Carbohydrates provides heat and energy to the body.  The major sources of carbohydrates are cereals, tubers, roots, pulses and milk.  One should prefer the use of natural carbohydrates in their natural forms in place of processed carbohydrates.  Processing removes the fibers and roughage from the food that results in insufficient elimination of wastes.  Toxic substances consequently accumulate in the blood.  De-branned flour, polished rice, white flour, refined sugars, canned and bottled fruit juices, tomato ketchup, jams, jellies, bread, chocolates, cakes, biscuits, and sweets are examples of such processed foods.

Protein are important for the growth, maintenance and regeneration of our body.  The main sources of proteins are pulses, milk, eggs and meat.  Many nutritionists believe that animal proteins are superior and complete food proteins compared to vegetable proteins.  This is probably the reason why vegetarians are advised to drink plenty of milk so that they can get sufficient amounts of complete food proteins and their body can function at its best.  On the other hand, an excess of proteins may result in many diseases because ingestion of excessive amounts of proteins results in the formation of uric acid which is harmful to health.

Vitamins and minerals perform various important functions in the body.  Vitamins are needed for the proper digestion and absorption of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and the development of the ability of the body to protect itself against diseases.  Minerals are needed for the formation and functioning of the cells.  These vital substances are necessary for the maintenance of health.

Fats, like carbohydrates, perform the function of supplying heat and energy to the body.  The main sources of fats for vegetarians are butter and oils.  There are two types of fats-saturated and unsaturated.  Prolonged used of saturated fats causes constriction and hardening of arteries, which may result in hypertension, heart attack and other related ailments.  It is therefore necessary to minimize the intake of saturated fats and replacing them by unsaturated fats.

Knowing the basic essential nutrients needed by our body and where to get them is the most important health guide that we should adhere to.  By eating only healthy foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients, we do not only ensure that we eat a balanced meal but we also take the crucial step to a healthy lifestyle.
 

Copyright 2005 Robert Fioravante

When Hippocrates said "the physician treats but nature heals,"
he was describing the human body's natural tendency toward
minimizing illness and creating optimal health. As we know,
however, the body needs a little help at times. Alternative
health practices can support the physical body in its natural
propensity toward healing by applying very effective remedies.

In this article we present powerful natural treatments for three
health conditions that frequently affect children: asthma, head
lice, and pink eye. Orthodox medical doctors and the drug
conglomerates won't be overly thrilled that you know these
natural treatments; they have no way of patenting or monetizing
these cures.

The Asthma Remedy

Asthma is a serious (if not frightening) disorder in which the
airway becomes inflamed, resulting in wheezing, loss of breath,
and tightness in the chest. About 15 million people in the U.S.
suffer with asthma and there are more than half a million
hospitalizations resulting from this disorder.

The prevalence of asthma has been increasing for every age group
affected. Children have the highest increase; over the last ten
years the rate of asthma in children has increased by over 90%.
Parents with asthmatic children will know that the quickest
remedy for an asthma attack comes from medication, but there are
times when a child's inhaler is not available.

There are two natural ways to treat an asthma attack which
relate to the soothing effect that warm liquid has on bronchial
tubes. First, try some hot soup which can soothe the bonchials.
However, the second remedy can be more effective since it
includes a warm liquid with an additional ingredient: caffeine.
Coffee or tea, with caffeine, can open airways similar to the
way inhalers do, so try this during an asthma episode if no
medication is available.

The Pink Eye Cure

Before 1938, patentable antibacterial drugs had not been
developed, so colloidal silver was the primary "medicine" for
fighting infections in the U.S. It is quietly used today as a
cleaning agent in water tanks, by airlines for in-flight water
purification, and by NASA to sterilize water on the Space
Shuttle. Why? Colloidal silver has been found to destroy about
650 viral, bacterial, and fungal "bugs."

One independent laboratory conducted research to determine the
effectiveness of a colloidal silver manufactured by a company
called Earthborn Products. This silver was applied to both
normal and resistant strains of staphylococcus aureus bacteria
and incubated at 37 degrees centigrade. The staph cultures were
killed in just four minutes! Also, research at the Upstate
Medical Center at Syracuse University (N.Y.) found that "silver
works on a wide range of bacteria without any known side
effects…"

Pink eye (pinkeye) or conjunctivitis is a highly contagious
ailment in which the conjunctiva or membrane that covers the eye
is infected by a virus or bacterial infection. Although
harmless, the challenge is to keep infected family members from
contaminating those around them. This challenge, however, has
been met with colloidal silver.

Many people are successfully treating their pink eye by applying
one or two drops of colloidal silver in their eyes, twice a day.
In fact, Dr. Evan M. Kansas reported in Science Digest (1978)
that he experienced "instant success" using colloidal silver
with immune compromised patients. One example he gave was a
patient's pinkeye that was totally resolved in less than six
hours after topical treatment!

The Head Lice Cure

Mom and dad, if you're tired of "nit picking," then pay
attention. About ten million people in America are afflicted
with head lice and their eggs, or "nits." The head louse lives
in human hair fairly close to the scalp where it feeds on human
blood. Female lice lay about 10 eggs per day and the babies, or
nits, hang-on to strands of hair with amazing tenacity.

Getting rid of head lice is a three-step process. You must kill
all the live lice, check for and remove all the nits by combing
and manual nit picking, and you must do a thorough job of
cleaning the infested person's belongings and home environment.

Doctor Lawrence Schachner of the University of Miami School of
Medicine has found what he believes is the best, fastest natural
remedy for head lice yet: petroleum jelly. This cure works not
by poisoning the lice (like the prescription drugs available),
but by smothering them. Dr. Schachner recommends slathering
petroleum jelly on your child's scalp and hair in the evening
before bed. Then put a shower cap on the child and let him sleep
the night with the cap on. By morning, the lice and knits are
smothered. The down side? Children must do repeated shampoos to
remove the petroleum jelly, so their hair may look oily for a
while.

I'm not quite sure that these are the natural cures for acne that anyone's grandmother had in mind. And perhaps the term 'cure' should be used very loosely… However, home acne remedies remain very popular - perhaps out of a sense of frustration from those suffering from the dreaded zit. Whether toothpaste, urine therapy, or apple cider vinegar actually work, is debatable. This article will look at the premise behind each of these options, and whether they are truly worth your time.

There are several variations to the toothpaste acne remedy. Some people swear that it alone, dabbed onto the offending zits, will clear them up. Others prefer mixing toothpaste in with several other ingredients, forming mixtures that range from simple to complex. For example, one teenager washed her face with salty water, left it on, added more salt to her face until it was entirely covered, then washed all of that off. Finally, toothpaste was applied to the pimples, and left on for a few hours, but preferably overnight.

Most of these remedies were multi-step processes, and even when other ingredients were used, they were not mixed in with the toothpaste. Like in the example above, the other steps often cleansed the face, perhaps rinsed with cold water to close the pores. Then toothpaste was added as a final step.

There were even instructions on which types of toothpaste to use. According to some, gels don't work as well, and whitening toothpastes were either unnecessary, or should be avoided. Given that baking soda also features in some other remedies, perhaps a toothpaste containing that could be used?

Will it work? Well, some of the reports from satisfied acne sufferers seem to indicate it may be worth a try, provided it isn't too harsh and irritating to your skin. It certainly isn't expensive. Some people saw results overnight, some took a few days, others longer. So, it may not be a once-off solution. One thing to be aware of is that any type of hard scrubbing of the skin can make acne worse.

Urine therapy is one that can elicit such revulsion (in me!), that it is almost hard to write about it. The theory is that one's own urine is packed with antibodies, hormones, and other goodies that are beneficial for our health. This includes vitamins and minerals that the body has excreted, because it didn't need. One article I read made the very good point that if they weren't needed the first time, they will likely be excreted again the second time. That same article points out that just because urine is not toxic, does not mean it is beneficial.

Urine therapy had its' origins amongst some Indian mystics, and seems to be particularly associated with the tantric philosophy. As an acne remedy, it is suggested that one massages one's urine over the affected areas. Some people leave it on overnight, assuming their partners and family can stand the smell.

The problem with urine therapy is that a lot of the justification is very unscientific and poorly supported. It is bolstered by conspiracy theories as to why this supposedly wonderful substance is ignored by the medical profession, except where scientists have extracted and tested certain elements of urine for therapeutic purposes. This does not mean, however, that therapeutic concentrations are to be found in one's own urine.

Bottom line for urine therapy with acne? There are a lot of other good alternatives out there, that don't smell, and don't have waste products mixed in with them. And people on any medications should not try urine therapy.

Apple cider vinegar is usually diluted with water, and sometimes mixed with other things, including honey and jojoba oil. There are very mixed reviews about it. Some people love it, others say that at first it seemed to make their acne worse, but then it really helped to turn it around. And others, quite a few others, say it made their skin, dry, very irritated, painful, and flakey. Those with sensitive skin seem to fare the worst, so if you do have sensitive skin, avoid apple cider vinegar at all costs.

One important point is that apple cider vinegar should be diluted. And be prepared for a rather off smell. It's probably not as noxious as urine however!

One feature of acne home remedies is that they do not work for everyone. This is true of medicine and over the counter treatments as well though. Those with sensitive skin should be the most careful, as many of these home-made treatments can be very harsh. This includes both toothpaste and apple cider vinegar. Urine therapy may work best with those who have a strong belief in it, although there are many other effective options to explore. It's worth keeping in mind that although some people report success with certain things, those successes have not been compared to other treatments in a controlled trial. It may be that other remedies may have been more effective after all.

References:
1. Nexus Online
2. Skepdic

peace 2 u

Complementary and alternative therapies for cancer of the prostate are health care practices that are not usually part of common medical treatment methods. These therapies can include natural cures for prostate cancer such as herbs, vitamins and minerals and dietary supplements. They can also be procedures such as acupuncture, massage, homeopathy and the use of magnetic fields.

Most medical societies are not advocating natural cures for prostate cancer as a lone treatment method. According to them, these alternative therapies should be used in conjunction with regular treatment options and should not be expected to cure cancer. Some scientists are against the use of these alternative methods because they allegedly create false hopes. Scientists have warned that alternative cures should be considered as methods designed to improve the quality of life of a cancer patient and not to treat cancer. They also cautioned that although some alternative therapies are harmless, they might detract, delay or interfere with regular therapy which could create negative results.

One example of these alternative therapies is homeopathy. Homeopathy is a treatment philosophy that follows the like-cures-like principle. The basic principle is that substances that cause symptoms of illness in healthy people can be used in small doses to cure similar symptoms among those who are ill. Advocates of this philosophy have recommended Chimapilla, umbellata, Clematis, Causticum, Staphysagria and Bartya carb as homeopathic remedies.

Some studies have also advocated the use of magnetic fields to cure cancer in the prostate. It has been suggested that sitting for hours in a magnetic pad can inhibit the growth of prostate tumors. This result is allegedly due to the ability of the north pole-associated field to slow down the biological growth of a tumor. In this therapy, the magnet's north pole field is the only one used to treat prostate cancer.

Acupuncture and massage are primarily recommended as complementary therapies to relieve some of the stress and tension that can result from being diagnosed with cancer. These procedures are primarily used as complementary and not as alternative treatments. The importance of maintaining a more relaxed body and mind can help a cancer patient cope better with the disease. Most doctors do not oppose the use of massage and acupuncture as long as it does not interfere with a patient's regular treatment regimen.

The debate on the effectiveness of complementary treatments, alternative therapies and natural cures for prostate cancer is still ongoing. For patients, the best thing to do is to discuss with their doctors the advantages and disadvantages of adding these methods to their regular treatment programs.

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Almost everyone has had a headache at one point in his or her life. Headaches are of different types. In a migraine, throbbing pain is felt on one side of the head. The most important symptom you will probably have with your migraine headache is pain, and as you know, the pain can be very severe and last many hours.

Migraine attacks can some times be so severe that person may have to abandon his or her routine activities for three or four days at a stretch. The attack lasts couple of hours to several days and has a tendency to relapse. Migraines can do more than ruin your day - they can interfere with your life.

Migraines are easily the most common headache syndrome. Migraines have a strong impact on the quality of a person's life. It affects our well-being, our productivity and even our social existence. It may sometimes cause extreme nausea, vomiting and altered vision.

What Cause Migraine?

Migraine headache resulted from the expansion (or dilation) of blood vessels in the brain and scalp. There are many different kinds of triggers, and every person has different ones. Migraine triggers are numerous and varied and occur in combinations peculiar to a individual.

The precise cause of migraine is unknown, but it is probably related to chemical changes in the blood vessels supplying the brain and its coverings. Cheese (pizza) is also a triggering factor in some people, while in others it only aggravates an already existing condition. Although the cause of migraine headaches is often undetermined, we do know that they present in different ways, and may involve different areas of the head and/or neck area. Some women have migraines just before, during, or just after menstrual periods. Stress is one of the major factors that can contribute to the onset of a migraine.

Migraine can be triggered in susceptible individuals by tyramine-containing foods, some food additives and sugar substitutes, as well as by skipping meals. Staying up late or drinking too much coffee will bring on a headache every time. What causes migraines is still somewhat of a mystery. People who get migraines are thought to have an inherited abnormality in the regulation of blood vessels.

Possible Remedies For Migraine

There are a lot of things you can do for yourself to help treat each of your migraine headaches. If the migraine attack is coming, try to get to a dark quiet room, since noise and bright lights seem to aggravate the symptoms of migraine. For occasional tension headaches, over the counter pain relievers are often used. Individuals with occasional mild migraine headaches that do not interfere with daily activities usually medicate themselves with over-the-counter (OTC, non-prescription) pain relievers (analgesics). Individuals with mild and infrequent migraine headaches that do not cause disability may require only OTC analgesics.

There are many natural remedies for migraine headaches. These include stress and tension reduction, ice therapy (used at the base of the skull), eliminating food triggers, getting the proper amount of rest, biofeedback, headache pillows or cushions, exercise and many others.

Individuals who experience several moderate or severe migraine headaches per month or whose headaches do not respond readily to medications should avoid triggers and consider modifications of their lifestyle. If early enough in the attack, then many of us try a simple painkiller or analgesic. The most common ones are ASA (aspirin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Besides using medication, preventing the onset of migraine headache is equally important. knowing what triggers attacks is a major step towards preventing them. Herbalists tend to regard the headache as a symptom of some underlying disorder rather than an illness in its own right. If the pain is severe, which it frequently is during a full-blown migraine attack, then you may need medication.

Please remember that a good general practitioner is your best ally when it comes to diagnosing, preventing and treating migraines. Before treating your health problems with drugs it is wise to seek the advice of a health professional. I would encourage you, once again, to learn all you can with regards to migraine and discuss it with your physician or other health professionals. Migraine headaches should be treated at the first sign, not when the pain becomes worse.

n many ancient systems of medicine and healing, (such as in China) treatment has been made with the view that mind, body and soul are linked together as a whole.

You can't just treat one area; there not separate there intertwined:

Prevention and treatment should be based upon the whole, Mind, body and soul and this view is now becoming acknowledged world wide.

If you accept this concept you will be healthier avoid illness and be happier.

When one part of the whole is stimulated, it also affects parts of the whole.

Overall health and wellbeing combines physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of our being.

Alternative medicine is holistic by nature treats the whole rather than just one area and it makes total sense.
An overall approach to wellness

Mind-body and soul healing focuses on the interactions among the brain, mind, body and behavior, and the ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual and behavioral factors affect us as a whole

It encourages an approach that enhances each person's self-knowledge and self-care, and it emphasizes techniques that are based on this approach.

Mind-body and soul medicine typically focuses on intervention strategies that are thought to promote health:
These include such areas as:

Relaxation, imagery, meditation, tai chi yoga, Rekki, htpnosis biofeedback, yoga, qi gong, cognitive-behavioral therapies, autogenic training, spirituality, proper nutrition and diet.

Illness is viewed as an opportunity for personal growth, transformation and a move to a happier healthier being.

Health care acts as an important part of this transformation.

The History Of Complementary Medicine

In 2002, relaxation techniques, imagery, biofeedback and hypnosis, were used by more than 34% percent of the adult population in the USA.

The concept that the mind is important in the treatment of illness is integral to the healing approaches of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic treatments dating back thousands of years.

In Greece as long ago as 400 BC Hippocrates recognized the moral and spiritual aspects of healing.

This is probably one of the first statements on what today we regard as alternative medicine.

By the 16th century a different direction was being taken that stressed the opposite:

The separation of mind body and soul.

During the periods of Renaissance and Enlightenment, advances in science saw an emphasis on science being the answer to everything.

Technological advances in medicine; the discovery of bacteria, antibiotics changed the notion of belief being able to influence health.

A change

In the 1920s, Walter Cannon's work revealed the relationship between stress and neuroendocrine responses in animals.

Using the phrase "fight or flight"

During World War II, the importance of belief re-entered of health care.

In the battle on the beaches of Anzio, morphine for wounded soldiers was in short supply.

Henry Beecher, M.D., discovered that much of the pain could simply be alleviated by saline injections as a substitute.

He used the term placebo effect.

His subsequent research showed that up to 35% of a therapeutic response to all medical treatment could be the result of belief.

The will to live is often quoted and this comes from the mind not just the body.

Our mind has a huge influence on our bodies and this view has gained increasingly in popularity in recent years.

The Rise In Complimentary Medicine

Since the 1960s, and the rise of the hippy generation and their interest in all things alternative, mind-body interactions in over all health came back into fashion and received more attention from the general public.

Today, many people want to get back to basics.

There is a rejection by many that science cures all.

People are now seeing and accepting what our ancestor's cultures saw:

That mind body and soul are one and there must be a focus on the whole.

It makes sense

How often have you heard of someone having the sheer will to live when they should have died?

The reason lies in the fact that they used the whole to survive.

If you want to fight off illness, be healthier and have a better mental well being think of your body as being a whole which needs to be fit and healthy.

The Chinese for example, have known this for thousands of years and now finally, this view is becoming more accepted by millions of people worldwide.