ow strong your immune system is can make a difference on whether you get sick or not. The immune system is a network of cells and organs that work together to protect your body. It helps to block foreign molecules from getting in the body. You body has a search and destroy force that hunts down all these unwanted molecules and it destroys them, so it is important to keep these helpers healthy and strong. There are things you can do to keep your immune system healthy.
The most important thing you can do to keep your immune system healthy is to maintain and achieve a healthy lifestyle balance. Negativity can impact your ability to remain healthy. Stress, negativity, and the substances created by the body during these times can cause your immune system to lower. Reducing stress and staying positive can help you stay healthy.
Getting vaccinated can help protect from some diseases. Some vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetnus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and polio. It is recommended that all kids between the ages 11 and 18 and travelers get vaccinated for meningitis.
Not getting enough sleep can weaken the immune system as well. Lack of sleep can prevent the body from repairing itself. To give your body an extra immune boost during the flu season by making sure you 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Having sex can boost the immunity as well. It doesn’t even need to be the sex that boosts the immune system, loving touches like cuddling and kissing can boost the immunity as well.
Certain foods can contain good bacteria known as probiotics. They can help the body resist respiratory infections like the flu and common cold. Lemon is good for restoring acid-alkali balance in the body. Adding freshly squeezed lemon juice to tea or water can help the body maintain the body’s internal temperature. Protein is essential for building a healthy body, mind, and immune system. Drinking plenty of water 8 glasses a day can flush the system of toxins. Tea is rich in plant antioxidants that can help protect the body against cold or flu.
Drinking coffee and eating chocolate are the worst things you can do for your immune system. Caffeine strips the body of minerals and vitamins and it can dehydrate you. Eliminating sugar from the diet will help as well. Energy levels will rise, weight will distribute evenly through the body, and the immune system will pick up. Garlic is very effective against viruses, bacteria, fungal and parasitic infections.
Raw fruits and vegetables are good for antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and enzymes. Produce that is dark in color has the most nutrients in it. Seaweed is the best source of minerals you can get. You can get these in a supplement. Exercising can make a major difference in your health and happiness as well. Make sure you take time to yourself, spend time with friends, and pamper yourself. Take a hot bath, get a massage, our bodies respond to emotions. When you’re happy you’re far less likely to get sick.
Another thing that is good for your immunity is taking a supplement. Alternative Health Supplements offers a number of products that are great for boosting your immunity. Immunocare by Himalaya will help maintain your immunity. It contains amalaki a great source of vitamin C which is good for boosting immunity. There is also Guggul, Indian Tinospora, Indian Madder, and Amla that are all great herbs for boosting immunity. Its an all natural product so it is safe to use.
About The Author
Steven Johnson is interested in maintaining a vital, active, and healthy lifestyle. For more information or to obtain antioxidant related products, as well as other life-enhancing nutrients, please visit his website http://www.alternative-health-supplements.com/immunocare.htm.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Arthritis of the Big Toe Joint
Stiffness of the big toe joint is termed Hallux Limitus. Hallux is the medical term for the big toe. When the big toe possesses no motion, it is termed Hallux Rigidus. To confuse the topic, the big toe joint may appear to have normal motion, but this motion can be limited when weight is on the foot and during the normal standing and walking. This is termed functional Hallux limitus, because it occurs during the normal functioning of the foot while walking. As with many conditions that affect the foot, functional conditions progress to structural deformities. As the condition progresses, a degenerative type of arthritis develops in the big toe joint.
Diagnosis
The most common cause of Hallux limitus is an abnormal alignment of the long bone behind the big toe joint called the first metatarsal bone. In this condition, the first metatarsal bone is elevated relative to the other metatarsal bones that lie behind the other toes. When this is the case, the big toe joint cannot move smoothly and jamming occurs at the joint. A variety of symptoms can begin to occur. One common problem that occurs is pain in the bottom of the big toe where a central callus can develop. The pain and callus develop because the big toe does not bend upward enough as the bottom of the toe is jammed into the ground. People who have diabetes must watch this area carefully because the pressure can cause the development of an ulceration that can become infected.
Another consequence of the jamming of the big toe joint is the development of bone spurs on the top of the joint. This bump on the top of the big toe joint can become painful as a result of shoe pressure. Pain within the joint is a common result of the limitation of movement of the big toe joint. With time, the big toe joint becomes stiff and painful to move. As the joint continues to degenerate more bone spurring occurs. If the condition is left untreated complete destruction of the joint can occur.
Diagnosis is made by performing a physical exam of the foot and the use of x-rays. In early stages of the condition x-rays may be normal. In later stages of the condition, narrowing of the joint and/or bone spurs may be evident.
Treatment
Initial treatment consists of using oral anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and/or functional orthotics. Oral medications and cortisone injections are useful in treating the pain associated with the condition, but will not stop the process because they do not address the underlying cause of the condition. Functional orthotics, however, are designed to treat the cause of the condition. These devices will generally fit into normal shoes and correct the underlying functional problem with the joint. Orthotics will not reverse what damage may have occurred, but can slow or halt the on-going damage to the joint.
If the condition progresses to the point of spurring around the joint, surgery may be indicated. Depending upon the degree of degeneration of the joint, surgery may consist of simply removing the bone spurs around the joint, a decompresion osteotomy or may require a total joint replacement or joint fusion (See surgery of Hallux limitus). Following surgery, the use of a functional orthotic is useful to improve the joint function.
If a painful callous exits on the bottom of the big toe it will frequently resolve and the pain subside with the use of functional orthotics and/or surgery to improve the motion of the joint.
http://www.archerfootandankle.com
About The Author
Thomas Buividas, DPM
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery
http://archerfootandankel.com
Diagnosis
The most common cause of Hallux limitus is an abnormal alignment of the long bone behind the big toe joint called the first metatarsal bone. In this condition, the first metatarsal bone is elevated relative to the other metatarsal bones that lie behind the other toes. When this is the case, the big toe joint cannot move smoothly and jamming occurs at the joint. A variety of symptoms can begin to occur. One common problem that occurs is pain in the bottom of the big toe where a central callus can develop. The pain and callus develop because the big toe does not bend upward enough as the bottom of the toe is jammed into the ground. People who have diabetes must watch this area carefully because the pressure can cause the development of an ulceration that can become infected.
Another consequence of the jamming of the big toe joint is the development of bone spurs on the top of the joint. This bump on the top of the big toe joint can become painful as a result of shoe pressure. Pain within the joint is a common result of the limitation of movement of the big toe joint. With time, the big toe joint becomes stiff and painful to move. As the joint continues to degenerate more bone spurring occurs. If the condition is left untreated complete destruction of the joint can occur.
Diagnosis is made by performing a physical exam of the foot and the use of x-rays. In early stages of the condition x-rays may be normal. In later stages of the condition, narrowing of the joint and/or bone spurs may be evident.
Treatment
Initial treatment consists of using oral anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and/or functional orthotics. Oral medications and cortisone injections are useful in treating the pain associated with the condition, but will not stop the process because they do not address the underlying cause of the condition. Functional orthotics, however, are designed to treat the cause of the condition. These devices will generally fit into normal shoes and correct the underlying functional problem with the joint. Orthotics will not reverse what damage may have occurred, but can slow or halt the on-going damage to the joint.
If the condition progresses to the point of spurring around the joint, surgery may be indicated. Depending upon the degree of degeneration of the joint, surgery may consist of simply removing the bone spurs around the joint, a decompresion osteotomy or may require a total joint replacement or joint fusion (See surgery of Hallux limitus). Following surgery, the use of a functional orthotic is useful to improve the joint function.
If a painful callous exits on the bottom of the big toe it will frequently resolve and the pain subside with the use of functional orthotics and/or surgery to improve the motion of the joint.
http://www.archerfootandankle.com
About The Author
Thomas Buividas, DPM
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery
http://archerfootandankel.com
Dental Cowards: Discover Help From an Unexpected Source
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Do you delay trips to the dentist, even when in pain?
2. Do simple dental check-ups worry you?
3. Are annual cleanings a source of nervousness?
4. Has avoiding dental care resulted in bigger problems?
5. Does the sound of the dental drill make you cringe, even when imagined?
6. Do you wish going to the dentist were easier for you?
If you’ve answered YES to three or more questions, dental fears may be restricting you.
What to do?
Ask yourself: What is creating the fear?
Likely culprits are the influence of a dental-phobic relative; what you create mentally when hearing sounds of the dental office, smelling the smells, envisioning the drill, imagining pain, blood, and more.
If you dwell on these whenever dental work is advised, you probably perceived a negative experience with a dentist at some time in your life, or were influenced by a fearful relative.
Those most afraid of pain may neglect checkups, setting themselves up for more difficult procedures when they finally visit a dentist. It’s a vicious cycle.
But you can instead shut off scary mind pictures or dim them. Even shrinking in your mind helps.
If you frighten yourself with imaginary drill sounds, imagine them fainter, farther away, or turn them into another tune. (Yes, you really can do this!)
Do dental smells bother you? Replace them mentally with something that makes you smile, like kids’ fruit punch or peppermint.
Strangely enough, all of this is do-able. Find what’s easiest for you.
Surprising Truths that can also help:
- More-frequent visits are usually gentler visits. When teeth are cared for regularly,
fewer invasive procedures are needed.
- What you create in your mind is probably scarier anything you will experience in the dental chair – especially with today’s anesthesia.
- By intentionally altering your overall feeling about dentistry little by little, and increasing oral care at home, you can benefit from the rewards of less pain, fewer procedures, and even fewer appointments (with your dentist’s approval).
The question is how to achieve this when you fear the dentist?
One very good answer: Hypnosis.
Why?
- Hypnosis quells fears
- Hypnosis creates relaxation you can trigger at the dental office
- Hypnosis helps you alter scary mind pictures
- Hypnosis helps make dental sounds mean something different and better—or disappear altogether
- Hypnosis becomes a process you can do any time you’re in the dental zone, or anywhere else, when you sense fear or nervousness coming on
- Hypnosis can help you create positive, useful habits (like more frequent flossing, brushing, and hygiene, as prescribed by your dentist)
- Hypnosis can provide “mental rehearsal” to make the dental visit more palatable, including appointment setting, entering the office, noticing scents, seeing dental tools and feeling them in your mouth, hearing drill sounds, being given the diagnosis, getting an injection—and anywhere else your mind drifts
- Hypnosis can help you get comfortable with dental appliances more easily and quickly, including braces, retainers, bite guards and others
(Did you feel jittery reading the list? Then you’re among the Most Likely To Benefit From Dental Hypnosis.)
The irony is that the less you fear the dentist, the less scary your appointments are, the more comfortable you feel at the office, the less often you’ll need to come. The reverse is also true.
How to find a hypnotist who deals with dental anxiety or odontophobia? One solution is to ask your dentist prior to your appointment if he knows someone.
Otherwise, locate a local, certified hypnotist, ask about dental hypnosis, and make an appointment or two before your scheduled dental visit.
Many hypnotists who do this work now had their own dental fears in the past. If you saw all the crowns in my mouth, you’d know just how well qualified I am! ©2009 by Wendy Lapidus-Saltz. All rights reserved.
About The Author
Wendy Lapidus-Saltz has been a dental patient since age two. She has 10+ years as a hypnotist certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists. Recommended by physicians and dentists to help quell fears and increase compliance with medical instructions, Wendy is also a strong advocate of pain-free smoking cessation for smokers who worry about their health. Visit her at http://www.nonsmoker4life.com. Or call 312-640-1584 to schedule a free phone consult.
1. Do you delay trips to the dentist, even when in pain?
2. Do simple dental check-ups worry you?
3. Are annual cleanings a source of nervousness?
4. Has avoiding dental care resulted in bigger problems?
5. Does the sound of the dental drill make you cringe, even when imagined?
6. Do you wish going to the dentist were easier for you?
If you’ve answered YES to three or more questions, dental fears may be restricting you.
What to do?
Ask yourself: What is creating the fear?
Likely culprits are the influence of a dental-phobic relative; what you create mentally when hearing sounds of the dental office, smelling the smells, envisioning the drill, imagining pain, blood, and more.
If you dwell on these whenever dental work is advised, you probably perceived a negative experience with a dentist at some time in your life, or were influenced by a fearful relative.
Those most afraid of pain may neglect checkups, setting themselves up for more difficult procedures when they finally visit a dentist. It’s a vicious cycle.
But you can instead shut off scary mind pictures or dim them. Even shrinking in your mind helps.
If you frighten yourself with imaginary drill sounds, imagine them fainter, farther away, or turn them into another tune. (Yes, you really can do this!)
Do dental smells bother you? Replace them mentally with something that makes you smile, like kids’ fruit punch or peppermint.
Strangely enough, all of this is do-able. Find what’s easiest for you.
Surprising Truths that can also help:
- More-frequent visits are usually gentler visits. When teeth are cared for regularly,
fewer invasive procedures are needed.
- What you create in your mind is probably scarier anything you will experience in the dental chair – especially with today’s anesthesia.
- By intentionally altering your overall feeling about dentistry little by little, and increasing oral care at home, you can benefit from the rewards of less pain, fewer procedures, and even fewer appointments (with your dentist’s approval).
The question is how to achieve this when you fear the dentist?
One very good answer: Hypnosis.
Why?
- Hypnosis quells fears
- Hypnosis creates relaxation you can trigger at the dental office
- Hypnosis helps you alter scary mind pictures
- Hypnosis helps make dental sounds mean something different and better—or disappear altogether
- Hypnosis becomes a process you can do any time you’re in the dental zone, or anywhere else, when you sense fear or nervousness coming on
- Hypnosis can help you create positive, useful habits (like more frequent flossing, brushing, and hygiene, as prescribed by your dentist)
- Hypnosis can provide “mental rehearsal” to make the dental visit more palatable, including appointment setting, entering the office, noticing scents, seeing dental tools and feeling them in your mouth, hearing drill sounds, being given the diagnosis, getting an injection—and anywhere else your mind drifts
- Hypnosis can help you get comfortable with dental appliances more easily and quickly, including braces, retainers, bite guards and others
(Did you feel jittery reading the list? Then you’re among the Most Likely To Benefit From Dental Hypnosis.)
The irony is that the less you fear the dentist, the less scary your appointments are, the more comfortable you feel at the office, the less often you’ll need to come. The reverse is also true.
How to find a hypnotist who deals with dental anxiety or odontophobia? One solution is to ask your dentist prior to your appointment if he knows someone.
Otherwise, locate a local, certified hypnotist, ask about dental hypnosis, and make an appointment or two before your scheduled dental visit.
Many hypnotists who do this work now had their own dental fears in the past. If you saw all the crowns in my mouth, you’d know just how well qualified I am! ©2009 by Wendy Lapidus-Saltz. All rights reserved.
About The Author
Wendy Lapidus-Saltz has been a dental patient since age two. She has 10+ years as a hypnotist certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists. Recommended by physicians and dentists to help quell fears and increase compliance with medical instructions, Wendy is also a strong advocate of pain-free smoking cessation for smokers who worry about their health. Visit her at http://www.nonsmoker4life.com. Or call 312-640-1584 to schedule a free phone consult.
Lose Weight and Flush Out Fat With The 100 Calorie Diet's Fat Flush Recipes!
I have taken flushing the fat out of your system to a whole new level! I dug in and did some extensive research to find the ingredients that are proven to flush fat from your cells, detoxify your liver, eliminate toxins from your cells and basically cleanse your entire system. While doing this, I discovered that fruits and vegetables are loaded with phytonutrients (like beta & alpha carotene, lycopene and lutein) which, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (from their website):
1. Serve as antioxidants
2. Enhance immune response
3. Alter estrogen metabolism
4. Covert vitamin A
5. Cause cancer cells to die
6. Repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxins
7. Detoxify carcinogens
Wow! We always heard that you should eat your fruits and vegetables, but we never really hear exactly why. I found out why! For example, carrots have Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B 1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B 3 (Niacin), Vitamin B 6 (Pyridoxine), Folate, Manganese, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Potassium, Phosphorus, beta-carotene, falcarinol AND Dietary Fiber. Okay, so what does all that mean? Well, it means carrots are great for your body and mind.
Studies show that carrots:
1. Are great for your skin
2. Boost your immune system
3. Protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer
4. Promote good vision, especially night vision
5. May be beneficial to blood sugar regulation
6. Promote colon and lung health
And THAT’S just carrots! I discovered that lemons can clean out your liver, tomatoes cut the risk of cancer, cranberries prevent plaque formation on your teeth, blueberries can slow aging, celery lowers cholesterol, cucumber regulates blood pressure, spinach helps protect against heart disease and cabbage lowers your cancer risk. The list goes on and on as to the health benefits of fruits and vegetables! So THAT’S why The US Department of Agriculture recommends nine servings of fruits and vegetables every single day. They’re really, really good for you!
So, you know what I did? I took my research information and created recipes that are not only fat flushing, but full of life-giving nutrients and super healthy phytonutrients! THEN, I adapted my recipes to fit easily into The 100 Calorie Diet for those of you whose goal is to live a healthy lifestyle. You can change your life with my fat flush recipes. I guarantee you’ll love ‘em!
Fat Flush Morning Drink
8 oz. Pure Spring Water – FREE
Juice of 1 Fresh Lemon - FREE
12 oz. 100% Cranberry Juice – 100 Calories
Upon rising, combine all ingredients and drink on an empty stomach.
Makes One 100 Calorie Serving
Fat Flush Citrus Spritzer
4 oz. Pure Spring Water - FREE
4 oz. Fresh Orange – 50 Calories
4 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice – 50 Calories
1. Combine all ingredients and drink before meals.
Makes One 100 Calorie Serving
Fat Flush Berry Delight
2 Cup Fresh Strawberries – 100 Calories
1 ½ Cups Fresh Raspberries – 100 Calories
1 Cup Fresh Blueberries – 100 Calories
¼ Cup Orange Juice Concentrate, Thawed – 100 Calories
1. Gently toss all ingredients together in a medium bowl.
2. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Makes Two 200 Calorie Servings.
Fat Flush Vegetable Cocktail
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt - FREE
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar - FREE
2 Organic Carrots - FREE
2 Organic Celery Stalks - FREE
½ Organic Cucumber - FREE
1 Organic Tomato – FREE
½ Fresh Beet – FREE, but optional
1. Make a cleansing bath for the vegetables by mixing salt and vinegar in a large bowl of water.
2. Soak vegetables in their bath for 5 minutes.
3. Extract juice from vegetables using a juice extractor.
4. Garnish with a leafy celery stalk. Enjoy!
Makes One Really Healthy FREE Cocktail
Note: Fresh juiced beets are known to be great cleansers of the blood, liver and kidneys; but some people simply do not like the taste. That’s why I’ve made it optional. Also, beets can turn your urine and stool pink, so don’t be surprised if it happens to you.
Enjoy the healthy 100 calorie lifestyle! Find out more at http://www.The100CalorieDiet.com
About The Author
Susie Trimble and her sister, Tammy Trimble, developed and co-wrote The 100 Calorie Diet and Food Counter for people who love to eat. It's easy! Eat anything you want in 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500+ and still lose weight. Start living the 100 calorie lifestyle at http://www.The100CalorieDiet.com
1. Serve as antioxidants
2. Enhance immune response
3. Alter estrogen metabolism
4. Covert vitamin A
5. Cause cancer cells to die
6. Repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxins
7. Detoxify carcinogens
Wow! We always heard that you should eat your fruits and vegetables, but we never really hear exactly why. I found out why! For example, carrots have Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B 1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B 3 (Niacin), Vitamin B 6 (Pyridoxine), Folate, Manganese, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Potassium, Phosphorus, beta-carotene, falcarinol AND Dietary Fiber. Okay, so what does all that mean? Well, it means carrots are great for your body and mind.
Studies show that carrots:
1. Are great for your skin
2. Boost your immune system
3. Protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer
4. Promote good vision, especially night vision
5. May be beneficial to blood sugar regulation
6. Promote colon and lung health
And THAT’S just carrots! I discovered that lemons can clean out your liver, tomatoes cut the risk of cancer, cranberries prevent plaque formation on your teeth, blueberries can slow aging, celery lowers cholesterol, cucumber regulates blood pressure, spinach helps protect against heart disease and cabbage lowers your cancer risk. The list goes on and on as to the health benefits of fruits and vegetables! So THAT’S why The US Department of Agriculture recommends nine servings of fruits and vegetables every single day. They’re really, really good for you!
So, you know what I did? I took my research information and created recipes that are not only fat flushing, but full of life-giving nutrients and super healthy phytonutrients! THEN, I adapted my recipes to fit easily into The 100 Calorie Diet for those of you whose goal is to live a healthy lifestyle. You can change your life with my fat flush recipes. I guarantee you’ll love ‘em!
Fat Flush Morning Drink
8 oz. Pure Spring Water – FREE
Juice of 1 Fresh Lemon - FREE
12 oz. 100% Cranberry Juice – 100 Calories
Upon rising, combine all ingredients and drink on an empty stomach.
Makes One 100 Calorie Serving
Fat Flush Citrus Spritzer
4 oz. Pure Spring Water - FREE
4 oz. Fresh Orange – 50 Calories
4 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice – 50 Calories
1. Combine all ingredients and drink before meals.
Makes One 100 Calorie Serving
Fat Flush Berry Delight
2 Cup Fresh Strawberries – 100 Calories
1 ½ Cups Fresh Raspberries – 100 Calories
1 Cup Fresh Blueberries – 100 Calories
¼ Cup Orange Juice Concentrate, Thawed – 100 Calories
1. Gently toss all ingredients together in a medium bowl.
2. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Makes Two 200 Calorie Servings.
Fat Flush Vegetable Cocktail
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt - FREE
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar - FREE
2 Organic Carrots - FREE
2 Organic Celery Stalks - FREE
½ Organic Cucumber - FREE
1 Organic Tomato – FREE
½ Fresh Beet – FREE, but optional
1. Make a cleansing bath for the vegetables by mixing salt and vinegar in a large bowl of water.
2. Soak vegetables in their bath for 5 minutes.
3. Extract juice from vegetables using a juice extractor.
4. Garnish with a leafy celery stalk. Enjoy!
Makes One Really Healthy FREE Cocktail
Note: Fresh juiced beets are known to be great cleansers of the blood, liver and kidneys; but some people simply do not like the taste. That’s why I’ve made it optional. Also, beets can turn your urine and stool pink, so don’t be surprised if it happens to you.
Enjoy the healthy 100 calorie lifestyle! Find out more at http://www.The100CalorieDiet.com
About The Author
Susie Trimble and her sister, Tammy Trimble, developed and co-wrote The 100 Calorie Diet and Food Counter for people who love to eat. It's easy! Eat anything you want in 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500+ and still lose weight. Start living the 100 calorie lifestyle at http://www.The100CalorieDiet.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
