As Little as 20 Minutes of Walking Daily Can Help Any Illness

With as little as twenty minutes of walking a day, literally any illness can be helped, says David Brownstein, MD.

Since it is the holiday season, I would like to take a second and wish all my readers a healthy and happy holiday season and new year! Since many of us make new year’s resolutions, let me help you make one – to exercise.

One of the biggest frustrations that I have is trying to convince my patients to participate in some form of daily or semi-daily exercise. Exercise does not have to mean going to a gym and taking a class. Exercise can be as simple as walking for twenty to thirty minutes per day.

What can exercise do for you? Let me rephrase the question; what can’t exercise do for you? Read more

Leafy Green Vegetables May Boost Your Immune Defenses

Edward Group explains how leafy green vegetables boost your immune defenses.

Despite their most valiant efforts many parents still struggle with their kids about eating their nightly serving of greens. Visiting your local farmers markets, fresher produce and more interesting/flavorful recipes have been helping to slowly turn the tide, but arming yourself with a little extra knowledge before going into battle doesn’t usually hurt either.

According to newly presented research, eating green vegetables may be an even better way to our bodies healthy than we could have possibly guessed. In addition to being a well-known source of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, not to mention both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, it seems that green vegetables of all types are also a key source of specialized chemical signals that our immune systems use to self-communicate. Read more

Natural Remedies Help Treat Phobias

The typical treatment for phobias is counseling. However, several natural remedies can help treat phobias, too.

A phobia is an irrational fear; the symptoms of which may be manageable or be so debilitating that everyday life may be disrupted. An estimated ten percent of people in the UK and slightly more in the USA suffer from phobias of some kind. Sufferers can be helped with alternative health remedies such as homeopathy, aromatherapy and flower remedies.

Common phobias include claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), agoraphobia (fear of open spaces), and acrophobia (fear of heights). A phobia, however, may be related to just about any object, person or situation and may be caused by a subconscious reflex to avoid repeating an unpleasant experience. Symptoms range from a sensation of panic or terror, inability to refocus thoughts, a desire to flee a situation and/or an uncontrollable physical response such as trembling or dizziness. Read more

Want to Stay Well This Winter?

Margaret Durst discusses how to build up your immune system to stay well this winter.

Cold, dreary weather and flu season have a lot in common. I recommend building immunity during this time.

My first tip during weather like this is up your intake of vitamin D. It always seems like the worst cold and flu bugs circulate around the school after one of these spells. Read more

Enjoy the Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices, but it's not just for cooking anymore. Cinnamon also has health benefits.

Most people tend to associate cinnamon with holiday foods such as pumpkin pie or eggnog. The truth is that cinnamon can be used all year round in a wide variety of foods and dishes. It contains many vitamins and minerals and therefore comes with a great deal of health benefits, ranging from being an all-natural anti inflammatory to being able to assist with lowering blood sugar levels. Read more

Yoga for Menopause?

Yoga may soothe sleep problems and other symptoms of menopause, according to a new study.

Add this to the list of yoga's health benefits.

A new study shows that doing yoga a couple times a week can help diminish sleep problems and other symptoms of menopause. Read more

Eat This and You'll Look 5 Years Older

Joseph Mercola says most of the health benefits claimed for soy are nonexistent, and the food industry conceals the side effects and dangers.

... In the early 1990's, soy and soy products exploded onto the supermarket scene with promises of bountiful health benefits.

This "new miracle food," soy, was supposed to lower cholesterol, take the heat out of hot flashes, protect against breast and prostate cancer and offer a filling alternative to earth-loving vegetarians.

The problem with these claims?

Most of them are false. Read more

10 Health Benefits of Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweet, safe sugar alternative, says Edward Group.

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that has been recognized by dentists and health professionals worldwide as a great alternative to white sugar.

Commonly found in chewing gum and breathmints, Xylitol is known to have a many health benefits associated with its use.

1. Safe For Diabetics

Unlike sugar, xylitol is not easily converted to fat. Because it is not easily converted to fat, it has almost no effect on insulin levels, making it a safe sugar alternative for diabetics, body builders, dieters, pregnant/nursing women, and also for babies and children.

2. Helps Prevent Cavities

Since it is a non-fermentable sugar, it cannot be converted to acid by oral bacteria. Thus, the alkaline-acid balance in the mouth is maintained, which helps in preventing cavities. Read more

Nutritional Cure for Gray Hair AND Sagging Breasts

I've heard of this cure for gray hair, but I've never heard that it could also help sagging breasts.

6 Home Acne Remedies

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. Acne comes in various types, and people experience different levels of severity. Of course, there are some cases of acne that definitely require medical treatment to get rid of them. However there are many instances where home remedies can be used to get rid of the acne problems fast and without breaking your budget. Here are six home acne remedies that you can use to cheaply and effectively get rid of acne.

8 Disease-Fighting Spices

Keri-Ann Jennings discusses the eight of the world's healthiest spices and herbs that you should be eating.

As a registered dietitian and associate nutrition editor at EatingWell Magazine, I know that herbs and spices do more than simply add flavor to food. They let you cut down on some less-healthy ingredients, such as salt, added sugars and saturated fat, and some have inherent health benefits, many of which Joyce Hendley reported on for EatingWell Magazine.

Modern science is beginning to uncover the ultimate power of spices and herbs, as weapons against illnesses from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. "We're now starting to see a scientific basis for why people have been using spices medicinally for thousands of years," says Bharat Aggarwal, Ph.D., professor at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and author of Healing Spices (Sterling, 2011). Read more

Herbal Plant Remedies: Rosemary for Depression

Rosemary is an herb for stress that rekindles energy and lightens the spirit when brewed into a tea twice a day. Use Rosemary to reduce stress and anxiety with tips from a nutraceutical supervisor in this free video on herbal remedies.

Green Tea Supplements Prevent Flu Better Than Vaccination

Every year, people are pestered and even bullied by the government, the mainstream media, the medical establishment, and pharmacies into being vaccinated against the flu. However, a recent clinical trial showed that green tea supplements are more effective against the flu than vaccinations, and I'm sure you don't have to be told that they're also safer and cheaper.

Flu season is now in full swing and seasonal vaccinations are being pushed from every corner. Nonetheless, a recent clinical trial showed that green tea-based supplements reduced the risk of flu by 75%. This is far better than the 60% risk reduction recently reported in the Lancet for vaccinations. Given that green tea provides a host of other health benefits and none of the risks of injections, it would appear to be a far superior alternative to vaccination. Read more

10 Frightening Facts about Prescription Pain Pills

Prescription painkillers are among the most dangerous of pharmaceutical drugs. Here are ten frightening facts about prescription pain pills.

Prescription pain pills have changed the face of medicine in many good and bad ways. These powerful pills have helped many people manage their pain and increase their quality of life, yet the fact remains that painkillers have taken thousands of lives and are one of the most commonly abused and dangerous substances in the country. The rising mortality rates from prescription drug overdoses have now exceeded traffic fatalities, resulting in at least 37,485 deaths in 2009. This statistic is just one of many startling facts about prescription pain pills and the national epidemic they’ve caused. Here are 10 frightening facts about prescription pain pills: Read more

Warming Ginger Bath for the Winter

Learn a recipe for a warming bath, especially great to warm up during those cold winter days!

The Glycemic Index: How It Affects Your Diet

Margaret Durst explains how the glycemic index to choose which foods to eat.
Glycemic Index or GI is a measure of the effect of the carbohydrates in foods on blood-glucose levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly in the process of digestion have high GI values, while carbohydrates that break down slowly have low GI values.

The concept of glycemic index is so important as it is helpful to the many people that struggle with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, also known as pre-diabetes. Not knowing how to eat for balanced blood sugar is an underlying cause in most diseases that plague Americans. Anyone can benefit by eating a low glycemic diet – especially those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, excess weight and many other conditions.

The glycemic index rates specific foods using the effect of pure glucose on blood sugar as the reference point – with pure glucose being 100 percent. High GI foods have a GI of 70 or greater. Intermediate GI foods have GI’s of 56 to 69 and low GI foods have a GI of less than 55. Read more

10 Health Benefits of Alfalfa Leaf

Edward Group calls Alfalfa Leaf the "father of all foods."

It should come as no surprise that the word Alfalfa actually comes from the Arabic phrases, al-fac-facah, meaning "father of all foods." This respect for the semi-woody plant is not only found in the Arabic world, but across the globe. The Chinese have long used Alfalfa Leaf as an appetite stimulator, as well as a healing digestive remedy for alleviating ulcers.

Ayurvedic medicine in India has used alfalfa leaf for a variety of applications, including ulcers, water retention, and arthritic pain. Colonial Americans used the plant to ward-off cancer, scurvy, menstrual difficulties, arthritis, as well as urinary problems. Alfalfa Leaf has also been traditionally used to effectively combat a variety of infections. Read more

Heal with the Miraculous Powers of Garlic

Garlic is nature's wonder drug. Its medicinal value has been understood by herbalists for at least 2000 years

When you're sick with the flu, an infection, or simply unwell, doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics. We all know however, how dangerous antibiotics can be. But what if you could find that very cure for these things in nature, where you wouldn't have to suffer the dismal side effects of nausea, wrenching stomach pains, potential hallucinations, and a gruesome attack on the friendly flora that lives in your intestines? What if you didn't have to feel like a run-down old tractor, or like you've suddenly run out of batteries?

Yes, it stinks a bit - no wonder vampires hate it! But the abundance of health benefits contained in a single clove of garlic should be enough to make you embrace it - for there is a whole list of those benefits. In Russia, garlic is even called the 'Russian Penicillin', where it's healing properties make it the most potent antibiotic nature can offer. Read more

Are You Getting Enough Folic Acid?

Are you getting enough folic acid? Edward Group lists 15 foods high in this critical micronutrient.

It’s important to get adequate amounts of folic acid in the diet for a variety of health reasons, both physical and mental, but mostly for cellular growth and regeneration. In fact, a recent article from the New York Times named folic acid one of the most “luscious micronutrients” found in foods, and multiple studies suggest that a lack of folic acid may lead to mental conditions such as depression.

Physiologically, consuming enough folic acid allows the body to perform many of its essential functions, including nucleotide biosynthesis in cells, DNA synthesis and repair, red blood cell creation, and also helps to prevent anemia. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is perhaps most well known for its applications in the prevention of fetal deformities, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as several types of cancer. The good news is that there are many rich sources of folic acid that are easy to incorporate into your daily diet.

List of Foods with Folic Acid

The following list will discuss the top ten foods with folic acid. Of course, organic is best (especially if you are pregnant!). Read more

26 Reasons Why You Should NOT Take Prescription Drugs and 14 Reasons Why You SHOULD Take Natural Medicines

Bill Sardi lists 26 reasons why you should not take prescription drugs and 14 reasons why you should take natural medicines.

Prescription drugs – more than 100 million Americans take them, often without question. But why? Despite decades of studies showing Rx drugs are potentially harmful, sometimes prompting drug recalls and news reports of needless deaths, most patients never question their doctor when given a prescription for an FDA-approved drug. True, many senior Americans are forced to forego filling their prescriptions for financial reasons, but they aren’t forgoing their medications because they perceive their medicines are problematic.

Americans love to take pills. The average 75-year-old has three chronic conditions and uses five prescription drugs. Americans feel blessed they live in a country that has miracle drugs that are the envy of others all over the globe, and often feel they want the best that modern medicine has to offer. Newer drugs are often avidly preferred after hearing about them on television ads even though their safety record will not be fully known for a few years. Read more

8 Unusual Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is not only a natural remedy, it's a mold master, vegetation avenger, and much more, says Mark Sisson.

Besides the odd scraped knee and that one fateful summer where you decided you’d look better as a blonde, you haven’t had much time for the medicine cabinet staple hydrogen peroxide. However, it should be noted that it does have a number of wild and unusual purposes…

But first, a discussion of what exactly this bubbly little solution is: In its purest form, hydrogen peroxide, or H2O2 as it is referred to by chemists and other science-nerds, is actually highly toxic. What you are generally getting when you buy an over-the-counter variety is only 3% hydrogen peroxide, with the rest made up of plain ol’ H2O! Hydrogen peroxide is probably best recognized by its signature brown bottle, which is used not as a marketing strategy, but to actually protect the bottles’ contents, which are highly sensitive to light.

But let’s talk about all of its many uses: Read more

Astaxanthin Reduces Wrinkles, Inflammation, Supports Eye, Brain, Immune Health

Dr. Mercola and Bob Capelli discuss the many wonders of astaxanthin.

Story at-a-glance

• Astaxanthin is believed to be the most powerful antioxidant found in nature. Research has shown it can benefit your entire body, from preventing sunburn, to boosting athletic performance; preventing cataracts and the most common cause of blindness; preventing dementia, and treating the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis
• In one study, male athletes taking 4 mg of astaxanthin a day improved their strength three times faster than those taking a placebo; increasing the number of deep knee bends they were able to perform after six months of training by 62 percent, compared to 22 percent for the placebo group engaged in identical training
• Nine human clinical studies have shown astaxanthin can prevent tired eyes by maintaining optimal motor function and protecting your eyes against damaging UV rays
• While salmon, shrimp, lobster, crab and some other fish are good food sources of astaxanthin, it would be near impossible to reach therapeutic doses through your diet. Furthermore, farm raised varieties should be avoided at all cost, as they contain synthetic rather than natural astaxanthin, which is created from petrochemicals and may have unknown toxicities Read more

6 Alternatives to Toothpaste

In ranking the many chemical hazards we face, toothpaste and mouthwash are way down the list. However, Tess Pennington reminds us that chemical-free ways to promote healthy teeth and gums are readily available and effective if we prefer to use them.

... Below are six alternatives to toothpaste that can be used to not only promote healthy teeth and gums, but most of these alternatives have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that assist in preventing dental issues such as gingivitis, canker sores and gum disease. Read more

Big Pharma's "Antidepressants" Don't Work

Pharmaceutical are usually expensive and often have side effects almost as bad as the condition they're supposed to treat, and to add insult to injury, they often don't even work.

When my American friend Bill, who'd been on SSRI antidepressants for 22 years (Prozac, followed by Paxil, Lexapro, then Celexa), read a two-part article by Dr Marcia Angell in The New York Review of Books recently about the crisis in psychiatry and the inefficacy of antidepressants, he stopped taking his meds (tapering off gradually, monitored by his doctor). "The article brought on enough doubt to push me over," he said. Since then, his moods have become more volatile – more anger, more emotion, such as crying at the end of the last Harry Potter film (he's in his 50s). But he's got his libido back after years of "muffled response" and that seems a worthwhile trade-off.

Instead of listening to Prozac, have we been listening to placebo all along? Read more

10 Things That Will Make Your Breasts Look Fabulous!

Kaylen Jackson says breasts are a natural accessory, so she reveals ten things that will help you make the most of your breasts.

Seduction involves using your natural accessories – namely, your breasts. Make the most of your breasts (and get tons of male attention) with these ten tips.

Breasts are a natural accessory, much like a necklace. If you pick the right outfit (or even your birthday suit), your breasts can really put a nice bow on the package! Read more

5 Steps to Reverse Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

Does diabetes mean drugs? Not necessarily! Dr. Mark Hyman brings you the last installment of his two-part discussion on diabetes. You'll learn why medications aren't always the answer and how you can prevent and even reverse diabetes without pharmaceuticals.

Improve Night Vision Naturally with Bilberries

Bilberries not only help with night vision, but also with other conditions, according to Shona Botes.

For centuries, bilberries have been used medicinally. They have antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Mostly known for their natural ability to improve capillary health, bilberries have been used to treat a number of eye disorders and improve vision. Flavonoids found in bilberries known as anthocyanosides are responsible for the regeneration of Rhodopsin. This is a purple pigment in the eye which is responsible for night vision. Read more

3 Plant Medicines to Help You with Lucid Dreaming

If you're interested in lucid dreaming, three plant medicines can help you achieve lucidity, according to The Shaman's Well.

For those new to lucid dreaming, here's a quick description from AuraThirdEyePsychic:

Lucid dream, also called conscious dream, is a state of mind where a person is dreaming but is also aware of his/her dreams and can actually sense the progress of the dream. When a dreamer is in a state of lucidity, he can as well participate in the dream sequences as well as manipulate all the fantasies that they?re experiencing. A lucid dream is often real and dramatic and is highly dependent on one?s self-awareness while dreaming lucid.

Below we list out 3 plant medicines that can help with a link on where you can find some. Read more

9 Ways Stress Can Ruin Your Health

Stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to. When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. This is called the fight-or-flight stress response. If stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can ruin your health nd even bring on an early death, says Edward Group.

... 9 Ways Stress Can Negatively Affect Your Health

The following list offers some of the ways in which on-going stress can negatively effect your health

1. Increased Heart Rate

When we enter into the fight or flight mode, the heart-rate naturally speeds up. While this may be a great thing if we need to run quickly, overtime this can significantly tire out the heart and lead to cardiovascular diseases, increased cholesterol and even excess belly fat. Read more

Your Herbal Medicine Cabinet

One of the world's top herbal authorities advises us on how to get the most out of natural remedies ranging from aloe vera and ginger to slippery elm and elderberry.

Natural Remedies for Hangovers

That one last drink may have seemed like a great idea last night, but now that you have to search for home remedies for hangovers, you may be regretting it just a little bit. The good news is you do not have to look any further. All the information you need is right here!

How to Stop Your Hangover in Its Tracks

The answer is to drink, but not alcohol! Alcoholic drinks actually use up your body's water stores, causing dehydration. This in turn causes some hangover symptoms, so drinking water is a good start. Be careful because it is possible to drink too much water too fast. Large quantities of water can strip electrolytes from the body, so it is better to try to replace these as well, or keep to around a half liter of water per hour.

Your Incredible Shrinking Body

As bones and organs get smaller with age, Louise Atkinson reveals how to stay healthy.

As we get older, we get shorter. But what many people won’t realise is that height is just one thing that shrinks with age: our hearts, facial bones and sex organs all shrink, too.

Such changes often go hand in hand with health problems.

Last week, a U.S. study found the more height you lose, the greater your risk of suffering a fractured hip – and one in three people who suffer a hip fracture die within a year.

Here, LOUISE ATKINSON investigates age-related shrinkages – and how you can protect your body. Read more

5 Natural Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

Are you a female who suffers from menstrual cramps or other menstrual complications? If you are, you may feel as if your world stops each and every month. The good news is that it doesn’t have to. There are a number of natural remedies and other home remedies that you can use to seek relief from the pain and discomfort associated with menstruation.

5 Foods That Can Cause a Stroke

Stroke affects more than 700000 people each year. Here is a list of five food items that cause the damage and leads to stroke.

Few things feel more terrifying and random than a stroke, which can strike without warning. And fear of stroke -- when a blood vessel in or leading to the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot, starving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients -- is well founded. After all, stroke is the number-three killer in the U.S., affecting more than 700,000 people each year. Here are five foods that cause the damage that leads to stroke.

1. Crackers, chips, and store-bought pastries and baked goods

Muffins, doughnuts, chips, crackers, and many other baked goods are high in trans fats, which are hydrogenated oils popular with commercial bakeries because they stay solid at room temperature, so the products don't require refrigeration. Also listed on labels as "partially hydrogenated" or hydrogenated oils, trans fats are found in all kinds of snack foods, frozen foods, and baked goods, including salad dressings, microwave popcorn, stuffing mixes, frozen tater tots and French fries, cake mixes, and whipped toppings. They're also what makes margarine stay in a solid cube. The worst offenders are fried fast foods such as onion rings, French fries, and fried chicken.

Why it's bad Read more

Protect Yourself from Salmonella and E. Coli Naturally

A healthy body can resist illness, even when exposed to pathogens, says Laurie at Common Sense Homesteading.

Are you wondering when the next massive round of food-borne illness will occur?

36 million pounds of salmonella tainted ground turkey in the United States, a new, deadly strain of E. coli in Europe that killed 49 people, the massive salmonella tainted peanut butter recall of 2009 - with an industrialized food system that can potentially spread pathogens to every corner of the globe, you never know when you'll be exposed to toxic bacteria in your food.

Know Your Pathogens

E coli (Escherichia coli) and Salmonella bacteria are commonly found in the digestive systems of humans and animals. E coli 157:H7 bacteria is perfectly healthy and safe, as are many other strains. The term "Salmonella" is used to cover roughly 2,000 similar types of bacteria, which vary in degrees of potential illness. So why do some people get sick when exposed harmful bacteria, while other do not?

"It is not the germ that causes disease but the terrain in which the germ is found."

Preventing Cancer: 11 Tips to Live By

Joseph Mercola discusses ways of preventing and fighting cancer.

Curcumin – a derivative of turmeric, and the pigment that gives the curry spice turmeric its yellow-orange color – is a natural compound that has been extensively researched, and has been found to have numerous health applications. As a result, turmeric is becoming increasingly popular as a supplement. Each 100 grams of turmeric contains an estimated three to five grams of curcumin.

The ancient Chinese and Indian systems of medicine have recognized curcumin's beneficial properties for thousands of years. Most notably, curcumin is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, and as you may know, chronic inflammation is an underlying factor in many, if not most, chronic diseases. The compound has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, which may in part explain its numerous health benefits. Read more

Vitamin B Pill May Prevent Alzheimer's

Taking a high-dose vitamin B pill a day from middle age on may prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Taking one vitamin B pill a day from middle age could protect your memory as you grow older – and even ward off Alzheimer’s, British researchers say.

The supplement, which costs just 10p, is described as the ‘first glimmer of hope’ in the battle to find a drug that slows or stops the development of the disease.

Pensioners who took high doses of the vitamin once a day for two years did 70 per cent better on a simple memory test than those who did not. Read more

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Metabolism with Ayurveda

Ayurveda ia the traditional Indian medical practice. It can help with weight loss by providing therapies to boost the metabolism.

At one point or another, just about all of us have tried to lose weight. With almost 75% of the American population either overweight or obese, this challenge is becoming seemingly more insurmountable every day. The typical quick diet programs and colon cleansings rarely provide any long-term benefit as the weight lost during those programs is usually gained back within weeks.

One of the main reasons for not being able to lose weight effectively is because the body`s metabolism is not up to speed. According to Ayurveda, the body`s main digestive fire, or Agni, is responsible for the remaining 12 sub-types of digestive and metabolic processes at various levels. Metabolic disruption in any of these can impede weight loss and overall health.

In conditions which cause an excessive accumulation of adipose or fatty-tissue, the medo dhatu agni (fat tissue metabolism) is invariably compromised. To reactivate it, there are a number of Ayurvedic therapies which can be done both internally and externally. Here are some of the easiest ones to try at home: Read more

30 Most Popular Herbs in Natural Medicine

Tess Pennington explains the uses of the thirty most popular herbs in natural medicine.

We tend to look to God as a source of all healing. It is said that He has provided all that we will ever need:

“the fruit of it shall be for eating and leaf of it for healing…” (Ezekiel 47:12)

Herbs are a wondrous thing. They not only assist in flavoring dishes and filling the air with delightful aromas, but they also hold medicinal properties that promote healing. Those of you who have herbal gardens of your own, no doubt have a few of these herbal friends already planted. Many of the plants listed below are also listed in my Top 10 Medicinal Herbs that should be in every garden. However, it seems that there are a few more worth mentioning. Read more

Bone Density: Quality over Quantity

When it comes to reducing the risky of fracture, bone quality is more important than bone quantity, says Margaret Durst, and to get quality, you need more than calcium.

D is for density as in bone density – a statistic that many women are concerned with. Bone density is a measure of the quantity of bone, not the quality. I like to make a distinction here, because bone quality is an important concern that is being overlooked by many.

Bone quality concerns reduced risk of fracture which should be distinguished from bone quantity as expressed as bone density. The conventional way to deal with osteoporosis is to keep old bone from being torn down by using estrogen and prescription drugs such as Fosamax and Actonel along with calcium and vitamin D supplements. .

The problem with this approach is that bone is living tissue. It is constantly being built up and torn down. The modern approach just works at keeping old bone from being torn down and using just calcium which does not greatly strengthen bone such that it resists mechanical stresses. The result may be increased bone density, but the quality of the bone is poor and tends to be brittle.

Calcium alone does not build strong bone. Read more

Detox Your Body

Better TV shows you the best products to detox from head to toe.

What Are the Keys to Good Health?

What are the keys to good health? They're prevention and eliminating nutritional deficiencies, says Margaret Durst.

Deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals are the cause of many imbalances in the human body. These deficiencies come from poor dietary habits including too much processed food and not enough high quality fruits and vegetables. What is critical about these deficiencies is that if they are present over the long run, the body will ultimately develop some chronic health problem.

Virtually every function in the human body is the result of a biochemical reaction that requires essential nutrients. Deficiencies of essential nutrients mean that certain biochemical reactions are compromised. Our bodies are forced to allocate nutrients to certain functions that are necessary for our survival, while other functions are put on hold until enough of the right nutrients are available. Once the right nutrients are available, then the body can go about healing itself. Read more

5 Tips to Whiten Teeth Naturally

Everyone wants white teeth, but not everyone can  afford the expense or wants to use the harmful chemicals of modern dentistry. Can you whiten your teeth naturally?

Dental hygiene is an important part of keeping healthy, but maintaining a white smile is also a great way to show that you take pride in your appearance and wish to keep your body in as good of shape as possible. Because dental problems are correlated with other health risks, keeping your smile as bright and clean as you can is an important step in keeping your entire body healthy. Today's market offers a great deal of dental hygiene products, but many of them are loaded with harmful chemicals. To keep your teeth naturally white, here are five ways to safely brighten your smile. Read more

Gary Taubes on Carbohydrates and Degenerative Diseases

Gary Taubes answers questions related to refined carbohydrate consumption and their effects on degenerative diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and heart disease.

7 Reasons Why Stevia is Better Than Refined Sugar

You're probably aware of the dangers of refined sugar and artificial sweeteners. Fortunately, you can still indulge  your taste of sweetness with stevia. Edward Group gives seven reasons why stevia is better than refined sugar.

Maybe you’ve heard of stevia already, maybe you haven’t. But if not, then it’s time you did! Stevia is a natural sweetener, derived from the stevia rebaudiana plant that was first discovered centuries ago in Paraguay by the native population. But it wasn’t until the late 19th century that a Swiss botanist working in South America documented the so-called “sweet leaf”, and brought it back with him.

These days you can buy stevia in many forms. The most popular is white extract powder, but you can also buy dried stevia leaves, stevia liquid extract, or as small pellets to sweeten your coffee with. The sweet leaf sweetener is also available in its granular form in small packets.

However, the all-natural stevia sweetener is different from sugar in many ways, and there are several reasons why stevia is a better option than sucrose, whether you’re diabetic or just looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle. So let’s go and have a look at them! Read more

Does Moderate Drinking Reduce Alzheimer's Risk?

A new study suggests that moderate drinking - no more than one to two drinks a day - could reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Lifestyle factors -- like not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight and being physically active -- have been shown in past studies to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. But a sweeping new review of the research also shows that moderate drinking -- that is, no more than one to two drinks per day -- could also slash the risk of developing the disease. Read more

Why Soy Is NOT a Health Food

Dr. Joseph Mercola provides review of the health problems with soy and why it is not the health food you were led to believe it is.

Study: 15 Minutes of Daily Exercise Can Add 3 Years to Your Life

The usual exercise prescription is 30 minutes daily, but a new study found that even 15 minutes of daily exercise can add three years to your life.

Don't despair if you can't fit in the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise. Growing evidence suggests that even half that much can help.

It's still no excuse to slack off. Regular exercise strengthens muscles, reduces the risk of some diseases and promotes mental well-being. The more exercise, the better. Read more

10 Natural Remedies for Athletes Foot

Edward Group gives ten natural remedies for athlete's foot, plus, some tips for prevention.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually thrives in warm, damp places. The fungus, Tinea pedis, grows between the toes, on top of the feet, on toenails and between the fingers. White patches, scaly patches, and redness are all indicative of the fungus. Symptoms of athlete’s foot may include itching, burning, stinging and inflammation.

Athletes foot fungus frequents public showers and locker rooms, indoor swimming pools and health clubs, and it is very contagious. Contact with shoes or socks containing the fungus, wet floors, or exercise equipment (remember it can live between fingers too) can spread it. Read more

Is Vitamin K the Key to Preventing Atherosclerosis and Dementia?

Vitamin K is is know for its ability to promote normal blood clotting, but a new study shows that it can also help prevent arterial hardening, atherosclerosis and cognitive decline.

Vitamin K is a critical nutrient widely known for its ability to promote normal blood clotting. A wealth of new information demonstrates that this vitamin in its multiple forms can provide a powerful anti-inflammatory shield to protect against many lethal diseases of aging. Writing in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers show that vitamin K works with other fat-soluble nutrients to protect the brain from arterial calcification that leads to a stroke or cognitive decline. Vitamin K works to prevent the deposition of calcium within arterial walls and ushers the mineral toward the normal construction of bone throughout the body. The research provides proof that eating a healthy diet to maintain adequate stores of vitamin K over a lifetime can help prevent arterial hardening, atherosclerosis and cognitive decline. Read more

How to Use Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties that can be used to clean wounds and treat yeast infections, according to this video by Lauren Roy.

Cinnamon: One Smart Spice

Mark Sisson explains the health benefits of delicious cinnamon.

We mostly see them as flavorants, as the little jars of powder that line our cabinets and the bags of dried roots, barks, and leaves tucked away in drawers, designed to subtly or drastically alter the flavor profile of our “smart fuel” creations in the kitchen, but for most of human history, spices were also prized for their medicinal qualities. Turmeric for GI disorders and inflammation. Chili peppers for pain management. Ginger for diarrhea. These aren’t just exaggerated cases of “folk medicine” or “old wives’ tales,” either. Current research has confirmed that many common spices do indeed have medicinal properties. One of the most beneficial is also the most common: cinnamon.

It’s important to realize that there are multiple varieties of cinnamon. Read more

Acupuncture Has Significant Impact on Mystery Illnesses

Acupuncture has a "significant" effect on patients with mystery symptoms and could be added to the list of available treatments for undiagnosed health problems, research shows.

One in five patients has symptoms which are undiagnosed by medicine, and the cost of treating them is twice that as of a diagnosed patient.

A team from the University of Exeter examined 80 patients, and investigated the benefit of acupuncture being added to their usual care.

After the first trial of its type, researchers say those who underwent acupuncture showed 'a significant and sustained benefit' and add that the treatment could be safely added to the list of possible therapies. Read more

How to Use Shiatsu Massage for Menstrual Cramps

In shiatsu massage the webbing of the thumb, and between the first and second toes are good for relieving pain from menstrual cramps. Relieve stress from menstrual cramping easily and immediately with tips from an experienced shiatsu masseuse in this free video on alternative medicine.

9 Strange but Scientifically Proven Health Tips

Rebecca Ley.reveals nine strange, but scientifically prove,n health tips you haven't heard about.

We all know that you should eat at least five portions of fruit and veg a day, exercise regularly and cut down on saturated fat. But in recent years scientists have discovered a host of new – and rather more surprising – health tips and remedies.

Here, we reveal some of the more unusual advice for your well-being, including the virtues of chocolate milk and why high heels are good for you...

DITCH THE WHISKERS TO BEAT SNEEZES

If you’re prone to allergies, you might want to reconsider that moustache.

One study suggests that men who washed their moustaches twice a day with liquid soap used fewer antihistamines and decongestants. The reason? Read more

Should We Eat Dirt?

Mark Sisson digs into the mysterious practice of geophagy.

A few weeks ago I got into an unusual conversation with a guy in a coffee shop. We were both passing through town – he for personal travel and me for business. We struck up a conversation waiting in line and ended up chatting for the remainder of our respective stops there. We talked about what we did, where we were headed, etc. When I mentioned the blog and the PB philosophy behind it, his face lit up. He loved the idea and had embraced similar principles several years prior. His latest experiment, the health effects of which he raved about, was adding dirt to his diet. I listened with interest and asked questions.

You all know I’m big on dirt, and more specifically, on probiotic supplementation. And while I’ve touched on the health benefits of dirt, the immune building properties of dirt consumption in children, and the connection between dirt and clinical depression in youngsters, I’ve never met anyone who made a personal habit of dirt ingestion. I’d heard of the practice in traditional societies, but it had always been one of those concepts I’d thought about in passing and tabled for another time. The idea has been on my mind ever since that exchange. Read more

Study: Seaweed Is Natural Way to Protect Heart

Seaweed "is natural way to protect the heart" as algae helps bring down blood pressure.

It's hardly the most appetising vegetable side dish.

But tucking into a clump of seaweed at dinner time could help stave off heart attacks, say researchers.

They have discovered key ingredients in the plant that help lower blood pressure, similar to commonly prescribed drugs.

According to a major study, seaweed is a rich source of proteins known as bioactive peptides – which are also found in milk. Read more

Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol with Spirulina

Spirulina can lower blood pressure and cholesterol with just one tablespoon daily, and it has more protein than red meat, says Joseph Mercola.

What if consuming a tablespoon or two per day of a simple food could drastically lower your chances of developing cancer, heart disease or stroke, or of contracting a life-threatening virus such as HIV?

Would your interest be piqued?

There is a unique freshwater plant that has been of enormous interest to nutritional scientists over the past decade, and it shows promise for doing all of the above – and then some. It's one of the most nutrient-packed dynamos of the superfood world.

This simple food is spirulina.

I recently posted a report about the radioprotective effects of spirulina. But its health benefits go far beyond that application. But what exactly is spirulina? You may be surprised! Read more

The Key to All Health Problems

Matthew Silverstone says in his book  Blinded By Science that the key to all health problems lies in the fact that "everything vibrates." Silverstone claims that if we were to embrace "vibrational medicine" by developing therapies based on sound waves, magnets, and the Moon’s electromagnetic pull, we could cure all the humanity's diseases.

No matter how many high-tech cures modern medicine brings us, alternative evangelists will always argue loudly that the true secrets of well-being lie in esoteric notions such as ‘healing frequencies’, magnets and astrological alignments.

The latest example of this is a book by Matthew Silverstone, a successful London businessman. He became fascinated by alternative medicine after seeing his 19-year-old son recover from a bout of chronic fatigue syndrome so severe that he did not even have the energy to talk to people.

Despite being a tough-minded businessman, Silverstone believes the cure was brought about by an alternative healer who recommended therapies such as feeling the energy given off by trees.

In the book, Blinded By Science, Silverstone claims to have discovered that the key to all health problems lies in the fact that ‘everything vibrates – absolutely everything, from the nucleus of an atom to the molecules of our blood, our organs, our brain, light, sound, plants, animals, Earth, space, the universe’.

Silverstone claims that if we were to embrace ‘vibrational medicine’ by developing therapies based on sound waves, magnets, and the Moon’s electromagnetic pull, we could cure all the world’s ills. Read more

8 Easy Ways to Detox Your Life

Self magazine reveals eight easy ways to lean out the unhealthy chemicals in your everyday life.

In Your Bedroom

"If people would buy different sheets, they might not need sleeping pills," notes consumer advocate Debra Lynn Dadd, author of Toxic Free. Polyester-cotton blends and permanent press linens have a finish that releases formaldehyde, which can irritate the throat and eyes—not helpful for peaceful sleep. Use untreated cotton sheets; avoid wrinkles by taking them out of the dryer right away. Read more

10 New Uses for Common Home Cures

The go-to health items in your medicine chest and kitchen have some unexpected benefits.

When minor medical issues crop up (nosebleeds, insect stings, dandruff!), chances are your medicine cabinet already contains some effective—and surprising—fixes for what ails you. Here are 10 common household items that all do double duty, saving you a trip to the pharmacy—and cash in the process! Read more

10 Diet and Exercise Myths That Won't Go Away

Have you tried dieting and exercising with very little to show for your efforts? You may be doing it all wrong, says Joseph Mercola.

Popular misconceptions can damage your fitness plans. Yahoo Shine and CNN have collected some of the most pervasive and damaging fitness-related rumors. Here are some of them:

Myth – Strength training will bulk you up

In fact, researchers have found that working out with heavy weights increased exercisers' sleeping metabolic rate (the number of calories burned overnight) by nearly 8 percent. That's enough to lose about 5 pounds in a year right there.

Myth – All calories are equal, so it doesn't matter what you eat

Some foods take more work to eat, and therefore burn more calories while you're digesting them. Eating vegetables and lean cuts of meat can increase your calorie burn by up to 30 percent.

Myth – Eating fat will make you fat

Getting enough of the right kinds of fat in your diet is actually essential for good health. Read more

Exercise in a Bottle

Could a glass of red wine help you win the battle of the bulge? The latest research indicates that resveratrol may trick the body into burning off fat.

It is the perfect excuse to crack open a bottle of Chianti and put your feet up.

Resveratrol, the ‘miracle ingredient’ in red wine, credited with warding off a host of ills from old age to cancer, may provide exercise benefits without moving a muscle as it seems to keep bones strong and diabetes at bay.

With previous research endowing resveratrol, which can also be bought in supplement form, with tricking the body into burning off fat, it could be the couch potato’s dream. Read more

Which Natural Remedies for Whiter Teeth Work?

 A lot of people would like to have whiter teeth without spending a fortune to get them. Which natural rmedies for whiter teeth work? Laura Schocker lists five that can help, but warns against two traditional home remedies.

Bleached, bright-white teeth seem to be everywhere -- and while traditional treatments like whitening toothpastes, at-home trays and in-office procedures are an effective way to get there, they can sometimes cause tooth sensitivity and pain. For those hoping to steer clear of chemical treatments, there are a few techniques that can possibly help your smile to sparkle naturally.

The first step is good oral hygiene. “Health and beauty are intertwined,” says Arthur Glosman, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills. “If something is healthy, it’s going to look beautiful. If it’s sick, no amount of white teeth is going to make it look good.”

Beyond that, here are a few remedies that do (and don’t) work for a whiter -- and maybe even healthier -- smile. Read more

Herbal Remedies for Common Ailments

Herbal remedies for common ailments are available at your local supermarket, says Philip Weeks, an expert in natural medicine.

Many of us have a few herbs in our garden - or wilting in a pot on the kitchen windowsill - that we use to add flavour to a sauce or roast dinner, writes Jill Foster. But these inauspicious plants may have far more significant uses when it comes to pepping up our health.

It is estimated £126million is spent on herbal medicine in Britain each year, and a poll in 2008 revealed that 35 per cent of Britons have tried shop-bought natural remedies.

So could the answer to common illnesses be as simple as a trip to the supermarket? We spoke to Philip Weeks, an expert in natural medicine, about the everyday herbs with healing properties. Read more

Weight Training Could Changle Your Life

Many women shy away from weight training. But Naomi Alderman says it has transformed her body.

There's a weightlifting area in my gym – not just the rows of dinky handweights by the stretching mats, but the bit with the squat cage, the bench press and the machine where, with both hands, you pull down weights the size of hefty toddlers. I haven't used it – yet – but I'm going to. I've been weight training since last year and every session takes me a bit closer to the end of the handweights and the start of serious lifting. I'm looking forward to it in a way I've never looked forward to exercise before.

Personal trainers, however nice, give me PE teacher flashbacks. I'm not co-ordinated so the group classes that others seem to find fun and sociable – "step up, touch down, change legs, grapevine, step change and shimmy" – just leave me feeling clumsy and frustrated. But I can pick up an easily graspable heavy metal object, lift it slowly and then put it down again. Not only can I do it: I find I love it. Read more

Is a Chocolate Milkshake the Ideal Post-Workout Recovery Drink?

Cyclists who drank a low-fat chocolate milkshake after exercise rode faster with more power compared to those who had sports drinks, said University of Texas scientists.

After an exhausting session on the treadmill, many athletes reach for an isotonic sports drink or good old-fashioned water.

But two new studies from The University of Texas at Austin show that a chocolate milkshake is the ideal post-workout recovery drink. Read more

Is Meditation Better Than Pills for Chronic Pain?

Could improving your meditation technique cure chronic pain? It's may be worth contemplating.

Chronic pain is estimated to affect over 76 million people, more than diabetes and heart disease combined, and back pain is our country's leading cause of disability for people under 45. And though the pharmaceutical industry seems very adept at introducing one new painkiller after another, the pills don't always help. A new study in the Journal of Neuroscience, however, suggests something else might: meditation. It seems that improving your meditation technique could very well be more effective than painkillers at cutting down on pain, and that could save you hundreds in prescription drug costs. Read more

Apple Cider Vinegar Health Drink

Apple cider vinegar can be used to make a delicious and healthful pick-me-up drink. The brand shown in the video, which can be found in any health food store, is the best to use.

Electrolytes: What Are They and Why Are They So Good for Us?

What are electrolytes and why are they so good for us? Dr. Edward Groups explains and tells how to get them naturally.

Electrolytes are ionic solutions (salts), existing in nature in the form of minerals. Electrolytes are responsible for keeping the body properly hydrated so the muscles and nerves can function properly.

Since the human body is composed mostly of water, it is important that we take in adequate amounts of these minerals. What is more, when we are well-hydrated, we are able to release toxic internal wastes such as harmful chemicals, urea and ammonia.

The essential electrolytes most commonly found in the human body are sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, and phosphates.

Why Are Electrolytes So Important?

When the kidneys are functioning properly, they are able to regulate concentrations of these vital minerals, in conjunction with fluid levels in the body. As we go about the day, and particularly when we exercise, much of the body’s precious fluid (and mineral electrolytes) are lost. We can also lose these vital salts through our lungs when we breath, as well as through urination, vomiting, going to the bathroom (especially diarrhea), and through the liquid content of wounds. Read more

Could a Pill Made from Olive Leaves Help Beat Heart Disease?

Scientists say that a pill made of olive leaves could be a powerful weapon against heart disease. However, you don't need to wait for years of clinical trials to be completed to benefit. Olive leaf extract is available in health food stores right now.

A pill made from the leaves of the olive tree could be a powerful weapon in the fight against heart disease, scientists say.

According to research, the olive pill is as effective as some prescription medicines at reducing high blood pressure.

And it also appears to lower levels of harmful blood fats, called triglycerides, known to raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Read more

Take More Omega-3 to Prevent Diabetes

Want to prevent diabetes? Take more omega-3 fatty acids, say two recent studies..

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids may help lower your risk of diabetes, according to two recent studies. The studies, one based in the US, the other in Singapore, found adults with higher levels of omega-3 fats were less likely to develop diabetes.

Researchers suggest people avoid interpreting the study as evidence of omega-3's as a "magic bullet" health solution. They note that omega-3 fats may only be markers for some other dietary or lifestyle aspect which helps protect against the diabetes. Rather than stocking up on fish oil tablets, they suggest a better way to avoid this disease is a diet based on whole foods. "Approaching your dietary intake with this 'big picture' approach should take care of the small things, like essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids," notes Andrew Odegaard of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, one of the researchers on the Singapore study. Read more

The Hidden Health Benefits of Sex

Talk about playing doctor! The health benefits of sex extend well beyond the bedroom. It turns out that  sex is good for you in ways you may never have imagined.

"Having sex regularly can do more than make you feel closer to your partner—it can actually make you physically healthier," says Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University and author of Pleasure: A Woman's Guide to Getting the Sex You Want, Need, and Deserve. Check out a few of the surprising perks you can reap from great sex. Read more

10 Ways to Reduce Your Family's Exposure to Chemicals

The jury is still out about these substances' effects on human health, but if you want to reduce your family's exposure, this is how.

1. Use fresh or frozen foods instead of canned, when possible.

2. Use soy infant formula only if there is a medical reason for it, such as lactose intolerance or milk allergy, says Heather Patisaul, Ph.D. Genistein — a natural estrogen found in soy plants — is present in large amounts in soy-based baby formulas. (Some countries require a prescription for it.)

3. Don't microwave food in plastic containers or covered with plastic wrap. When plastic is heated, the chemicals in it can more easily migrate to food. Read more

Home Remedy for Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps are pains in the abdominal and pelvic areas that are experienced by a woman as a result of her menstrual period. Menstrual cramps of some degree affect more than an estimated 50% of women. Learn how to use a home remedy for menstrual cramps.

Acupuncture of Benefit to Those with Unexplained Symptoms

A new study found that acupuncture can benefit patients with medically unexplained symptoms.

Attending frequently with medically unexplained symptoms is distressing for both patient and doctor and effective treatment or management options are limited: one in five patients have symptoms that remain unexplained by conventional medicine. Studies have shown that the cost to the NHS of managing the treatment of a patient with medically unexplained symptoms can be twice that of a patient with a diagnosis.

A research team from the Institute of Health Services Research, Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, has carried out a randomised control trial and a linked interview study regarding 80 such patients from GP practices across London, to investigate their experiences of having five-element acupuncture added to their usual care. This is the first trial of traditional acupuncture for people with unexplained symptoms.

The results of the research are published in the British Journal of General Practice. They reveal that acupuncture had a significant and sustained benefit for these patients and consequently acupuncture could be safely added to the therapies used by practitioners when treating frequently attending patients with medically unexplained symptoms. Read more

Kitchen Staples That Make You Prettier and Healthier

Barbara Hannah Grufferman says kitchen staples that you already have can serve as health and beauty substitutes for expensive, manufactured products.

Your kitchen is a veritable treasure trove of health and beauty staples. Have some plain yogurt with a "sell date" that was two weeks ago? Don't throw it out! It's the perfect treatment for a common skin condition. Is there an extra sprig or two of parsley leftover from your stew recipe? Chew on a few leaves to handle a social faux pas. These items are probably in your home already ... so why not use them for better health and beauty without spending any extra money?

For years, my mother-in-law has used Crisco -- a lard-like vegetable shortening that my German grandmother used for the perfect pie crust and lovingly referred to as "fat in the can" -- as a makeup remover. "Why not just use Pond's Cold Cream or soap and water?" I ask her every now and then. "Because it works," she says. Even though my dermatologist gasped during a recent exam when I blurted out this bit of family lore, my mother-in-law never uses anything else. For her, it does the trick -- and for a lot less money than the "real thing." Read more

You Can Ignore Most Dietary Advice If You Follow 4 Simple Steps

Are you confused by the often contradictory health and dietary advice you find in the media? One day you read that carrots cause cancer, jaundice, and baldness. Then, a year later a new study comes out saying that if you don't eat a bunch of carrots every day, you'll die an early, painful death. Dr. Joseph Mercola says you can ignore most of the dietary advice you get from conventional channels if you follow four simple steps:

... Folks, whether you live in the US, the UK, or elsewhere, the current madness appears to be Universal... So, what's the answer?

Quite simply, you need to start thinking for yourself, and ignore much, if not most, of the health- and dietary advice you get through the conventional channels. Fortunately, "eating healthy" is actually far easier than most people think. Here's a quick and dirty summary: Read more

5 Natural Remedies for Urinary Infections

Urinary tract infections can be irritating and painful, but medical treatment isn't always necessary. Sometimes, natural remedies can relieve the symptoms.while preventing a more serious infection from setting in.

Home treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI) is often enough to resolve the problem if the right methods are used consistently. In fact, using natural methods to treat a urinary tract infection at the first sign of symptoms may help prevent a more serious infection from setting in.

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

- urge to urinate more often
- decreased quantity of urine passed
- pain during and after urination ( usually a burning or stinging sensation)

Symptoms of a serious urinary tract infection include nausea, fever, vomiting and constant pain in the abdominal region. If you experience these serious, please consult a professional.

Natural Home Remedies for a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Read more

Try Probiotics for Your Health!

Many unpleasant health problems can be rectified easily with probiotics, says Margaret Durst.

Acidophilus and other probiotics are familiar to many. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that inhabit our gut. The average healthy person has 4-5 pounds of these critters in their intestinal tract.

The word “probiotic” means “for life”. Probiotics have several functions that enhance our lives and are essential to good health. These include synthesizing vitamins B complex and K, enhancing immune function by crowding out yeast and parasites, producing enzymes, helping regulate blood cholesterol, improving digestion and colon function, and helping to prevent certain types of cancer.

Probiotics are important because many things can upset the delicate balance in our intestinal tract. These include use of antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives, radiation, chlorinated water, refined sugar, poor diet, poor digestion, constipation, stress, etc. Read more

10 Home Remedies for Acid Reflux

For fast-acting relief and long-term results, try these home remedies for acid reflux, says Edward Group.

Acid reflux is not a nice feeling. Food and acid splash into the esophagus (the muscular tube that takes food after swallowing into the stomach) causing uncomfortable reactions from belching to heartburn and in some severe cases, chest pains. Some individuals have experienced pain so intense they thought they were having a heart attack.

If a person experiences acid reflux on a regular basis, the acids will irritate the esophagus and this can advance to scarring, ulceration, inflammation and hemorrhaging.

According to authors and doctors F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D., if acid reflux persists for a very long period of time is may even lead to esophageal cancer.

Here are a few of my favorite home remedies for acid reflux: Read more

Artificial Sweeteners Encourage Weight Gain

Artificial sweeteners encourage weight gain nd a host of other health problems, says Joseph Mercola.

... Avoiding sugar is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, but, instead of consuming a naturally low-sugar diet based on whole foods, some people are still trying to have their cake and eat it too.

Unfortunately, the belief that artificial sweeteners can allow you to have the best of both worlds is simply not based in reality. It's a carefully orchestrated deception. So if you're still consuming artificially sweetened foods, snacks and beverages because you think it'll help you manage your weight, please understand that you've been sorely misled.

In reality, "diet" foods and drinks ruin your body's ability to count calories, thus boosting your inclination to overindulge. This effect appears to be true for all artificial sweeteners.

Unfortunately, most public health agencies and nutritionists in the United States still recommend these toxic artificial sweeteners as acceptable and even preferred alternatives to sugar, which is at best confusing and at worst seriously damaging the health of those who listen to this well-intentioned but foolish advice.

Artificial Sweeteners INCREASE Your Risk of Obesity Read more

A Beginner's Herb Garden

Learn how to keep herb gardening simple with essential plants and containers.

Gardening is a hot topic this week on MDA. Two days ago, Mark gave you the whys – gardening can be therapeutic, it can improve health markers, it can be a great way for people to move frequently at a slow pace, and the list goes on. It's also a great way to save money on organic produce, to maintain a constant (and self-replicating) supply of edible green things, and to get out into the sun. Let's just say that gardening is good for you on multiple levels, and if you've got the space and the time, you should probably give it a shot.

You might recall that in that same post, Mark mentioned his relative lack of horticultural mastery. This is true for me, too, and a lot of you guys out there as well. You might say that this Worker Bee doesn't fly far from the hive. Still, I didn't let that discourage me when the queen (er, king? I'm struggling to maintain the bee metaphor here without tripping over gender issues!) bee tasked me with starting a rudimentary herb garden and then writing about it. Read more

What Toxic Chemicals Have You Used Today?

Margaret Durst says your food, home, and personal care products often contain toxic chemicals that you probably aren't aware of..

Ingredients are important, but many of us are too busy to read the labels. They are important on everything we use from cosmetics, household cleaners, pesticides, drugs, food, water and so on. There are increasing links between the number of toxic chemicals that we take in and the number of health problems we have.

Part of the problem with the level of toxic chemicals we are now exposed to is that they tend to stay in the body. Once these toxins reach a critical mass, they can suppress your immune system and cause disease. Periodic cleansing is an important part of any natural health program, and it is as important to identify toxic chemicals in any products that you are still consuming and / or exposed to.

This is where becoming aware of ingredients matters. We live in a world where most of our food has some level of processing. Most of our cosmetics, shampoos and other toiletries are full of synthetic chemicals. On top of that, we use household cleaners, air fresheners, pesticides and many other products that fill the air we breathe with toxic chemicals. Read more

How to Cure Depression Herbally

Herbalist Robert Linde demonstrates how to make a tea using St. John's Wort and other ingredients to help treat your depression.

Natural Remedies for Relieving and Treating Tinnitus

Tinnitus, often called "ringing in the ears," is a much more common ailment than most people realize. Though its causes are not completely understood, tinnitus can be relieved and treated with natural remedies.

Fifteen million people in the United States are estimated to suffer from tinnitus - which is the perception of a noise sensation in one or both ears without any actual noise source being present. The perceived noise can be ringing, chirping, roaring, or humming. In many instances, tinnitus can be either eliminated or greatly relieved through changes in diet and lifestyle as well as with nutritional supplementation and herbal remedies.

Tinnitus is a little understood condition and, while many causes have been suggested, there is no general agreement in medical circles on the causes and treatments in medical circles. Inflammation and poor blood flow are considered to be among the primary culprits. Other causes which have been identified or suggested include: wax buildup, fluid in the ear, spongy bone growth in the inner ear (otoslcerosis), low blood pressure, high blood pressure, and a breach of the eardrum. Read more

10 Natural Remedies for Intestinal Gas

Edward Group reveals ten natural remedies for intestinal gas.

Intestinal gas is an embarrassing and annoying situation that many people experience on a regular basis. Gas and bloating is, perhaps, one of the main health concerns that human beings living in the Western world complain of.

In fact, estimates show that with poor dietary habits we expel gas at least 14 times a day. That adds up to almost 4 pints of air daily! But, while these statistics may be the “norm,” it is certainly not a healthy balance. What can we do about all this excess air? Below is a list of a few of my favorite remedies for gas and bloating. Read more

An Apple a Day Does Keep the Doctor Away

An apple a day really can keep the doctor away, a study suggests.

It found that women on an 'apple diet' saw their cholesterol drop by almost a quarter in six months, while they also lost weight.

Dr Bahram Arjmandi, of the department of nutrition, food and exercise sciences at Florida University, described the results as "incredible"

In the study, 80 women aged 45 to 65 were asked to eat 75 grams of dried prunes a day for a year, and the other 80 were asked to eat the same amount of dried apple, in addition to their normal diets. Read more

6 Aphrodisiacs Proven by Science

According to new data from Guelph University researchers, panax ginseng, saffron, and yohimbine (from West African yohimbe trees) will "improve human sexual function," while muira puama (from Brazil), maca root (from the Andes), and chocolate will "increase sexual desire."

People looking to spice up their love life should try adding saffron and ginseng to their diet, according to a new study.

People looking to spice up their love life should try adding saffron and ginseng to their diet, according to a new study. Read more

How to Have Firm, Perky Breasts

Sagging breasts got you down? Beautiful breasts are not just about size. Most women want to enjoy firm, perky breasts, but over the years, aging, weight loss and pregnancy can really take a toll on the bosom. Although perky breasts might seem like the exclusive property of 18-year-old girls who wear an A cup, there are ways to get firm and perky breasts, regardless of your age or bra size.

Herbs and Spices That Boost Your Metabolism, Curb Cancer, and Lower Blood Sugar

Dr. Joseph Mercola tells how to boost your metabolism, curb cancer, and lower blood sugar by adding herbs and spices to your meals.

... Believe it or not, but common herbs and spices are actually some of the healthiest foods on the planet – topping the list of high ORAC value foods – so you can easily boost the nutritional value of your meal simply by spicing it up a bit. ORAC is a standardized method of measuring the antioxidant capacity of different foods and supplements. The higher the ORAC score, the more effective a food is at neutralizing harmful free radicals.

So, every time you flavor your meals with herbs or spices you are literally "upgrading" your food without adding a single calorie. Read more

Natural Remedies Get Rid of Wrinkles

Wrinkles make you look and feel old. Fortunately, natural remedies can get rid of wrinkles, says John Dill.

Wrinkles are among the most visible signs of aging. Wrinkles form as a result of a gradual decrease in the skin's collagen and elastin levels, which cause the skin to lose its natural elasticity and resilience. The skin also loses fat and becomes thinner, causing the skin to sag and form wrinkles as it loses support. While we cannot completely prevent wrinkles from forming, there are a number of ways to naturally minimize their appearance and prevent them from forming prematurely. This includes natural materials that you may already have at home, such as honey, avocado, vitamin E and Egg white. Read more

Does Green Tea Really Help Burn Fat?

Green tea helps burn fat, suppresses appetite, and has other big health benefits., says Margaret Durst,

Green tea is a popular beverage. It comes from the same plant that black tea does, it is just less processed so it contains more of the phytochemicals that have health benefits.

Green tea is well known for its antioxidant properties that come from a particular polyphenol known as EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, which is over 200 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. Recent research spotlights another great property of EGCG – it is thermogenic, meaning that it actually helps burn fat. I love green tea when I am dieting because it also seems to suppress appetite.

Medicinal doses of green tea are known to alleviate the affects of radiation. I have seen it used in many case studies where long term low level exposure to radiation through either working around X-rays or living near radio or cell phone towers had resulted in chronic health issues. There are also studies that show that green tea prevents development of thyroid cancer caused by radiation treatment. Read more

Soothe and Prevent Acid Reflux Naturally

Drugs to treat acid reflux and among the top sellers, but natural and herbal remedies are also effective, and, need I say it, much safer and less expensive..

Acid Reflux, or GERD as it is commonly referred to, affects a great deal of the population. Poor diet and stress are the most common contributors to this uncomfortable condition. It occurs when food is not properly broken down and digested by the stomach acids and enzymes. If left untreated, it can damage the lining of the oesophagus. Instead of reaching for prescription medication (such as proton pump inhibitors), there are a number of natural and herbal remedies that one can make use of. Read more

Natural Beauty Remedies

Ingredients for bright skin and shiny hair can be found in your kitchen cupboard.

Want Protection against Radiation? Drink Red Wine

Want protection against radiation? Then drink red wine, says the latest research.

Impending nuclear attack? Then scientists may soon recommend that it is best you start drinking heavily and not just because you may be facing oblivion.

According to the latest research, red wine – along with its many other claimed benefits – may also protect you from radiation exposure.

A team at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered that resveratrol, the natural anti-oxidant found in red wine, can protect cells from the damage caused by radiation.

In experiments on mice the scientists found that when combined with the chemical acetyl and administered before radiation exposure it protected the cells and helped prevent death. Read more

Natural Remedies Treat Age Spots

Age spots are the irregular, sometimes rough dark patches that appear on the skin, typically on the back of the hands and arms, and on the forehead, beginning in middle age. Many people would prefer natural remedies for age spots over harsher medical treatments involving acid peels or liquid nitrogen. It just makes sense because intuitively we know that age spots are the result of skin damage, and anything that does more skin damage isn't going to do us any good.

Age Spots are flat brownish skin discolorations found on skin throughout the body which usually occurs in people over the age of 40. Age spots take years to develop and are not likely to go away overnight. However, with time and consistent effort they often can be treated naturally.

Though age spots are often called liver spots, they normally have little to do with the liver. Excessive sunlight over a period of many years is the primary cause of age spots. Nutritional deficiencies may also lead to age spots. Read more

Natural Treatments For Varicose Veins

Laser therapy and sclerotherapy are only two of the choices for treating varicose veins. If these don't appeal to you, several natural remedies are available instead.

Acupuncture for Menopause

Could acupuncture be key to relieving the symptoms of menopause?

Acupuncture can help women suffering from the most common symptoms of menopause, it is claimed.

A study suggests the ancient Chinese needle therapy can curb the severity of hot flushes and also relieve mood swings among women receiving it regularly. Read more

Can Iodine Help With Hair Loss?

Hair loss is one of the most common signs of iodine deficiency, says Edward Group.

It is clear that the micro-nutrient iodine (as well as iron, magnesium and zinc) is a key essential element for the normal growth and development in all of the body’s organ and tissue systems.

In fact, iodine, in combination with the aforementioned minerals are often considered the best “hair growth minerals” you can take for healthy hair. And if you are currently experiencing hair loss, it may be a good idea to supplement with these, as hair loss can be one of the most common signs of a deficiency in iodine.

Iodine and Hair Loss

In regard to iodine and hair loss, we need to look at thyroid health. The thyroid gland relies on iodine to make the hormones necessary for the growth of healthy hair, teeth and bones. Read more

Healing with Light Energy

Light therapies have been used for healing since early recorded history. There are, however, new devices using light therapy that can treat health problems which have previously been rdifficult or even impossible to successfully manage.

"The pain is gone - I can't believe it!" That is what Jack had to say when his pain suddenly disappeared after two decades of unrelenting pain from diabetic neuropathy and a treatment program that profoundly interfered with his quality of life and led to an addiction to a myriad of pharmaceutical drugs. It was just that fast - two half-hour treatments with an invisible light and his pain disappeared. Incredible! No more medicines. He began feeling like his old self - he could think clearly and his zest for life returned. Jack's family thinks it was a miracle. Yet diabetic neuropathy is only one of many health conditions that can be eliminated using a near infrared light therapy known as photonic stimulation.

Photonic stimulation is like "Star Trek" medicine - something out of the future that sounds too far-fetched to exist in today's world. However, quantum healing with near infrared light photons is a reality today and is poised to become mainstream in medical practice. This powerful, effective, safe, and affordable technology is revolutionizing medical treatment for pain, many neurological disorders, and a wide variety of musculoskeletal and soft tissue maladies. Many health problems that had previously been notoriously difficult or even impossible to successfully manage can now benefit from photonic stimulation. Read more

Face Massage Therapy

Massaging the face is an easy and important part of beauty regime to keep wrinkles at bay. Besides softening the skin, another good effect of massage is that it stimulates blood circulation and removes dead skin. Facial massage is also known to tighten certain skin tissues that tend to go flabby and give the face a worn-out look.

Fight Off Allergies, Intestinal Problems with Friendly Bacteria

Probiotic foods are any foods that contain a beneficial, live bacteria. Edward Group lists the top ten probiotic foods to add to your diet.

Probiotics are beneficial forms of gut bacteria that help stimulate the natural digestive juices and enzymes that keep our digestive organs functioning properly. In addition to taking a probiotic supplement, you can also support your probiotic intake through eating foods that are hosts to these live bacterium.

We all know of the great health benefits of probiotics, however, not all of us know how to take advantage of these health benefits. Below is a list I put together to outline the best probiotic foods for you to add to your diet. I would also recommend buying the organic version of all these probiotic foods. Read more

The Healing Power of Olive Leaf

Margaret Durst discusses the huge impact that the herb olive leaf can have on your health.

Olive Leaf is one of my favorite herbs for this time of year. I use olive leaf for immune enhancement so that I do not get the flu. However, olive leaf is more than just a great anti-viral.

Olives in some form have been used throughout history. Olives and olive oil are referenced throughout the Bible. Olive leaf is the first herb mentioned after the flood. Olive oil was used in ancient times as a special anointing oil for priests and kings. The ancient Egyptians used an olive leaf extract to mummify their kings. Throughout the ages, teas made from olive leaf have been a popular folk remedy, particularly for combating fevers. Read more

Discover the Benefits of burdock Root

Burdock root is a well-known herbal remedy. Though traditionally used as a blood purifier, it has many other benefits as well.

Burdock root as an herbal remedy offers a variety of health benefits. This herb has been known for its healing properties for many centuries and was commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous illnesses.

About Burdock Root

The burdock is a plant found in the continents of Europe and Asia. It is easy to find and identify, as it generally grows along fences and roads. In Asia, the taproot of young burdock plant is harvested and eaten as a root vegetable. It has a gummy consistency and is sweet to the taste. It is rich in calcium, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol. Read more

Ginger: An Extraordinary Spice to Combat Heart Disease

Discover how to fix the REAL reason that you may have heart disease and a special spice you can use to help reverse it. HINT: high cholesterol is NOT the problem.

10 Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause severe pain and other symptoms. These ten natural remedies can prevent kidney stones from inflicting their pain on you.

The kidneys are one of the most important organs in the human body, as they help to detox and filter out impurities from the blood, as well as waste products in our urine. Kidney stones form when the kidneys are not able to process these toxins efficiently. In this case, a crystallization of unprocessed minerals build up, causing pain, stones and possible blockage of urine flow.

The following section will offer some simple natural remedies to help soothe the discomfort of kidney stones, as well as speed up the body’s natural healing process. Read more

50 Natural Antidepressants to Boost Your Mood

When you're feeling a little blue, you don't need to turn to pharmaceuticals to boost your mood. Check this list of 50 natural antidepressants for foods, supplements, and activities that you can try instead.

In the wintertime, it can be hard to stay cheery. With dreary weather, lots of time indoors, and lowered activity levels, it's not surprising. But there's a lot you can do to do nurse your happiness, even in the winter months. Read on to find out about food, supplements, and activities you can try to beat the winter blues.

Food & Supplements

These foods and supplements are great for a mood boost. Read more

Stressed Out? Could It Be Vitamin B or Magnesium Deficiency?

Eliminating vitamin B and magnesium deficiencies can help you cope with stress, says Margaret Durst.

Stress – It’s what most of us have too much of. Coping with day to day tasks and problems can sometimes be overwhelming – especially when the body is out of balance.

If I could run the healthcare system, I would make everyone try a good B-vitamin before ever allowing them to take a prescription anti-depressant. (By good, I do not mean what is sold at discount stores or at supermarkets.)

Look at the following signs of B-vitamin deficiency: Read more

Milkweed Sap Cures Common Skin Cancers

Milkweed has historically been used in folk remedies to treat warts and rashes. However, recent research provides strong evidence that milkweed sap can cure common skin cancers.

If you talk about herbs, plants and other totally natural substances having the potential to actually cure cancer, odds are you'll be greeted with eye-rolling and disbelief -- especially from the mainstream medical establishment. But research just published in the Journal of British Dermatology provides compelling evidence that the sap from a common weed known as milkweed or petty surge can literally cure certain types of cancers.

Although regarded as a nuisance weed by most gardeners, the plant (whose botanical name is Euphorbia peplus) has been valued for centuries in many folk medicine traditions as a treatment for asthma, warts and several types of cancer. Now a group of Australian scientists from a number of medical institutions in Brisbane have tested milkweed sap on humans and found that it works remarkably well on non-melanoma skin cancers. The researchers believe the plant substance is effective due to a compound it contains called ingenol mebutate which destroys cancer cells. Read more

Make an Herbal Steam for a Stuffy Nose

Learn how to make an herbal steam for a stuffy nose.

U.S. Military Deploys Acupuncture to Treat Soldiers' Concussions.

The U.S. military is using "battlefield acupuncture" to treat soldiers' concussions.

The U.S. military is applying an ancient Chinese healing technique to the top modern battlefield injury for American soldiers, with results that doctors here say are "off the charts."

"Battlefield acupuncture," developed by Air Force physician Col. Richard Niemtzow, is helping heal soldiers with concussions so they can return more quickly to the front lines. Read more

Why Dieting Is Bad for Your Breasts

Gaining and losing the same ten pounds has a hidden effect on your breasts that may take years to show, says Nicole Blades.

Your breasts are pretty low-maintenance, and you can keep them healthy and sexy just by leaving them alone. Still, there's one move that will mess them up: repeat dieting, which causes your boobs to sag prematurely. Here, how and why plus the right way to keep your set gorgeous and firm.

How Sag Strikes

Some sag is inevitable. Gravity, breast growth spurts in your teens and early 20s, pregnancy, and breast-feeding all cause your boobs to change shape. Any change in the shape of your breasts stretches your skin's collagen and elastin, two components that make skin firm. This leaves your twins less perky over time, says Jill Weinstein, a dermatologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, in Illinois.

But you'll stretch out the collagen and elastin even more by constantly dieting. Read more