Liquid Vitamin D plus other vitamins

Vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium, which is necessary for bone growth and continued strength.  The body also needs adequate levels of vitamin D to ensure proper function of the immune system and the neuromuscular system.  Vitamin D deficiency in the body can lead to soft and/or fragile bones.  In some recent studies, taking a vitamin D supplement  may be helpful in treating cancer, depression, autism and other maladies.

Vitamin D can be derived naturally from the sun.   For the average person, spending as much at 10 to 20 minutes in the sun at least three times a week will fulfill their vitamin D requirements.  Keep in mind that people with darker skin need more sun exposure because the melanin in the skin tends to block vitamin D absorption.  In addition, those who live in an area which is north of Columbia, South Carolina’s latitude may not be exposed to enough sun during the winter months and may require supplementation.

Rutgers University, with campuses in New Brunswick and Newark, New Jersey is conducting an ongoing study in regards to how supplementation of vitamin D can halt and/or decrease bone loss in post-menopausal women who are dieting. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that keeping sufficient levels of vitamin D through the use of a vitamin D supplement may aid in weight loss.

Even though vitamin D supplements may keep the body healthy and may be natural, more does not always mean better.  An overdose of vitamin D may cause kidney damage, high blood pressure and heart arrhythmia.    If you suspect that you may have a vitamin D deficiency, check with your doctor or other medical professional to get an official diagnosis.

According to the results of a recently released Austrian study from the February issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids,  may actually reduce the risk of full blown psychotic disorders in those who display signs of mental illness.

The omega-3 fatty acids in the fish oil may help brain cells repair themselves and remain intact – while the actual cause of schizophrenia is not known, researchers speculate that people with this particular type of mental illness do not process fatty acids properly, which may lead to damage of the brain cells.

The research was funded by the Stanley Medical Research Institute, a nonprofit in Chevy Chase, Md., that supports research on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in the body while omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation.  The average American diet contains nearly 14-25 more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.  On the other hand, the Mediterranean diet has a much more healthy balance between the two fatty acids – it does not depend so heavily on meat, but relies on foods higher in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, olive oil, and garlic in addition to wines.

However, one can still raise their consumption of omega-3 fatty acids without much change in diet through the use of fish oil supplements.  Not only does omega-3 reduce inflammation in the body, but also may help lower the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis as well as skin conditions such as eczema.

If you do decide to take fish oil supplements, remember to look for high quality fish oils that are screened for mercury contaminants.  And as always, consult a medical professional who can provide you with individualized information.

Eating bad food, not enough exercise, not enough water – these can be all causes for the body to bind up in the intestines and call for a constipation remedy.  There are so many different types of constipation remedies available in your favorite drugstore, but usually the best constipation remedy is a natural one. There are several easy ways to cure constipation naturally and to get the bowels moving again.

Sufficient water intake is vital for efficient bowel function.  The first thing one should do for constipation relief is to increase the intake of water.   The recommended intake of water is at least 64 oz a day, but individual needs may vary depending on physical state.

Another constipation treatment to try is food based.  There are many fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber that if consumed on a regular basis may serve as a natural constipation remedy.  Try foods such as oranges, pears, papayas and figs as a way to jumpstart the bowels and provide the body with much needed vitamins and fiber.  Be aware that if you are on a sugar-restricted diet that some of these fruits are high in natural sugar.

There are several vegetables that may offer constipation relief such as spinach, collard and turnip greens.  The spinach can be taken as a juice, by juicing the spinach leaves, or by eating a salad of raw spinach.  This constipation remedy should offer relief within a few days.

The best way to avoid even needed a constipation treatment is to ensure that the daily diet contains a variety of fruits, vegetables and foods high in fiber.  In addition, don’t forget to keep water intake high to flush out toxins to keep the body hydrated.

Ginger tea is a source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.  The main ingredient in ginger is an antioxidant called gingerol which assists in reducing and/or destroying the free radicals that cause illnesses in the body.  In addition, ginger extract has been used in complementary medicine to reduce inflammation in arthritis as well as ulcerative colitis.

Some benefits of ginger tea:

-          relief of  gas and flatulence

-          lowers blood sugar

-          decreases menstrual pain

-          freshens bad breath

-          wards off cold, flu and sore throats

How to make ginger tea

Ginger tea bags are available for purchase in many health food stores, but the best ginger tea is made fresh from the ginger root.

Tea RemediesGinger Tea Recipe  (with honey and lemon)

1 quart water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Honey to taste.

2 inch piece of ginger root.

Bring a quart of water (four cups) to a boil.  Peel and slice the ginger root as thinly as you can, and place in boiling water.  Turn off the water and let the tea steep for about 5 minutes.  Add a tablespoon of lemon juice.  Strain tea into teacup, add honey to taste.  You may also shred the ginger root to release more ginger-y flavor quickly.

Enjoy both the warm flavor and the medicinal qualities of this aromatic spice!

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that whose symptoms may include wheezing, coughing and rapid breathing. Asthma attacks may be triggered by allergies, colds and believe it or not, exercise. There are numerous prescription and a few over the counter medications that are on the market to treat asthma, but nearly all may cause side effects in the user. There are a few natural treatments that may assist in lessening or even eliminating asthma attacks – Turmeric, a spice used in curry, is one of them.

Turmeric, a part of the ginger family, is used as a food colorant and is what gives curry its bright yellow color as well as its distinctive flavor. It is grown in India, Asia and parts of Africa. It can be also be used as a substitute for saffron.

Turmeric has been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of arthritis, stomach upset and other physical ailments. This simple spice is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and is reputed to have anti-cancer properties too. It is the anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in the treatment of asthma.

According to Nutritionalreviews.org, the exact dosage of turmeric is not clear from the research. The site does advice to get high quality turmeric, one that is high in the active ingredient, curcumin. A commonly cited dosage is one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of hot milk for asthma, taken twice a day. Of course, one could always use this spice in cooking with little to no adverse effects.

Although it is a natural ingredient, it is advisable to consult with your health care provider or physician if you are taking anticoagulant drugs, drugs for diabetes or drugs that are intended to reduce stomach acid. Turmeric may have a possible interaction with these medications.

There has been a lot of talk in the past couple of years about the incidence of ADHD in both children and adults alike. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a issue with excessive activity, poor impulse control, inattentiveness or a combination of all of these, that is out of the ordinary for that child’s age group. The number of prescriptions for Ritalin® , the most often prescribed drug for the treatment/control of ADHD has risen since the mid-nineties. Ritalin® ’s side effects can include, but are not limited to agitation, sleeplessness and loss of appetite.

It seems the simpler route to take, especially with children, is through diet. It is common knowledge what goes into the body effects what comes out of the body. Too many children today are on a highly processed, fast food diet which is high in fats and sugars. Modification of this diet may lead to alleviation of ADHD symptoms and contribute to overall well being.

Change the diet, change the behavior.

Reduce the consumption of these foods to no more than once a week: high fat foods, fast food, processed foods, artificial sugars such as aspartame, artificial colors, processed (lunch) meats, MSG,

Increase the consumption of these foods: Lean protein, whole grains, fish, walnuts, fruits and vegetables. Protein and good fats feed the brain, which is about 66% specialized fats.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as found in sardines, walnuts, faxseeds, kidney and soybeans, were found to have an effect on alleviating at least some of the symptoms of ADHD.

While a change in diet may help ease the symptoms of ADHD, please consult with a medical professional before increasing, decreasing or discontinuing medication. This article is meant for informational use only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition.

For further information:

Holistic treatment approaches to ADHD
Nutritional supplements for managing ADHD
The ADHD Diet
Fats Build Your Brain

Frequent hand washing keeps germs at bay

© Johanna Goodyear | Dreamstime.com

Just like any influenza infection, the curve of infection for the H1N1 swine flu virus is on the decline, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Both doctor visits and hospitalization for flu-like illnesses have decreased, but are higher than normal for this particular time of year. Additionally, the number of states reporting widespread influenza activity is down by seven states from the end of November. This indicates that while new infections of the H1N1 influenza may be on the decline, it is still important that influenza prevention practices remain in place because pediatric deaths – deaths in those under 18 – are five times higher than they were in a “normal” influenza season.

What can you do to prevent H1N1 infection?

There are simple, common sense practices suggested on flu.gov that you can do:
1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue away after use.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water as often as you can, but especially after coughing or sneezing. Hand sanitizers work in a pinch. Hands carry a great amount of germs and can spread them easily and quickly! Think about how many times you touch your face, nose, eyes, eating utensils, etc. Wash those hands!
3. If someone you know is sick, try to minimize contact as much as possible. And if you’re sick, try to stay home to prevent more spreading of germs.

What can you do to alleviate H1N1 symptoms?
If you do get sick, there are natural remedies for the symptoms that may accompany the influenza infection.

1. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids including water.
2. For aches/pains associated with the flu virus, try a hot shower or bath.
3. For congestion, try a chest rub containing menthol and camphor. This may act as a cough suppressant also.
4. A warm mist humidifier or vaporizer may also help congestion and cough symptoms.

Diabetes is a disease that is beginning to affect children as young as eight years old. Because of the occurrence of childhood obesity and the changes in how we eat, type 2 diabetes is becoming quite an issue among Americans in general. Please note that this post is not about diagnosing or curing a condition. Do consult with a medical professional for specific questions about your health and well being.

What is Type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes (although this condition is now appearing in children) is a condition in which the glucose builds up in the blood and is not dissipated by the insulin the body produces. When glucose levels are high, body cells may not be getting enough energy to do their job and may cause long term damage to eyes and other organs of the body. Once diagnosed, your healthcare professional may place you on some type of medication. Although this will help control your blood sugar, part of treating this condition is the action you take to help cure yourself. The good news is that this type of diabetes may be controlled through patient action. Following are some type 2 diabetes remedies that may help alleviate this condition.

There are a number of diabetes remedies that you can try that may help regulate your blood sugar. Be sure to keep careful track of your blood glucose level and stay in close contact with your physician so that your blood sugar does not go too low.

The first of the diabetes remedies that you should try is diet modification. Try to eliminate excess sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Concentrate on eating whole grains, such as brown rice rather than white rice and whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. In addition, eat lean meats and vegetables. Loading up your plate with lightly seasoned steamed vegetables and less starch may be the way to go. Not only will this diet assist you in losing weight, but it will help keep your after meal blood sugar a little lower.

Another component of the diabetes remedies is to drink lots of water. Some who suffer from diabetes may try to replace sugary soda with its diet counterpart, but the best way to go is to drink pure water. Water will help cleanse your system and to flush away the toxins that are produces by fat loss.

Exercise is key in treating/controlling your type 2 diabetes. Exercise gets the blood flowing, assists in calorie burning and gives you a sense of health and well being. Aim for at least thirty minutes a day, four times a week.

With these three diabetes remedies, hopefully this will assist you in healing your condition or at least reducing your need for the medication. Again, this is not meant as medical advice – it is for educational purposes only.

Depression is something that affects all of us at one time or another. We may “get the blues” or feel frustrated and/or anxious about a situation and withdraw. Then there are those of us who really get into a depressed state and warrant a doctor’s treatment. This article is not meant or intended as medical advice – you are strongly urged to see your doctor or other medical professional for any symptoms or depression issues you may be experiencing.

That being said, if you suffer from occasional bouts of mild depression, or what is sometimes called the ‘blues’, you may be able to reduce or even get rid of these symptoms through natural depression remedies instead of resorting to expensive prescription medication. Many times depression is the signal that the body is not getting some needed nutrient in the diet.

Some natural depression remedies include: St John’s Wort, SAMe, ginseng, ginkgo biloba and Omega3 fish/plant oils. Let’s take a look at each of these in turn.

St. John’s Wort is an herb that has actually been used in Germany and is pretty well known for its role as one of the main herbal depression remedies. St. John’s Wort is reportedly an effective antidepressent. Because it is a natural remedy, the positive effects of St. John’s Wort may not be apparent for about 4-6 weeks after beginning taking the herb. In addition, St. John’s Wort can effect how well your medications are working – be sure to check with a doctor or other medical professional when taking this herb.

Ginseng not only can give your energy, but stimulates the immude system, which improves your thinking as well as physical endurance. In addition, ginseng can help to regulate blood sugar levels, which do have an effect on how you feel.

Omega3 Fish Oil Supplements - Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids may cause depression in certain people. The “good fats” from the omega3 fatty acids help the transmission of serotonin in the brain, which in turn may help get rid of depression. Omega3 supplements are one of the fastest acting depression remedies that you can find.

Ginkgo biloba may be familiar to you in reference to improving one’s memory, but it’s also one of the natural depression remedies. Because ginkgo improves blood circulation, it may also lead to better brain functioning and better regulation of serotonin on the brain – our “happy hormone”.

Hopefully, these depression remedies will give you some relief from milder forms of depression. Again, if you continue to suffer from depression despite these remedies, do not delay in seeking the advice of a medical professional.

Vinegar and rubbing alcohol can help the itch of poison ivy

There are so many uses for distilled or white vinegar.  All types of vinegar can be used for so many things that having vinegar in your ‘kitchen pharmacy’ is a must.    It is inexpensive and its many varieties can be found on your supermarket shelf.  Although it’s pretty strong smelling stuff, it’s quite effective as an ingredient in your homemade remedies!  Read on to find out amazing vinegar remedies to common ailments.  What you learn might be very interesting.

Remember, these vinegar remedies will not work “instantly”.  Give the remedy time to work – at least a few weeks.  The vinegar that is used for all of these remedies is your regular white vinegar, commonly found in every supermarket.

Fade Brown Spots – Shred a medium onion into clean cheesecloth or pantyhose.  Squeeze the grated onion to get about a tablespoon of onion juice.  Mix this onion juice with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and dab the mixture onto the brown spots twice a day.  This combination should fade the brown spots over time.  Note:  the mixture can be made in any amount as long as it’s a ratio of 1 part onion juice: 2 parts white vinegar.

Headache – Soak a clean washcloth in white vinegar and place it on your forehead.  Be sure to wring it out!  Relax for 30 minutes and the headache should be gone.

Poison Ivy – Mix equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol – apply to the rash when it itches.  The mixture should help dry up the rash also.

Toenail Fungus – Instead of using somewhat expensive prescription medication that may cause unwanted side effects, apply white vinegar to toenails or soak feet in a strong solution of white vinegar and water.   You can even use straight vinegar to soak your feet if you have enough.

Dry Itchy Skin – Soak in a bathtub of warm (not hot) water to which you have added ½ cup white vinegar.  Vinegar will eliminate the itch, soften the skin and will help keep your bathtub cleaner.

Sunburn – Spray white vinegar on the burn and it should relieve the pain almost immediately.  If you don’t have a spray bottle, soak a washcloth in vinegar and apply to the affected area.  If the vinegar is chilled, it will relieve the pain and burning sensation even faster.

Distilled white vinegar is a must to have in your home as these vinegar remedies can help cure many common ailments.