Archive for July, 2007

Antioxidants To Fight Cancer And Other Diseases

Wednesday, July 25th, 2007

There is so much talk about antioxidants that you would be considered living in a cave if you have not heard about them. The benefits of antioxidants are many, thus deserving the spate of attention. Antioxidants are a vital part of staying young and healthy. You need to have antioxidants for a variety of reasons.

First of all, we need to know what an antioxidant is. During normal processes, molecules called free radicals are produced in the body. These are basically unstable atoms or molecules that desperately want to become stable. They do this by stealing electrons from healthy cells, making them unstable and less healthy. Antioxidants reverse this reaction, helping to keep the cells of our body healthy and functioning properly.

Cancer is thought to occur when damage is caused by these free radicals. Hence it goes to follow that getting more antioxidants can help you . In fact, studies show that taking regular foods rich in antioxidants can reduce our risk to colon, breast, esophagus, prostate, pancreas, and possibly many more cancers.

Antioxidants can help in anti aging. As we age, we constantly copy our cells to replace them when they die. Errors in copying occur and build up to form the aging process. Free radicals can also interfere and have been shown to promote wrinkles, memory problems, weakness of the immune system, and reduced elasticity of tissue. These are all symptoms of aging process. Although we can’t completely stop aging, but proper amounts of antioxidants can slow the process considerably.

Additionally, antioxidants have been shown to help prevent other serious diseases such as: cardiovascular diseases, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and vision problems. It is likely that antioxidants can help prevent many other diseases but their full effects simply haven’t been studied yet.

Antioxidants prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol. When this type of cholesterol oxidizes, it can attach to the walls of blood vessels causing heart disease. This increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. Oxidized cholesterol also contributes to the hardening of blood vessel walls increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Antioxidants can help keep your heart and the rest of your circulatory system healthy.

Another great benefit of antioxidants is that they help boost the immune system. If you get sufficient levels of antioxidants, you’re not only less likely to get sick; it’s also easier for you to fight off diseases you may get. Antioxidants are therefore said to be able to help you heal faster when you have an injury.

Do ensure that you eat a diet rich in antioxidants or get the required supplement.

Osteoarthritis Pain Relief with Glucosamine and Chondrotin

Friday, July 20th, 2007

Picture of JointYou can find some osteoarthritis pain relief with the use of glucosamine and chondrotin. Osteoarthritis is a painful and debilitating disorder. In severe cases, you may find that you are
unable to function due to the affected joints. It appears that the current recommendation by
many doctors is to completely remove the affected joints and replace them with artificial ones.
However, this is an invasive procedure and one that you may be reluctant to undergo. Using glucosamine and chondrotin as natural alternatives for osteoarthritis pain relief is a good option instead of turning to prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Most drug prescriptions come with side effects.

Glucosamine and chondroitin helps to accelerate the rebuilding process in your joints with the
nutrients necessary for building cartilage. Studies show that both supplements need to be taken for maximum osteoarthritis pain relief.

Many doctors also suggest that supplementation should be done, along with natural treatments, to slow down joint deterioration. Do consult your doctor for advice about taking glucosamine and chondroitin for relief.

Grape Juice For The Tired Mom

Wednesday, July 18th, 2007

If you find that you are constantly tired, why not a great natural energy booster? Grape juice.

Grape juice helps you fight chronic fatigue with adding iron to your diet. Iron deficiency is common, especially in women. It can cause severe fatigue and leave you feeling completely burnt out.

However, Don’t drink dark grape juices if you are anemic (low on iron). Dark grape juices contain chemicals that can actually lower the level of iron in your system, worsening the problem.
You should try to stick to white or light grape juice for the best iron boost. If your feeling extra tired after a workout, you probably need to replenish iron lost from sweating. Drinking grape juice will not only give you more energy, but also help with muscle fatigue as well.

When you are constantly feeling exhausted, it may be because your immune system isn’t working properly due to poor diet or excessive stress. You’ve probably heard that wine contains powerful antioxidants that help keep your healthy; well, grape juice contains antioxidants as well. But it is several notches better because grape fruit does not make you drowsy like alcohol.

Regular grape juice can give you plenty of antioxidants for a stronger immune system,leaving you feeling healthy and energized. Antioxidants have also been shown to fight heart disease, prevent Alzheimer’s, and decrease the signs of aging.

However, do note that you should refrain from drinking grape juice if you have a specific disorder that is causing your fatigue. Those with fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica, and chronic fatigue syndrome should not drink grape juice because it contains high levels of sugar and this can actually worsen fatigue.