Mesothelioma
October 31, 2009
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is most often found in patients that have had exposure to asbestos particles, commonly through inhalation. The risk of being diagnosed with this disease is higher in those who have had a prolonged exposure to asbestos. However, it is possible for some individuals that only have had a brief exposure to develop mesothelioma.
It is possible that family members and others have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma from living with those who work with asbestos. This may due to exposure to asbestos dust that clings to clothing or hair of the workers. In hopes to reduce this exposure, asbestos workers usually shower and change their clothing prior to coming home from their workplace. In fact, many companies require this of their employees.
This cancer of the mesothelium (a membrane that protects and envelops most of the internal organs of your body) is where the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal. They divide without control or order and can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. As with many cancers, there is always the possibility of metastasizing or spreading to other parts of your body.
The following are symptoms to look out for when diagnosing mesothelioma:
•Weight loss
•Abdominal pain and swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen
•Bowel obstruction
•Abnormal blood clotting or anemia
•Fever
If the cancer has metastasized or spread to other parts of the body, additional symptoms may be pain, swelling of the neck and/or face and trouble swallowing.
Mesothelioma treatment options are based on the location of the cancer and the stage of the disease. Additional factors are the overall health of the patient and their age. The following are the most common treatments:
• Surgery. It is performed by removing part of the chest’s or abdomen’s lining and nearby tissue. It is also possible that removal of a lung may be necessary. Depending on the cancer location, a part of the diaphragm (a muscle below the lungs that helps you breathe) may also be removed.
• Chemotherapy. This is a common treatment for cancer in general which uses drugs to kill the cancer cells in the body. Most of these drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection through an IV intravenously.
• Radiation or radiotherapy. This is another common treatment for many cancers. It uses high energy rays designed to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This is a targeted therapy that only affects cancer cells in the treated area and can be delivered in two ways. It may come from external radiation through a machine or via materials that produce radiation that are applied by inserting thin plastic tubes into the cancer affected area through internal therapy.
Unfortunately, there is no cure on the horizon for mesothelioma. Patients can respond well to treatment, however this may only relieve or sooth the symptoms of this disease. It is important to raise awareness of risk factors of and to make sure that more people are not diagnosed with this disease.
Joe Gardner has years of experience working in health care and extensive research of mesothelioma.
Ready To Buy Resveratrol Online - What’s Really In It For You?
October 31, 2009
The Real Story Behind Oprah and Resveratrol Supplements
Anybody who reads newspapers or watches the news even occasionally would have heard of the newest wonder drug in the market - Resveratrol. No doubt, Oprah Winfrey’s recommendation and vocal support of the anti-aging and associated health benefits of Resveratrol, have been thoroughly covered in the press and online. To put it plainly, Resveratrol is an antioxidant, naturally found in the skin of red grapes and other berries like blueberries and even in peanuts. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin which is produced by plants when they are attacked by pathogens or bacteria. Resveratrol antioxidants can be easily ingested by drinking a glass of wine; the fermentation of the grapes further concentrates Resveratrol, thereby making red wine-Resveratrol a richer source of these unique antioxidants as opposed to non-fermented, right-off-the-vine grapes.
The Primary Health Benefits of Resveratrol Supplements
The most common and widely available form of ingestible red wine-Resveratrol is found in the form of Resveratrol supplements. The popularity and use of Resveratrol supplements show no signs of waning. Why? Well, Resveratrol is very effective in boosting the health of your heart; common heart diseases can be easily prevented by ingesting these antioxidants regularly. Resveratrol antioxidants prevent the forming of blood clots by keeping our arteries pliable and open. They can also reduce the cholesterol levels in our blood stream, drastically. LDL oxidation can affect our health adversely; Resveratrol antioxidants are very potent in preventing this phenomenon from occurring.
The anti aging properties of Resveratrol supplements are pretty impressive. It decreases the rate of degeneration of cells and also provides the cells with a greater ability to rejuvenate themselves, which leads us to live longer, healthier lives.
Resveratrol supplements are becoming increasingly useful in preventing cancer. Cox-2 is an enzyme which is believed to contribute greatly to the development of colon cancer. Resveratrol hampers the action of this malicious enzyme thereby discouraging any kind of tumor growth in our bodies. Recent studies suggest that not only is Resveratrol very useful in preventing cancer, but it can also aid in the treatment of cancer.
Why Not Simply Drink Red Wine To Enjoy This Wonder Antioxidant?
Red wine might have an abundance of this miracle antioxidant, but it also has an abundance of alcoholic content and calories. These might not really be appreciated by the health conscious population out there. This is the reason markets have now been inundated with all-natural Resveratrol supplements.
The Most Convenient Way To Get Your Resveratrol Antioxidants?
Far and wide, the easiest way to receive the correct Resveratrol dosage is in the form of Resveratrol capsules. Researchers believe that a minimum of 50 milligrams is the optimal Resveratrol dosage to protect our bodies against cancer and also to effectively take advantage of the myriad of other health benefits that this antioxidant has to offer. Oxidation can reduce the potency of Resveratrol, thus it is essential that you check the manufacturing and packaging process of a Resveratrol supplement as opposed to blindly picking it up off the shelf.
Resveratrol supplements, if taken regularly, can have several long lasting health benefits. For all the vital information necessary to make a well-informed decision regarding this Red-wine wonder-supplement, click on www.resv-free-trials.com, and try the top Resveratrol free trials.
Want to Buy REZMelts Online? Read the REZMelts Rapid Dissolving Tablets Review Here First!
October 31, 2009
REZMelts-Resveratrol Rapid Dissolving Tablets-Get More Out of Every Dose!
One of the hottest anti-aging products to hit the market contains Resveratrol. If you haven’t heard about this latest discovery, you may be surprised to find that it is that substance found in red wine. You know the one. Resveratrol is the reason why the French live 25 to 45% longer than people in other countries. Since red wine is a staple in their lives, researchers finally looked at red wine as the reason why. The findings were surprising, but not as much as those that were discovered in subsequent years.
Why IS Resveratrol So Powerful?
Resveratrol is one of the most powerful antioxidants available today. It protects the body from free radical damage, as well as repairs past damage. It has been proven to increase longevity in mice by up to 31%. (This research study was completed at Harvard Medical School!) It also helps reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and some cancers. New research just released shows that Resveratrol supplements each day may reduce the damage from a stroke. To top it all off, Resveratrol has been proven to induce weight loss without exercise!
Which Resveratrol Product Works the Best?
The best product available today is REZMelts. These Resveratrol Rapid Dissolving Tablets are absorbed faster into your body and at a much high quantity than pills or even extracts. REZMelts have become one of the best forms for a daily dose of Resveratrol available. With over 150 mg in every dose, you can see how REZMelts give you the high quality levels of Resveratrol that are needed to see the most benefits.
Are There Any Side Effects with REZMelts?
There are very few side effects reported with REZMelts. Some people state their heart rate increased for the first couple of weeks. However, this is more than likely due to increase in the body’s metabolism. If you are currently taking other supplements or medications, you may wish to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting the REZMelts supplements. A very small percentage of users reported some episodes of diarrhea, but it also was usually gone with a week or so.
Is REZMelts Right for You?
If you are looking for the most powerful anti-aging substance known to man right now, REZMelts is one of the best ways to get the recommended daily doses. It’s the fastest way to absorb Resveratrol. It’s easy to take, dissolves almost instantly, and has a pleasant taste. You won’t find an easier way to get to the potency like with REZMelts.
A Final Thought
If it’s time to start fighting off Father Time, then look no farther than REZMelts. Get all of the benefits of Resveratrol in a rapid dissolving tablet. Take a few minutes now to look at the research and see what this powerful antioxidant can do for you. Isn’t it time you looked and felt healthier and younger?
REZMelts offer you the easiest and fastest way to get your optimum, daily dose of Resveratrol. To get your Risk-Free Trial of REZMelts delivered right to your door, head over to www.ResV-Free-Trials.com, right now!
Stop Hair Loss Now Before it Gets Worse
October 31, 2009
If you’re noticing more hair then normal falling out of your scalp in the shower it’s possible you’re suffering from the early stages of male pattern baldness. If this is the case you’re not doomed to lose all your hair. There are effective methods to stop your hair loss before it becomes advanced.
Why is my Hair Thinning?
In all men’s bodies there is a substance known as DHT. It’s a derivative of testosterone, a male hormone. Normally DHT doesn’t cause any problems for men, there are some though where DHT binds to the hair follicles on the scalp. When this occurs the hair follicle begins to shrink. As the follicle shrinks the hair from the follicle becomes thinner. Eventually this process leads to what we call male pattern baldness.
Stopping DHT
There are two alternatives to stop DHT from causing hair loss. The first is to take an oral supplement. Oral hair loss treatments reduce the amount of DHT that is made in your body. This of course reduces how much DHT there is in your body to make it’s way to the scalp and bind with your hair follicles.
The downside to oral treatments is they take a bit longer to work then topical treatments, also you could experience some mild side effects if the supplement didn’t agree with your stomach.
The second alternative is a topical hair loss treatment. Primarily these are shampoos, creams, lotions or extracts. The exact type of topical treatment isn’t as important as how potentially effective it is. Unlike oral treatments that stop the synthesis of DHT in the body topical treatments stop DHT from binding to hair follicles.
If there’s less DHT binding with hair follicles on your scalp then you’ll experience less thinning hair. A side benefit to topical thinning hair treatments is they often include a secondary benefit of stimulating new hair growth from the hair follicles that were affected by DHT.
Taking Action
Which every form of hair loss treatment you opt to use isn’t important. You can make an educated decision about which method offers the best chance of success for you. It has a lot to do with how advanced your thinning hair is, and also if you have any potential allergies or reactions to the topical or oral treatments.
The most important thing to do to stop hair loss now is to take action. As you procrastinate on this your hair will continue to thin and there is a point where no treatment product will help and your option will be surgery only.
So Get started right now. Jump to your favorite search engine and start looking for some comparison and review websites that talk about hair loss products. There are lots of blogs and forums that offer information about shampoos, supplements and other topical treatments for hair loss.
Use other peoples feedback as your guide to decide which hair thinning treatment appeals most to you. Don’t rush and buy the first solution you find, look for some testimonials that suggest that the product does indeed produce results.
Take action now and try Provillus today. An oral hair loss treatment supplement and topical solution that stops DHT in the body and provides the nutrients needed to stimulate new hair growth.
The Relationship Between Male Hair Loss and DHT
October 31, 2009
Have you ever heard of DHT before? DHT is an acronym for Dihydrotestostrone a substance found in the male body and can contribute to early thinning hair and male pattern baldness. How can this substance that all men supposedly have cause premature hair loss? It turns out it has more to do with how much DHT we have rather then if we have it at all.
DHT is derived from the male hormone testosterone. Our bodies convert testosterone to DHT, and some men tend to have higher levels of DHT then others. If you have a high level of DHT what can happen is DHT will travel to the scalp where it attaches to your hair follicles. When attached to hair follicles DHT stunts the growth of the follicle and causes the hairs to thin. Eventually no more hair can grow and the follicle becomes dormant.
Thankfully you don’t have to let it get to that point. Catching a hair follicle before it goes dormant and reversing the effects that Dihydrotestostrone had can allow you to bring it back to life. The first step is stopping the DHT from attaching in the first place.
Blocking DHT
There are two methods of reducing DHT on the scalp. The first is by limiting how much DHT your body actually creates. This is done at the biological level and most often is achieved by an oral treatment. There can be some side effects with oral treatments so if you’re concerned check with your doctor prior to trying one. With less DHT in the body this means it’s less likely your thinning hair will continue.
The second treatment stops DHT from binding with hair follicles on the scalp. This is usually accomplished with a shampoo or other topical scalp treatment. While some of these products can be a bit messy and have strange odours from my research people have had a better success rate using DHT blocker shampoos then most other hair thinning treatment alternatives.
Getting Your Hair Back
Depending on how early you catch your thinning hair troubles you can stimulate those once shrunk hair follicles to grow new hair once again. The process takes time, but it can be done.
A key point to note here is that these treatment alternatives work for men who have not yet lost all of their hair. If you’re completely bald on top a more extreme treatment such as transplants may be required.
To have hair regrowth most often you must use a topical extract or serum. I have not come across an oral hair growth product. Again depending on how advanced your hair loss was will determine how long and if you can experience new growth. Some studies have shown upwards of 2 years to see optimal regrowth results using a shampoo or other topical treatment.
The key is to choose a product you feel confident in and be sure to stick with it. Some men have a problem not attaining optimal results because they don’t stick to the required instructions.
Stop DHT now using a DHT blocker shampoo and hair growing shampoo. The combination of these two products will stop your hair from thinning and stimulate growth of new thick hairs.
HGH Side Effects: A Comprehensive List of Common and Rare Human Growth Hormone Side Effects
October 31, 2009
Just decades before, HGH could only be obtained by taking the pituitary gland of the dead and processing it; the substance eventually obtained from the removed organ is then injected into HGH-deficient patients. However, right at the advent of advanced genetic engineering, a more complex procedure was introduced to synthesize this hormone in unlimited amounts, which is now being used to this day.
The reason why HGH was so hard to process initially had a lot to do with the fact that it was a natural component formed by the human body and one of the major life-giving substances out there. It’s numerous features like improved vision, immunity, muscle tone, and so forth has compelled advertisers to promote it as an elixir or panacea of sorts. A healthy human body is capable of gauging and telling the pituitary gland how much HGH to synthesize during the course of one’s life. At any rate, regardless of its benefits, HGH is hardly the super serum salesmen claim it to be.
Many of the people who want to try out HGH therapy—whether it’s in injectable form like Humatrope and Norditropin or in supplement form like Cloud Nine HGH, Sytropin, GHR1000, Provacyl, Genf20 Plus, and GenFX—are turned off or at least concerned by the HGH side effects that are sensationally shown by the media. The fact of the matter is that, when taken under proper medical prescription or supplemented under normal dosages, HGH yields little to no side effects. In turn, a lot of the side effects noted by news agencies come from HGH abuse and extremely high HGH dosages. Needless to say those who should not use HGH in the first place should be disqualified from its use by a certified medical doctor.
Anyhow, HGH can cause a lot of potential issues for concern, not least of which are acromegaly, pituitary gigantism, dizziness, enlargement of the heart, high blood pressure (hypertension), excess body hair growth, bone pain, diabetes, fatigue, edema, damage to your thyroid, allergic reaction, numbness in the hands, increased chances for bleeding, acute sinus infection, hypoglycemia, infection, backache, bronchitis, headache, optic disk edema, rash, abnormal fat distribution, inflammation of the lining of the stomach or intestine, stiff joints (arthralgia) and muscles, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tenderness or pain at the injection site if HGH is applied subcutaneously.
These reported symptoms and adverse effects are enough to scare anyone into not using HGH therapy, but people still need to talk to their doctors and ask about the drug first, because its benefits when used properly is nothing short of amazing. Yes, it’s true that HGH products are mostly meant for use by HGH-deficient patients, but it’s nowadays being used by athletes who desire an extra performance boost and elderly folk who want to get a new lease on life.
Therefore, it’s only natural that these people understand both the pros and the cons of using this so-called miracle medication: It’s not really a panacea for all your illnesses, but it’s not snake oil either. Being able to realistically asses the true capabilities and shortcomings of HGH when properly used is the first step HGH users need in order to avoid abusing the medicine and suffering the dire consequences (i.e., side effects) of doing so.
HGH has been proven in many clinical studies to have great anti aging properties. HGH side effects however should be considered before undertaking HGH injection therapy. For those that decide to use hgh injections it is important to get high quality HGH under the supervision of a doctor.
Organic Products - What Does It Mean To Be Organic
October 31, 2009
In 1933, Lord Northbourne published a book titled ‘Look to the Land,’ in which he outlined certain methods of food production he termed ‘Organic.’ His goal was to establish a view of the farm as an organism, self-contained and self-sustaining, in opposition to what he termed unsustainable ‘chemical farming’ relying on fertilizers and chemical pesticides. In large part, this organic farming was not a particular change from traditional farming techniques at the time.
In the mid-20th century, the ‘Green Revolution’ led to widespread methods of chemical and industrialized farming that is still used today. As a reaction to the perceived weaknesses of these modern farming techniques, organic farming has grown in popularity in recent decades and particularly in the last ten years.
What is Organic?
Briefly, organic food is that which is farmed using organic farming methods. This means excluding food additives and genetically modified ingredients and avoiding the use of inorganic farming techniques such as chemical pesticides or crop irradiation. The exact definition of organic food can vary - according to the FDA, food is considered Organic if it consists of 95% or more organic ingredients. Other markets may have greater or fewer restrictions, depending on the criteria of various government agencies and the terms they set.
Know Your Food
Prior to the modern boom in organic popularity, the only way to be certain a product was organic was direct observation. Organically minded consumers would visit local farms and buy directly from farmers they knew to rely on organic techniques. They could observe firsthand the way produce was grown or the techniques used to milk cows. They could discuss changes and conditions with their provider, and generally the motto of the day was “Know your farmer, know your food.”
This changed with the rapid increase in demand for organic food in recent years - as entire organic supermarkets such as Whole Foods came into being, consumption moved into the mainstream. Not everyone in the suburbs or major urban centers of the world is equipped with the knowledge or the time to get to know their individual local farmers, and sometimes organic produce can travel a great distance between production and distribution. Thus, third party agencies and government organizations have stepped in to create labels that certify products as organic in accordance with various private and public standards.
This does result in a disconnect, and require a sense of trust in these agencies.
Concerned consumers are therefore advised to research the standards set down by the certifying groups, and to do a little online research into how they go about making their decisions. Again, for example, the US certifies any product with at least 95% organic ‘ingredients’ as organic. This may mean that the end product itself was not prepared in accordance with organic procedures, or is packaged in an inorganic container. A little research can help allay or confirm suspicions and concerns such as these, so the educated consumer becomes the happy consumer.
Why Buy Organic?
There are as many reasons for buying organic as there are products to buy. One of the most cited reasons is improved taste and food quality over industrially farmed food. Blind taste tests comparing conventionally and organically farmed apples indicated organic apples were usually sweeter and firmer than their competition. Proponents claim the lack of additives allows the natural, complex flavors of the food to come out and really captivate the consumer.
Another incentive is for personal health. Organic food is farmed with extensive restrictions on the use of pesticides, either in a complete ban or with specific, very strict criteria for their use. Thus, the USDA has released studies indicating that nearly thirty percent of organic foods contain no discernible pesticide residues, and the remainder have them in very small quantities. This is in comparison to conventionally produced foods, which can have as much as two thirds more pesticide residue than organically produced equivalents. Not every pesticide causes demonstrable harm to consumers. However, the point is that people can make better decisions for their health and their lifestyle when they know what is and what isn’t going into their bodies.
The lack of pesticides also creates an environmental benefit important to many organically minded consumers. Pesticides can and do run into the local ecosystem surrounding any farming endeavor, and can cause havoc that may take generations to uncover and even longer to repair. Organic farming offers less impact on the ecology of the community and allows for a sense of civic responsibility and pride in participants.
A Little More Money
That said ,organic farming does come with a hefty price tag. Since the same amount of land is producing less than conventionally farmed land, organic produce and goods can cost as much as 40% more than the alternative. A half-gallon of organic milk can cost as much as a full gallon of conventionally produced milk, which affects consumers’ bottom line. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce this cost, again with a little bit of research.
For example, consider organic strawberries. These of course cost more than conventional strawberries, due to the strict and exacting standards required for their production. However, even the price of organic strawberries will go down during strawberry season, since the market will be flooded with the product, both organic and conventional. So, with a bit of research consumers can find out what seasons are best for each product they’re interested in and buy in accordance with these cycles. Additionally, many organic companies offer special coupons and sales, just as do traditional supermarkets. A few minutes searching the web may yield a nice two-for-one sale on organic corn just in time for a big family dinner.
As with any passion, the key to truly getting the best use out of organic products comes from information, consideration, and action.
Janet Davis is a health and nutrition entrepreneur. She and her husband are founders of MarkAndJanet.com, a website with uncompromising, premium products for your health conscious family. Are you looking for more information on organic products? Visit us at http://www.MarkandJanet.com or check out our blog at http://www.MarkandJanetBlog.com.
All About Migraine
October 31, 2009
Migraine is a terrible form of headache. The primary cause of this condition is still unknown although there are some theories that may trigger migraine. A huge selection of pharmacological drugs is known to ease the pain and other symptoms of this condition.
Migraine is a condition of the brain characterized by headaches, nausea and changed bodily perceptions. It more frequently happens in women than in men. The word migraine is from a Greek term “hemicrania” meaning half skull and the Old English word “megrim” which means severe headache.
A typical headache caused by this condition is pulsating and unilateral. It lasts from 4 up to 72 hours. The symptoms include, vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to light or photophobia and sensitivity to noise otherwise known as hyperacusis. According to studies, about a third of the people suffering from migraine headache identify and aura which is olfactory and visual that announces the headache.
Causes of Migraine
Initial treatments are analgesics and anti-emetics. Analgesics are for the headache while anti-emetics are for avoiding triggering conditions and nausea. Its primary cause is still unknown. An accepted theory however is a malfunction of the “serotonergic control system” for PET scans verified the aura that corresponds with the transmission of the cortical depression. This results to increased level of blood flow, which is over 300 percent greater than that of the baseline.
There are migraine variants that start off in the brainstem featuring cellular transport dysfunction of potassium and calcium ions. Some others are genetically predisposed. Studies show that twins have a 65 percent chance of genetic influence leading with increasing susceptibility to migraine headache.
Irregular hormone levels could also lead to migraine. Thus we see many women feeling low, heavy, and dizzy just before their period. Pregnant women are also susceptible to severe headaches.
Preventive Treatments for Migraine
Preventive treatment is also known as prophylactic. It may or may not be a significant component of managing migraines. The method involves taking nutritional supplements and certain drugs.
A patient might have to alter his lifestyle to prevent foods or any activity that leads to migraines. The main goal is to significantly reduce the pain, duration and frequency of occurrence.
Migraine Medication
Below is a list of drug class prescriptions effective in curing this condition.
Beta Blockers
This drug class includes atenolol and propranolol. The Cochrane Collaboration held a meta-analysis of 9 crossover studies or controlled trials amounting to 668 patients. They found out that propranolol has a relative risk of treatment response.
Anti-Convulsants
This includes topiramate and valporic acid. Again, the Cochrane Collaboration did a meta-analysis of 10 crossover studies or controlled trials amounting to 1341 patients. They found out that anti-convulsants are twice as likely to experience greater decrease in frequency with anti-convulsants as compared to Beta Blockers and Placebo. Nevertheless, there were some concerns about gabapentin marketing.
Anti-Depressants
A type of anti-depressant is TCA or tricyclic antidepressants. Examples are amitriptyline along with SSRI or “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors” like fluoxetine. According to Cochrane Collaboration’s meta-analysis, SSRI is not much effective like placebo.
Another study revealed that SSRI is beneficial or effective on patients suffering with tension headache and migraine. Nonetheless, there was not a separate report among the effect of SSRI on patients with only migraine issues.
A wide variety of pharmacological drugs are evaluated so as to know their efficacy in decreasing the severity or frequency of migraine attacks. Evaluated drugs include calcium antagonists, beta-blockers, neurostabilizers, NSAIDs or “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as other particular drug therapies.
For more information on Migraine Treatments and Migraine Medications.Please visit our website. http://www.migrane-treatments.org/ & http://www.migrane-treatments.org/medications.html
Yuca (Cassava) Root Can Help Arthritis
October 31, 2009
I love 99.99% of fruits and vegetables, but this one is in the 00.01% for me. However, I do know a lot of people who really enjoy this vegetable, each to their own. It is a good source of B3 (helps to lower cholesterol), plus iron and calcium. Yuca is a root vegetable with a rough hard thick brown covering, a little like bark. The inside is hard, white and dense, it’s quite heavy. Similar to the potato in that it must be cooked before you eat it. It is quite a lot starchier than the potato and a tad sweeter.
This is not to be confused with the yucca plant - yuccas are widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or indoor house plants in cooler climates. Some will bear edible parts – like fruits, seeds, and flowers or stems , but not the edible roots we are talking about here. The yucca plant has long blade like leaves growing from a central point from the ground, similar in configuration as the aloe vera plant (but with softer leaves). The yucca plant is like a small tree, with three medium oval shape blades on each small stem.
The yuca root contains high levels of a phyto-compound, called saponins which acts as a natural steroid. When the compound is extracted from the yuca it makes a perfect natural soap or shampoo.
How do these compounds affect our health when we consume them? These saponins are similar to steroids. They help to reduce inflammation of the joints particularly and in the body in general. Yuca is often included in formulas for inflammatory conditions like arthritic and rheumatoid conditions. It has been reported that yuca has the ability to break up mineral and inorganic deposits. What does this mean? It helps to break down or prevent the built up of calcification of kidney stones, gall bladder stones or calcification of joints. And due to its anti-inflammatory properties it can also help conditions like an inflamed prostate. However, no one plant should be seen as the be all and end all – it should be consumed along with a whole host of other plants.
Yuca has a positive affect on encouraging the action of the ‘good guys’ the friendly intestinal bacteria, which in turn aids the proper digestion of food and prevents the ‘bad guys’ from flourishing. In research it has been shown that the high content of saponins in this plant when ingested stay in the intestines and act on the intestinal flora helping to regulate the balance, stimulating the friendly normal flora and inhibiting others.
In the US much research is being carried out on the use of saponins from the yuca on its use in sewage treatment plants to breakdown organic waste faster, also on farm and factory waste.
When we eat foods (beans and lentils) or herbs (alfalfa, fenugreek, garlic or tribulus) that are high in saponins they stimulate better absorption of vitamins and minerals and decrease the amount of toxins we absorb. This helps to put less of a strain on our already over worked detoxification organs. So with more nutrients absorbed, an increased action of anti-inflammation, improved immune system, better functioning organs - conditions like arthritis and other degenerative diseases improve. The saponins provide a more alkaline environment (most people’s systems are too acidic these days) aiding the digestive tract improving digestion, reducing incomplete digestion and decomposition in the colon which causes unpleasant smelling gases.
The common potato has the opposite effect to yuca, the potato is part of the Solanaceae family, and contains plant compounds that encourages pain and inflammation, another main member of this infamous family is the tomato! Many people have found their aches and pains have improved by eliminating tomatoes, a long with eating healthier. The other attribute yuca has, is its rich source of absorb-able manganese, this helps in the process of repairing joints. Researchers have looked closely at this plants action and its affect on joints and cartilage, the amazing steroid like saponins strengthen the bowel flora of the intestines, breaking down organic body wastes like uric acid (which causes pain) and cleansing mineral deposits that might exist in the joints.
Native Americans used the soapy leaves from yuca for numerous conditions. Poultices or baths were used for skin sores and other diseases as well as for sprains. Certainly used in all sorts of inflammatory conditions.
Other uses – it acts as an astringent so will help to reduce bleeding. Some people find it extremely helpful as a mild laxative, encouraging bowel movements.
How to use yuca? Any recipe that calls for potatoes you can be substituted with yucca, just needs more cooking. First, peel of the rough brown skin, cut open and remove the hard core.
Boquete Bash
2lbs fresh yuca
Milk or you can use rice or soy milk
1 garlic clove, minced or crushed
? cup of chopped cilantro
A squeeze of lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
A little extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil (optional)
Peel the yuca, cut into thick chunks. Cooking time is longer than for potatoes – cover with water and boil until soft. Drain completely (save the boiled water for soups etc) and add milk, garlic, cilantro, the squeeze of lemon, oil (optional), pepper, and salt. Mash and combine all the ingredients, add more milk if you need to, and serve with your favorite meat stew.
Sonia Jones - I am a Brit living and working in Panama for the last five years. A naturopath, nutritional therapist and reflexologist with 20 years experience. A published author of three books. Owns her own spas and clinic, and launched her own natural organic skin care range. Married for 34 years - husband and business partner, who is also a acupuncturist. http://www.naturalweightlossmethods.com http://www.arthritisalternativetreatment.com http://www.nutritionwithsonia.com
Change Shape - 30 Tips at a Glance
October 31, 2009
You don’t have to wear one of those early corsets to change you shape or get into shape. Wearing one of those would be terrible I would imagine. You probably know a lot of these tips already, but here is a reminder. One drop is nothing, but a continuous drip will eventually fill up even a very big bucket. The same goes for all these activities.One might not be enough but a collection will make a difference
1) Always take the stairs instead of the escalator, as for not taking the elevator that would depend on where you are, on the 3rd or 33rd floor? However, you can also walk down the stairs if it’s too far up to walk.
2) Get up and walk to the water fountain on a regular basis, get enough hydrating drinks or make a herbal tea, to make sure your metabolism doesn’t slow down. Also being hydrated stops you snacking so much.
3) Communication with some one in your office - opt to get up and go speak to them in person, instead of phoning or sending an email.
4) While on the phone get up and walk on the stop, or pace a round some.
5) Don’t get someone who is popping out to buy their lunch get yours at the same, go with them.
6) In the morning while you are getting ready, turn up the volume and dance around, walk on the stop while brushing your teeth.
7) People who get a good night’s sleep control their weight better, they have less craving, eat less, and use more energy. Make sure you relax a little before going to bed.
Do the vacuuming with more vigor and more often, you and the house will be in better shape.
9) Make you bed everyday, put away your stuff everyday, you will feel good coming back to a tidy home and you will use more calories.
10) If you live in a two storey home, and a bathroom is conveniently situated on both floors, use the bathroom on the other floor making you walk up and down the stairs.
11) Use a smaller plate size than you would have before. Research shows you will definitely eat less.
12) While shopping never buy large packets of foods, research shows you will always eat more this way.
13) Do more gardening.
14) Get off the bus before your bus stop.
15) Park the car in a car park further away.
16) Ironing is good exercise.
17) Cancel your deliveries, get them yourself, like the newspaper.
18) See your trip to the supermarket as a great workout instead of a chore. Pushing the trolley, squatting for the items on the low shelves, lugging the stuff to the car and then from the car to the house, and finally unpacking and putting it away can be a good work out for you.
19) A trip to the supermarket should never be done when you are hungry, research shows you will choose more unhealthy or fattening foods.
20) Get a dog, you can’t get out of taking it for a walk.
21) Do some fun things with the kids, keeping up with them will keep you in shape and is fun.
22) Hide the TV remote controls.
23) Don’t take your car to the car wash, wash it yourself.
24) Hire funny DVDs, have fun lose weight, laughing is like having several mini work outs.
25) Party more, meaning dance more or have dancing lessons.
26) Don’t wear trousers/pants that are 3/4 length cut shorten your height and will look fatter.
27) Don’t wear leggings or trousers that are narrow at the bottom, they will make your hips look larger.
28) Don’t wear tops that finish at the widest part of you body.
29) Wearing all one colour will make you look taller and slimmer.
30) Having good posture will make you look taller, slimmer and healthier.
Sonia Jones - I am a Brit living and working in Panama for the last five years. A naturopath, nutritional therapist and reflexologist with 20 years experience. A published author of three books. Owns her own spas and clinic, and launched her own natural organic skin care range. Married for 34 years - husband and business partner, who is also a acupuncturist. http://www.naturalweightlossmethods.com http://www.arthritisalternativetreatment.com http://www.nutritionwithsonia.com