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<title>Latest Articles by thenrifi</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/</link>
<description>Articles at ArticleTrader</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>The Hormones that Affect Weight Loss</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/the-hormones-that-affect-weight-loss.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/the-hormones-that-affect-weight-loss.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Any efforts at losing weight whether you are aware of it or not, will will affect the body hormones that greatly affect our metabolism. This information is published in scattered bits and pieces across the internet and sometimes the relationships are not explained too clearly. I will try to offer a brief but hopefully more complete explanation of the hormones affected in not only weight loss but also in weight gain.<br /><br />One of the key hormones that affect weight management is insulin. Insulin is a blood sugar regulator. High carbohydrate intake leads to higher blood sugar levels. This leads to an increase of insulin output by the body. Insulin production is the body’s natural response to excessively high sugar levels in the blood. If that sugar is not getting converted into energy fast enough to maintain safe levels in the blood, insulin will resort to an alternate to that conversion to energy. This results in the conversion of that blood sugar into fat that will be stored by the body.<br /> <br />The often used term lipogenic refers to simply means an element exhibits fat producing qualities. In addition to insulin being lipogenic, it also exhibits another quality that is undesirable to weight loss programs. Insulin is also antilipolytic. This simply means that it works to fight against the breakdown of fat. As you now see, a diet that stimulates high insulin output will certainly be encouraging natural body activities that are not desirable in your efforts to lose weight.<br /><br />When the body is stressed due to any number of reasons, insulin production also increases in order to stimulate the production of cortisol, which is a stress response hormone. The body then responds to high cortisol by reducing the levels of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This hormone is very influential in the production of muscle. Producing more muscle than fat is our ultimate goal. So you can see that stress can lead to the production of fat instead of muscle.<br /><br />Chronic stress stimulates fat cells into storing fat. Fat cells located in the abdominal wall, characteristically possess more cortisol receptors on their cell membranes. So in turn, stress will encourage these cells to retain more fat.<br /><br />Leptin is produced by adipose tissue and leptin binds to nucleus cells of the hypothalamus, a region of the brain known as the “satiety center.” Binding of leptin to these cells, tells the brain that the body has had enough to eat thus providing the sensation of being full. In a small number of humans, mutations of the leptin gene are present that stimulate a constant demand for food. This typically leads to severe obesity. Unfortunately this condition often encourages a vicious circle. As the body produces greater and greater quantities of leptin to fulfill the requirements of the process it sometimes causes higher tolerances and reduced efficiency. Although management of this hormone has yet to be understood fully, there have been some short term benefits experienced by the administration of recombinant human leptin by way of injection.<br /><br />The hormone serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain made from the amino acids found in proteins, like leptin, it also sends messages that the body is satisfied and that we have eaten sufficient to meet our body’s needs. Low serotonin levels cause depression, obesity, lethargy, and a greater desire for refined carbohydrates. Low levels of serotonin leads to overeating because the brain believes the body is starving. A diet that restricts protein-rich calories can one of the causes for low serotonin levels. Many people that produce very high levels of cortisol also tend to experience lower serotonin levels.<br /><br />Another glandular condition called hypothyroidism may affect as high as 30 percent of the population.  Reduced thyroid activity reduces our fat burning rate and causes fatigue, and lowering of our energy levels. The thyroid is small gland at the base of your neck that controls energy flow. A reduction or low level of thyroid hormones leads to lethargy or lack of energy. The incidence of slowed digestion causes constipation and diminished metabolism leads to weight gain and elevated cholesterol levels. The brain also needs thyroid hormones to stimulate the production of hormones like serotonin that we talked about earlier. So you see hypothyroidism can lead to depression and lethargy and weight gain.<br /><br />Often not mentioned in the discussion of weight loss and hormones, testosterone and estrogens are also important players. These are usually considered male, female hormones. The production of these hormones tends to diminish with age. The male hormone, testosterone stimulates high energy and associated fat burning benefits. On the other hand the female hormone estrogens actually encourage the storage of fat. A decrease in estrogens levels therefore would seem beneficial in your weight loss program. Unfortunately a number of conditions call for the addition of estrogens to ease women through the menopause process. Although quite effective for that purpose, they will adversely affect weight loss or weight control efforts.<br /><br />As you can see, there is a very wide variety of hormones have a role in weight control. Some of these hormones interact with each other. Some hormones can be manipulated with drugs or by careful meal planning. Learning more about hormones and weight loss may help you better plan the phases and objectives for your weight loss program. Start working on that flat belly with a better understanding of the complex issues involved in the body that effect your weight.<br /><br />--<br />Tom is a retired electrical utility worker and fishing charter captain on the canadian shore of Western Lake Erie.<br />For more information about Weight Loss please visit <a href="http://www.eathappy-tgh.info/">Lose Weight Quickly</a><br />To lose weight and get 6 pack abs please visit <a href="http://www.improvement-center.com/">Flat belly and 6 Pack Abs</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Is Colon Cleansing Worth It? </title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/health/is-colon-cleansing-worth-it.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/health/is-colon-cleansing-worth-it.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With the state of our health as important to us as it is currently, many people ask the question - is colon cleansing worth it? The answer to that question is easy – yes it is very beneficial to good health. When deciding that we wish to acquire and maintain a healthy digestive system, we should bear a few things in mind.<br /><br />The Advantages<br /><br />Colon cleansing offers a number of advantages towards your health. The colon is essentially a form of clearing house in the body, and if you allow it to get congested then the rest of your body is going to be affected. Many factors such as the foods you eat, smoke and additional pollutants in the air, ecological factors, all of these result in toxins accumulating in your body, specifically in your colon.<br /><br />These toxins bog down your colon performance and you will commence to feel poorly and sluggish. There are many difficulties that you could be suffering with as a result of a dirty colon, including backaches, diarrhea, skin complications, irritability, insomnia, hypertension, arthritis, headaches, foul body odor, asthma, prostate trouble, menstrual glitches, allergies, and hemorrhoids. <br /><br />There are ways that you can cleanse your colon however, and in particular there are colon cleansing products existing that you can buy and customarily just with a single use your colon will be in a considerably healthier state. <br /><br />It is notable that you realize that the procedure does not stop here. Instead, you need to keep your colon free of toxic accumulations in the future by eating a healthy well-balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise. <br /><br />It is significant when considering the matter regarding - is colon cleansing worth it, that you look into the future. You will seldom find the need to use a colon cleansing product again if you use it once and then maintain a routine that incorporates good diet practices and regular exercise. There are certain foods that you will want to take in in your diet to make sure that your colon stays as clean as conceivable for years to come.<br /><br />Fresh fruits, vegetables,  grain breads and cereals, and fibre are all important to include here. Fibre is a vital component here because it will help to keep your colon flushed and your bowel activity regular. Just make sure that you also increase your water intake so that you do not become constipated. <br /><br />When it comes to the matter to be considered - is colon cleansing worth it, it utterly is and you will notice the improvement in your health at once.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Tom Henricks is a retired charter fisherman Lake Erie Canada.<br />For more about colon maintenanace <a href="http://www.newcoloncleanser.com/">Learn How to Colon Cleanse </a><br />Colon Cleansing can help weight loss also  <a href="http://www.eathappy-tgh.info">Clean Colon - Lose Weight</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Can You Have a Clean Colon Naturally?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/health/can-you-have-a-clean-colon-naturally.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/health/can-you-have-a-clean-colon-naturally.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Maintaining a healthy and clean colon is vitally important to your overall health and sense of well being. Quite possibly you have indicated some interest in cleansing the colon but do not want to resort to ingredients that are manufactured artificially. Some of these formulations cause violent and unpredictable reactions within your body.  Some careful research will show that you need not resort to prescription medications and that you do have options to help you acquire a clean colon naturally. <br /><br />How to Clean Colon Naturally<br /><br />There is a large portion of the population that would prefer to acquire the benefits of a clean colon naturally. The first step is to find a naturally occurring product that you can use to cleanse the colon. There are a number of plants and  herbs that have been utilized by various cultures for hundreds of years. When ingested they serve to rid your bowel areas of the harmful toxins that have accumulated over a long period of time. <br /><br />Many of the natural herb and plant based products are composed of multi-herb and multi-fibre organics that work synergistically to help you cleanse and tone all five elimination channels. These basic elements of your system include the gastrointestinal system or colon, kidneys, lungs, skin, and the lymphatic system. It may come as somewhat of a surprise to discover the body components involved in keeping our body free of undesirable elements and impurities.<br /><br />Ideally the product that you select should be one that is completely natural and safe to use, and accomplishes two important tasks. The treatment should stimulate thorough and complete elimination and stimulate the need for frequent and regular bowel movements there after. The basic action to acquire a clean colon naturally, relies on fibre as one of its main ingredients and helps to flush out your system and get you feeling healthier and happier.<br /><br />When we introduce food high in fibre to our intestinal tract, it absorbs moisture and expands to produce a high volume product that fills the tract of our intestines. The body doesn’t want the basically inert elements of much of this fibrous material and simply pushes it right through the digestive system. Many of these herbal or plant base products produce a delicate scraping process as they fill out and pass through the intestines.<br /><br />As a result pockets, bends and restricted areas get a much needed sandblasting effect and a fresh, clean surface.<br /><br />By utilizing nature's methods of achieving a clean colon naturally, and following routine maintenance with naturally occurring organic products, you should then be able to keep your colon clean comfortably throughout the remainder of your life. <br /><br />As with any new routine you plan to begin that will affect your body systems, it would be wise to consult with your doctor, a professional nutritionist or herbalist. Many of these consultants will be able to assess your present condition and advise you which colon cleansing product is going to be best suited to you and your needs. A thorough examination may reveal that your colon is especially clogged.<br /><br />In the unlikely event that natural organic products prove to be unsuccessful and producing a smoothly operating digestive system, you may find it necessary to resort to synthetic formulations available via prescription.<br /><br />To experience extended comfort after you have cleansed the colon you plan to maintain that condition by eating a healthy well-balanced diet, that incorporates fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and ample quantities of fibre. Fibre should be increased gradually in the diet and should always be accompanied with an increase in water in order to prevent constipation.<br /><br />Following these principles you should derive the benefits of a clean colon naturally.<br /><br /><br />--<br />Tom Henricks is a retired electrical utility worker and charter fisherman from the Canadian shore of Lake Erie.<br />For more information about colon maintenanace please visit <a href="http://www.newcoloncleanser.com/">Learn How to Colon Cleanse </a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Make Your Own Healthy Organic Dog Food</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/make-your-own-healthy-organic-dog-food.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/make-your-own-healthy-organic-dog-food.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ You may well be aware of all the benefits of switching to an organic diet for a healthier and longer life. But did you know that your canine pal can benefit from eating organic dog food also? By changing your dog to an organic food source, you can do your best to ensure that he or she lives a longer, healthier life. Benefit from less trips to the veterinarian, more energy, and better overall health.<br /><br />You can also save yourself a bunch of money by making your own organic dog food right at home. Not only will this make you feel better knowing that you are promoting better health for your dog, but also you can save a bunch of money at the same time.<br /><br />Steps to Better Dog Food<br /><br />One of the first things that you need to have handy when you go to make your own organic dog food is an air-tight container to store the finished product in. Homemade dog food should only be stored for a few days, certainly not more than four or five days. Be sure not to make up any more than your dog will consume through that period. Organic dog food should be fed in much the same way as typical store bought dog food. If your dog currently eats a cup of dry food per day, then the same quantity of your homemade healthy dog food should do the job nicely.<br /><br />Maybe the second most important element of your organic dog food is the base ingredients you use. Choose only the good cuts of ground beef, turkey, or chicken that you would feel comfortable feeding to your family. Cook the meat you choose thoroughly, and blend to achieve a fine texture in your blender or food processor.<br /><br />Adding vegetables to your organic dog food is also important. Dogs need beta carotene for good eyesight. Grind several carrots (three or four) in your blender to a fine pulp. Mix both meat and vegetables together and add several cups of well cooked, brown rice. This will help to bind it all together. This should then be stored in an air-tight container in your refrigerator. Feed it to your dog as required.<br /><br />Making your own organic dog food is easy and it only adds a few dollars to your grocery budget.<br /><br /><br />Top Reasons to Choose Organic Pet Food<br /><br />Maybe you have been considering making the switch to organic pet food, but you are unsure about it. Read the following list of top reasons why organic is best for any pet. Not only will your pet thank you for making the switch to this new healthy dog food, but your budget should be smaller.<br /><br />A Healthier Pet, Smaller Budget<br /><br />When you make the switch to organic pet food for your dog or cat, you will no longer be included with those pet owners who need to check their pet food each time there is a product recall. By changing to organic, you can help to ensure that your furry friend has not only a well balanced diet, but also contains no chemicals and preservatives.<br /><br />Just as with an organic diet for you and your family, organic pet food can help your pet live a longer, healthier life. When you eliminate the preservatives and additives from your pet food, you will worry less about vet visits, because your pet will have a stronger immune system. By feeding your pet organic pet food, you are helping them to be stronger and healthier.<br /><br />Not only will your pet live a healthier and longer life, but your budget will look much better as well. Not only can you purchase organic food for your pet much cheaper than you can purchase store bought pet foods, but you can also create your own organic pet food in your home for only a few dollars. This should prove to be the most healthy dog food you could provide.<br /><br />Make Your Own<br /><br />By making the switch to organic pet food, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are giving your pet healthy food at a minimal price. By making your own organic pet food, you can help to ensure that you and your family pet can have a long and healthy life together for a long life.<br /><br />--<br /><p>Tom Henricks maintains a blog where you can exchange info about petfood.</p><br /><p>For more information about Petfood please visit  http://www.petfood-tgh.com/</p><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Natural Colon Cleansing is a Life Saver</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/natural-colon-cleansing-is-a-life-saver.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/natural-colon-cleansing-is-a-life-saver.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Colon cleansing is a natural health way to eliminate one of the primary causes of colon cancer as well as a variety of other ailments. The colon is the terminal point of the digestive system in our body. <br /><br />Colon cleansing is vitally important to your health in general. This means you should be cleaning your colon on a routine basis. There are the so called conventional colon cleansing formulas that you can use which include chemicals and some harsh products, but you will also find natural colon cleansing treatments available to select from. <br /><br />Once we truly understand that removal of wastes and toxins is critically important to health in general, it becomes much easier to dedicate ourselves to a program that promotes routine and complete bowel movements.<br /><br />As the colon becomes impacted with indigestible waste, the shape and function are affected in several ways. It may stretch like a balloon in certain areas, or develop pouches on the intestinal wall which may become infected or even collapse in areas.<br /><br />All of these colon malformations greatly impair the large intestines ability to function. This in turn places severe strain on your digestive organs and glands and affects nutrient absorption. The colon is the body's waste disposal system. If not treated properly it can accumulate toxic poisons, which may even be absorbed into the bloodstream. <br /><br />Natural Colon Cleansing<br /><br />Natural colon cleansing simply means you are maintaining a toxin free digestive system by utilizing naturally occurring colon cleansing supplements. These will likely include herbs which are known to kill parasites and worms, contain digestive enzymes, contain probiotics (beneficial bacteria), contain herbs that promote healthy liver, gallbladder and intestinal function, also psyllium husk or seeds, Cascara Sagrada, or flax seeds and slippery elm.<br /><br />Herbal colon cleansing using psyllium, internal cleansing herbs and other natural colon cleansing products, is an essential part any bowel detoxification program. <br /><br />This may be a difficult fact to get your mind around but ii is commonly agreed that a person on a typical American diet may store 8 meals of undigested food and waste material in the colon, while the person following a high fibber diet may only be storing the equivalent of 3 meals. <br /><br />Important Information<br /><br />It is most common to find that natural colon cleansing dictates that you are not only using natural colon cleansing supplements but as well your program should include following a specific colon cleansing diet. Although you may be able to rid your system of all the toxins presently in your body and expect long term benefits, if you go back to your unhealthy lifestyle after the cleanse you will simply be building your body up with harmful toxins once again. This is why it is so important that you follow a disciplined diet. This means it should be as healthy as possible and include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grain breads and cereals. <br /><br />The best natural colon cleansing formulas usually incorporate the use of herbs. It is widely agreed that dietary fibber is a great natural colon cleanser. It also helps to reduce the body’s blood cholesterol and aids in reducing heart disease and related ailments. Psyllium is a key element  in a natural colon cleansing. It is a water-soluble, gel-reducing fibber that is extracted from the husks of blond psyllium seeds. <br /><br />You can gather your own herbs and make your own natural colon cleansing formula, but if you would rather purchase a store bought product, then you can just head to your local health foods store and find natural colon cleansing formulas ready to use. Ensure that you check the list of ingredients before purchasing and ensure that every ingredient is completely natural and safe. <br /><br />Colon cleansing has never been more important than it is in our environment of unhealthy quick meals and polluted environment. Toxins accumulate in the body much quicker than we realize and once this begins to happen,  you are simply encouraging poor health in general. If you want to prevent disease and feel healthy and happy, regular natural colon cleansing will be a key to that end.<br /><br />--<br /><p>Tom Henricks maintains a blog that will allow you to exchange experiences and information about colon cleansing.</p><br /><p>For more information about the colon cleansing please visit  http://www.newcoloncleanser.com</p><br /><br /><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>You Must Adhere to Proven Principles For Sustainable Weight Loss</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/you-must-adhere-to-proven-principles-for-sustainable-weight-loss.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/you-must-adhere-to-proven-principles-for-sustainable-weight-loss.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Maybe you have decided that now is the time to lose some of that extra weight you have gained. You are likely wondering what is the best way to accomplish that. There are so many types of diet and diet plans being offered. No more how you cut it, weight loss always revolves around the very basics. You must burn more calories than you take in. You should have more fibre in your diet. Exercise burns calories.<br /><br />At this very moment, you are most likely to find at least 450 diet books in print. Without fail, every year weight loss centers enrol 8 million Americans in a variety of weight-loss programs. Your options can be grouped into four main categories.<br /><br />You may initiate a do-it-yourself program using diet books and communicate with various support groups. You may enrol in nonclinical programs that provide counsellors to teach weight loss and nutrition. Alternatively you may enrol in a clinical program, where medical professionals may suggest drugs or surgery. Or you may decide to seek consultation with a registered dietician.<br /> <br />The choice may be a bit difficult to make when realizing that the weight-loss industry is largely unregulated. You will find some good advice by referring to guidelines on safe and effective dieting issued by The Institute of Medicine. This recognized report is published by the National Academy of Sciences.<br /><br />"The current system is chaos," says Dr. Frank, co-author of the guidelines. "None of these programs gives any information." To give dieters a basis for choosing the right program, the guidelines call on weight-loss programs to issue comprehensive data about patients' long-term weight loss, improvements in obesity-related diseases, and improved health practices.<br /><br />The guideline recommendations are as follows. Select a program that satisfies your individual needs. Ask a trusted health care professional if the program appears to offer sound advice. Always monitor your health before and during weight loss efforts. Remember that programs promising results without dieting and exercise just can not work. Remember that breastfeeding women should undertake weight loss only under medical supervision. Children and patients with any chronic disease should only enter a weight loss program under medical supervision. <br /><br />Now to Choosing the Right Diet<br /><br />According to the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diet refers to what a person eats or drinks in the course of a normal day. There are several name brand diets, such as the Atkins diet, the Zone diet, the South Beach diet and others. It is important to remember that a diet that limits portions to a very small size or that excludes certain foods entirely to promote weight loss may not be effective over the long term. It is much easier to maintain a diet that takes into account the foods that you like and dislike and also include combinations of foods with enough calories and nutrients for good health.<br /><br />When planning your diet it is important that you consider what calorie level is appropriate for you. Is the diet that you and considering to take nutritionally balanced? Will this diet be practical and easy to follow? Will the diet be maintainable for the rest of your life? The below information will show you what to look out for in a diet.<br /><br />Make sure that your diet contains all the essential nutrients for good health. Using the Food Guide Pyramid and the Nutrition Facts Label that is found on most processed food products can help you choose a healthful diet. The Pyramid shows you the kinds and amounts of food that you need each day for good health. The Nutrition Facts Label will help you select foods that meet your daily nutritional needs.<br /><br />A healthful diet should include, the number of calories that is right for you, adequate vitamins and minerals, adequate protein, adequate fibre to promote routine bowel function, should limit the amount of cholesterol in your diet, and it should include at least 8 to 10 glasses of water or water-based beverages per day.<br /><br />The different types of diets go by names such as the fixed-menu diet, exchange-type diet, pre-packaged-meal diet, formula diet, and those that could be labelled questionable diets. You should avoid any diet that suggests you eat a certain nutrient, food, or combination of foods to promote easy weight loss. Some of these diets may work in the short term because they are low in calories. However, they are often not well balanced and may cause nutrient deficiencies. So called flexible diets suggest monitoring fat only, calories only, or a combination of the two, with the individual making the choice of both the type and amount of food eaten. These flexible diets work well for many people, and teaches them how to control what they eat.<br /><br />Many other issues relate to the dieting process as well such as hormone balance, grouping of food types, your glycemic index and frequency of meals and meal portions.<br /><br />--<br />Tom Henricks maintains a weight loss blog that allows input and information related to these issues.<br />For more info about weight loss please visit http://www.eathappy-tgh.info<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Try a New Home Look Using Interior Design Software</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/try-a-new-home-look-using-interior-design-software.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/try-a-new-home-look-using-interior-design-software.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Wouldn't it be great if you could totally redecorate your new home without having to buy any paint or materials while doing it? Using interior design software, you can try out unlimited designs, experimenting with colors, textures and more without and yet you won't be required to make a single purchase.<br /><br />Accomplished by using your computer, you won't be required to leave the comfort of your home and you won't need to visit any of the numerous home improvement stores in order to discover the perfect design plan.<br /><br />How is That Possible<br />There are a number of ways in which 3d interior design works and your required level of re-decorating your home will determine the application features you will utilize. For simple basic features, there are a variety of free websites which offer interior design based on a number of pre-made templates, materials, textures, designs, and colors.<br /><br />You simply select the room template that most matches the conditions you will be working with. Many of these basic applications include limited capability to place doors and windows in a variety of locations. From there, you can experiment with furniture placement, lighting, wall colors, wallpaper, rugs, fixtures and more.<br /><br />The free version of 3d interior design targets newcomers to interior decorating who are exploring various options and components before making any final decisions about the project they would like to undertake. Some online 3d interior design programs require you to subscribe to the program for a fee. This will allow you to send them pictures of the rooms you would like to redecorate.<br /><br />When they receive your photographs, they will convert them into digital images which you can then modify using their computer software. For many this is the preferred option as the physical representations in this interior design will be to the exact scale and location as the real life components they represent.<br /><br />All real life conditions will be accurately displayed including precise placement of windows, doors, electrical outlets and even unique architectural elements such as cornice, bead boards and mouldings.<br /><br />Benefits<br />There are several very attractive benefits to using a 3d interior design program to evaluate your interior design project requirements and end results. Obviously a wonderful asset, you are not spending hundreds to thousands of dollars purchasing materials, paint and furniture only to discover that this was not what you wanted after all.<br /><br />The interior design application may well save you a lot of money in the long term. 3d interior design software is a lot of fun and will allow you the freedom to conduct some serious interior decorating without spending a dime.<br /><br />Another wonderful benefit from design software is that you can experiment with as many changes as you wish. Changes are easy and not permanent you are only limited by your imagination. trying out various designs will not cost you any money.<br /><br />If you and your partner have different ideas, the interior design software allows you both to apply your own color schemes, wallpaper, furniture placement, rugs, and more until you come up with an acceptable design that you both find acceptable.<br /><br />The advantage of the 3d interior design is that you have freedom to experiment knowing that ultimately the only thing you have invested to that point is your time. Give it a try.<br /><br />--<br /><p>Tom Henricks is a retired electrical utility worker and Charter fisherman from the Canadian shore of Lake Erie</p><br /><br /><br />For more information about  Interior Design please visit <a href="http://www.interiordesign-tgh.com">Interior Design</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Water Filter vs Water Softener</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/water-filter-vs-water-softener.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/water-filter-vs-water-softener.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Several years ago I moved into a new home located in a rural area that was not supplied by the nearest municipal water system. My source of fresh water was a drilled well. The water is of very good quality but is very hard water. I really did not fully understand the term "hard water" for several years but I have finally come to grips with issues related to hard water.<br /><br />I have been using a water conditioning system produced by Culligan since I moved into my home. I thought it was a water softener. Everyone called it a water softener and that is what I called it. I got a little discouraged with the system performance and began considering a change. The Culligan system required the addition of peroxide to operate correctly and I was using nearly 10 gallons per month. My water was still showing some iron and system pressure was falling considerably.<br /><br />I began researching water softeners. To my surprise I was not operating a water softener. It was merely a deluxe "water filter". The water was passing through a media bed that filtered the water but it did not soften it. I realized at that point that two completely distinct processes were involved in proper water conditioning.<br /><br />For optimum water quality the water should be filtered and then it should be "softened". I found that the softening process removed disolved minerals that a filter allowed to pass through. That accounted for the mineral buildup on my appliances such as electric tea kettle and porcellain fixtures etc.<br />Even system iron is present in different forms. Some iron is actually disolved in the water and passes through a filter. It will however solidify when it is not circulating. It contributes a very large buildup inside hot water heaters.<br /><br />I decided on a simple but high quality cartridge filter and a water softener that required salt pellets for constant optimum softening. The salt used by the softener does not actually enter your water supply. I found that it's only purpose was to flush out a special media bed that has special physical qualities that attract the minerals like a magnet. Many people are under the misguided belief that salt goes into your useable water - not so.<br /><br />The media bed requires flushing at regular intervals to continue working at peak performance. The system will shut down at predetermined times and close itself off from your water supply. It then takes the salted water into the media bed. This will cause the accumulated minerals to release from the media. It is all flushed into your waste water system by a seperate plumbing connection. Once this cleaning cycle completes, the sytem re-opens and sends fresh, conditioned water to your water supply again.<br /><br />This is the point where I discovered "soft water". I was amazed. After I installed my new filter and conditioner it took about 2 days to fully displace all previouys water from the water heater and storage system. Now when I take a bath the difference is absolutely amazing. After several years of "hard water", the water now truly felt soft and slippery. This is soft water. Soap lathers so much better and laundry detergent can be reduced considerably yet with better results.<br /><br />This was my education regarding water softening andd water filtering. There is considerable difference between the two processes. I hope this will help someone still lucky enough to be using fresh underground water.<br /><br />--<br /><p>Tom Henricks is an amateur webmaster who has written a few website related articles.</p><p><a href="http://www.sumppumpinfo.com">Plumbing, Sump Pump Information and Home <br /><br />Improvement</a></p><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.housevaluesecurity.com">Home Improvement Sources and <br /><br />Services</a></p><br /><br /><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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