A great number of supplements have become a mainstay in cabinets and on kitchen counters across the country in the last few years. It is only recently that the American public came to take immunity-boosters as often and as seriously as their daily multivitamin, and with good reason. There are more immune-deficiency diseases lurking out there than ever before, and even your common cold is a result of a weakened immune system. We can look at some of the most effective and popular supplements to help boost your immune system and keep it functioning at its peak.
Zinc is a mineral that has become extremely popular in many different forms. While it is essential and can be found in food sources such as beans, nuts, and dairy, the FDA has realized its importance and regulated that it be added to such other foods as grains, breads and cereals. Most of the high-level zinc foods are found in certain seafood’s, such as oysters and crab, which many people do not enjoy. Accordingly, many of our popular carbohydrates have been fortified with zinc by the product manufacturer. An easier way to make sure you get your zinc is to buy a supplement and take it every day. You can take it in pill form or even a lozenge. Zinc is so critical for the immune system, in fact, that some cold remedies now come in lozenges or dissolvable tablets and are comprised mostly of zinc. The recommended dietary allowance for zinc is approximately 10 mg per day for your average adult.
Another great supplement for the immune system is an herb called Echinacea. While it has only become very popular in the last decade or so, Echinacea has actually been used in the United States for over a hundred years. In fact, it is harvested in many parts of the United States and grows quite readily and easily in our climate. It has become such a popular herb that some states are considering making the plant an endangered species. The bottles of Echinacea fly off the supplement shelves, especially for treatment and prevention of the common cold or flu. The smartest way to take Echinacea is to do so preventatively, so that you can ensure that your immune system will be boosted all year long. Because herbal remedies and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, it is in your best interest to choose a reputable supplement company when purchasing Echinacea for your consumption. Sometimes Echinacea will be mixed with another herb called goldenseal, which is also a beneficial combination for the immune system.
A pleasant way to boost your immune system, which also has the added benefit of calming you down, is by drinking green tea. A green tea supplement, especially when consumed regularly, can do wonders for your immune system, your metabolism, and even your outlook on life. Green tea contains ingredients called polyphenols and catechins, which are antioxidants that help to improve the overall health of the body. Beneficial polyphenols similar to those found in green tea are also found in red wine, but obviously one cannot, and should not, consume red wine all day long whereas you can feel free to drink as much green tea as you like! Green tea also contains an amino acid called theanine, which acts as a calming agent to the body. Instead of drinking coffee or black tea, drink green tea, as it may actually counteract the effect of coffee or caffeine on the nervous system, even though it does contain a bit of caffeine itself. Of course, you can easily buy decaffeinated green tea almost anywhere now. If you do not think you can drink enough of this wonderful tea to be truly beneficial, or if you do not like the flavor of green tea, you can always purchase it in pill form and take the supplement that way. If you choose this route, look for one that provides about 200 mg of polyphenols per capsule or supplement dose.
The above mentioned are just some of the most popular supplements that will help boost your immune system, and which you can get easily form an online or retail supplement store. There are many more out there, but these are really some of the best. They are also ones that have been tested and marketed for quite some time, and can be found aplenty in your local health food or vitamin store, or even sometimes in your supermarket in the vitamin or health food section. Give these immune-boosters a shot and take them faithfully for a few months, and you will likely see that you feel better and your colds and flu symptoms appear to be less.
Minggu, 21 Juni 2009
Rabu, 17 Juni 2009
Naturally Reduce Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure: Blood is naturally under pressure as the heart forces it around the circulation, with high blood pressure the pressure is above the normal limits. There may be no symptoms with high blood pressure at first but over time can increase risk of disorders such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. High blood pressure cannot be cured but it can be reduced and controlled, often a change in diet and lifestyle may be all that is necessary to reduce high blood pressure. Currently 50 million Americans have high blood pressure, approximately 20% of the population.
Factors of High Blood Pressure: There are no obvious causes for high blood pressure, however factors that can increase the risk of high blood pressure are.
* Sedentary Lifestyle - Increases risk of cardiovascular disease (60% of Americans do not get enough exercise).
* Genetic Factors – There are gene variants associated with increased risk of high blood pressure.
* Family history - Having a parent or close relative with high blood pressure increases your risk.
* Ethnicity - high blood pressure tends to affect African Americans with greater frequency.
* Obesity - Being overweight increases risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
* Alcohol - Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of high blood pressure. (More than 1 drink per day for women and 2 per day for men).
* Smoking - A major factor for developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
* High salt diet – This can Increase blood pressure
* Age – The risk of high blood pressure increases with age, men tend to develop between the ages of 35 and 55, and women after menopause
Naturally Reduce Blood Pressure with Pycnogenol:
Study 1: Researchers including Dr. David Fitzpatrick of the University of South Florida and Dr. Lester Packer of the University of California, Berkley have conducted research on pycnogenol and nitric oxide, and how it naturally optimizes the levels of nitric oxide production in the blood vessels to facilitate blood flow and reduce blood pressure. It naturally helps the body produce adequate levels of nitric oxide for necessary functions, and can also reduce the levels of nitric oxide where it does harm. Pycnogenol has a mild hypotensive or blood pressure-lowering effect that helps prevent or reduce high blood pressure naturally. (Fitzpatrick et al., 1998)
Study 2: Dr Miklos and his colleagues at the Albert Szent-Gyorgyi Medical University in Szeged, Hungry and Dr. Peter Rohdewald of the University of Muenster, Germany In their study published in 1996 in the Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Letters, described the hypotensive or blood pressure-lowering effect of pycnogenol as “moderate”. Pycnogenol naturally helps the heart by blocking some action of the angio-tensin I converting enzyme (ACE) in causing high blood pressure. People with lower or normal blood pressure will not be affected and those with high blood pressure and too much ACE will benefit
Naturally Reduce Blood Pressure with Grape Seed Extract: Scientist for the University of California, Davis did a 4 week study on 24 patients. One group was given a placebo treatment, a second group was given 150mg of grape seed extract, and a third group was given 300mg of grape seed extract. At the end of the four week study blood pressure was reduced in all patients taking the grape seed extract, blood pressure did not change in the placebo group. On average Systolic blood pressure dropped 12 points, and the diastolic dropped 8 points. Both doses were equally efficient in naturally reducing the blood pressure. (American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition, Atlanta, March 26-30, 2006)
Reduce side effects of antihypertensive medications:
Study 1: A study published in a 2006 issue of the Journal of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis shows that pycnogenol can naturally reduce edema by 36 percent, a common side effect of high blood pressure medications. The results of the study show pycnogenol naturally improves circulation, this avoids blood pooling and can reduce edema.
Study 2: In 2004 Dr. X. Liu confirmed that pycnogenol naturally improved the endothelial function of high blood pressure patients and allowed those on antihypertensive drugs to reduce their dosage. (Life Science, 2004)
Best Source of Pycnogenol and Grape Seed Extract: A natural supplement Isotonix OPC-3 (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed extract, red wine, pine bark extracts and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be potent antioxidants. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol in the world.
Factors of High Blood Pressure: There are no obvious causes for high blood pressure, however factors that can increase the risk of high blood pressure are.
* Sedentary Lifestyle - Increases risk of cardiovascular disease (60% of Americans do not get enough exercise).
* Genetic Factors – There are gene variants associated with increased risk of high blood pressure.
* Family history - Having a parent or close relative with high blood pressure increases your risk.
* Ethnicity - high blood pressure tends to affect African Americans with greater frequency.
* Obesity - Being overweight increases risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
* Alcohol - Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of high blood pressure. (More than 1 drink per day for women and 2 per day for men).
* Smoking - A major factor for developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
* High salt diet – This can Increase blood pressure
* Age – The risk of high blood pressure increases with age, men tend to develop between the ages of 35 and 55, and women after menopause
Naturally Reduce Blood Pressure with Pycnogenol:
Study 1: Researchers including Dr. David Fitzpatrick of the University of South Florida and Dr. Lester Packer of the University of California, Berkley have conducted research on pycnogenol and nitric oxide, and how it naturally optimizes the levels of nitric oxide production in the blood vessels to facilitate blood flow and reduce blood pressure. It naturally helps the body produce adequate levels of nitric oxide for necessary functions, and can also reduce the levels of nitric oxide where it does harm. Pycnogenol has a mild hypotensive or blood pressure-lowering effect that helps prevent or reduce high blood pressure naturally. (Fitzpatrick et al., 1998)
Study 2: Dr Miklos and his colleagues at the Albert Szent-Gyorgyi Medical University in Szeged, Hungry and Dr. Peter Rohdewald of the University of Muenster, Germany In their study published in 1996 in the Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Letters, described the hypotensive or blood pressure-lowering effect of pycnogenol as “moderate”. Pycnogenol naturally helps the heart by blocking some action of the angio-tensin I converting enzyme (ACE) in causing high blood pressure. People with lower or normal blood pressure will not be affected and those with high blood pressure and too much ACE will benefit
Naturally Reduce Blood Pressure with Grape Seed Extract: Scientist for the University of California, Davis did a 4 week study on 24 patients. One group was given a placebo treatment, a second group was given 150mg of grape seed extract, and a third group was given 300mg of grape seed extract. At the end of the four week study blood pressure was reduced in all patients taking the grape seed extract, blood pressure did not change in the placebo group. On average Systolic blood pressure dropped 12 points, and the diastolic dropped 8 points. Both doses were equally efficient in naturally reducing the blood pressure. (American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition, Atlanta, March 26-30, 2006)
Reduce side effects of antihypertensive medications:
Study 1: A study published in a 2006 issue of the Journal of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis shows that pycnogenol can naturally reduce edema by 36 percent, a common side effect of high blood pressure medications. The results of the study show pycnogenol naturally improves circulation, this avoids blood pooling and can reduce edema.
Study 2: In 2004 Dr. X. Liu confirmed that pycnogenol naturally improved the endothelial function of high blood pressure patients and allowed those on antihypertensive drugs to reduce their dosage. (Life Science, 2004)
Best Source of Pycnogenol and Grape Seed Extract: A natural supplement Isotonix OPC-3 (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed extract, red wine, pine bark extracts and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be potent antioxidants. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol in the world.
Senin, 08 Juni 2009
How Diabetes Impacts Your Liver
There is a lot of debate as to whether liver function is a contributing factor as a cause of diabetes, or if diabetes is the cause of liver function malfunction. It is well established that insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes. Many of the factors that contribute to the cause of insulin resistance are the same factors that cause liver damage. Regardless of the cause, if diabetes has been diagnosed, the liver is at risk and should be a major consideration in the maintenance of diabetes.
The liver performs many vital functions (over 500) that the body would not survive without. The liver is the first place that nutrients goes to after digestion. Virtually everything that is eaten or is absorbed through the skin goes through the liver. Nearly 2 quarts of blood pass through the liver every minute. Blood rich in nutrients flows from the intestines directly to the liver. That blood is also loaded with toxins and bacteria from the colon as well. The liver filters the blood and destroys the toxins and bacteria, allowing clean blood to circulate to the rest of the body. The liver also destroys poisons that are absorbed from pollution, smoking and drinking alcohol.
The liver manufactures bile, which is stored in the gallbladder, and discharges it through the bile ducts into the small intestine where it aids in the digestion of food. The liver manufactures HDL (good) cholesterol and deposits it into the bloodstream. HDL cholesterol seeks out LDL (bad) cholesterol and carries it back to the liver where it is processed and discharged with the bile fluids into the small intestine to be discharged. The liver also manufactures liver enzymes (GGT -gamma-glutamyltransferase) and processes numerous hormones. The liver stores fat soluble vitamins, and glucose (stored energy) and distributes them as required. The liver manufactures blood, proteins, and blood clotting substances.
The liver performs many vital functions (over 500) that the body would not survive without. The liver is the first place that nutrients goes to after digestion. Virtually everything that is eaten or is absorbed through the skin goes through the liver. Nearly 2 quarts of blood pass through the liver every minute. Blood rich in nutrients flows from the intestines directly to the liver. That blood is also loaded with toxins and bacteria from the colon as well. The liver filters the blood and destroys the toxins and bacteria, allowing clean blood to circulate to the rest of the body. The liver also destroys poisons that are absorbed from pollution, smoking and drinking alcohol.
The liver manufactures bile, which is stored in the gallbladder, and discharges it through the bile ducts into the small intestine where it aids in the digestion of food. The liver manufactures HDL (good) cholesterol and deposits it into the bloodstream. HDL cholesterol seeks out LDL (bad) cholesterol and carries it back to the liver where it is processed and discharged with the bile fluids into the small intestine to be discharged. The liver also manufactures liver enzymes (GGT -gamma-glutamyltransferase) and processes numerous hormones. The liver stores fat soluble vitamins, and glucose (stored energy) and distributes them as required. The liver manufactures blood, proteins, and blood clotting substances.
Senin, 01 Juni 2009
10 Ways To Get A Better Nights
Sleep. Everyone knows what it is, but nowadays, nobody gets enough: school, work, kids, sleep disorders, and more, all keep us from getting those precious hours of sleep our bodies so desperately need. 70 million Americans are affected with sleep disorders, and because of the economy a third of Americans are losing sleep. So in this troubled time of laying in bed trying to go to sleep, let’s shed some light on how to sleep better.
1. Make sure your bed is right for you.
Ah, the bed. The place our enchanted rest takes place. First of all you need to make sure your mattress is nice and soft, but firm. If you feel the springs, or fall into the middle of the bed, hey you get to buy a new mattress. Second, make sure your pillow is just right, not too high so that your neck hurts, but not too flat, so that your head is flat. Make sure you have blankets in layers, so if you get hot you can take a blanket off, or if you’re too cold you can add one.
2. Make sure your room is in good condition for you to sleep.
To be able to sleep in your room you have to make sure that the temperature is good, cool would be your best option, 65-72 degrees Fahrenheit, but it really depends on the person. Also, make sure there are no lights on, including those from LED lights.
3. Don’t eat too much before sleep.
If you eat too much before you sleep not only will your stomach work and make you more awake, It may also give you indigestion, since you’re laying down after eating.
4. No social or recreational drugs.
This means no alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. Caffeine, which can stay in your system as long as 14 hours, increases the number of times you awaken at night and decreases the total amount of sleep time. This may subsequently affect daytime anxiety and performance. The effects of nicotine are similar to those of caffeine, with a difference being that at low doses, nicotine tends to act as a sedative, while at high doses it causes arousals during sleep. Alcohol may initially sedate you, making it easier to fall asleep; however, as it is metabolized and cleared from your system during sleep, it causes arousals that can last as long as two to three hours after it has been eliminated. These arousals disturb sleep, often causing intense dreaming, sweating, and headache. Smoking while drinking caffeine and alcohol can interact to affect your sleep dramatically. These sleep disturbances may be most apparent upon awakening, feeling unrefreshed, groggy, or hungover.
5. Eating or drinking certain kinds of food or liquids can help you go to sleep.
If you have a little milk, yogurt, turkey, chamomile tea, ice cream, soy beans, tuna or peanuts before bed it’ll help you go to sleep. How? All these food have a good amount of Tryptophan, which helps the body produce Serotonin, and that helps the body relax.
6. Set up a “sleep schedule”.
If you go to sleep everyday at the same time your body will know when it’s bedtime and will get tired around the time that you go to sleep, it also helps to wake up at the same time.
7. Your bedroom is for sleep and sex only.
If you watch tv, read books, balance the checkbook, or do anything other than sleep or sex on the bed then your body might be confused as to what you’re doing.
8. No screen time before bed.
If you watch tv or sit in front of the computer before bed, your brain puts you into a state of alertness, which makes it hard to go to sleep.
9. If you wake up during the night and can’t fall asleep don’t worry.
If you find you can’t go to sleep going to the bathroom or just waking up, don’t lay in bed, get out of the bedroom, sit on the couch, go into a room with a dim light, read the warranty on your fridge, these will all make you tired and won’t make you frustrated. The reason is, if you stay in bed, you’ll start worrying about falling asleep, which will make going to sleep harder.
10. If all else fails try a sleep aid.
Nobody’s perfect, we all have trouble falling asleep. Unfortunately some of us have a lot of trouble falling asleep. Luckily there are sleep aids, not sleeping pills; those usually do more harm than good. You can try many things, try a soft fountain in the room, headphones with the gentle sound of nature, and there’s even an aroma that’s proven to help you go to sleep.
If you have trouble falling asleep or you haven’t really had a good night’s rest lately, try one of these out and you’ll be surprised how much easier it is to sleep wel
1. Make sure your bed is right for you.
Ah, the bed. The place our enchanted rest takes place. First of all you need to make sure your mattress is nice and soft, but firm. If you feel the springs, or fall into the middle of the bed, hey you get to buy a new mattress. Second, make sure your pillow is just right, not too high so that your neck hurts, but not too flat, so that your head is flat. Make sure you have blankets in layers, so if you get hot you can take a blanket off, or if you’re too cold you can add one.
2. Make sure your room is in good condition for you to sleep.
To be able to sleep in your room you have to make sure that the temperature is good, cool would be your best option, 65-72 degrees Fahrenheit, but it really depends on the person. Also, make sure there are no lights on, including those from LED lights.
3. Don’t eat too much before sleep.
If you eat too much before you sleep not only will your stomach work and make you more awake, It may also give you indigestion, since you’re laying down after eating.
4. No social or recreational drugs.
This means no alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. Caffeine, which can stay in your system as long as 14 hours, increases the number of times you awaken at night and decreases the total amount of sleep time. This may subsequently affect daytime anxiety and performance. The effects of nicotine are similar to those of caffeine, with a difference being that at low doses, nicotine tends to act as a sedative, while at high doses it causes arousals during sleep. Alcohol may initially sedate you, making it easier to fall asleep; however, as it is metabolized and cleared from your system during sleep, it causes arousals that can last as long as two to three hours after it has been eliminated. These arousals disturb sleep, often causing intense dreaming, sweating, and headache. Smoking while drinking caffeine and alcohol can interact to affect your sleep dramatically. These sleep disturbances may be most apparent upon awakening, feeling unrefreshed, groggy, or hungover.
5. Eating or drinking certain kinds of food or liquids can help you go to sleep.
If you have a little milk, yogurt, turkey, chamomile tea, ice cream, soy beans, tuna or peanuts before bed it’ll help you go to sleep. How? All these food have a good amount of Tryptophan, which helps the body produce Serotonin, and that helps the body relax.
6. Set up a “sleep schedule”.
If you go to sleep everyday at the same time your body will know when it’s bedtime and will get tired around the time that you go to sleep, it also helps to wake up at the same time.
7. Your bedroom is for sleep and sex only.
If you watch tv, read books, balance the checkbook, or do anything other than sleep or sex on the bed then your body might be confused as to what you’re doing.
8. No screen time before bed.
If you watch tv or sit in front of the computer before bed, your brain puts you into a state of alertness, which makes it hard to go to sleep.
9. If you wake up during the night and can’t fall asleep don’t worry.
If you find you can’t go to sleep going to the bathroom or just waking up, don’t lay in bed, get out of the bedroom, sit on the couch, go into a room with a dim light, read the warranty on your fridge, these will all make you tired and won’t make you frustrated. The reason is, if you stay in bed, you’ll start worrying about falling asleep, which will make going to sleep harder.
10. If all else fails try a sleep aid.
Nobody’s perfect, we all have trouble falling asleep. Unfortunately some of us have a lot of trouble falling asleep. Luckily there are sleep aids, not sleeping pills; those usually do more harm than good. You can try many things, try a soft fountain in the room, headphones with the gentle sound of nature, and there’s even an aroma that’s proven to help you go to sleep.
If you have trouble falling asleep or you haven’t really had a good night’s rest lately, try one of these out and you’ll be surprised how much easier it is to sleep wel
A Healthy Way to Smoke
Clinical studies have clearly established the connection between smoking and several chronic medical conditions, which includes different forms of cancers, emphysema, and coronary diseases. Aside from the health hazards associated with smoking, there are also risks posed to other people through secondhand smoking. So, one of the challenges for health professionals and smokers alike is to find a solution to the health risks that smoking brings. Aside from "stop smoking" campaigns, perhaps a more realistic approach is to find smoking alternatives that present smokers the pleasure of smoking without the health problems associated with it. One of these alternatives is the e cigarettes or electronic cigarettes.
What is an e cigarette?
An e cigarette is an electronic device that’s being introduced as an alternative to traditional smoking. It does this by vaporizing a nicotine mixture or packet and that in turn is inhaled by the smoker. Electronic cigarettes generally contain a heating and mechanical mechanism, and a nicotine cartridge or container. The heating mechanism usually contains a sensor where it activates the heating or vaporizing process when inhalation or vacuum action is detected. This then turns the nicotine mixture into a vapor, ready for inhalation by the smoker.
E cigarettes are usually made to look and feel like traditional cigarettes, and they even have an LED that lights up when a smoker puffs on the cigarette. The device is usually powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which the smoker needs to recharge should the electronic cigarette run out of power.
How can the electronic cigarette be a healthy alternative to smoking?
According to studies, much of the carcinogens and toxins from tobacco smoking comes from the burning of tobacco leaves. There are 19 known carcinogens found when tobacco leaves burn. Aside from those, there are also lead and tar from cigarette smoking. And, one should not forget, the smoke also affects the surrounding people through secondhand smoke. Then there’s also the carbon monoxide emitted that affects the quality of the environment.
Despite these health hazards, smokers continue on with their habit. It is the stimulating but calming effects of nicotine that make people addicted to smoking. Additionally, nicotine constitutes a large part of the taste of tobacco.
If you consider these facts, you may be able to discern how electronic cigarettes can become a healthy alternative. Look at these points:
1. E cigarettes don’t burn tobacco leaves.
2. E cigarettes just provide the nicotine without the carcinogens and toxins.
3. E cigarettes don’t give out smoke.
If you combine those points, then you should form a picture in your mind of how electronic cigarettes are much better than conventional, unhealthy cigarettes. You know the saying "where there’s smoke, there’s fire"? Of course, the reverse is also true. If there’s no fire, there’s no smoke. In the case of tobacco smoking, combustion takes place. In electronic cigarettes, this process doesn't happen at all. So if there’s no combustion, you remove the conditions that results in the production or release of toxins, carcinogens, and carbon monoxide.
Another advantage that e cigarettes present is that they give out the same pleasure of traditional smoking as using e cigarettes simulates the inhalation of smoke. Also, these devices are made to look and feel like cigarettes, so smokers would have an easier time transitioning to them. As smoking is also a psychological habit, many smokers need to feel a stick between their fingers and lips. This is one thing that can’t be given by other smoking alternatives such as the nicotine gum and the nicotine patch.
Finally, an alternative!
Smoking does present several health hazards and risks, but through technology, even that can be circumvented. One innovative solution that uses technology to solve the health problems posed by cigarette smoking is the electronic cigarette.
What is an e cigarette?
An e cigarette is an electronic device that’s being introduced as an alternative to traditional smoking. It does this by vaporizing a nicotine mixture or packet and that in turn is inhaled by the smoker. Electronic cigarettes generally contain a heating and mechanical mechanism, and a nicotine cartridge or container. The heating mechanism usually contains a sensor where it activates the heating or vaporizing process when inhalation or vacuum action is detected. This then turns the nicotine mixture into a vapor, ready for inhalation by the smoker.
E cigarettes are usually made to look and feel like traditional cigarettes, and they even have an LED that lights up when a smoker puffs on the cigarette. The device is usually powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which the smoker needs to recharge should the electronic cigarette run out of power.
How can the electronic cigarette be a healthy alternative to smoking?
According to studies, much of the carcinogens and toxins from tobacco smoking comes from the burning of tobacco leaves. There are 19 known carcinogens found when tobacco leaves burn. Aside from those, there are also lead and tar from cigarette smoking. And, one should not forget, the smoke also affects the surrounding people through secondhand smoke. Then there’s also the carbon monoxide emitted that affects the quality of the environment.
Despite these health hazards, smokers continue on with their habit. It is the stimulating but calming effects of nicotine that make people addicted to smoking. Additionally, nicotine constitutes a large part of the taste of tobacco.
If you consider these facts, you may be able to discern how electronic cigarettes can become a healthy alternative. Look at these points:
1. E cigarettes don’t burn tobacco leaves.
2. E cigarettes just provide the nicotine without the carcinogens and toxins.
3. E cigarettes don’t give out smoke.
If you combine those points, then you should form a picture in your mind of how electronic cigarettes are much better than conventional, unhealthy cigarettes. You know the saying "where there’s smoke, there’s fire"? Of course, the reverse is also true. If there’s no fire, there’s no smoke. In the case of tobacco smoking, combustion takes place. In electronic cigarettes, this process doesn't happen at all. So if there’s no combustion, you remove the conditions that results in the production or release of toxins, carcinogens, and carbon monoxide.
Another advantage that e cigarettes present is that they give out the same pleasure of traditional smoking as using e cigarettes simulates the inhalation of smoke. Also, these devices are made to look and feel like cigarettes, so smokers would have an easier time transitioning to them. As smoking is also a psychological habit, many smokers need to feel a stick between their fingers and lips. This is one thing that can’t be given by other smoking alternatives such as the nicotine gum and the nicotine patch.
Finally, an alternative!
Smoking does present several health hazards and risks, but through technology, even that can be circumvented. One innovative solution that uses technology to solve the health problems posed by cigarette smoking is the electronic cigarette.
Depression & Psychotropic Medication
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect (Romans 12:2 NLT),"
I talked with a client recently who was again in deep despair. He was again suffering from depression and went on--at length--about his life situation which he perceived as hopeless. His perspective--at the time--could be summarized in one sentence: "I got no future."
To be sure, he has plenty of problems: No money. No job. On parole. And more.
However, it was only about a month earlier when he felt a lot different: "I feel happy," "I haven't felt this good in a long time." 'It's a miracle . . ."
There was no change in his life situation. Everything was the same. Except one thing: During the earlier session his psych meds were working. And later, those same psych meds had stopped working.
This client has spent his entire life using drugs--legal and illegal--to medicate his depression. When they work, this client often enjoys his life--even if he is living on the street. When the drugs are ineffective or unavailable, he is usually in despair. He feels that, apart from drugs, he is powerless over his depression.
He feels powerless because he has never learned to discipline his thinking. He has never learned to control his depression by taking "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB),"
He has never had to learn. Drugs and alcohol have always been available. And they provided instant relief.
Learning to control your depression by changing the way you think is often a slow, difficult and painful endeavor. Like a toddler learning to walk. The pain is an essential part of the learning process.
As Christians, the Bible says that we can be successful in this endeavor. The same is not necessarily true in respect to non-believers.
I don't want to say that psychotropic medication is never appropriate. That would be an overstatement. Even the Bible seems to suggest that one psychotropic agent--alcohol--is appropriate in some circumstances (Proverbs 31:4-7).
Alcoholism is a huge problem and the above scripture should be construed narrowly.
However, the point is this: To overcome depression, you need to control your thinking. It is extremely difficult--if not impossible--to really learn to do this when you are--at the same time--taking psychotropic medication.
I talked with a client recently who was again in deep despair. He was again suffering from depression and went on--at length--about his life situation which he perceived as hopeless. His perspective--at the time--could be summarized in one sentence: "I got no future."
To be sure, he has plenty of problems: No money. No job. On parole. And more.
However, it was only about a month earlier when he felt a lot different: "I feel happy," "I haven't felt this good in a long time." 'It's a miracle . . ."
There was no change in his life situation. Everything was the same. Except one thing: During the earlier session his psych meds were working. And later, those same psych meds had stopped working.
This client has spent his entire life using drugs--legal and illegal--to medicate his depression. When they work, this client often enjoys his life--even if he is living on the street. When the drugs are ineffective or unavailable, he is usually in despair. He feels that, apart from drugs, he is powerless over his depression.
He feels powerless because he has never learned to discipline his thinking. He has never learned to control his depression by taking "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB),"
He has never had to learn. Drugs and alcohol have always been available. And they provided instant relief.
Learning to control your depression by changing the way you think is often a slow, difficult and painful endeavor. Like a toddler learning to walk. The pain is an essential part of the learning process.
As Christians, the Bible says that we can be successful in this endeavor. The same is not necessarily true in respect to non-believers.
I don't want to say that psychotropic medication is never appropriate. That would be an overstatement. Even the Bible seems to suggest that one psychotropic agent--alcohol--is appropriate in some circumstances (Proverbs 31:4-7).
Alcoholism is a huge problem and the above scripture should be construed narrowly.
However, the point is this: To overcome depression, you need to control your thinking. It is extremely difficult--if not impossible--to really learn to do this when you are--at the same time--taking psychotropic medication.
Stress Relief
Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a subjective sensation associated with varied symptoms that differ for each of us. Hans Selye set out the first definition. Many scientists see stress as a reaction to events in our life which cause a reaction in our body. Stress is an emotional physiological reaction which everyone experiences as he or she encounters changes in life. Sudden changes in our environment will cause our body to set up our flight or fight mechanism to protect us from the perceived danger.. They can have positive or negative effects. Stress can make you deal with situations which you may be procrastinating over and therefore force you to take notice of the challenges or impending crisis which may cause conflicts. The negative effects when you allow the issue to become continuous or get you down can cause depression, heart disease or even cancer. When we can’t deal with an issue we unconsciously look for way out of the crisis. Avoiding the issue does not make it go away. All it does is delay the consequences. If the trauma becomes obsessive we escape into a split or multiple personality. At this point we have lost control over activity in our life and go on auto pilot. (My books, “Your Body Is Talking Are You Listening” and “ReParenting Yourself”, go into detail on how handle this conflict.)
We all have stress sometimes. For some people, it happens before having to speak in public. For other people, it might be before a first date, having to meet a deadline for a report or simply asserting themselves in a conversation. The financial crisis today can cause more stress. What causes stress for you may not be stressful for someone else. Sometimes stress is helpful – it can encourage you to meet a deadline or get things done. But long-term stress can increase the risk of diseases like depression, heart disease, and a variety of other problems. A stress-related illness called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after an event like war, a traumatic event such as, physical or sexual assault, or a natural disaster.
Not all people suffer or struggle with stress. Stress only exists if you allow it to affect you. As such, when we evaluate the stressor which affects people we find that there are people who do not react to stress. At this point we have to understand that stress is not universal, affecting all people. There are stressful people and there are people who do not react to stress. What is the magic quality that protects some people from stress? From my prospective it has to do with knowing and accepting who you are. Knowing that you are all right with you and knowing outside effects can not cause conflict within you. Try to follow the advice in Reinhold Niebuhr's, serenity prayer, "Grant me the courage to change the things I can change, the serenity to accept the things I can't change, and the wisdom to know the difference." In other words you can not have any effect on the outcome drop it and do not worry about it. Which means stress is worry and is only fear that something is going to affect me and I can not control it, which causes me to create stress. Depression is loss of control and attempting to escape from the stressor which you may not recognize.
Many of these effects are due to increased sympathetic nervous system activity and an outpouring of adrenaline, cortisol and other stress-related hormones. Certain types of chronic and more insidious stress due to loneliness, poverty, bereavement, depression and frustration due to discrimination are associated with impaired immune system resistance to viral linked disorders. These range from the common cold and herpes to AIDS and cancer. Stress can have effects on other brain neurotransmitters, additional small chemical messengers such as interleukins, seratonin, prostaglandins and hormones as well as crucial enzyme systems, and metabolic activities that are still unknown. Research in these areas may help to explain how stress can contribute to depression, anxiety and its diverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, skin and other organs. The physical reaction is to increase our heart rate and to dump adrenaline into our blood stream in readiness for the need to act or deal with the stressor.
Since our mind interprets all sensory input literally, the perceived effect may not always be a synonym for distress. Situations like a steep roller coaster ride that causes fear and anxiety for some can prove highly pleasurable for others. Winning a race or being invited to speak at a conference could cause as much stress as a negative experience. Stress is an unavoidable consequence of life, yet there are people who are not affected by stress. There are some stresses like the loss of parent, partner, friend or loss of a job or position that you can't control or avoid and others that you can prevent or influence. The trick is in learning how to distinguish between the two so that you're not constantly frustrated like Don Quixote tilting at windmills and devote your time and talent to areas where you can make a difference. When we learn to understand and cope with loss we no longer experience grieving over a loss. What IS -- IS, it is in the past. There isn’t anything we can do about the past. There is something we can do about our situation in the present. How do we cope with it all?
We will cover that in the next article in this series.
Dealing with stress can be accomplished in many ways. Exercise, diet, herbal preparations and many of the alternative therapies can help to relieve stress. The best method is to be able to control it with your mind. When you are balanced in your acceptance and validation of self you do not self reject which is one of the main causes of stress. The methods that contribute to more stress are alcohol, tobacco, street drugs, feeling burned out and Chronic Fatigue. Psycho active drugs may produce an effect that appears to reduce or relieve stress and depression but this is just temporary since you get addicted to the drugs to keep the stress level down or to elevate yourself from depression. Sometimes the side effects are more traumatic than stress. The key is to recognize stress can’t affect you. Some people will not accept or believe we can counteract stress with our mind, but can be done very effectively.
Dr. Art Martin has been working in the personal transformation field helping people to redirect their life for peace, happiness, harmony and joy for 30 years. He has discovered the root cause of the majority of our problems begin in the first four years of our life. The main cause is the dysfunctional parenting program that was given to us by our parents. Control, authority, discipline and compliance do not work as can be seen by all the dysfunctional children who grow up and perpetuate the program as it has gone on for generations after generations. Being unable to cope with stress is one of the major effects of not being able to understand what the eight qualities of unconditional love are. Most people are adult children, yet to understand what I just stated you have to have a frame of reference to recognize the meaning. The majority of us can’t even remember much of our childhood, yet we do not want to acknowledge something was not right in our childhood. Most of us grew up feeling rejected, not recognized, validated or accepted which nearly destroyed our self esteem, self worth and self confidence. Where do we go from here?
We need to ReParent Ourselves and grow up again. This is the topic of his new book “ReParenting Yourself”. In future articles we will write about how to control, release and manage stress so we can have peace, happiness, joy and harmony in our life.
We all have stress sometimes. For some people, it happens before having to speak in public. For other people, it might be before a first date, having to meet a deadline for a report or simply asserting themselves in a conversation. The financial crisis today can cause more stress. What causes stress for you may not be stressful for someone else. Sometimes stress is helpful – it can encourage you to meet a deadline or get things done. But long-term stress can increase the risk of diseases like depression, heart disease, and a variety of other problems. A stress-related illness called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after an event like war, a traumatic event such as, physical or sexual assault, or a natural disaster.
Not all people suffer or struggle with stress. Stress only exists if you allow it to affect you. As such, when we evaluate the stressor which affects people we find that there are people who do not react to stress. At this point we have to understand that stress is not universal, affecting all people. There are stressful people and there are people who do not react to stress. What is the magic quality that protects some people from stress? From my prospective it has to do with knowing and accepting who you are. Knowing that you are all right with you and knowing outside effects can not cause conflict within you. Try to follow the advice in Reinhold Niebuhr's, serenity prayer, "Grant me the courage to change the things I can change, the serenity to accept the things I can't change, and the wisdom to know the difference." In other words you can not have any effect on the outcome drop it and do not worry about it. Which means stress is worry and is only fear that something is going to affect me and I can not control it, which causes me to create stress. Depression is loss of control and attempting to escape from the stressor which you may not recognize.
Many of these effects are due to increased sympathetic nervous system activity and an outpouring of adrenaline, cortisol and other stress-related hormones. Certain types of chronic and more insidious stress due to loneliness, poverty, bereavement, depression and frustration due to discrimination are associated with impaired immune system resistance to viral linked disorders. These range from the common cold and herpes to AIDS and cancer. Stress can have effects on other brain neurotransmitters, additional small chemical messengers such as interleukins, seratonin, prostaglandins and hormones as well as crucial enzyme systems, and metabolic activities that are still unknown. Research in these areas may help to explain how stress can contribute to depression, anxiety and its diverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, skin and other organs. The physical reaction is to increase our heart rate and to dump adrenaline into our blood stream in readiness for the need to act or deal with the stressor.
Since our mind interprets all sensory input literally, the perceived effect may not always be a synonym for distress. Situations like a steep roller coaster ride that causes fear and anxiety for some can prove highly pleasurable for others. Winning a race or being invited to speak at a conference could cause as much stress as a negative experience. Stress is an unavoidable consequence of life, yet there are people who are not affected by stress. There are some stresses like the loss of parent, partner, friend or loss of a job or position that you can't control or avoid and others that you can prevent or influence. The trick is in learning how to distinguish between the two so that you're not constantly frustrated like Don Quixote tilting at windmills and devote your time and talent to areas where you can make a difference. When we learn to understand and cope with loss we no longer experience grieving over a loss. What IS -- IS, it is in the past. There isn’t anything we can do about the past. There is something we can do about our situation in the present. How do we cope with it all?
We will cover that in the next article in this series.
Dealing with stress can be accomplished in many ways. Exercise, diet, herbal preparations and many of the alternative therapies can help to relieve stress. The best method is to be able to control it with your mind. When you are balanced in your acceptance and validation of self you do not self reject which is one of the main causes of stress. The methods that contribute to more stress are alcohol, tobacco, street drugs, feeling burned out and Chronic Fatigue. Psycho active drugs may produce an effect that appears to reduce or relieve stress and depression but this is just temporary since you get addicted to the drugs to keep the stress level down or to elevate yourself from depression. Sometimes the side effects are more traumatic than stress. The key is to recognize stress can’t affect you. Some people will not accept or believe we can counteract stress with our mind, but can be done very effectively.
Dr. Art Martin has been working in the personal transformation field helping people to redirect their life for peace, happiness, harmony and joy for 30 years. He has discovered the root cause of the majority of our problems begin in the first four years of our life. The main cause is the dysfunctional parenting program that was given to us by our parents. Control, authority, discipline and compliance do not work as can be seen by all the dysfunctional children who grow up and perpetuate the program as it has gone on for generations after generations. Being unable to cope with stress is one of the major effects of not being able to understand what the eight qualities of unconditional love are. Most people are adult children, yet to understand what I just stated you have to have a frame of reference to recognize the meaning. The majority of us can’t even remember much of our childhood, yet we do not want to acknowledge something was not right in our childhood. Most of us grew up feeling rejected, not recognized, validated or accepted which nearly destroyed our self esteem, self worth and self confidence. Where do we go from here?
We need to ReParent Ourselves and grow up again. This is the topic of his new book “ReParenting Yourself”. In future articles we will write about how to control, release and manage stress so we can have peace, happiness, joy and harmony in our life.
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