Archive for neck Pain Ventura
Don’t Let Donuts Dumb You Down
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to the London Daily Mail, an Oxford University study found that after just nine days, rats fed a high-fat diet made errors on a maze test and could only run 50 percent as far as rodents that ate regular, low-fat food.
Professor Kieran Clarke, who headed up the research team, told the Daily Mail the short-term results of a high-fat diet were “startling.”
Fat has a far-reaching effect on performance.
Nutritionist Elizabeth Somer, author of “Eat Your Way to Happiness,” says eating high-fat snacks and meals means that your system has to divert blood away from the brain and toward the tummy to digest it all.
“It makes a person dumb since it reduces the amount of oxygen that can get to the brain tissues,” Somer says.
If it takes only days for fat to make you dumber, experts say it would take about a month for a switch to a lower-fat diet to get you feeling sharper again.
Too Much TV Bad For Muscular Fitness
Posted by: | CommentsObesity isn’t the only negative side effect of excessive television watching. A new study from the American College of Sports Medicine suggests that young adults who tune in to two hours or more of TV per day have poor muscular fitness.
Researchers Niko Paalanne and Tuija Tammelin of Finland studied more than 870 Finnish young men and women around 19 years of age. Subjects’ muscular fitness was measured using trunk rotation, trunk flexion, press strength and jumping height. Those who watched the most television – at least two hours per day – performed significantly worse in the tests. “One of the most startling findings in our research was that about half of the young adults studied were watching TV at least two hours per day,” Paalanne said. “That equates to nearly 15 hours per week – time that could be spent doing healthy, productive activities.” The problem may be further magnified for American adults who, according to Nielsen ratings, watch approximately 142 hours of television per month on average, equating to more than four hours per day. Another significant finding in the Finnish study was that young adults with high levels of TV viewing time had low levels of muscular fitness regardless of their overall physical activity level. “To our knowledge, our study is the first to report such an association,” Tammelin said. “More research needs to be done to further investigate this correlation. It’s possible that some young adults are doing basic levels of aerobic physical activity but leaving out the important strength training element.” ACSM recommends strength training twice per week, in addition to at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity, easily achieved in 30-minute segments five days per week. SourceAmerican College of Sports Medicine
Diet Soda, Sodium Tied to Kidney Trouble: Studies
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It’s more proof that what you eat and drink affects health, researchers say
(HealthDay News) — A diet high in salt or artificially sweetened drinks increases the risk of kidney function decline, two studies show.
“There are currently limited data on the role of diet in kidney disease,” researcher Dr. Julie Lin, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said in a news release. “While more study is needed, our research suggests that higher sodium and artificially sweetened soda intake are associated with greater rate of decline in kidney function.”
The first study looked at diet and kidney function decline in more than 3,000 women enrolled in the national Nurses’ Health Study. The researchers found that “in women with well-preserved kidney function, higher dietary sodium intake was associated with greater kidney function decline, which is consistent with experimental animal data that high sodium intake promotes progressive kidney disease.”
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The second study looked at the association between sugar- and artificially-sweetened beverages and kidney function decline in the same group of women. The researchers found an association between two or more servings per day of artificially sweetened soda and a two-fold increased risk of faster kidney function decline. There was no connection between sugar-sweetened beverages and kidney function decline.
The association between artificially sweetened beverages and kidney function decline persisted after Lin and colleague Dr. Gary Curhan accounted for other factors, such as age, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, physical activity, caloric intake and cardiovascular disease.
Further study is needed to better understand how artificial sweeteners influence kidney function decline, the researchers said.
The studies were to be presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology, in San Diego.
More information
The U.S. National Kidney Disease Education Program offers tips on how to keep your kidneys healthy.
SOURCE: American Society of Nephrology, news release, Oct. 31, 2009
Light As Medicine Against Depression
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The living organism cannot exist without light. Only in the presence of light do the plants accomplish photosynthesis and the human body synthesize the Vitamin D, essential component for the calcium retention in the bones.
The light not only that sustains life but it can also heal.
The recent studies have shown that the depression, especially the one related to the cold season, can be treated by daily exposure to the white light.
The light therapy is administrated usually through a certain device called light box, a metallic structure containing a tube of fluorescent light put behind a screen.
The dosage of light exposure is calculated by measuring the intensity and the length of the exposure. Most of the studies monitoring to the light therapy, recommend an exposure of two to six hours a day. At a certain level the intensity of light is reversed as proportion to the time of exposure.
The light therapy used for treating depression is best applied very early in the morning after the patient has woken up. Under no circumstances should it be performed before going to bed because it is known to cause insomnia.
The younger persons are the ones responding the best to the light. Also the light therapy has a higher efficiency rate in the somnolence and large appetite treatment or in the case a person gains weight with no reason.
Pain Management
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What herbs can be used for pain management? According to Pain Management and Migraine Relief the natural remedies can work, but it is critical to use great caution with this approach. While the topic of the article is migraines, other forms of pain can be treated with herbs, especially when inflammation is the cause of the discomfort.
Inflammation and Pain
Pain relieving herbs can be very effective in treating discomfort that stems from inflammation. Chronic inflammation is the core of the pain associated with a number of conditions. The good news is that the discomfort can be alleviated using natural methods including:
• Dietary interventions
• Avoiding toxins
• Stop smoking
• Increase exercise
• Reduce stress
Herbal supplements can also play a natural role in pain management as long as the strategy is used in conjunction with treatments specified by a physician. In addition, each supplement should be approved by a doctor, including its dosage.
Inflammation-Related Conditions
Conditions that have pain associated with inflammation include:
• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• TMJ
• Traumatic injury
• Tendonitis
• Autoimmune disorders
Herbs for Pain Relief
Seven excellent choices in herbal remedies for pain relief top the list. Each has anti-inflammatory characteristics that can alleviate pain.
• Boswellia is a natural inflammatory that comes from a resin collected from frankincense tree bark.
• Bromelain is a digestive enzyme that is found in the stems of pineapples. The enzyme is effective in reducing inflammation-causing hormones known as prostaglandins. The enzyme can help to heal connective tissues and muscles.
• Curcumin is a naturally occurring element found in turmeric. This anti-inflammatory can reduce levels of cytokines, inflammatory proteins.
• Devil’s Claw has an ominous name but it can alleviate pain. The plant is native to the southern region of Africa. It contains iridoid glycosides that are believed to help reduce pain associated with digestive problems and arthritis.
• Ginger is a very popular herb, well known for its pungent aroma and distinctive taste. This anti-inflammatory is as effective, if not more effective, in treating pain than many manufactured pain relievers.
• White Willow Bark contains elements that are similar to aspirin. This natural painkiller has proved to be effective in treating joint and hip pain.
• Yucca was used by Native Americans for a number of conditions. The plant contains saponins that are anti-inflammatory in nature.
Complementary Medicine
The herbs used for pain management are effective as complements to a medical treatment plan provided by a physician. It is critical to make sure that these components are not used exclusively. They are not cures for any medical condition and they can interfere with many medications. Always talk to your doctor when considering augmenting your pain management treatments with herbal remedies.
New Study Reviews Science Behind Efficacy Of Biofield Therapies – Reiki, The…
Posted by: | CommentsBiofield therapies, which claim to use subtle energy to stimulate the body’s healing process, are promising complementary interventions for reducing the intensity of pain in a number of conditions, reducing anxiety for hospitalized patients and reducing agitated behaviors in dementia, over and above what standard treatments can achieve. However, longer-term effects are less clear. Dr. Shamini Jain, from the UCLA Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, and Dr.
Trick-or-Treat-Give Me Something Good to Eat
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It’s that time of year again, the beginning of the season for consumption of all things sweet. Halloween marks the start of the holiday season that extends until the beginning of January. The tendency to overindulge in sweet treats rises, the sugar rush ensues, and waistlines expand. Considering the rise in childhood obesity, here are some ideas to curb the sugar rush, and still keep the kids happy and healthy.
For the ghosts and goblins that come knocking: Select dark chocolate options for trick-or-treaters. Dark chocolate has health benefits such as antioxidants. Give out granola bars, 100% fruit chews, and yogurt or carob covered raisins. Look for the fun or mini size candy options for the ghouls and goblins; the smaller the better. Or, avoid candy altogether and hand out coloring books and crayons, glow sticks, or stickers.
And for your little pumpkins, avoid all unnecessary sugar on the day of Halloween. Omit soda, fruit drinks, certain cereals and other sugary stuff since you know they’ll be eating candy. Feed them a healthy meal before they go out roaming the neighborhood. The hungrier they are, the more candy they will eat along the way. Get them exercising! Throw in a Thriller mix and have a little zombie dance party. Also, have them walk from door to door.
Do you have any tips for healthy treaters?
Protect Against Colds With Exercise
Posted by: | CommentsAs the weather turns colder, the noses turn runnier – but incidence of colds can be greatly reduced by making exercise a part of daily life, according to an expert from the American College of Sports Medicine. David C. Nieman, DrPH, FACSM, says that multiple studies have shown a 25- to 50-percent decrease in sick time for active people completing at least 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (such as walking) most days of the week.
Yoga
Posted by: | CommentsTop 13 Yoga Exercises To Avoid Backaches
—Know About The Postures And Positions That Prevent Back Pains
The old east originated meditative art- yoga is making a good impact in the present scenario.
It is adored all around the world and is supposed to be very effective in keeping body flexible and kept in good shape [Power yoga].
It has a wonderful therapeutic impact as well. Yoga is comprised of many postures and sets of breathing exercises (Pranayamas).
These breathing exercises work on the muscles of the upper back to prevent it from pain or reduce the pain.
Yoga postures too have the potential to decrease tension and stress, which sponsors back pain. Yoga teachers have tailored a set of postures and pranayamas, which are especially recommended to avoid or reduce back pain. A check on these breathing exercises and yogic poses listed below will surely help you.
1. Pelvic Tilt Posture
This is recommended to offer a support to the lower back. It also supports abdominals, sacroiliac joints and adjacent structures of the body.It is supposed to be wonderful in cases of problems related to the lower back.
Sometimes, poor posture and muscle atrophy cause severe jerks in the lower part of back, which are very painful. The pelvic tilt posture offers a spinal stabilization in such case.
2. Triangle Pose
Triangle poses are effective on the hips, which have a brawny influence on the spine.The spine is directly associated with back pain.
Hence, a triangle pose is very effective in the reduction of back pain. Nevertheless, it is a bit bizarre type of pose but is very powerful in controlling back pain.
3. Side-Angle Postures
This posture is supposed to be great in alleviating back pains. Side-angle poses of yoga assist with postural conditions, which are very effective in back pain such as those that result from scoliosis and kyphosis. They are also effective in stretching the core muscles of the body, which includes the oblique abdominals too.
4. Standing Forward Bend Positions
This yogic posture is supposed to be a challenge for the performer’s sense of alignment. ‘Uttanasana’ is the most famous posture of forward bending. It works wonders with regard to problems of backaches.
It is considered to be a great posture to remove skeletal disk related ailments. However, you must be careful while performing yoga poses such as ‘Uttanasana.’ A wrong posture can increase the pain instead of diminishing it.
5. Mountain Pose or Tadasana
The elevating yoga position is supposed to be very useful in alleviating back pain. This posture needs the utmost level of your attention because it offers the best results; that is if you know what you are doing.
It develops an ideal spinal alignment and offers an instant relief for back pains. It is also a must for patients with back pain.
6. Corpse pose
To get this yogic posture, lie flat on your back in a relaxed manner and raise your arms at your sides. Have your arms alongside your trunk but slightly away and have your palms facing upwards.
Spread your legs in a natural way. While performing this, you should turn your knees out slightly but if it hurts, perform the yoga in the best possible way of comfort. Release the tension and take deep breaths.
You must be feeling relaxed when you do this because this yoga posture is supposed to be a great exercise in getting a relief from backaches and other ailments as well.
7. Cat Stretch
It involves your back, knees and hands. You start with the hands and knees with a flat back, which brings your shoulders and hands in an alignment. This yogic posture is known for its gradual impact to help relieve backaches.
8. Supported Bridge Pose for Back Pain
This yoga posture is very famous among people suffering from backaches. This is considered as a good exercise posture, as it makes a connection among different parts of body to provide support. This exercise is usually included in the must-to-do list of yoga postures.
9. Stretched Out Big Toe Pose
Also known as ‘Supta Padangusthana,’ this yogic asana needs a gentle stretch of hamstrings and calves. A stretching of these body parts brings an awesome improvement in the condition of the person, who is suffering from backaches [chiropractic therapy].
10. Supine Spinal Twist to get relief from back pain
This trunk rotation movement deals with the twisting of the spines. Nevertheless, it is not an easy deal for everyone but its results are truly worth the effort.
Note: People with degenerative disk ailments must be cautious while performing this yoga.
11. Cat-Cow Pose – Yoga for Back Pain – A Yogic Pose for Spinal Alignment
This pose offers a tremendous effect in dealing with backaches. It comprises functioning of Pilates, yoga and core strengthening asana. The cat-cow position is famed for its therapeutic results and it is widely performed nowadays.
12. Yoga for Back Pain – Cobra Pose
Cobra pose is also known as ‘Bhujangasana.’
The movement of this posture asks one to lie-down on the floor on his or her stomach.
This is then followed by making an arch with the help of the performer’s forelimbs (hands). This is a brilliant stretch exercise that has the capacity to provide a great relief to all who is suffering from backaches.
13. Pranayama (Breathing yogic exercises to get relief from back pain)
As you know, Yoga is a complete package of different physical postures and breathing exercises. Its poses are great in terms of providing a relief for backaches but breathing exercises are also important.
They work as a stimulant for main poses and help you in thwarting irritating backaches.
‘Anulom vilom’ and ‘Nadi sodhan’ are the two most famous breathing exercises.These exercises work wonders in avoidance of a multitude of fatal ailments.
Incorporating functions of inhale and exhale, they let the body grasp more oxygen which is very helpful in blood purification. These asanas also decrease anxiety levels and make the mind calm.
A regular practice of these two exercises releases all the tension, which reduces the possibilities of severe backaches.
Though, there are various methods suggested by yoga experts to hasten an easier healing of the body, coupling it with a healthy diet is equally important. A person must take care of his or her dieting habits to put a control on the occurrence of ailments [Natural healing].
A hygienic food intake and good sitting posture will never lead you the pathetic condition of backaches. Moreover, because it is evident that many people are suffering from problems of continuous aches in the back it is widely recommended to get a good deal of vitamin D and calcium supplementation.
Lastly, one should not perform breathing exercises and yoga postures in a wrong manner for they only breed in health hazards instead of benefits.
Natural Detoxification Products that Help Regulate and Cleanse your Body
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Everyone, no matter how careful you are, somehow consumes minute traces of toxins each day. Foods may contain tiny amounts of herbicides or pesticides in addition to growth hormones and various preservatives. Food dyes, chemicals, fillers and even tranquilizers and antibiotics have been found in food. Polluting your body has never been easier. That is why you need to detoxify your body on occasion for optimal health and performance.
These toxins can build up in your body, particularly in naturally detoxifying organs such as the kidneys, liver and even the skin. If these organs are compromised, so is your health. The good news is there are a few natural detoxification products that can help regulate your digestive system as well as cleanse the body. The result is a stronger immune system and the ability to fight off infection and disease. There is no need to follow any professed detoxifying diets as many of them are devoid of essential nutrients. By just adding a few key foods into your diet, your body will undergo a natural detoxification.
1. Flaxseed – Flaxseed has several properties which are beneficial for the body, with detoxifying properties being one of them. The natural oils of this flaxseed lubricate your intestinal walls so that any toxins are absorbed by the oil and then eliminated by the body rather than absorbed into the intestine itself. In addition, flaxseed provides both soluble as well as insoluble fiber which provides the bulk necessary to maintain function as well as “scrub” the intestinal walls of biological waste so that it can be eliminated normally.
2. Green Foods – The antioxidants and chlorophyll from green leafy vegetables in addition to blue green algae and spirulina bacteria help detoxify the body of pesticides, herbicides and heavy metal accumulation in the body. In addition, these green options cleanse the liver which helps in screening out the harmful effects of cleaning products and even smog. Good green food to incorporate includes Swiss shard, kale, dark green leafy lettuce, spinach, barley and wheatgrass.
3. Citrus Foods – Citrus fruits are one of the best ways to detoxify your body. Full of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, vitamin C is a powerful detox vitamin found in all citrus. Fruits like lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits work to not only flush toxins away but also kick start the enzyme processes in the digestive tract. Vitamin C basically latches onto the different toxins in your body and turns them into something that can be digested and eliminated. Drinking hot tea with lemon, freshly squeezed lemonade or orange juice can boost your detoxification process.
4. Psyllium – Often found in diet fiber additives in powder and capsule form, psyllium husks aid in the digestion and elimination process. Psyllium bulks up your stool with increased water content which also makes the stool softer and easier to pass. This fiber additive forms a gelatinous mass which absorbs any toxins that pass through your digestive tract.
5. Natural Sulfur-Based Foods – Eaten raw or processed through a juicer, there are a number of vegetables containing sulfur compounds that aid the liver in detoxifying your body. Onions, cabbage, broccoli, garlic, brussel sprouts, kale, artichokes, beets and cauliflower contain sulfur as well as glutathione, a strong antioxidant which helps neutralize the toxins from food and the environment. Spices like oregano and turmeric also are helpful.
Whether you choose one natural detoxification product or a combination of them, you may have to experiment. Depending on the level or type of detoxification you need depends on which products you consume. For instance, if your bowels do not eliminate regularly, you will want to concentrate on the psyllium and flaxseed. However, if you are regularly exposed to smog, cigarette smoke, pesticide or herbicides, a combination of products with strong antioxidant properties like citrus, green and sulfur based foods would be best.