Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Anxiety Reduction And Exercise: Effective Treatment For Anxiety

By Serge Taylor

The stress and strain that we all have to contend with on a daily basis has led to a dramatic increase in the number of people suffering with anxiety. While there are many treatment options for anxiety sufferers, there are a number of very effective and easy to use self help methods that will help to dramatically decrease the levels of stress and strain in your life.

Sometimes these self treatment options can be effective on their own. And in some cases they are not enough to totally treat anxiety effectively. Even if your particular case does require a more orthodox medical treatment for your anxiety you may find that adding in some safe and easy to use self help techniques provides a more holistic approach to treating your anxiety.

If you are looking for an effective and easy to use self-help technique to help in treating your anxiety look no further than regular exercise. Research has shown conclusively that exercise has a very positive effect on a physical level as well as on a mental and emotional level. In many cases of depression and anxiety, exercise alone has been proven to dramatically decrease the incidence of attacks and the severity of the symptoms.

There are a number of very positive effects that exercise can have on an anxiety sufferer.

People who are chronically anxious burn an incredible amount of energy performing their normal day-to-day tasks. It's as if their motor is idling too high burning more fuel and using more energy than is needed. If you suffer with anxiety exercise can increase your energy levels by relaxing the nervous system to the point where it no longer uses up as much energy.

If you are someone who is chronically anxious it might pay you to think about adopting a regular exercise programme into your day-to-day routine. The relatively small amount of energy you will use while exercising will pay you back ten fold when you start to conserve energy that you would have previoulsy used in a chronically anxious state.

Another big payoff for people who exercise regularly is the endorphin rush that accompanies vigorous exercise. Endorphins are hormones that are released into our system during exercise. They make us feel good. They increase our sense of well-being. And effect lingers after the exercise has stopped.

Many anxiety sufferers also suffer from chronically tired and painful muscles. Some methods of exercise, yoga for example, create the opportunity for these muscles to relax. In many cases simply reducing the amount of physical tension within the body can have a dramatic effect on what is happening to us on a mental and emotional level.

The important thing to remember when the thinking about starting an exercise program to help with your anxiety is that virtually any form of movement will help.

And whatever you do don't let your lack of exercise knowledge give you something else to get anxious about.

All you need to do is to simply get going. Of all the exercise is out there walking is probably the best to you to start with. As you get fitter and stronger and more confident with physical activity you can start looking at other more exciting exercise options.

Aerobic classes, weight training, martial arts, yoga classes are just some of the possibilities that you can choose to try as part of your regular exercise program.

Anxiety and the accompanying him mental, emotional and physical symptoms and stress that comes with it to be helped dramatically with the implementation of a regular exercise routine.

If you suffer from anxiety you will be amazed at how quickly regular exercise will help you feel better about yourself and feel happier about your life.

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Using Meditation to Get a Good Night's Sleep

By Keira Adams

If you're having trouble sleeping at night, you might want to consider taking up meditation. Practicing meditation can help you get a sounder and more refreshing sleep so that you'll have more energy and ability to concentrate in the morning. It also has benefits for people who have sleep difficulties because it relaxes the muscles and soothes the mind so that they fall asleep more easily.

A lot of people, for a variety of reasons, may try taking numerous different pills. However, you should know that with sleeping pills, you run the risk of interrupted sleep and daytime drowsiness. If you decide to use meditation instead of medication, it takes practice to learn the techniques that work for your body in particular, so be patient.

There are several ways you can meditate - listening to music or in silence, burning candles, sitting calmly and allowing your mind to drift, or by the more concentrated practice of yoga meditation. Meditation relieves tension and eases anxiety, which will lead to a more restful and refreshing sleep.

There are several tips to help you reach better results with your meditation. You could try utilizing techniques such as a mantra, which is a positive phrase repeated aloud or in your mind, listening to relaxing CDs, or focusing on deep breathing exercises. When negative thoughts creep into your head and interrupt your meditation, try sweeping them away, making room for positive thoughts.

When you have a peaceful place with no distractions you will be able to easily meditate. Use the following tips to help you concentrate.

1. Find a quiet place where you're not likely to be disturbed. This place might be somewhere in your house, or a lakeside park bench. Remove the television, phone and other things that might cause a disturbance.

2. Get comfortable. Find a sitting position that is comfortable for you, using pillows or cushions if required. Remove your footwear, and do not wear anything that restricts you.

3. Now relax. Shut your eyes and allow your thoughts to wander. Picture a calming scene such as a meadow of grazing sheep or a quiet pond to help you concentrate.

4. Take a deep breath. Inhale deeply and rhythmically, while concentrating on the air being drawn in and exiting your body with each breath. Stress relief and increasing your oxygen levels can be achieved by these deep breathing techniques.

Meditation right before bed can improve your sleep patterns and help you to get a good night's sleep. Even just 10 to 15 minutes per day will help you relax and sleep better.

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Monday, May 19, 2008

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Genetic Risks and Breast Cancer

By www.thealternativecancertreatment.com

Official figures have shown that between 5-10% of breast cancer is caused by the genetic makeup of an individual. Even though the percentage seems relatively low, the actual numbers are high enough to prompt many men and women to seek regular checkups. Yes, even men can contract breast cancer. This only occurs about .7% as often as women but it does happen and kills about 12,000 men each year.

Being female alone increases an individual's odds of contracting breast cancer relative to men by 133:1. A leading theory indicates that the most obvious and likely cause is the much greater estrogen and progesterone levels in females. These hormones aid in cell grown and seem to be involved when cell growth is uncontrollable, as in a disease such as breast cancer.

One genetic factor that may not seem genetic at first blush is the increased risk that comes with aging. Growing older, at what rate and in what way, is heavily influenced by genetics. Genetics determines the kind of physiology we have and that in turn plays a prominent role in aging, as researchers in the field are finding out.

Almost 17% of invasive breast cancers occur in women who are in their 40's. But a great 78% of those who contract breast cancer are in their 50's or older. This shouldn't surprise you. It is a common observation that cancers are more likely to occur the older an individual becomes. Make sure that you don't confuse this statement. It is not correct to believe that 78% of women who are 50 or older get breast cancer. Actually, that number is about 1 in 12, or 8% of women 50 or older.

One major genetic risk factor, though, doesn't come from normal genes, but from gene mutations. The most common mutations are labeled BRCA1 and BRCA2. The genes affected participate in making proteins that prevent cells from growing abnormally. Mutations or changes in them alter that ability, opening the gate to increasing the odds of breast cancer. According to some studies, having the mutation puts the odds of developing breast cancer at up to 80%.

Mutations such as these are not always inherited, and are not produced by environmental, diet or other controllable factors. Women whose mothers have had breast cancer are placed at a higher risk for developing the condition themselves. Women do not inherit genes from siblings, but having a sibling that has contracted breast cancer does indicate an increased risk for an individual.

Additionally there is another gene mutation that could play a role in the development of breast caner. The ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutation) involves a gene that plays a part in the repair of DNA strands. Breast cancer risk is doubled when the CHEK-2 gene mutates. Mutations in a gene called the p53 increase the odds since it aids in suppressing the growth of tumors. These occurrences have an extremely low likelihood.

Until there are advancements in gene therapy, there isn't anything women or men can do to alter the genes which they were given. But knowing the risk factors can provide information needed to come up with a diagnosis. Knowing that you have a family history containing an individual with Cowden Syndrome, for example, provides you with more reason to seek frequent and early checkups.

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Herbal Aromatherapy and Incense

By Louise Servage

Aromatherapy bases itself around the use of essential oils for the treatment and / or prevention of disease and is a gentle, healing art. Evolving over thousands of years, aromatherapy is a recognized form of medicine, reaching as far back as biblical times. It can be a supplementary, complementary or the sole treatment, treating the actual problem rather than covering it up as more conventional methods of treatment tend to do.

Aromatherapy as a medicine is great it doesn't come with the unavoidable side effects that are associated with other treatments.

It is the systematic use of essential oils (volatile plant oils), consisting of tiny aromatic molecules that are readily absorbed into the skin. The use of incense is popular among aroma therapists.

Basic and herbal are the two types of Aromatherapy. The major difference between the two is that herbal is based more on the use of herbs than on essential oils. The limbic system and emotional centre of the brain are activated by the use of herbs, which also kills microbes and fungi. Incense is also be used for this but results vary.

There are hundreds of herbs that are used in herbal aromatherapy, and this includes birch, mandarin, jojoba, lavender, jasmine, grapefruit, nutmeg, citronella, cajeput, clove, fir, gardenia, ginger, basil, lemon grass, lime, pine, rose, marjoram, sage, sassafras, spearmint, thyme, ylang ylang, rosemary, sandalwood, and patchouli, all of which are available in incense form as well.

Of all of the herbs used in aromatherapy the most commonly used is Chamomile, and with its distinctive smell of apple it helps to soothe tired muscles and improves sleep. It also encourages calmness and emotional peace within. Fears and mood swings are eased with the use of Geranium, which also refreshes and relaxes the body.

Used frequently in herbal aromatherapy is lavender, a herb that helps accent sensitivity and self-expression, particularly for the embarrassed or shy. It helps in the treatment of a variety of ailments and illnesses, from arthritis, joint aches, and chest aches, to the common flu and cold.

Conventional medicine often treats the symptom but often not the cause. A major benefit of aromatherapy is that it helps to treat the actual problem rather than just cover up the symptoms. This means that patients will experience more of a long-term benefit rather than short-term satisfaction. For this reason herbal aromatherapy is popular throughout the world, particularly in the older cultures of the world.

Aromatherapy in general is normally incredibly, if not completely, effective and without the usual symptoms and side effects of conventional measures. The use of incense is recommended in conjunction with aromatherapy.

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Friday, May 16, 2008

Processing the Facts Behind Processed Food

There was a time in the recent past when big Macs ruled the world, when fast food was the way to go, when sodas and snacks took the place of every meal. Not anymore – with fitness being given its due, more and more people are turning to dieting, exercising and cutting back on those extra calories. The first thing to do as you embark on your journey to a healthier life is to trim the fat, and for this, fitness trainers, dieticians and every other expert in the field advocate eliminating processed foods from your dining table.

But are all processed foods really bad for you? To answer this question, we have to first look at why food that is ready to eat is said to be detrimental to health.

· Processed foods refers to edibles that have undergone some process from their natural state; trans fats, salt or sugar, food coloring and preservatives are usually added, and the finished product is either canned, frozen or hermetically sealed in packages. None of the additives are conducive to good health. In fact, some food colors and preservatives cause cancers and other stomach disorders if consumed regularly over a long period of time. Salt raises your blood pressure levels and sugar, if not burned immediately, tends to put you at risk for diabetes. Neither of the two is good for your skin and complexion. Trans fats or unsaturated fats increase your chances of cardiac diseases.

· Processing tends to strip the food item of its essential goodness – for example, white flour is whole wheat devoid of all its grains and nutrients.

· Some processed goods claim to provide wholesome nutrition with synthetic vitamins and minerals. The real thing is always better though – an apple eaten whole or juiced in your blender at home is more nutritious than that carton of apple juice you picked up at the grocery store. It has no preservatives or added sugar.

· Processed meats are especially bad for you because of two reasons – they contain a large quantity of added salt and fat and increase your risk of colorectal and stomach cancer.

Sometimes, convenience and necessity forces us to go for processed food rather than buy fresh ingredients and cook wholesome recipes. In such situations, you need to be able to make informed choices that keep you and your family healthy. So what kinds of processed food are good for you?

· Processed milk which is bacteria-free thanks to the process of pasteurization and homogenized to keep the fat from separating.

· Frozen fruits and vegetables retain essential vitamins and nutrients for a long time

· Fresh juices free of added sugar are available with added vitamins

· Any product made with whole grains

· Any product that has more real food ingredients than man-made or synthetic ingredients

· Any low-fat product with less than 3 grams of fat per serving

· Any unsweetened product

· Any salt-free or low salt product

While processed food in moderation is not frowned upon, do yourself a favor and step up your exercise levels when you’ve had a meal with more fat and sugar than you normally do. You can also try and compensate with a smaller serving or a healthier salad at your next meal. Remember, the key to a happier and healthier lifestyle is to stay fit.

This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of Care Plans. She invites your questions and writing job opportunities at her personal email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Oral Yeast Infection: the FACTS about Oral Yeast Infection

By Linda Allen

Also called thrush or oral candiasis, oral yeast infection is a subtype of a fungal infection growing in the mucous areas of the mouth. Oral yeast infection is often a temporary condition in babies, but can indicate disorders of the autoimmune system in adults. More than this, when neglected, oral yeast infection can spread to the throat and the esophagus and result in more serious complications.

Candida species, predominantly Candida Albicans, are normal oral bacteria present in 30% - 60% of healthy people and living off their host without exerting negative influence. The presence of yeasts in the mouth does not necessarily result in oral yeast infection. However the oral surfaces can favor the multiplication of the yeast and disseminated infections. Pre-disposing conditions for this include:

1. Drug therapies diminishing host defenses and altering the oral cavity.
2. Diseases weakening host defenses by their systemic nature.
3. Antibiotic treatments that damage the equilibrium of the organisms in the intestines by eliminating beneficial gastrointestinal bacterial flora that typically hold Candida at bay.
4. Oral vulnerability to vectors of yeast infection, including medication, mineral or vitamin deficiencies, food allergies, mouth irritation, and so on.
5. Stress, anxiety or depression as contributing psychological factors.
6. Changes in physiological conditions such as growing old, having a baby, infancy, diet considerations, lack of iron, getting diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism etc.
7. Modification of salivary flow due to phenomena such as Sjogren's syndrome and types of antidepressants, which then favors multiplication of Candida.
8. Local oral factors, such as wearing dentures and the difficulties of hygiene that they bring. These include bad hygiene from using porous dentures and lack of washing from saliva that unable to pass around the dentures. This explains why yeast infection median prevalence is at 85% for wearers of dentures with normal oral mucosa, compared to just 37% of users with natural teeth.

Most commonly, the following oral yeast infection symptoms are:

1. A tongue that is red with no bright spots, peeling surfaces or patches on the surface of the tongue then following this.
2. Angular Cheilitis or red cracks at the edges of the mouth.
3. Color contrast in the inner surface of the mouth where a red background shows up white, cream colored or yellow spots that bleed if scrubbed.
4. Extra tissue that it is impossible to wipe off the mouth.

Oral yeast infection can also manifest itself by a disagreeable burning feeling in the infected area, together with its visible symptoms.

Newborn babies are commonly under threat of oral yeast infection. If oral yeast infection is suspected, additional tests should be done. The first signs to look out for are restlessness and irritability during feedings, as well as refusal to accept a pacifier.

Certain anti-fungal drugs can effectively resolve oral thrush, like:

1. Nystatin (sold as mycostatin, mycolog and nilstat): an antibiotic treating different subclasses of fungal infections. Non-toxic and not detrimental to bacteria or viruses, it can be taken orally three to fives times per day either as a tablet or a liquid. Typically, after 48 hours of using this medicament, oral yeast infection is removed. However, because of the multiple doses that are necessary, patient compliance can be lowered.

2. Ketoconazole (sold as mycelex, monistat and nizoral): antifungal drug breaking down the cell wall of the fungus to kill it.

3. Triazole antifungal agents, such as itraconazole and fluconazole. Itraconazole is taken as part of a continuous treatment typically lasting at least 90 days or until a laboratory test confirms no further fungal infection. Despite oral and intravenous intake, poor absorption and various side effects (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain in the abdomen) are among the disadvantages of Itraconazole. Fluconazole is available as a tablet or a liquid to be taken orally every day for a period of a least several weeks.

4. Amphotericin B (brand names: fungizone, adria and apothecon): a strong antibiotic for eradicating fungal infections. It has a certain toxicity and may generate multiple different secondary effects. As a polyene antimycotic drug, the prescription is usually for severe cases of Candiasis involving hospitalization.

Although there are differences in the mode of operation, certain aspects are common to all of these oral yeast medications. Firstly, relief brought by the medication is typically temporary, and all the more so for chronic oral yeast infection. Secondly, long-term use of these drugs may cause secondary effects. Thirdly, medication therapy for oral yeast infection targets the external symptoms of yeast infection, like most other conventional medication, thus neglecting the internal causes that bring on candida infection overgrowth.

The holistic and all-natural remedy can address the internal reasons of oral yeast infection and also its immediate symptoms. Different to prescribed medicaments, oral yeast infection can also be cured using herbal or homeopathic remedies, changes in diet, detox and in lifestyle. Symptoms are thus eradicated and candida infection is prevented from recurring.

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