http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/oh-the-pain.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/oh-the-pain.html Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Arthritis is a complex disorder that has more than 100 conditions, the common symptom – persistent joint pain and inflammation.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form. 21 million adults suffer with OA in the United States. It is associated with either an injury or unusual stress to that joint, usually from a work-related repetitive injury or physical trauma. Also known as “Wear and Tear”, OA is an erosion of the cartilage that normally envelops the ends of the bones in the joint; they begin to rub together causing pain. Damaged joint tissue can cause the release of a substance called prostaglands, which also contributes to the pain and swelling. As the cartilage wears away, the joint may lose its normal shape. The bone ends thicken and the bone at the edge of the joint may grow outward and form bony spurs. Fluid filled cysts may form in the bone near the joint and bits of bone or cartilage may float loosely in the joint space causing severe pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) affects many joints and in some, other body parts as well, including the blood, lungs and heart. It can cause inflammation of the tear glands, salivary glands and the lining of the heart and lungs. You may also suffer with fatigue, occasional fevers, morning stiffness, muscle aches, loss of appetite and weakness. RA is an inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium; the affected joint may lose its
shape, resulting in the loss of normal movement. RA affects 2.1 million Americans; the disease is 2 to 3 times more common in women than men, and younger children can develop RA as well. RA is an autoimmune disease; this means that the body’s natural immune system attacks healthy joint tissues, initiating a process of inflammation and joint damage. RA can cause joint destruction in as little as 1 to 2 years after the onset. The bones of the joint erode causing pain and deformity. Tendons become inflamed and may tear apart. With RA white blood cells that are part of the normal immune system travel to the synovium and cause it to become inflamed. During this inflammation, the cells of the synovium grow and divide abnormally. The abnormal cells begin to invade and destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint. The surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons that support the joint become weak and unable to work normally. All these effects lead to the pain and deformities seen in RA. Long-term joint inflammation will affect the ability to perform daily tasks. Early diagnosis can minimize pain and disability.

Scientists just recently found a common link between the major chronic diseases; they believe it to be low level chronic inflammation, they have not linked it to all diseases but a vast majority, such as, Arthritis, Diabetes, Heart disease, Cancer, Alzheimer’s and a long list of others. Our bodies are brilliantly designed. When there is any type of injury, trauma or disease, no matter what the action is, there is a reaction from our body to protect and heal itself – inflammation. We need inflammation in order to heal, its basic function is to make the tiny vessels in our tissue become larger so the white blood cells, that normally don’t fit, can now squeeze into these small spaces and begin the healing
process. Other cells help control the inflammation response and others stop any bleeding. Sometimes the inflammation response becomes angry and instead of helping the body it turns on itself creating chronic inflammation.

Inflammation starts with the COX 2 enzyme. COX 1 preserves platelet function (needed for blood clotting) and protects the stomach lining. COX 2 causes inflammation and pain. COX 2 has been found in brain and spinal cord tumors as well as in the brains of Alzheimer’s patents causing degeneration of the brain tissue from the inflammation. There are several forms of Arthritis such as, Bursitis, Gout, Fibromyalgia, Scleroderma and the many more. They are all linked to inflammation and the COX 2 enzyme.
When the COX 2 enzyme was discovered, an inhibitor was needed, medications such as VIOXX (now off the market due to side effects) and Celebrex were created, Super aspirins with Super side effects.

What are the most common side effects of CELEBREX?
Indigestion, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
More serious side effects are; Chance of serious heart problems, such as heart attacks or strokes, which can lead to death. Stomach and intestinal problems, such as bleeding and ulcers, can occur without warning and may cause death.

The best solution is the discovery of a natural food source that inhibits the inflammation and pain problems that are associated with COX 2 without disturbing the COX 1 that is critical in protecting the stomach lining and the bloods ability to clot.

The South East Asians have been eating and using a fruit called Mangosteen for centuries to treat all types of aliments. Scientists have been studying the mangosteen fruit for the last 20 years; they are in agreement with the South East Asian people that it heals without side effects. You can go to (pubmed) and type in Mangosteen. The Mangosteen fruit decreases the level of COX 2 in your body, some inflammation occurs at the injury site but it is controlled and less severe. Mangosteen can aid in the healing process, it helps to ensure that the inflammation doesn’t turn into chronic inflammation which then leads to chronic disease. Mangosteen can aid those people that are already suffering with chronic disease such as arthritis in much the same way. Mangosteen can relieve the swelling of inflammation and inhibit the COX 2 enzyme that causes pain. How life would change without chronic pain!!! How dose Mangosteen do this? One word –Xanthones.

Xanthones can only be found in nature. They have been widely studied for their medicinal properties. Xanthones support microbiological balance, sustain the immune system; improve joint movement and supports mental heath. Xanthones are stable, super charged anti-oxidants. The Aloe Vera plant contains one Xanthone while the Mangosteen fruit contains to date, an identified 41, the number keeps growing as they are discovered and these Xanthones are diverse in their abilities to help heal the body. The Mangosteen fruit contains the highest number of Xanthones ever found in one food.

Many people who have chronic pain find relief with this amazing product. Do your research and make an informed decision about your own care. Mangosteen fruit juice is all natural and there are NO side effects from drinking this fruit juice. That is a plus for anyone that is already on drugs and those who do not wish to take drugs.


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You need a product that will assist with your overall health needs visit: http://www.mymangosteen.com/amazinglife

This amazing juice called Mangosteen is backed up by years of scientific studies done by individual Universities and Scientists click here for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/keep-your-pumper-pumping.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/keep-your-pumper-pumping.html Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries and this is how it happens; flowing through your arteries you have plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (needed for clotting) as well as some other essential cells for your health. Due to lack of a good diet you also have things like Bad cholesterol (LDL), sugars from uncontrolled diabetes, saturated fats as well as other bad things for your health; all these negative ingredients begin to collect, stick together and build up on the interior of the artery walls; this is called plaque. The outer layer of the plaque that faces into the artery gets hard hence “hardening of the arteries”, the substances on the inside stays soft. The outer hard layer of the plague will eventually crack and the soft interior will be exposed. At this point the platelets (for clotting) do exactly what they are designed for; come to the crack to protect it, thinking it’s an injury to the arterial wall, and form a clot; this creates even more blockage in the already narrowed artery.

Several things can begin to happen at this point, you may have various forms of chest discomfort, numbness, burning or even a dull ache. You may develop poor leg circulation, abnormally cold hands and feet, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, fluttering of the heart (palpitations), nausea, weakness or dizziness and even impotence in men. Hardening of the arteries creates a blood flow restriction. When this becomes more serious the clots can completely stop the flow of oxygen rich blood resulting in Heart Attack, Stroke and Death. It is important to reduce the risk of clot formation, but what is even more essential is to stop the production of plaque build-up in your arteries. If you make a cake it takes various minor ingredients and one major ingredient; flour, without flour you do not have a cake. When plaque is created in your arteries, it also takes one major ingredient; Bad Cholesterol (LDL). If you can stop LDL, plaque would not be formed. This is how bad LDL is created; Free-radicals are molecules or atoms that are missing an electron, they attack all kinds of cells in the body trying to steal an electron from them, free-radicals are the cause of all major disease; in the case of heart disease, free-radicals attack normal LDL cholesterol causing deformity or mutation, this makes the LDL cholesterol sticky. Now all the negative ingredients come together and you have plaque stuck to the walls of your arteries.

Free-radicals can not be avoided; they are in air and water pollution, junk foods we eat, and in medications we take; in medications these free-radicals are called side effects. Side effects can lead to disaster inside your body and in some cases death.

The only thing that stops free-radicals are antioxidants; they are molecules that have a spare electron. The only place to find antioxidants is in natural sources. Dietary supplements are needed for optimum health and contain antioxidants, eating natural foods that are un-processed is critical. Processing our food destroys the antioxidants. Most plants have around 1,000 to 1,500 antioxidants each, which does not seem like a lot compared to the amount of free-radicals you are taking into your body every single day; about a billion. Vitamins and minerals also contain antioxidants.

With the discovery of a fruit from South East Asia called the Mangosteen, scientists have been in a buzz about the amount of antioxidants this fruit contains. The Mangosteen fruit has an amazing 25,000 antioxidants. This fruit has been studied in Universities and by scientists for the last 20 years; they have proved that this fruit has the most powerful and the largest number of antioxidants in nature to date. You can read all the studies by going to (pubmed) and typing in Mangosteen. The Mangosteen fruit has been providing thousands of people with medicinal benefits, due to super charged antioxidants called Xanthones. Two hundred Xanthones have been identified in nature, 41 are in the Mangosteen fruit alone and you can compare that to the Aloe Vera plant that contains only one Xanthone. One thing about Xanthones you need to know is that they must be consumed in their natural form. Xanthones can destroy more than one free-radical at a time, unlike normal antioxidants, due to carbon bonds that produce biological actions in the body. Xanthones are stable, super charged anti-oxidants.

You will not feel the blood clots that are forming in your arteries until it is too late and a heart attack or stoke brings you down. Take care of your pumper now so that you will keep pumping for years to come.


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You need a product that will assist with your overall health needs visit: http://www.mymangosteen.com/amazinglife

This amazing juice called Mangosteen is backed up by years of scientific studies done by individual Universities and Scientists click here for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/the-grumbling-gut.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/the-grumbling-gut.html Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
The digestive system is actually a very complex organ that has a finely tuned team of mechanical reactions mixed with chemicals. The team goes into action once food enters the mouth where it mixes with saliva, the food then moves to the stomach where it meets with digesting enzymes and other chemicals. The food mixes with the stomach secretions that are released; the mixture now moves into the small intestine, this is where new team members enter into the game. The liver and pancreas are now in action releasing digestive enzymes that break down the complex carbohydrates, fats and protein into sugars, simple fats and amino acids; these are now absorbed by the small intestine. The next team member is the large intestine or colon, the responsibility of this team player is to break down undigested food, fiber and water, as this mixture moves through the colon it is dehydrated by the colon cells becoming solid as it moves and turning into stool.

These diseases, such as inflammatory bowl disease (IBD), crohn’s, colitis, etc., have inflammation at the source of their problems. Inflammation is the bodies’ response to injury or illness, in the case of these diseases the inflammatory response turns on the bodies’ digestive track and actually attacks it. This means it is an auto-immune disease. There are only two areas where your intestinal system can go astray, either your bacteria or your chemistry or it could be both. Irritable bowl syndrome (IBS) is a general term used for all the conditions in this class. IBS has no one cause and no one cure.

Let’s take a look at the intestinal areas that can go wrong. The gastrointestinal system needs an optimum level of good bacteria or your chemistry will change. The main reason you lose your bacterial balance is the use of antibiotics, unfortunately we sometimes need these drugs in order to get infections under control, but the side effect of this type of medication alters the bacterial balance in the intestines. Once the body has lost its bacterial balance it takes some time for the disease to set in. The inflammatory response that the body sends to the intestines is designed to heal what ever damage it encounters. It can not heal a lack of beneficial bacteria so the inflammatory response can not do what it is designed for and instead begins to attack the intestines. Now that the damage is getting worse and the beneficial bacterial level is low, your chemistry begins to change and the foods you were able to eat before become your worst nightmare. You are now developing intolerance's or an allergic reaction to certain foods and symptoms begin appearing at an alarming rate. This is the most humbling and humiliating disease ever, because in many cases having to run to the rest room 10 to 25 times per day is common. 1 in ever 5 people has this disease and the majority is women. Stress is also a major player in all the IBS diseases and the more stress you feel during the day the worse your disease will get.

Finding a way to control your level of stress is absolutely essential for your recovery; maintaining a low level of stress will help keep the disease from re-occurring later because once you have IBS you are always at high risk of it coming back to haunt you; your intestines will always be very sensitive to any unhealthy level of stress. Quite a few people find that Yoga is very calming and relaxing; yoga is designed to relieve stress, and calm the body and mind. There is more than likely a yoga class in your area.

There are ways in which to help yourself and believe it or not traditional treatments help this disease the most, the medications your physicians give to you all have different side effects that may cause you more complications. People must try a number of different things in order to find some relief from this horrible condition. Medication can work for a short time but offers little help for the long term due to the side effects; IBS can be with you for years and once you have it, even if you get better, your chances of reoccurrence are high. Your body has become allergic to some foods or types of foods, or it can be a large number of foods, it is extremely hard to know what to do or how to find the foods causing this condition. There is hope in using traditional herbs and fruits, many people have been turning to these because they have been effective in their long term recovery. A lot of these can be found in your local health food store. The first thing that needs to be done is to increase the level of your good bacteria, acidophilus supplements can aid in the re-introduction of beneficial bacteria. Cat’s claw is used to correct problems of imbalance in the small intestine, it helps to normalize beneficial microbes and reverse intestinal dysbiosis. A probiotic is an organism that is referred to as good or friendly bacteria. When they are ingested they help to maintain a healthy intestinal tract.

Methylsufonylmethane or MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur used to control infections of the intestinal tract. You can also try, Green food plus w/MSM-Supreme greens, this formulated product is packed full of antioxidants and gives the nutritional equivalent of 2 lbs of fresh vegetables. There are a number of other items such as colustrum, bee propolis, sea silver, chlorophyl, and juicing.

Let’s look at juicing; the body has trouble with the hard fibers in most fruits and vegetables due to the inflamed gastrointestinal tract that is no longer functioning properly, juicing actually removes the hard fibers in the necessary foods and still gives you the number two recovery need and that is antioxidants. You must take in a large number of antioxidants every day to fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules or atoms that are missing an electron, antioxidants are either molecules or atoms that have an extra electron. You can not escape from free-radicals and the damage they do, they are in air and water pollution, in the junk foods we eat, and even in the medications we take hence the words “side effects”. Free-radicals go around attacking healthy cells in our bodies trying to steal the electron; anti-oxidants will give up their extra electron to a free-radical which in turn stops the attack on healthy cells. Now you can see the importance of taking in a large number of anti-oxidants every day. Most fruits and vegetable have anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 anti-oxidants each, which does not seem like a lot compared to the amount of free-radicals you are taking into your body every single day; about a billion. Vitamins and minerals also contain antioxidants so supplementation is important. You need to do some research and try to find fresh supplements; they tend to lose their potency the longer they sit on the self.

Lets talk about the third important step in your recovery; control of chronic inflammation. It has been proven that free-radicals are involved in every disease and illness out there but it has also been proven that chronic inflammation is also involved in the vast majority of diseases and illness. Scientists are calling chronic inflammation the silent killer. When there is any type of injury, trauma or disease, no matter what the action is, there is a reaction from our body to protect and heal itself – inflammation. We need inflammation in order to heal, its basic function is to make the tiny vessels in our tissue become larger so the white blood cells, that normally don’t fit, can now squeeze into these small spaces and begin the healing process. With IBS the inflammation response becomes angry, and instead of helping the body, it turns on itself creating chronic inflammation.

Inflammation starts with the COX 2 enzyme. COX 1 preserves platelet function (needed for blood clotting) and protects the stomach lining. COX 2 causes inflammation and pain. COX 2 has been found in brain and spinal cord tumors as well as in the brains of Alzheimer’s patents causing degeneration of the brain tissue from the chronic inflammation.

The best solution is a natural food source that inhibits the inflammation and pain problems that are associated with COX 2 without disturbing the COX 1 that is critical in protecting the stomach lining and the bloods ability to clot.

The South East Asians have been eating and using a fruit called Mangosteen for centuries to treat all types of aliments. Scientists have been studying the mangosteen fruit for the last 20 years; they are in agreement with the South East Asian people that it heals without side effects. The Mangosteen fruit decreases the level of COX 2 in your body. Mangosteen can aid in the healing process, it helps to ensure that inflammation doesn’t turn into chronic inflammation which then leads to chronic disease. How dose Mangosteen do this? One word –Xanthones. Xanthones can only be found in nature. They have been widely studied for their medicinal properties. Xanthones support microbiological balance and sustain the immune system. Xanthones are stable, super charged anti-oxidants. Xanthones are diverse in their abilities to help heal the body; there is a natural anti-inflammatory xanthone within the mangosteen fruit juice. Xanthones can destroy more than one free-radical at a time, unlike normal antioxidants, due to carbon bonds that make them very stable. Each Xanthone performs a specific biological function inside the body unlike regular anti-oxidants. Two hundred xanthones have been identified in nature, 41 are in the Mangosteen fruit alone and you can compare that to the Aloe Vera plant which contains only one xanthone. One thing about xanthones you need to know is they must be consumed in their natural form.

Scientists have also been in a buzz about the amount of antioxidants this fruit contains. The Mangosteen fruit juice has an amazing 25,000 antioxidants. Science has proven that this fruit has the most powerful and the largest number of antioxidants in nature to date. The Mangosteen fruit juice has been providing thousands of people with medicinal benefits.

Let me summarize for you: reduce your stress level, improve your level of beneficial bacteria, consume large quantities of anti-oxidants, and take a natural anti-inflammatory. All of the above will help you to recover from these debilitating and humbling diseases.



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You need a product that will assist with your overall health needs visit: http://www.mymangosteen.com/amazinglife

This amazing juice called Mangosteen is backed up by years of scientific studies done by individual Universities and Scientists click here for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-today-the-disturbing-truth.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-today-the-disturbing-truth.html Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Many people do not know they have diabetes until they develop other life threatening conditions such as, heart disease, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney damage, nervous system damage, dental disease, sexual dysfunction, and a number of other complications. When you have diabetes the above complications are side illnesses, diabetes is the root of all of your medical problems. You must get diabetes under control for you to recover from the side illnesses period! Being checked by your physician on a regular basis is absolutely necessary for your overall quality of life. If you do not know that you have diabetes, there is no other way of knowing that you have this deadly disease without a check up.


There are several different types of diabetes such as, type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 is the body’s inability to produce insulin, people with type 1 are insulin dependent for the remainder of their lives, and they must also keep close track of their diets. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes; diabetes is a chronic disease and has no cure. While an estimated 14 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is also estimated that close to 6.2 million are unaware that they have this deadly disease. In 2005, 1.5 million new cases were diagnosed in people age 20 and above. If this dangerous trend continues it is believed that 1 in 3 Americans will develop diabetes in their lifetime. It is also estimated that 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes today.

Pre-diabetes is a dangerous condition in itself, this is when the glucose level in the blood is not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, yet damage is being done to your internal organs. The body can not handle any unsafe level of sugar or glucose in the blood for any extended period of time.

Diabetes is the body’s inability to use the sugar called glucose. Glucose is created when the body breaks down food for energy. The hormone insulin opens up the cells in the body to allow glucose to enter into the cell and be used as fuel. In diabetes the cell never opens up and the glucose flows through the blood stream causing high blood sugar levels. With diabetes the body either does not make enough insulin or is resistant to its own natural insulin. High blood sugar can lead to very serious complications.

Heart disease is the leading cause of premature death in people with diabetes. Diabetes is the major cause of leg and foot amputations in Americans today. Infections are much harder to control in people with diabetes, they are at greater risk of complications and death due to infection. The high risk factors leading to type 2 diabetes is too much body fat and high sugar intake! Diabetes is on the rise; Americans are eating poorly and are lacking physical activity and this is starting to really show in the children of America.

Free-radicals are very active in a person with diabetes. They attack a number of cells at once because diabetes causes an abnormal immune function due to high glucose levels in the blood and organs. Free-radicals are the reason you see so many different complications or side illnesses in this disease. Free-radicals are molecules or atoms that are missing an electron, free-radicals attack healthy cells trying to steal an electron from them. Chronic inflammation is also a major player with this disease and in the side illnesses.

Chronic inflammation is being called the silent killer by doctors and scientists. All of the above diseases need medications to help regulate the disease, but what you need to know is medications cause free-radical damage, and this damage is called side effects. All medications can cause side effects. So eating properly to help your condition is absolutely essential for your life.

Think of free-radicals as a school of piranha, they feed on everything in sight, they are not picky eaters. Free-radicals cause healthy cells to become mutated or deformed and they attack any cell they come in contact with. Now if they do manage to steal an electron, that once healthy cell, in turn, becomes a free-radical doing what was done to it. This is a vicious cycle, basically there is a war going on inside your body. You can not see or feel this war but it is there, and one day it will show its ugly head in the form of a serious disease or illness. You must be on the defensive and feed your body what it needs in order to combat these little piranhas.

Inflammation is a bully, after the free-radicals have done their damage, inflammation is sent by the body to help heal the damage, but it is unable to heal mutations and deformities so the deformed or mutated cells begin to feed on the healthy inflammation cells. Now the inflammation cells are deformed or mutated and become chronic inflammation cells, the chronic inflammation cells begin attacking your healthy tissues and cells.

You have the power to take your health into your own hands and put a stop to the damage now. As we know anti-oxidants help the body fight against free-radicals, anti-oxidants are molecules or atoms that have an extra electron. It gives this extra electron away and in turn the free-radicals stop attacking healthy cells. Science has proven that ALL diseases and illnesses are caused by free-radical damage and the vast majority has chronic inflammation as their side kick. There are risk factors for all diseases but free-radicals and chronic inflammation is the source and cause of major complications. Free-radicals can not be avoided; they are in air and water pollution, in the junk foods we eat, and caused by traumas and injuries. Free-radicals are a part of life; they even affect the aging process itself.

Anti-oxidants are essential for health, plants contain about 1,000 to 1,500 anti-oxidants, a diet of fruits and vegetables is essential, supplements are key, vitamins and minerals contain high numbers of anti-oxidants. You need to do some research and try to find fresh supplements; they tend to lose their potency the longer they sit on the self.
Anyone with diabetes or even pre-diabetes must re-think their diets, moving towards fresh and properly cooked foods, stay away from fast foods and anything with high sugar content. Taking in a large number of anti-oxidants everyday is essential in helping your body recover and maintain better overall health. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise, as long as you begin now. Pre-diabetes can be reversed.

There are also super charged, super powerful anti-oxidants in nature called Xanthones. Xanthones have the power to defeat a larger number of free-radicals at one time, due to strong carbon bonds that make the molecule stable. Each Xanthone performs a specific biological function inside the body unlike regular anti-oxidants. Universities and scientists have been studying xanthones for over 20 years. Scientists have found that xanthones are able to relieve a variety of problems and also help in the improvement of serious conditions. This is the reason that more and more universities and scientists are becoming involved in the research on these amazing xanthones. Two hundred xanthones have been identified in nature, and 41 are in the mangosteen fruit alone, you can compare that to the Aloe Vera plant that contains only one xanthone. The mangosteen fruit also contains 25,000 anti-oxidants. How can that help your health?

The mangosteen fruit has the highest number of anti-oxidants and xanthones ever found in one source. One thing about xanthones you need to know is that they must be consumed in their natural form.

People with diabetes are ruled by their medications and checking their blood everyday, they must see their doctor on a regular basis in order to keep their blood sugars under control by adjusting their medication. If their sugar goes too far up or too far down, massive damage to the internal organs and tissues is done and even the brain is affected, and can cause comma. This is a deadly disease, but with the right food intake it does not have to be, take care of your self.


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You need a product that will assist with your overall health needs visit: http://www.mymangosteen.com/amazinglife
This amazing juice called Mangosteen is backed up by years of scientific studies done by individual Universities and Scientists click here for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/oh-my-gosh-what-should-i-eat.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/oh-my-gosh-what-should-i-eat.html Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
There are eight essential amino acids they are:
#1 = Tryptophan which reduces anxiety and depression, helps with migraines, helps the immune system, reduces heart spasms, it is also a natural relaxant and aids in normal sleep, taken with Lysine it reduces cholesterol levels in the blood.
#2 = Lysine improves formation of bone cartilage and connective tissues, it aids in the absorption of calcium, it aids in the production of enzymes, hormones and the production of antibodies that help fight diseases and illness.
#3 = Methionine is the supplier of sulfur which prevents problems with hair, nails and skin. Methionine aids in the liver’s production of lecithin, reduces liver fat and helps protect the kidneys. Methionine also aids in reducing bladder irritations and infections and promotes hair growth.
#4 = Phenylalaine keeps you awake and alert, it is used in the brain to produce a chemical that transmits signals between the brain and the nerve cells, phenylalaine helps to improve your memory and also reduces hunger pains.
#5 = Threonine aids in digestion and intestinal tract functions; it also helps reduce liver fat.
#6 = Valine calms emotions and aids with mental vigor; it also aids with muscle coordination.
#7 and #8 work together; they are Leucine and Isoleucine, they help to produce essential biochemical components in the body, production of energy, stimulate the brain and aid with alertness.

There are also non-essential amino acids, why they are called non-essential is some what of a mystery, since all of them are needed for different biochemical reactions in the body as you will see.
Arginine improves immune response, promotes wound healing, aids in regeneration of the liver, and is needed for muscle growth.
Tyrosine aids in healthy functioning of the thyroid and pituitary glands, helps to improve memory and transmits impulses to the brain.
Glycine is required during cell production to release oxygen, it also aids in the production of essential hormones in the immune system.
Serine is essential in storing glucose in the muscles and liver, also aids in the immune system and produces a fatty acid cover to protect nerve fibers.
Aspartic acid aids in the removal of ammonia from the body. Ammonia is toxic to the body and aspartic acid helps to protect our body from the poison until it is expressed through the urine.
Glutamic acid helps improve mental capacities, aids in healing ulcers and helps with fatigue.
Alanine is a source of energy for the muscles, brain and nervous system. Alanine produces antibodies that help the immune system.
Cystine is an anti-oxidant and aids in the protection against pollutants, it can help slow the aging process, it is necessary in the production of skin.
Proline is vital in the functioning of joints, and helps to strengthen the heart muscle.
Taurine is necessary in the removal of free-radical waste from the body; it is a factor that is necessary for changes that take place during aging.
Histidine is found in the blood, it is used to treat several diseases such as RA, (rheumatoid arthritis) ulcers, and anemia. These are just a few of the amino acids that are essential in your diet for better health.

It is very important that you choose foods that are rich in amino acids as well as vitamins and minerals for your health.

Super foods are believed to contain the highest numbers of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. If you go to Google and type in super foods, you will find several sights, all telling you about the same thing, that eating a natural diet will protect you from several diseases and illnesses. Here are the ones that most people agree on, they are readily available in markets: Apples, avocados, tomatoes, bananas, cabbage, carrots, garlic, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, oranges, cantaloupe, broccoli, watermelon, dry beans, spinach, kale, salmon and other oily fish, flax seed, oats, soya, blueberries, cranberries, squash, almonds, beets, ginger, olive oil, tea, chili peppers, mushrooms, papaya, pineapple, kiwi, mangoes, apricots, pumpkin, walnuts, yogurt, parsley, sage, rosemary, cinnamon, brussel sprouts, lentils, pomegranates, concord grapes and brazil nuts.

After much research I found that not all of the foods I studied were true super foods. You have to consider where and how your food is grown. They do however; contain the necessary ingredients to be beneficial in your diet. It is absolutely true that you need various foods that react together for improved benefits in the body. If you consume an avocado you will reap the rewards but if you consume a grapefruit with your avocado they work as a team to fight disease and illness. This is true for most foods, there are however exceptions and they are; Wild salmon, tomatoes, broccoli and broccoli sprouts, kale, spinach, garlic, onions, blueberries, walnuts, pomegranates, depending how and where they are grown, then there’s goji berries, mulberries, golden berries, sauco berries, acai berries, noni fruit, mangosteen fruit, bee pollen, royal jelly, green tea, sea vegetables, quinoa, and umeboshi plum.

Sea vegetables are true super foods, they contain significant amounts of protein and they also contain all the minerals found in the ocean. They offer 10 to 20 times the vitamins and minerals found in plants grown on land with just a few exceptions. There is a reason for this; we, as a population, have depleted our soils of the necessary nutrients that plants absorb. We also use chemicals and pesticides on our crops, these chemicals and pesticides are non-selective and destroy everything even the micro bacteria and micro fungi that is digested by the plants. When you purchase an apple from the store it is usually lacking most of the minerals that the soil once provided, minerals that are essential to our health. This is not true for the sea vegetables, the ocean is still productive, we have yet to destroy it and therefore it is a rich source for your health. Kelp, blue-green algae, spirulina, chorella, dulse, alaria, sea lettuce, irish moss, kombu, wakame, and nori are all rich in vitamins, minerals and all the essential amino acids.

Some fruits that are grown wild in other parts of the world are also true super foods and are still rich in nutrients because the soils are not depleted. The Mangosteen fruit is native to South East Asia, it has been studied for 20 years by independent labs and doctors for its medicinal uses; it contains 25,000 anti-oxidants, the highest number ever found in one food source, it contains amino acids as well as a vast majority of vitamins and minerals. The Goji berry is native to Asia; it contains amino acids and essential minerals and vitamins. Mulberries are native to Turkey; they are high in vitamin C, iron, calcium and protein. Golden berries are native to Colombia and Peru, Sauco berries are native to South America, Umeboshi Plum is native to Japan, Noni fruit is native to Polynesia. The Acai berry has 30 times more anti-oxidants than blueberries, all eight essential amino acids and trace minerals. The list goes on, but what you eat is up to you, your health is in your hands.

If you are already suffering with a disease or illness or you’re prone to certain diseases or illness, due to family history, then there are a few things you need to know. If vegetables are cooked at over 118 degrees the heat will destroy most of the beneficial properties. You can not eat as much as you need, which is 8 to 10 servings a day, but there is a solution, you can juice your way to health. The food pyramid has changed which came as no surprise to me, I still have trouble with this type of system, not everyone needs the same things, and every person on this planet is different and has different nutritional requirements.

There are some terms you need to understand before we continue:
Vitamins = nutrients that are necessary to your health, a shortage or an excessive amount for extended periods can cause health problems.
Phytonutrients = these are anti-oxidants that are plant-derived; they help to improve your health but are not required.
Carotenoids = they are in the dark coloring of the skin of fruits and vegetables (pigments), they are also anti-oxidants; there are dozens of carotenoids.
Free-radical = they disrupt living cells by attacking them, free-radicals are missing an electron and they steal one from other cells, they are responsible for all diseases and illness due to their damage. Free-radicals are in air and water pollution, and in junk foods we eat. You can not escape from them; they are a part of life. Free-radical damage accumulates with age if you do not protect yourself.
Anti-oxidants = they neutralize free-radicals by donating their extra electron; all anti-oxidants have an extra electron. Anti-oxidants protect us from free-radical damage. Anti-oxidants are called scavengers; they prevent cell and tissue damage which leads to disease and illness. They are absolutely required for optimum health in very large numbers every day.
Synergy = nutrients that are taken in combinations; these combinations cause the nutrients to become more powerful then when taken alone.

Notice that the list above states that people agree that blueberries are a super food. Not all foods have been studied, take the cherry; it’s deep rich red color is full of carotenoids or it would not have that great color. The cherry has not been extensively studied yet. What does this mean for you? Be wise and eat fruits and vegetables that have the darkest and richest colors, in combinations, to receive maximum benefits. Do not make the mistake that others have made and write off all the unlisted fruits and vegetables, everything that grows in the ground has benefits for your health. Your food choices are a life or death decision, so do your research and find the best solutions for your health.

Beans may reduce the risk of heart disease; lentils support heart health; berries of all kinds have synergistic effects and are scavengers of free-radicals; citrus fruits are all full of anti-oxidants; vegetables steamed on low heat are a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates; sea vegetables are bursting with carotenoids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids and can be found in many forms, tablet or powder. Sea vegetables support your whole body; green leafy vegetables are bursting with eye health nutrients as well as supporting the heart, brain and bones. Nuts help reduce the risk of heart disease; oats are a prime source of complex carbohydrates and full of fiber. Cold water - wild fish, not farm raised, contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, necessary for coronary heart health. Wild salmon, trout and tuna all contain different amounts and should all be consumed; seeds and nuts help balance hormones and have anti-oxidant activities; soy packs a punch with its anti-oxidation effects; mangosteen fruit is bursting with anti-oxidants and works in your entire body for your overall health.

There is some evidence that men and women need different nutrients to support biological needs. Men need to protect themselves against prostate cancer, bladder cancer, testosterone levels, sperm counts, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Men should add five tomatoes, or five servings of tomato sauce, a week to their diet to protect them from prostate cancer. Three oysters a day have the full day’s supply of zinc which is essential for the male reproductive system, testosterone and sperm counts. Men are three times more likely to get bladder cancer than women; broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage, eaten five times a week, shows a reduction in this disease according to the studies. Eating a handful of un-salted peanuts every day helps lower your bad cholesterol levels, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. Potassium can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Watermelon and other melons can help reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure.

Women need to protect themselves against gallbladder disease, breast cancer and fight osteoporosis. Women tend to be anemic due to low iron levels, and women suffer with menopausal hot flashes. Women with low vitamin C levels are more likely to develop gall bladder disease than those with higher levels of vitamin C; papaya has twice the amount of vitamin C than an orange. Flaxseed is rich in an estrogen like compound called lignans. Make sure to get the seeds and grind them in a coffee grinder. You can put them on cereal or mix in muffin mix as there are no lignans in flaxseed oil; lignans have effectively slowed tumor growth in women that already have breast cancer. Vitamin K along with vitamin D and calcium are all important nutrients for fighting osteoporosis. Women that get enough vitamin K are 30 percent less likely to suffer factures in their later years. Collard greens are the best source for this protection, although dark green leafy vegetables, brussel sprouts, spinach and broccoli are also good sources. Women tend to be lower in iron than men due to menstruation and this can cause sever fatigue. To get the highest doses of iron you should try buffalo meat, you get an easily digestible 3 milligrams of iron in a 3 oz portion of this very lean meat. In later life women tend to suffer with the dreaded hot flashes. There may be relief found in tofu. A half cup of tofu contains 30 mg of isoflavones, which are plant chemicals that have a structure that is similar to estrogen, and may offer some relief from hot flashes.

For men and women alike, make sure to add super foods to your diet, such as; sea vegetables, mangosteen fruit juice, Goji berry juice, or other berry juices. Being healthy takes effort on your part, do not put your health into someone else’s hands, they are not you and their nutritional requirements may be different than yours. Everyone is an expert when it comes to their own health, read and listen to the information but please make an informed choice for yourself.

Do the research! Your life and the quality of your life, is in your hands.



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You need a product that will assist with your overall health needs visit: http://www.mymangosteen.com/amazinglife

This amazing juice called Mangosteen is backed up by years of scientific studies done by individual Universities and Scientists click here for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/your-quality-of-life.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/your-quality-of-life.html Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Think of your body as a football team, you don’t have to know anything about football; all you need to know is that you have a home team and an opposing team. The football field is your life, from the moment of the first play, your birth, to the final goal, the end of your life. The opposing team, all the outside evading sources are attempting to cut your life short by stealing the ball and going in the opposite direction. I call this premature death due to disease or illness.

The opposing team is made up of some really big players, free-radicals and chronic inflammation, these players never get tired and they will never give up. From the moment you are born, free-radicals enter into your very young body with your very first breath and start their attack on your cells. Free-radicals are molecules or atoms that are missing an electron, they attack any cell they come in contact with and try to steal an electron from them. Free-radicals continue their attack until they succeed, in the process they damage the healthy cells they are attacking. Free-radicals are a part of life. They are in air and water pollution, they are in the processed foods we consume, free-radicals are also caused by traumas and injuries. Another source of free-radical damage comes from the medications we take in order to recover from illnesses; this particular free-radical damage from medications is called “side-effects”. There are times in our lives when we need to take medications to combat a serious illness, but we must keep in mind that we have to boost our immune system during the time we are on these needed medications. This will minimize the side effect damage and aid in our long term recovery. Every time you breathe, fresh free-radicals are entering your body and start playing for the opposing team. The next opposing team member is chronic inflammation; scientists are calling this player a silent killer.

Our bodies are amazing organisms; if it senses an injury or illness it sends in a home team member, called inflammation, to aid in the defense of our body and help restore the area that is damaged. This is where the game gets a little complicated; free-radicals cheat, they don’t just damage a cell when they steal an electron, they actually mutate the cell or deform it, the damaged cell then becomes another free-radical; when the home teams healthy inflammation tries to go in and protect the now unhealthy cell that the body senses as damaged, the unhealthy cell turns on the inflammation and attacks it stealing an electron. Now the once healthy inflammation cells become mutated or deformed themselves and become chronic inflammation attacking healthy tissues inside our bodies. Boy oh boy, this starts a whole chain of continuing events. But remember this; the football game has two teams playing on the field.

You have to breathe everyday in order to live; now you know that every time you take a breath free-radicals are entering into your body and doing damage. You can however win the game if you take in large amounts of anti-oxidants to refresh your team players. Anti-oxidants are your really big players; they are molecules or atoms that have an extra electron that they will give to a free-radical. When this happens the free-radical no longer plays on the opposing team, instead it begins to play for you. This is what I call building your team forces, your team force is your immune system. Your team works together but your immune system is your coach, if your immune system is strong it can send in the needed players at the right time to fight any invaders that your body may encounter. But you have to feed your immune system; it requires necessary minerals and vitamins as well as large doses of anti-oxidants everyday. If you starve your immune system of the required nutrients, then the players on the field do not get the reinforcements they need to win. Most people start taking multi-vitamins when they get older, but parents should start their children on multi-vitamins as soon as possible and teach their children about nutrition starting at a very young age. People as young as 20 years of age are being diagnosed with diabetes in this country due to their poor eating habits. This is a very scary trend that is taking place. Many 30 year olds have heart disease also due to their poor eating habits, “hardening of their arteries”. Scary!

What did you eat today? You are breathing in polluted air as you are reading this article, what type of defense did you provide your immune system with today? I hope you took your vitamins and minerals; did you eat any fresh fruits, or fresh vegetables? What about your children?

Most plants contain about 1,000 to 1,500 anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals also contain large numbers of anti-oxidants. Vitamin C and E contain the largest amount of anti-oxidants. You can take as much vitamin C as you want without harming your body, but vitamin E has a recommended dosage per day, take much more and you can cause yourself problems, do not exceed any recommended dosage for your weight. Fish also have high numbers of anti-oxidants, try putting that into your diet a few times a week. Now think about this, you can destroy the anti-oxidants in your food through your cooking habits. Do not microwave your vegetables or fish, either steam or broil; do not cover in fats and fry. Foods are delicate and you can destroy any health benefits through any improper preparation. Foods are also biological organisms just like you. Now if you are like me and have a tendency to burn things, then do what I did and invest in a juicer and juice your vegetables and fruits, juice your way to healthier living. The amazing thing about juicing, there are so many combinations you can get your kids to drink their vegetables by adding sweet fruits to the mix. Wow!

Now let’s look at the numbers, because of our ignorance, we as a population of people, have caused serious pollution problems on this amazing planet we live on. So we end up taking in roughly one billion free-radicals per day, in the form of pollutants. Let’s see how many anti-oxidants we can take in; if we have one whole grape fruit and two eggs and one piece of toast for breakfast, and let us not forget our multi-vitamin, we will take in about 3,600 anti-oxidants. For a snack we have a banana and a glass of milk that’s about, let’s be generous, 1,800 anti-oxidants. Lunch we have fish with steamed spinach and one cup of whole grain rice, that’s about 4,000 anti-oxidants. Dinner comes and we do very well and have a nice cut of steak and some steamed broccoli with red onions and mushrooms, we now add a yam to that meal and we take in 9,500 anti-oxidants. For the day we did not do very well at all, only 18,900 anti-oxidants. We are losing the football game and we thought we were winning. What can we do? You can drink a lot more fruits and vegetables, by juicing them instead of trying to eat them, and you will not lose the anti-oxidants in these life saving foods.

There is also a newly discovered fruit from South East Asia called the Mangosteen Fruit.
The mangosteen fruit has be used in South East Asia for centuries for all types of aliments. To date there is a significant range of known traditional uses such as; anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, pain control, treatment of infections, fever control, gastro intestinal problems, skin rashes and burns, headaches, anti-parasitic, musculo-skeletal and joint problems, control of blood sugar and diabetes, infections – viral, bacterial and fungal, as well as mouth ulcers, prevention of atherosclerosis, dementia, anxiety and depression, cancer and anti-aging concerns, and there are many, many more. The list of health benefits continues to grow as more clinical studies and scientific research is done on this fruit.

For the last 20 years independent universities and scientists have been doing studies on the mangosteen fruit, they wanted to understand why the people of South East Asia did not suffer with the same diseases that we experience in this country. The serious diseases that are killers here in America are barley seen in South East Asia. As the scientists were beginning to study this particular fruit they found out it has the ability to help with disease control. A chemical compound called xanthones was discovered inside the skin of this fruit in record numbers, another amazing thing was the record number of anti-oxidants found in this fruit. The mangosteen fruit contains the highest number of anti-oxidants ever found in one food source, an unbelievable 25,000 per fruit. Wow!

In nature xanthones are very restricted in their occurrence, what I mean is look at the Aloe Vera plant, it contains only one xanthone, yet it is used for medicinal purposes in a variety of ways. When the news came out about how good the Aloe Vera was for burns and skin problems, people began to grow Aloe Vera in their yards and break pieces off when ever they had a skin problem. Over 200 hundred xanthones have been identified in nature to date and 41 of those are in the mangosteen fruit alone, that’s almost a full 25% of all the xanthones that are known.

What can xanthones do for you? Xanthones are a new class of chemical compounds with biologically active plant phenols. Xanthones are a unique, biologically active group of molecules with a six-carbon ring; this structure makes the xanthone very stable and also allows it to be extremely versatile. Each xanthone has a unique chemical formula that permits the xanthone to perform a specific biological function when consumed. Xanthones are so stable that they can defeat more than one free-radical at a time and render it harmless while still performing a biological function. Xanthones show several beneficial properties such as, anti-inflammatory, anti-tuberculosis, anti-tumor, anti-platelet stickiness and anti-convulsive. Scientific studies are making it evident that xanthones are responsible for a wide range of medicinal benefits experienced by people using this juice. The mangosteen fruit is a food, not a drug, and therefore dose not have the inherent dangers associated with medications. The thousands of people now drinking mangosteen fruit juice for medicinal reasons are reporting positive beneficial effects on their conditions. The mangosteen fruit has three components, the skin or pericarp, the fleshy fruit and the seeds, all of the components have the powerful xanthones and anti-oxidants, but the majority are in the skin or pericarp. One thing you should know is xanthones must be consumed in their natural form. The mangosteen fruit juice is the whole fruit ground up in order to make a juice out of it; nothing is wasted, so you receive the full benefit from this amazing fruit.

By changing your diet to a healthier menu and adding mangosteen fruit juice, you will enhance your team players by supporting your immune system so they can defend your body against the outside invaders.
You will have a wonderful quality of life!


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You need a product that will assist with your overall health needs visit: http://www.mymangosteen.com/amazinglife

This amazing juice called Mangosteen is backed up by years of scientific studies done by individual Universities and Scientists click here for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/what-the-bleep-is-natto.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/what-the-bleep-is-natto.html Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
There are several reasons that natto is eaten, most are for medicinal purposes. Natto is considered to be safe and beneficial; it is also not associated with any ill side effects or any allergic reactions.

Natto can be hard to eat because of the smell, it has a very strong smell of cheese, and the texture is a little slimy, but there are ways to improve the smell and texture. That information will be provided in the recipe for making natto. (See the end of this article)
The medicinal reasons for consuming this wonderful food are many. The prevention of osteoporosis is one. Bones are made with a special protein called gamma glutamic acid combined with calcium. Vitamin K is needed as a mediator in that particular combination; vitamin K is needed for the formation of bones and is an essential component. Natto contains an amazing 870 micrograms of K2 per 100 grams of natto.
Natto also aids in the absorption of calcium from the intestines. Japanese researchers credit natto for the prevention of osteoporosis; it is statistically recognized that the regions with higher natto consumption have lower rates of broken bones.

In America we have 3 times the rate of prostate cancer in men than that of Japanese men. For Japanese males that move to America, the rate of prostate cancer rises significantly; it is believed that this is due to the change in their diet, going from a high consumption of soybean products to animal products. The Japanese consume 20 to 30 times more soybeans than Americans do, and it is thought that the relationship between cancers such as breast, skin, large intestine and prostate gland is largely due to the consumption of soybeans in Japan. Soybeans contain selenium, which is an anti-cancer mineral. Soybeans also contain edible fibers that cleanse the intestines which in turn is effective in preventing large intestinal cancers. No matter how you look at the research, eating soybean products especially natto, is effective in the prevention of various cancers and may aid in the recovery of individuals that now suffer with various types of cancers.

Natto aids in the improvement of digestion and intestinal disorders. The stomach destroys most bacteria such as bifidus before it reaches the intestines but natto bacteria is able to survive the journey through the stomach and reproduce in the intestines where it aids in digestion. The natto bacterium also helps beneficial intestinal microbes to reproduce. When there is a loss of the intestinal flora due largely to antibiotic use, (antibiotics are non-selective and kill any bacteria and intestinal flora that it comes in contact with.) natto can come to the rescue and aid in the reproduction of necessary microbes in the intestines, which can aid in the recovery from some forms of irritable bowl syndrome (IBS).

America has a problem with obesity; our country has fallen away from healthy eating habits and has turned to fast foods, so obesity is on the rise as well as all the diseases and illness that are associated with obesity. Soybean protein curbs the accumulation of body fat by raising the activity of the thyroid gland releasing more thyroid hormones, and that in turn will accelerate the burning of fat. It is said that soybeans prevent the aging of blood vessels and in turn strengthen them; soybeans also prevent high blood pressure caused by hardening of the arteries; which leads us to heart attacks, strokes and senility.

Pyrazine is an enzyme that prevents blood from clotting. The number one killer in America today is heart diseases and heart attacks. It is said that 60 percent of all cases of senility, among Japanese elders is due to blood clots in the brain; Americans suffer 4 times the rate of senility than the Japanese. There are anti-coagulant drugs and blood thinners, but they only treat the surface of the problem. Some drugs are so extremely expensive that some hospitals don’t even stock them and if they do they are only used within minutes after a heart attack or stroke because the drugs ability to dissolve clots and fibrous tissue only lasts for about 4 to 20 minutes. Using it at this point, after the heart attack or stoke really isn’t much help to the individual as the damage from the attack has already been done to the body. Until recently there was no natural solution to removing fibrin deposits or clots within the arteries but Japanese researchers have now shown that 100 grams of natto exhibits the same effect as these powerful drugs. This is great news for everyone out there. The biggest difference is that these expensive drugs only last 4 to 20 minutes where as the enzyme in natto called nattokinase maintains its clot busting activity for up to eight hours. You can find the enzyme nattokinase in a capsule form; take one in the morning and two a bedtime for the best results in clot busting. For the capsule you can visit their web site (NutriCology) or call 800-545-9960.

One precaution if you are on any blood thinners do not take the capsule or eat natto as this may cause you sever complications.

See your physician before taking any products that you may research and wish to use. If you are at risk and find that it is safe for you to use, then by all means eat natto, the sooner you put it to work busting any clots you may have the better your overall outcome will be.

There are so many conditions that may benefit from the consumption of natto that it is difficult to list them all; when you search the web for natto you will find pages covering natto use in animals such as dogs and cats. There is a report that states that dogs and cats share similar intestinal microbe flora as humans and there is now an experiment underway where natto is mixed with pet foods. To date no adverse effects have been noted and the animals don’t mind the smell or sliminess.

There are many ways to eat natto, one is cooked but if you cook natto you will kill the bacterium that is essential to your health. The best way is to eat it is uncooked. The smell is compared to that of blue cheese.

The Japanese say that eating natto is good for your health, some of the claims are backed up by medical research and others are not.

More detailed research is needed in these areas listed above, as they are lacking in human trials. Human trials will never be done as natto can not be patented and therefore the cost of the research is too high. Individuals that have started a diet including natto have reported their experiences and the health benefits they have noticed and all have been positive.
I wish you best in your search for better overall health.

Look for – “How to make Natto”


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Looking for a product that will assist with your overall health needs visit: http://www.mymangosteen.com/amazinglife

This amazing juice called Mangosteen is backed up by years of scientific studies done by individual Universities and Scientists click here for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/how-to-make-natto.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/how-to-make-natto.html Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600 If you just want the clot buster enzyme capsules containing nattokinase (Nattozyme) it is available through NutriCology 800-545-9960.

Utensils:

A bowl to immerse (completely cover) the soybeans
A sieve to drain the soybeans
A steamer
2 casserole pans, about 10” x 2” deep
Aluminum foil
2 pie plates to hold water, about 8” to 12” round
An oven thermometer
Rubber gloves (disinfect in hot water before using, to prevent contamination.)
1 heat resistant cup, teaspoon, and spatula
1 work lamp without a shade (optional)
1 40 watt bulb (optional)

Ingredients: (makes 2.6 lbs. of natto)

17.5 oz soybeans (smaller soybeans are better)
0.1 grams of Bacillus natto bacteria or (substitute 1 pk. of commercial natto)
¼ tsp. natural salt
½ half tsp. brown sugar or molasses

Preparation:

1. Wash the soybeans thoroughly, and soak in three times the amount of water (by volume) for 12 hours at room temperature.

2. When soybeans have swollen to twice their dry size, steam them in the steamer for six hours or until they can be easily mashed between two of your fingers.

3. Two hours before soybeans are finished steaming, make air holes in the aluminum foil. (Without enough air circulation, natto may become bitter; with too much, its surface may become dry.) Cover empty casseroles pans with aluminum foil and place on top oven rack.

4. Fill deep plates halfway with water and place on middle oven rack. (The water will keep the natto from drying out.) Also put heat resistant cup and teaspoon in the oven. Heat oven to 250 degrees to sterilize the utensils (this reduces the chance of contamination) and warms the water at the same time. When the oven has been adequately heated, turn it off and allow it to cool naturally.

NOTE: It is essential to maintain a temperature of approximately 104 degrees for successful fermentation.
Work quickly from this point on, in order to prevent introduction of harmful bacteria.

5. When finished steaming soybeans, strain water by keeping lid in place while tipping the steamer. (Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water.)

6. Remove lid and steamer, leaving soybeans in the pot. Put lid back on quickly so as not to contaminate the soybeans and lose heat.

7. Pour 2 teaspoons of pre-boiled water into cup. Mix in salt, sugar, and one gram of natto bacteria. (Natto bacteria spores are very resistant to heat. It will take one hour at approximately 285 degrees to kill the natto bacteria.) Make sure that your pre-boiled water is below 175 degrees before adding natto bacteria spores.

8. Remove lid form pot, sprinkle salt, sugar, and natto bacteria solution over soybeans, and then stir to evenly distribute the natto bacteria.

9. Carefully uncover casserole pans and spread soybeans in a one inch thick layer. (Soybeans should be no more than 3 beans deep.) Re-cover the casserole pans with the aluminum foil.

10. Make sure the oven has cooled, then place the covered pans on the top rack. Leave the plates filled with water on the middle rack. The water should have cooled to around 105 degrees.

11. Place the work lamp fitted with the 40 watt bulb in the lower part of the oven. (You may use the oven light, but it will not warm the oven evenly.)

12. Place thermometer on the upper rack and close the door. Check the temperature after a few hours. To keep oven temperature between 100 degrees and 107 degrees, you may have to change the light bulb to a different wattage or keep the oven door propped open a crack.

13. Natto will be ready in 20 to 24 hours. After that, switch lamp off and wait a few hours until it cools, stopping the fermentation. when the aluminum foil is removed, soybeans may have turned partially white, and you will be able to smell the natto. Some ammonia smell is normal, but if it is too strong, undesirable germs may have flourished.

NOTE: Natto is very sensitive to air circulation, temperature, etc., so this can affect the outcome of the fermentation. If the fermentation is not successful, the finished natto may not be sticky or stringy, it may be bitter, or may have a strong ammonia smell.

14. Age natto in the refrigerator for up to one week. It will develop a nice stringiness and improved taste. If left in the refrigerator too long, however, the amino acids will crystallize and the texture will be sandy. The best way to prevent this is, after aging it, to divide it into several small packages and freeze them.

Natto is said to aid and even prevent several diseases and illness, some claims are backed by research and others are not. It is said that natto aids in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes and senility. Natto also aids in the prevention of osteoporosis, cancer, obesity, and intestinal disorders. It improves digestion not only in humans but also in our pets, such as cats and dogs. Natto has also been proven to be an anti-bacterial agent according to Japanese research.
Natto can be difficult to eat because of the smell and texture; here are some ideas that may help with this.

1. Natto Mabo-Tofu: Natto can be combined with mabo-tofu which gives it a natural almost nutty flavor.

2. You can add a few drops of vinegar; this will help with the strong smell of natto.

3. Cold natto does not have much smell, so you may want to avoid heating it. You can mix natto with yogurt and crushed grains of all kinds. You can also add fresh or dried fruits and nuts. By mixing with yogurt the slimy texture dissipates. Mix about 250 grams of yogurt with one pack of natto and add more yogurt if needed.

4. Most people just add some soy sauce and serve over hot rice. You can also add chopped green onions and or finely chopped cheddar, mozzarella, or havarti cheese. Let the cheese melt over the hot rice before adding the natto.

5. You can stir in some mayonnaise and add a few drops of soy sauce to your natto, then spread on bread.

6. Some people have tried and like natto with either mustard or even tobasco.

Natto seems to be very versatile; you can try different things for different flavors. We really hope that you enjoy your natto and receive all the health benefits it has to offer you.



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Looking for a product that will assist with your overall health needs visit: http://www.mymangosteen.com/amazinglife

There is an amazing juice called Mangosteen that is backed up by years of scientific studies done by individual Universities and Scientists click here for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/gift-of-sight-why-go-blind.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/gift-of-sight-why-go-blind.html Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Americans have been trained since childhood, through doctors and television advertisements, that medications are the only way to help cure diseases of all kinds. Around the world this is not true, diet and herbs are used to cure and prevent diseases and illnesses with great success in areas that produce the necessary herbs.

Americans think it is normal for their vision to get worse with age, this not a true fact around the world. Here in America we have on blinders to our own eye health. In China many have very keen vision; they use an herbal compound with honey fired weed and seven other herbs. In India they use Ayurvedic herbs, including one that they believe to have the highest free-radical fighting vitamins. In South East Asia they eat an amazing fruit called the Mangosteen; it has the highest number of anti-oxidants ever found in one food source. In Japan the people in the fishing villages use an important dietary compound that contains an exotic vegetable blend with the best eye enhancing foods; we in America do not get enough of these. In England you can find the wild bilberry, known to help our eyes, but in France you can find bilberry that is seven times more concentrated.

Did you know that an aspirin a day can damage your eyes? It’s true; it affects the blood vessels that feed your eyes. Evidence shows a link between taking aspirin and unhealthy eyes. There is a natural way to help protect your heart and blood flow and that is Bromelain. Bromelain is a protein enzyme found in pineapple stems and fruit; it helps maintain healthy blood pressure and heart efficiency without the side effects that aspirin has, unless you are allergic to pineapple. If you are allergic to pineapple, you can use Pomegranate juice. Make sure it is 100 percent natural with no sugars added. Pomegranate has been proven to increase blood flow and reduce plaque build up on artery walls.

Natural Healers have been advocates of the bilberry for years, but the hit and miss of this natural eye health remedy has always been a problem, this is why: Bilberry has two compounds in it, first is glycosides which are sugar molecules and the other is a powerful anti-oxidant called anthocyanins. Your body needs to absorb the anti-oxidants but first it has to remove the sugar molecule and we do not produce the enzymes needed to do that naturally. There is a European company that is able to remove the sugar molecule without damaging the necessary anti-oxidants. Mind you I do not believe in processing any natural remedy but this company has made a breakthrough that makes this natural eye healing berry easier for our body to use, so I’m all for it. The company does not add any un-natural ingredients to the bilberry, allowing these needed anti-oxidants to be absorbed into the small intestine without missing a beat.

In China they use a blend of herbs for eye health; people in their eighties have very sharp vision. The herbs are: Honey-fired Astragalus, Asiatic dogwood, Chinese yam, Mountain peony, Polyporous mushroom, Rehmannia, Alisma and Schisandra. Each of these herbs has health benefits but together in a blend they actually support healthy eyes, supporting the nerves by reducing free-radical stress, the arteries by increasing the blood flow to the retinal arteries and promoting a healthy balance of electrolytes in the lenses.

In India, they use an Ayurvedic herbal complex called Triphala which contains three herbs that when combined support eye health. They are; Indian gooseberry (amla), which contains the one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C to be found in any plant, Beleric Myrobalan (bibhitaki), which cleanses and detoxifies the body, Indian Gallnut (haritaki) which has anti-oxidants that work with the eyes.

The South East Asians eat a fruit called Mangosteen, and they use the rind of the fruit as a tea, or they make a paste out of it for skin conditions. This amazing fruit has the highest number of anti-oxidants ever found in one food source, over 25,000. Mangosteen is believed to aid in the recovery of almost all diseases and illnesses dependent on the amount taken for each disease and illness. Mangosteen has been studied for the last 20 years because of its amazing medicinal properties. It can be found in the U.S. as a juice. The mangosteen juice has the whole fruit ground down; another benefit of this fruit is a molecule called Xanthones, only 200 have ever been identified in nature and this fruit contains 40 of those. Xanthones are super charged anti-oxidants that perform biological actions in the body. Xanthones are believed to support all the eye functions and destroy free-radicals in the process. Xanthones are also able to help in the repair of damaged DNA in the eyes due to their biological functions. One other benefit of mangosteen juice is that it has an inhibitor against inflammation; it controls inflammation and keeps it in check. Inflammation is present in all the eye diseases.

In other countries, such as mentioned above, their use of natural remedies goes back 5,000 years. America was establish a little over 200 years ago; when it comes to natural health we are amateurs, children, and we could learn from the rest of the world how to take better care of ourselves if we pay attention. Other countries, like those mentioned above, people do not suffer with the ailments that we do, they also do not rely on pharmaceuticals to cure their diseases and illnesses like we do here in America. I have never met anyone that was on a powerful pharmaceutical who was promised that they would recover completely and be able to stop taking the drugs. What I have seen is the need to take additional drugs for the side effects caused by the original drug, and the problems seem to get worse for them as time goes on. This is not seen around the world; people in other countries who use natural remedies have less disease and illness and less problems when they do get sick. The natural remedies actually help them to recover from diseases and illnesses, and they do not suffer with side effects. They have learned over the years that you need to feed your body what it requires in order to remain healthy.

Your body is an organism that requires proper nutrition and large amounts of anti-oxidants in order to perform at its best. We as Americans are just starting to understand this, and we as individuals must research and find the best solutions for our optimum health.

Did you know that the same blood vessels that supply your eyes also supply your heart, brain and bones? It’s true; every area becomes vulnerable when nutrients are missing, so what ever affects your vision affects all of you. There are three major vision problems; glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Unfortunately, medications and sometime surgery are necessary but you can stop the damage early on before these are the only options you have left. Your best defense against degenerative eye diseases is a diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables, like carrots, spinach and tomatoes. To maximize your intake of these beneficial fruits and vegetables try juicing. You can not possibly eat all that is needed throughout the day if you are a busy individual. The deep colors in the vegetables show that they contain a mixture of powerful free-radical scavengers called carotenoids and bioflavonoids. Try to eat 5 servings a day along with nuts, seeds and green tea. Eggs contain lutein and zeaxanthin, a pair of carotenoids that maintain healthy vision. These two carotenoids together act as natural sunglasses protecting your eyes from harmful rays and promoting macular density in the eyes.

There are things to avoid like high-fat diets, smoking, diuretics, alcohol, drugs that lower your cholesterol and cortico-steroids. All of these contribute to degenerative diseases of the eyes as well as other diseases. An aspirin a day can cause the number one problem associated with macular degeneration, and that is small retinal hemorrhages that lead to blindness. Instead of aspirin try vitamin E for both eye and heart health. Stay away from fat blockers; they bind to all fats even the essential fats you need for healthy eyes. These include lutein, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, D, E and K as well as lycopene, all of which your eyes need. Toss those fat blockers ASAP. Eliminate artificial sweeteners, they are suspected to cause toxicities in eye circulation. In order to rebalance your essential fatty acids you need to take flax seed oil or ground flax seeds.

Tomatoes contain Lycopene, this is a potent anti-oxidant that is concentrated in your eyes, but your body’s levels decrease with age. Lycopene is a carotenoid as well, and your body needs to have a mixture of carotenoids in order for them to work better as anti-oxidants. The most profound effects are obtained when you have lycopene and lutein together. Another very necessary need for healthy eyes is Glutathione, it has been called the bodies’ premier anti-oxidant, supporting overall health, it also safe guards your lens by detoxifying free-radicals, in addition it maintains the transparency of your lens and helps to recycle anti-oxidants. It is hard to find this supplement, it is expensive and you need a liquid absorbable form, but you need this added to your healthy eye regimen.

After reading this you may feel over whelmed and a little out of control, I’m going to break it down for you. Everything in this list has properties that will help to improve your vision; you can locate these products in health food stores, except for mangosteen juice, if they do not carry what you need ask them to find it for you. Mangosteen juice is a very rich source of anti-oxidants and supplies the whole body with necessary biological actions, it also reduces stress on the vessels of the eyes, take 2 to 3 ounces three times a day; Triphala, you can find in a power or capsules, take one teaspoon mixed with water before bed, it does have a mild laxative effect, adjust your amount if necessary. Add these to your diet for optimum eye health and overall heart, brain and bone health; tomatoes, green tea, green apples, red or white wine, blue-green algae, spirulina algae, garlic, onions, eggs, carrots, nuts, fresh cold water fish and flax seed. Spirulina along with other blue-green algae’s are considered super foods. They contain all eight essential amino acids, very high levels of B12 and contain more vitamin E than wheat germ. They are also an excellent source of essential fatty acids. Add at least 20-30 grams or 750 mg of spirulina algae per day, research has proven you can clear up cataracts by adding super foods to your diet. Two other super foods are royal jelly and bee pollen. For cases of glaucoma, take 500 mg of vitamin C four times a day equaling 2,000 mg for the entire day. Add 20 mg of rutin three times a day, 150 mg of alpha lipoic acid each day, 40 mg of ginkgo biloba three times a day.

Now be sure to check with your doctor before starting a new dietary change. Some medications such as coumadin and other blood thinning medications can cause problems, because some of these foods thin the blood naturally. Check in regularly with your doctor as you may find you no longer need the medications. Have your blood pressure checked every week as mangosteen juice has been shown to naturally control and drop blood pressure within a few weeks of taking it. Learn about the mangosteen fruit juice and its amazing medicinal properties.

Those of us who have been gifted with sight can’t possibly understand what it must be like to go blind, after years of seeing the world around us, but we are all at risk of losing this precious gift if we do nothing to prevent the causes of eye disease. Do not put your health or sight into someone else’s hands, you must do your own research and find the best solutions.


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You need a product that will assist with your overall health needs visit: http://www.mymangosteen.com/amazinglife

This amazing juice called Mangosteen is backed up by years of scientific studies done by individual Universities and Scientists click here for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/plain-health-talk.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/plain-health-talk.html Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Your body is a living organism, every cell is alive. You do not feel the damage from lack of nutrition until the damage is almost uncontrollable. We as individuals don’t think about our health as a priority because we are too busy with any number of things, going to school to get a better education, raising our children, finding the job that will improve our income, busy with visiting our friends and relatives etc. We shovel in the fast foods that are easily accessible in our instant society, because it is quick and cheap, with no regard has to how the living cells are reacting to the lack of nutrition they are receiving.

It is a crime to feed your animals only rice or corn husks because there is no nutritional value in these types of foods, yet it is ok to put non-nutritional substances into your own body because it is your choice.

Damage is cumulative, over a long period of time things begin to go wrong, either our bowls cease to function as they once did or we begin to have sleeping difficulties or a number of other small inconveniences begin to occur. Most people do not seek the help of a health professional at the onset of the minor problems; they continue with their busy lives and wait until the problems become unbearable to live with.

Lets face the facts here; the air we have to breath is polluted, after a heavy rain the air actually smells good, that’s because all the heavy polluted matter was washed to the ground; oh boy now it is being absorbed into the ground water and coming out of your faucet for you to drink. Now you add all the wrong foods to this time bomb and you somehow expect to remain in good health through it all. Wrong answer, it’s not possible, your body is being damaged every day.

You will not feel the clogged artery that will cause your heart attack or stoke. One day you will wake up, go to work, play golf with a friend and during the game your chest will cause you to collapse to the ground in more agony than you can ever imagine. You will find yourself in the hospital being rushed into surgery, if you are one of the luck ones. If you are not one of the lucky ones your family and friends will lose you that day. People will say “they seemed so healthy, there were no signs to warn us about the condition, I don’t know what we could have done”. Are you scared yet, I really hope so.

There are things you can do right now to reverse many of the problems that exist inside your body. There is hope. There is a sign that warns you about clogged arteries and that is high blood pressure; if you have high blood pressure then you have calcium deposits that are forming inside your arteries.

Animals do not have heart attacks or strokes unless we feed them so much that they end up overweight; that’s our fault not the animals. Animals produce certain nutrients naturally inside their bodies that keep the arteries clean; we do not produce these nutrients naturally. There are human studies that have been done and it was found that between six months to a year the calcium deposits inside the arteries dissolved and the arteries were left clean. It was also found to have no side effects during the studies. WOW!
What is it you say? Well it is a combination of three nutrients that work together; they are: L-Proline 300mg – L-Lysine 500mg – Vitamin C 1,000mg per day. The book that has the studies and the mg per day amount is called - Why Animals don’t get Heart Attacks…But People Do! Written by Matthias Rath, M.D. For a good quality product that contains the right amounts and is all natural you can call Nutraceutical Sciences Institute at 800-776-2887 and ask for item # NI003433 or go to the web (gonsi). Start now and save your family and friends from your possible loss and save yourself from years of damage. Blood pressure medication will not reverse the condition, medication will only mask it, and then there are also the possible side effects of the medication.

Cancer has an ugly head attached to it, you go see the doctor because you have an unusual pain that is constant and you find it hard to eat and your losing weight; you know in the back of your mind that you have a serious problem but you want to stay hopeful that all is fine. The tests are run and you have to meet with the doctor again so he can read the results; you sit in the office as he is poring over the paper, your palms are sweaty and you feel sick to your stomach because the look on his face tells you he is thinking about how he is going to tell you that you have the big “C” word. His eyes are remorseful and he is truly sorry to have to be the one to tell you that you have cancer. He informs you that there are treatments that have been successful and he tells you that the treatments will make you very sick. Of course he also tells you that the treatments are not always successful, in some cases the disease (cancer) is just too aggressive. On the other hand he will do his best and will consult with others in this field about your case. You are alone, more alone than you have ever been in your life, in that moment you can not think.

Years of damage to your DNA has caused your DNA to mutate and start developing cancer cells. Over time these cancer cells have grown and you now have a deadly disease. Are you scared yet? I was!
There is a fruit that may help you now; before you get the bad news, even if you have cancer it may help you. What is it you say? Mangosteen fruit; It has been studied for years by universities and scientists around the globe, but only became available in the USA in the year 2002. It has been proven to kill cancer cells in a petri dish. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME? No, I’m not joking at all. Let’s look at a little bit of science; the human body has moisture and heat; your body is a giant petri dish, where some bacteria can grow and flourish. Have you ever had a cold or flu? That is what I’m talking about. They took a dish and turned it into a human environment, moisture and heat; they put the human cancer cells in the dish and added the powerful antioxidants called xanthones that are found in the SKIN of the mangosteen fruit. They watched as the xanthones KILLED the cancer cells. Now you must be thinking are there any human trials? Nope, it takes years and years to get human trials approved and paid for. There have been animal trails and each one has proven that in that animal (rat or mouse) the cancer that was given to them was killed off, the animal’s tumors vanished over a period of time. Now are you going to wait 20 or 30 years for the human trials or are you like me? I read the information and I believe in trying anything that is natural with NO side effects to improve my health. That’s right NO side effects.

Everything you do is a choice, and every choice you make effects the rest of your life.
Have an amazing life and future!


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You need a product that will assist with your overall health needs visit: http://www.mymangosteen.com/amazinglife

This amazing juice called Mangosteen is backed up by years of scientific studies done by individual Universities and Scientists click here for more information.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>