Strong Bones Formula

Sources of Calcium

2008-12-15T07:14:00.002-08:00

Though much has been said about the benefits of calcium found mainly in dairy products, the truth is that a large part of the world doesn’t depend on dairy products for its calcium intake but on plants. Few people know that calcium is present in all foods in varying quantities. For instance, dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, collard greens, kale, bok choy and dandelion greens and okra and sweet potatoes are as rich in calcium as fruit including oranges, pears, raisins, prunes, apricots, dates and dried figs. In fact, just one cup of broccoli is equal in calcium content to a quarter of the recommendations of the U.S.RDA.

Rich deposits of calcium are also found in a variety of nuts and seeds such as chestnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, filberts, and sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Fish and seafood such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, flounder, shrimp, clams and oysters are high repositories of calcium. They include. Besides, calcium is also found in amaranth, quinoa, oats and barley; and in peas, beans, soy products, seaweeds, sprouts and blackstrap molasses. Alfalfa, cayenne, chamomile, kelp and lemongrass are some herbs rich in calcium.

Foods such as turnip greens, spinach, almonds, cashews, rhubarb, and beet, though high in calcium, are also high in oxalic acid, which hinders calcium absorption. When such substances come together in the intestines, the resulting insoluble salts cannot be digested. Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the cooking helps ease the problem.

If you can’t get a continuously good supply of calcium-rich foods, take a calcium supplement with your meals, in powdered form. Give it to your family too but first check the table below for dosages:

Infants: 600 mg/day

Children (up to age 10): 800-1200 mg/day

Adults (up to age 35): 1200 mg/day

Calcium provides detailed information on Calcium, Calcium Supplements, Calcium Deficiency, Calcium Sources and more. Calcium is affiliated with Magnesium Chloride.

Greatest Advantage of Coral Calcium

2008-12-15T07:14:00.001-08:00

Calcium is one of the minerals that are good for the bones and are said to be able to treat some diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, lupus and cancer. However there are no research studies that have proven that coral calcium is capable of treating diseases better than other carbonated calcium pills which are not expensive.

Coral calcium became widely popular in the internet and health stores lately; however coral calcium pills are the most high priced in the history of pills.

Manufacturers claim that coral calcium is beneficial for treating almost two hundred kinds of diseases and also good for relieving pain. Advertisements and some websites are announcing that coral calcium cures cancer. They site a situation in Okinawa Japan where people who lives there are having a longer life span because the water that they are drinking has high level contents of coral calcium. Coral calcium is making the water into alkaline and it balances the acidity of the body in an individual. So coral calcium are good for acidic persons but be aware that you may experience some difficulties upon swallowing the pills if your acidity body contents are similar as the acidity in the labels imply.

Coral calcium is made out of corals and other sea creature’s shells having higher contents of calcium carbonate and other minerals including magnesium.

Coral calcium is a dietary supplement so it is unregulated. People should learn that such products could not be safe even if its manufacturers are claiming its benefits. As history tells about supplements, there are basically some that has calcium contents that have found out to be unsafe thus some of them was tested to have higher lead contents which are health hazards.

Coral calcium alone cannot fight diseases. It must be combined with drinking mineral or spring water rich in oxygen and higher pH factor and other minerals or elements providing the natural ability of the body to fight back diseases.

Coral calcium is good for increasing the level of oxygen in the body helping it to get rid of toxicity build up. If you are a keen observer, you can determine the feeling of being sluggish after eating junk food or a heavy meal. It is because the oxygen are diverted away from the body’s main metabolic functions making it hard to digest high calories.

Coral calcium offered the greatest advantage of balancing the pH alkaline level in the body in helping the system of the body fight or prevent diseases from attacking.

Getting the Most Out of Your Calcium

2008-12-15T07:11:00.000-08:00

Most of us know calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones. But it is also key in supporting healthy blood pressure, easing the discomfort of PMS by 50%, reducing the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, helps prevent osteoporosis (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition), helps reduce weight in middle aged women (American Dietetic Association), supports healthy pregnancy and lactation, promotes healthy growth in adolescents, plays a critical role in the contraction of skeletal and heart muscles, enhances the effectiveness of electrical impulses passing through neurons , helps maintain proper blood vessel tone, promotes normal blood clotting, contributes to normal osmotic balance in our bodies, promotes colon health, promotes normal regulation of hormones & enzyme production and plays a role in hormone secretion.

Many calcium supplements exist in the marketplace, but only isotonic capable calcium translates into more of the active ingredients available to the body and lower cost when compared to calcium supplements in pill form. Don't be misled by ingredient amounts. What really counts is the amount of active ingredients that your body can ultimately use.

Calcium in tablet form is difficult for your body to absorb. This may be because the tablet is not blended with Vitamin D and magnesium which are necessary to aid in the absorption and use of calcium. In addition these tablets may use DCP, which is a binding agent used to hold the tablet together. DCP does not break down in the body. Even if they have no binders, the body must still break down a hard-pressed tablet into a usable form. If the tablet cannot be broken down sufficiently in the stomach, then the calcium will not be absorbed.

Absorption is also affected by the digestive system. All substances, except isotonic solutions, that are introduced to the stomach go through a degradation process before they can be passed to the small intestine to allow absorption. During this process substances lose some nutritional value.

All fluids in the human body have a certain concentration, which is called the osmotic pressure. An isotonic solution is a solution that is the same pressure as your body fluids. When taken on an empty stomach, an isotonic substance will be absorbed into the bloodstream rapidly because your stomach will allow it to pass to the small intestine without going through the digestive process. With isotonic fluids, very little nutritional value is lost making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient.

Ordinary calcium tablets require stomach acid to dissolve its compounds, but isotonic calcium has no need of stomach acid to be utilized. It delivers an efficient calcium solution that is more readily absorbed by the intestine. Do not confuse all liquid supplements as isotonic capable. They are not. While liquids may have a better rate of absorption when compared to pills, they are not necessarily in an isotonic state.

It is important to get the most out of calcium that an optimal blend of calcium, vitamin D3, magnesium, vitamin C and boron are provided in an efficient isotonic solution. The best form of calcium is calcium carbonate which is utilized by the body more efficiently, due to the fact that it increases the absorbability. Additionally, calcium is more readily absorbed by the body when combined with magnesium, manganese, vitamin D3, vitamin C, vitamin B2, boron and potassium.

We can only absorb 300 to 400 mg of calcium at a time, so it important to take multiple doses per day to reach the recommended amounts. According to the National Academy of Sciences, most adults require 1000 to 1200 mg per day. While we get some from the food we eat, most likely we are not consuming enough calcium in our foods.

Calcium Supplementation and Osteoporosis

2008-12-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

Osteoporosis, one of the most terrible long-term consequences of estrogen deficiency, is common among post menopausal women, but it is not inevitable. A healthy diet, especially the consumption of adequate amounts of calcium and other minerals, has a significant part to play in both preventing and in slowing the progression of this disease. Generally, for healthy bones, women require 800 to 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily. During menopause, calcium needs increase to 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams daily.

Examples of food sources of calcium include dairy products, salmon, tuna, sardines, green leafy vegetables and tofu. You must check from time to time to see if your daily diet provides you with an adequate amount of calcium. If your diet falls short of this, or if you are not sure, take a good-quality calcium tablet to give you 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily.

One of the best sources of calcium to combat post menopausal osteoporosis is milk. A cup of milk daily will give a good start to meeting your calcium requirements. When it comes to cow's milk, calcium-enriched milk is recommended, which is low in fat and much higher in calcium than skim milk. If you are on a dairy-free diet, you may choose calcium-enriched soy milk instead. Some soy milks are calcium-enriched; while others are low in calcium, so it is bets to read labels to be sure the product you purchase is a good source of calcium.

There are a number of different supplemental sources of calcium. Bone meal, which comes from the ground bones of young animals, contains calcium from microcrystalline hydroxyapatite. Bone meal calcium is well absorbed, but it is possible for it to be contaminated with heavy metals such as lead. Calcium carbonate, which contains 40 percent elemental calcium, is the most concentrated and inexpensive form, but its absorption varies. Calcium lactate, calcium citrate and calcium gluconate are less concentrated forms of calcium, containing only about 15 percent elemental calcium but are better absorbed than carbonate forms.

Some calcium supplements contain a mixture of different types of calcium to improve absorption. Many good calcium supplements also contain vitamin D, which enhances the absorption of calcium from the intestines. Calcium is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. It should not be taken, however, with high fiber-foods such as cereals, grains and legumes, as this will reduce its absorption. It can be taken with dairy products, fruits, vegetables and meats.

In addition to making sure you obtain enough calcium in your diet, avoid making dietary mistakes that can steal minerals from your bones. Keep your consumption of protein from animal sources to no more than 50 grams daily. This is the equivalent of the amount of protein found in six-ounces serving of meat or fish plus one eight-ounce glass of milk.

Our bones contain magnesium and the trace minerals zinc, boron, silica and manganese in addition to calcium and studies suggest that adequate amounts of all these different minerals are more effective than calcium alone in preventing bone loss during menopause. If you are on menopause and if your diet is not always perfect, it is bets you take a trace mineral tablet that contain all of these minerals.

(Marine Coral Calcium) Alternative Calcium Supplement

2008-12-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

Many people have no idea about marine coral calcium, what are its health benefits. Or maybe it is their first time to encounter this term. However, what really is marine coral calcium?

Simply defined, it is considered as one of the best calcium supplements that were ever discovered. It is proven much better and finer than the other types of calcium supplements. The intensity of risks for taking such is also limited.

There are two different types of marine coral calcium with respect from where they originated. One type is called the fossilized calcium, which is commonly found washed up on seashore. The second type is called marine bed coral calcium that is obviously useful. It is derived from the bed area of the sea. Since it is found on the seabed, this is generally composed of corals. Moreover, it is potent and more effective than the fossilized calcium.

The two types of marine coral calcium are both being processed naturally and the normal motion of the waves of the sea is responsible for doing this. The process helps the corals to retain its organic elements and its minerals. This is the reason why the use of seabed corals calcium is more efficient than fossilized calcium.

One of the most significant elements on marine coral calcium is Magnesium. This element plays an important role for the marine coral calcium to do its job on our system. With proper ratio of coral calcium and the amount of magnesium, it will surely create an immense benefit on our health. Taking marine coral calcium as supplement everyday, as experts say would help us prevent degenerative diseases such as hypertensions, heart attacks and diabetes.

Adult people are advised to take marine coral calcium because this serves as a preventive ingredient against heart failures. It performs functions for neutralizing the processes within the system of a person.

Marine coral calcium can be considered as the best alternative calcium supplement. It has large extracts of minerals and organic elements, which comes from a very natural process and established to ward off common diseases that are the major cause of deaths nowadays.

So, why try to risk your lives on different diseases due to deficiency in calcium. Marine coral calcium is the best choice. Marine coral calcium is the key to your good health and a lifetime diet. Now that you know its significance, you can incorporate it in your diet.

Bone Density - The Only Way to Detect Osteoporosis Precisely

2008-12-15T07:07:00.001-08:00

Osteoporosis is one disease which can take over your entire life without really killing you. The fact that a person has osteoporosis means that he or she will have to make many changes in life, including lifestyle changes, in order to stop the progress of the disease. However, a person does not know when he or she is going to develop osteoporosis as it can occur anytime without the person knowing. A diagnosis is only made after the person starts sustaining fractures from minor or small injuries.

Although there are some symptoms like gradual but steady reduction in height, sever back ache and evident changes in the posture, the condition only becomes apparent after you start breaking your bones. However, there is a way to test whether you are getting osteoporosis and by undergoing this examination, you can start taking preventive or curative measures. This medical test is known as bone density test.

In bone density testing, a device is fitted to your body and this device then reads the bone mineral density. Once the bone mineral density is known, a doctor can tell you what your chances are of breaking bones.

The device that is now used to check bone density is known as Bone Densitometer. This device is more reliable than an ordinary X-ray where you have to first lose 30 percent of your bone density before osteoporosis is detected. In fact, bone densitometry can also give a doctor the future likelihood of a patient developing osteoporosis. Bone densitometry is the most widely used method in the world for detecting osteoporosis and by this method you can even reverse the loss of bone density as it can be detected early on and you have sufficient time to start supplements or make the necessary changes in your lifestyle.

Your Body and osteoporosis

2008-12-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

Osteoporosis is the weakening of the body's bones due to a number of things both physical and external in nature. Osteoporosis is estimated to affect over 30 million people in the USA and Canada. A staggering 2 million people over the age of 45 experience bone fractures due to osteoporosis, Osteoporosis is (excess bone mass reduction) mainly in the vertebral spinal column, wrist and hips.

Osteoporosis affects women more than men because women have less bone mass then men do, and begin to lose bone mass far earlier. Up to age 35 men and women have equal bone stability. For woman the most rapid rate of bone loss occurs in the first five years after menopause. Beginning around age 45 when body hormone supplies undergo a dramatic change virtually all women lose 5% to 10% of bone mass during this period. The rate of bone loss then drops to about 1% per year. The good news for men is men don't experience bone loss until after the age of 70, but once they do contract osteoporosis the condition can be severe.

Causes of osteoporosis are caused by decreased levels of estrogens and progesterone, Hormones that play important roles in bone building. The disease of osteoporosis can also result from poor diet and insufficient exercise. The North American of processed foods, carbonated soft drinks, caffeine, high protein sugars and salt consumption can promote osteoporosis. Process foods lead directly to calcium loss because these foods are nutrient deficient, this in turn stimulates a need for protein which eaten in high amounts, can cause the body to lose calcium. The relationship between protein and calcium loss has been known to researchers since 1920. One problem with protein is the body cannot store protein, protein breaks down and one of the by products of protein is ammonia and acids which need to be buffered by calcium. Ammonia prevents calcium from being reabsorbed by the Kidneys. The acids which need to be buffered by calcium, also depletes bones of this vital mineral. Another source of calcium loss is a high sodium diet. Sugar has been linked to loss of calcium as well and can cause metabolic problems that eventually lead to mineral imbalances. Soft drinks and caffeine also puts bones at risk, consuming large amounts of soft drinks and caffeine increases calcium excretion in the urine, but also allows more calcium to be secreted into the gastrointestinal tract. Drinking 3 or more cups of coffee a day increase the risk of osteoporosis by 82%.

Environmental factors of our polluted world is another contributor to the wide spread incidence osteoporosis. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, tin, and aluminum which are used in most products used daily are all culprit. Acid rain is also a culprit in osteoporosis as it leaches heavy metals out of bedrock into our drinking water. Acid rain makes our drinking water more acidic which in turn challenges our bodies buffering capacity drawing calcium out of bones to provide alkalinity for balance. All this can lead to osteoporosis. There are many other risk factors such as insufficient calcium absorption.

The problem with most Calcium pills is that they are large and hard to swallow and are very hard to absorb into the body. Large calcium pills are pressed into their shape by 30000lbs presses making it very hard for your body to absorb all of the calcium that your body needs. For calcium to be absorbed you also need vitamin D and adequate hydrochloric acid (HCI) in the stomach.
A broad spectrum of antibiotics used to treat a variety of diseases can often deplete normal intestinal flora that supplies the body with vitamin K which is needed in building of bones.
Everybody needs s calcium in their diet daily but most people hate to take those large pills. My company Leading Edge Coaching is associated with a health and wellness company that has a product that will change the way we take our calcium. This new product is called CAL (short for calcium) a product that taste great (Chocolate Orange) and you can take it daily. It is not a pill, juice, or powder; instead it is in a revolutionary gel pack. In this gel form a 93% absorption rate into the body is possible with the gel pack, a much better absorption rate then the pill, juices, or powders that only have a 30% absorption rate. This revolutionary calcium product is an essential mineral for many regular body activities including blood vessel contraction and expansion, the secretions of hormones and enzymes. The routing of all messages throughout the nervous system and the maintence of healthy bones in the body. Extensive studies have shown that 75% of people do not get the required daily intake of calcium, meaning that their bodies could take more calcium from their bones then they are depositing into their bodies.

Until now most people seeking to add calcium to their wellness plan had to swallow large size horse-pills that just taste plain bad and are hard to swallow. Our product of calcium in a gel form taste like a chocolate orange flavoured candy treat that you get at Christmas, which is so much better tasting then any pill, juice or powder. I have even had people tell me that it taste like a tootsies roll. This new nutritional gel supplement is a must for anybody who needs to take a calcium product or just wants to keep their daily intake of calcium in their diets.

Treatment For Osteoporosis and Menopause

2008-12-15T07:05:00.001-08:00

It has been seen that osteoporosis is quite common in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Most women who enter menopause may not even realize that their bone density is substantially reduced until they suffer from a fracture which will necessitate a trip to the doctor.

There are many treatment options available for menopausal women who suffer from osteoporosis. Their doctors can put them on medications like Risedronate, Alendronate or Calcitonin. Or, they can opt for a diet that is rich in calcium and Vitamin D. No matter what treatment regimen you choose to help with osteoporosis, make sure you combine it with exercise. In addition, if you smoke, you should stop immediately as smoking is one of the factors for causing osteoporosis. The other treatments offered to menopausal women are estrogen therapy, Biphosphonate, weight bearing exercises and Teriparatide in the form of injections.

There are certain medical conditions that can cause osteoporosis. Therefore, doctors may perform a series to tests to rule out these underlying medical conditions. In case, anything is found, it will be treated and you will notice an immediate improvement in your osteoporosis.

Along with the treatment offered for osteoporosis, doctors also recommend that you bring about changes to your lifestyle. This includes stopping alcohol and cigarettes completely, doing regular exercise. You should also seek different medications incase the medications you are on are known triggers of osteoporosis. For instance, long and sustained use of steroids can cause osteoporosis.

Remember, menopause does not necessarily result into osteoporosis. There are certain risk factors involved. If you can do away with them, you can lead a normal and healthy life like anyone else.

Osteoporosis, What is the Important Factors couse it?

2008-12-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

There are many factors that can cause osteoporosis and some of the most common ones are listed below. This information will allow you to assess your chances of developing osteoporosis and where ever possible you can try and reduce the risk factors.

Important Factors that Cause Osteoporosis:

• Age is one the biggest risk factors. The chances of getting osteoporosis increases with age. Women are prone to osteoporosis after the age of 45 while for men it is around 65 years and above.
• Women are more likely to get osteoporosis compared to men as they have thinner and lighter bones compared to men.
• Although osteoporosis can affect any race, it has been seen that it is more prevalent in Caucasian women.
• If there is a history of osteoporosis in your family, the chances of getting the disease are high.
• Smoking increases the chances of developing osteoporosis.
• Too much alcohol causes bone density to reduce as the loss of bone mass is greater than bone formation. However, drinking alcohol in moderation can help to increase bone density according to latest studies carried out.
• Drinking soft drinks in high amounts can cause osteoporosis as these drinks have high contents of phosphoric acid which hinders the absorption of calcium.
• Deficiency in calcium and vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis.
• Taking steroids for a long period of time can cause osteoporosis. In fact, this is the single major factor of osteoporosis in men.
• Not doing regular exercise can cause the bones to weaken and this can ultimately lead to osteoporosis.
• Drinking copious amount of caffeine increases the chance of developing osteoporosis. Therefore, it is advisable to cut down on drinks like tea, coffee and coke.
• Crash dieting leads to malnutrition and creates a deficiency of important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. This can increase the chances of getting osteoporosis.

Natural Treatments for Osteoporosis

2008-12-15T07:01:00.000-08:00

Osteoporosis affects both men and women. It is a degenerative disease where the bone density starts reducing over a period of time. There are many treatment options available that can help with the side effects of the disease but many people prefer to try natural osteoporosis treatments as they prefer them to taking drugs and medications.

Natural Osteoporosis Treatments:

One of the best natural treatments available for osteoporosis is changing your diet. If you are suffering from this degenerative disease, make sure you consume foods rich in calcium to supplement the loss that is taking place. Try to maintain a diet consisting of vegetables and fruits. In addition, eat minimum quantities of saturated fats and trans fats. This is will help you treat the condition and if you start early enough, you will prevent it from occurring.

Another natural method to prevent and treat osteoporosis is to exercise regularly. This will keep your bones healthy and strong. Make sure you combine exercising with a healthy diet and you can prevent osteoporosis from taking over your life.

You can also fight osteoporosis by taking supplements of calcium and Vitamin D. Both these supplements are known to prevent loss of bone density. You can also take multi-vitamins to combat osteoporosis, if you wish. However, it is advisable to include foods that are rich in calcium and Vitamin D in your diet so that you do not have to take supplements. But, if you are still interested in taking supplements, take only those that come from a reliable source.

It is not always necessary to treat osteoporosis with medications and drugs. There are natural treatment options available that can help you improve the quality of your life if you are suffering from osteoporosis.

Treat Osteoporosis? How Doctors do?

2008-12-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

Fosamax is a bisphosphonate drug used for osteoporosis and several other bone diseases. It is marketed alone as well as in combination with vitamin D under the name Fosavance.

Side-effects GI tract: most prominent are harmless side effects such as mild nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, or obstipation. A severe side effect is an ulceration of the esophagus caused by alendronate, which may require hospitalization and intensive treatment. Gastric and duodenal ulceration.

General: infrequent cases of skin rash, rarely manifesting as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, eye problems (uveitis, scleritis) and generalized muscle, joint, and bone pain (rarely severe) have been seen. In laboratory tests decreased calcium and phosphate values may be obtained but reflect action of the drug and are harmless.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw, a recognised side-effect of bisphosphonates.

Dosage Prophylaxis of osteoporosis in women: 5-10mg daily or 35-70mg weekly.

Therapy of osteoporosis in women and men : 10mg daily or 70mg weekly.

Osteoporosis under corticosteroids: 5mg daily or 35mg weekly in men and premenopausal women or those receiving concomitant HRT. In postmenopausal women not receiving HRT the recommended dose is 10mg daily or 70mg weekly.

Paget's Disease: 40mg daily for 6 months.

The drug is to be taken only upon rising for the day with plenty of water. Stand, walk or sit 30 minutes afterwards to avoid esophageal damage. At least 30 minutes should be waited before meals or other beverages than water are taken in.

Interactions Milk, diet and drugs containing high amounts of calcium, magnesium or aluminium (antacids): the resorption of alendronate is decreased. At least half an hour should pass after intake of alendronate before taking the supplement or drug.

Highly active vitamin D analogues or fluorides: no data is available. Concomitant treatment should be avoided.

The additional beneficial effect of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) with estrogens/progestins or raloxifene in postmenopausal women remains to be elucidated, but no interactions have been seen. The combination is therefore possible.

Intravenous ranitidine increases the oral bioavailability of alendronate. No clinical consequences are known.

The combination of NSAIDS and alendroate increases the risk of gastric ulcers. Both these drugs have the potential to irritate the upper gastro-intestinal mucosa.

Does Merck have a patent on this drug?

Yes, but the patent is set to expire in 2008 and Merck has lost a series of appeals to block a generic version of the drug from being certified by the US FDA.

Disclaimer: The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to your doctor to learn more about Fosamax.

What is Vitamin A? What are the Benefits of Vitamin A?

2008-09-09T06:17:00.001-07:00

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that is best known for its positive effects on helping the eyes adjust to changes in the light. Vitamin A contributes to the overall health of the eyes, the skin and the mucous membranes. This particular vitamin, which is also commonly referred to as Retinol, can be mostly found in animal food sources, but there are also a number of plant based food sources that supply beta carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A within the body. Vitamin A is also generally regarded as an excellent antioxidant, which means that it is responsible for neutralizing the free radicals within the body that cause damage to cells and tissue.

It has been suggested by scientific studies in the past that beta carotene and Vitamin A can help people who have Coronary Artery Disease or CAD. However, it is not recommended that beta carotene or Vitamin A supplements be taken for this purpose yet, until more scientific research can be conducted. It is already known that Vitamin A and beta carotene have a positive effect on the body, though it is not yet known what exactly Vitamin A can do for the body, especially when it comes to Coronary Artery Disease or CAD.

Vitamins are most commonly categorized based on what materials they can be dissolved in, and for that reason, Vitamin A is categorized as a fat soluble vitamin. Other fat soluble vitamins include vitamins D, E and K. The alternative is vitamins that are water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are stored within the fat tissue in the body, and they can be stored from as little as a few days until as many as six months. If you ingest too much of a fat soluble vitamin, it can be stored in the wrong place such as your liver, which can cause problems in your body. Fat soluble vitamins should never be taken in large doses, as this can lead to toxicity issues.

There are actually a number of health problems that make it difficult for people to absorb vitamins like Vitamin A. It is important to know how vitamin absorption will be affected by chronic health conditions. It is also important to know how much Vitamin A you need to consume for your optimum health. It is generally recommended that women consume around 800 mcg of Vitamin A, and that men consume 1000 mcg of Vitamin A daily for optimum health. Luckily, there are a number of sources of Vitamin A available, including beef liver, cheddar cheese, fortified milk, egg yolk, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, apricots, cantaloupe and spinach or other collared greens.

Vitamin A deficiencies are not all too common in the United States, but when this vitamin deficiency does occur, it can cause night blindness, inflammation of the eyes, diarrhea and a variety of other problems. Over consuming vitamin A on the other hand can cause problems relating to irritability, nausea, blurred vision and many other issues. Someone who takes too much vitamin A can have their feet and hands turn orange. Serious Vitamin A toxicity can cause hair loss, an enlarged spleen and liver, and even growth retardation in severe forms. For this very reason, it is important for you to understand how much vitamin A you are getting in your diet. If you are getting enough vitamin A and beta carotene in your food products, there is no need to take a vitamin supplement.

If you want to get the most amounts of vitamins possible from your foods, then you should immediately refrigerate your fresh produce products, and should keep milk and grain products out of strong amounts of light. The vitamins in your foods are easily washed out or destroyed during the food preparation and storage processes. If you are taking your vitamin A in the form of a supplement, you should make sure to store them in a cool and dry place that has no excess moisture.

The Uses of Vitamins

2008-09-09T06:15:00.000-07:00

A vitamin is in essence known as a key nutrient that everyone's body needs to continue to build and stay healthy and fighting fit.

Altogether there are 13 individual amounts of vitamins that have been found in various sources from 1909 to the most recent in 1941. Looking at the 13 selections of vitamins, four are fat soluble and the other 9 as water soluble. This basically means that water soluble vitamins do not get reserved in the body so they need to be consumed in your diet from day to day, while fat soluble are easily stored in your body and won't need to be taken every day. The main types of vitamins that are always present in the human diet are A, C, D and E and they can be found in many types of food supplements and from other surprisingly different sources.

The A Factor

The very first of the vitamins to be uncovered was Vitamin A known in some circles as Retinol. Vitamin A was found back as early as 1909 in cod liver oil and can now be found in many food elements. Many of these are meat items such as pork, chicken and beef nevertheless if your a vegetarian don't fear! Vitamin A can also be found in the likes of butter. Vitamin A has many advantags that consist of helping your sight, reinforcing your immune system and by and large maintaining and improving your body to a fit and healthy level. Taking in more vitamins than you need can lead to a disease called Hypervitaminosis A which can then result in dry skin and osteoporosis.

The C Factor

Vitamin C is next in line and can be described as the second important vitamin that is an essential part of a human or higher primate's diet. First discovered in 1912 from a source of lemons, Vitamin C is questionably the most renknowned vitamin on the market with traces in most major fruit produce such as strawberries and tomatoes. Vitamin C takes effect internally within your body in protecting cells and keeping them in a healthy state, and helping the body soak up iron from the food that you eat. Vitamin C can't be stored in the body and consequently it falls into one of the water soluble vitamins so you will need to take it regularly.

A History Of Vitamin D

Onto the third of our 4 main vitamins, Vitamin D, which was discovered at the end of World War I back in 1918. Now most people identify this vitamin solely with fish products like cod and tuna. However Vitamin D can also be found in such foods as milk and cereal grains, and can even be absorbed by time spent in the sun. The benefits of Vitamin D can consist of a radiant white smile as it controls the calcium and phosphate in your body which in addition strengthens the bones in your body. On the down side a vitamin deficiency can lead to some very serious problems which include the likes of rickets, chronic pain and depression. In the event of you taking an overdose you will experience the same kind of affects as Vitamin A with a disease called Hypervitaminosis D with side effects such as sickness, diarrhea and fatigue.

About Vitamin E

Eventually we come to Vitamin E which was the latest of our main 4 vitamins to be discovered, this was found in 1922 in a source of wheat germ oil. Foods with Vitamin E in can include nuts, peanuts and avocado. The suggested dosage of this vitamin can help protect your body by acting as an antioxidant that will help to fend off any diseases that can affect your immune system and help to fight off illnesses and other general hazards that can threaten your health. Overdosing on this vitamin could be a serious health risk and could potentially leads to a chronic disease such as lung cancer.

What Is A Vitamin? Fat Soluble Versus Water Soluble Vitamins

2008-09-09T06:13:00.000-07:00

A vitamin is an extremely complex organic substance needed in very small amounts in the diet, but is essential for human life and metabolic processes. Metabolic processes would include growth, maintenance, and health. The body is not capable of producing sufficient quantities of vitamins to supply its needs under normal circumstances.

There are some substances that we would call vitamin-like substances that are not considered essential since the body's tissues are usually able to produce them in sufficient amounts. Sometimes, they are supplied as composite parts of vitamin complexes of other nutrients.

Each vitamin has its own unique function in the human body and cannot be replaced by any other substance. Vitamins, for example, as coenzymes, perform principally as regulators of metabolic activity at a physical and chemical level at a cellular level. These processes play important roles in energy production.

Vitamins are obtained typically from foods and are an integral part of a nutritive mix or compound which is exquisitely interlaced and fused with the whole food itself. Some vitamins are just provitamins or they are precursor to a whole food vitamin preparation. In other words, these precursors are converted into the required active substances within the body.

Although vitamins often times are considered to be a single substance, each vitamin is actually a group of chemically related compounds. Separating or fractioning the group or the compounds into a single incomplete vitamin portion converts it from a physiological, biochemical, active micronutrient into a disabled, debilitated chemical of little or no value to living cells.

Traditionally, the most convenient way to classify vitamins is by their solubility. Basically, what that means is, are they capable of being dissolved in water or fat.

Fat-soluble vitamins are soluble in fat solvents. In other words, they are held in fats and absorbed with dietary fats and offer integrated fats into the diet. Fat-soluble vitamins are insoluble in water. The fat-soluble vitamins would include the following: Vitamin A, D, E, K, and the essential fatty acids. Fat soluble vitamins typically are not excreted in the urine, but tend to be stored in moderate amounts in our bodies.

Water soluble vitamins of course are soluble in water and are thus suspended in water molecules and food. These will include all the vitamins of the B complex and C complex groups.

The traditional view of vitamins for many, many decades had been that they were compounds essential for preventing deficiency diseases and as coenzymes or activators in key physical and chemical reactions in the body. Now, as we understand more what vitamins do in our bodies, we are identifying new functions and roles that are being found by these vital nutrients. Vitamin needs by our human body vary from individual to individual.

Nutritional requirements by individuals also vary from individual to individual, and although each person needs all the same nutrients, the quantities of each nutrient needed daily are distinctively different for every individual. Each individual human has patterns and needs all of his own, which in itself may vary due to environmental, circumstantial, and genetic conditions.

Most of our vitamins can be found in food and are either directly or indirectly produced by plants. The exceptions are vitamin D which can be produced in adequate amounts by the body utilizing the ultraviolet light from the sun and vitamin B12 which can be produced by fungus, soil microorganisms, and some bacteria. The intestinal bacteria normally also produce at least a portion of the needed vitamin K, as well as smaller quantities of some other B complex factors.

Nevertheless, vitamin-rich whole foods are still the only source or the most important source of virtually all vitamins. Some of the best sources of vitamins include seeds of all kinds including nuts, whole grains, and eggs, particularly the germ, which would eventually develop into a new plant or animal, yeast, yeast extracts, liver and some other organ meats, since the vitamins tend to concentrate in organ tissues in animals, and finally fruits and vegetables. How do we know if we are deficient to certain vitamins or minerals?

A subclinical deficiency means the body's vitamin or mineral or trace mineral stores are gradually drained resulting in loss of optimal health and impaired body process that depend on that particular nutrient.

In future articles, I will be discussing the various different vitamins, what foods they can be found in, and their importance in overall human health. Until then, I would recommend you consult with your family physician or healthcare provider for more information on vitamin, nutritional needs.

Discount Vitamins: From A To K

2008-09-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

Can discount vitamins actually hold a piece of nature? The answer is YES. Vitamins not only prove quite natural, but many also function as vital components to life. Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K serve as the basic foundation for this wide variety of crucial organic substances. For the most part the body cannot produce these on its own. Although nature solves this problem with a rich selection of food sources, a problem lies in this very solution. Busy lives and technologically advanced food processing and environmental pollutants often prevent people from receiving adequate vitamin levels. While over-packed schedules disturb balanced diets, food too often just does not contain the necessary sources it once did. Nonetheless, supplements can easily fill this modern world gap. Nature has not changed, only its appearance.

Before taking any vitamin supplement, it is crucial to first become educated. What does this substance do for the body? What foods contain it? What factors prevent a person from receiving adequate levels? And most importantly, how much should be taken of each? Too often, people devalue the potency of vitamins. Thinking they are natural, people disregard things such as doses or other instructions. However, vitamins should not be underestimated. If the body needs them, they must be powerful in some way. Too much can be just as or more harmful than too little. A person should always consult a doctor or a trained dietician for the doses that properly correlate with his/her specific make-up.

Vitamins can be divided into two basic categories: fat soluble and water soluble. Of the six basic vitamins stated earlier, vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble, and vitamins B and C are water soluble. The characteristics of these two categories relate to optimum absorption and body storage capabilities. Fat soluble vitamins can only be absorbed when dissolved in fat. This is why vitamins A, D, E, and K should always be taken with food. The liver possesses the ability to store surplus levels of these substances for later use. Water soluble vitamins only need water to dissolve. However, because of this, they are easily lost by the body as well. Unlike fat soluble vitamins, water soluble substances need to be constantly taken.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps keep teeth, tissue, membranes, and skin healthy. Directly involved in the production of retina pigments, A is extremely important for eye sight, especially in poor lighting. Studies have indicated that it may be very important for breast-feeding mothers as well.

Because it is found in many foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol, people often unknowingly avoid vitamin A as well. Subsequently, a deficiency may result. These foods include meats, eggs, cheese, and cream. The body can use fruits and vegetables to produce A from beta-carotene. Carrots, sweet potato, cantaloupe, broccoli, and many green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach, are good choices. (Generally, deeper, richer colors indicate higher quantities of beta-carotene.) While fruits and vegetables are usually low in saturated fats and cholesterol, many "on-the-go" schedules make them difficult to eat. However, with the guidelines of a medical professional, a supplement can give the body its necessary dose while leaving weight, arteries, and calendars undisturbed.

Vitamin B
There are actually eight separate vitamins in the B family: thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, and pantothenic. B vitamins increase energy levels, regulate metabolism, and help create new red blood cells. Foods with high B levels include meats, fish, liver, dark/leafy vegetables, whole-grains, and fortified products. Nonetheless, for the same reasons as vitamin A, B may also prove difficult to get. Ironically, hectic lives often have little time for these foods, but people with high stress may need vitamin B's energy-producing ability more than ever. Due to the list's quantity of animal products, vegetarians may also find themselves at high-risk for deficiencies. While each B vitamin can be found by itself, discount vitamins offer B-complex supplements. The combination usually proves easier for maintaining safe ratios between the eight different kinds.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also referred to as ascorbic acid. Functioning as an excellent antioxidant, it has the ability to prevent the harmful oxidation of cells. While vitamin E and beta-carotene are also anti-oxidants, C works excellently with E in this process. Vitamin C is also connected with the health of bones, teeth, hormones, collagen, and blood vessels. It plays an important role in absorbing other important substances, such as iron, calcium, and folacin, and it may help cataracts, cancer, and heart disease. Vitamin C is particularly connected with the strengthening of the immune system and the healing wounds.

Many fruits and vegetables provide good sources of vitamin C. These include citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and dark green vegetables. When sick with a cold or flu, many people use lozenges as a vitamin C source. However, the sugar in these "remedies" actually weakens the immune system. Increased doctor-recommended supplement levels of C may prove more effective. A variety of other factors cause the body to need higher C levels as well. These include smoking, growth in children and unborn babies, drugs such as oral contraceptives, and increased levels of stress and anxiety.

Vitamin D
Turned into a steroid hormone by the body, vitamin D possesses a crucial connection with gene functioning. It significantly impacts how much calcium the body can absorb, and it is vital for bone density and prevention against osteoporosis. However, vitamin D may have even further capabilities. More and more new research finds that D may play an important role in fighting diseases such as colon, breast, and prostate cancers.

While foods such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and fortified products contain vitamin D, the body largely produces this substance from sun rays absorbed through the skin. This puts many people at risk, especially older people that often stay indoors and people with darker skin that require longer time for sun absorption. Although D is vital for bone growth in child development, studies reveal that a substantial number of children may be deficient as well. Nevertheless, even if people are not members of any of these populations, they should not let down their guard. It is easy for harmfully low amounts to go unnoticed. Due to vitamin D's importance, it is advisable for everyone to talk with their doctor. A simple blood test can reveal a deficiency.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is involved with immune system, DNA, and metabolism maintenance. As an antioxidant, research indicates that it may have a positive effect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, particularly almonds, wheat germ oil, vegetable oil, green/leafy vegetables, and enriched cereals.

Vitamin K
While involved in protection against osteoporosis, skin wounds, and possibly cancer, Vitamin K significantly helps blood to clot after an injury. Also found in a variety of foods, especially vegetables, K most often forms from intestine bacteria in the body. However, various circumstances can prevent the body from receiving the proper amount. Medications, such as antibiotics and blood-thinners, can cause a hindrance. Injuries and illness, such as serious burns, gallbladder problems, and liver disease, may also disturb K levels. While vitamin K shortages are uncommon, particular attention should be given to breast-fed babies and the elderly. Older people are typically known to take more medications, to eat poorly, and to have difficulties forming vitamin K in the intestine. Because breast-milk contains poor K levels, it is important that mothers eat an adequate quantity of green vegetables or take an extra doctor-prescribed supplement during this time.

A variety of foods contain vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. However, while eating a diet full of these foods may prove difficult, no one can be sure that fertilizers, food-processing techniques, cooking preparations, and other modern factors have not depleted their natural organic quantities. No need to wonder or worry. Medical professionals and dieticians can provide information on the best available discount vitamins and their proper use. No one should have to go without the organic substances that nature intended.

Benefits of Vitamin A, Sources and Deficiency

2008-09-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and plays an important role in vision, development and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, mucous membranes; immune functions; and reproduction.

Vitamin A is also called retinol. It may be found in any of these forms:

· retinol - the animal form of vitamin A
· other retinoids - retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and related compounds
· carotenoids - organic pigments that are naturally occurring in plants.

Daily requirement of Vitamin A –

Measurement of the amount of vitamin A is taken in retinol activity equivalents (RAE).

The recommended daily requirement for vitamin A is 700 RAE (retinol activity equivalent) per day for women and 900 RAE per day for men. The requirements are different for growing children, during puberty, and for women who are pregnant or lactating; therefore, please consult your doctor for differences.

Benefits of Vitamin A –

« Vitamin A promotes healthy surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts.

« Helps the skin and mucous membranes function as a barrier to bacteria and viruses.

What are the good sources of Vitamin A?

Eating a variety of foods that contain vitamin A (and carotenes) is the best way to get an adequate amount. Fit individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely need supplements. In fact, too much vitamin A can be toxic.

Alcohol, coffee, or excessive iron can all deplete the body's supply of this essential vitamin. But, the good news is that vitamin A is readily available from numerous food sources.
It can be obtained from food in two different forms –

1. Pre-formed vitamin A (called retinol or retinal), found in animal sources. Sources include liver, whole milk, and some fortified food products.

2. Pro-vitamin A (beta-carotene), from plant sources. Come from colourful fruits and vegetables.

The top ten vitamin A-rich foods:

· liver

· sweet potato

· carrots

· mango

· spinach

· cantaloupe

· dried apricots

· milk

· egg yolk

· mozzarella cheese

Low fat and skimmed milk is often fortified with vitamin A because it is removed from milk with the fat.
Vitamin A in foods that come from animals is well absorbed and used efficiently by the body. Vitamin A in foods that come from plants is not as well absorbed as animal sources of vitamin A.

A word of caution:

Too much vitamin A, either from animal sources or supplements, can prove toxic and is particularly dangerous during pregnancy. Excess beta carotene, on the other hand, isn't toxic but can give one a distinct orange hue.

What are the risks associated with vitamin A deficiency?

Zinc is required to make retinol binding protein (RBP) which transports vitamin A in the body. Therefore, a deficiency of zinc limits the body's ability to move vitamin A from the liver to body tissues.

« Night blindness is one of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency.

« Vitamin A deficiency diminishes the ability to fight infections, such as pneumonia.

« Deficiency may increase a child's risk of developing respiratory infections, diarrhea, decreased growth rate, slow bone development, and decrease likelihood of survival from serious illness.

Vegans who do not consume eggs and dairy foods need provitamin A carotenoids to meet their need for vitamin A. They should include a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables in their daily diet and regularly choose dark green leafy vegetables and orange and yellow fruits to fulfil recommended amounts of vitamin A.

Vitamin A storage –

Vitamins are easily destroyed and washed out during food preparation and storage.

« If you want to get the maximum vitamin possible from food, refrigerate fresh produce, and keep milk and grains away from strong light.

« Vitamin A can be lost from foods during preparation, cooking, or storage. To retain vitamin A:

« Serve fruits and vegetables raw whenever possible.

« Keep vegetables and fruits covered and refrigerated during storage.

« Steam vegetables , roast or bake meats instead of frying. Some vitamin A is lost in the fat during frying.

« If you take vitamin supplements, store them at room temperature in a dry place that is free of moisture.

What happens if Vitamin A is taken too much?

Some research suggests that having more than an average of 1.5mg per day of vitamin A over many years may affect bones and make them more likely to fracture when older.
Older people, particularly women, are already at risk of osteoporosis. This is where bone density reduces and so the risk of fractures increases.

If pregnant, having large amounts of vitamin A can harm your unborn baby. Therefore, if you are pregnant or thinking of having a baby, you should avoid eating liver or liver products because these are very high in vitamin A. You should also avoid taking supplements that contain vitamin A.

Vitamin D for Pain Relief?

2008-09-03T06:45:00.001-07:00

The D vitamin was discovered in 1919, it is often known as the sun vitamin because a form of the vitamin is produced when the sun warms our skin.

Along with calcium, it has long been linked to bone health and the prevention of bone diseases like rickets and osteoporosis, but researchers now believe the sun vitamin may have other health benefits as well.

Having too little vitamin D has been linked to chronic pain conditions such as arthritis. In some chronic pain cases, doctors will diagnose the patient with low D levels using a standard test and administer vitamin supplements.

Often, this seemed to ease the patient’s pain.

Vitamin D deficiency which can lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases, has been found to be lacking particularly in inhabitants of colder climates.

*A recent study, for example, indicated that the median adult intake of vitamin D in the US is only 230 IU per day, versus the researchers' recommended 2000 IU per day.

Dutch researchers have also linked vitamin D deficiency to depression in older adults.

The researchers still had many unanswered questions, but noted that low levels of vitamin D lead to overproduction of a parathyroid hormone, which has been linked to signs of depression. The researchers are planning further tests to determine whether the low D levels are a cause or the affect of the depression.

In a separate study, a Canadian research team led by Dr. Pamela Goodwin studied the vitamin D levels in breast cancer patients.

The team found patients with sufficient levels of vitamin D were less likely to die of breast cancer or have the cancer spread.

This may be because vitamin D works in the body to block the growth of abnormal cells and also hinders the type of blood vessels that feed tumours.

With almost 50,000 deaths in the U.S. each year from breast cancer alone, these findings could have a huge impact on American health.

Weatherford’s Dr. Nusrat (Ness) Khan, M.D. FAAP, added previous research suggests calcium and vitamin D could connect to receptors on some tumours causing the tumour cells to slow down production, and in some cases will cause the cells to die (a process called apoptosis).

Kahn also cited a 2006 study which found appropriate levels of calcium and vitamin D decreased polyps in the colon, and another study which indicated appropriate levels of calcium decreased the risks of breast cancer in pre-menopausal women.

"An appropriate amount of calcium and vitamin D — about 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium, and 400 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D — does have a protective effect on osteoporosis and maybe on pre-menopausal breast cancer and colon cancer," Khan summarised.

"But just because some is good, more is not necessarily better," he said.

Since there is no evidence showing increasing vitamin D through sun exposure outweighs the risks of developing skin cancer, using a vitamin D supplement is the safest way to be sure you’re getting the required daily amount.

The key to maintaining healthy amounts of calcium and vitamin D lies in following recommended amounts and in consulting a physician for individual needs.

Khan also emphasised how people receive their vitamins and minerals is very important.

"We must emphasise natural sources," he said. "From a nutritional standpoint, we should rely first and foremost on our diet, and secondly on vitamin supplements."

For calcium and vitamin D, Khan recommends dairy products like milk and yoghurt. Seafood is also a good source of D.

Khan recommends using vitamin supplements to make up for what diet doesn’t provide.

Vitamin D inadequacy can be easily and inexpensively treated using a prescription supplement, once or twice a week for four to six weeks, according to Hooten.

Deficiency in vitamin D affects inhabitants of colder climates, because sunlight induces synthesis of vitamin D in humans. As such, if a consumer is not getting adequate exposure to the sun for vitamin D and its subsequent impact on their serum 25 (OH) D levels, they should be supplementing with vitamin D.

Vitamin D refers to two biologically inactive precursors - D3, also known as cholecalciferol, and D2, also known as ergocalciferol. The former, produced in the skin on exposure to UVB radiation (290 to 320 nm), is said to be more bioactive. The latter is derived from plants and only enters the body via the diet.

My own view is that the implications are that in chronic pain patients, vitamin D inadequacy is not the principal cause of pain and muscle weakness, however, it could be a contributing but unrecognised factor."

Anyone beginning to take supplements should also check with their GP to make sure the vitamins won’t interfere with any other medications.

You should check the labels to make sure the pills do not provide more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D.

Terry O’Brien

Benefits of Vitamin D, Sources and Deficiency

2008-09-03T06:43:00.001-07:00

Vitamin D or calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is mostly made in the human body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. The liver and kidney help convert vitamin D to its active hormone form.

Benefits of Vitamin D?

« Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D deficiency can make bones thin, brittle, soft and easily prone to fractures. Without sufficient vitamin D, our body cannot absorb calcium, rendering calcium supplements useless.

« Vitamin D acts like a hormone, thus regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine.

« It helps to control the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa.

« It helps bone mineralization along with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones of the body.

« Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and even helps control diabetes and obesity.

What are the sources of Vitamin D?

Food sources –

Only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D. Foods with naturally occurring vitamin D are usually animal derived containing the vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). They include egg yolk, liver, fatty fish and fish oils. Smaller amounts are also present in dark leafy vegetables.

Fortified foods are the major dietary sources of vitamin D. Although milk, soya milk is fortified with vitamin D, dairy products made from milk such as curd, cheese, yogurt are usually not fortified.

It is important for individuals with limited sun exposure to include rich sources of vitamin D in their diet.

Exposure to sunlight –

Exposure to sunlight is an important source of vitamin D as ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin.
It is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from diet. Sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in the body.

What can Vitamin D deficiency lead to?

« Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets in children which results in skeletal deformities. In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to weak bones.

« Osteoporosis is commonly caused by a lack of vitamin D, which resists calcium absorption.

« Insufficient vitamin D leads to prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer.

« Vitamin D deficiency may also make a person prone to Type 2 diabetes and impair insulin production. Infants who receive vitamin D supplementation have around 80% reduced risk of developing type 1 diabetes over the next twenty years.

« Vitamin D deficiency causes schizophrenia.

How much vitamin D is required?

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine considers an intake of 1,000 IU for infants up to 12 months of age and 2,000 IU for children, adults, pregnant, and lactating women to be the tolerable upper intake level.

Daily intake above this level increases the risk of toxicity and is not advised.

Who all are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency?

« Older people as the ability of the skin to convert vitamin D to its active hormonal form decreases
with age. The kidneys, which help convert vitamin D, do not work quite well when people age.

« People who do not get adequate exposure to sunlight, such as women who cover their body outside for religious or cultural reasons or individuals working in occupations that prevent exposure to sunlight.

« People with dark skin synthesize less vitamin D on exposure to sunlight than those with light skin.

« Obesity increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Once vitamin D is synthesized in the skin, it is deposited in the body fat, making it less bio-available to overweight and obese people..

« Individuals who have reduced ability to absorb dietary fat as Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This may be due to conditions such as pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohn's disease, bowel disease.

« Exclusively breast-fed infants because human milk may not contain adequate vitamin D.

Is too much of vitamin D risky?

Intake of too much vitamin D can cause toxicity leading to nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss. It can also raise levels of calcium, causing mental status changes.

Calcinosis, the deposition of calcium and phosphate in soft tissues such as kidneys, lungs, blood vessels and heart can be caused by vitamin D toxicity. The kidneys may be permanently damaged and start malfunctioning.

A word of caution:

Even weak sunscreens (SPF of 8) block the body's ability to generate vitamin D by 95%. This is how sunscreen products actually cause disease by creating a critical vitamin deficiency in the body. Chronic Vitamin D deficiency cannot be reversed overnight: it takes months of vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure to rebuild the body's bones and nervous system.

Benefits of Vitamin D, Sources and Deficiency

2008-09-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

Coral Calcium May Hold the Secret to Lifelong Health

2008-09-03T06:39:00.002-07:00

If you don't know what coral calcium is, it's a type of calcium supplement that is made from coral (hence the name). Coral calcium is the hottest source for one of the minerals most critical to your bodys health. In essence, you can say that coral calcium is the same substance as the calcium you’ll find in your bones. Because coral calcium is ionic and readily bioavailable, it does not become a free radical in the process and donates electrons to repair the damaged cells.

The ability of Coral Calcium to help with the body's balancing of the pH may prove to be one of it's most important health benefits. Here's a quick overview of Coral Calcium benefits:

1- Coral calcium has an optimal 2 to 1 ratio of calcium and magnesium, and it also contains trace minerals in perfect balance

2- The calcium, magnesium and trace minerals balance is in natural proportions to the human body

3- Coral calcium has the best absorption compared to other forms of calcium

4- Coral calcium has the highest HDL (good) cholesterol density

5- Coral calcium balances your pH levels for better health

6- Helps strengthen bones and teeth

7- Cleanse kidneys, intestines, and liver while breaking down heavy metals in the body

8- Coral calcium helps boost the immune system In a nut shell, there are greater advantages to supplementing coral calcium compared to other forms of calcium.

"Most health professionals recommend that you get your nutrients from your diet first, so calcium-rich foods are the first thing they recommend," says Miller, who is a senior vice president of nutrition and scientific affairs at the National Dairy Council.

The category of nutritional supplements is definitely where you're going to find those supplemental products that enhance health rather than harming your health in the way that patent medications do. If you want to exceed those requirements and actually have superior health (that is health that goes beyond just preventing disease and actually taps into the mental and physical performance potential of the human being), then you will need to supplement at very high levels. It's just that if you're looking for what's truly healthy you're only going to find them from the natural world and never from the world of manufactured, synthesized drugs.

If we don't use food supplements to keep us healthy, we certainly cannot be healthy. Like many other supplements, we believe coral calcium is beneficial to your body in many ways. Also, if one is supplementing with whole food supplements, is it also necessary to supplement with calcium and other vitamins and minerals. Although much is known about most of the individual minerals in coral calcium in regards to human health, we don't know much about the combination of all of them and how coral calcium supplements in general affect human health and disease. We do know that calcium and magnesium supplements have many health benefits.

Coral calcium is a valuable, holistic, mineral, dietary supplement which poses many important issues, ranging from discussion about our current mineral-depleted Western diet to concerns about the ecology and future of coral reefs.

Calcium Plays an Important Role in the Way Our Body Functions

2008-09-03T06:39:00.001-07:00

Growing up we probably all have been told at one time or another to drink our milk and to eat low fat dairy products. The reason we were told this is because our parents and caregivers knew that by consuming calcium rich foods our bodies would greatly benefit and our bones and teeth would be healthy and strong.

They were right as it is true calcium plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. However, calcium not only helps to keep our bones and teeth strong and healthy it is a very important and essential nutrient for the entire body. Calcium also plays a very important part in keeping our heart muscles healthy, it helps to control and regulate our heart beat and it help our nerves function and assists with many other bodily functions.

Everybody needs calcium in their diets. Young children and teenagers need sufficient calcium in their diets so they can take full advantage of the calcium storage in their bones. As we age, we need to get sufficient dietary calcium to help us minimize the loss of calcium from our bones because the majority of the body's calcium, approximately ninety-nine percent, is stored in your bones. We also need an adequate amount of calcium in the body because the other one percent is stored in the rest of the body and is for all other bodily functions.

Some good sources of calcium are low fat dairy products, fruits, and fortified cereals and grains. However, due to processing and manufacturing the majority of the nutrients in the food we eat are depleted. So, it is sad to say, we really are not getting as much calcium from our diet as we think we are. It is safe to say that it makes a lot of sense to take calcium supplements along with eating a healthy diet to make sure that our bodies get what it needs.

Even though supplementation is a good idea you should know that not all calcium supplements are created equal. One such calcium supplement that is well absorbed by the body and is very beneficially all bodily functions is called coral calcium. But what is Coral Calcium? Simply put, Coral Calcium is just calcium. However, coral calcium benefits have an advantage over other types of calcium. Marine coral calcium has a wide range and optimal mix of major and trace minerals. It contains calcium, magnesium and trace minerals, and the ratios of these minerals match the human body's ratio perfectly.

Calcium Supplements - Picking the Right One for You

2008-09-03T06:38:00.001-07:00

If you have trouble sometimes picking out a good calcium supplement, you are not alone. Choosing a calcium supplement can be a frustrating experience, even for health care professionals. The reason is simple. In U.S, calcium supplements are prepared and sold in different formulations, each claiming to be the right one for you. The fact that there are as many brand names as there are formulations makes it even more confusing for an average consumer. However, the situation is not entirely hopeless. Knowing what you should look for when shopping for a calcium supplement can make your experience less frustrating.

The first thing you should do when shopping for a supplement is take a few minutes to read the “supplement facts” label found on the supplement bottle. On it, you will find the serve size or dose for the supplement, the kind of calcium compound it contains, amount per serving, and percent daily value. Percent daily value is simply the percentage of the daily value provided by one serving.

Secondly, determine the calcium content per serving of the supplement. You can do so by identifying the kind of calcium compound used in the supplement. Different calcium compounds have different amounts of calcium (or elemental calcium). For example, calcium carbonate is 40% calcium; dicalcium phosphate is 38% calcium; calcium citrate is 21% calcium; calcium lactate is 13% calcium by weight and calcium gluconate is 9% calcium. What this means is that if you take 500 mg of calcium carbonate, for instance, you will get 200 mg of calcium. By contrast, you will have to take at least 950 mg of calcium citrate in order to get the same amount of calcium.

Next, consider how well the supplement dissolves. This is what sets apart good calcium supplements from bad ones. If the supplement does not dissolve well in your stomach, you are unlikely to get maximum benefit from it. To test how well the supplement dissolves, place a pill in a cup containing warm water. Let it sit for 30 minutes while stirring occasionally. If it does not dissolve well after 30 minutes, it is unlikely to dissolve well in your stomach.

Absorbability is also an important feature of a good calcium supplement. Calcium carbonate is well absorbed by most people, but calcium citrate is often recommended for those with digestive or absorption problems. You can also improve absorption of any calcium supplement by taking it in doses of 500 mg or less and with vitamin D. Calcium carbonate should be taken with food while calcium citrate can be taken any time during the day.

Good calcium supplements meet certain purity standards indicated by the use of the abbreviation USP, which stands for United States Pharmacopeia. Choose only supplements that have this symbol on their labels. Avoid calcium from unrefined oyster shell, bone meal, or dolomite without the USP symbol; they may contain high levels of lead or other toxic metals.

Finally, check how well you tolerate the supplement. Some calcium supplements produce side effects such as constipation, gas, and stomach upset. If you develop any of these side effects, try the steps discussed above under absorbability. If those steps do not help you, try a different supplement. You may also consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Anyone looking for a calcium supplement can easily find one in the stores; picking out the right one for you is a different story. So, before you buy, read the “supplement facts” label carefully. Determine the calcium compound in the supplement and its calcium content. Test how well it dissolves and your level of tolerance for it. Choose supplements with the USP abbreviation on their labels. If you develop side effects from your supplement, try a different one, or consult with your doctor.

What is Coral Calcium and Where Does it Come From?

2008-09-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

Coral calcium is a dietary supplement said to be derived from "remnants of living coral that have fallen from coral reefs, as a result of wave action or other natural processes. According to the coral calcium infomercial, taking coral calcium can cure up to 200 human diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes etc. When you start taking coral calcium, your body alkalizes and drives out the body's acidic state. Coral calcium is composed of mostly calcium carbonate, just like those you found in Tums or other calcium carbonate supplements from your health food stores.

Coral is composed of tiny, fragile living organisms called coral polyps. Coral reefs are among the worlds most fragile and endangered ecosystems, strict laws are enforced to preserve them. Since coral reefs are protected by law, "coral calcium" is made by grinding up dead coral called limestone that no longer contains live organisms. Coral grains are mined from fossilized coral beds on the coastline, and pumped from coral beds in shallow waters. Coral calcium supplements come from fossilized coral beds. Since it is severely illegal to mine "live" coral reefs, coral calcium has to come from a different source which is dead coral loaded with calcium and trace minerals.

For people who need to consume extra calcium, coral calcium may be the best choice. The body absorbs coral calcium better than other calcium supplements in the market mostly due to the trace minerals also found in coral. The calcium content of coral calcium ranges from 24% to 38% and is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Ninety-eight percent of people over age 60 are totally calcium-deficient meaning, they are not consuming enough calcium to sustain current bone density.

Most of the body's calcium is stored in the bones, which can release whatever amounts are needed to maintain adequate blood levels, this causes bone loss. Historically, calcium supplements haven't always been safe: years ago calcium carbonate from bone meal or oyster shells, for instance, was used in some supplements -but was later found to contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals. Now with new technology and strict government laws calcium is very safe.

Like many other supplements, coral calcium is beneficial to your body in many ways. And unlike other calcium supplements, coral calcium does have special properties that make it worth strongly considering as a supplement to your daily diet, mainly trace minerals. Almost every cell in the body, including those in the heart, nerves, and muscles; relies on calcium to function properly.

Calcium deficiency can weaken bones (osteoporosis), but it does not make the body more acidic or cause a wide range of diseases. The body needs about two times as much calcium compared to any other mineral. The body of an unhealthy person is acidic, or has low pH this acidic state cause's disease. Over 35% of the body's mineral makeup consists of calcium, which literally performs hundreds of operations essential to our everyday lives. Are you getting enough?

Consumers should be aware of the claims that coral calcium can treat or cure cancer, multiple sclerosis, lupus, heart disease, or high blood pressure are not supported by existing scientific evidence. Most of the health claims being made about coral calcium from Okinawa are based on the fact that the Okinawan's are among the world's longest lived people and supposedly drink water containing coral calcium.

In conclusion, there is no medical evidence to support these claims, and coral calcium has been identified by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a Fake Cancer Cure Consumers Should Avoid. Most of the claims are based on how calcium can bring the body into a more alkaline state and this alkaline state strengthens the body and helps it fight disease over time. Knowing this, have you had your coral calcium today?

Benefits of Calcium, Calcium Rich Food and Calcium Deficiency

2008-09-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

Calcium is an essential dietary mineral for healthy bones and strong teeth. A constant blood calcium level is essential for the maintenance of the normal heartbeat, and for the usual functioning of nerves and muscles.

Advantages of calcium -

# Calcium ion is essential for a large variety of important physiological functions, including muscle contraction, nerve stimulation, hormonal release, cell membrane, permeability, proper enzyme function.

# Calcium is necessary to stabilize the activity of a number of proteins and enzymes. The binding of calcium ions is required for the activation of "vitamin K-dependent" clotting aspects in the blood coagulation process.

# Calcium, especially calcium derived from dairy products help adjust body fat.

# Calcium helps slow bone loss in postmenopausal women, may reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and is associated with reduced threat of colorectal cancer.

# The body requires calcium to make strong teeth and healthy bones. The bones serve as the storage place for the body's calcium. They continuously release calcium into the bloodstream, and then keep replacing it as the body's requirement for calcium arises. When calcium intake is low, there is poor absorption; and there is a high probability of bone breakdown because the body uses up the stored calcium to perform normal biological functions.

# Calcium is also needed for muscle contraction and maintenance of cell membranes.

# Calcium supplements help alleviate mood swings, food cravings, pain, and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome.

What is the recommended daily requirement of calcium?

Optimal calcium intake depends according to a person's age, sex, and ethnicity.

The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance for calcium is 1,000 milligrams per day - given for adults (except pregnant or lactating women) and children over 4 years of age.

It is about 1200 milligrams for individuals older than 50 years of age.

The calcium intake of vegans tends to be slightly below the recommended optimal amounts but the body does adapt to lower intakes. Since vegetarians have a slightly lower protein intake and rule out meat from their diet, encourages their bodies to retain calcium so their dietary need is relatively lower.

Sources of Calcium -

Dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cottage cheese, cheese) are the main sources of calcium. Individuals with lactose intolerance (people who cannot completely digest the milk sugar lactose) and those who are vegans tend to avoid or eliminate dairy products from their diet. We all know that it is important for vegetarians to meet calcium needs with alternative calcium sources.

Good vegan sources of calcium include tofu (if prepared from calcium sulphate), green leafy vegetables, dried figs, broccoli, seeds and nuts. Some soya milks, instant breakfast cereals are also fortified with calcium. Drinking water can provide as much as 200mg of calcium daily, as hard water contains a rich source of calcium.

Although most grains are not high in calcium, they do contribute calcium to the diet because they are consumed regularly and frequently.

What affects calcium absorption and excretion from the body?

Only 20-30% of calcium in the average diet is absorbed into the body, the rest gets excreted.

A high protein diet, especially based on animal foods, causes calcium loss in the body. The higher sulphur-to-calcium ratio of meat increases calcium excretion.

Calcium absorption can also be affected by the amount of calcium present in the body, amount of vitamin D presence (helps improve calcium absorption), age, pregnancy (intestinal calcium absorption increases during pregnancy), fibre content in diet etc. The amount of calcium consumed at one time such as in a meal is inversely related to the absorption rate.

Calcium excretion refers to the amount of calcium eliminated from the body through urine, feces and sweat. Calcium excretion is affected by factors such as amount of sodium, protein, caffeine and potassium in diet.

Calcium is lost in cooking some foods even under the best conditions.

To retain calcium:

* Foods are best cooked in a minimal amount of water.

* Cook food for the shortest possible time.

What does calcium deficiency lead to?

Osteoporosis: major cause of bone fractures in the elderly, especially women. Prevention includes an adequate intake of calcium throughout life, but especially in childhood and young adulthood; and reducing trigger factors such as smoking, heavy drinking and lack of physical exercise.

Diets high in protein and salt also increase calcium loss from the body. Post-menopausal women are more prone because they produce less oestrogen, which protects the skeleton in younger women.

Rickets is a childhood disorder involving softening and weakening of the bones. It is caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Deficiency of vitamin D leads to improper regulation of calcium and phosphate. Symptoms of rickets in children include delayed sitting, crawling, walking and the development of bowlegs

Looking For A Calcium But Not Sure Which Is Best For You?

2008-09-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

Calcium is essential to good health, but if you are looking for calcium it can be confusing to decide in which form you take it. There are so many available and every one claims to be good for you, so why the difference? Why not just sell the best and let us all know what it is? Well, this same argument could be applied to all supplements that are sold in different forms, and also to many foodstuffs.

The supplement best for you might not be the best for the next person due to dietary requirements each persons diet is different, so it is better to learn about what is available then make your choice based upon knowledge rather than ignorance. It is not only the source of the calcium you have to bother about, but also the other vitamins that have be present to make sure that that the calcium is absorbed by the body in the way that you want it to be.

To understand that then you need to learn why the body needs calcium, other than just the bones and teeth that everybody knows about. After all, why else do we need calcium? It is only contained in bones and teeth - right? Wrong!

Although 99% of calcium is contained in your bones and teeth, 1% is contained in the blood, muscles and central nervous system. With out that 1% we would all die. Without teeth we would not. Calcium is essential for blood clotting and for the proper function of our muscles, brain and central nervous system. Calcium combines with phosphorus to create healthy bones and teeth, and is essential early in life to build up a strong skeleton. Note that phosphorus is also necessary so we also need an adequate supply of that mineral.

Calcium is essential to allow muscles to properly contract. Without that ability, muscles could not work, and a deficiency of calcium causes muscle cramps and spasms. The movement of the smooth muscles is regulated by a protein that is bound to calcium. This is just one of the uses of the calcium in the body that most people are unaware of.

Calcium also takes part in the binding process of the blood platelets during the coagulation of blood. Although most people are aware of the need for vitamin K and fibrin, in fact calcium is also essential in its interaction with the platelets in the coagulation cascade that eventually results in a blood clot that stops bleeding. Basically, without calcium, the blood could not form a clot. In addition to its effect on blood clotting, calcium also plays an essential part in the movement of ions through the membranes of nerve cells, and without it intercellular communication could not occur. Our nerve impulses would not occur and the body again would not be in a working condition.

However, the body has a way of modulating the calcium level in the blood past a minimum level needed for effective nerve cell communication, and below a certain level it can even use the calcium in the bones to divert to the more needy areas of the body. It is therefore not possible for the body to fail through a lack of calcium. The skeleton would disintegrate first. Nevertheless, nobody wants a disintegrating skeleton since that would be counterproductive to effective movement of the body, so a good source of calcium is essential for overall bodily health, not just that of the teeth and the bones.

There are many sources of calcium, but some are more suitable for absorption by the body than others. Chalk, or calcium carbonate, is an excellent source of calcium, but will fail to promote bone growth if your diet does not contain sufficient potassium, vitamin D, magnesium and strontium needed to make it work to build healthy bones. It is the most common on the shelves, and likely the cheapest, but not necessarily the best source. It is basically chalk or limestone, and only 10% of the supplement will actually become available for your body to use.

The bioavailability of a calcium supplement is a figure that indicates how much of the calcium is actually absorbed by the body during digestion. It is important that the supplement is digested and absorbed properly or the calcium will not be available for use. This availability is called the 'bioavailability'. Calcium citrate has a bioavailabilty of 50%, but the size of the citrate part of the molecule is so large that only 10.5% of the molecule is available to the body as calcium. Not much more than the carbonate.

Calcium aspartate is highly soluble and produced by reacting calcium with aspartic acid to form the soluble salt. It is much easier to assimilate and be absorbed by the body than any of the forms above. The amino acid, aspartic acid, delivers the calcium exactly to where it is needed, where it is absorbed and used. Although a bioavailability figure is not available, it is not the amount of calcium that is significant here but the fact that it comes with its own transportation system and is immediately available where needed.

If you want to calculate the availability for yourself, find the molecular weight of the particular calcium product, and then the weight of the calcium contained within it. For example, in calcium carbonate, CaCO3, the molecular weight is 100 (40 + 12 + 3x16) and the atomic weigh of calcium is 40, so the amount of calcium present in 1000g calcium carbonate is 40% or 400g. Only 25% of calcium carbonate is absorbed, so only 10%, or 100g, of calcium is available for each 1000g supplement.

Calcium citrate on the hand (Ca3(C6H5O7)2.4H2O) has a molecular weight of 570, so the amount of calcium present is 3*40*100/570 = 21%. Since the bioavailability of calcium citrate is 50%, the amount of calcium available is only 10.5%, or 105g in 1000g citrate. You can carry out the same calculation on all the molecules if you know how much is absorbed by the body.

The bioavailability is calcium aspartate is 85%. Its molecular formula is [C4H6NO2]2Ca, and molecular weight 304. The calcium availability is therefore 40*100/304 = 13.16%. If 85% is absorbed, then 1000g provides 80% of 13.16 x 10 = 115.6g. The aspartate therefore wins it.

Amino acid chelates can also be used as a source of calcium, and its bioavailability is improved tremendously by including vitamin D and magnesium in the supplement. The bioavailability of these calcium chelates are not quoted, but is claimed to be high. Whether or not it is as high as the aspartame is debatable, though it is claimed to be.

Calcium is a very important mineral for human health, and there are several different supplements that can be used. The bioavailability of the calcium is different in each supplement, though the organic forms, calcium aspartate and amino acid calcium chelates appear to be the highest. When looking for a calcium supplement look for one with additional minerals added as mentioned above to help improve absorption and usability by the body.

The Ezorb 92 % Calcium Absorption Claim

2008-09-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

EZorb is Calcium Anhydrous Aspartate, and like most difficult-to-pronounce ingredients, is not the best thing to be ingesting. It costs little to manufacture, but with a very good marketing story it sells for a relatively high price. Most Calcium Brands are simply not complete products, but we find the Ezorb marketing story runs contrary to proven science and dangerously misleads people for several reasons.

In their website, they claim a “world record 92% Calcium absorption” which is “up to 20 times higher than any other calcium supplement”. They have presented no clinical evidence to support this exaggerated claim in spite of the scientific-looking graphs and text.

Arguably the leading Calcium researcher in America is Dr. Robert Heaney of Creighton University with more published papers on Calcium absorption than any other author. Dr. Heaney, an independent University research scientist, has tested dozens of calcium forms over the years and has found most to have acceptable absorption. Contrary to popular marketing hype, published studies show most Calcium supplements today are about 30% absorbed – quite acceptable compared to the 4.6% absorption implied by Elixir above. In a recent Journal of Nutrition article Heaney discusses “the usually exaggerated marketing claims of superior performance of one (Calcium) salt relative to another”, saying “this emphasis seems inappropriate and misdirected from both cost-benefit and nutritional considerations”(6). In other words, calcium bio-availability is constantly presented as a bigger problem than it really is by calcium manufacturers eager to demonstrate a market advantage. (1-15) We have no affiliation to Dr. Heaney, but find his independent research more compelling than the marketing hype of Elixir Industry. Most calciums are absorbed sufficiently so there is no advantage to one that is 92% absorbed. If you read on, you will see a significant disadvantage of highly absorbed calcium, though.

Ezorb’s Big Kidney Stone Fallacy

Their claim that any calcium supplement which is not completely absorbed contributes to kidney stones is based on very old, and highly speculative information which has long since been refuted over and over. In fact the very opposite is true – unabsorbed Calcium prevents kidney stone formation! We take great exception to companies trying to scare an often elderly population into buying their products with out of date information. Many recent studies show that the free calcium which is not absorbed combines with oxalates and other toxins, so it is very helpful for cleaning up the blood and PREVENTING kidney stones.

Discussing calcium and kidney stones, Professor Robert Heaney says “…nutritionally, there seems to be very little advantage to improving absorbability because unabsorbed calcium exhibits valuable functionality in it’s own right. Calcium remaining in food residue forms complexes with harmful substances left over from digestion, such as oxalic acid, unabsorbed fatty acids and bile acids. This complexation is the mechanism by which high calcium diets reduce the risk of kidney stones and colon cancer.”
Heaney continues “Theoretically, (calcium) sources with high intrinsic absorbability…could meet the body’s skeletal needs for calcium, but they would leave unmet the detoxification function that unabsorbed calcium serves… In brief, there is little or no nutritional advantage to ingesting one’s calcium in a form with absorbability higher than that of natural calcium sources (6).” In other words, if Ezorb really is 92% absorbed you are missing the protective effect against kidney stones and colon cancer that less absorbed Calcium forms offer.

Bone Growth, Not Calcium Absorption is Key

Ezorb has no reputable clinical research supporting bone growth, the study they refer to was done in China, a country known for scientific corruption. Just a few days ago the head of the Chinese FDA was sent to jail for allowing this kind of corruption to occur. Bio-availability is only one relatively unimportant first step. The real issue is bone growth which has not been demonstrated in any real clinical study. Testimonials are interesting, but they do not prove a product’s efficacy.

References

1: Heaney RP, Rafferty K, Dowell MS, Bierman J. Calcium fortification systems differ in bioavailability. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005 May;105(5):807-9.
3: Martin BR, Weaver CM, Heaney RP, Packard PT, Smith DL. Calcium absorption from three salts and CaSO(4)-fortified bread in premenopausal women. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Jun 19;50(13):3874-6.
4: Heaney RP, Dowell MS, Bierman J, Hale CA, Bendich A. Absorbability and cost effectiveness in calcium supplementation. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001 Jun;20(3):239-46.
5: Heaney RP. Meta-analysis of calcium bioavailability. Am J Ther. 2001 Jan-Feb;8(1):73-4.
6: Heaney RP. Factors influencing the measurement of bioavailability, taking calcium as a model. J Nutr. 2001 Apr;131(4 Suppl):1344S-8S
7: Heaney RP, Dowell MS, Rafferty K, Bierman J. Bioavailability of the calcium in fortified soy imitation milk, with some observations on method. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 May;71(5):1166-9.
8: Hanes DA, Weaver CM, Heaney RP, Wastney M. Absorption of calcium oxalate does not require dissociation in rats. J Nutr. 1999 Jan;129(1):170-3.
9: Weaver CM, Heaney RP, Martin BR, Fitzsimmons ML. Human calcium absorption from whole-wheat products. J Nutr. 1991 Nov;121(11):1769-75.
10: Heaney RP. Calcium supplements: practical considerations. Osteoporos Int. 1991 Feb;1(2):65-71.
11: Heaney RP, Weaver CM. Calcium absorption from kale. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990 Apr;51(4):656-7.
12: Heaney RP, Weaver CM. Oxalate: effect on calcium absorbability. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989 Oct;50(4):830-2.
13: Heaney RP, Weaver CM, Recker RR. Calcium absorbability from spinach. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988 Apr;47(4):707-9.
14: Smith KT, Heaney RP, Flora L, Hinders SM. Calcium absorption from a new calcium delivery system (CCM). Calcif Tissue Int. 1987 Dec;41(6):351-2.
15: Heaney RP. Calcium bioavailability. Bol Asoc Med P R. 1987 Jan;79(1):27-9.

What Causes Bone Fractures?

2008-08-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

Most people were introduced to the orthopedic surgeon at a young age when they were brought to the emergency room with their first broken bone. For me the memory of the event is now faint (something about a bicycle and pavement), but the cast that I was able to tote around the classroom is fondly recalled as one of my moments of youthful pride.

The first, and probably the most known cause for bone fractures is known as bone thinning or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures because in time it makes the bones less dense by altering bone protein and other minerals. This increases the risk of bone fractures, because the bones become a lot more porous.

The 'fatigue theory' suggests that during repeated efforts (as in running), the muscles become unable to support the skeleton during impact as the foot strikes the ground. Instead of the muscles absorbing the shock, the load is transferred to the bone. As the loading surpasses the capacity of the bone to adapt, a fracture develops. The 'overload theory' suggests that certain muscle groups contract in such a way that they because the attached bones to bend. After repeated contractions and bending, the bone breaks.

Stress fractures are probably preceded by, causing bone pain and pain during exercise. Management of shin splints involves rest; if the symptoms still persist after two weeks, a stress fracture is suspected. When the pain has persisted for six weeks or more, a stress fracture is the likely cause.

The first step in describing a fracture is whether it is open or closed. If the skin over the break is disrupted, then an open fracture exists. The skin can be cut, torn, or abraded (scraped), but if the skin's integrity is damaged, the potential for an infection to get into the bone exists. Since the fracture site in the bone communicates with the outside world, these injuries need to be cleaned out aggressively and many times require anesthesia in the operating room to do the job effectively.

Setting of bone through surgery. When surgery is needed, the procedure is called an open reduction. The doctor will give you local or general anesthesia. (General anesthesia will put you to sleep.) During the surgical procedure, the doctor may insert a rod, pin, plate, or screw into the injury to hold the bone in place. Advantages of surgery include: early mobility of injured bone and some use of the injured bone within weeks rather than months.

Impacted Fracture: An impacted fracture is similar to a compression fracture, yet it occurs within the same bone. It is a closed fracture which occurs when pressure is applied to both ends of the bone, causing it to split into two fragments that jam into each other. This type of fracture is common in car accidents and falls.

It may take a number of weeks or months for a fracture to heal. Your bone tissue will start growing new bone cells on the site of the fracture, creating new bone tissues until the fracture is closed. The healing process is usually painful, therefore you must strictly follow the doctor's advice on handling the fracture so that you can recuperate faster and resume to normal activity. During rehabilitation, your activity may be limited to the extent of the pain threshold of the fracture. By the time the bone becomes strong again, you may have to undergo certain exercise to strengthen the muscles surrounding the bone fracture so that it can function again normally. The exercises will increase in activity over time until the fracture is completely healed, and normal skeletal activity is restored.

What Causes Bone Spurs?

2008-08-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

Bone spur is a term used to describe a condition that characterizes the growth of an extra bone on the normal bone. In medical terms, it is known as osteophytes. Bone spur usually takes place on the joints of the spine, feet, shoulders, hips, hands and knees. It is not painful but sometimes causes pain when it rubs against other bones around it.

A bone spur is an overgrowth of bone most commonly seen at a joint (the place where two bones come together and allow for movement). Generally abnormal motion at the level of the joint over the course of time will cause the spur to form. You can also have spurring of bone as a result of excessive tension on a bone from a tendon where it attaches into the bone.

Some bone spurs form as part of the aging process. As we age, the slippery tissue called cartilage that covers the ends of the bones within joints breaks down and eventually wears away (osteoarthritis). In addition, the discs that provide cushioning between the bones of the spine may break down with age. Over time, this leads to pain and swelling and, in some cases, bone spurs forming along the edges of the joint. Bone spurs due to aging are especially common in the joints of the spine and feet.

Exercise and a healthy weight are key ingredients to managing the pain associated with bone spurs. Exercise may be limited by the location of the spur and its effects on movement. Swimming or other forms of water activity, such as water aerobics, may be less stressful for the body, and can also increase flexibility and mobility. Weight loss can also be beneficial in alleviating the pain associated with bone spurs, since less weight puts less stress on any joints which are lacking cartilage or plagued with bone spurs.

Bone spurs do not appear at once but form gradually over a long period of time. They represent degeneration of the spine due to aging and are quite common in people above sixty years of age. While spinal degeneration occurs in all people, less than half of those report pain in the neck, back, arms and legs (radiating pain), and other extremities of the body. Also associated with bone spurs is the feeling of weakness.

In your shoulder, bone spurs can restrict the range of motion of your arm. Bone spurs can rub on your rotator cuff; a group of tendons that help control your shoulder movements. This can cause swelling (tendinitis) and tears in your rotator cuff.

Bone spurs also form in the feet in response to tight ligaments, to activities such as dancing and running that put stress on the feet, and to pressure from being overweight or from poorly fitting shoes. For example, the long ligament on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) can become stressed or tight and pull on the heel, causing the ligament to become inflamed (plantar fasciitis. As the bone tries to mend itself, a bone spur can form on the bottom of the heel (known as a "heel spur"). Pressure at the back of the heel from frequently wearing shoes that are too tight can cause a bone spur on the back of the heel. This is sometimes called a "pump bump" because it is often seen in women who wear high heels.

First step for treating bone spur through home remedies is to reduce inflammation. Apply an ice pack to the inflamed area 4 to 5 times in a day. This will help to reduce the inflammation. If the problem is more severe then apply heating pad on the inflamed area.

Boost Bone Health With Boron And Other Minerals

2008-08-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

About 44 million American men and women suffer from osteoporosis (severe bone loss) or osteopenia (mild bone loss), with women being affected twice as much as men. Each year, at least 1.5 million hip, vertebra, or wrist fractures occur in the United States because of osteoporosis. Although bone mass normally declines after age thirty-five, bone loss that is severe enough to cause fractures after only a minor trauma is a different problem.

Some of the risk factors for osteoporosis include: small body frame, underweight, Caucasian or Asian race, a sedentary lifestyle, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, high intake of carbonated beverages, and having other family member with osteoporosis. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, celiac disease, hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive lung disease, hyperadrenalism, and hyperparathyroidism are also associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. There are also some medications that increase the rate of bone loss such as those prescribed for seizures and blood thinning, prednisone and other steroids, aluminum-containing antacids, and loop diuretics. By engaging in regular weight bearing exercise, avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and quitting smoking, the rate of bone loss will be slowed. Eating adequate amounts of protein and supplementing with various vitamins and minerals also enhances bone health.

Calcium salts are absorbed about the same for most people, absorbing between thirty to forty percent of the administered dose. Those with low stomach acid, hypochlorhydria, should not use calcium carbonate because it is absorbed poorly without stomach acid. For many older people, calcium phosphate is preferable because phosphorus is necessary for normal bone formation. Calcium that is bound to phosphorus is the form in which calcium is stored in the bone, and has a much greater bone activity than other forms.

In order to promote strong bones, vitamin D is a necessary nutrient. Because vitamin D is produced when ultraviolet rays from the sun hit the skin, those people who stay out of the sun, wear sunscreen, or live in a northern latitude are at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Aging also decreases a person's ability to produce vitamin D in the skin. Supplementation with 700-800 IU of vitamin D per day has been proven to decrease the number of hip fractures by 26%. However, 400 IU per day was ineffective. In addition to improving bone health, vitamin D improves nerve and muscle function in older people, which reduces their risk of falling down. 800 IU of vitamin D per day in elderly women has shown to decrease the number of falls by about 50%. The "safe upper limit," as determined by The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine is 4,000 IU per day. However, you most likely don't need nearly this much to help bone issues.

Because bone is a living tissue that is constantly remodeling itself and engaging in many biological functions, it has a wide range of nutritional needs. Not getting enough of one or more of the important micronutrients needed is an important contributing factor to osteoporosis. In addition to supplementing with calcium and vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, vitamin K, boron, strontium, silicon, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and vitamin C are all shown to have a vital role in bone health. Calcium is a component of the mineral crystals that makes up the bone. Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption and prevents falls by improving nerve and muscle function. Magnesium is important in bone mineralization, which is similar to zinc. However, zinc also increases bone loss. Copper also promotes bone mineralization and decreases bone loss. Manganese plays a vital role in the creation of the connective-tissue components of the bone. Boron supports the creation of bone-protecting hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA. Silicon has a vital role in the synthesis of connective-tissue components in the bone. Deficiency of silicon has been associated with bone abnormalities. B vitamins, including folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, have been shown to lower blood levels of homocysteine. A high level of homocysteine concentration is a very big risk factor for fractures in elderly people. Strontium is a trace mineral that is incorporated into bone and increases bone strength. It stimulates bone formation and inhibits bone breakdown. Vitamin K is best known for its effect on blood clotting. However, it is also required for the creation of osteocalcin, which is a unique protein that is found in bone and participates in the mineralization process. The amount of vitamin K needed for optimal bone health is greater than that amount needed to prevent bleeding. Deficiency in any of these nutrients is often associated with the development of osteoporosis.

There are two forms of vitamin K that are present in food, vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 is found in leafy green vegetables and some vegetable oils. Vitamin K2 is found in much smaller amounts in meat, cheese, eggs, and natto. Vitamin K2 can occur in more than one form, menaquinine-4 (MK-4), a licensed prescription drug in Japan, and menaquinone-7 (MK-7), which is extracted from natto. Research has shown that MK-7 is the ideal form of vitamin K. After oral administration, it was better absorber and lasted long in the body compared to MK-4 and vitamin K1. Even though both have shown the ability to prevent osteoporosis, a much lower dosage of MK-7 is required to obtain the beneficial effects. MK-7 has greater biological activity, bioavailability, and more potent effects on the bone.

Strontium is very important in building strong bones. After being studied by bone health researchers, it has been determined that lower doses are not only safer for long-term supplementation, but also have a greater impact on bone health than high doses. Too little of a dose and bone density will be impaired, but too much and health will be impaired. In this case, dosing needs to be just right for optimal impact. Therefore, keeping supplemental strontium at less than 6 mg per day is the best decision.

Nutrients work by different mechanisms than osteoporosis drugs, allowing them to have the ability to be taken with osteoporosis medications and enhance the beneficial effect of these medications. Because calcium and other minerals may interfere with the absorption of osteoporosis medications, they should be taken at least two hours before or two hours after taking osteoporosis medications. It is always best to also discuss the supplements with your healthcare practitioner to create the best health plan for you. The above supplements and other fine products can be found at your friendly internet health food store.

Reasons Behind Weakening of Bones and How you Can Cope With it

2008-08-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

If you want to comprehend the underlying components that bring about osteoporosis, a disorder that is characterized by brittle and porous bone structures, you must first be aware of how bones in your body develop and expand as you go through your life. Bone is a constantly growing tissue in your bony that undergoes a perpetual cycle of degeneration and replacement. If that is the case, you may ask, why would someone experience a breaking down of bone density?

Well, when it comes to your bones, the important factor is the rate at which old degenerated bones are being replaced by new ones. This whole process of breaking and rebuilding bone structures is called remodeling and it can go on for as long as you live. Before the age of thirty, your bone structures are being replaced at a much faster rate than their deterioration. Beyond this age, however, the rate of the cycle goes on the opposite direction wherein the rate at which bone structures degenerate is much faster than the rate of replacement.

The slower process of bone replacement is the main cause of major bone disorders like osteoporosis. As you may well know, bones are living tissues composed of minerals and collagen proteins. Added with phosphate and calcium, these minerals become the body's skeletal structures. If the process of bone replacement is slower than the rate at which bone deteriorates, these structures will have a hard time replenishing collagen and other minerals; hence bones may become weaker and inflexible.

The Need For Strong Bones

Your bone structures serve as your body's framework. It serves as the structure to which all the other organs of the body are attached. Not only that, your bones are also responsible for providing protection to these same organs. You need strong and compact bone structures if ever you want to build a solid foundation and protection for your organs.

Casting Strong Bones

The strength and density of your bones are at their peak at about thirty years old. Nevertheless, your heredity is an important factor in determining the sturdiness and compactness of your bone structure. Plus, nutrition also contributes in the development of collagen proteins needed by your various connective tissues, which includes bones. Other influences on your bone mass include the amount of exercise you do everyday and, sometimes, hormonal fluctuations just like what occur during menstrual periods and menopause.

As you go on through life, you lose a considerable amount of bone strength and mass. In fact, for menopausal women, bone mass at a rate of about thirty percent can fritter away. Although the rate of bone loss may be different for each person, one thing is for sure, you will not have the same bone mass and strength in your 50's as when you were still in your teens.

Keeping The Strength

For some people, losing bone sturdiness and density may come at a much faster rate. This may lead to bone problems like osteoporosis. Studies have shown that over ten million Americans are suffering from this disease and about forty million more at the age of fifty and above are at the risk of having osteoporosis.

But the good news is, you can fight back! Before you reach the age when the rate of bone replacement declines, you must ensure that your body has a steady and sufficient supply of calcium and Vitamin D. These substances are proven to increase the density of your bones. And if you are really worried about bone loss when you come of age, you can beef up your bone replacement with products like Osteozyne. Visit www.osteozyne.com/ for more details.

Bone Types

2008-08-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

Bone is living tissue that makes up the body's skeleton. Bone is a connective tissue largely composed of an organic protein; collagen and the inorganic mineral hydroxyapatite. Bones are rigid organs that form part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates. Bones function to move, support, and protect the body, produce red and white blood cells and store minerals. Bones come in a variety of shapes and have a complex internal and external structure, allowing them to be lightweight yet strong and hard, while fulfilling their many other functions. One of the types of tissues that makes up bones is the mineralized osseous tissue.

Minéralisés bones also drew the bone, which gives the bones of their rigidity and honeycomb-type three-dimensional internal structure. Other types of tissue in the bone marrow particular, the periosteum, nerves, blood vessels and cartilage. The main bone tissue, bone tissue is relatively hard and lightweight composite material, formed mainly of calcium phosphate in the arrangement chemical called calcium hydroxylapatite (bone tissue that gives the bones of their rigidity ). It is relatively high, but compressive strength poor tensile strength, meaning it resists forces grow well, but not the thrust levels.

There are five types of bones in the human body long, short, flat, irregular and sesamoid. Long Bones are longer than wide, they are composed of a long handle (the diaphysis) plus two articular (joint) surface, called epiphyses. They are comprised mostly of bone, but are generally thick enough to hold considerable and spongy bone marrow hollow in the center (the medullary cavity). Short bones are roughly cube-shaped, and have only a thin layer of compact bone surrounding a spongy interior. Flat bones are thin and generally curved, with two parallel layers of compact bones sandwiching a layer of spongy bone.

Flat bones are thin and generally curved, with two parallel layers of compact bones sandwiching a layer of spongy bone. Most of the bones of the skull are flat bones, as is the sternum. Irregular bones do not fit into the above categories. They consist of thin layers of compact bone surrounding a spongy interior. As implied by the name, their shapes are irregular and complicated. The bones of the spine and hips are irregular bones. Sesamoid bones are bones embedded in tendons. Since they act to hold the tendon further away from the joint, the angle of the tendon is increased and thus the force of the muscle is increased.

Bone Health and Children - How Parents Can Help

2008-08-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

Parents regularly discuss their children’s health with their health care providers but rarely do they discuss their kid’s bone health, even though bone health is a central part of a kid’s overall health. Building strong bones by adopting nutritional and healthy lifestyle habits in childhood is very important and helps prevent bone loss and osteoporosis later in life.

Childhood, defined here as between infancy and adolescence, is a critical period for bone development. During this period, bones are actively formed through a process called remodeling, which involves breaking down old bones and building new ones. During preteen and adolescence, more bones are built than broken down and as a result, bone growth takes place during these periods. Kids are generally encouraged to consume foods rich in calcium because their bones need the mineral for development.

Most of the calcium (about 99%) in a kid’s body is found in his/her bone, which is used to form bone tissue. The amount of bone tissue in a given bone is commonly referred to as bone mass. As more calcium is deposited in bones, more bone tissue is made. This helps bones increase in strength and density, and this process continues until bone mass peaks, meaning that a person’s bones have achieved their maximum strength and density.

Experts do not agree on the precise age when bone mass peaks but for most people, it peaks by age 30. However, medical experts believe that 99% of peak bone mass is actually acquired by age 18 in girls and age 20 in boys, which makes youth the most important time to invest in a kid’s bone health. After this point, bone growth slows down considerably.

The question is what can a Mom do to help? Moms can do two important things: Encourage her kids to develop healthy eating habits and to get plenty physical activity. Encouraging your kids to adopt proper eating habits now can make all the difference in the world as they age. One way to accomplish this goal is to lead by example. Believe it or not, your kids watch everything you do- good or bad and they are unlikely to do what you say rather than what you do.

The Academy of Sciences recommends that kids 4 - 8 years old should get 800 milligrams of calcium a day while those 9 – 18 years old should get 1300 milligrams. These intake levels can be easily met through balanced diet that includes dairy products, fruits, and vegetables as well as calcium fortified breakfast cereals and juice. Steps as simple as replacing a can of soda each day with low-fat milk can make a huge difference in your kid’s bone development.

Also, your kids need vitamin D each day. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium in the small intestine. The main sources of vitamin D are fortified food and sunlight. Most active kids do not have any trouble making enough vitamin D in their skin from sunlight. Exposure to sunlight for up to 15 minutes a day may be all they need to meet their vitamin D requirement.

In addition to promoting healthy eating, moms can encourage their kids to get involved in regular physical activity that puts stress on their bones. Putting stress on bones helps them increase in size and strength. There are many physical activities that are good for the bone. A few examples are running, walking, aerobics, softball, baseball, basketball, table and lawn tennis, dancing, skating, football, and weight lifting.

Bone health is an important part of a kid’s health, and moms can help their kids build strong bones. Encouraging them to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D is one way to achieve this goal; the other is getting them involved in regular physical activity. When it comes to bone health, there is such a thing as “too little, too late.” The health habits you help your kids form today can make, or literally break, their bones later in life.

All About HIV AIDS - Facts You Must Know

2008-08-31T09:13:00.001-07:00

How was it possible that HIV AIDS became such a severe problem? Are the economical implications higher for this one than they are for other types of diseases? What are the resemblances between HIV AIDS and other outbreak of infectious diseases? Is it possible that the scientists and the specialists can find a way to stop this calamity, which is slowly eating us, alive?

These are all questions, which have been waiting for determined answers from the specialized people. Maybe they will get the right answers soon, or maybe they will be left unanswered for many years to come. What us, regular people can do about it is to be informed.

It is crucial that us, humans are well prepared and educated enough to stay away from this deadly affection, which can bring us to face our death much earlier than we should.

HIV infection has four stages. After two to six weeks from contracting the virus, symptoms that resemble the ones of the flu can appear. This way, the infected person can feel nausea, fever, night sweating, fatigue, and altered general state, headaches, muscle pain, etc. There are patients who do not mind these symptoms, or the symptoms simply do not appear. For the correct diagnosis of the HIV AIDS, it is necessary that special tests be conducted.

The second phase is slow and can last up to several years. This is the time when HI viruses multiply (HIV). The persons who know they are infected have no physical symptoms, they are only psychological, the people who have no idea they have been infected do not experience any type of symptoms what so ever.

The third stage of this awful disease is called Aids Related Complex, also known as ARC. During this period, things and general state change for the infected individual. The symptoms they experience are pretty much the same, if not identical with acute infection. The worst part is that the symptoms do not disappear this time. They persist and they make their presence known, so the infected person experiences them at another level.

The fourth phase of the illness is described and called the AIDS phase. The AIDS as a disease is named like that now when typical other affections appear in an HIV infected body. They are called opportunist infections. This type of affections is quite harmless for a patient with a healthy immune system. However, the weak and almost destroyed immune system of an HIV infected patient cannot handle and will not be able to protect itself against regular pathogenic agents.

There has been a theory developed lately, according to which not all HIV infected patients develop the disease, but the theory still waits to be confirmed. To cure the disease is no longer possible at this stage. After stage three and four, the evolution of the disease can be slowed down with the help of medication, but that is only valid until the immune system is still active. The total destruction of the immune system will lead to the decease of that individual.

Fighting Hiv/aids – Many Means, One Goal

2008-08-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

Amidst the pessimism springing from the recent failure of about 150 prevention trials that failed to shield subjects against HIV infection, there's the resolve to continue research on developing a vaccine, and battle through all the challenges the process poses.

On a pessimistic note, hope of a vaccine in the short term isn't anywhere in sight as France's National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS) has expressed. Though not in the short run, the Scripps Research Institute expressed optimism with a possibility of a vaccine in about 10 years. Till that time, the available HIV drugs need to reach one and all.

Apparently, HIV/Aids is quite a multi-headed monster. While efforts to curtail it continue, research reveals newer risky trends among people, and unravel findings that appear to be quite startling.

Risky Trends

Consider the case of India where and estimated 2 to 3.1 million HIV infected persons reside. Researchers inform that young call center workers are becoming a breeding ground for the infections because of unprotected sex with many partners amongst the staffers. About 1.3 million people graduate in India, many of whom choose to work in call centers due to good starting salaries of US$ 600 (from Indian standards).

But if you thought that India was alone, leading the trend, look at the trend in the UK, where about 33% men who have men as their sexual partners, and are aware of their HIV status, engage in unprotected and risky sexual behavior. The study was released by the Medical Research Council.

Research

Research, while it unravels mysteries, sometimes it does so at the cost of shaking you out of comfort zone. For instance, the report, from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, notices increasing HIV/AIDS infection rates among intravenous drug users, sex workers and gay men. Or that, as a study published in the Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases reveals, that many people think their partners aren't infected, even without an STD/HIV testing.

However, not all is grim about the HIV/Aids scenario, a lot of efforts to fight it are underway.

A Shining Workplace Program

Realizing the gravity, the corporate sector in Mozambique has stepped forward to take the bull by the horns. Mozambique's Confederation of Business Associations (CTA) has unveiled a program called EcoSIDA that's meant to address the malady in workplaces. The aim of the body is to test workers find their HIV status. Perhaps, there are lessons in the initiative, for Indian call center industry to learn from.

Education

In Florida, US, and with the National HIV Testing Day approaching on Friday, June 27, the health agencies and not-for-profit groups would host several educational events to inform and seek active participation Southwest Florida's minority communities. Minorities have higher than average infection rates.

Policy

Recently, the teenagers of the New York state made a request to the political leadership asking them to enact a Healthy Teens Act meant to provide fund for comprehensive sex education in schools. Similarly in India's National AIDS Control Board has approved the country's National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) to make care centers for kids with HIV.

Although it's heartening to see efforts on many fronts, however a lot remains to be done. While governmental policies do take time to take effect, education and initiatives to improve the reach of existing pharmaceutical drugs for HIV can perhaps be accomplished much faster.

Myself Recovered From Hiv/aids Completely

2008-08-31T09:10:00.000-07:00

I, Mrs. T. Selvi, female aged 26 years residing in Dharamangalam Salem District, Tamilnadu, India. I would like to express my treatment regarding HIV/AIDS. Such unbelievable treatment was given by a Traditional Siddha Medical Practitioner S.K.Balasubramaniam of Erode city in Tamilnadu, India.

This sexual transmission disease was transferred me from my husband who was expired on few years back due to HIV. Up to my husband’s death I could not know anything about HIV/AIDS. After his death, my health conditions being fall down day by day. A doctor nearby my town was referred me for ELISA test and I got positive result. This result has been made a sudden depression to me. I was totally collapsed. What about my future? What about my children? There is no answer….

In that time one bright day, I have heard some information about Dr.S.K. Balasubramaniam and his institution CR Pharmaa. Immediately I met him and clarify my doubts regarding curability of HIV/AIDS, he was clarifying my entire doubts up to my satisfaction. He was invented and manufacturing an Herbal Drug namely Vairolinn. It is an herbal injection based on ancient Siddha systems of India. I desired to take the treatment from end of April 2006. Initially I have HIV viral load 115000 copies/ml. The doctor was advised me to take this medicine regularly for the period of six months. But unfortunately, I was unable to take the treatment daily, since basically I am from the family of Contract labour and unable to stay in my native regularly. Anyhow I have taken the treatment atleast fifteen days per month. After completion of 4 months my HIV viral load decreased to 76700 copies/ml and my body weight increased 2.5kgs and after 8 months it was decreased 16399 copies/ml and weight increased nearly 4.2 kgs. If I have taken the treatment regularly I have get early recovery, due to my irregular attendance for treatment it is too late to get the recovery. Further I have taken the treatment another 3 months, totally 11 months of treatment with irregular attendance of just 170 days out 10 months due my very poor financial position. For this reason I could not able to spent money for testing and even a single test was not taken in the last 4 months of treatment period.

After the completion treatment, I feel that my health condition is improved very well and able to do very hard work just like lifting of weighted materials. I have done my entire work without any difference as in my previous days.

Nearly passing of 1year and 6 months (after completion of treatment), now I am in good health condition. I am still able to do very hard work in the quarries. Anyhow i have taken a blood test as on 04.06.2008 for my satisfaction and got a result HIV Viral load is below 53 copies/ml (the minimum detectable limit is 53 copies/ml).Now I am completely recovered from AIDS, since my HIV viral load is lesser than the detectable limit.

There is any advantage to me for sharing my story with you, No. Only in a broad view, my treatment story may useful to some HIV affected patients. My motive is very simple, I and my story will useful to atleast few HIV patient to get recovery from HIV and AIDS. I have also given the doctor’s contact details so as enable to you contact him.

Stamping Out Gender Discrimination to Prevent Hiv/aids

2008-08-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

Gender discrimination saps social consistency jeopardizing health and educational development. It is increasingly recognized as a key factor that makes women gravely vulnerable to AIDS and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Improving and intensifying poverty reduction strategies pragmatically, overall development programs should be en-gendered. Otherwise development achievements may be endangered failing to contain epidemic.

Approximately 17.7 million women were living with HIV/AIDS in 2006 all over the world. Multiple vulnerabilities like social, cultural, economical and biological factors intertwined as a vicious circle may make prevalence sky-high anytime among women in the developing countries of Asia. So we have to raise a clarion call on combating the spread of epidemic through ensuring gender equality.

Gender discrimination promotes unequal access to resources and opportunities, sexual violence, practice of unprotected sex, women trafficking and women’s paltry representation and participation in social development activities. All of this result in power disparities that characterize personal relationships between male and female undermine the development of not only women but also a nation to a great extent. In this context, capitalizing on capacity building initiatives for vulnerable women encompassing sensitization, training & orientation, exchanging information, experience & views and networking may play an important role to reduce the incidents of HIV as a whole.

Having significant and multifaceted impact on public health, education, technology, business and administration sector as well as on demography, household, macro economy and society on a great scale, HIV/AIDS continues to spread in Asia and the Pacific. Comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention programs have been initiated successfully in some countries. Nonetheless several grave factors like illiteracy, gender inequality, unprotected extra marital sexual behavior, increasing use of intravenous drugs, isolation from generic health care services as well as lack of outreach treatment and care services are contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS gradually from most-at-risk population to the general population. As a result, the number of HIV infections among women is increasing day by day. This is why focusing very appropriately and timely on the importance of women empowerment, policy makers should be made gender sensitized necessarily.

Adopting an inter-sectoral approach to gender equality and establishing links between gender, development and HIV/AIDS, vulnerable nations have to have technical supports to confront epidemic. There is no alternative to integrate gender into such major development areas as good governance, poverty alleviation, disaster management & recovery, sustainable environment promotion, information & development communication (IDC) as well as HIV/AIDS prevention.

An in-depth study entitled ‘The impact of women empowerment on HIV/AIDS prevention in Bangladesh’ conducted by BEES (Bangladesh Extension Education Services) indicates that women are mostly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS due to their inherited conservative behavior, beliefs in superstitions and religious dogmas. They are deprived of enjoying their minimal rights as well. Consequently they are affected by gender discrimination severely. A recent survey initiated by Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kallayan Foundation showed that only 22% young women (15-25 years) had heard of HIV/AIDS and do not know how to protect themselves from AIDS/STIs.

HIV/AIDS epidemic is mounting all over the world especially in the developing countries being the greatest impediment to human development. Young girls and women are greatly vulnerable due to their lack of power and means to protect themselves from practice of unsafe sex and ignorance as regards reproductive health. Through a gender lens, multisectoral development strategies should be both pro-poor and pro-women supporting the integration of HIV/AIDS prevention into the development planning activities. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are intended to halve extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. So in the course of reducing poverty, promotion of gender equitable behaviors through gender awareness will be able to contribute to reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS as per the desired achievement .

Don Be Alarmed With Hot Flashes During Pregnancy

2008-08-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

Although they are usually associated with the onset of menopause, hot flashes during pregnancy are quite common. Hot flashes are short periods when you experience intense heat and increased heart rate. Your face may become quite flushed and you may experience profuse sweating. If you are unfamiliar with this sensation, the experience can be rather frightening. One episode could last as long as five minutes, but they are usually less than a minute in duration. Some women do not experience hot flashes at all when they are pregnant and others have them all the time.

Experts suggest that hot flashes are caused by an increase in heat in the regulatory areas of the brain that control body temperature. One of the symptoms of pregnancy is an increase in the basal body temperature so it is only natural that you will go through hot flashes. Many things can trigger an episode, such as eating spicy foods. This is true even if these foods never bothered you before you became pregnant. Hot weather is another trigger that will make you feel warmer than normal and very uncomfortable. This is why many pregnant women find the summer months particularly trying when they are in the final trimester.

You don have to visit your doctor to get help for hot flashes when you are pregnant. There are natural ways of controlling this sensation and he/she will not likely prescribe any medication. They are often associated with lower than normal estrogen levels in the body. The best advice is to get to know the things that trigger your hot flashes and then avoid them as much as possible. The usual triggers include the following:

* Hot showers

* Drinking caffeinated drinks

* Consuming alcohol

* Smoking

* Becoming angry or stressed

* Hot drinks

Wearing loose clothing that gives your body room to breathe is another natural way of controlling your episodes of hot flashes. Another technique to reduce the discomfort is to take deep breaths from your abdomen and let the air out slowly through your nose. Taking walk can help to relieve the symptoms. Other treatments include swimming, taking cool baths and keeping cold water on hand for drinks when you need them.

While treatments for hot flashes do exist for menopausal women in the form of hormone therapy, this is not possible for a pregnant woman. When expectant mothers experience hot flashes the best remedy is to make changes in their lifestyle to help reduce the frequency and intensity of the episodes. During warm weather, having a fan close at hand or sitting near an open window with a wind blowing through will really give you comfort.

There is nothing to get concerned about when you do have hot flashes when you are pregnant. The episode may be embarrassing for you when you are in the company of others, but once you explain that you are expecting a baby, your friends will easily understand your situation. Some of them may have had the same experiences and may be able to offer you helpful advice.

Hiv- Causes of Hiv, Aids and Risk Factors

2008-08-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection has now spread to every country in the world and has infected more than 40 million people worldwide as of the end of 2003. More than 1.1 million people in the United States have been infected with HIV. The scourge of HIV has been particularly devastating in Sub-Saharan Africa. The proportion of adult women among those infected with HIV is increasing.

HIV is present in the blood and genital secretions of virtually all individuals infected with HIV, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. The spread of HIV can occur when these secretions come in contact with tissues such as those lining the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes (the mucus membranes), or with a break in the skin, such as from a cut or puncture by a needle.

What are the early symptoms of HIV infection?

Many people do not develop any symptoms when they first become infected with HIV. Some people, however, get a flu-like illness within three to six weeks after exposure to the virus. This illness, called Acute HIV Syndrome, may include fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, diarrhoea and enlarged lymph nodes (organs of the immune system that can be felt in the neck, armpits and groin). These symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for another viral infection.

Neurological and psychiatric involvement: HIV infection may lead to a variety of neuropsychiatric sequelae, either by infection of the now susceptible nervous system by organisms, or as a direct consequence of the illness itself.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii; it usually infects the brain causing toxoplasma encephalitis but it can infect and cause disease in the eyes and lungs

Risk Factors

Have unprotected sex with multiple partners. You're at risk whether you're heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Unprotected sex means having sex without using a new latex or polyurethane condom every time.

Have unprotected sex with someone who is HIV-positive.

Have another sexually transmitted disease, such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea or bacterial vaginosis.

Low Status of Women: Infection rates have been on the increase among women and infants in some states. As in many other countries, unequal power relations and the low status of women, as expressed by limited access to human, financial, and economic assets, weakens the ability of women to protect themselves and negotiate safer sex, thereby increasing vulnerability.

Many of these risk factors are behavioral in nature. In other words, by avoiding high-risk behaviors, you can reduce or virtually eliminate your risk of HIV/AIDS infection. Learn the risk factors. If necessary, change your behavior.

Building Life Skill Through Reproductive Health Literacy Reduces Vulnerability to Hiv/aids

2008-08-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

Reproductive health literacy has a sustainable preventive impact to promote a healthy lifestyle as well as responsible behavior. It is among the most powerful tools for reducing adolescents’ vulnerability to HIV/AIDS through providing necessary knowledge, stimulating positive attitudes and bringing about life skills. Life skill engendered from reproductive health literacy mobilizes efforts targeting to lessen high risk behavior.

Best practices may be adopted undoubtedly through peer education resulting in positive attitude within positive environment. An effective reproductive health literacy approach is multi-sectoral and integrated to address all factors that increase vulnerability as for HIV/AIDS. Vulnerable sexual behavior nourished by ill believes, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse, peer pressure and so on deprives people to enhance ability to prevent STIs. Ensuring to attain life skill, reproductive health literacy fosters analytical thinking and healthy habits. Adolescents having qualitative reproductive health literacy are very much responsible to gather adequate knowledge and potential expertise to curb infection of HIV/AIDS.

Adolescents need skills necessarily to practice safe behavior through reproductive health literacy with a view to creating self-esteem extensively to foil undesired peer and adult pressure. Thus they may have such core life skills as negotiation, ability of working together, self-awareness, decision-making, critical thinking, bargaining and diversity of creativity through gender session, orientation, training, courtyard meeting for exchanging views and experiences.

Adolescent girls are very much vulnerable suffering from discrimination and depriving of rights due to their social and cultural values and ill believes. Consequently they are mostly drop-out from formal education and made resort to risky behavior. Lack of access to HIV/AIDS information and prevention services provokes them to practice unsafe sexual behavior.

Adolescents, especially the girls, have to have exclusive opportunity to be aware of HIV/AIDS through preventive education that they are able to maintain their future partner’s reproductive and sexual health. Parents often feel embarrassed and hesitate to discuss with their adolescents to teach them about STIs frankly due to their strong religious believes, superstition practices and moral resistance.

Qualitative reproductive health literacy integrating preventive education to promote life skill ensures the social empowerment of adolescents. Academic curriculum should be designed and conducted to stimulate the creativity of adolescent girls through the holistic approach of income generating activities (IGA) internalizing gender awareness. Thus the impact of qualitative reproductive health literacy will sustain comprehensively making them socially empowered. After a certain period completing their secondary education, they will be able to influence their community as a persuasive pressure group to be aware of HIV/AIDS. In the name of women empowerment, this kind of life skill has a far-reaching and promising development output.

Adolescents have the consecutive acceptance and access to the respective community people. They may organize community based organizations (CBOs) in order to raise awareness. In the course of ongoing community mobilization through CBOs, adolescents will be able efficiently to set the community people thinking about HIV/AIDS prevention. Eventually the knowledge on HIV/AIDS can spread quickly and effectively as per desired outcome. Leaving a long lasting mark upon the community people, thus community based HIV/AIDS prevention program will be expanded by way of advocacy and behavioral change communication (BCC) on a great scale. In this aspect, the adolescents have to be trained up to conduct intensive interpersonal communication (IPC) that they may present information on HIV/AIDS prevention in a brief, dramatic and memorable fashion.

It is the utmost important to realize the potential that the academic curriculum has to fulfill the right of adolescents to reproductive health literacy as for attaining life skill. Then the aftermath makes them committed to the campaign of HIV/AIDS prevention seriously.

Reducing Hiv/aids Vulnerability Among Adolescents

2008-08-31T09:05:00.002-07:00

To reduce HIV/AIDS vulnerability among adolescents, there is a need to develop strategies and methods for effective curriculum focusing on sex education and life skills especially. Internalizing more participatory learning-teaching method, it is felt that a stronger integration of prevention education vis-à-vis sex & reproductive health approaches is essential for improving the high-quality HIV prevention & care. It is estimated that there are 1.2 billion adolescents in the world. Near about eighty seven percent of these adolescents live in the developing countries. More than eighty five percent adolescents of Bangladesh do not know what reproductive health is and how to practice safe sex. Most of them are not aware of how to undermine the vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. To make them free from such encumbrance as HIV/AIDS, we have to ensure a healthy and promising environment. It is believed that if the adolescents have qualitative reproductive health literacy ultimately HIV/AIDS prevention programs initiated by GOs and NGos will be successful.

Only effective education can ensure qualitative reproductive health literacy. This kind of literacy helps adolescents analyze thoroughly basic information, core messages, values and praxis related to HIV/AIDS prevention. Simultaneously they are able to inculcate caring and supportive attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). They possess the basic facts and information bringing about acquisition of knowledge and development of attitudes, values, skills and practices (KAVSP) as to undermining the spread of HIV/AIDS. Consequently they have profound awareness on practicing safe sex, use of condoms, gender equity, harmful effect of early marriage, premarital sex and unplanned pregnancy.

Reducing HIV/AIDS vulnerability among adolescents may be promoted auspiciously through evaluating the attitudes and values within community based social norms/beliefs, cooperation and teamwork. From the salad days, adolescents have to be guided by active and participatory learning that they may analyze, study ideas, solve problems and apply what they learn. It is important to ensure that active learning would be fast-paced, enjoyable and personally engaging. In this regard, cooperative learning may play a vital role to make the adolescents aware of HIV/AIDS significantly. It is one kind of effective group approaches with a view to learning with common objectives, mutual rewards, shared resources and complementary roles. Through this approach, group members are stimulated to help each other to master the lesson or activity. Thus an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect are established. Eventually the learning environment is warm as well as adolescents are made to express their views, opinions, attitudes and behaviors freely.

Adolescence is the prime and sensitive period of so many physical, emotional and cognitive developments. So adolescents have to experience many changes unexpectedly. In most cases, they remain unaware of how to efficiently cope with these kinds of physical and psychological changes. Attitudes to sexuality are being developed gradually during puberty. In this time, if adolescents are misguided or deprived of acquiring reproductive health literacy they will suffer all the time in their lives. There is no doubt that sexual maturity leads to happiness and fulfillment in future personal and social relationships. So there is no alternative for adolescents to learn about issues related to reproductive health from parents, teachers and other elders for being able to understand and develop a healthy attitude.

Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS is skyrocketing in the developing countries jeopardized by lack of qualitative reproductive health literacy among the adolescents. But reproductive health literacy itself offers one of the key hopes against HIV/AIDS epidemic as well as its influential eventualities. In fighting the pandemic, reproductive health literacy comprising transfer of skills and attitudes to reduce adolescents’ vulnerabilities to HIV/AIDS is the most effective means. It is seriously necessary to reduce the fear of HIV/AIDS any how. Reproductive health literacy can do a lot to combat HIV/AIDS facilitating adolescents in attaining the knowledge, attitudes and skills that they need to delay sexual intercourse, reduce their number of sex partners, prevent illicit drug/substance use and avoid infection by using condoms.

The academic curriculum of the developing countries like Bangladesh should provide adolescents with opportunities to learn and practice life skills, such as decision-making and communication skills, which can strengthen other important areas of early life development. It is expected that different aspects of inclusive HIV/AIDS/STI study must be built-in into all suitable subject areas, such as reproductive health, human rights & legal aids, home economics, gender development & women empowerment, social studies and science.

Risky Behavior Fuels Vulnerability to Hiv/aids in Low Prevalence Country

2008-08-31T09:05:00.001-07:00

Countries like Bangladesh where spread of HIV/AIDS is relatively slow nowadays have a window of opportunity to avoid more serious epidemics. Comprehensive access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in low prevalence countries should be ensured through strengthening integrated HIV/AIDS prevention programs and projects. In this regard, highlighting the priorities of an effective response to the epidemic, it is very much essential to take the exclusive scope to keep HIV at bay. It should be recognized that to scale up prevention, treatment, care and support is a vital right for all.

Encompassing enhanced access to inclusive treatment and prevention programs, significant developments have been found in recent years in global efforts to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. But due to practicing risky behavior, the number of people living with HIV is increasing consecutively. Diminution of national HIV prevalence is being brought about in some sub-Saharan African countries, though this kind of trend is neither remarkable nor long-lasting satisfactorily.

If there is low prevalence of HIV in a country it does not indicate that HIV prevention is low priority. Comprehensive access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in low prevalence countries may be promoted through developing a holistic and integrated national strategy plan with far-seeing and pragmatic targets for being achieved by 2010. To contain the spread of HIV epidemic, innovative HIV/AIDS prevention programs/projects have to be initiated complementing government efforts to orchestrate national strategic plan successfully through effective partnership as a whole.

Ensuring the involvement of civil society, NGOs, young people, religious leader as well as people living with HIV, a potential national AIDS coordinating authority comes in for maintaining profound linkages between national strategic plans and such other relevant programs as tuberculosis, sexual transmitted infection, reproductive health, general health care and so on. There is no alternative to mobilize human resources through improved management and capacity building for all aspects of HIV and AIDS prevention.

Greater availability of injectable drugs, stigma and discrimination towards people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, women trafficking, polygamy and early marriage may trigger epidemics on a large scale. Countries with low levels of HIV infection need sufficient funding, challenging and well-defined targets, and much-admired political and cultural commitment as well as community based well-planned social mobilization to strengthen support for national HIV/AIDS prevention programs. With an effective focus on prevention , enough financial and technical support have to be ensured to implement national strategic plans increasing significant participatory involvement in program design, implementation, advocacy and monitoring & evaluation.

In the context of developing countries, drug use is mostly a hidden subculture in the urban communities. According to the findings of BEES (Bangladesh Extension Education Services), 85% young people addicted in injecting regularly are severely vulnerable to ill health, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C in Bangladesh. Therefore a great urgency exists to ensure availability of health care services which protect young drug users from contracting blood-borne viruses all along the country. On the other hand, Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kallyan Foundation estimated that HIV prevalence among adolescent girls involved in such risky behavior as using drugs is higher than 60% in urban and suburban areas of Bangladesh. They must have access to health and social care services which provide support to change their high risk behavior and reduce the vulnerability caused by transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Injecting drug use, unprotected paid sex as well as unprotected sex between men considered as the centrality of high-risk behavior are fueling the skyrocketing spread of HIV/AIDS in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. Two in three (67%) prevalent HIV infections in 2005 were caused by drug abuse in central Asia and Eastern Europe. Near about 13% of HIV infections was due to use of non-sterile injecting drug use equipment among sex workers and their clients in the same countries. So the countries with low levels of HIV infections have to improve surveillance systems that they may better understand the factors identifying obstacles and opportunities for scaling up national HIV prevention, treatment, care and support efforts.

Anirudha Alam
Deputy Director
(Information & Development Communication)
BEES (Bangladesh Extension Education Services)
183, Lane 2, Eastern Road, New DOHS
Mohakhali, Dhaka 1206
Bangladesh.

9 Symptoms Which Could Mean You Are In Pre Menopause

2008-08-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways to handle menopause is to get educated about what it is and how it can affect you when it finally arrives in your life.

Pre menopause symptoms are natures way of easing you into the full version and many women are surprised to learn that these can actually start in their thirties.

Just be aware, they serve a strong purpose in conditioning you to the more severe symptoms you may experience during full menopause. Just think, to go from normal to the full version in one fell swoop could be just the ticket you need to be sent to a sanitarium. So don’t be alarmed if you experience these symptoms early.

Getting Educated

Education is a great way to mentally prepare for symptoms. There seems to be a common theory that pre menopause symptoms signifies old age and yes, they do in a way but to simply ignore any mention of them because of this could do you more harm than good.

Harm can come from not knowing what to do when it finally arrives. Too many women leave it to the last minute or even worse, when they are experiencing the big “M” and this is a strong reason why those that do just don’t cope well.

A study was conducted several years ago among women who took the time to educate themselves and those that didn’t and it was no surprise the findings revealed the former group handled the natural change of life much better.

In fact, experts suggest embracing menopause as a new beginning in women’s lives is great for creating a good mental attitude.

So what are some of the symptoms you should look out for. We’ve compiled a short list and remember two things, there are many more symptoms with some leading to others. Also, some of the symptoms mentioned below may not even have anything to do with menopause.

They could in actual fact be related to other conditions and this is one of the reasons it’s important to check with your doctor. If it is related to another condition then alternative treatment will be required.

Okay, here is a short list of pre menopause symptoms which could affect you well before you graduate to the full version:

1. Hot flashes are probably the most common symptom and can invariably create other issues.

2. Irregular periods are a definite sign you could be starting your change of life but don’t simply assume it is because it may be also related to other conditions. Always check with your doctor.

3. Mood swings are common and can result from hot flashes which can lead to lack of sleep which then leads to feeling irritable.

4. Weight gain can be related but like irregular periods, this can also be related to other issues.

6. Vaginal dryness can be a problem and is a symptom which can lead to a low libido and thus, lack of sex drive because of the pain associated with it. This can then create issues with your partner so watch this one.

7. Skin irritations and dry skin

8. Night sweats

9. Depressive mood

Community Based Strategic Plan to Curb Spread of Hiv/aids

2008-08-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

Curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS is a human rights issue. A commitment to solidarity, hope and compassion promotes comprehensive campaign as for HIV/AIDS prevention. It may result in a holistic effort to strengthen community based network through advocacy, capacity building and behavioral change communication (BCC). Having no minimal amenities, community people are led to vulnerabilities to HIV/AIDS enormously. They are mostly disadvantaged due to having no access to basic rights. If there is any community based common plan in support of the local response to HIV epidemic the reasons of vulnerability may be removed gradually and effectively.
Community based strategic plan to address HIV/AIDS should be outlined to prevent escalation of epidemic through action research in ways that recognize human rights and self-respect. In this aspect, it is greatly essential to organize social mobilization and accelerate support form local stakeholders and development partners involved in the community based response to HIV. There is no doubt that community based approach is a fundamental mechanism to stimulate the local contribution to deal with HIV/AIDS. To gather maximum support for community based efforts on HIV/AIDS, at first programs have to emphasize on coming in close contact with the local people. This is the effective means to be familiar with the values and perception of local people. Then they will be made to understand and perform the desired responsibility in response to HIV/AIDS.

Community based strategic plan encompassing local expertise and constructive commitment should be initiated to subvert the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the light of national HIV policy framework and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It would allow a profound and greater understanding of the nature of epidemic, its spread and eventuality.

According to UNAIDS estimates, over half of new HIV infections are occurring among young people (15-24 years) – or over 7,000 new infections a day worldwide. Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in the communities of developing countries. Nowadays HIV is a common threat to men, women and children in all communities throughout the world. The challenges in responding to HIV/AIDS may vary enormously from community to community owing to geographical location, livelihood status, social infrastructure and so on. Cross border movement, women trafficking, neighboring to high prevalent communities, gaps in health care delivery, low levels of HIV/AIDS awareness and sexual bondage because of poverty make the communities vulnerable affecting public health systems. To combat this vulnerability with regard to HIV/AIDS, there is no single solution. But integrated community approach may play an influential role to protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is why adopting a gender sensitive and human rights based approach, community oriented strategic plan will be well-equipped and groomed with a wide range of local stakeholders’ support and participation to address HIV/AIDS. Side by side community people will be efficient to discuss and develop norms, values and practice as to safe sexual behavior.
Community focused strategic plan for HIV/AIDS has to be based on the reality of the epidemic engendered from thorough case studies. The prevalence of HIV may remain low in communities. But there are some considerable factors that can play vital role to fuel its rapid spread extensively. Polygamy, dowry, gender violence & discrimination, believes in superstitions as well as lack of safe health practice may kindle the spread of HIV/AIDS. If the awareness is not shaped fruitfully community wise, all of the programs to undermine the spread of HIV/AIDS will be failed. For instance, HIV/AIDS prevalence was low for many years in Indonesia even with lots of risky behavior. But in the past two or three years, the circumstances have been changed. At present, HIV/AIDS prevalence is growing severely in several communities of the country.

At last we may infer that any kind of community based strategic plan should be comprehensive, consistent, coordinated, constructive, consequence oriented and above all committed to community exclusively. Capitalizing on these key characteristics indicated by six C’s, it will be possible to attain a high watermark of success to combat skyrocketing vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.

Anirudha Alam
Deputy Director
(Information & Development Communication)
BEES (Bangladesh Extension Education Services)
183, Lane 2, Eastern Road, New DOHS
Mohakhali, Dhaka 1206
Bangladesh.

Don’t Suffer Menopause Hot Flashes Without A Fight

2008-08-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

With greater attention to women’s nutrition in recent decades, we now know much more about how to combat some of the inevitable discomforts of menopause. If you have yet to wake to cold, dank bed from hot flashes experienced in your sleep… prepare yourself, they’re coming!

Whether you’re struggling with the onset of premenopause or whether your persevering the final glimpses of postmenopause, a woman is likely combating the frustration of hot flashes.

And while we can appreciate how hot flashes are a part of the natural process of menopause and a universal phase of women’s lives, this still doesn’t afford women any more comfort.

Furthermore it will be irritating when you suffer them coming on at different times during the day, but they will be even more irritating when they occur without your being consciously aware of it in the night.

Despite how natural night sweats may be, the clammy, damp sheets never get any more pleasant. My mom’s physician once attempted to comfort her by discussing how these sweats were just her system eliminating extra toxins and thus she may enjoy a kind of increased sense of feeling cleansed.

Perhaps this is technically accurate, but it sounds like a story intended to comfort her rather than a way to address the infuriating process of waking to a chilly, clammy sleep.

Thankfully, in recent years more genuine and willing awareness of women’s health matters have developed to a point where a much wider part of the health industry now studies and provides various therapies to help women in their battles with menopause night sweats.

We are developing more and more widespread utilization of safe, natural therapies and hopefully more and more clinical testing of these treatments to verify their usefulness. There are now a number of safe methods for you to attempt, thus I encourage you to be more proactive in addressing your discomfort.

Whether you utilize an improved diet, a selection of natural supplements, an adjustment to your vitamin and mineral intake, or whether you become more aggressive with obtaining particular fans developed specifically to gently cool you in the night, there are a number of options for you to consider which were not available only a few years ago.

I suggest you do something about it, though. You might begin to feel futile and just chalk it up to another inevitability of life, but this doesn’t need to be case. Plus, your entire body and psyche will be stressed and challenged as you tolerate perimenopause, so willingly subjecting yourself to another nuisance like night sweats just isn’t necessary.

Take a more aggressive approach to your menopause night sweats from perimenopause so you can combat some of the more dramatic shifts your system and psyche shall experience during these delicate years. The last thing you need while persevering this period of your life is to suffer from poor sleep.

So don’t willingly roll over when those night sweats come creeping into your life. Study and learn ways your lifestyle, diet and supplement regiment can boost your ability to combat that dark dank nightly battle.

Acid Reflux Disease: The Truth On Why You Have Heartburn

2008-08-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

Heartburn, or GERD - gastro-esophageal reflux disease as it is known, is caused by the coincidence of two medical conditions. The first condition contributing to acid reflux disease is the backward flow of food and acid from the stomach to the esophagus. Nonetheless, the reflux does not always result in symptoms of acid reflux disease or changes in the organic tissues, and can happen in healthy individuals as well, when it is referred to as "physiologic gastroesophageal reflux".

The second factor encouraging acid reflux is a malfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES is a circle of muscle acting as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach, measuring 3-4 cm, some two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus. In cases of acid reflux disease, the stomach contents is pushed back into the esophagus because the LES does not shut properly. This is then called acid reflux disease, when symptoms of the disease then follow.

The typical sensation of acid reflux disease is persistent (twice weekly or more) heartburn. Heartburn is the burning feeling in the chest or the throat, when the stomach contents is pushed back to the lining of the esophagus. As people in good health may also have light reflux, occasional heartburn is common as well and does not immediately mean acid reflux disease.

Other sufferers of acid reflux disease may also feel chest-pains or suffer from coughs, hoarseness in the morning, vocal changes, problems in swallowing (notably lumpy foods), lasting earache, burning pains in the chest, nausea or sinusitis. Some sufferers describe sensations of food being stuck, choking or tightness in the throat. This is caused by the continual flow back of stomach contents in contact with the esophagus, resulting in swelling of the esophagus due scars from histological damage.

Acid reflux disease left untreated can have serious health consequences. These include constriction, bleeding, ulcers and spasms of the esophagus. When the acid from the stomach gets to the trachea as well as the upper esophagus, several severe conditions such as asthma, sinusitis and pneumonia can occur. Some patients can develop a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, where abnormal shapes and colors of cells occur in the esophageal lining. This is an initial stage before esophageal cancer, notably in adults over 60 years old.

There are three options for treating acid reflux disease: surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy that includes changes in diet and lifestyle and taking specific herbal supplements. Using surgery merits very careful consideration, given that certain underlying conditions can be complicated, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders. PPIs and H2 blockers are among the options for medical intervention in cases of acid reflux disease. While it is possible to apply prescribed medications or acid blockers like these, remember that the results are sometimes only temporary and that conventional medicine can lead to serious side effects.

GERD, seen from a holistic viewpoint, is a warning signal for an internal imbalance of consequence that must be correctly treated. For this reason, alternative medicine such as herbal medicine, changes in lifestyle, homeopathic remedies as components of a complete holistic schedule are the clear recommendation for heartburn sufferers.

Stomach Cancer, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis

2008-08-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

Stomach cancer is common throughout the world and affects all races, it is more common in men than women, and has its peak age range between 40 and 60 years old. Stomach cancer mortality is higher in Japan and Chile, presumably because of the different diets in those countries where they are less dependent on red meat.

Over the last 25 years the incidence of stomach cancer in the western world has decreased by 50% and the resulting death rate is less than a third of what it used to be but in less developed countries it is still a major cause of death, probably because in these countries by the time the disease is diagnosed (usually by means of a Barium meal) the stomach cancer is at a very advanced stage.

TYPES OF STOMACH CANCER
There are several different types of stomach cancer, some of which are very rare. The most common types of stomach cancer start in the glandular cells of the stomach lining (adenocarcinomas), this is where stomach acid and digestive enzymes are made, and where most stomach cancers start. When the stomach cancer becomes more advanced, it can travel through the bloodstream and spread to organs such as the liver, lungs, and bones. Stomach cancers that start in the lymphatic tissue (lymphoma), in the stomach muscular tissue (sarcoma) or in the tissues that support the organs of the digestive system (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) are less common and are treated in different ways.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Early clues to stomach cancer are chronic dyspepsia and epigastric discomfort, followed in later stages by weight loss, anorexia, a feeling of fullness after eating, anemia and fatigue. Blood in the stools may also be present and if the Cancer is in the Cardia (top) vomiting may occur.

CAUSATION
The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown although the presence of the Helicopter pylori bacterium seems to be a major factor. Predisposing factors include environmental influences such as smoking and high alcohol intake. Because stomach cancer is more common amongst those with a family history and with people with type A blood, genetic factors are also implicated. Dietary factors, particularly methods of food preservation such as pickling, smoking or salting also have an influence on the prevalence of stomach cancer.

DIAGNOSIS
Stomach cancer is diagnosed through an examination that may include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series; endoscopy or gastroscopy where a thin flexible tube is passed down the throat so the doctor can see into the stomach, esophagus and upper part of the bowel Barium meals and Barium swallows. Because stomach cancer can spread to the liver, the pancreas, and other organs near the stomach as well as to the lungs, the doctor may order a CT scan, a PET scan, an endoscopic ultrasound exam, or other tests to check these areas.

Stomach cancer can spread (metastasize) to the esophagus or the small intestine, and can extend through the stomach wall to nearby lymph nodes and organs. Metastasis occurs in 80-90% of individuals with stomach cancer, with a five year survival rate of 75% in those diagnosed in early stages and less than 30% of those diagnosed in late stages.

TREATMENT
Although stomach cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, in many cases surgery is the treatment of choice. Even in patients whose disease is not considered surgically curable, resection offers a palliative effect and improves potential benefits from chemotherapy.

The nature and extent of the cancer determines what kind of surgery is most appropriate. Common surgical procedures include, partial and total removal of the stomach.
Antiemetics can control nausea, which increases as the cancer advances. In the more advanced stages, sedatives and tranquilizers may be necessary to control anxiety. Narcotics are commonly necessary to control sever and unremitting pain.
In some cases of advanced stomach cancer, a laser beam directed through an endoscope can vaporize most of the tumor and relieve obstruction without an operation.

PROGNOSIS
Stomach cancer is curable if detected early, but most people do not seek medical help until the disease is quite advanced, possibly because symptoms occur late and are often vague and non-specific. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidant vitamins (such as A and C) appears to lower the risk of stomach cancer. The rate of stomach cancer is about doubled in smokers so the cessation of smoking is essential.

In the United States and most of the Western world, the 5-year survival rate ranges from 5% to 15%. In Japan, where stomach cancer often is diagnosed early, the 5 year survival rate is about 50%. Five year survival rates for more advanced stomach cancers range from, around 20% for those with regional disease to almost nil for those with distant metastases.

Treatment for metastatic stomach cancer can relieve symptoms and sometimes prolong survival, but long remissions are not common. The survival of inoperable stomach cancer is usually only a few months if untreated. With chemotherapy the average survival is about 12 months. If cancer is found before it has spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 61%.

Stomach Cancer - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis,Treatement, and Prognosis

2008-08-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

Stomach cancer is common throughout the world and affects all races, it is more common in men than women, and has its peak age range between 40 and 60 years old. Stomach cancer mortality is higher in Japan and Chile, presumably because of the different diets in those countries where they are less dependent on red meat.

Over the last 25 years the incidence of stomach cancer in the western world has decreased by 50% and the resulting death rate is less than a third of what it used to be but in less developed countries it is still a major cause of death, probably because in these countries by the time the disease is diagnosed (usually by means of a Barium meal) the stomach cancer is at a very advanced stage.

TYPES OF STOMACH CANCER

There are several different types of stomach cancer, some of which are very rare. The most common types of stomach cancer start in the glandular cells of the stomach lining (adenocarcinomas), this is where stomach acid and digestive enzymes are made, and where most stomach cancers start. When the stomach cancer becomes more advanced, it can travel through the bloodstream and spread to organs such as the liver, lungs, and bones. Stomach cancers that start in the lymphatic tissue (lymphoma), in the stomach's muscular tissue (sarcoma) or in the tissues that support the organs of the digestive system (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) are less common and are treated in different ways.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Early clues to stomach cancer are chronic dyspepsia and epigastric discomfort, followed in later stages by weight loss, anorexia, a feeling of fullness after eating, anemia and fatigue. Blood in the stools may also be present and if the Cancer is in the Cardia (top) vomiting may occur.

CAUSATION

The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown although the presence of the Helicopter pylori bacterium seems to be a major factor. Predisposing factors include environmental influences such as smoking and high alcohol intake. Because stomach cancer is more common amongst those with a family history and with people with type A blood, genetic factors are also implicated. Dietary factors, particularly methods of food preservation such as pickling, smoking or salting also have an influence on the prevalence of stomach cancer.

DIAGNOSIS

Stomach cancer is diagnosed through an examination that may include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series; endoscopy or gastroscopy where a thin flexible tube is passed down the throat so the doctor can see into the stomach, esophagus and upper part of the bowel Barium meals and Barium swallows. Because stomach cancer can spread to the liver, the pancreas, and other organs near the stomach as well as to the lungs, the doctor may order a CT scan, a PET scan, an endoscopic ultrasound exam, or other tests to check these areas.

Stomach cancer can spread (metastasize) to the esophagus or the small intestine, and can extend through the stomach wall to nearby lymph nodes and organs. Metastasis occurs in 80-90% of individuals with stomach cancer, with a five year survival rate of 75% in those diagnosed in early stages and less than 30% of those diagnosed in late stages.

TREATMENT

Although stomach cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, in many cases surgery is the treatment of choice. Even in patients whose disease is not considered surgically curable, resection offers a palliative effect and improves potential benefits from chemotherapy.

The nature and extent of the cancer determines what kind of surgery is most appropriate. Common surgical procedures include, partial and total removal of the stomach.

Antiemetics can control nausea, which increases as the cancer advances. In the more advanced stages, sedatives and tranquilizers may be necessary to control anxiety. Narcotics are commonly necessary to control sever and unremitting pain.

In some cases of advanced stomach cancer, a laser beam directed through an endoscope can vaporize most of the tumor and relieve obstruction without an operation.

PROGNOSIS

Stomach cancer is curable if detected early, but most people don't seek medical help until the disease is quite advanced, possibly because symptoms occur late and are often vague and non-specific. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidant vitamins (such as A and C) appears to lower the risk of stomach cancer. The rate of stomach cancer is about doubled in smokers so the cessation of smoking is essential.

In the United States and most of the Western world, the 5-year survival rate ranges from 5-15%. In Japan, where stomach cancer often is diagnosed early, the 5 year survival rate is about 50%. Five year survival rates for more advanced stomach cancers range from, around 20% for those with regional disease to almost nil for those with distant metastases.

Treatment for metastatic stomach cancer can relieve symptoms and sometimes prolong survival, but long remissions are not common. The survival of inoperable stomach cancer is usually only a few months if untreated. With chemotherapy the average survival is about 12 months. If cancer is found before it has spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 61%.

Vegetarian Diets for Preventing Bowel and Stomach Diseases

2008-08-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

A vegetarian diet is known to provide a wide range of health benefits. Research has shown vegetarians to suffer less heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, various cancers, diverticular disease, gall stones, kidney stones, osteoporosis and bowel disorders.

Vegetarian diets have also been used in the treatment of various illnesses.Many of the health benefits derived from a vegetarian diet have to do with creating a healthy environment in the bowels and stomach. Our digestive systems, from prehistory on, were designed to metabolize vegetable matter, more than animal products. Fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts provide the kind of dietary fiber our digestive systems need to function properly. The Western diet that's high in processed and refined flour and sugar, and in animal products that are laden with hormones and antibiotics, are actually anathema to our insides.

When the digestive system doesn't function and work as it's intended to, that leads to opportunistic diseases or changes in the DNA of cells in the stomach and colon. And there are more practical considerations as well. When we don't get enough of the fiber we need, we incur a host of digestion and elimination problems, such as constipation and hemorrhoids that are a result of straining. These diseases and syndromes are much less evident in a vegetarian population than in a meat-eating population.

Diverticular disease affects the colon and symptoms include lower abdominal pain and disturbed bowel habit. It occurs frequently in western countries where intake of dietary fibre is low. Diverticular disease is found to be less frequent in vegetarians, 12% of vegetarians studied having diverticular disease compared with 33% of non-vegetarians. This is thought to be due to the increased fibre of vegetarian diets.

Other diseases of the bowel that occur less frequently in a vegetarian population include irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic ulcerative colitis, mostly likely due to the increased fiber content in a vegetarian diet. And of course a diet that's higher in dietary fiber that comes from a vegetarian diet will decrease the likelihood or risk of colon cancer.

When you consider the risks that come with a diet that includes meat and animal products, and the benefits that come from a vegetarian diet, does the prospect of a steak or burger or bacon really sound that good to you? Doesn't it at least make sense to reverse the portion sizes and proportions of meats to vegetables and side dishes? In other words, if you must continue to eat meat, then make meat your side dish, or just incidental to your meal, such as in a stir fry. Increasing the proportion of fruits and vegetables in your diet can only be good for you.

The Secret Power of Vegetarians

2008-08-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

Most people who don't know anything about the vegetarian lifestyle think that is must be pure drudgery being a vegetarian and giving up meat. That is a misconception because even though meat is not a part of a vegetarian diet, it isn't about what you are going without, it is what is in your diet and in your life that makes a vegetarian lifestyle work so well. If you actually interviewed a vegetarian, the last thing they would say is that they are all about not eating meat. Instead they are about living in healthy way in a way that is at peace with the environment and with their own bodies.

The body of knowledge about vegetarians that most people don't know is pretty astounding. Most people do understand the basic three reasons someone becomes a vegetarian which are health, animal rights and spiritual or moral reasons. But there are a number of side benefits and little secrets only vegetarians know that if they became popularized, the flood of converts to vegetarianism would be overwhelming. Some of those little secrets includes :

1.Vegetarians are not depressed as much as others because they know some secrets to overcoming depression naturally.
2.Vegetarians do not struggle with weight issues as much as others.
3.Vegetarians are better informed about nutrition and know how to make the most of what they eat.
4.Vegetarians sleep better, are more energetic and need less sleep than meat eaters.
5.Vegetarians have a much reduced incidence of cancer, heart disease and digestive disorders.
6.Vegetarians live longer than meat eaters.

One secret vegetarians know that gets almost no press is the power of walnuts. There is a little known chemical in walnuts called serotonin that is a powerful antidepressant. Now you can get your doctor to prescribe an artificial anti depressant which can cost you a lot of money and put you at risk for chemical dependency. Or you can make a nice hot cup of tea with walnut as part of the mix. About half a walnut shell mixed in with your regular tea brew fills the drink with serotonin. Taken regularly, you will feel the effects of a chemical pick me up that can combat depression very effectively.

Another little secret of vegetarians runs against the normal rules of dieting to get the full value of nutrients you might expect from eating a salad. Diet theory would have you use no salad dressing or at very least a zero fat or low fat salad dressing. Vegetarians who are more in touch with the effects of foods in their bodies know that the real value of eating salad are the natural nutrients in leafy vegetables called carotenoids. But science has shown us that the best way to pull cerotenoids from green vegetables is to use a higher fat salad dressing. So enjoy that fatty dressing because your vegetarian lifestyle will deliver plenty of weight loss value to you even with this small indulgence that can do you so much good.

Speaking of tea, green tea is often a staple of a vegetarians diet because of the little health secrets buried in this amazing drink. Green tea has powers to help your digestive system, help combat depression and to accelerate weight loss that ancient cultures like the Chinese and India have known for centuries. Vegetarians have caught up on this secret of health knowledge ahead of us so its time well learned from their wisdom.

These are just a few of the wisdom of the ancients that have been rediscovered by the modern vegetarian "craze". But it really isn't a craze because once you start living a healthy life cashing in on these many benefits a vegetarian lifestyle will give you, you will never want to go back.

The Truth About Easy Vegetarian Recipes

2008-08-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

There has been much talk about new vegetarians and critics about finding an easy vegetarian recipe. In some cases, the need to find an easy vegetarian recipe is motivated not just by the need to really find one but to satisfy curiosity as well. Is there really such a thing as an easy vegetarian recipe?

The Value of Cooking at Home

Some new vegetarians may be tempted to easily buy take outs at vegetarian restaurants. Most of us know however that there are great advantages to cooking meals at home. Home cooked meals are almost always cheaper to prepare and have the additional benefit of binding members of a family in a comfortable atmosphere. One other major plus factor for you as a vegetarian is that you are 100% sure of the cleanliness of your vegetables and what exactly goes into a dish.

Knowing What Type You Belong To

The first step to finding the right easy vegetarian recipe to cook and serve is to find out what type of vegetarian you are and the people you are going to cook for. The most common type of vegetarian is the lacto-ovo-vegetarians who eat vegetables, fruits, eggs and dairy products. A lacto vegetarian eats the same kinds of food except for the eggs.

If you are a vegan type of vegetarian, then you would probably want to do away with any animal meat and animal-based food in your easy vegetarian recipe. There are other kinds of vegetarians but these are the most common. Once you know where you, your family and your friends belong to, finding an easy vegetarian recipe will be easier.

The Recipe Myth

A common misconception with vegetarian recipes is that they are complicated to prepare. Since most vegetarians also lead busy lives, this may seem discouraging. There is however no truth to this common belief. In fact, some vegetarian recipes are the easiest to prepare.

Some vegans for example simply puree or blend fruits and vegetables for truly fresh and satisfying fibrous meals. Less strict vegetarians however also have a variety of choices. For lacto-ovo-vegetarians for example the only thing that needs to be omitted are meat products and meat based products. This means that you can basically sauté or steam anything you like as long as there isn't any meat in it. For a truly substantial, tasty and healthy easy vegetarian recipe, you can substitute meat with tofu, beans, legumes and nuts.

Stocking

It is advisable for vegetarians to stock variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products at home. Aside from the usual fruits and vegetables, you can also stock up on spices, seeds, olive oil, pasta, rice, cereal and noodles. Just imagine what you can cook up even with just these basic ingredients. An easy vegetarian recipe can be as convenient as sautéing some vegetables, spices, beans, tomato sauce and topping it on rice.

Washing

One thing you have to remember about any easy vegetarian recipe is that you have to properly wash and clean all of your fruits and vegetables even those with inedible peelings. Most of these food items have changed hands so often before reaching you that they're bound to carry some dirt or bacteria. Wash your food with running water and use a brush for fruits and vegetables with dimpled, corrugated or hard skins.

Are Vegan Supplements Good for Strict Vegetarians?

2008-08-24T06:27:00.001-07:00

The question as to whether or not vegan supplements are good for strict vegetarians cannot be answered or understood without a complete understanding of the meaning of the terms 'vegan' and 'vegetarian'.

Where eating meat is concerned, there are several different types of diet, one extreme being the Atkins Diet where devouring animal flesh and fats is positively encouraged. However, it is not that extreme we are concerned with here, but the opposite, where no meat is eaten. Is there anything in a vegan diet that there is not in a vegetarian diet, or are vegan supplements harmful to strict vegetarians? These are questions that we shall now look at from a scientific viewpoint, since emotions are not involved in the answer to the question.

It is certainly true that for many people, emotions are very much involved in the distinction between an omnivore and vegetarian, and also between a vegetarian and a vegan. Some of these have to do with the concept of eating 'friendly furry animals' and others to do with the ethics of breeding animal life for the sole purpose of eating it. While these concepts have nothing whatsoever to do with the scientific arguments, they have a lot to do with the various types of eating habit used throughout the world.

Some reasons for a vegetarian diet are imposed by local agricultural and husbandry conditions, where meat is simply not available to most people, others due to religious beliefs and yet others to personal feelings of disgust at the moral arguments involved in eating animals that have been bred specifically for that reason. If we take carnivores and omnivores out of the equation, including those that do not eat red meats, but eat chicken and fish, what do we have?

Vegetarians that eat dairy products and eggs are referred to officially as lacto-ovo-vegetarians. The reasons for the name are obvious. They eat eggs, cheese and yoghurt and also drink milk. The strict vegetarians, on the other hand, who are part of the subject of this article, eat vegetables and dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese, but omit eggs. Then, finally, we have the vegans that eat only vegetable matter and no dairy products or animal based food at all. Each of these, you would think, would have a decreasing intake of nutrients essential for healthy and healthy growth.

A vegetarian diet, as opposed to that of a vegan, contains many nutritious foods that omnivores also eat, such as pulses (lentils, peas, beans), grains (wheat, oats), nuts, seeds and vegetable and fruits of any form. It can also include protein in the form of soy protein and tofu that can be formed into sausages, burgers and other meat-like products. Why vegetarians should want to make their foods look like meat is unknown, but that seems to what they prefer. The likely reason is that the majority of vegetarians and vegans became so after eating meat, and it helps them to stick to their diet by eating food in familiar forms.

Many have started their diets with what they know, and have substituted soy for minced beef in their spaghetti sauce, for example, and quorn for beef in their burgers. Together with a good piquant tomato sauce it is hard to tell the difference. Other than truly meaty dishes such as steaks, then, most meat dishes can be substituted for vegetarian alternatives or substitutes.

However, what does this do to the vegetarian's nutrition? How does the vegetarian maintain a sufficient intake of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients by eliminating meat from their diet? Let's have a look at some of the nutritional content of fish and meat that vegetarians are apparently not getting.

The first is protein, the main source for most people being from the flesh of meat and fish. Protein is essential for the maintenance of healthy muscles, vital organs, skin, and believe it or not, bones. A vegetarian eating eggs has no problems with protein, since eggs and cheese are full of it. There is also the protein in soy based foods and in quorn, a mycoprotein derivative of fungi. Nuts, peas, beans, cereal grains and seeds are all rich in proteins and the vegetarian does not have a problem in consuming an adequate supply of protein.

If we come to minerals, the most important for the health of your blood is iron. Green vegetables and whole grains are good sources of iron, as are pulses and some fruits. However, it is animal sources of iron that the body most easily absorbs, and in order for it to make use of vegetable sources, you should consume a good intake of vitamin C by eating plenty of fruits and green vegetables. You must take these at the same time as the vegetables that contain iron, or the iron will not be absorbed into the body. Otherwise, the vegetarian has a sufficient iron intake to maintain the health of their red blood cells.

The other critical mineral is calcium, essential for healthy bones and teeth. Many dark green vegetables are good sources of calcium, as are turnips, swedes and fortified soy milk. Zinc, too, is essential and without it many enzymes could not be synthesized by your biochemistry, and it is also necessary in the male reproductive system. Zinc, too, has many vegetarian sources, such as nuts, wheat germ and whole grains, and is also contained in soy.

So far in this evaluation neither vegetarians nor vegans have been seriously compromised by their diet, although there are arguments that a vegetarian diet can harm young children since there is insufficient protein available to allow normal growth and development. This is currently under debate, and it is a matter for parents to consider whether or not their children should be raised on a purely vegetarian diet.

However, when it comes to a vital vitamin that is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the prevention of anemia, vegans become unstuck. Vitamin B-12 is found predominantly in dairy products and other animal products. It is claimed that cereals enriched with B-12 and fortified soy products provide this vitamin to vegans, but what are the sources of the vitamin that is used as a supplement?

It is generally accepted that vegans require vitamin B-12 supplements, and also others such as calcium that they might be deficient in due to their diet. It is possible that the only real supplement needed is vitamin B-12, although many nutritionists claim that both vegetarians and vegans should take supplements to boost intake of those nutrients of which the normal route to the body is through eating foods of animal origin.

There are many nutrients obtainable from animal sources that are classed as neither vitamins nor minerals, and for which there are adequate supplements to suit the needs of vegans and vegetarians alike. Further evidence is needed, however, that vegans are deficient in these since many of them have alternatives of vegetable origin that might annul their necessity.

One thing, however, is absolutely certain, and that is the answer to the original question. It is absolutely true that vegan supplements are good for strict vegetarians. The reason for this is that vegan supplements are designed to replace not only nutrients that the body might be deficient in due to a strict vegetarian diet, but also those missing by the absence of dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.

Vegetarians will also benefit from such supplements, and it could be important to their health that both vegetarians and vegans take them.

Vegetarian Lifestyles

2008-08-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

A total vegetarian or vegan diet, contrary to popular belief, is interesting, flavorful and usually includes a much wider variety of foods than those consumed by the average omnivore. By adopting a vegetarian diet, not only do we avoid the risks presented by consuming animal products, we enjoy colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes provide an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidant packages that go to work to help protect our cells against heart
disease and invading cancers.

Vegetarianism (for health) doesn't need to be a religion. It will be a meal by meal choice. Their staples like rice, oats, beans, and pasta are very inexpensive. Vegetarians do not need to eat special combinations of foods to meet protein needs. However, it is important to be aware of fat.

Meats and other non-vegetarian products add toxins in the body and make it a bit difficult to get rid off; thus leading to further health complications. A vegetarian diet on the

other hand, is easy on the body, is a healthier option, and helps the body to get rid off toxins easily. One of the most important health factors of a vegetarian diet is the lowered amount of cholesterol intake, you will lower your cholesterol levels greatly by a vegetarian diet, but a vegan diet will stop your intake 100 percent.

Vegetarian alternatives are now more accessible to everyone. Serve simple foods that can easily be duplicated by food service (rather than more expensive foods like fake meats). You may choose to serve several at one sitting, or go periodically, say once a month, with different selections. Serve with salad, we also like couscous with herbs and spices and roasted veg. It works well and as my daughter (at the moment) will eat chicken but not much in the way of red meat we are surviving. Serve the kabobs with a tossed green salad and something light for dessert, such as a fruit sorbet. Vegetarian diets that are poorly planned may range from a lack of protein, iron, and zinc, vitamin B12 to having a deficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids to vitamin A, B2, D and iodine. Without a proper diet, people who are vegans may be deficient in vitamin B12 and calcium. Vegetarian Times is packed with delicious, easy recipes that can aid proper weight control. Our pages contain everything from quick dinners for the family to elegant company meals.

For most vegans, veganism is more than just a diet it is also a lifestyle. Vegans or total vegetarians only eat plant foods, which include legumes or dried beans and peas, grains, seeds and nuts. Lactovegetarians eat plant food and include cheese and other dairy products. Vegans can get adequate calcium from plant products but it is a challenge! Studies suggest that vegetarians don't need as much calcium as non-vegetarians - but as much doesn't mean not any. If you are using tofu as a calcium source, be sure it is calcium set. Soy, itself, does not contain substantial calcium; it is a certain process of making the tofu that adds the calcium. Vegans are considered vegetarians but are usually known as total vegetarians since they do not eat meat of any kind, never wear clothing made from animals (wool for example), and never consume animal-based products like milk and eggs. That is the most extreme of the vegetarians.

Meat consumption is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer (number four in both men and women), whereas legumes and dried fruits appear to be protective. Ovarian cancer, number five in women, has been linked with dairy (including skim milk), egg, and meat consumption.

Meat analogs produced by high-moisture extrusion of soy proteins are good alternatives to animal meat and have many health benefits. In addition to textural properties, an abundant fibrous structure in such extrudates is a key factor for consumer acceptance. Meat analogs can be purchased to replace hamburger, steak, chicken, hot dogs, sausage, and many other meat products. Meat analogs are vegetable-protein based foods made to resemble and simulate various kinds of meat. These analogs have become a healthy alternative for the mainstream consumer interested in reducing the meat in their diets. Meat eating contributes to a mentality of violence through "karmic consequences.".Fear begets fear, fear begets violence, and violence begets violence. Meat-eaters inflict a heavy burden on vegetarians we pay dearly for the meat addictions of our fellow citizens today; and if things continue as they are, future generations of vegetarians will pay even more dearly. As of yet we vegetarians are not allowed tax breaks nor lower insurance premiums for our gentle lifestyle.

Animal wastes cause 10 times more water pollution than does the U.S. Meat producers are the number one industrial polluters in our nation, contributing to half the water pollution in the United States. Animal agribusiness requires vast resources, resulting in the devastation of the environment, and is a major contributor global warming (more, in fact, than all the world's cars, trucks and airplanes combined). And avoiding meat is better for our bodies: the American Dietetic Association reports that vegetarians have lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease, lower blood cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and lower rates of hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer and that vegetarians are less likely to be obese than meat-eaters.

Eating nuts and whole grains, while eliminating dairy products and meat, will improve your cardiovascular health. A British study indicates that a vegan diet reduces the risk for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Eating flourishing is digit of the easiest structure to secure both your feeling and fleshly eudaemonia rest at their constructive peek.

Vegetarians do not support the meat producing industry, an industry that accounts for more waste production than all other industries in the United States combined. As a vegetarian, you benefit from a more healthy lifestyle, as well as promoting a healthier planet. The SDA vegetarian diet recommends some legumes, nuts, and low-fat diary products in moderation. Examples of recommended dairy products would be milk, yogurt, light cheeses, with eggs used sparingly. Add a massive orange juice (they only come in "massive" these days) and you have a pretty healthy veggie meal for a couple
of bucks. The eggs are on the register but not the menu. Even though fatty meats may be limited on a vegetarian diet, a steady diet of fatty dairy products could cause the amount of artery-clogging saturated fat that is consumed to be off the Richter scale!

IMPORTANT NOTICE It is strongly advised that all persons seek advice and guidance from a competent medical doctor regarding and prior to embarking on a vegetarian dietary lifestyle change. This is particularly true for pregnant women or mothers who are breast feeding infant children, senior citizens, growing children, and/or any individual who is suffering from or being treated for any disease or health disorder.

Variety Adds Vitality to Your Vegetarian Recipes

2008-08-24T06:17:00.002-07:00

Vegetarianism is on the rise in contemporary America, largely because of nutritional, ethical, and environmental concerns. Still, recent surveys put the number of true vegetarians at less than three percent of the U.S. Vegetarian food can be very simple; for example, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is vegetarian. Vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants and protect us from many diseases. Green vegetables contain essential vitamins & minerals and are thus very beneficial for health.

Probably one of the most perplexing thoughts a person has when they transition to vegetarianism is keeping their diet filled with a variety of fun, diverse, and nutrient-dense foods. It can sometimes feel like you're cutting many options out since you're no longer consuming meat, and it may seem you're losing even more options if you've also decided to cut dairy and eggs from your diet as well. With a little creativity, planning, and forethought, you might be surprised how much variety you can achieve with your new vegetarian diet - perhaps even more than your meat-eating days!

Vegetarian recipes are tasty, and easy to make. You can turn any recipe into a purely vegetarian one by replacing the meats with any vegetarian alternative. Raw foods are considered healthy because they lose none of their nutrients through heat in the cooking process. More rigid raw eaters simply blend fruits and vegetables. Raw sliced almonds are also a nice alternative to pecans.Vegetarianism can be very confusing to those who are not familiar with it. But I have discovered that I feel better when I eat vegetarian meals. Raw foods are considered healthy because they lose none of their nutrients through heat in the cooking process. More rigid raw eaters simply blend fruits and vegetables. Raw sliced almonds are also a nice alternative to pecans. And contrary to popular belief, vegetarian recipes are full of the taste and enjoyment of many other foods you eat..

Vegetarian recipes provide the most efficient nutriment for the human system, because plants form the basis of the food chain, closest to the source of life itself, which is solar energy. Indian vegetarian dishes are loaded with antioxidants. Many spices protect against cancer, heart disease, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. Vegetable curries and usals. Salads, koshimbir and bhurta. Contrary to popular belief, preparing a quick easy vegetarian meal may be a convenient task after all.

Vegetarian recipes are included, as well as information on adapting some recipes to a vegetarian diet. Each recipe contains nutrition information per serving and even cost per serving, which many cooks find helpful. Raw foods are considered healthy because they lose none of their nutrients through heat in the cooking process. More rigid raw eaters simply blend fruits and vegetables. Raw sliced almonds are also a nice alternative to pecans. And contrary to popular belief, vegetarian recipes are full of the taste and enjoyment of many other foods you eat.

Vegetarianism isn't just about food or health or what we put in our body we should remember that it is a lifestyle and a lifelong commitment that extends beyond the table. It extends to our own fashion to wardrobe to interior pieces and other things. The information, recipes and website links on this page are provided to help anyone begin or to increase their ability to be a vegetarian. Vegetarians have their own favorite dishes and desserts. Vegetarian diets call for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and soybeans as a replacement for meat (which is much higher in saturated fats and much lower in fiber, antioxidants). This contributes to a healthy heart.

Indian food is different from the food of any other country. India has a great variety of foods compared to any other country. Indian cuisine varies from region to region, reflecting the varied demographics of the ethnically diverse subcontinent . Cuisine across India has also been influenced by various cultural groups that entered India throughout history, from regions as diverse as West Asia , Central Asia and Europe. Gujarati cuisine of India is predominantly vegetarian among other Indian cuisines. For pure vegetarians India is a heaven.

Indian vegetarian dishes are loaded with antioxidants. Many spices protect against cancer, heart disease, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. Indian vegetarian food proves all of this wrong. Indian culinary, or the art of cooking, has evolved with the times imbibing its share of various ingredients by different froeign invasions of rulers and travelers but without affecting its original identity. Therefore, whether it is North India, South India, East India, West India, the central part and the north-eastern part - each place has its own flavor of food and style of cooking.

Meatless meals are great for stretching the family food budget. In general, vegetarian cooking provides essential protein nutrients from plant sources plus dairy products, eggs and whole grains. Meat can be considered as being a vital part of the main daily meal. While meat lovers will not have a problem with this inclusion into their meal, others may.

The Lifestyle of A Vegetarian

2008-08-24T06:17:00.001-07:00

One of the biggest injustices that the vegetarian movement has endured is that in popular culture, the image of a vegetarian is that of a fanatic hippy or cult member who is "off the deep end" and cannot think about anything else besides "saving a cow" and pushing vegetarianism on everyone he meets.

The truth is that the lifestyle of a vegetarian is not that different than everyone else in the culture. In fact, the odds are that somewhere in your social circle at work, school, church or in your family and friends network, you already know several people who are quietly enjoying the lifestyle of a vegetarian. So to help us get over the negative stereotypes to understand how a vegetarian actually lives, lets examine what is different about a vegetarians life.

The most significant difference in how a vegetarian lives is obvious because it is in how he or she eats. You will not find any meat in a vegetarian's kitchen. Now this doesn't mean that a vegetarian cannot live in a family and be at peace with meat eaters. If the home has one vegetarian but others who are not, you will be able to tell from the presence of soy and perhaps more fruit and fresh vegetables in the refrigerator. But the idea that vegetarians cannot be around meat eaters is false. If anything vegetarians are peace loving and can live their lifestyle around others who are not of their belief system very well.

Grocery shopping with a vegetarian is an eye opening experience and one that is quite different in more ways than you would suspect. Being a vegetarian isn't just about what you don't eat in that you don't eat meat. It is also about a completely different approach to diet and foods. So you will not see a vegetarian buying food in the same way most people do. There will be much more time spent in the fresh produce section of the grocery store. The checkout basket of a vegetarian will give him or her away every time because it will be overflowing with fresh foods.

But shopping for food with a vegetarian means shopping in other places than the local grocery store. It means buying grains and beans in bulk at a warehouse store because that is one way that a vegetarian maintains health by replacing the protein and other nutrients that the rest of the world gets from meat and replacing it with proteins from beans and other natural foods. It also means shopping in farmer's markets and even shopping in a vegetarian specialty store for some high nutrition meat substitutes like tofu.

The vegetarian movement is in harmony with many of the earth first movements such as the organic movement and the green movement. So a vegetarian kitchen will have more organic foods on hand to reduce the presence of harmful pesticides and other substances in the diet. Also vegetarianism affects the lifestyle beyond just the refrigerator and the pantry. You will not find leather clothing in a vegetarian's closet and you wont find fur there either. That is became for the most part vegetarians are sensitive to animal rights and they don't want to see the skin of animals used in their clothing.

The house of a vegetarian will also be a recycling house to do all that is possible to cut down on waste and to be earth friendly. Along with recycling bottles and cans as you might expect, a vegetarian recycles a lot right at home. A recycling home will often have a compost pile in the yard for food waste and it will also support a good sized garden to use that compost to grow at home organic foods to supplement a healthy diet.

For obvious reasons, a vegetarian will have vegetarian friends and belong to social groups and attend functions that support the vegetarian lifestyle. Eating out with a vegetarian will mean going to more ethnic food restaurants and you will see a lot of creativity in how to order foods in a restaurant. But contrary to popular opinion, vegetarian eating is more flavorful and diverse than the normal diet.

Just spending a day with a vegetarian will reveal to you a more harmonious lifestyle that is sensitive to the environment and at peace with itself. It is a healthy and happy lifestyle and one that should be attractive to all of us.

Reasons for Choosing a Vegetarian Diet

2008-08-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

Let us start with a brief background on some the reasons people have chosen a vegetarian diet in our history:

The idea of vegetarianism is not a new one, by any stretch of the imagination. Indeed man has in one way or another eaten vegetarian diets since his beginnings. Granted, the first vegetarians did so only out necessity. Meat may not have been available due to harsh winters, animal migrational patterns or even poor tribal leadership. Only foraged food would have been available under such circumstances.

As man evolved and became more able to manipulate his environment, so came the option to choose. Available facts point to the first vegetarian ideologies being practiced in Egypt around 3,200BC where some religious groups abstained from eating flesh, as they believed it produced bad karma with regards to their reincarnation.

Around 2000BC Hindus, on the Indian sub-continent, began practising vegetarianism in the belief that a vegetarian diet is needed to reach spiritual enlightenment. Even today, Hindus make up the largest percentage of vegetarians on the Earth.

Also from the Indian sub-continent, around 600BC, came the religion of Jainism. In its teachings, Jainism insists that we honor the spiritual nature of all life. Extemely dedicated Jainists go to the extent of straining insects from drinking water and even wearing masks to avoid inhaling small, airborne creatures. They will only eat fruits that have natually fallen from trees and are not supposed to eat honey or rooted plants.
Janism is the only religion requiring their monks to be vegetarian.

Vegetarianism was also popularised in Ancient Greece by many of the great philosophers including Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. Indeed vegetarians in Europe were originally referred to as Pythagoreans, after the Greek Philosopher Pythagoras advocated a vegetarian diet for its nutritional and ethical values. He claimed,

"As long as Man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love."

It was not until 1847, when the first vegetarian society was formed in Ramsgate, Kent UK, that the name Vegetarian was first conceived. Contrary to popular belief, the word Vegetarian arose from the Latin word `vegetus`, meaning `lively` which was how early vegetarians claimed their diet made them feel.

Many reason have been voiced in favour of vegetarianism in our history including the long held philosophy that vegetarians are living longer, healthier lives than their meat eating counter-parts. Much evidence has already been accumulated to support these claims.

Now let us look at some of the reasons that justify becoming vegetarian in our modern society.

Necessity
The case of necessity speaks for itself really; anyone unable to find a supply of meat sufficient to sustain life must find an alternative until such time that meat becomes available again.

Economic
An Economic Vegetarian is someone who practices vegetarianism either out of necessity, lack of funds for instance, or because of a conscious or philosophical viewpoint that the consumption of meat is economically unsound and that vegetarianism will help improve public health and curb many starvation issues.

Environmental
Environmental Vegetarians are similar to Economic Vegetarians. According to the United Nations, the livestock sector (cows, chickens, pigs, etc) is one of the three most significant contributors to our most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global. It is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases. The use of feedlots, for cattle feeding, is one of the most inefficient and environmentally harmful ways of producing meat; yet they still remain widespread throughout cattle farming.

Religion
Many religions support vegetarianism including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Taoism. They offer similar teachings which stress the value of all life and forbids the act of destroying life simply for human gains.

Distaste
Some people genuinely do not enjoy the taste of meat, suggesting it tastes sweaty or fatty. Others choose to be vegetarian because they find meat products aesthetically unappetizing. An example being, the carcass of a herd animal lying in a field would attract real carnivores such as big cats or wolves, but the mere sight would disgust most humans.

Animal Welfare
Many vegetarians, especially western vegetarians, are motivated by animal welfare. They see animals as our friends, with whom we share the world and not as mere food. The fact that most parents actively encourage their children to love and appreciate animals is totally contradictory to the way in which humans really respect and treat animals.

Personal Health
Possibly the single most reason more and more people are turning to vegetarianism, current studies are showing that vegetarians are living longer and healthier. A study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1999 found that the mortality ratio in fish eaters was lowest (0.82) then followed by vegetarians (0.84) occasional meat eaters also at (0.84) compared to regular meat eaters at (1.0).
A recent study shown in the British Medical Journal concluded that,

"Higher IQ at age 10 years was associated with an increased likelihood of being vegetarian at age 30...IQ remained a statistically significant predictor of being vegetarian as an adult..."

Conscience
Conscience is a conglomeration of all the other reasons. It is our moral conscience, which allows us to weigh up what we see, hear and know. It is our choice whether we allow it to influence out daily life. Those who are able to suppress their consciousness, deliberately or otherwise, will ultimately make a decision that will not favour the miss-fortunes of animals.

I hope, that in some way, this article will encourage people to explore vegetarianism as a real option. Whatever reasons for becoming vegetarian, one thing is not in doubt; vegetarianism is here to stay and it looks likely to become the preferred diet of choice for all humans in the not too distant future.

Woman and Menopause: Symptoms and Treatment

2008-08-24T06:14:00.001-07:00

Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when the menstrual cycle stops. This is not a disease; rather it is a natural process in a woman’s life. However, the stage when a woman has her menopause could be a very painful and mentally debilitating stage. There could be several complications.

From an Ayurvedic point of view, menses is the flow of excess pitta from the woman’s body. Menses is called as Raja in Ayurveda. For this reason, the stoppage of the menses flow permanently, i.e. menopause is called as Raja Nivrutti, which literally means retirement of menses.

Menopause is a culmination of all the three doshas of the woman’s body. The menses themselves are pitta, while the woman may gain in her weight during this time. This indicates a kapha imbalance. Since the woman may become moody and even lose her sleep during menopause, there is a strong indication of the vata dosha at play also.

Menopause can occur in women after the age of 45 years, though this widely varies from one woman to another. The average menopausal age could be taken as 51 years. It must be made clear that menopause is not an abrupt end to the menses. The decline of the menstrual flow occurs gradually as the months progress. Generally, a woman is said to have had her menopause if there has been no menstrual flow for at least one year.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Menopause

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is more popularly known as Indian Ginseng for its believed aphrodisiacal properties. In the case of menopause, this herb is usually prescribed to cure insomnia and mood swings.

2. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)
Beetroot is found to be extremely effective in making the menopausal experience less painful. It should be taken as a salad, in which the beetroots are boiled with their peel on. The peel must be removed before eating.

3. Indian Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Known popularly as the jatamansi in India, this is another herb prescribed to cure insomnia and mood swings. For such benefits, this herb is prescribed to be taken along with ashwagandha.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Menopause

The complications during menopause can be reduced by bringing about changes in the dietary patterns. There are some very beneficial points that can be followed:-

4. Bitter foods are good dietary indications. The dark green leafy vegetables are mostly bitter in taste. They must be regularly incorporated in the diet as a woman is moving towards her menopause.

5. Astringent foods are also advantageous. These foods include beans, soybeans, potatoes, cabbages and poultry foods. Both the bitter and the astringent foods help in reducing the excess heat in the woman’s body that is produced during menopause.

6. Foods that are sour, salty and pungent are contra-indications for menopause. Onions, garlic, mustard and chilies are pungent foods. Tomatoes, tamarinds, vinegars and curds are sour foods. These must be avoided.

7. Consume foods that can provide some phyto-estrogens. Such foods are watermelon, berries, legumes, licorice and pomegranates.

During menopause, the need of the following nutrients increases:-
a) Vitamin D – obtained from egg yolk, milk and animal liver
b) Vitamin K – obtained from green vegetables, cereals and animal foods
c) Magnesium – obtained from nuts, bananas and dairy products
d) Manganese – obtained from cereal, bran, nuts and tea
e) Calcium – obtained from milk and milk products.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Menopause

Chandraprabha is the tablet of choice that most physicians would provide for menopausal problems. This tablet helps in reducing the vata vitiation which is one of the foremost causes of menopausal problems. Along with this, Punarnavasava or Lodhrasava must be taken thrice in 15 milliliters doses for a month. In order to increase the strength of the body, Dashamoolarishta and Pradari Lauha are prescribed.

If there are hot flushes during menopause (which increase body temperature and then cause sudden chills), then Ashokarishta is given along with Useerasava.

For any irritations or infections that may occur in the vagina during menopause, Gokshuradi Guggulu is prescribed to be taken in doses of two pills twice a day.

Massaging the back with Chandanaadi taila helps to allay insomnia and mood swings which can occur due to vata vitiations during menopause.

(4) Home Remedies for Menopause

1. Licorice must be consumed in fair amounts during menopause. It has the phyto-estrogens that are necessary to correct the hormonal imbalances during menopause.

2. Have beetroot juice daily or include it in salads.

3. Another recipe is to boil a few carrot seeds in a glassful of milk. Consume this milk with carrot seeds in it on a daily basis.

4. During menopause, there is a chance of osteoporosis setting in due to loss of calcium. Hence take adequate care of your calcium intake. The foods mentioned above must be had in the proper amount to maintain calcium levels.

5. Maintain a healthy active regime. Sluggishness and a sedentary life will make the menopausal process quite difficult.

Some Facts About Early and Premature Menopause

2008-08-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

A lot of people believe that menopause is a condition that appears in older women, above the age of 60. But, statistics say that about 1% of women between the ages of 15 and 45 are affected by early or premature menopause. This can appear because of many reasons, and it always leaves an imprint on the lives of all affected women.It was decided that if menopause appears before the age of 45, it is considered early menopause, and if it occurs before the age of 40, it is considered premature menopause.

In many cases, the doctors are not able to determine a cause for menopause in younger women, but sometimes, there are obvious causes of premature or early menopause.The women who have premature ovarian failure have ovaries that do not work properly, and this condition will cause the naturally-occurring premature menopause. The premature ovarian failure can occur because of many reasons. In 65% of the cases, autoimmune disorders are responsible. The body sees itself as an invader, and develops antibodies to its own products, including ovum and menses. Genetic factors can also have a role in the apparition of the premature ovarian failure. Some women are born with very few eggs which will cause menopause to occur years before it should, other women are born with irregularities in their X chromosomes, interfering with egg production before menopause should begin, and there are also other women that enter into menopause early because the same thing happened to their mothers.Premature or early menopause can also appear because of the so-called surgical menopause. Because of some health reasons, like endometriosis, polyps, or ovarian cancer, women will suffer an oophorectomy, or a hysterectomy, surgeries that cut off ovarian function, and as a result estrogen levels will drop suddenly, and the women will enter into menopause.Infections such as the mumps and tuberculosis can infect the ovaries, and will affect the hormonal balance. These cases are rare, but they can be linked with premature menopause.Chemotherapy or radiation cancer treatments can kill cancer cells, but they also kill healthy cells, especially digestive cells, and ovarian cells. There can appear temporary menopause, or permanent menopause.

Usually, the symptoms of premature menopause are the same as those of natural menopause. We can mention night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, headaches, and joint or muscle pain. There can appear body shape changes, and water retention.
Emotional ups and downs including depression, cravings, and forgetfulness can be experienced by the menopausal women.Usually, early and premature menopause tend to develop more severe symptoms than menopause occurring after the age of 45. In early menopause there is often a rapid decline in the amount of estrogen, and there can appear extreme hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, and depression in some women.

As treatment, it is suggested that most women who have undergone early or premature menopause seek out hormone replacement therapy. Taking appropriate doses of estrogen can ease the menopause symptoms, which are very sudden and severe, especially after surgery.A good help can be given by friends, family and other menopausal women who will be your support to pass through the difficult times.

Menopause Relief From Hot Flashes

2008-08-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Menopause is a natural occurrence in the reproductive cycle of the entire female population, eventually one way or another. But thankfully, millions of women have found a menopause treatment by taking a combination of herbs for menopause and vitamin E. This herbal menopause remedy has been utilized to prevent menopause hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and all the other 35 symptoms that are attributed to menopause. Let us take a look at what group of herbs for menopause have brought the most effective, lasting menopause relief to so many.

Soy, Black Cohosh, Damiana, and Vitamin E have been proven to work best in combination as a menopause treatment. Each has its own quality to relieve menopause symptoms, but in combination, these herbs for menopause provide the most optimum menopause natural remedy.

Soy comes from a seed and contains natural plant estrogens called phytoestrogens. No other food has a higher phytoestrogen content than soy. While phytoestrogens are weaker than human estrogens, they still behave similarly in the human body. Once in the body, phytoestrogens can balance a woman's estrogen level by attaching themselves to the body's estrogen receptor sites. After attaching, phytoestrogens have been shown to decrease estrogen levels in perimenopausal women and increase estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Additionally, besides providing menopause relief, research has shown that soy can beneficially promote heart health.

Black Cohosh comes from the root of a perennial plant that is native to North America, and its extract is primarily used today for menopause treatment. Black cohosh was used in North American Indian medicine for treatment of gynecological disorders, malaria, rheumatism, kidney disorders, and sore throat. It was also used for backache, colds, cough, hives, constipation, and to induce lactation. In 19th-century America, black cohosh was used as a home remedy for rheumatism, fever, as a natural diuretic, and to bring on menstruation. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has stated that black cohosh can provide menopause relief for up to six months, specifically in the treatment of the menopause symptoms of sleep and mood disorder, and menopause hot flashes.

Damiana comes from a yellow-flowering shrub that typically grows in hot and humid climates such as Central and South America, and the state of Texas. Damiana has historically been used as an aphrodisiac and some claim it induces euphoria. It has been shown to alleviate depression and relieve anxiety, thus producing relaxation. Some studies have shown that people suffering from sexual dysfunction, resulting from stress or emotional troubles, could benefit from supplementation of this herb.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that many believe also relieves menstrual hot flashes. Studies done in the late 1940's showed it to relieve hot flashes and postmenopausal vaginal dryness. There are other substantial benefits of this vitamin. A Nurses Health Study showed that women who took vitamin E over a two-year period reduced their risk of fatal heart attacks by 40%. Vitamin E is currently being studied for its possible effect on Alzheimer's disease and cancer. It is maintained, by advocates of natural herbal treatments, that combining vitamin E with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium, chromium, and beta-carotene may offer a plethora of relief for a number of maladies, and most likely work better together than separately.

Medical menopause treatment has radically changed over the past few decades. In the beginning, Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) was used extensively, but this gave way to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) using synthetic hormones. Lately, Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy (NHRT) is all the buzz. But all these medical treatments have been wrought with various adverse side effects, perhaps a return to the tried and true, safe and natural herbal remedies are a more prudent choice. You can learn much more about menopause and menopause treatment at GreatNewsHealth.
Resource box:
Menopause symptoms can be alleviated through a menopause treatment of safe and natural herbs for menopause. Menopause information about treatments, cures, and a best selling menopause natural remedy can be found by visiting http://GreatNewsHealth.com today.

The Herbal Way to Menopause Symptoms Relief

2008-08-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

We often hear middle age women talking about menopause and menopause symptoms relief. Just what is menopause? Menopause is a natural biological process that every woman will face when she gets to the age of between 45 and 55. It is by no mean an ailment, infection or a medical disorder. This process is more of a time of physical and emotional changes. With the onset of menopause lower levels of female hormones are produced by the ovaries.

The majority of women do not have much trouble going through menopause. On the other hand, there are many that suffer from average to severe symptoms. Menopause symptoms include night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, hot flushes, anxiety, joint pain, headaches, depression, sadness and heart palpitations. It is different with every woman when it comes to these symptoms. They could in some cases get worse or tend to last for years.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the common pharmaceutical treatment for alleviating symptoms of menopause. With this method women are either given oral estrogen hormone alone or combined with another hormone Progesterone in the form of progestin. These hormones are in a synthetic form. Until recently Hormone Replacement Therapy delivers the best menopause symptoms relief especially night sweats and hot flushes. It was also believed that HRT could prevent strokes, heart attacks and osteoporosis.

Many women have been taking HRT for years and it is now reported that it carries certain health dangers. These risks include blood clots, breast cancer, high blood pressure and uterine cancer. Menopausal women are advised to only take the lowest dosage that would give them menopause symptoms relief. They are also encouraged to take HRT for the shortest time frame possible.

There have been menopause natural relief products available that work for some people. For those who have very severe symptoms they have to resort to Hormone Replace Therapy. Today on the market there are products for menopause symptoms relief that are both natural and effective. Generally such menopause natural relief products are formulated with a blend of herbal extracts such as black cohosh, soy, damiana, vitamin E and other phytoestrogen herbal ingredients. Throughout history these components have proved to be effective in correcting hormonal imbalance. The ingredients in these herbal menopause symptoms relief products are highly recommended by leading herbal experts as alternatives to HRT.

Such menopause natural relief works by restoring the hormone levels of the body to give menopause symptoms relief. Females who have had a hysterectomy can also benefit from these products. These menopause natural relief products do not generally have interactions with drugs. Manufacturers of such menopause symptoms relief products often also make other quality herbal supplements.

For years manufacturers of menopause natural relief products cautioned women about the risks of synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Herbal menopause symptoms relief products are highly recommended by doctors the world over as the safe and effective menopause natural relief. Reviews from consumers show that menopause natural relief products are effective for menopause symptoms relief.

Many specialists are of the opinion that menopause natural relief products are safe and work better than prescription drugs or traditional hormone replacement therapy. Many of these herbal products do provide effective and guaranteed menopause symptoms relief. These products also help to maintain the normal functions of the female body.

If you are presently going through menopause and suffering from menopause symptoms, you owe it to yourself to find out more about such menopause natural relief products and how they can benefit you mentally, physically and emotionally.

The 4 Menopause Information Facts You Need to Know!

2008-08-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

Menopause is the permanent termination of menstruation and fertility. This stage begins when a woman has her last period. Menopause can be defined by 12 consecutive period-free months. At this stage, ovaries no longer produce eggs as hormone production stops, and common changes become noticeable - including vaginal dryness and loss of sex drive.

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life. The menopausal process occurs in four stages: pre-menopause, perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause.

Pre-menopause refers to a woman's fertile life, which ranges from her first menstrual period to her last menstrual period. However, the term is often misused to describe the years immediately before menopause (perimenopause) and also to describe premature menopause.

Perimenopause encompasses the years preceding menopause. It describes the length of time when your periods are becoming lighter or heavier. When discussing menopause, most women refer to perimenopause because its during this stage that the hormone levels change and levels of estrogen decline. As ovarian production decreases, the follicle stimulating hormone (or FSH) increases, triggering symptoms like hot flashes, headaches, memory problems, acne, and mood swings.

Perimenopause typically takes place between 45- and 60-years-of-age and can span a 2- to 10-year period of time. Early signs of perimenopause usually occur in a woman's mid-40s. Women who experience early menopause typically follow their mother's pattern.

4 Menopause Information Facts

Menopause Information Fact # 1 - Do all women experience menopause in the same way? No. Menopause experiences are different among individual women, and also among women in different cultures, and in different parts of the world. Research has shown that women's experience of menopause can be related to many things including: genetics, diet, lifestyle, and social and cultural attitudes toward older women.

Menopause Information Fact # 2 - Diet and exercise are pertinent during menopause, as inactivity can heighten the risk of weight gain, heart disease, and osteoporosis. The female hormone, estrogen, protects your heart and bones. When it drops rapidly, you will need to consciously work to compensate for its loss by adopting a healthy diet, an active lifestyle complimented with physical exercise, and by consulting your doctor concerning hormone replacement therapy.

Menopause Information Fact # 3 - To lessen menopausal sickness and lower cholesterol levels, menopausal women should consume foods that are high in plant estrogens. Ideal sources are soy products, lima beans, celery, nuts, seeds, fennel, parsley, and flaxseed oil.

In addition, adding vitamins C, D or E, herbal supplements, low-fat and high-fiber foods such as fruits, green vegetables and whole grains, will help energize your body and ease hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia and uncomfortable bloating. Lastly, lean protein such as chicken and fish can help you to lose weight. Eating five small meals instead of three large ones per day is recommended to keep your blood sugar and metabolism levels even throughout the day.

Menopause Information Fact # 4 - Because of the nature of early or premature menopause, a woman will experience another level of emotional reaction to her situation than someone who comes to menopause in due, natural course. As well, if disease or the treatment that is prescribed has contributed to the onset of early menopause, the individual's situation is that much more challenging. Psychological issues will likely need as much attention as the physical. Be as kind to yourself as possible. Seek support. Accept help and comfort whenever offered. Breathe.

In summary:

1. How will I know when perimenopause is over and full menopause has settled in? Menopause is considered to be in full effect when you cease to have a period for 12 consecutive months.

2. Will all my perimenopause symptoms disappear when I am in full menopause? No. The experience of menopause is not so cut and dry.

3. What is the single most important thing for me to do? Cultivate an accepting attitude. Menopause is a natural aging process that all women go through. The more you allow these changes to take place, the easier it will be on you. Try not to use menopause as an excuse for bad behavior.

The Symptoms Menopause Changes Estrogen And Progesterone Levels

2008-08-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

The symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. When estrogen drops suddenly, as is seen when the ovaries are removed surgically (called surgical menopause), symptoms can be more severe. Perimenopause begins several years before menopause, when the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Currently, hormone replacement therapy (estrogen with or without progestin) is the primary treatment for the symptoms and long-term risks associated with menopause. The work is the latest salvo in a years-long back and forth about memory, menopause, and estrogen. During menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen than during the reproductive years. As a result, many problems women have with menopause relate to low estrogen levels.

Perimenopause is the span of time prior to menopause when the ovaries' production of estrogen begins to slow down. Women experiencing peri- and postmenopause have found that supplemental estrogen provides the hormones they need to produce and maintain physical and emotional well being. During postmenopause, the depleted level of estrogen can increase other health-related risks such as heart disease and osteoporosis. The lower amounts of estrogen that come with menopause will cause changes in your body. Other Therapies Women also can take selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) to help prevent some of the bone problems that can occur during menopause. Generally in the past when a woman advanced into menopause, a doctor would routinely prescribe estrogen or progesterone in various strengths. During menopause, it is believed that when estrogen levels drop, this decreases the amount of serotonin available to the brain. Many physicians recommend estrogen replacement therapy to: Reduce the undesirable symptoms of menopause.

At this stage, many women experience menopause symptoms (see below). Middle-aged herself, Northrup writes from experience and, more important, from her professional expertise as a physician who has treated many women and researched menopause. A population based survey of women's experience of the menopause. You may begin to experience signs and symptoms of menopause well before your periods stop permanently. Prior to the onset of menopause, a woman can experience major changes in her moods and attitude. Prognosis Although menopause is a difficult period for some, most women will experience menopause without long-term problems. Women in perimenopause transition typically experience abnormal vaginal bleeding such as erratic periods or abnormal bleeding patterns. Women who smoke experience the menopause at an earlier age than non-smokers. However, many women experience major life changes during their middle age including menopause and sleep disturbances, which can increase the risk of developing depression. In the past, menopause was shrouded in mystery and often viewed as a negative experience and a precursor to death. Most women experience menopause between the ages of about but some go through it years earlier or later, as well. "But some fortysomething women are beginning to experience menopause and many find their desire for sex declines," Gupta informed us. Some experience menopause problems that their friends never do. In the western world about 12% of woman don't experience symptoms of menopause and about 14% experience intense physical or emotional problems.

Women and physicians have questions and concerns about the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during and after menopause. Like Sheehy, she reassured women that menopause encourages a journey inwards towards wisdom and serenity.%u201D Menopausally-provoked spiritual insight continues to strike publishing gold. Several generations ago, few women lived beyond menopause. In some women the early menopause occurs spontaneously. The same may be true of women approaching menopause, many of whom live a life filled with stress and worry. Malnourished women begin menopause about 4 years earlier than well-nourished womenEarly onset of menstruation. Each week nearly 30,000 women of all ages and stages find their spirits lifted by the show's light-hearted look at menopause. While some women choose to live with their symptoms, there are many therapies for the conditions associated with menopause. Today, women can expect to live one third of their lives after menopause.

Pueraria Mirifica capsule Pueragold THAI FDA. G. 10/2003 (E)

Pueragold is a premuim grade Thai herbal product derived mainly from the White Kwao Krua (Pueraria Mirifica) which contains. Phytoestrogen (Natural Plant Estrogen). This all-natural herbal formula stimulates and rebalances older women and men hormones level.

Pueraria Mirifica CAPSULE Pueragold THAI FDA. G. 10/2003 (E)

ALL Natural Dietary Supplement

High Phytoestrogens (especially isoflavones):

*Reduces Menopausal/Post-Menopausal symptoms

*Increases sensitivity and vitality

*Enhances physical and mental ability

*Darken white hair & increases hair growth

*Alleviates sleep disorder & improves eyesight

*Enhances Breast and Skin Appearance

*Supports Healthy Prostate Function

*Supports Healthy Bone Structure

Ingredients: Pueraria Mirifica and other herbs

Packaging: 60 capsules per box

Recommended Dosage:

Men/Post-Menopausal Women: Take 1 capsule after breakfast and dinner everyday

Precautions: *If should not be used in pregnant women,nursing cervix mothers, or women diagnosed with tumors in estrogen-sensitive organs, e.g., ovary, uterus and breast.

Signs of Menopause? is There Something to Worry About?

2008-08-24T06:05:00.000-07:00

Signs of Menopause? Is There Something to Worry about?

For most young women, the very thought that they will one day have to pass through a stage in their life known as menopause is enough to send them into a kind of trauma. Older women who have gone through menopause would rather not think about the harrowing times they had. And women who are experiencing this situation right now, the less said the better.

Menopause has always occupied a place of dread in the women's psyche. Most common signs of menopause are the hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, burning and itching. These are enough to make the woman's life hell, but that is not all. The signs of menopause do not stop there. There could be several other problems with normal urination such as increased urination, an unstoppable urge to urinate all of a sudden and urinary incontinence, etc. Mood swings are very common in women undergoing menopause, and so are a host of other mental disorders. Some women also become irritable during menopause, while others can have depressions, extreme fatigue and even temporary amnesia. These signs of menopause mark it as a very dreadful phase in the lives of women.

Menopause occurs in women around the age of 45 to 55 years, averaging in most of them at the age of 51 years. During this period, the woman's sexual functioning stops completely, and the estrogen levels go down. The menstrual periods come to a stop. The reduction in the levels of estrogen is responsible for the signs of menopause that are observed. In women who undergo hysterectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries and the uterus), menopause can be observed at any age.

Since the 1940s, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals have provided what is perhaps the best solution for women to face their menopauses with a smile. Premarin has been the drug of choice for women facing menopause for over six decades now. This drug contains three forms of estrogen – estrone, equilin and equilenin. All these three conjugated estrogens replenish the depleted estrogen amount in the body of the woman during menopause and help her to face the difficult times in a much better way. This drug is available in two forms – the Premarin pill and the Premarin vaginal cream. The pill is for internal administration, while the cream is for topical application at the vaginal tract.

Today, Premarin is the leading women's drug in the US, with a very large number of women using this drug. Recommendations for the drug are even passed on from on generation to another. At the same time, the Premarin vaginal cream helps in controlling other problems related with menopause such as the onset of vaginal atrophy. The products are also effective in controlling osteoporosis in users.

If the Premarin vaginal cream is used keeping all the contraindications of the drug in mind, then the woman will be able to sail through her menopausal period without any problems. However, the drug is not recommended for women who have breast cancer, neoplasia, vaginal bleeding, any hepatic dysfunction or an impending pregnancy. The hormonal balances Premarin causes in these conditions could lead to adverse effects.

However, healthy women going through menopause are using the Premarin pill and the Premarin vaginal cream effectively to face the inevitable problem.

This information has been brought to you by remusnet.com, which is an online resource to describe and review major medical products. You can visit their website here www.remusnet.com/signsofmenopause
If you would like to buy Premarin from convenient safe online store just click here www.remusnet.com/al/premarin.html

Menopace as Menopause Remedy – up to 85% of Women found it Effective

find menopause relief
menopause help
menopause remedy

The very mention of the word 'menopause' fills most women with dread. Quite simply put, menopause is the pause of their sexual life; it is the period after which they will not remain sexually active anymore. But that is not the issue that scares most women. The real fear of menopause is related to the several distressing symptoms that come with it.

In most women, menopause arrives with several correlated difficulties. There could be hot flashes, in which the body temperature increases without any apparent prior indication and then goes down just as suddenly. Some women break out in an unexplained sweat at night. There could be peculiar sensations in the vaginal tract, including itching, burning discomfort and a general dryness. All these symptoms are distressing enough, but they are not all. Menopause is a hormonal activity. There are many drastic hormonal changes going on during this period. Due to this, women may demonstrate peculiarities in their mental behavior also. Women may undergo depression, or they may get extremely irritable. There may also be loss of libido, which could convert into a permanent situation. To top it all, there could be insomnia.

Certainly, with all these problems, menopause is quite a foreboding period in every woman's life. But, there is respite. Hope comes in the form of Menopace, a very popular and effective drug used as a menopause remedy by women all over the world. Menopace is a safe menopause remedy replete with several vitamins, minerals and nutrients that women need at this stage of their life. Like most other menopause remedies in the market, Menopace doesn’t contain any hormones, so it can be safely taken even by the women who have undergone a hysterectomy.

Menopace is also very convenient to use. It is a one-a-day supplement, which is to be taken with water after a full meal. Since it is not a hormonal supplement, but rather a nutritional supplement, Menopace can be also continued after the menopausal period has subsided without any side-effects. Menopace helps women to find menopause relief from all the painful symptoms that make the period so difficult to live with. This includes the night sweat, hot flashes and all the mental and sexual related problems that occur commonly in this stage. Menopace is very effective too; about 85% of the women of the world have found this drug to help them to find menopause relief.

Menopace is today the leading menopause remedy in the UK. Women are preferring it to other brands because it works in the natural way by fortifying the body with nutrients rather than tampering with the hormones. It has been observed that Menopace does not provide just menopause help, but it also helps in improving the body in several other ways. The drug is supplemented with selenium along with vitamin E to prevent the eventuality of heart problems due to reduction in levels of estrogen. It contains magnesium, zinc and vitamin D, which helps the bones to become stronger. This is very important because in most women, menopause deteriorates the bones. So, Menopace is not just a short-term menopause remedy, but it also fortifies the body for the future.

Remusnet.com is dedicated to providing medical and pharmaceutical information to people from all over the world. You can visit their website here
www.remusnet.com/menopace If you would like to buy Menopace from convenient safe online store just click here
www.remusnet.com/al/menopace.html

Magnetic Bracelets for Relieving Pains of Arthritis

magnetic bracelets for arthritis
arthritis pain relief
arthritis natural cures

Statistics reveal that arthritis is affecting an alarming number of people all over the world. About 21 million people have this problem in the US alone. A quarter of all the people visiting the primary care physicians are doing so for their arthritis complains. Arthritis can be of different forms, but the most prevalent one is the osteoarthritis, which is characterized by pain in the joints of the bones. This single form of arthritis will have affected about 80% of all people of the world by the time they have reached the age of 65 years. All these figures are extremely intimidating; they are enough reason for someone to dread getting older. And the scarier part is, the average age at which arthritis is striking people is coming down with each passing year.

Arthritic pains can be very debilitating. It causes a sharp searing pain in the joint itself, accompanied by a burning sensation in the accompanying muscles and tendons. There is an acute soreness and stiffness felt in the region of the pain, which makes moving the joint almost impossible. If the joint is accidentally touched – however gentle the touch may be – it sends a very painful signal all around the area, which may make the person convulse in pain with spasms. Over time, the affected joints fill with a liquid, due to which they swell. At this juncture, the person needs to be extra cautious so that no contact occurs with the swollen part, or it would send out excruciating pain.

Arthritis has been documented in very ancient times, and it is perhaps one of the oldest diseases in the world. Generally, there is no cure. People, even up to the last century, had to resign themselves to their arthritic pains and put them with them until they died. But this is certainly not the case today. Magnetic therapy has made its appearance, and that has really helped in arthritic pain relief.

Science has proved that when a magnetic field is applied to any part of the body, then the blood circulation in that region improves. This brings the assimilated nutrients to the affected region, and improves the oxygen supply to the area. Endorphins, which help vastly in reducing pains, are circulated better in the affected region. With so many benefits, magnetic therapy is certainly being looked upon as a very effective method for arthritis pain relief.

Today, a very large number of arthritis-affected people all over the world are using magnetic bracelets. These specially designed magnetic bracelets for arthritis relief are very effective in reducing arthritis pains in the wrist and even in the fingers, such as the carpal tunnel syndrome. Since there is no medication required, magnetic bracelets are counted among the best arthritis natural cures known to humans.

Apart from bringing in more blood to the affected area and hence providing arthritis pain relief, the magnetic bracelets also help to drive away the accumulated fluids in the affected regions. This makes the body free from the toxins that aggravate the arthritis pains. One far-reaching effect of using magnetic bracelets for arthritis is that the immune system of the person improves on the whole, which is a very important side-benefit.

Magnetic bracelets are one of the most effective arthritis natural cures. Interestingly, these bracelets can be designed very much like jewelry – they can be plated in gold, silver and platinum – and so the wearer need not be embarrassed about having to wear something therapeutic. Genuine manufacturers of magnetic bracelets for arthritis are using highly ornamental designs to make them esthetically valuable, even studding them with jewels and ornamental studs.

You can visit remusnet.com for further information on magnetic bracelets. If you would like to buy magnetic bracelets from convenient online store just click here www.remusnet.com/al/magneticbracelets.html We are open to any suggestion or comment. Please leave your opinion here www.remusnet.com/magneticbracelets

Lower Your Bad Cholesterol with Lipitor

side effects from lipitor
lowering cholesterol
lipitor and contraindications

Lipitor needs no introduction. This drug is today the largest-selling drug in the world. The drug is the most effective treatment for reducing bad cholesterol in the body – the very same bad cholesterol that is responsible for life-threatening cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and atherosclerosis; and the best part is, Lipitor works even in people with complications of diabetes mellitus type 2.

Why is Lipitor so famous today? Certainly it is because heart disease is the single largest killer disease in the world today. Heart disease can affect just about anyone, belonging to any kind of social or economic background and living any kind of lifestyle. Medical statistics reveal that the age of people dying with heart complications is progressively decreasing year after year, and people just in their forties can be victims. One of the triggering factors for heart complications is the buildup of low-density cholesterol in the blood. This bad cholesterol deposits in the lumens of the arteries, making them narrower. Consequently blood cannot reach the vital organs, and the heart is one of them.

Lipitor works at this very root cause of heart diseases. It helps in lowering cholesterol in the body through a foolproof chemical reaction. Mevalonate is a chemical synthesized by the hepatic tissue, which is required for the production of bad cholesterol. Lipitor inhibits the very synthesis of mevalonate, due to which the cholesterol level is brought down. Lipitor is a statin drug, i.e. it belongs to the chemical family called as statins. Its chemical name is atorvastatin.

Today, Lipitor's effects in lowering cholesterol are so commonly known that this drug is being safely prescribed for people with obesity problems, which is as high as one in five in the developed countries of the world.

Lipitor is definitely a remarkable drug, but remarkable drugs do not come without their side effects. The side effects of Lipitor are that it can produce coughing, headaches, dizziness, difficulty in swallowing, congested feeling in the chest, puffiness of the eyelids, shortness of breath and skin rash. In some severe cases, Lipitor can produce side effects such as sore throat, blistering of the skin, swelling of some parts of the body and formation of white spots on the skin. However, the side effects of Lipitor can be easily got rid of through medical attention.

There are some contraindications of Lipitor that must be looked into. Pregnant and lactating women must avoid the drug completely, as it could cause developmental defects in the baby and also cause complications in pregnancy. Lipitor does not work well with most other drugs. So if you are on some medication, you must let the doctor know. Some other contraindications of Lipitor are alcohol abuse and smoking, both of which can interfere with the functioning of the drug.

Lipitor works excellently in lowering cholesterol, but no doctor will ever tell you to stop at Lipitor. The fact is that Lipitor must be taken in conjunction with other cholesterol-reducing treatments, such as a dietary regime and exercise. This will ensure the proper functioning of Lipitor in the body.

How To Achieve Healthy Bones and Healthy Aging

2008-08-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

Each day we live, we grow older failing to see that our bones and muscles demand activities to continue strength, endurance and resistance to life’s nasty living demands. Our bones need continued activities throughout our lives starting as a child. Until we turn 30, the bones continue to build. After this age, the bones begin to disintegrate. You can cutback this degeneration process by taking care of your bones in youthful days.

How it is achieved
Bone health is achieved through activities, such as exercise. In addition, you maintain healthy bones by increasing calcium. Supplements are available, which include the FDA marked remedies to help reduce bone loss from natural aging.

Taking calcium is very important during our entire life. Children should drink 2 cups of milk each day and adults 3 cups. Calcium in food is better to take than pills because you get more of it; food sometimes doesn’t have the right amounts in it due to the way it has been processed. Get that calcium in your body at an early age and keep it there. Besides calcium however, your bones demand a mixture of magnesium. You will also need a healthy dose of phosphorous. Vitamin D facilitates calcium to flow through the bloodstream. Free flowing bloods make a healthier you.

To improve bones, we also need to start at an early age getting plenty of vitamin D. As we get older, we have a tendency to stay out of the sun more. Don’t sit in the house all day. Rather try to get outside around noon and get some sun with all those vitamin D rays. Supplements can be used but again the sun is better. Maybe take a walk for 15-20 minutes each day to get the sun.

As we aging into the later years of our life, we have to keep those bones strong. You can benefit from weight bearing works, such as walking. Keeping those bones strong will help you survive falls. Falls is one of the leading reasons of bone breakage or fractures, especially as we grow older.

Unfortunately, adolescents don’t realize the importance of taking care of our bones. As these adolescents pass puberty however, their bones start to decline. Once a person reaches 50, the bones start to deteriorate, which puts you at high risk of fractures, disease and breakage. As the bones weaken, the muscles and joints will also degenerate. Injures then can lead to gouty arthritis, arthritis, osteoporosis and so on.

The high-risks of bone fractures are charted, which include hip fractures being the most common injure amongst the elderly. Hip fractures may sound like a minor ordeal, yet the truth is hip fractures are responsible for some deaths.

Weak bones are avertable even once you are middle age. It’s never to late to repair or mend our bodies.

Staying fit is the key to preventing risks of disease, hip fractures etc since the bones will stay healthy. In view of the fact, you want to consider a daily schedule, which includes activities and exercise. You want to keep those muscles free to move, since the muscles protect the bones. Stretch workouts and exercise will prevent your joints from feeling stiff as well, which joints support the muscles and bones.

When you exercise you, maintain weight. As you start to age, the body fat increases to more than 30%. This is too much added weight for the muscles, joints and bones. Carrying around this kind of weight on the feet, legs, etc will cause problems later. Maintaining your weight will help prevent and lower your risks of heart disease, bone disease, high-blood, high-cholesterol, diabetes and so on.

How To Reduce Weight Due To Menopause

2008-08-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

Women between the ages of 35 and 55 will soon experience menopause. It is not a disease but rather a phase in life where the female will no longer be able to conceive a child. One of the symptoms associated with this phase is weight gain. In fact, 90% of women will gain a few extra pounds which are not a direct result of overeating but rather a shift in your hormones.

Those who are already going through with menopause will probably notice a change in their physical body shape. Majority will gain between 10 to 15 pounds but this will not happen overnight. It will happen gradually like one or two pounds per year during premenopause and a little faster for those who are in early and surgical menopause.

The areas where you will see a physical change will be in the abdomen thus making you look fat when you look at yourself in the mirror. Again, this is not your fault but a fact of life because there are also already fluctuations in your hormones.

To explain this further, you have to understand that hormones do not only affect our behavior but also have a direct impact on our appetite, fat storage and metabolism.

Females have four hormones namely androgen, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. The first one namely androgen is the one that puts that excess weight around your abdomen. This happens because when you reach androgen, your body produces more of this hormone causing you to gain weight here rather than your hips, thigh or rear.

Estrogen is the hormone responsible for your monthly ovulation. When you reach menopausal age, the level of estrogen that is produced by the body decreases. Because of this, your ovaries need a source of estrogen so it taps your fat cells that have the ability to make this happen. This forces the body to convert calories into fat but since your fat cells are unable to burn calories like your muscles do when you work out, this also causes you pack a few extra pounds.

Another hormone that will also decrease during menopause is your progesterone levels. This causes water retention and bloating. The only good news is that this usually disappears after a few months.

Testosterone is the one that converts lean muscle mass out of the calories you take in from eating. During menopause, this level also drops thus resulting in the loss of this muscle. This will slow down your metabolism thus making it difficult to burn the food you ingested and it too causes weight gain.

Other factors that may cause weight gain during menopause could be attributed to insulin resistance and stress. Insulin resistance occurs when the body converts every calorie into fat. Stress can also make this happen as the body stores calories instead of burning as its way of saving on energy.

So how will you be able to reduce menopausal weight gain? A lot of experts believe that this will be difficult but not impossible. The most obvious is eating a balanced diet. You will have to give up food products that contain refined sugars and switch it to fruits and vegetables. You should also cut back on alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.

As much as possible try to stay active by exercising regularly. Examples of these could be aerobics, cycling, jogging, running and walking that will increase muscle mass and prevent osteoporosis.

Are Bone Density Tests A Waste Of Time?

2008-08-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

Degenerative bone diseases are very common. Many people drink all of the milk that they can in order to prevent osteoporosis from affecting them, but sometimes this is just not enough. One of the main keys to effective treatment for osteoporosis, brittle bone disease and various other bone conditions is early detection. Here are some signs that may indicate that you should consider having a bone density test done, in order to determine whether or not you are at risk for a bone disorder.

Women between the ages of fifty-five and sixty-five, particularly those who have gone through or have began menopause, should consider having a bone density test. The reason is because bone health is known to decrease significantly among women who have gone through menopause, due to the drop in estrogen that the body experiences.

However osteoporosis is not a disease that is exclusive to those older amongst us, it is also possible to get osteoporosis at a younger age, though much rarer.

People who are over the age of fifty and have a family history of bone disease should also think about having a bone density test. Many bone conditions are known to be hereditary. Anyone who has a family history of brittle bone disease, a condition that also affects children, should have this test done at the first sign of bone disease.

Anyone who has problems with absorbing nutrients or who lacked a well balanced diet when they were younger should consider having a test for bone density. The reason is because diet is known to play a major role in bone health. If your diet does not consist of adequate amounts of Calcium, Vitamin D or other essential nutrients, there is a possibility that you may have a degenerative bone disease. Keep in mind that certain eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, may have prevented nutrient absorption.

Keep in mind that certain medical insurance companies may or may not cover the cost of a bone density test, depending on risk factors associated with your bone health. If you have gone through menopause, are on certain medications or have certain pre-existing medical conditions which may cause you to experience a bone disorder, it is possible that they may cover the cost. However, there are many insurance companies that will not cover the cost. Since a bone density test is an important key to prevention and treatment for a bone disorder, it is important to remember that it is well worth the cost if you can afford to cover it yourself.

So is a bone density test a waste of time? Absolutely not. It is an essential step in the way to finding out if you need to do something more to tackle a problem with brittle bones. And if you do, then bear in mind that there are some companies around that manufacture some of the very best organic treatments for osteoporosis, and you’ve probably never heard of them.

So get out there and grab yourself a bone density test if you’re worried.

The Benefits of Calcium Supplements

2008-08-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

Throughout your life, calcium will prove to be very important. With the most important times of your life, such as childhood, breast feeding, or pregnancy, getting the right amounts of calcium is very important. For children, calcium helps with the growth of teeth and bones, and it prevents blood clots. With adults, calcium helps to prevent osteoporosis.

If you are looking to take, or currently taking calcium supplements, you should take them either before or after your meal, with a large glass of liquid, preferably water. If you are using chewable calcium supplements, then you should make sure that you chew the pills thoroughly before you swallow.

If you have trouble chewing them, you should always let them dissolve in a glass of water or juice then slowly drink once it is dissolved. Keep in mind, you shouldn’t take other medications immediately following calcium supplements, as they can easily interfere with other types of medications that you may be taking.

Although calcium supplements are ideal for promoting bone and teeth growth and health, you should always make sure that you can take them before you make the purchase. Those who suffer from lung disease, kidney stones, stomach problems, or diarrhea should always consult with a doctor first to make sure that calcium supplements won’t make things worse. If you happen to be pregnant, you should let your doctor know that you are interested in or taking calcium supplements, as that have been known to get into breast milk.

Normally, anyone can take calcium supplements, although using them in high doses may cause different and adverse reactions. If you take calcium supplements in large doses, you may experience constipation, vomiting, nausea, a loss of appetite, a dry mouth, and a loss of appetite. If you start to have any of the above problems, you should immediately contact your doctor.

When you contact your doctor, you should let him know if you are taking any other medications, and any histories of illness or diseases your family may have. Although anyone can take calcium supplements, there are rare cases in which they may cause you side effects. Side effects are very rare, although they happen and may prevent certain individuals from taking these supplements.

If you’ve been having problems with your bones or just looking to keep your bones healthy, calcium supplements are what you need. You can find them online, or through local nutrition stores or pharmacies.They don’t cost a lot of money, yet they will give you the peace of mind in knowing that your bones will remain strong and healthy. You can include them in your daily diet as well - although you should check with your doctor first to make sure that they won’t cause you any problems.

Vegetarian Diets for Preventing Osteoporosis

2008-08-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

You know that eating a vegetarian diet can decrease the incidence of heart disease and certain types of cancers. You also know that it can make you leaner and healthier. But so many of the health studies are done on men? What about women and the impact of a vegetarian diet on their health as they age?

Diets that are high in protein, especially animal protein, tend to cause the body to excrete more calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These three substances are the main components of urinary tract stones. British researchers have advised that persons with a tendency to form kidney stones should follow a vegetarian diet. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that high animal protein intake is largely responsible for the high prevalence of kidney stones in the United States and other developed countries and recommends protein restriction for the prevention of recurrent kidney stones.

For many of the same reasons, vegetarians are at a lower risk for osteoporosis. Since animal products force calcium out of the body, eating meat can promote bone loss. In nations with mainly vegetable diets (and without dairy product consumption), osteoporosis is less common than in the U.S., even when calcium intake is also less than in the U.S. Calcium is important, but there is no need to get calcium from dairy products.

Some studies have suggested that vegetarians may be at lower risk of osteoporosis than non-vegetarians.Bone loss is considerably less in postmenopausal women who were vegetarian than those who were non-vegetarian. The non-vegetarian diet contained higher amounts of sulphur, which derived from animal protein.

Dietary sulphur increases the acidity of urine, which results in increased urinary calcium loss. Increased urinary calcium loss is related to increased calcium loss from bone tissue.Hip fractures associated with osteoporosis has been shown to be higher in countries consuming a diet high in animal protein.

We continue to consume meat, while at the same time downing calcium supplements and prescription drugs to prevent osteoporosis, that often have drastic side effects. And most experts agree that calcium supplements are inferior to calcium derived from natural food sources. Doesn’t it make more sense (and cents) to get your calcium from eating a healthier diet?

What are some good vegetarian sources of calcium? Orange juice, for one. Dry beans, such as black-eyed peas, kidney beans and black beans are another good source, as are dark leafy vegetables such as broccoli and kale. Tofu is also a good source of calcium.