Root Canal Fillings can Cause Serious Side Effects

Anyone who starts to read this article is sure to wonder what in the world ever motivated a successful dentist and endodontist such as I to state that ROOT CANAL TREATED TEETH HAVE SIDE EFFECTS which cause many disorders.

Certainly my dental colleagues, particularly those who know me and are familiar with my background, are going to think I have really flipped my lid.

How could a successful dentist, who was honored at the May 199s five day 50th anniversary meeting of the American Association of Endodontists(root canal therapists) for being one of the nineteen founding members of the organization, ever come to publish a book of this critical nature?

Dental Research Specialist Dr. Weston Price, after observing many patients with crippling degenerative diseases not responding to treatment, suspected infected root canal-filled teeth to be the cause.

Dr. Price devised a testing method which disclosed the presence of infection in a tooth which otherwise seemed to be healthy - that is,implanting of the root filled tooth under the skin of a laboratory animal. He found, in almost every case, that when the root-filled tooth of a patient with a degenerative disease was extracted and imbedded in an animal, that animal would develop the patient's disease.

In the beginning, Dr. Price did not know just where the infection was hiding in the tooth, only that a patient's illness was rapidly transferred from his root-filled tooth to laboratory animals in case after case.

Dr. Price later able to culture the bacteria in root-filled teeth and trap their toxins, reproducing a disease in a rabbit by injecting the cultured material into the animal.

Dr. Price discovered a wide variety of degenerative disease to be transferable to rabbits, such as endocarditis and other heart diseases, kidney and bladder diseases, arthritis, rheumatism, mental diseases, lung problems, pregrancy complications,almost any degenerative problem - and after extraction of these teeth,a large percentage of patients recovered from their illnesses.

When sound, uninfected natural teeth or other sterile objects were implanted in animals, no adverse health effects were experienced.

Why this important research was forced underground, and has remained virtually unknown since its 1923 publication, will be covered in later chapters. If the patient had kidney trouble, the rabbit developed kidney involvement; if eye trouble, the rabbit's eye failed. Heart trouble, rheumatism, stomach ulcers, bladder infections, ovarian diseases, phletitis, osteomyelitis, whatever disease, the rabbit is poor- died within two weeks.

Dr. Price tested the theory further by implanting sound natural teeth under rabbits' skins, such as healthy teeth removed for orthodontic tooth-straightening or those which were impacted and couldn't grow in properly, In addition, sterilized dimes and other coins were implanted and, in each instance, nothing detrimental happened to the rabbits.

Copyright 2006 SSLI Health Group

Dr. George Meinig, D.D.S.,F.A.C.D. is a Founder of the Association of Root Canal Specialists Discovers Evidence That Root Canals Damage Your Health Learn What to Do. Learn how Dr. George Meinig discovered that a meticulous 25 year research program, conducted by Weston A. Price, DDS, under the auspices of the American Dental Association's Research Institute was buried. To subscribe newsletter: Visit:http://www.1stultimategumsolution.com Edited and prepared by Sung Lee, alternate author

Three Tips for Successful Weight Loss

Weight loss isn?t just about eating less food. Healthy eating can accelerate your efforts in losing weight. The following are three tips to not only be healthy, but also to lose weight quickly.

Enjoy the Foods You Eat

Weight loss shouldn?t be a chore. If you believe the only foods good for you are those foods that taste badly, then you?re facing an uphill battle right from the start. Instead look at eating as a part of life, and find those foods that you enjoy (and maybe eat slightly less of them). Look to obtain a better balance so that while eating the foods you enjoy, also add some foods that are not processed, such as fruits and vegetables.

You can even start off with just those fruits and vegetables that you currently like and then experiment with expanding to that list, all while looking to maintain a balance between these fresh foods and the foods that may not be the healthiest. Given time, you may find that you acquire a taste for healthy foods.

Try some new recipes. If you don't like raw vegetables, try some steamed ones. If they taste too bland, try adding some spices. You?ll find that as you lose weight and get more energy, your body will start craving these better feelings of health by wanting more of those healthier foods.

Believe in Yourself

Belief is yourself is a necessary component to achieving your goal. If you don't believe what you are doing will work, eventually you?ll give up. Some people quit and blame it on the food, or blame it on where they live, or that they work too many hours to really eat any good food. But in the end, it all comes down to saying to yourself, ?I?m going to do it, no matter what.?

Food may be considered an addiction and the best way to break an addiction is a gradual leading away from the addictive habit, rather than a ?snap? withdrawal (a ?snap? withdrawal is bound for failure). Don?t worry as much about those calories, just tell yourself that you?re going to eat a ?little? less and then supplement the difference with healthier foods.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Successful weight loss involves not hoarding food. Your body hoards the food you eat if you have infrequent, large meals. Weight loss success appears to be in eating smaller meals, frequently throughout the day (4-6 meals spread out every couple hours). Although smaller meals doesn?t mean 4-6 TV dinners every 2 hours. The successful way is have a regular breakfast, lunch and dinner, and then in-between there?s some light snacking, such as a protein bar or meal replacement powder(Muscle Milk from Cytosport is really good for this).

Try to have some fruit and/or vegetables with the breakfast, lunch and dinner. And if a special occasion happens and a piece of cake comes your way, enjoy it without guilt. The key is to be in control and not overdo it ... and don't allow any feelings of guilt to overcome your belief in yourself.

Make sure that you don?t starve yourself. If you start to feel extremely hungry, then you?re probably waiting too long between meals. You see, your body adjusts to the conditions you place on it. If you wait to eat, then your body will adjust by storing more food from the next incoming meal when you finally do eat. The net effect of the habit of waiting is just as if you ate a large meal, as your body stores more of the food, but you don?t get the benefit of eating more food. This is how the downward weight loss failure spiral works (the person eats less, the body stores more of the food, yet the individual feels more tired).

Having four to six meals per day will work if you pace yourself. If you are not hungry when it is time to eat meal number two, the next day adjust meal one so that it doesn't fill you up so much. On the other hand, if you are starving by the time meal two comes around, change meal one so that you are more satisfied (by eating a little more, or adding some healthy fats, or trying some different new foods).

Eating can be a pleasure. It is something we are blessed with and something to be enjoyed. Adjust yourself to eat when you are ready, not when it is time. When you feel it is time to eat, eat something (it?s ok to give yourself permission to do so). Strive for that balance to not have hunger pains and also a balance between processed and natural foods. Try this for a few weeks and you'll find that you?ll believe in yourself to achieve your goal.

It will happen for you and I?ll be so happy for you. Done this way, the weight loss can last you a lifetime, while the health benefits will increase the everyday quality of life for you.

Copyright (c) 2006.

Jessica Deets researches the internet and writes to help people. There's more weight loss news and information at the website at http://www.getthinweightloss.com

Non Surgical Face Lifts

People who want to erase signs of age but are afraid to undergo surgery often resort to another solution ? non surgical face lifts. This technology is becoming more and more popular because of its reduced risks.

What is a non-surgical face-lift?

Non-surgical face-lifts rely on computer aided cosmetology instrument (CACI) treatment. CACI is a machine that makes use of low-frequency ?micro currents? to boost facial muscles, and therefore intensify the regeneration ability of skin cells.

Non-surgical face-lifts are sometimes referred to as ?photo rejuvenation.? The procedure is said to significantly boost the skin?s production of collagen and also helps in facial blood circulation, so that facial cells are renewed.

The best thing about non surgical facelifts, according to industry practitioners, is that it is safe and noninvasive, and in fact, almost ?natural.? The tissues are stimulated, so that they can naturally heal themselves, lessen melanin production, and create a younger looking effect. Acne scares and redness are effectively minimized when a patient regularly goes back for non surgical face lift procedures.

How long does it take?

A non-surgical face-lift takes about as long as an intensive facial. Expect to spend about two to three hours in the clinic. There is almost no downtime after the treatment, unless your skin is very sensitive (in which case your face may be red for a day or so).

How much will it cost me?

The price of non-surgical face-lifts varies depending on the extent of the treatment. Clinics typically offer packages. An intensive treatment can set you back about $1,500 to about $2,000. Remember that most insurance companies do not cover aesthetic procedures like this, which means you will have to pay from your own pocket.

Face Lift provides detailed information on Face Lift, Non Surgical Face Lifts, Mini Face Lifts, Face Lift Creams and more. Face Lift is affiliated with Cosmetic Laser Surgery.

Are You a LASIK Candidate?

Most patients who are able to successfully wear glasses and contacts and are able to see with corrective lenses will be a candidate for LASIK. However, there are several conditions that can prohibit you from having LASIK surgery and risks that may cause you to have a poor result.

First, begin with what type of vision can be corrected with LASIK surgery. A person who needs glasses or contacts has a ?refractive error?. There are four types of refractive error myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. A person who has perfect eyesight and lacks a refractive error is called ?emmetropic?.

In an eye without a refractive error, light rays enter through the cornea and focus directly on the retina at the back of the eye.

In the myopic eye, the cornea is often steep and light rays focus in front of the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurred.

In the hyperopic eye, the cornea is not steep enough and light rays focus behind the retina.

With astigmatism, the cornea has an irregular shape, which scatters light rays and causes both close-up and distant objects to appear blurred.

Presbyopia is a condition where a person progressively loses their lens elasticity and ability to accommodate (focus up close). This condition affects the ability to read at close ranges. The necessary corrective lenses are called reading glasses. Even people who have had perfect vision all of their lives will develop presbyopia in their mid-forties. The excimer laser has no effect on your focusing muscles. The excimer laser cannot help patients who are experiencing the effects of presbyopia, however, there are new techniques being developed for this condition. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for these new procedures.

Some of the contraindications, or conditions, for which the surgery should be avoided:

Keratoconus ? genetically cone-shaped cornea.

Pregnancy or lactation

Progressive myopia ? vision should be stable at least one year prior to having lasik surgery.

Keloid formers or people with autoimmune or immunodeficient diseases. Presence of cataracts.

You must be 18 years or older to have lasik surgery, under present FDA guidelines.

There are other conditions, which may affect the results of your surgery. Should you suspect you have any of these conditions, consult your doctor.

Corneal scars from previous injuries or surgeries (i.e. radial keratotomy) Diabetes can cause abnormal healing; however, many diabetics have had laser vision surgery with results comparable to those of non-diabetics.

Use of medications. There are medicines that can cause corneal scarring, infiltrates, and some interfere with healing. Consult your doctor, he/she can tell you if you should discontinue medications prior to your procedure and resume shortly after surgery.

Large pupils 8mm or greater, this can cause significant night glare. Before undergoing an eye examination for refractive surgery, you must be out of your contact lenses. Contact lenses alter the shape of your cornea and can affect the measurements necessary for having LASIK surgery. Patients wearing soft contact lenses should be out of their lenses for three to seven days. Soft-toric, Gas?permeable, and hard contact lens wearers, in contrast, take at least two to three weeks to stabilize the cornea. Talk to your doctor about your specific lenses and cornea shape.

With LASIK, is it important to have an adequate amount of tissue for removal for full correction. Excessive tissue removal can result in severe corneal instability in patients with thin corneas or those with normal thickness corneas with disproportionately high prescriptions. It may be best to under-treat and be left with some residual myopia rather than be fully treated with a small optical zone. It is important to understand the limitations of these procedures based upon your own prescription and eye characteristics.

Laser correction of certain visual problems is the most technologically advanced method available today for reducing your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The outpatient procedure can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by gently reshaping the cornea of your eye with a cool, ultraviolet beam of laser light. It is estimated that over one million laser procedures have been performed in 52 countries around the world. In fact, vision correction by laser is expected to become the most common procedure performed worldwide within the next five years.

Vision correction using the excimer laser can also dramatically improve your quality of life. From the simple pleasure of being able to see the alarm clock in the morning, to playing sports, and pursuing career-related opportunities, many patients are able to enjoy life with improved self-confidence and renewed enthusiasm.

A refractive procedure attempts to re-shape the cornea to allow light rays to focus directly on the retina. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism all relate to the shape of the surface of the cornea and are therefore correctable with Laser Vision Correction - LASIK.

The reasons a person may not be a candidate to have LASIK vary greatly; however, most doctors offer a complimentary consultation to determine your candidacy for LASIK. Your doctor is the best person to determine if you are a good candidate Laser Vision Correction ? LASIK.

by Shawn Powell - Austin, Texas

Shawn Powell is the Director of Marketing and Advertising for the Howerton Eye & Laser Center. Ernest E. Howerton, M.D. has been serving the Austin community for over 20 years. Having the procedure performed on him, Dr. Howerton understands the importance of the surgeon seeing the patient at every visit. He believes this practice is paramount to patient care and recovery. The Howerton Eye & Laser Center performs LASIK on site, with state-of-the-art equipment and an affordable, all-inclusive fee structure.

Keep Your Make Up Looking Fresh Using Mineral Foundation

There are so many cosmetic products on the market today with some new advances in skincare. Most recently the newest type of foundation on the market has been mineral powder foundation. This isn?t just ground up pressed power like you may be used to; in fact, it is made up of ground minerals found in nature.

Even if you?re not a naturalist, you may be interested in trying the new forms of mineral foundation.

During the hot summer months, liquid foundations can be cakey, hot, and oily, that literally melt off your skin. It really is an icky feeling, making you want to run home just to wash your face. With these new advances in mineral foundation, that icky feeling is vanished. Mineral foundation leaves your skin fresh looking all day. Mineral foundation has the consistency of a fine powder, but the coverage of a liquid foundation. It will stay on all day, even with sweating, and will not run off your face like traditional foundations.

To keep your skin fresh this summer, (and all year long) simply start your morning off by washing your face with your favorite cleanser. Follow this by applying a facial moisturizer (one with an SPF is best) and make sure to wait for your skin to dry. Apply your favorite mineral foundation with brush or sponge. You may add additional color with the many mineral blushes and eye shadows available. Like the mineral foundation they will stay on your skin all day without caking. Top off with a little gloss and your good to go.

If you are going to be out all day and evening you may want to bring a little mineral foundation with you to touch up, but you won?t need much, mineral foundations should stay on all day!

So the next time your out in the heat, and your make up feels heavy and oily, and you want that fresh skin feeling back, consider switching over to the newest mineral foundations.

Kat White is the resident Bare Minerals fan at Bare Mineral Reviews.

For more great reviews on your favorite mineral makeup visit http://www.baremineralreviews.com

How To Build Fast Muscle For Hard Gainers

You constantly hear about people who desperately are trying to lose body fat. However, occasionally you hear about people struggling to keep weight on. They complain they are too skinny, and no matter how much they eat, or how hard they workout, they just can't seem to build fast muscle.

Their natural bodybuilding dream of adding ten pounds of muscle mass quickly turns to frustration, and disappointment. This generally leads them to either quit all together, or spend even more, determined time in the gym trying to build any kind of muscle mass.

Hard gainers, please read closely! There is hope for you. You can gain muscle mass quickly as long as you train intelligently.

In a recent interview with a national newspaper I was asked how I would help a so called hard gainer grain muscle weight in a healthy manner. My specific answer is listed below in 5 simple build fast muscle tips.

1. Workout Less

You are probably muttering less is suppose to say more. Nope! Working out less is a main key in helping hard gainers break through the threshold. Immediately decrease your natural bodybuilding sets to one per exercise, and only 2-3 exercises per muscle group. However, when decreasing your sets, it is imperative that you increase your exercise intensity. That means performing the set to momentary muscle failure. Please note: That one set is the set that counts, but light warm-up sets are recommended.

2. More Days Off

Yes, instead of increasing exercise, hard gainers must take even more days off between training sessions to allow full muscle recuperation and growth. Some individuals may need to take up to 10 days off between hi-intensity muscle building sessions. It is important to remind you that fast muscle mass is gained between workouts, not during workouts.

The workout less strategy also prevents you from burning a huge amount of calories. Instead, the calories can be used for muscle growth.

3. Limit Cardiovascular Exercise

You read that right. Yes, limit any other exercise that will catabolize your muscle mass. Your goal should be to decrease the amount of calories you burn. Your furnace like metabolism is already blazing.

4. Determine Calories Needed

The next step would be to figure out, exactly, how many calories you need to maintain your bodyweight. With this number you can find out how many additional calories are needed to gain weight. If you don't know your maintenance number, how do you know where to start?

Start out by recording everything you eat for one whole week (portions and all.) Get a calorie calculating book, or resource and figure out the amount of calories you took in. I am assuming you have not modified your diet, and the scale showed a zero weight gain or loss for the week. Take that number and add 500 additional calories each day consistently for 7 full days and beyond. Keep a close eye on the amount of calories you are taking in.

If you are having trouble keeping your calories up, resort to liquid shakes for diets supplementation.

5. Track Your Progress

If you are not measuring you workout weight, and reps, how are you going to know what you need to beat the next workout? Track it! Don't walk around the gym lost like most people.

It is also important to track your weight and caloric intake to determine if you are staying at that plus 500 calorie mark each and every day.

By following these five simple strategies, you will be able to build fast muscle just like individuals with slower metabolisms. Your natural bodybuilding results will not only soar, but the scale will also. Hard gainers, don't give up! There really is a trick to it.

*** Attention: Ezine Editors / Website Owners *** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, Blog, Autoresponder, or on your website as long as the links, and resource box are not altered in any way. Thank you!

Jim O'Connor - Exercise Physiologist / The Fitness Promoter

Copyright (c) - Wellness Word, LLC
9461 Charleville Blvd. #312
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
1-866-935-5967

Jim O'Connor is an Exercise Physiologist, author, and publisher located in Beverly Hills, California. He combines his education with practical knowledge to promote Bodybuilding Hub.com. To discover additionalnatural bodybuilding tips visit Natural Bodybuilding.

How to Grow Sprouts

Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a great source of vitamins, fiber, protein, anti-oxidants, and enzymes. A sprout is produced when a seed starts growing into a vegetable. Sprouts can grow from the seeds of vegetables, from grains such as buckwheat, and from beans. While Mung beans are perhaps the most common source of sprouts, you can also obtain good results from lentils, soybeans and chickpeas just to name a few.

Sprouts can be grown almost anywhere and the best part is you only need a few basic supplies to get started. By following a few simple steps, you can receive a continual supply of nutritious sprouts.

While there are several commercial products available to cultivate sprouts, here are three of the easiest methods to help you get started.

- Growing Sprouts in Flower Pots -

1. Start with a clean clay or plastic flower pot. Make sure there is a hole in the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage. Then place a piece of cheesecloth or muslin in the bottom of the pot over the hole so that the seeds/beans cannot fall out.

2. Next, soak the seeds or beans overnight and then put them in the pot. Remove any that are broken or damaged. Cover the plant pot with a dish.

3. Once a day, hold the pot under running water for a few minutes. This is to soak the seeds/beans thoroughly.

4. Once the sprouts begin to show, remove the dish and cover the pot with a piece of clear plastic wrap to let in the light. Place the sprouting pot near a window that allows daylight but is not in direct sunlight.

- Growing the Sprouts in Trays -

1. Soak the seeds or beans overnight. Remove any that are broken or damaged before you begin the sprouting process.

2. Select a low, flat dish (like a pie plate) or tray. You can purchase growing trays wherever planting supplies are sold.

3. Next, spread out a 2-inch layer of soil and then sprinkle the soaked seeds or beans on top of the soil.

4. Cover the seeds/beans with four layers of damp newspaper.

5. Cover the top of the tray with clear plastic wrap.

6. When the sprouts start to lift the plastic cover, (usually about three days) remove the newspaper.

7. Place the tray in a window so that the light can turn the sprouts green. You will need a space to place the sprouting tray that receives daylight but is not in direct sunlight.

8. Because the thin layer of soil dries out quickly, water twice each day.

9. After about 8-10 days, you will have sprouts tall enough to harvest.

- Growing Sprouts in a Jar -

1. Soak the seeds, grains, or beans in lukewarm water overnight in a wide-mouth glass jar. Remove any that are broken or damaged before you begin the sprouting process. (Sprouting increases the seed volume. 4-tablespoons will be sufficient for a quart size container.)

2. In the morning, pour off the water in the jar and rinse the seeds/beans thoroughly.

3. Place a piece of cheesecloth or muslin over the mouth of the jar. Use a rubber band to hold the material securely in place. This makes rinsing easier.

4. To keep the sprouts constantly damp, repeat the rinsing 2-3 times a day. Remember to drain any excess water because the sprouts should not stand in water.

5. Keep the jar away from the light for the first few days.

6. When the seeds/beans begin to sprout, (usually about the forth day) move the jar into the light to activate the chlorophyll and turn the sprouts green.

- Harvesting and Storing the Sprouts -

Newly germinated grain, seed, and sprouts, increase in food value in the very first period of growth. Grains should be harvested and eaten from when they are six days old until they are 4-5 inches tall. To harvest, just take your kitchen scissors and cut what you need.

Sprouts from beans, peas, etc., are ready earlier and can be eaten when they are 3-6 days old, depending on the type of sprout. For spouts grown in no soil or in seed trays, you can harvest the green grass when it starts to grow. Sprouts, from grain sown in jars, are ready sooner and are edible even before they turn green. Seeds sown in soil take a little longer.

If necessary, wash the sprouts thoroughly to remove the seed coat. Sprouts need to be stored in the refrigerator once they are ready to eat. Put the sprouts in tight sealing bags, and they will remain flavorful and crisp for one to two weeks. Rinsing the sprouts daily under cold water can extend their life.

Sprouts may be frozen by blanching them over steam for three minutes and then cooling them in ice water. Drain them and pack into freezer containers.

- Some of the Kinds of Seeds/Beans You Can Sprout -

The following list gives some of the popularly sprouted seeds/beans. It is not all inclusive as you can sprout almost any kind of seed. Remember that seeds soak up 2-3 times their dry volume in water and sprouts need at least six times the volume occupied by the seeds. So be sure that your container is large enough, and start with a minimal amount of seed in a container like a jar, until you determine the correct quantity that will grow to the sprout size you like, without being difficult to remove.

Your local garden shop or health food store will carry a line of seeds for sprouting. When purchasing seeds for sprouting, be certain that the seeds are intended for food and not for planting. This precaution is necessary because some seeds meant for planting have been treated with fungicides or insecticides to protect the young seedlings when planted in a field or garden.

Alfalfa - should be soaked for 6-12 hours. The seeds can be planted in the pots or jars and also in the flats with soil. 1-part seed gives 10-parts sprouts in approximately 5-6 days. Sprouts can be eaten after 3 days. When the root is 1-2 inches long, it will begin to develop tiny green leaves. At this stage, it needs to be eaten immediately so the plant will not switch to photosynthesis that exhausts the stored food in the seed.

Peas - when soaked in a glass jar, will grow sprouts in about 3 days. When the roots are 2-inches long, they are ready to eat. 1-part peas gives 2-parts sprouts.

Lentils - can be grown in either a glass jar or a plant pot and need to be soaked for 12-hours. The sprouts are ready in 3-4 days. Lentil sprouts are ready to be eaten when the root is 1-inch long. 1-part lentils gives 6-parts sprouts.

Barley, Oats, and Rye - should be soaked for 12-hours and then can either be grown as grass to harvest, or sprouts ready to eat after 3-4 days. The ideal length for eating is about 1/2-inch. 1-part seed gives 2-parts sprouts.

Soybeans - can be grown in a glass jar or a pot. They need to be soaked for 12-hours and sprouts are usually ready after 3-5 days. They are ready to eat when the root is 2-inches long. 1-part beans gives 4-parts sprouts.

Mung Beans - after soaking for 12-hours, these beans can be grown by any method. Mung beans are the most commonly grown sprouts and are usually ready to eat after 3-5 days. When the bright, white root grows from 1-2 inches long, they are ready to eat. 1-part beans gives 4-parts sprouts.

By growing your own sprouts, you will save yourself money because it is less expensive to buy sprout seeds and grow and harvest the sprouts yourself, than it is to buy the sprouts from a market. Sprouting at home takes only a few minutes a day, and can produce a good part of your daily requirements of the nutrients you need from fresh produce. The hassles are minor, the costs are low, and the freshness is wonderful.

Jeremy is the owner and publisher of Organic News. Go to http://www.ge-free.com for all the latest organic food articles and news.

The Truth About Lactate and Exercise

For years exercise scientists and physiologists have preached that lactate/lactic acid build-up in the muscle is the direct cause of muscle fatigue and a decrease in performance. It is proposed that lactate builds up in the muscle cells during intense exercise and literally ?poisons? them, essentially shutting down activity biochemically by reducing the pH or increasing the acidity level. Lactate has therefore been dubbed a metabolic by-product or dead end and as the enemy of human exercise and performance. This may be far from the truth as this article explains.

Unfortunately, the information that gave lactate this unearned reputation is outdated and very questionable since the research on which this theory is based was isolated frog muscle experiments from 1910-1914. The experiments were performed and the lactate theory proposed by A.V. Hill and associates. Basically, these investigators took excised frog muscle and continuously stimulated it with electric shocks until failure and then took lactate samples for analysis. Lactate levels were extraordinarily high, and from this finding the scientists came to the conclusion that lactate buildup must have been the culprit for the fatigue and ultimate failure of the muscle. Hill also concluded that since there was no blood and therefore oxygen supply to the muscle, that this condition must have been the cause of the accumulation of lactate.

These investigations however were highly flawed in their design, since the muscle had been removed from both its nervous and its circulatory (arteries and veins) systems. Since the electrical stimulus was applied at a fixed voltage from an external source, one cannot correlate this with the situation of a live muscle in an animal with a nervous system and brain that regulates nervous and motor input to the muscles. One must account for the possibility of central or nervous fatigue limiting activity. With the absence of a circulatory system, how was the generated lactate supposed to be transported away from the working muscle via the veins? Also, the regulation of metabolism, which is highly dependent on hormonal control, was eliminated with the loss of blood circulation. Clearly, there were big problems with these early experiments, but amazingly the theory in all its weakness has been upheld to the present day!

Few people realize that lactate generation is actually necessary to allow moderate to intense exercise to occur. It is the conversion of a product known as pyruvate to lactate that enables the glycolytic (a fast energy generating metabolic process using glucose) system to continue working at a fast rate. Lactate is formed during moderate to intense exercise, when the human body relies heavily on carbohydrates and the glycolytic system to produce energy. All metabolic processes are highly regulated and only a fixed amount of energy-supplying product or substrate may be used at a time before a backup or ?metabolic bottleneck? develops. A good analogy to visualize the regulation of a metabolic pathway is to consider energy substrates as an army of soldiers marching to, and through a tunnel. When the first few soldiers enter, they can move quickly and unrestricted, but as the number trying to enter increases, the process slows down dramatically. The conversion of pyruvate to lactate prevents the excess pyruvate from clogging up the pathway, bringing glycolysis to a grinding halt. This slowing of glycolysis obviously does not occur, because if it did running events such as the 400m would be impossible. As we shall see in another article on this site, the accumulation of lactate in the blood is the direct result of this ?redirection? of energy in the body not because of a lack of oxygen in the muscles as Hill proposed. (see The Lactate Threshold - Reality or Fallacy? ). Lactate as will be described below, is actually a useful and readily available source of energy for the body to utilize.

Recent research is supplying some very interesting information concerning the role of lactate and muscle performance. George Brooks at the University of California at Berkeley has dedicated much of his career to exploring the role of lactate during exercise. Brook?s investigations indicate the presence of a ?lactate shuttle? that allows for the transportation of lactate from one muscle to another. The glycogen (stored carbohydrate) stored in muscle is destined for use in this tissue only, unlike liver tissue, which is able to release glucose into the bloodstream to be used by the rest of the body. The lactate shuttle is proposed as being a means for muscles to be able to ?share? and redistribute their glycogen stores to other muscles and tissues in the form of lactate not glucose. For many years it was thought that lactate was a metabolic by-product that to be of any use it had to be transported via the blood to the liver to generate glucose via a process known as the Cori Cycle, but there is evidence to indicate that tissue such as red muscle, heart and brain tissue can directly oxidize the product. Therefore lactate can be utilized by tissue very close to, or even far from the source of generation. The shuttle works via the interaction of the circulatory system and the presence and operation of special transporter proteins located in muscle called mono carboxylic acid transporters (MCTs). These transporters are able to efficiently transport lactate from the blood into adjacent or distant muscles in the body. The inactive muscle can actually store the lactate, thereby further lowering the concentrations in the blood and active muscle. According to Brooks, lactate is far from a metabolic dead-end and may in fact be the most important metabolic fuel used by muscles especially during exercise. Estimates are that approximately 70% or more of the lactate generated during exercise is actually consumed or oxidized while only 19% is converted to glycogen.

In conclusion, the dubbing of lactate as a metabolic dead-end and as an exclusive cause of muscle fatigue was hasty but may have seemed appropriate at the time. Since then however technological advances in research have provided some quite contradictory evidence to the role of lactate. Amazingly, lactate may in fact be a ?super fuel? for the body during exercise sessions that produce large quantities of the product. Exercise science will continue to investigate the role and contribution of lactate to exercise but in the meanwhile runners and athletes alike can rest assured that lactate is not the enemy but may in fact be an ally.

David Petersen is a Personal Trainer/Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and the owner and founder of B.O.S.S. Fitness Inc. based in Oldsmar, Florida. More articles and information can be found at http://www.bossfitness.com

NOTE: You're free to republish this article on your website, in your newsletter, in your e-book or in other publications provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this note, author information and all LIVE website links as above.

Hurricane Planning and Your Medicine Availability

During the 2006 Atlantic tropical hurricane season there will no doubt be many mandatory evacuations required by law in the great state of Florida and along the Gulf Coast of the United States of America. For those that fail to evacuate or decide to have hurricane parties it behooves you to consider your medication requirements.

If you are taking prescription drugs then you need at least a four-week supply if you decide to wait out the hurricane. Even small hurricanes can bring lots of precipitation and flooding and roads, power and even water supplies may be out for weeks. This means you will be stranded without food or water and therefore you will need supplies. But just because you have adequate food supplies does not mean you're okay if you take medication, because all the pharmacies will be closed there will be no way to get help to you.

Be sure to ask your doctor to give you enough prescription supplies to last you thru a three to four-week period that you may have. If you decide to violate the law and shun your responsibility you need to think ahead here. If you have medication, which is keeping you live or keeping you from severe illness you must have the supplies available to take during any catastrophic or major storm, which may or may not hit your region. Plan ahead and don't be dead. Consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

How To Prevent Pimples

There is no way of knowing whether pimple prevention is necessary until the dreaded pimples actually crop up and refuse to go away on their own. However, it is a safe bet that most teenagers and a high number of adults are going to have pimples at some point and to some degree.

If the problem has been traditionally acute in previous family generations, you can count on having it, too. If the problem looms on the horizon and appears as a genetically encoded time bomb, some preventive measures are definitely in order before the pimples develop. And if pimples have ever plagued you in the past, they might come back in the future, too.

The most basic form of pimple prevention is hygiene and prophylactic (preventive) skin care. Regular washing of endangered or affected areas with mild soap is a must. Such soap need not necessarily contain any chemicals designed to prevent pimples ? the only watchword is scrupulous hygiene. However, face washing should not be overdone or the skin will become dehydrated and the problem will be exacerbated.

Pimple-prone skin should be kept free of heavy makeup, especially the kind that has a heavy fatty content. Theatrical makeup of any kind and for any reason should be strictly avoided, as should the water-resistant kind. Go for hypoallergenic grades of makeup ? these may not have as spectacular a cosmetic effect, but they are definitely friendlier on pimple-prone skin.

If you are on any kind of antidepressant or antipsychotic medications, check with both your psychiatrist and dermatologist about the possibility of skin changes. Women on birth control pills may want to consider alternative methods of contraception if recurrent pimple infestation is a problem for them. This change should be initiated in consultation with a qualified gynecologist.

There is direct evidence linking fatty foods with the occurrence of pimples; and avoiding these foods on general principle can?t be anything but an excellent idea.

Pimples provides detailed information on Pimples, How To Get Rid Of Pimples, Home Remedy For Pimples, Scalp Pimples and more. Pimples is affiliated with Adult Acne Causes.

Quit Smoking Naturally: Many Paths To A SmokeFree Life

Today there are many options available to living a smoke-free life. You can use aids like nicotine gum, patches, or prescription medication such as Zyban. All of these options will help you to overcome the addiction to nicotine. Other methods include quitting cold turkey or just gradually cutting down on your smoking habit. These methods may work but you may have to suffer the effects of the withdrawal symptoms.

An alternative to nicotine substitutes involves a different approach to quitting smoking. One has to treat the challenge of quitting the habit as an opportunity to start living a healthier lifestyle. This process demands discipline and willpower, but the rewards will last a lifetime. You will not only be smoke-free, but will have gained new life style changes that include healthier eating habits, exercise and increase in stamina and endurance.

A certain level of dedication is required to make significant changes to ones eating habits and lifestyle. By living healthier and eating properly you will find that it may become easier to quit smoking. An added benefit is that you will develop various strategies to help you deal with nicotine withdrawal.

A key component to changing ones lifestyle is to change ones routine. To make several changes to your style of living, it is a good idea to take at least a week or two off from your normal schedule to allow for these changes. Taking time off from work to get away from your routine will allow you to be exposed to fewer situations that associate you with smoking. Time off will also reduce the impact of nicotine withdrawal.

Key Lifestyle Changes

There are two key lifestyles changes that can make a major impact on your success:

• Healthy eating ? this is a very important component to help you regain the health that you may have lost from your smoking habit. Eating wholesome quality foods can help eliminate toxins from your body much faster. This can aid in overcoming your nicotine habit. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and cut down on fatty meats and foods high in saturated fats like deserts and fast foods.
• Regular Exercise ? keeping a regular exercise routine is a key part of healthy living. It is important to start slow if you have never exercised before. Begin by going on long walks as opposed to starting on three-mile jog. As you gain stamina and your health starts to improve, then you can add more vigorous activities to your exercise routing.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Most smokers are likely to experience symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine is a powerful drug that can affect not only many parts of the body, but also the brain. Smokers may experience various symptoms such as: sluggishness, and a lower attention span. If you should feel drained then simply take short naps whenever you feel an energy drain. Smokers are also likely to experience irritability. A brisk walk may help to alleviate these symptoms and keep your mind clear and reduce the desire for nicotine.

Other symptoms include a dry throat and mouth, or cough and postnasal drip. This is due to the body getting rid of excess mucus that is produced when exposed to smoke. Sucking on a lozenge or drinking plenty of water and juices will help you to overcome these symptoms.

Caffeine Reduction

Lowering you caffeine intake should also be part of creating an overall healthy lifestyle. In particular, it is important to avoid coffee after six pm. Nicotine withdrawal can cause insomnia in certain people and you do not want to add to problem by any added caffeine stimulation.

Relaxation

Finding natural ways to calm down and relax can also be most beneficial when trying to stop smoking. Stressful situations can also trigger the need to smoke. Learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can promote a healthier lifestyle. Gentle neck exercises or hot baths have also been known to relieve headaches that may be caused from nicotine withdrawal.

The many techniques that have been mentioned can be extremely helpful in helping one to quit smoking. They are also useful to help one maintain good health for years to come. Making them a part of your regular lifestyle will help you to look better, feel better, as well as promote a healthier outlook on life.

About the Author

Jack Chambers is a professional writer who has conducted extensive research on stop smoking treatments, methods and programs. You can find information on a number of topics that include: ways to quit smoking, stop smoking hypnosis and nicotine addiction.

Raynaud's Syndrome

GOOD NEWS... HELP IS AT HAND

As all sufferers will know Raynaud's is a condition where the blood vessels go into spasm and cause extremities, such as the fingers to go white and sometimes blue and dead. As the spasm recedes the fingers turn red, tingle and are painful.

Blood flow is controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System. Some of the impulses for the Autonomic Nervous System travel through connective tissue. If the connective tissue is tight the Autonomic Nervous System doesn't function correctly. Also tight connective tissue physically restricts blood flow.

By reducing connective tissue tension the autonomic control of the blood vessels improves and there are fewer spasms lasting for a shorter time. By reducing the tension in the connective tissue around the blood vessel walls themselves the overall circulation to the area improves.

A Specialised Physiotherapy technique know as Connective Tissue Manipulation (CTM) is available which reduces the tension in the connective tissue.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE
The body is wrapped in a fine mesh of tissue which reaches and envelops every part of the body. You've probably seen it in meat - the white membrane that goes round a muscle in a leg of lamb or the tough fatty looking fibres that are sometimes found in stewing steak is all connective tissue.

Connective tissue can vary from a very fine membrane to a thick sheet. It is a continuous sheet going round every muscle, every joint, through the skin, around the stomach - everywhere. Every blood vessel is wrapped in connective tissue and it also passes through sheets of connective tissue as they criss-cross the body.

Connective tissue forms part of the automatic side of the nervous system. The individual fibres of connective tissue are filled with fluid, which allows nerve impulses to pass signals to and fro between the brain and all parts of the body. If connective tissue is tight the autonomic system cannot function properly.

Connective tissue tension increases with age and with stress such as difficulties at work or illness in the family.

When there is a problem in an area the body puts an 'elastoplast' around the damaged part to protect it. This means that the fibres are tighter, less elastic and therefore less forgiving. The circulation overall is not as good and the body finds it more difficult to adapt to a change in temperature

CONNECTIVE TISSUE MANIPULATION (CTM)

CTM is a Physiotherapy technique performed using the soft pads of the fingers to move one layer of skin on the layer below. This movement creates a short, sharp, stretch reflex creating an impulse which spreads out through the connective tissue. The patient's brain appreciates the impulse as if it were a 'cut' or a 'scratch'. The tighter the connective tissue the bigger the stretch reflex and therefore the sharper the 'cut' feels to the patient.

The impulse passes through the fluid within the connective tissue fibres getting them to soften and stretch and become a bit more elastic. The release in tension around the blood vessel walls allows more blood to flow into the affected area. Softening the connective tissue also allows more movement to occur within the skin and across the joints.

Treatment often starts at a distance from the affected part gradually working closer to the problem area. The benefits of CTM are cumulative. Once the tension has been lowered by treatment the reduction is maintained. Further reduction in connective tissue tension occurs with each additional treatment. The degree to which the reduction in tension is maintained depends upon the level of stress introduced into the system by the patient's lifestyle.

This technique is learnt at postgraduate level by physiotherapists in the UK although it is practised more widely on mainland Europe.

http://www.londonphysiocentre.com

Jacqueline is one of a few UK Physiotherapists combining Connective Tissue Manipulation, Manual Lymph Drainage, the MacKenzie Exercise Regime and Cranio-sacral Therapy in private practice. During the past four years she has successfully treated over 1,000 patients with spinal problems and a further 1,300 patients with other muscular skeletal problems in her Gillingham Physio Centre in Dorset. In order to offer her specialist techniques to a greater number of patients she started the London Physio Centre at 148 Harley Street.

A Chartered and State Registered Physiotherapist, Jacqueline qualified at St Thomas's Hospital, London with additional emphasis in the treatment of backs and necks. She spent five years at the Leicester Royal Infirmary gaining experience in all branches of physiotherapy and became Senior Physiotherapist on the Medical Unit. In 1977 she created a private practice at the Leicester Clinic, eventually covering all orthopaedic, spinal and post-op physiotherapy.

Bathing Suit Season A Lifestyle Guide

To prepare ourselves for the Summer Sun we want to do more for ourselves than just watch what we eat. We want to get every part of ourselves moving, metabolizing and breathing.

1) Exercise First Thing - Start in the morning. Move and breathe for at least 30min to an hour. Studies show that exercising in the morning burns up to 3x more fat than working out at any other time during the day. When you wake up in the morning your body doesn?t have any carbohydrates stored to burn as energy so it turns to burn body fat to burn for energy. Your metabolism also boosts after your morning movement and stay elevated throughout the day. An elevated metabolism throughout the day only means that you?ll burn more calories and lose more weight.

2) Breakdown Your Goals - One of the main reasons people fail to meet their goals is they set up unrealistic expectation or extremely complicated goals. Most of us have the tendency to jump to the end product without paying much consideration to what it actually takes to get there. Take a look at what I mean:

? My goal is to lose 8 - 10 pounds for the summer.

? My goal is to lose 1 pound a week to feel comfortable in my bathing suite by July 4th.

3) Get Your Sleep - You have heard me say it before and I will keep saying it ? if you want to improve your health and manage your weight get your right amount of sleep. For most people it is at least 8 hours of sleep. For some it is more, for some less. But if you are thinking you are of the ?less? category because you stay up to watch television or do work, I encourage you to really be honest with yourself. Your body has to have time to recharge every night so it's fresh, ready and the metabolism is boosted to face the activity of the next day.

To your energy and success, Heather

Energy~Nutrition Specialist Heather M. Dominick, The Energy Expert, is author of the information packed 'EnergyRICH Lifestyle' weekly ezine. If you're ready to jump- start your energy, make effective changes, and have more fun in your life, get your FREE subscription and more EnergyRICH Tips at http://www.individual-health.net

How Prescription Diet Pills Work

Diet Pills come in three different varieties - prescription, over the counter (OTC) and herbal supplements. The only way to purchase prescription diet pills is with a medical doctor?s prescription. Prescription diet pills are tested and continually monitored by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You can purchase OTC diet pills at a drugstore, pharmacy, health food or vitamin store. OTC diet pills are still monitored by the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. To purchase herbal diet pills or dietary supplements at drugstores, supermarkets, vitamin and health food stores. The FDA considers herbal diet pills to be food products, which fall under the control of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition which is subject to different guidelines than the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

For prescription diet pills to come on the market extensive testing has to occur which takes years of research. For that reason they are often the most effective products you can buy when you want to lose weight. They are however also the most expensive, and require a prescription from a doctor to obtain. For this reason they were not meant to help you lose 10 to 20 pounds before your next social outing. Prescription diet pills are meant to be taken by people who are so obese it is causing major concerns for their overall health.

Prescription diet pills work by using one of two primary strategies. They either surprising your appetite or blocking your body?s ability to absorb fat. Appetite suppressants do exactly what their name suggests they do, they stimulate your brain into thinking that your stomach is full. Specifically they target norepinephrine and serotonin which goes to the hypothalamus region in your brain, and creates the ?full stomach? sensation. When you think your stomach is full you eat less you start to lose weight. A wide variety of commercial products from different manufacturers are designed to suppress your appetite.

Other Diet pills help you lose weight by blocking your ability absorb fat. The pills cause a reduction in the lipase enzyme. With less lipase your body has a limited amount of fat it can absorb. In recent months studies have shown other prescription medication used to treat depression or Alzheimer?s disease shows similar traits to the prescription drugs.

While prescription drugs may be some of the most effective products on the market they should only be used under the right circumstances and only when prescribed by a doctor.

? Copyright ProDietPills.com, All Rights Reserved.

For more information about diet pills and dietary supplements you can visit http://prodietpills.com.

Ten Quick Weight Loss Tips And a Bonus

Do low carb diets work?

Low carbohydrate diets have become popular in recent years, originally promoted by Dr Atkins. However, studies have shown that these only work well for about 6 months. After this time, other weight loss methods start to produce equal or better results.

Dr Atkins followed the diet he promoted for most of his life, and when he died, he had serious health problems (he weighed 258 pounds - 18 stone 6lb - at his death and had a history of heart disease). You can read the full story on this here: http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/02/10/atkins.widow.ap/ . Clearly, it didnt work for him.

How to lose weight without risking your health

One of the major drawbacks of the low-carb diet system is the eat as much fat as you like philosophy that seems to come along with it. As you know, diets that are high in fat lead to clogged arteries, heart disease, obesity... And reducing carbohydrate intake does not stop these effects. Not something I want to risk, anyway.

The energy content of your food can be measured in several ways. The traditional way is with calories, and now we see the same information printed on packets in kilojoules. But regardless of the measuring system used, the fact remains that your weight goes up or down according to the difference between the amount of energy you consume (in your food) and the amount you use (in your day to day life, and with exercise).

Weight for weight, fat contains three times as much energy as protein or carbohydrate. This means that by reducing your fat intake, you automatically reduce the amount of energy you are taking in, so that you can start to lose weight.

Ten easy ways to reduce dietary fat

* Eat as much fruit, salad and vegetables as you like
* Do not put butter on your potatoes, vegetables or bread
* Choose low fat cheese or cottage cheese instead of standard cheese
* Do not eat fried food
* Substitute fruit for snacks like crisps or biscuits
* If you are still hungry after eating your main course, have a piece of fruit or some fresh fruit cut up with low fat yoghurt poured over.
* Remove skin from chicken.
* Cut down red meat and substitute chicken or turkey
* Trim fat from meat you eat
* Substitute low fat dressings or lemon juice for mayonnaise

And a bonus: how to use up your energy intake more quickly

You may know people who seem to be able to eat anything they like, and stay as thin as a beanpole. Others say that no matter if they just look at a cream cake, they put on weight. Why is this?

Not everybody burns food at the same rate, it all depends on your metabolic rate. The ones who stay stick-thin have a higher metabolic rate (they burn their food faster) than the ones who seem to get fat just by looking at fattening foods.

What not many people know is that you can CHANGE your metabolic rate. You can turn up the furnace so that you burn calories faster - and lose weight faster.

How do you do this? By taking regular exercise.

It was once thought that exercise could not help with weight loss, because your appetite would increase to use up the calories you burned while exercising. But studies have shown that exercise actually speeds up the rate at which you burn food. So regular exercise is like a magic button, helping you lose weight more quickly.

For this to work, the key is regularity. You need to do about 45 minutes of exercise every 2-3 days (the rise in metabolism starts to drop after about 72 hours). The exercise should be vigorous enough to raise your heart rate - say, a brisk walk (outside or on a treadmill). If you can, get yourself a portable heart rate monitor and use it, so that you can see that you are walking fast enough (and not too fast - no need to risk a heart attack).

When you get back from your walk, resist the temptation to fill up with fatty foods (yes, I know the cream cake is tempting, but if you want to lose weight...).

So there you are. Ten quick weight loss tips, and a bonus. I have lost a couple of stones in this way, at the right speed (do it too fast, it tends to go straight back on again). Put these tips to the test for a month, and I know you will start to see results, as well. And yet another bonus: you will feel healthier, more energetic, and generally better all round.

Frann Leach is the webmaster of http://www.the-health-site.com and lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. More articles on fitness and weight loss: http://www.the-health-site.com/fitness-and-weight-loss

Diet Causes and Irritates Acne

It?s possible to lessen the severity and in a few cases rid yourself of acne by the use of a few acne diet tricks when you eat your daily meals. There are indications that the modern westernized diet can lead to or aggravate preexisting acne.

For instance some people are highly sensitive to Iodides and Iodine. This can be found in fish, seaweed, and sea salt just about everything from the ocean and is added to table salt. Those who are sensitive to it can actually develop small acne-like pustules on their faces and cheeks after consuming it. The acne diet idea also taps into the hormone laden food debate.

Much of our food has hormones in it. These are leftovers from the hormones given to the animals or plants that work to make them grow faster. Well all of these hormones left in our food may also be working to make us grow faster and develop hire hormone levels in our bodies. Most acne is at least partially caused by imbalances in hormones in our bodies causing the sebaceous glands to secret more oil and thus resulting in more clogged pores. By cutting hormone laden foods out of your diet you may be able to cut down acne to an occasional bout rather than a constant presence.

It?s also suggested that people can develop allergies to certain foods and not even be aware of it because their reaction is mild or seems unrelated to food that is eaten. You may be sensitive to certain foods and developing an acne reaction without realizing it. Testing yourself by carefully removing all suspect foods from the diet for about a week or two and slowly adding them back one at a time can take a long time but you will have a much better idea of whether or not you have a certain food sensitivity that is causing your acne.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Free info. on Adult Acne with skin care treatments.

Food for Thought: Exercise Your Mind

Depression is a disorder marked by sadness, low energy, impaired concentration, and feelings of dejection. Some people believe that depression is normal. Hectic daily activities and the conflict between family and career cause constant stress. Yet depression and anxiety as a response to stress are not normal. They can be signs of illness, which may worsen and result in physical symptoms or an inability to function.

Life was much simpler for the last two generations. Father worked; mother stayed home. This is no longer the model. Some now view families as an ?endangered species.? There are more single mothers working than ever before. There is greater stress and competition for well-paying jobs. The result: long hours at work, away from the family. Children are raised with limited supervision. Thus we see more children with emotional problems derived from a lack of knowledge as to who they are and what their role is in today?s society. Similarly, adults suffer from the loss of nurturing that family time should provide.

Until recently, mental health was not discussed openly. However, there is a growing awareness that choosing therapy can be helpful, even necessary, to cope with today?s life. Psychiatric help is often sought for the entire family. Today, being healthy means not only having a sound body, but also a sound mind and spirit.

People exercise their bodies daily, yet they neglect to ?exercise? their feelings and emotions. Young men are taught to hide and deny emotions. Women are reluctant to seek help in coping with their depression, anxiety, or distressed relationship. The same fitness fanatic who exercises daily, eats right and has two physicals a year will neglect the mind until a crisis is reached. Emotional problems don?t just happen, but are cumulative and they can be avoided at times with the same ?daily fitness? and ?annual physical? approach we use when caring for our bodies.

The Chinese say ?the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.? Just like it?s better to maintain a healthy heart than recover from a heart attack, dealing with emotional issues is easier before the chaos of a crisis breaks. Think about ?exercising your emotions and give your mental health professional a call.

Debra S. Gorin, M.D. received her medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She has been in private practice as a Psychiatrist for the past sixteen years in the Fort Lauderdale area. Dr. Gorin treats all types of stress-related, emotional and psychiatric problems of children, adolescents, and adults. She is also a trained hypnotherapist. Visit her website (http://www.doctorgorin.com) to view her growing library of psychiatric and health-related articles. Dr. Gorin's weblog can be viewed at http://debragorinmd.blogspot.com She can be contacted at couchdoctor415@yahoo.com

What To Expect From Your Doctor When You Are Diagnosed With Hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects about 50 million individuals in the United States. Of these, about 70% are aware of their diagnosis, but only about a half of those are receiving treatment and only 25% are under control using 140/90 as the cutoff guideline. A new category has been designated as ?pre-hypertension? and that is when the blood pressure is 120-139 systolic over a diastolic of 80-89.

Blood pressure readings vary greatly in individuals depending on the time of day, where the patient is at when they get it checked, how soon they have eaten, smoked, or even drank a cup of coffee. A diagnosis of hypertension should not be based on one reading unless that reading is extremely high and/or there is evidence of end organ damage such as renal (kidney) or heart involvement. The diagnosis of hypertension should be made only after two or more readings on two or more office visits.

The frightening thing about hypertension is that it usually does not cause any symptoms. Unless you are getting your blood pressure regularly checked, you could be walking around for years with elevated blood pressure and not know it. That is why it is referred to as the silent killer.

If you are being diagnosed with hypertension for the first time, there are certain tests that your doctor should order. Blood tests including a complete blood count, fasting lipids (cholesterol), fasting blood sugar, renal (kidney) functions, liver functions, and electrolytes (potassium, sodium levels), along with a urinalysis should be checked. You should also have a chest xray to check for enlargement of your heart which can occur over time with hypertension, and an electrocardiogram to check for any cardiac (heart) abnormalities.

Treatment of hypertension is multi-faceted. Lifestyle modification should include smoking cessation, daily exercise implementation, dietary changes, alcohol moderation, and sodium restriction. One should consume a diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, and low dietary fat. Exercise should consist of daily brisk exercise such as walking at least 30 minutes per day most days of the week. A 10% weight loss can make a significant difference in blood pressure readings. Alcohol consumption should be limited to no more than two drinks per day (24 oz. of beer, 10 ounces of wine, or 3 oz. of ?hard? liquor such as gin, whiskey, or vodka). You should also reduce salt intake to no more than 2.4 grams of sodium per day. I tell my patients not to add any salt to any foods and restrict high sodium items.

If your blood pressure is not extremely elevated, say in the 145/95 range, and you are determined to make substantial lifestyle changes, then perhaps you can bring your blood pressure down to normal range with these measures. I always give my patients in these situations the option to try lifestyle modifications first if they wish as long as their blood pressure is not seriously high. Most patients, however, end up having to take a medication for their hypertension.

There are a wide variety of medications available that we can prescribe and the majority of patients require more than one type of medication to reach a desired blood pressure goal. Discuss with your physician the side effects of each and what would be the most suitable medication for you. Medications have come a long way for treating blood pressure in the past twenty years and the side effect profiles are much more favorable than they used to be overall. I have found that a good portion of my patients have an aversion to taking a pill everyday for the rest of their lives. But what I tell them is that they ought to look at it like a vitamin, or better yet, an insurance policy. If it prevents you from having a heart attack or stroke and from either premature death or perhaps becoming confined to a wheel chair and not being able to take care of yourself, then taking a daily pill or two should not even be an issue.

Don?t be afraid to talk to your doctor about treatment and asking about the tests I have discussed. Most importantly, please get into your physician at least once a year to get your blood pressure taken, and more often if it has been on the high end of normal.

Copyright 2006 Ted Crawford

Dr. Ted Crawford is a family practice physican in Tucson, Arizona and has a website devoted to helping patients find reliable health information and products. His article What to expect from your doctor when you are diagnosed with hypertension can also be found at http://www.babyboomersdoc.com

Vitamin E Just the Facts Ma'am

It is important to understand that we are ultimately responsible for our own well-being and should do whatever is necessary to maintain our health and assist our bodies in resisting and fighting disease. Since health practitioners agree that vitamins are essential for life and health, we must ensure that we receive adequate amounts for our bodies to function properly and to protect us from illnesses. Vitamin E is one of the vitamins to which we should pay particular attention.

A vitamin is an organic substance essential for life that regulates metabolism and assists the processes that release energy from digested food. Vitamin E, discovered in the mid-twentieth century, assists in strengthening our immune systems and helps protect us from a variety of problems as well as several serious illnesses. This vitamin can be obtained from food or supplements.

There are two kinds of vitamins and both are needed by the body. Vitamin E, like vitamins A, D, and K, is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored within the body in fatty tissue. Vitamin B complex and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins that cannot be stored and the excess amounts are excreted in the urine. Fat-soluble vitamins ? with the exception of vitamin A ? are measured in international units (IUs), and studies by the U.S. government?s National Institute on Aging have shown that at least 200 IUs daily of vitamin E are needed to garner any significant benefits from taking this vitamin.

How Does It Help?

? Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects tissue against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that usually contain oxygen and can interaction with DNA and other molecules leading to an impaired cell function. Vitamin E, one of the chemical compounds that prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds, neutralizes free radicals, and is, therefore, one of the body?s natural defenses against cancer and cardiovascular disease.

? Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body use vitamin K. Vitamin E improves circulation, is necessary in the repair of tissue, promotes normal blood clotting and healing, and can reduce scarring, too.

? Women find it useful in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and fibrocystic disease of the breast.

? Older adults take it to help reduce blood pressure, relax leg cramps, help prevent cataracts, and, perhaps, to assist in reducing age spots.

? Vitamin E also helps prevent anemia, maintains healthy nerves and muscles, and promotes healthy skin and hair.

Where Do We Find It?

Food sources of vitamin E are nuts (e.g., almonds), sunflower seeds, cold pressed vegetable oils, whole grains (e.g., wheat germ), olives, legumes, and dark and leafy vegetable (e.g., asparagus and spinach). There are also significant quantities of this vitamin in such foods as brown rice, cornmeal, eggs, kelp, milk, and organ meats. Some herb vitamin E sources are alfalfa, bladderwrack, dandelion, flax, nettle, and rose hips.

Vitamin E, like all other vitamins, is not only available from food sources, but also as a supplement. It can be purchased in the form of a tablet, a capsule, or a liquid, and as a powder that can be mixed with water or juice or added to gels or bars. It can also be administered by injection. Read labels carefully so that you purchase only those supplements that have been extracted from a natural food source and have no harmful additives included. A proper balance of vitamins are needed in the body because they work in synergy, or cooperative action, and high doses of one vitamin can induce a depletion of another. You can take vitamin E safely in a one a day multivitamin, or as single vitamin supplement if you wish to take an amount higher than is included in a multivitamin. Visit a vitamin store and watch for the opportunity to purchase your vitamins at a discount.

How Much Do We Need?

The amount of vitamin E you need depends on your age, your weight, and the problems you are trying to solve or prevent. Remember that supplements should be taken daily, and should be taken with food so that you will receive other nutrients to assist in their assimilation. Keep your supplements in a cool, dark place to protect their potency, and take them as part of your mealtime routine:

? To maintain good health, you should take a minimum amount of 200 IUs daily.

? To help lower raised cholesterol levels, especially in young adults, take 300 to 600 IUs daily.

? For reducing menopausal symptoms, take 400 IUs daily.

? To help combat coronary artery disease and poor circulation, take 400 IUs daily.

Be Careful:

It is important to understand the different functions of vitamins if you are going to ingest them separately instead of within a multivitamin where the formulation will ensure a proper balance. In the case of vitamin E, there are a variety of concerns of which you should be aware:

? Vitamin E should be taken under medical supervision if you are also taking blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulant medication). Vitamin E acts as a blood thinner, too.

? Remember that vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, and since it will be stored in the body in fatty tissue, it can reach toxic levels. People who decide to take mega-doses of vitamins and don?t know what they?re doing can suffer from too much of a good thing with this vitamin. If you are taking a multivitamin supplement and a separate vitamin E supplement, make sure you are not taking a toxic dose. Anything over 1200 IUs should not be taken without consulting a health professional.

? Be careful if you take iron as well as vitamin E. These two supplements should be taken at different times of the day because iron in the form of ferrous sulfate will destroy vitamin E. Organic forms of iron such as ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate, however, will not harm the vitamin. Read the label and make sure you know which form of iron you are taking.

? Diabetics, people with overactive thyroids, and those with rheumatic heart diseases should be especially careful not to take more than recommended dosages of vitamin E.

? If you suffer from high blood pressure, begin with 200 IUs of vitamin E per day and gradually increase the dose over a period of six weeks until you reach the desired level.

? If you are taking vitamin E, you must also take a minimum dose of zinc as well, and some supplements will include the necessary amount of zinc in the Vitamin E tablet or capsule.

Vitamin E is an important element in our arsenal of disease-battling nutrients, and there is an increasing lack of vitamin E in our diets because of our dependence on processed food and the depletion of nutrients in the soil. Fortunately, supplements allow us to obtain whatever amount of vitamin E we need to keep us healthy.

About the Author:

Scott Gray is currently freelance writing and enjoys providing tips to consumers about vitamins, multivitamins, and herb vitamins.

Potassium and Its Benefits to the Human Body

Potassium is a mineral that serves a variety of purposes within the body. Despite its importance to so many of the body's functions and systems, most people do not consume the standard recommended daily levels of this essential mineral. This is unfortunate as long-term deficiency can contribute to and even directly cause a variety of health problems and complications not only to the body but to one's lifestyle as well.

Helping to regulate the body's fluid levels is one of the mineral potassium's greatest functions. Not only that but it also has a great part in regulating the blood pressure. It also helps to keep the heart thumping steadily and regularly and is also essential to the nervous system. Potassium works to promote the proper functioning of the tissue that makes up the nervous system. It also serves to enhance muscle control plus the growth and health of cells particularly through its importance in waste product removal. This mineral is also vital to the kidneys in their waste removal tasks. Potassium also plays an important role to mental function as well as to physical processes. It helps to promote efficient cognitive functioning by playing a significant role in getting oxygen to the brain.

Failing to meet the standard recommended daily intake levels can lead to a variety of negative consequences for both physical well being and mental health. Physical symptoms can include muscular cramps and twitching, muscular weakness, even actual muscle damage, poor reflexes, fatigue, fragile bones, irregular heartbeat and other cardiovascular irregularities, kidney failure, lung failure, and cardiac arrest. Mental symptoms can include nervous disorders of various types, anorexia, insomnia, a slowdown of cognitive processes, and depression.

There are certain health situations that can make a person more susceptible to suffering from a deficiency of potassium. These include alcoholism, health conditions requiring the use of certain types of diuretics, periods of high stress and illnesses or conditions that result in extended periods of diarrhea and vomiting. Some situations of our own making can contribute to potassium deficiency. These include excessive caffeine intake and a diet made up of mostly processed foods. Consuming excessive amount of salt daily can also attribute to the decrease of potassium in the human body.

Our bodies are complex systems in which there is a delicate chemical balance that keeps everything functioning as it should. Disruptions to the system are going to have consequences with some being more severe than others. Some of these consequences can take the form of disease or irreversible damage. Prevention is always better than trying to cure illness or repair damage. One of the most important parts of prevention is good nutrition. Making sure that you regularly consume the standard recommended daily intake levels of the vitamins, mineral and other nutrients your body needs is the first vital step in keeping a healthy physic and mind.

But because of today's lifestyle and diet, it is very hard therefore to intake the proper daily amount of potassium necessary for a normal life. For this concern, nutritional supplements are the solution. They offer an efficient and reliable means of meeting not only our daily potassium needs but also other daily dietary requirements need by the system. Because the balance of nutrients is so important to achieving the optimum standards of performance and health, you may want to consider setting up a consultation with either a licensed nutritionist or your health care provider to create a personalized supplement plan; one that will be best suited to your individual dietary need and health goals.

-------------------------
Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
-------------------------

Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about Vitamins, please go to: http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

Tamiflu What Is It Used For And How Should I Use My Tamiflu Prescription?

Uses of Tamiflu

An antiviral prescription drug; this is what Tamiflu is popularly known as. Tamiflu is a drug that has been in the market for quite some time. It has gained popularity with the advent of bird flu. Though Tamiflu has been used for quite some time for treatment of flu like symptoms it was with its effect against bird flu that Tamiflu came in to the lime light. If the symptoms that one has experienced for flu is within a span of two days then Tamiflu is the recommended medication. The symptoms that one may experience may range from; let us say it starts off with a sore throat, this is followed up by muscular pain / body pain and a headache. There is an obvious rise in body temperature. One may also experience giddiness, nausea, and a vomiting sensation.

Treatment by this drug is carried out as the drug attacks the virus in the body and stops it from spreading. The drug attacks the influenza virus (the main agent of flu) and prevents it from spreading.

One may also take this drug if one is likely to be exposed to the patients who are suffering from these viral attacks. This can be taken by adults and children who are above the age group of thirteen as a preventive measure. For children below the age group of thirteen, this drug is given only in case the child is affected by flu or the influenza virus. In case of an outbreak of viral flu influenza in your community then you are required to take this medication as a preventive measure.

This medication comes in a pack of tens, twenties and thirties. I will be discussing how to use the tablets.

How to use the tablets

The tablets are oral consumption pills, means that the tablets are to be taken by mouth with the help of a glass of water or a glass of milk. Having the medication with a glass of milk reduces the chances of you suffering from a stomach upset. Similarly you can have this medication with your food. This also brings down your chances for suffering from a stomach upset.

You are supposed to take these tablets as soon as you know you have developed the symptoms. The recommended duration for this is, within a time span of forty eight hours of your exposure to the flu victim or within forty eight hours of your developing the symptoms of the flu.

The drug?s main content is the compound Oseltamivir. So if you have come down with the flu influenza, take the medicine Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) for a period of five days. This should be taken two times a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. As I have told you earlier, you should take it with your food to reduce your chances of suffering from a stomach upset. After two days of consumption of the medication, you may find yourself relived from the symptoms of the flu, but then do not discontinue to take the medicine, as this is only an outward relief, the virus is still active in your body. So you should complete the full dosage as prescribed to you. Or if you are not following a prescription guide, then you should take the medicine for a full duration of five days that is a complete course of ten tablets.

If you are taking the medicine as a preventive measure then you should take the medicine for a period of seven days. The seven days period will be prescribed with one tablet daily either in the morning or in the evening. Follow the advice of your doctor for this routine. As a warning, let me tell you again that you should not stop this medication in between, or follow an irregular routine. Following an irregular routine like taking the tablet in the morning for the first day and on the second day you take it in the evening will cause a variation in the level of the medication in the body. You are required to keep the medicine level in the body at a constant level. This means that if you have taken the medicine today in the morning, the next day also you should have your medicine at the same time and follow it up continuously.

Stopping the medicine too early can cause the symptoms to reappear in your body. In case you find no improvement in the condition of the symptoms then consult your doctor immediately.

Learn more about the human and bird flu viruses, and how Tamiflu can protect you and your family from death when the pandemic begins to spread exponentially across the globe. This free discussion forum also offers information on the flu viruses, symptoms, and how to prepare for the threat of a flu pandemic.

Is Yoga The Answer Yoga The Medicinal Fix

Is Yoga the answer - Why are so many people choosing to ignore the warning signs that is causing major concerns towards their health - environmental hazards which are out of our control but very much a part of our lives is becoming a worry to us all. Then we have another health issue - stress, which is destroying people`s lives with energies of destruction affecting how they live.

Is Yoga the answer. Stress/anxiety affects people in different ways so it is important - before buying over the counter any pills or remedy powders is to consult a doctor. Depression can cause so much pain and suffering to a patient in the way of taking over - how they think - what they do or how they act. For a person not to be in control of their own actions is a serious situation therefore you need to talk to someone if you feel that you are experiencing anxious moments.

Is Yoga the answer? Stress and anxiety symptoms can be sedated and calmed with the right treatment and medication - but any advice on what should be administered for easing these discomforts should be from a doctor or herbalist if you choose the natural way for help.

If your health or that of your family is giving you reason for concern then consider going along to keep fit classes like yoga. Is Yoga the answer, Yoga is proving to be a great antidote for stress related ailments. They say do not knock it till you try it and this goes for yoga also. Stress is a troubling mind meddler where in some unfortunate cases - patients have been hospitalized. Depending on the seriousness of the illness - mild yoga techniques can help.

Body awareness is the main issue when joining a yoga class. By knowing the mechanics on body parts like muscles - joints and organs can help you nip in the bud many uncontrollable body function outbursts before they start

Is Yoga the answer in helping combat stress? Stress problems are addressed with a type of yoga that helps control the mind in the form of meditation exercises. Meditation is a common Yoga type exercised by millions worldwide. Even the medical world believes that Yoga is proving to be very beneficial to suffering patients.

It is now a common practice by doctors all over the world to refer patients on a regular basis to perform these exercises in the way of a medicinal fix - naturally.

Is Yoga the answer - Yes (depending on the patient and the illness?)

100% fit in mind body and soul is what healthy living is all about. http://www.want2yoga.com Stress concerns http://www.overcompulsivedisorder.com.

Mangosteen

Rarely has a fruit that has been so unknown to the common man of the Western World been so studied, examined, researched, and scrutinized by science than the remarkable Mangosteen.Studt after study, research paper after research paper all extol the extraordinary benefits of the Mangosteen and its rich supply of antioxidant xanthones.

The body's immune and other systems produce homemade antioxdants and some vitamins, such as E and C. But there exist other antioxidants even more potent than vitamins, and these powerful protective substances are only found in certain plants.One such class of substances called Xanthones has recently been identified by scientists in a rain forest plant...the Mangosteen.

The secondary research has unearthed over forty scientific papers in which biochemicall active components of the Mangosteen have been rigorously examined in the laboratory...It is already evident that the multiple health benefits of the fruit are supported scientific investigation.

Exhaustive research regarding the benifits of xanthone-rich Mangosteen has been conducted and reported in some of the world's influential scientific journals.

The only product available that carries all of the power and benifits of the whole Mangosteen fruit, delivered in a natural delicous form, is produced by a multi millon dollar company with an international patent.

For more information, Please go to,

http://tomtaylor.natureswellnesssecret.com

Tom L. Taylor, is 74 years old and a retired professional Aviator,Airline Captain, USAF Fighter Pilot.

Body Image: Conquering Halle Berry Envy

The other day, I was on a health-related message board and one of the women mentioned that she had watched the Ms. Universe competition the previous night. She was feeling depressed because she had compared herself to the beautiful women in the competition?and found herself wanting. I understood completely.

Don?t we all do it? We compare ourselves to a beauty queen or Hollywood actress and then beat ourselves up because we don?t look like that. In my case, my comparison standard was Halle Berry.

Then one day, it hit me. Although God has blessed Halle Berry with some good genes, her body didn?t happen by accident. She works for it. I only see the results; I don't see the sacrifices and discipline that it took to get there.

Halle Berry has taken what she has and has done the best she can with it. She takes care of herself; I can do the same. Now, I will never have Halle Berry?s body. But, I can:

• Love and enjoy my body to its fullest extent. It is a gift.

• Keep Psalm 139:14 close to my heart: I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.

• Eat to nourish my body and listen to its signals for when to eat and when to stop.

• Eat food that makes me beautiful inside and out.

• Exercise because it is fun, not view it as a punishment for allowing myself to become overweight.

• Look for fun ways to move throughout the day, doing everything from Latin dancing, to climbing stairs, to jump roping, to skipping, to hula hooping.

You know what? When I made that attitude adjustment and focused on what I have and what I can do instead of wasting energy comparing myself to others, I lost weight and became fit. Best of all, I added color to a life that was previously drab.

Now, I can?t wait to get out of bed to discover what crazy way I?m going to come up with to move my body. It feels so good. I don?t do it for a wedding, class reunion or any other external goal. I do it for me because I deserve it. So do you.

You can either drag yourself through life or dance through it. I choose to dance. How about you?

A Registered Nurse for many years, Kimberly Floyd battled obesity for much of her adult life. She was finally able to achieve her ideal weight and is currently writing a book about her experiences entitled 'Take Back Your Temple'.

Kim has written articles for the Georgia Nurses Association publication and Nursing Spectrum Online. Now a technical writer, she has written training programs for corporate clients, including IBM, U.S. Bank, and Cingular.

Kim also teaches an online course called Goodbye to Shy. This course is distributed to over 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and Australia through Thomson Learning. An accomplished speaker and trainer, she delivers presentations on health-related topics to enthusiastic audiences.

How to Cure Bad Breath

The easiest way to reduce, or even eliminate bad breath is to minimize the amount of food that is available for the bacteria in your mouth. This prevents the amount of bacteria in your mouth from increasing. Good oral hygiene will make your mouth a non-conducive environment for bacterial growth.

Minimizing food supply to the bacteria

It is very important to brush your teeth after a meal. This is because after we eat, food particles will still remain in our mouths. Most of these leftover food particles will be stuck between the teeth, as well as incorporated into the coating in the outside of our tongue, where the odor causing bacteria live. If you do not clean your mouth properly after eating, you will be providing the bacteria with their food supply. The more they eat, the more they will multiply and produce the sulfur compound that causes bad breath.

Cleaning your mouth

Some of the bacteria that cause bad breath live in the dental plaque on and around your teeth, both at and below the gum line. The only way to remove the plaque is to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. Properly brushing your teeth and flossing also removes any remnants of food that are left in the mouth after eating. Cleaning your tongue is also a very effective way to treat bad breath.

Products

Products with antibacterial properties are very effective in combating bad breath. Use them if you need to. Both toothpastes and mouthwashes come with antibacterial products. It is smart to avoid alcohol-based products since they tend to make the mouth dry. These products will actually cause your bad breath to worsen. Having a dry mouth will hinder your body's natural ability to combat the bacteria that cause bad breath, allowing them to grow unchecked.

Bad Breath provides detailed information on Bad Breath, Bad Breath Cure, Cause Of Bad Breath, Stop Bad Breath and more. Bad Breath is affiliated with Clear Braces.

Acne Treatment Myths Exposed!

Acne is short for acne vulgaris. It is a disease of the skin that is more commonly referred to as zits or pimples. Usually those who are at the age of puberty are the ones that are most prone to acne. This is because of their bodies' abnormal reaction to the hormone called testosterone.

For most people, by the time they get out of puberty and hit their twenties their acne would have disappeared. However, some who are not as lucky may have to deal with acne, for a lot longer. It is impossible to predict when acne will disappear. A lot of people tend to be stricken by acne at some stage in their lives.

Symptoms

Acne is a skin disease that is characterized by inflammation, this is due to the excessive oil that the skin produces, combined with some dead skins that clog the pores. As a result of this condition acne or skin lesions may appear on the face, arms, back, shoulder, and chest. In more serious cases of acne, some red sore, bumps or boils may even appear.

Causes of acne

Some known causes of acne include:

- dead skin cells on the skin
- severe stress can cause acne
- clogged pores may also result in acne
- scratching the surface of the skin that results in irritation - Myths that surround acne

There are many misconceptions about acne that people have been harboring for a long time. Some of which may cause harm to individuals who have acne who might act upon these beliefs.

Here is a list of the more common misconceptions about the treatment of acne:

- Over the counter drugs in enough to get rid of acne.

While some medicines can help alleviate the mild cases of acne; most acne need more serious treatment. Some over the counter medication may in fact worsen the acne condition of some individuals who do not respond well to these medicines.

First thing is first, those who have acne should consult a dermatologist to get a professional assessment. Not all acne are alike, some need more serious treatment than others. This is why it is important to get a check up. A dermatologist will be able to prescribe the right set of medication that will help get rid of your acne.

-Home remedies are a quack. This is not necessarily true. There have been findings that revealed that homemade medicines made of herbs and other essential ingredients have been effective in treating mild cases of acne. But this treatment may not work for all. Since different skin types respond differently to various remedies, It is always best to go to a medical expert. This way individuals will get exactly the type of medication or treatment that they need.

-Switching to a healthier diet will get rid of acne forever! Medical experts are still yet to find a link between bad diet as the cause of acne. Most people are still under the misconception that oily foods, and chocolates causes acne.

It is important for those who are suffering from acne to get their facts straight. After all, there are a lot of circulating treatments that supposedly cure acne. But in the end they only end up harming those who want get cured.

Before undergoing any type of treatment individuals must do some research first, and find out everything they can about the treatment they are about to submit to. This way, they would get the treatment that will work for them.

Hanif Khaki is the widely respected author of numerous health related articles including many on acne treatment myths. He is also the founder of the popular acne resource site http://www.acnecure.expert-health.com

Amino Acids Primer

Ever wondered whether amino acid supplements really work? We reveal some surprising facts...

FACT: Protein is made from amino acids. So it should follow that amino acid supplements can be combined in many different ways to form proteins in the body. In the same way as when you eat protein, it is broken down in your digestive system into its constituent amino acids and di-peptides (two amino acids attached to each other).

In this article we'll first we'll look at the facts, lay the ground work and build from there, so to speak. We'll look at whether amino acid supplements have a part to play in your bodybuilding protein diet or are just good for window dressing.

There are two varieties of amino acids, the first are called dispensable amino acids (DAAs) as these can be made in the body from other amino acids together with nitrogen and carbohydrate. These are:

Alanine

* Major component of connective tissue * Key component of the glucose alanine cycle which enables muscles and other tissues to derive energy from amino acids * Immune system builder

Arginine

* Can increase secretion of insulin, glucagon, growth hormones * Aids repair following injury and immune system stimulation. * Precursor of creatine, gamma amino butric acid (GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain) * May increase sperm count and T-lymphocyte response

Aspartic Acid

* Aids conversion of carbohydrates into muscle energy * Builds immune system immunoglobulins and antibodies * Reduces catabolic ammonia levels after exercises

Cysteine

* Detoxifies harmful chemicals * Stimulates white blood cell activity

Glutamic Acid

* Precursor of glutamine, proline, ornothine, arginine, glutathione, and GABA * A potential source of energy for muscle tissue * Important in metabolism of other amino acids.

Glutamine

* The most abundant amino acid in the human body * Immune system builder * An important source of energy, especially for kidneys and intestines during caloric restrictions. * A brain fuel that is an aid to memory and promotes concentration

Glycine

* Aids in the manufacture of other amino acids * Has a calming effect * Assists in mobilization of glycogen * Can inhibit sugar cravings

Histidine

* Ultraviolet absorbing compounds in the skin * Important in the production of red and white blood cells * Used in the treatment of allergic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and digestive ulcers.

Proline

* Component in the formation of connective tissue and heart muscle * Easily used for muscular energy

Serine

* Important in energy production in cells * Aids memory and nervous system function * Helps builds up immune system

Tyrosine

* Precursor of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, as well as thyroid and growth hormones * Elevates mood

Taurine

* Aids in the absorption and elimination of fats * May act as a neurotransmitter in some areas of the brain and retina

That leaves the essential amino acids that cannot be produced in the body which means they must be supplied by the diet. These are:

Isoleucine

* A branched chain amino acid easily taken up and used for energy by muscle tissue. * Used to prevent muscle wasting * Essential in the formation of haemoglobin

Leucine

* A branched chain amino acid used as a source of energy * Helps reduce muscle protein breakdown * Promotes healing of skin and broken bones.

Lysine

* Low levels can slow protein synthesis, affecting muscle and connective tissue * Inhibits viruses * Lysine and Vitamin C together form L-carnitine, a biochemical that enables muscle tissue to use oxygen more efficiently which can delay exercise induced fatigue

Methionine

* Precursor of cystine and creatine * May increase antioxidant levels (glutathione) and reduce blood cholesterol levels. * Helps remove toxic wastes from the liver and assists in the regeneration of liver and kidney tissue

Ornithine

* May help increase growth hormone secretion in high doses * Aids in immune and liver function

Phenylalanine

* The major precursor of tyrosine * Enhances learning, memory, mood and alertness * Suppresses appetite

Threonine

* One of the amino detoxifiers * Helps prevent fatty build up in the liver * Important component of collagen * Tends to be low in vegetarian diets

Tryptophan

* Precursor of key neurotransmitter serotonin * Stimulates the release of growth hormones * Free form of this amino acid is unavailable in the U.S. * It is only available in natural food sources and may be indirectly obtained by HTTP-5 supplementation

Valine

* A branched chain amino acid * Influences brain uptake of other neurotransmitter precursors (trptophan, phenylalanine and tryosine).

Well, you?ve seen those branched chain amino acid supplements , and probably used them?but what are they? These are the essential amino acids with a molecular structure that has a branched shape, and include valine, leucine and isoleucine.

These BCAAs are important because they make up around a third of muscle protein in the body. During intense aerobic exercise they may be used in the production of glutamine and alanine that are required by the body. BCAAs are also used as fuel by the muscles, especially when muscle glycogen is depleted. They can contribute around 5-15% of the total calories you burn while training.

As the amino acids in the muscles may be used for the fuel requirements in exercise?some take BCAA supplements before and after workouts to limit any muscle loss that might occur. The idea is to stock up the free amino acid pool in the body so the amino acids in muscle tissue will not need to be cannibalised. This is a major selling point used by the amino acid supplement manufacturers.

It is not good enough though just to consider the quantity of amino acids in the diet, their bioavailability is also a key factor. Bioavailability measures the degree to which any substance reaches its destination or where it is required in the body. So it is essential to be aware of this ?efficiency of delivery? and how the actual protein sources taken ultimately achieve their intended purpose.

It is possible that two similar diets could contain exactly the same amount of particular amino acids (the amino acid profile) but have differences in absorption in the body.

The most reliable way to deliver specific amino acids is to consume the actual amino acids themselves. The most bioavailable source for oral use is powdered free form amino acids. Just how quickly can amino acids reach their target sites in the body?

Well, the blood plasma levels of a single unbonded amino acid taken orally can be raised in as little as 15 minutes reaching the site it is needed efficiently.

Amino Acid Supplements ? Do they work?

Over the fifteen or so years I have been reading the bodybuilding and fitness magazines it has always seemed natural to see advertisements for the latest ?breakthrough? bodybuilding supplement.

You have seen the sensational claims, the clinical studies and the celebrity endorsements? it all seems so, well, predictable.

You expect to take these ?sure fire? products with a pinch of salt...

But, the amino acid supplements, well these always fell well under my B.S radar? to be honest I always thought these had some merit. I mean, pretty much any newbie bodybuilder can tell you that amino acids make up protein? and well, protein is what muscles are made of, right?

So, when it came to researching amino acids for top-bodybuilding-supplements.com, I thought it would be a case of getting hold of the latest proven studies showing a clear link between amino acid supplementation and increased muscle growth and reduced muscle breakdown following exercise? done deal!

Its true, ?free-form amino acid? supplements are popular and even make up a proportion of protein powder mixes and other meal replacement type drinks. The BCAA caps and powders are also popular.

These supplements contain a lot of nitrogen and this is widely thought to lead to nitrogen retention by the body. In turn, nitrogen retention is understood to enhance the synthesis of proteins by cells and therefore promote muscle growth.

The amino acid supplements available to athletes and bodybuilders claim either to increase Human Growth Hormone (HGH) release or replenish protein depleted from muscles during exercise, thus preventing muscle breakdown.

Lets have a look at the evidence.

It is true that supplementing with certain amino acids can cause the release of HGH? the real question you should be interested in though, is exactly how much of this HGH release will result in muscle growth! A simple distinction, but we will see that it may influence whether you decide to supplement with amino acids?

Here are the results of three separate and independent studies carried out at different times, by different researchers?

The first study: Arginine and Ornithine were taken by subjects in doses of up to 20g per day. Of these, only 1 in 10 experienced any elevation of HGH levels and only minor increases in HGH occurred.

Study 2 showed that taking 1.2 grams (approx 5 x 250mg capsules) of arginine pyroglutamate and the same amount of Lysine, between meals did produce HGH release? but there was no consequent muscle building effect.

Study 3 found that supplementing with Ornithine did promote HGH secretion ? but the quantities of amino acids required made all the subjects sick and...

No muscle growth resulted from the HGH release. I was surprised by these findings? until I remembered that HGH release can be caused by all sorts of factors? a nap, eating, stress, well quite a lot of things actually.

Basically, there are far cheaper ways to stimulate HGH release. But are we missing the point here? The best use and major reason for amino acid supplementation may well be the role they can play in preventing muscle breakdown and in post workout recovery.

Even if they cannot stimulate significant muscle gains, surely if amino acid supplementation prevents the breakdown of muscle tissue during and following exercise then the overall effect is the same? that ultimately you will retain more muscle mass training with amino acids than without.

We say ?retain? because the natural process we all know that results in muscle growth is hypertrophy, literally the breaking down and rebuilding of the existing muscle tissue. Taking one step backwards and two steps forward! If we can somehow reduce the ?back-step? to a minimum, more progress will be made overall?

But what are the best sources of amino acids for assistance in the recovery process? We only have to look at the body?s preferred source of muscle fuel to find out! Glycogen stores are the primary food for muscle tissues? but what happens if these stores run low or are depleted during intense exercise?

The next best source of fuel is the Branched-Chain-Amino-Acids (BCAAs)? these are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine? which help rebuild muscle tissue during and after exercise and are a source of fuel for the muscles also.

So? perhaps if we supplemented with BCAAs, there will be less breakdown of the muscle tissue during and after exercise?

This is exactly what the clinical studies show? It has been shown that supplementing with BCAAs (circa 30% Leucine) before or during endurance training can reduce or eliminate protein breakdown in the muscles.

Another study, relevant to strength trainers showed how weight training can reduce blood plasma Leucine levels by up to 30%... but if Leucine supplements (3 grams per day (12 x 250 mg caps) are taken together with a moderate protein intake of little more than 1 gram protein per Kilogram of bodyweight? there was no decline in blood plasma levels of BCAAs.

So what does this all mean?

It is true that you can get all your daily requirements of BCAAs from good quality protein sources, chicken, tuna, skim milk and eggs? so why bother to supplement separately with BCAA caps?

Although BCAA supplements are relatively cheap, it would seem far more cost effective to pack a brown bag meal with high protein sandwiches for your post workout meal?

There is a downside to this approach however, which is the bioavailability of the amino acids in your meal. Not only will you not necessarily feel like a meal straight after your workout but the digestive process will take between one and two hours for the amino acids to be released from the meal and available for repair and re-growth.

So, perhaps the ideal is to take a whey protein shake after your workouts to replace BCAAs burned up during training? as the amino acid profile of some of the current whey protein powders is ideal for fast absorption. And if you are dedicated, the ideal would be to take glutamine powder before and during the workout to prevent stores being depleted.

Also, bear in mind that the body will only burn up BCAAs if your muscle Glycogen stores are running on empty! So this means if your pre-workout meals are well planned ie high in carbs? then BCAAs will be less in demand during training.

Get the inside edge with http://www.top-bodybuilding-supplements.com

With top articles on bodybuilding weightloss, bodybuilding protein, safe creatine use and new bodybuilding supplements reviews.

Our unique 'top bodybuilding forums blog' keeps you in the loop with whats hot in the world of bodybuilding training and supplements. Check it out today at http://www.top-bodybuilding-supplements.com