Do You Really Need to Do a Colon Cleanse?

February 27, 2009 by  
Filed under Colon Health & Detox

The question of whether you really need to do a colon cleanse is usually the first one that pops into most peoples minds as they are looking for possible solutions to health problems such as constipation, or other issues dealing with their bowel movements. And quite frankly I am amazed at some of the really bad information I have come across the internet, but there is also a lot of good information. You just have to sift through it all to find out what is really relevant for you.

So the best place(s) to start looking are where your particular health issue manifests. Are you constipated often, have digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or just low energy? If so you probably have a toxic colon that is backed up with old fecal matter. This is not the most pleasant subject to talk about but we need to if we want to live healthier and longer. Bad breath also most likely stems from intestinal problems and a toxic colon. Most people don’t have the greatest breath, but I am sure you have met that person whom you had a hard time standing just a few feet distance from.

As I stated above, there is a lot of bad information out there about colon cleansing. Especially now, as colon cleansing, colonics, colon therapy etc., have gotten much more attention in the media, more people everyday are learning about colon cleansing and the options they have. I have read on some forums for example some people saying that colon cleansing and colon cleansing products in general are scams, that our intestines and colons work perfectly fine to cleanse themselves.

Now there is truth to this, our bodies and colon do work just fine on their own to do the job of processing our food and nutrients and dispelling the waste without any need for outside help… if we are healthy and not slowly killing ourselves with artificial ingredients. That’s a big if. If you do have some of those health problems I mentioned earlier you are not healthy and most likely your intestines and colon are not functioning as well as they should.

In today’s modern environment of greater pollution in the air we breathe, toxins and hormones in the food we eat, as well as eating greater amounts of processed foods that hold no nutritional value for us, our intestines and colon have a difficult time dealing with these un-natural and artificial components and digesting them. Hundreds of years ago, heck even decades ago, our living environments and the food we consumed were much cleaner and had higher nutritional content.

But times have changed, new symptoms and diseases have cropped up, (was IBS even around a hundred years ago?) and we have to deal with these symptoms and take care of ourselves. With colon cancer on the rise, and more people having problems with their digestive systems, the old saying goes ‘death begins in the colon’ becomes more apparent and real to those who need relief.

We can begin to heal our problems by eating healthier and getting consistent exercise. Doing a good colon cleanse is also a great way to clean out the old toxic build up out of our colons. Our colons were never designed to deal with all of the artificial pollutants and processed foods we eat in the first place. So if you are thinking you may need a colon cleanse… you probably do. And if you are going to go ahead and do one you mind as well do it right, and find a good colon cleansing product to use, so do your research.

It may not be the easiest and most pleasant thing you do for yourself this year, but it may be the best thing you do for yourself. You might even like it and enjoy the surge of energy and well-being you get when done like I did. Healthy change can only happen for you if you take action. Do a good, thorough colon cleanse and your body will thank you for it.

Your Neck

February 26, 2009 by  
Filed under Skin Care

Your neck is one of the first places to give away your age. Unfortunately the neck is highly visual so it is quite difficult to cover up the fact that you are aging if the condition of your neck is not up to the same standard as the rest of your body.

It is not quite as easy as it might seem because the neck skin is one of the areas on the body that gets particularly dry due to having fewer oil glands than anywhere else on the body.

In addition to this lack of oil glands we are constantly turning our head and moving it in different directions throughout the day. This constant movement effects of collagen and elastin fibers causing them to lose their tone sooner than other parts of the body.

Obviously we don’t want to stop moving our head around as that will be totally impractical, so what are the alternatives for helping to keep the skin of the neck from sagging and looking old?

Well the first thing you need to do is consider this part of the body as one of the more important parts that need your attention. This will be a major change for many women who neglect the neck skin in favor of spending time on the face or the rest of the body.

The most important thing that you need to do for the skin on your neck is to keep it moisturized on a regular basis and more so than for most of the rest of the body.

Ensure that you always put sufficient sunscreen on your neck right up to your jaw line. Make sure that you always put sufficient moisturizing cream on your neck when you’re doing your face and also when you’re doing your body as this particularly dry area can always do with more moisturizer.

Used upward strokes when applying cream to your neck and try not to look down when you’re reading or working because this will encourage a double chin. Rapid changes in weight gain or weight loss can also cause baggy skin under the chin.

Cleansing Your Body; What You Can Do To Regain Youthful Health Again

February 24, 2009 by  
Filed under Colon Health & Detox

Cleansing your body is an important step towards having a healthy and vibrant lifestyle. When it comes to cleansing your body we have the resources, products and recommendations to make this a reality for you. If you are already contemplating doing some type of cleanse, whether a colon cleanse, chelation therapy or even doing a fast, the best thing you can do is to just do it and see what positive changes may come. Most people get caught up in ‘paralysis by analysis’, and when it comes to cleansing your body, this is no different.

By all means doing your due diligence and research is key, which is why you are here. So hopefully you will commit to doing something today, not tomorrow or next week that will put you in a positive direction toward feeling better and being healthier. As the saying goes, if you do not have your health then what do you have rings true to those who are struggling with health issues at the present moment.

Cleansing your body is nothing new, although it seems to be the way we are hearing it more and more in the media these days. Many ancient cultures had their own specific methods to cleanse their bodies… from Native American sweat lodges to ayurvedic medical herbs taken in India, to ancient Taoist traditions of fasting, natural herbs and chi kung. But we now in our modern day want something that is as painless and practical as possible that can change our health for the better as quickly as possible.

It is amazing how most people now at days shower, wash their hands and brush their teeth everyday religiously, but never take the time to cleanse their insides. A great place to start cleansing your body would be with your intestines and colon. Doing a colon cleanse is without a doubt something your body will thank you for. It would make sense whether or not you are having problems with constipation or not. Freeing your colon and intestines of hardened and impacted fecal matter will affect great changes in you very quickly, within just a few weeks.

One important point to take note of as you begin cleansing your body is understanding that although there are some great methods and products available to help you achieve your health and healing goals, you will need to take action and stick with whatever avenue you choose to take to the very end. This will require some discipline on your part, but if you have it you will reap the benefits.

In researching and applying this path of internal body cleansing for ourselves over the years, there have been some you could say ‘miraculous’ cures to some health problems that many modern doctors claim there is no cure for. The human body is very capable of healing itself if we just give it the chance and means to. If you apply some simple steps and recommendations within this site to cleansing your body, the only limits to attaining vibrant health are those you place upon yourself.

One other important thing to keep in mind as you begin cleansing your body is to understand that in most cases it will get worse before it gets better. This is simply because your body is ridding itself of the very things that are making you ill and they are coming to the surface. Like cleaning your home, you didn’t realize what was under your stove until you began cleaning it. So don’t worry, this is a good sign believe it or not and you will know that you are on the right path to a healthier and more vibrant you.

Checking Your Moles

February 24, 2009 by  
Filed under Skin Care

Most people have moles somewhere on the body. Fortunately most of these moles present no danger to us however it is better to be safe than sorry and if you’re unsure about any of the moles then don’t waste any time in seeing a specialist.

Moles are a cluster of pigmented cells and most people tend to get more of them as they age. You should always monitor the moles to see if there have been any changes or any irregularities that have begun to occur.

Irregular changes in the shape or the color of them could indicate that it is skin cancer. By checking your entire body on a regular basis you will notice any changes and the sooner you do spot any changes the easier it will be to eliminate any problems.

If the mole has changed color, size, or shape then it is time to see your doctor or specialist so they can determine why this is happening. If the border of the mole becomes asymmetrical then this is a sign that there is some unwanted activity that needs to be investigated further.

Any moles that become itchy or bleed, or where the surface has become crusty, need to be checked immediately as skin cancer can have similar features. A healthy mole would generally be flat or slightly raised, and will be even in color and texture.

You can get your moles surgically removed for cosmetic reasons but be aware that people with certain skin types scar more easily than others and the scar could look worse than the mole.

There has been a significant increase in the incidence of melanoma in recent years due to the depletion of the ozone layer and as malignant melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer it is a wise investment to get any moles or spots checked on a regular basis.

Pointers on Losing Weight Safely

February 23, 2009 by  
Filed under Weight Loss

People who want to lose weight commonly, and first of all, think about reducing the amount of food they eat. This may be quite a solution but not exactly the best there is. In fact, depending on the amount you reduce in your food intake, it may even be dangerous to one’s health. So how does one lose weight effectively and safely? Here are some points one should consider when trying to lose weight:

Beware of the Crash Diets

Most people think that trimming down the calories can alone shed off their unwanted excess. Probably this is because of the fad there is in advertising about low-calorie food products and beverages. What people don’t know is that this could be dangerous because when they decrease their calorie intake way to below the required levels, the body begins to digest the fats.

Sounds good but it doesn’t actually. Burning fat requires a lot of energy. Since there is not much energy in the body to facilitate metabolism of fat, it will run at a very slow pace resulting to fatigue, illness and weak immune system.

Low-calorie diet is also compensated for by the body by burning muscle. People on this type of diet who revert back to their old eating habits end up gaining back some, if not all the weight they have shed off. This would consist mainly of fats. And since fats have more volume per mass than muscle, they end up having the same weight as before but more bulkier. In losing weight, one should keep in mind that they should lose excess body fats only.

However, one can try out eating small meals at more frequent intervals. This way the body will not think that it is being starved and will not store food as fat.

Eat Properly

One may have considered junking the crash diet option but he should also not forget to watch what he is eating. Variety must always be considered so that one may be able to get the necessary nutrients from his diet.It is also healthier to eat food which are roasted, steamed or broiled rather than fried. It is also important to include a lot of fiber in the diet. Frequent rehydration is also necessary.

Pump Up lean Muscle Mass

Muscles burn calories when they work; they even do so at rest. Unlike fats which just lie around, bulge around the pants and dangle beneath the sleeves, muscles burn calories all-day round. With this fact, one can start weight loss by increasing muscle mass. The more muscles, the less fat will be left. This is attainable starting with working out with resistance exercises.

Engaging in Aerobics

Aerobics are not only good for the heart by increasing cardio-vascular endurance. Aerobics also help in increasing lean muscle mass while simultaneously decreasing excess body fat. Aside from these, aerobics make the metebolic process more efficient and its rate high, even after a long while. Imagine burning fat efficiently while driving along the freeway or even while watching television.

Extra “Push”

Some people believe that smoking and caffeine can actually help in losing weight. This can perhaps be true; however, they do the body more harm than good because of their side-effects. For that extra “push”, one can try out taking food supplements. Afterall, 95% of these products out in the market actually does good.

On Taking Diet Pills

Over-the-counter diet pills affect the amount of weight one loses as well as how long one keeps that amount of weight off. However, one must be wary of the side-effects of these diet pills. As such, one must faithfully follow the instructions provided for in the packaging. It is also prudent to consult the physician anyway before trying out these drugs and also to find out which type would be best for the individual.

Losing weight does not have to mean sacrifice and suffering. It actually means opening up to a more full and healthy life where one may not have to feel bad about himself having to look the way he does or not being able to do what he wants to do. Losing weight might entail a little adjustments plus the discomforts, but as the old saying goes, “no pain, no gain.” Besides fat, what has one got to lose anyway?

Glaceau Vitamin Water

February 23, 2009 by  
Filed under Vitamins

An increasing number of people are becoming more conscious of the amount of vitamin intake that their diet does or does not provide and the need for new products, including vitamin water, that provide a convenient method of obtaining more of the essential vitamins is constantly being sought.

One extremely popular brand of vitamin water is Glaceau Vitamin Water. This vitamin water is a low calorie nutrient enhanced water. The vitamin water is available in a number of different flavours and provides an extremely healthy alternative to other high calorie drinks.

The Glaceau vitamin water was developed by J. Darius Bikoff who wanted a vitamin enhanced drink that had a pleasant flavour. Unlike a lot of other so-called health drinks, the vitamin water is not overpowering but has a higher vitamin content than traditional drinks. The vitamin water is essentially biologically better water that ensures that a person has a sufficient intake of certain vitamins and minerals.

Glacaeau vitamin water is an industry leader in enhanced water beverages and it is available in a wide variety of flavours including perform lemon-lime vitamin water, formula 50 vitamin water, defense vitamin water, vital-t vitamin water, endurance peach mango vitamin water, rescue green tea vitamin water, multi-v lemonade vitamin water, stress b lemon-lime vitamin water, revive fruit punch vitamin water, focus kiwi-strawberry vitamin water, essential orange-orange vitamin water, balance cran-grapefruit vitamin water, power-c dragonfruit vitamin water and energy tropical citrus vitamin water.

The actual vitamin and mineral content of Glaceau vitamin water varies depending on the type. Here are some of the specific nutrition facts for a number of the flavours of Glaceau vitamin water available:

Defense

Calories 50; Total Fat 0g; Sodium 0mg; Total Carbohydrate 13g; Total Sugar 13g; Protein 0g; Vitamin C 60%; vitamin B3 10%; vitamin B6 10%; vitamin B12 10%; vitamin B5 10%, Zinc 10%

Vital-t

Calories 50; Total Fat 0g; Sodium 0mg; Total Carbohydrate 13g; Total Sugar 13g; Protein 0g; Vitamin C 60%; vitamin E 20%; vitamin B3 10%; vitamin B6 10%; vitamin B12 10%; vitamin B5 10%

Stress b lemon-lime

calories 40, total fat 0g, sodium 0mg, total carbohydrate 9g, sugar 8g, protein 0g, vitamin B2 25%, vitamin B3 25%, vitamin B5 25%, vitamin B6 25%, vitamin B12 25%, vitamin C 60%, st johns wort 25mg, kava kava 25mg

Revive fruit punch

calories 50, total fat 0g, sodium 0mg, potassium 30mg, total carbohydrate 13g, sugar 12g, protein 0g, vitamin A 10%, vitamin B3 10%, vitamin B5 10%, vitamin B6 10%, vitamin B12 10%, vitamin C 60%, vitamin E 10%, gotu kola 25mg, American ginseng 25mg

Every type of Glaceau vitamin water is made using distilled water and all natural flavourings to ensure that the beneficial effects of the vitamin enhanced drink are maximised.

A Guide to the D Vitamin

February 22, 2009 by  
Filed under Vitamins

The D vitamin is the only vitamin that is not obtained from foods that are consumed. Instead, the D vitamin is actually obtained by sunlight on the skin. There has been a lot of media coverage about the dangers of getting too much sun but it is essential that the skin is exposed to sunlight to obtain the recommended daily allowance of the D vitamin.

In reality, the amount of time that a person has to spend in the sun to receive a sufficient dose of the D vitamin is extremely small and just a few minutes a day will be sufficient and not have any adverse effects from the amount of ultra-violet light received.

The most important function of the D vitamin is to help control how much calcium is absorbed from food. The majority of the calcium is used to build strong teeth and bones but it is also needed to send messages along the nerves and to help muscles, such as the heart muscles, to contract.

It is the D vitamin that ensures that there is always sufficient calcium in the blood to perform these tasks. Other functions that require the D vitamin relate to the immune system and it is believed that it is also a contributing factor in reducing the risk of contracting cancer and, in particular, colon cancer.

The variant of the D vitamin that is formed under the skin is known as vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol. This D vitamin is created when the ultraviolet in the sunlight reacts with a type of cholesterol that is found under the skin naturally. The D3 is converted into a more active form of the d vitamin in the liver and is then diverted to where it is needed the most.

Some of the D vitamin remains in the liver and kidneys to help reabsorb the calcium from the blood. The rest of the D vitamin is dispersed to the bones to help them retain their calcium and the intestines to aid absorption of calcium from food.

Even though the majority of the D vitamin is formed through the exposure of the skin to sunlight there are some foods that do contain some of the vitamin naturally. This form of the D vitamin is known as vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol. This is used in the same way as the other D vitamins and is the type used to create the majority of D vitamin supplements.

A Guide to the B Complex Vitamins

February 22, 2009 by  
Filed under Vitamins

There is a lot of discussion about the B complex vitamin and how it is essential for the body to perform a multitude of functions. However, the B complex vitamin is not simply one very complicated vitamin, as the name might suggest.

There are actually eight B vitamins that are in the B complex vitamin as well as a few other related substances. The eight vitamins that make up the B complex vitamin are thiamine or vitamin B1, riboflavin or vitamin B2, niacin or vitamin B3, pyridoxine or vitamin B6, cobalamine or vitamin B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin.

The other related substances that are also in the B complex vitamin include choline, inositol and para-aminobenzoic acid. Every part of the B complex vitamin performs its own individual function within the body but it is when they work together as the B complex vitamin that they provide essential maintenance for the body to remain healthy. The B vitamin complex comprises B vitamins which are water soluble and it is essential that enough of these vitamins are consumed on a daily basis.

The body cannot store water soluble vitamins such as the B complex vitamin and this leads to a regular intake being required.
The B complex vitamins are extremely beneficial for a number of conditions and may be needed in additional quantities at certain times in a person’s life. Of course, there is a recommended daily allowance for the B complex vitamins that varies according to the sex and age of a person.

However, doctors and other health professionals have discovered the benefits of increasing the intake of the B complex vitamin to help overcome certain illnesses. Many people suffer from anxiety and stress at one time or another and research has found that the B complex vitamin can be beneficial in helping alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and stress.

If a person has been unwell the B complex vitamin can be extremely valuable in aiding the recovery process. Fatigue can be a symptom of a multitude of illnesses as well as simply overdoing things but the B complex vitamin can help alleviate general tiredness and lethargy.

Interestingly, some skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can also benefit from addition B complex vitamin intake. In fact, a number of creams and other skin preparations contain added vitamin B complex that can be absorbed by the skin to alleviate the condition. The condition of a person’s hair will also be greatly improved with sufficient B complex vitamin intake.

Taking a Vitamin Supplement

February 22, 2009 by  
Filed under Nutrition, Vitamins

There are a number of essential vitamins that the body needs to function properly and it is possible to take these in the form of a vitamin supplement.  The majority of people do not have a balanced diet and they may be lacking in certain vitamins which means that they require a vitamin supplement to ensure that they do not have a deficiency of an essential vitamin.

A health professional or dietary technician is the best person to give advice on any vitamin supplement that a person should take. It is important to seek professional advice before taking any vitamin supplement. This is because there are some vitamins that can be toxic if too much is consumed and a vitamin supplement may not be appropriate if there is enough of the vitamin already in the food a person eats.

Some categories of people may require more types of vitamin supplement than others. Vegetarians are often deficient in certain vitamins that are only found in animal products, for example, and a vitamin supplement is the ideal solution to this problem. Vegetarians do need to be aware that some vitamin supplement manufacturing processes involve animal products and it is important for them to read the labels. A large number of synthetic vitamin supplement products are available which will enable a vegetarian to take them without contravening their dietary beliefs or needs.

Children will often need a vitamin supplement, especially when they are extremely young. This is because a lot of children do not eat a sufficient variety of foods in their early years and a vitamin supplement can help compensate for this natural deficiency. Breast feeding has long been recommended as a source of all the essential nutrients but women who choose not to or are unable to bottle feed may be concerned as to whether their baby needs a vitamin supplement.

The large majority of baby milk formulas contain additional vitamins to prevent the need for a vitamin supplement to be given. It is important to discuss any concerns over the need for a baby or child to take a vitamin supplement with a health professional to ensure that the correct solution is found.

Elderly people or those suffering from certain diseases or illnesses are other groups of people that may need to take a vitamin supplement. The body may often need a vitamin supplement to compensate for a person not being able to consume the recommended daily allowance of certain vitamins through their normal diet.

Toning Your Muscles

February 22, 2009 by  
Filed under Skin Care

Toning your muscles can not only make you feel healthier, it can also make you look a lot healthier and younger. Younger people have firmer, tighter, more toned muscles than older people, and for this reason anything that you can do to increase the tone of your muscles will help make you look younger.

Many women are of the mistaken belief that if they lift weights they are going to build big bulky muscles. The professional weight lifting and bodybuilding women have been responsible for many women believing that they will turn out the same if they do any form of resistance training.

We need to realize that these weightlifters and bodybuilders are very often taking steroids and using all types of supplements and special nutrition to build their muscles to the size they achieve.

Most women will never have to worry about this happening to them. Resistance training will certainly improve your muscle density and you might see some increase in the size of your muscles but this will be offset by reduction in the fat from the exercise due to the fact that muscles burn fat.

This will help you to build a leaner, toned and healthier body that will resemble that of the younger person. Resistance training will also help to stimulate the blood flow throughout the body and in doing so will improve your skin texture as an added bonus.

Your skin will become tighter and will remain like that for longer provided you do some form of maintenance training on a regular basis. You certainly don’t need to go overboard with your training to get some good results. 20 minutes to half an hour three times a week should be sufficient.

Because the majority of people don’t take the time to maintain a toned body, anybody who does make the effort will certainly stand out in the crowd and took a lot healthier and younger than others in the same age group.

Next Page »