. You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry. Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.
3. Fruits – Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants. But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.
4. Allium foods – This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium vegetables healp guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments. They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.
5. Salmon – Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis. Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.
6. Flax seed – Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.
7. Peppers – Peppers are colorful. They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department. All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease. They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes.
8. Nuts and seeds – Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein. Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.
9. Açai – This berry has been in the news lately. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it. You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.
10. Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein. If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth. Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.
Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat. Try these super foods to get started on the right foot.
Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!
1. Beans – If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. Soaking them first can help. Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein. This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories. If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.
2. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol. You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry. Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.
3. Fruits – Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants. But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.
4. Allium foods – This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium vegetables healp guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments. They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.
5. Salmon – Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis. Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.
6. Flax seed – Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.
7. Peppers – Peppers are colorful. They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department. All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease. They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes.
8. Nuts and seeds – Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein. Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.
9. Açai – This berry has been in the news lately. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it. You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.
10. Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein. If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth. Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.
Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat. Try these super foods to get started on the right foot.
Dec 14, 2009
How much Cheese is enough?
A fast track to weight loss and better bones,or a roadblock in your arteries?This will help you find the the right route:-
NOT ENOUGH
If your daily dairy intake of cheese weighs under 30 gms,you're missing an essential bone strenghtening calcium hit.Get your daily dose of calcium ( which also promotes fat loss) from different sources,such as one glass(200 ml) of semi-skimmed milk,a small pot of low-fat youghurt and 30gms of cheese." this key is making your calcium sources as varied as possible," says a Nutritionist.And that's not all.Eating just 10 gms of hard cheese,such as cheddar,after ameal raises the levels of calcium around your teeth ,countering the eroding effects of acid.
ENOUGH
A 30gms piece of cheddar contains 30 % of your daily requirement of calcium."Plus,it has three times the protein of any other dairy product( there's 10 gm in 30 gm piece),along with eye sighy boosting vitamin-A and bone strenghtening phosphorous," says Carole Barr,nutritional scientist at the University of Massachusetts.Nibbling 30 gms of cheddar a day also provides aroung 25 mcg of chromium,an amount which the American Dietic Association found to be vital in combating bad cholesterol,hardening of arteries and diabetes.
TOO MUCH
Stray over the 40 gm limit and good cheese starts to go bad.While the fat,calorie and nutrient content of different cheese varies,hard cheese tends to be highest in fat and calories." A healthy diet should have no more than 30 % of calories from fats," says Dr Kakar.For an average man that means in a 1600 kcal diet,not more than 7 % should come from saturated fats.Regularly exceeding those saturated fat guidelines can cause arise in LDL ( bad) cholesterol,weight gain,diabetes and heart disease.
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NOT ENOUGH
(Less than 30 gms A DAY)
If your daily dairy intake of cheese weighs under 30 gms,you're missing an essential bone strenghtening calcium hit.Get your daily dose of calcium ( which also promotes fat loss) from different sources,such as one glass(200 ml) of semi-skimmed milk,a small pot of low-fat youghurt and 30gms of cheese." this key is making your calcium sources as varied as possible," says a Nutritionist.And that's not all.Eating just 10 gms of hard cheese,such as cheddar,after ameal raises the levels of calcium around your teeth ,countering the eroding effects of acid.
ENOUGH
(30-40 gms A DAY)
A 30gms piece of cheddar contains 30 % of your daily requirement of calcium."Plus,it has three times the protein of any other dairy product( there's 10 gm in 30 gm piece),along with eye sighy boosting vitamin-A and bone strenghtening phosphorous," says Carole Barr,nutritional scientist at the University of Massachusetts.Nibbling 30 gms of cheddar a day also provides aroung 25 mcg of chromium,an amount which the American Dietic Association found to be vital in combating bad cholesterol,hardening of arteries and diabetes.
TOO MUCH
(Over 40 gms A DAY)
Stray over the 40 gm limit and good cheese starts to go bad.While the fat,calorie and nutrient content of different cheese varies,hard cheese tends to be highest in fat and calories." A healthy diet should have no more than 30 % of calories from fats," says Dr Kakar.For an average man that means in a 1600 kcal diet,not more than 7 % should come from saturated fats.Regularly exceeding those saturated fat guidelines can cause arise in LDL ( bad) cholesterol,weight gain,diabetes and heart disease.
Dec 8, 2009
World's Best Protein Food
VEGETERIAN
SOYA PANEER (TOFU)
Protein content 48gm
Tofu will provide) ou with 184 per cent of your Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of manganese. This mineral strengthens bones and metabolises carbs, cholesterol and amino acids. Tofu also has 24gm of unsaturated ("good') fats which a study found aid recovery.
What to eat with It -Vegetable soup. It provides flavour without any preservative-filled seasoning.
LOW SODIUM PARMESAN CHEESE
Protein content 42gm
Due to its long ageing, the protein in parmesan takes just 45 minutes to digest. You'll also get 138 per cent of your RDA of calcium.
What to eat with it -Tofu. The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation found you eat more of the healthy food if you flavour it with high-fat food.
PINK LENTILS
Protein content 25gmfat loss
They are rich in fibre and 120gm will provide your RDAof manganese, which keeps your metabolism high. Lentils are a great source of iron too.
What to eat with it- Sausages and mashed potatoes. Research in the Cochrane Systematic Reviews found that swapping high-GI foods like potatoes for low-GI foods like lentils can accelerate fat loss
WALNUTS
Protein content 24gm
Just 50gms (a handful) of walnuts will provide your RDA of antioxidants which will help you recover from exercise faster. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
What to eat with it -Pizza. A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that eating walnuts with a high-fat meal helped to maintain elasticity of your arteries.
ALMONDS
Protein content 22gm
They're high in fibre, omega-3 and magnesium, making them a perfect snack for losing fat. Just 73gm of almonds a day reduces free radical damage by 19 per cent, which hastens post-exercise recovery and reduces stiffness.
What to eat with It -Pasta. A study in Metabolism found eating almonds with a high-GI meal cuts the amount by which your blood sugar spikes by 50 per cent.
MEAT, POULTRY AND SEAFOOD
COD
Protein content 63g m
It's the animal protein with the lowest saturated fat content, serving 0.5gm of fat per 100gm. A 300gm portion gives the RDA of magnesium, giving you the energy needed to train and protect against cramps. What to eat with It - Broccoli. The Institute of Food Research found eating selenium-rich foods. like cod. with food rich in sulforaphane like broccoli. make the meal 13 times more powerful at attacking cancer.
CLAMS AND OTHER MOLLUSCS
Protein content 48g m
A serving of clams will provide you with 302 per cent of your RDA of vitamin B12. which keeps your nervous system healthy and helps in digestion. You'll also get 128 per cent of your RDA of selenium. This boosts post-exercise recovery and reduces stiffness.
What to eat with it -Tomatoes. Their vitamin C helps you absorb iron.
LAMB
Protein content 35gm
Two chops will give your RDA of niacin and vitamin B12 which will help you train longer It's also a solid source of zinc.
What to eat with It -Cruciferous vegetables (the cabbage family!.) These increase the body's ability to detoxify carcinogenic compounds produced when meat is grilled.
CHICKEN BREAST
Protein content 33gm
One large breast will give you your RDA of niacin, which will keep your nervous system healthy. Ifs low in saturated fat and carbs and is a good source of omega-3. making it ideal if you're trying to lose weight.
What to eat it in -Chicken soup. A University of Nebraska study found that it inhibits the release of mucus, which can obstruct your airways when exercising.
TURKEY
Protein content 30gm
Turkey is rich in tryptophan. which a study in the -Journal of Physiology & Anthropology found helps you enjoy a better quality sleep—a vital part of any training programme.
What to eat with It- Pasta or bread. The carbs will help your brain absorb the tryptophan where it's used to manufacture the feel-good chemical serotonin.
TUNA
Protein content 30gm
This has just one gram of fat per 100gm serving and a hefty 311mg dose of omega-3. which will aid weight loss. It also has a high amount of vitamin D.
What to eat with it -Green tea. Researchers at Purdue University found green tea reduces the amount of mercury absorbed from fish by 92 per cent.
PRAWNS/SHRIMPS
Protein content 21 gms
Small in size but large in nutrition. They provide the antioxidant selenium which aids recovery from exercise. They're are also low in fat ( l gm per 100gms) and high in iron which helps your muscles burn fat.
What to eat with it -Avocados. Combining a plant and omega-3 fatty acids helps you absorb more weight-loss aiding fat.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=67c16b44-67bc-4b1f-84cc-92524d3b586c)
SOYA PANEER (TOFU)
Protein content 48gm
Tofu will provide) ou with 184 per cent of your Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of manganese. This mineral strengthens bones and metabolises carbs, cholesterol and amino acids. Tofu also has 24gm of unsaturated ("good') fats which a study found aid recovery.
What to eat with It -Vegetable soup. It provides flavour without any preservative-filled seasoning.
LOW SODIUM PARMESAN CHEESE
Protein content 42gm
Due to its long ageing, the protein in parmesan takes just 45 minutes to digest. You'll also get 138 per cent of your RDA of calcium.
What to eat with it -Tofu. The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation found you eat more of the healthy food if you flavour it with high-fat food.
PINK LENTILS
Protein content 25gmfat loss
They are rich in fibre and 120gm will provide your RDAof manganese, which keeps your metabolism high. Lentils are a great source of iron too.
What to eat with it- Sausages and mashed potatoes. Research in the Cochrane Systematic Reviews found that swapping high-GI foods like potatoes for low-GI foods like lentils can accelerate fat loss
WALNUTS
Protein content 24gm
Just 50gms (a handful) of walnuts will provide your RDA of antioxidants which will help you recover from exercise faster. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
What to eat with it -Pizza. A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that eating walnuts with a high-fat meal helped to maintain elasticity of your arteries.
ALMONDS
Protein content 22gm
They're high in fibre, omega-3 and magnesium, making them a perfect snack for losing fat. Just 73gm of almonds a day reduces free radical damage by 19 per cent, which hastens post-exercise recovery and reduces stiffness.
What to eat with It -Pasta. A study in Metabolism found eating almonds with a high-GI meal cuts the amount by which your blood sugar spikes by 50 per cent.
MEAT, POULTRY AND SEAFOOD
COD
Protein content 63g m
It's the animal protein with the lowest saturated fat content, serving 0.5gm of fat per 100gm. A 300gm portion gives the RDA of magnesium, giving you the energy needed to train and protect against cramps. What to eat with It - Broccoli. The Institute of Food Research found eating selenium-rich foods. like cod. with food rich in sulforaphane like broccoli. make the meal 13 times more powerful at attacking cancer.
CLAMS AND OTHER MOLLUSCS
Protein content 48g m
A serving of clams will provide you with 302 per cent of your RDA of vitamin B12. which keeps your nervous system healthy and helps in digestion. You'll also get 128 per cent of your RDA of selenium. This boosts post-exercise recovery and reduces stiffness.
What to eat with it -Tomatoes. Their vitamin C helps you absorb iron.
LAMB
Protein content 35gm
Two chops will give your RDA of niacin and vitamin B12 which will help you train longer It's also a solid source of zinc.
What to eat with It -Cruciferous vegetables (the cabbage family!.) These increase the body's ability to detoxify carcinogenic compounds produced when meat is grilled.
CHICKEN BREAST
Protein content 33gm
One large breast will give you your RDA of niacin, which will keep your nervous system healthy. Ifs low in saturated fat and carbs and is a good source of omega-3. making it ideal if you're trying to lose weight.
What to eat it in -Chicken soup. A University of Nebraska study found that it inhibits the release of mucus, which can obstruct your airways when exercising.
TURKEY
Protein content 30gm
Turkey is rich in tryptophan. which a study in the -Journal of Physiology & Anthropology found helps you enjoy a better quality sleep—a vital part of any training programme.
What to eat with It- Pasta or bread. The carbs will help your brain absorb the tryptophan where it's used to manufacture the feel-good chemical serotonin.
TUNA
Protein content 30gm
This has just one gram of fat per 100gm serving and a hefty 311mg dose of omega-3. which will aid weight loss. It also has a high amount of vitamin D.
What to eat with it -Green tea. Researchers at Purdue University found green tea reduces the amount of mercury absorbed from fish by 92 per cent.
PRAWNS/SHRIMPS
Protein content 21 gms
Small in size but large in nutrition. They provide the antioxidant selenium which aids recovery from exercise. They're are also low in fat ( l gm per 100gms) and high in iron which helps your muscles burn fat.
What to eat with it -Avocados. Combining a plant and omega-3 fatty acids helps you absorb more weight-loss aiding fat.
Dec 3, 2009
Healing That Aching Back
How would you feel if your trusted support system suddenly gave up on you one fine day? Life would come to a standstill, surely? Just like a good friend or secure bank account forms our emotional or mental support, our physical support comes from our backbone or spinal cord. Any damage or discomfort to it can adversely affect our entire being, besides causing immense pain and difficulty in carrying out even the normal functions of daily life. Unfortunately, our current life-style and daily stress coupled with lack of physical exercise makes us more prone than ever to this modern-day curse.
Backaches are something most of us have experienced at some time or the other. A sudden movement, sitting at your desk for long hours, bending down to pick up something and before you know your back has 'gone'. It is surprisingly a physical discomfort that regular medication has not yet adequately addressed. So when troubled by an aching back, most of us have, time and again, reverted to time-tested traditional healing methods. Here are some of the options that can provide relief and possible cure from those agonising backaches.
It is all in the mind
Many different situations and reasons can trigger a back problem. However, like Louise L Hay strongly believes, there are mental thought patterns that affect our physical states. As she reveals in her hook, Heal Your Body, the back represents the support of life. Problems in different parts of the back can indicate various causes – like a lower back problem could indicate financial insecurities. Pain in the middle portion of the back could indicate guilt that refuses to 'get oft' your back. Upper back problem represents lack of emotional support.
Heal your back
A hot water bag held against the painful area is usually the best home remedy for any act-its and pains.
Other holistic treatments, which may work well for reducing or even healing back problems, are as follows:
Ayurvedic remedies
Backache, medically known as lumbago, is known as nithamba shoola in ayurveda. According to ayurveda, backaches occur due to the vata dosha. Some natural ingredients used in treatment of such aches and pains are betel, garlic, Indian aloe, and lemon grass.
Since the disease is caused by vata dosha, sour and fried food must be avoided. Avoid pulses in the diet of the patient. Reduce rice intake. Sonic herbal oils, which help in reducing backaches, are those of Prasarani, Narayana and Mahanarayana.
Tips for back pain relief
• Local application of paste made from equal portion of limestone and honey
• Local application of a solution prepared by grinding sesame seeds in warn) water
• Local heating with a towel soaked in warn) water mixed with cumin seed powder
• Drinking a glass of warm milk mixed with some pieces of cardamom and a pinch of turmeric
• Juice of one lemon mixed with common salt and consumed twice a day or applied locally gives relief
• Khus khus grass mixed and powdered with sugar candy (six grams twice a day) and consumed with milk helps in soothing back pain
Yoga
Yoga is known to be highly beneficial in curing backache but must be done under the guidance of a yoga practitioner. Some common yoga postures which help in prevention of lumbago, are:
• Rhujangasana
• Halasana
• Shalabhasana
• Shavasana
• Uttarapadasa
Acupressure
Acupressure, which involves st int lating certain acupoints in the bo are beneficial in curing back pa Persistent lower backache may treated by applying firm pressun acupoints on the bladder and g bladder meridians, which not r relieve; pain but also stimulates flow of qi or chi.
The B 34 acupressure poi present behind the knees, help in healing pain and r sure from your back. The are as follows:
• Lie on your back with your legs up and keeping knees bent
• Place your fingertips in the centre of the crease behind each knee
• Wilding on to these r gently rock your legs ba forth for one minute breathe deeply
• Let your feet rest flat floor, with your knee and relax. Repeat dint
Aromatherapy
Yet another alternative which not just heals your' also leaves you feeling rel smelling good is aroma Severe backache can be using the following aron oil blends applied locally in hot bathwater:
• 4 drops of blue chamomile essential oil
• 4 drops of birch essential oil
• 4 drops of rosemary or eucalyptus essential oil
• 4 drops of ginger or black pepper essential oil
• 14 drops of lavender essential oil
• Half ounce of carrier oil
Bodywork
Back problems are often the result of a bad posture unless caused by other severe conditions. Hence, various forms of massage and movement awareness therapfescan bring about remarkable improve-ment and cure for backaches by simply rectifying the postural problems. Many of these thera-pies use light touch, visualisation, and suggestions to re-programme the body's ingrained image of itself, thereby healing postural problems and related aches and pains.
Some common forms of body¬work are Rolling, Hellerwork, Feldenkrais method, and the Alexander technique.
T'ai chi ruler
T'ai chi is considered an effective treatment for stiffness and lower back pain by many practitioners.
The t'ai chi ruler is one such form Which is easy to learn and helpful in healing lower backache and pains. The ruler is usually made of wood and is approximately one inch thick and one foot long. The exercise can be performed without a ruler. The ruler exercise consists oldie following steps, which when performed correctly, preferably in combination with the standing meditation, is believed to provide immense relief from back pain, and prevents its recurrence.
• Stand straight, with both feet parallel at a distance of one feet apart with arms at your sides
• Turn your left foot outwards 45 degrees. Take a half-step forward with your right foot, so that the heel of your right foot is in line with the ball of your left foot
• Bring both arms slightly out from the side of the body, just enough to fit a fist in your armpit
• Press the ruler lightly between your palms. If you don't have a ruler, just place the palms one foot apart
• Slowly shift all your weight onto your front foot. As you do so, extend your arms outward, then upward
• Slowly shift all your weight onto the back foot. As you do so, draw your arms inward, then downward a few inches in front of your torso
• Continue shifting your weight, and circling your arms in co-ordination with the shift. Each cycle should take 3-6 seconds to complete
• Repeat for one to five minutes, then swap the positions of your feet and repeat again
The power of positive thinking
Life has the potential of becoming whatever you want it to be. It will keep throwing up challenges, both physical and mental. Simply restore your faith in the process of life. Believe that you are taken care of and supported. Let go of all that guilt and learn to love and forgive yourself. Soon all those aches and pains will be a thing of the past.More to know about americans backpain Know more about Americans Backpain by WebMd
Backaches are something most of us have experienced at some time or the other. A sudden movement, sitting at your desk for long hours, bending down to pick up something and before you know your back has 'gone'. It is surprisingly a physical discomfort that regular medication has not yet adequately addressed. So when troubled by an aching back, most of us have, time and again, reverted to time-tested traditional healing methods. Here are some of the options that can provide relief and possible cure from those agonising backaches.
It is all in the mind
Many different situations and reasons can trigger a back problem. However, like Louise L Hay strongly believes, there are mental thought patterns that affect our physical states. As she reveals in her hook, Heal Your Body, the back represents the support of life. Problems in different parts of the back can indicate various causes – like a lower back problem could indicate financial insecurities. Pain in the middle portion of the back could indicate guilt that refuses to 'get oft' your back. Upper back problem represents lack of emotional support.
Heal your back
A hot water bag held against the painful area is usually the best home remedy for any act-its and pains.
Other holistic treatments, which may work well for reducing or even healing back problems, are as follows:
Ayurvedic remedies
Backache, medically known as lumbago, is known as nithamba shoola in ayurveda. According to ayurveda, backaches occur due to the vata dosha. Some natural ingredients used in treatment of such aches and pains are betel, garlic, Indian aloe, and lemon grass.
Since the disease is caused by vata dosha, sour and fried food must be avoided. Avoid pulses in the diet of the patient. Reduce rice intake. Sonic herbal oils, which help in reducing backaches, are those of Prasarani, Narayana and Mahanarayana.
Tips for back pain relief
• Local application of paste made from equal portion of limestone and honey
• Local application of a solution prepared by grinding sesame seeds in warn) water
• Local heating with a towel soaked in warn) water mixed with cumin seed powder
• Drinking a glass of warm milk mixed with some pieces of cardamom and a pinch of turmeric
• Juice of one lemon mixed with common salt and consumed twice a day or applied locally gives relief
• Khus khus grass mixed and powdered with sugar candy (six grams twice a day) and consumed with milk helps in soothing back pain
Yoga
Yoga is known to be highly beneficial in curing backache but must be done under the guidance of a yoga practitioner. Some common yoga postures which help in prevention of lumbago, are:
• Rhujangasana
• Halasana
• Shalabhasana
• Shavasana
• Uttarapadasa
Acupressure
Acupressure, which involves st int lating certain acupoints in the bo are beneficial in curing back pa Persistent lower backache may treated by applying firm pressun acupoints on the bladder and g bladder meridians, which not r relieve; pain but also stimulates flow of qi or chi.
The B 34 acupressure poi present behind the knees, help in healing pain and r sure from your back. The are as follows:
• Lie on your back with your legs up and keeping knees bent
• Place your fingertips in the centre of the crease behind each knee
• Wilding on to these r gently rock your legs ba forth for one minute breathe deeply
• Let your feet rest flat floor, with your knee and relax. Repeat dint
Aromatherapy
Yet another alternative which not just heals your' also leaves you feeling rel smelling good is aroma Severe backache can be using the following aron oil blends applied locally in hot bathwater:
• 4 drops of blue chamomile essential oil
• 4 drops of birch essential oil
• 4 drops of rosemary or eucalyptus essential oil
• 4 drops of ginger or black pepper essential oil
• 14 drops of lavender essential oil
• Half ounce of carrier oil
Bodywork
Back problems are often the result of a bad posture unless caused by other severe conditions. Hence, various forms of massage and movement awareness therapfescan bring about remarkable improve-ment and cure for backaches by simply rectifying the postural problems. Many of these thera-pies use light touch, visualisation, and suggestions to re-programme the body's ingrained image of itself, thereby healing postural problems and related aches and pains.
Some common forms of body¬work are Rolling, Hellerwork, Feldenkrais method, and the Alexander technique.
T'ai chi ruler
T'ai chi is considered an effective treatment for stiffness and lower back pain by many practitioners.
The t'ai chi ruler is one such form Which is easy to learn and helpful in healing lower backache and pains. The ruler is usually made of wood and is approximately one inch thick and one foot long. The exercise can be performed without a ruler. The ruler exercise consists oldie following steps, which when performed correctly, preferably in combination with the standing meditation, is believed to provide immense relief from back pain, and prevents its recurrence.
• Stand straight, with both feet parallel at a distance of one feet apart with arms at your sides
• Turn your left foot outwards 45 degrees. Take a half-step forward with your right foot, so that the heel of your right foot is in line with the ball of your left foot
• Bring both arms slightly out from the side of the body, just enough to fit a fist in your armpit
• Press the ruler lightly between your palms. If you don't have a ruler, just place the palms one foot apart
• Slowly shift all your weight onto your front foot. As you do so, extend your arms outward, then upward
• Slowly shift all your weight onto the back foot. As you do so, draw your arms inward, then downward a few inches in front of your torso
• Continue shifting your weight, and circling your arms in co-ordination with the shift. Each cycle should take 3-6 seconds to complete
• Repeat for one to five minutes, then swap the positions of your feet and repeat again
The power of positive thinking
Life has the potential of becoming whatever you want it to be. It will keep throwing up challenges, both physical and mental. Simply restore your faith in the process of life. Believe that you are taken care of and supported. Let go of all that guilt and learn to love and forgive yourself. Soon all those aches and pains will be a thing of the past.More to know about americans backpain Know more about Americans Backpain by WebMd
Nov 27, 2009
Health Life of Sperm
Sperms at Teens
Before the age of 14, any sperm produced is not mature enough to fertilise an egg adequately.
Sperms at 20’s
You have the most swimmers now. Chances of birth defects are at their lowest. But safeguard your sperm health. Men who exercise regularly are 70 per cent less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction in later life.
Sperms at 30’s
By 30, testosterone levels drop, so you produce less sperm and have weaker erections; a man over 35 is twice as likely to be infertile than at 25.There’s also an increased risk of DNA damage. Eat zinc-rich foods for a boost.
Sperms at 40’s
Sperm motility steadily decreases by 0.7 per cent each year since the twenties, while sperm swimming in circle increases by 3.1 per cent per year. Basically you will find it harder to conceive. However a vitamin B-12 supplement (1000 mcg taken daily) increases sperm motility and count.
Sperms at 50’s
A New York University study shows the chances of conceiving a child with birth defects due to DNA-damaged sperm triples. University of California studies found odds can be lowered by eating folate-rich foods like broccoli.
Sperms at 60’s
According to the journal Human Reproduction, 85 per cent of your sperm are now clinically abnormal. But, by now the only hot thing you’ll be interested in going to bed with would be a steaming mug of Horlicks.
Nov 20, 2009
Today and Tomorrow Umbilical cord stem cells are valuable
The amazing speed of research and clinical trials using umbilical cord stem cells has led to diseases being treated that no one could have predicted.Many of these new treatments use the patients's own stem cells.
Why Cord Blood Banking?
1. Cord blood is rich source of hematopoietic stem cells
2. Cord blood stem cells are used for treatment of various life threatening diseases.
3. Cord blood stem cells are not only perfect for the childs own usage,but also for siblings and parents.
4. Collection of cord blood is non-invasive,painless and poses no harm or side effects to the mother or the child.
Currently treatable diseases with cord blood stem cells
1. Cancers such as Acute lymphocytic and chronic myeloid leukemia.
2. Blood and haemoglobin disorders such as anaemia and thalassemia.
3. Immunological and metabolic disorders such as Severe immunodeficiency diseases.
4. Autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis.
5. Potential uses-Heart diseases,Alzheimer's diseases,Parkinson's diseases and Spinal cord injuries.
World wide over 1 million cord blood units have been stored in Family Cord Blood Banks and another 1 million in Public Cord Blood Banks.Over 8000 thousand blood transplantations have been conducted worldwide for life-threatening and potentially incurable blood disorders.
Umbilical Cord blood is collected within the crucial 5 minutes after your baby's birth,which makes it a once in a lifetime oppurtunity.The umbilical cord blood will be collected after the child birth and the specimen is transported to the lab where it is examined to detect any signs of abnormalities and is processed further to be isolated according to qualified procedures.
The treatment of the child with its own stem cells can rely upon significant characteristics:
- With the childs's own cells there is no risk of rejection,obviating the need for life long treatment with toxic and expensive immunosuppressive agents as in the case with donor derived cells;
- Ther is reduced risk of infections with viruses or other infectious agents;
- There is no risk of potentially introducing unidentified genetic abnormalities derived from the donor stem cells
Becoming a parent is one of life's greatest blessings,an emotion that changes your thoughts and your actions.So think wether you have done enough to sail your precious bundle of joy through life's unexpected circumstances.
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