Want To Know How To Cure Herpes?

No one knows how to cure herpes, although many scientists have been studying the herpes simplex virus in order to hopefully develop an effective vaccine that either prevents transmission or eliminates the presence of the virus in the body. Will there ever be a cure for genital herpes? That remains unanswered, but it is evident that a lot of research is being done to hopefully make the answer to that question "yes."

Currently, the closest things available to knowing how to cure herpes are the variety of medications and herbal treatments that temporarily cure and suppress the symptoms of herpes outbreaks.

Many of the drugs that can be prescribed to treat herpes infections aid a great deal in decreasing the number of outbreaks that occur in those who have the condition. They also alleviate the severity of outbreaks when they do occur. These medications are antiviral agents that also tend to reduce the frequency of viral shedding, which is when the body can actively transmit the virus even though no signs or symptoms occur. Valtrex is currently the most popular form of herpes medication.

Some people think that a vaccine will be the answer to how to cure herpes, and several vaccines are currently being investigated. They are, for the most part, only going to aid in the prevention of herpes, and those who already have the virus will probably not be able to rid themselves of it by being vaccinated post contamination.

Glaxo-Smith Klein launched a campaign in 2002 to develop a trial study for Herpevac for Women, which is currently the leading potential for an effective vaccine, however it appears that it will only be effective for women. Isoniplex is a vaccine that is currently available in most countries, but not yet in the United States. The US Food and Drug Administration is currently working to determine whether or not this vaccine should be manufactured and distributed in the United States in the near future.

Some natural treatments are being studied, and many are currently being used to assist people in the treatment of their genital herpes. Whether or not natural methods will answer the question of will there ever be a cure for genital herpes remains uncertain, but it is clear that significant progression is being made in the area of natural treatments. Zinc, lysine, and vitamin C combinations have been shown to effectively speed up the recovery process for breakouts. Olive leaf, andrographis and echinacea combinations help to boost the body's immune system, which ultimately fights the virus and reduces the amount of outbreaks and symptoms that occur.

It seems that we are not far away from finding out how to cure herpes, we just haven't completely arrived there yet. Researchers continue to work to better understand the very complex herpes simplex virus, and so far their studies have provided us with important information to help us better manage the virus. Hopefully within the next few years we will no longer be asking ourselves how to cure herpes or will there ever be a cure for herpes?

How To Cure Candida Albicans Naturally

Candida Albicans is a type of parasitic yeast-like fungus that inhabits the intestines, genital tract, mouth, esophagus and throat. Normally this fungus lives in healthy balance with the other bacteria and yeasts in the body, however, certain conditions can cause it to multiply weakening the immune system and causing the infection known as Candidiasis. When Candida infects the vagina it results in Vaginitis characterized by large amounts of white, cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning.

When the fungus infects the oral cavity, white sores may form on the tongue, gums and inside the cheeks. In a baby, the white spots of oral thrush may resemble milk spots. It is most common in babies and in persons with compromised immune symptoms. Virtually all people with AIDS have some type of fungal infection. Anyone who has been on long term antibiotic therapy, or has taken antibiotics often, probably has an overgrowth of Candida somewhere in the body. Antibiotics weaken the immune system and also destroy the "friendly" bacteria that normally keep Candida under control. As Candida spreads the fungus releases toxins that weaken the immune system further.

Symptoms:

Constipation, diarrhea, colitis, abdominal pain, headaches, bad breath, impotence, memory loss, canker sores, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, nagging cough, acne, night sweats, burning tongue, and white spots on the tongue and in the mouth

Recommendations:

• Raw, organic garlic inhibits and destroys Candida Albicans. Two separate studies showed that that garlic inhibited the growth of candida albicans in vitro. Appl Environ Microbiol, 53(3), march 1987, p. 615-617. AND Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 30(3), September 1986, p.499-501
• Eat plenty of raw vegetables and gluten-free grains such as brown rice and millet. See foods that heal.
• Drink distilled water only.
• To prevent re-infection, replace your toothbrush every 30 days and wear white cotton underwear as synthetic fibers lead to increased perspiration which creates a hospitable environment for Candida.
• Herbal colon formulas may be helpful in cleansing the intestinal tract which can help eliminate a yeast infection. If interested, click here to take a look at a high quality colon cleanse.
• If you have chronic and/or unusually persistent Candida infections, consult your healthcare provider.

Things to Avoid:

• Avoid foods that destroy, including aged cheeses, alcohol, baked goods, chocolate, dried fruits, ham, pickles, soy sauce, raw mushrooms, and nut butters.
• Eliminate citrus and acidic fruits such as orange, grapefruit, lemon, tomato and limes from your diet for one month.

References:

1) James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," (1997)

2) S. yoshida, et al., "Antifungal Activity of Ajoene Derived from Garlic," Appl Environ Microbiol, 53(3), march 1987, p. 615-617.

3) M. Adetumbi, et al., "Allium Satvium (garlic) Inhibits Lipid Synthesis by Candida Albicans," Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 30(3), September 1986, p.499-501

Types of Raw Food Diet

You probably know the advantages that raw food diet brings about. A raw food diet is a type of dietary plan of which the literally involves the consuming of uncooked, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, sprouts, seaweed, nuts and juices. The main idea behind the raw food diet is that cooking and processing removes the much needed vitamins, enzymes and nutrients that our bodies need in order to have a healthy life. Below are types of raw food diet that you may want to try.

Fruitarian

This is probably one of the most interesting types of raw food diet. Fruitarians essentially mean the consumption of foods that primarily consist of fruits, nuts and grains or a "fruit only diet". Fruits provide nourishment and are quite refreshing. They don't obstruct the circulatory system of the body; in fact, they clean the arteries and blood vessels.

Juicearian

Drinking fruit and vegetable juice is considered as the best way to remove toxins. Juice is a type of concentrated nutrition. Individuals who drink prefer this type of diet opt for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sproutarian

This type of raw food diet focuses more on consuming sprouts. You may not know it but sprouts are rich in vitamins and nutrients. As a matter of fact, contain all of the required elements a plant needs for it to live and grow. The seed of the sprout acts like a depot of carbohydrates, protein and oil. And when the seed develops; the seeds is then filled with predigested amino acids and natural sugars that provide nourishment to the plant. Sprouts are rich with energy that will provide us with additional vigor and life.

Raw food diet is the best way to give your body the nourishment it needs. Most of the people in the United States nowadays are overweight. Being overweight does not mean you have all the nourishment that your body needs, as a matter of fact overweight individuals usually crave for the essential nourishment that their body needs. The reason that they are overweight is because of the processed foods that they consume and the way the foods served. Almost all of the processed provide only a small amount of what the body really needs. Therefore, they tend to consume more processed food than what their body needed and still do not have sufficient nourishment. And in order to be healthy, you must have a healthy diet.

Snacks That Raise the Bar

You may be familiar with health professionals suggesting that you eat snacks throughout the day, and 'snack bars' seem like an obvious choice. But walk into that aisle of the grocery store and you are bombarded with bright colors, health claims, and messages on each and every box. Which ones are better choices and which ones are more like camouflaged candy bars?

One main ingredient to look for in snack items is fiber. It helps fill you up and keep your system moving. Current recommendations suggest that adults need 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day. A product or a food item can be labeled "high fiber" when it contains more than 5g of fiber per serving. And bran, the outer layer of the whole grain, is fiber rich. However, they don't make it easy – just seeing the words "fiber" or "bran" on the food package does not guarantee a well-balanced product.

In addition to a good amount of fiber, you also want a snack bar to have several grams of protein and fat to balance out the carbohydrates from the grains and not to have too many grams of sugar (aim for 10 grams or less).

Quaker makes an easy lesson for us with its "Breakfast Cookies." At least they are not hiding anything with this product - with 220 calories and 19 grams of sugar, this breakfast item surely is just a cookie fortified with a handful of vitamins. You will find that other bars are often little more than vitamin-fortified Rice Krispies Treats.

The new Oats and Chocolate Fiber One Bar touts 35% of the daily value of fiber in huge print on the front of the box. I give this product an honorable mention. With drizzled chocolate on top and chocolate chips inside, this bar is a sweet and tasty treat. The nutritional information is 140 calories and 9 grams of fiber, but it also has 10 grams of sugar and only 2 grams of protein. In addition, these bars contain high fructose corn syrup, as well as hydrogenated coconut oil. On the other hand, I highly recommend Fiber One cereal as a breakfast food or snack (mix with nuts and dried fruit for a fantastic homemade trail mix). One-half cup has only 60 calories and 15 grams of fiber.

All-Bran also has a bar that I will give an honorable mention. It advertises 20% of your daily fiber needs on the package. Each bar has about 130 calories, 5 grams of fiber, only half a gram of saturated fat, and no refined grains. It has moderately high sugar at 11 grams, but at least it comes with a decent dose of fiber. In contrast, Post Raisin Bran Cereal Bars have only 3 grams of fiber and some refined "wheat flakes" mixed in with their whole grains. Even lower on the continuum would be Kellogg's Raisin Bran Crunch bars – they have more white rice than any whole grain, leaving each bar with only one gram of fiber. Why even use bran in the name of that bar?

Kashi is a current favorite brand of mine. They now have hot and cold cereals, granola bars, snack bars, and yes, you heard it here, cookies!, all made with their signature seven-grain blend. A cookie with 3-4 grams of fiber may be a nutritionists dream come true. Their TLC crunchy and chewy granola bars, as well as their GoLean snack bars are great choices for snacks on the run. The granola bars have 4 grams of fiber, 7 grams of protein, and 5-7 grams of sugar. The snack bars have 6 grams of fiber and 9-12 grams of protein. (Numbers vary depending on the flavor). In addition, all of the ingredients are natural – no manufactured sugars or hydrogenated oils.

As you can see, it is all relative. Kashi remains my top choice of brand. However, keep in mind these guidelines when checking food labels: Look for at least 4 or 5 grams of fiber and protein and less than 10 grams of sugar. Read over the ingredient list. Is it nice and short? Can you pronounce all of the words? Going with the old adage that "we are what we eat," it is nice to at least be able to pronounce what we are putting inside our bodies.

Snack on! Without constant sources of energy throughout the day, your mental clarity and mood are sure to suffer. If you don't believe it – ask your coworkers or family. They may hint at a few mood swings, depending on the last time you have eaten that day.

Recognizing The Signs Of Herpes & Treating The Virus Effectively

There are a variety of common signs of herpes. Some of them are very noticeable, such as in most cases of oral herpes, and some are less obvious, as is the case for genital herpes. Still, additional signs and symptoms of herpes can develop in the forms of ailments and illnesses such as fever and headaches.

When a person is afflicted with oral herpes, the outbreaks that are associated with the virus are usually very visible to others. The initial symtoms of herpes begin on an average of four days after a person initially comes in contact with the virus. An itching or burning sensation in, on, or around a person's mouth usually indicates the onset of an outbreak.

Shortly after these first signs begin to develop, small red bumps appear on the infected area and quickly progress into larger blisters. The blisters ulcerate, and then become scabs and remain that way until the healing process completes its course. Some accompanying signs of herpes of the mouth include the swelling of gums and lymph nodes in the neck, and a sore throat.

The genital herpes infections are usually caused by HSV-2, while oral herpes is usually a result of an HSV-1 infection. General indications of genital herpes outbreaks appear in a similar way to those of oral herpes in regards to the sores that occur on the genitals of men and women.

The signs and symptoms of herpes caused by HSV- 2 differ very slightly from those caused by HSV – 1 in that they usually cause more severe symptoms to develop as well as a higher frequency of outbreaks. Additionally, females who have fallen victim to the condition are susceptible to developing symptoms inside their vaginal cavity. This often results in the misdiagnosis of the symptoms as herpes, and in some cases, the herpes virus is not identified at all by the infected person.

In addition to the visible signs of herpes, symptoms similar to those of the flu may develop. Body aches, headaches, and fevers often develop in conjunction with the earliest indications of a herpes contraction. These signs are, in general, not associated with the virus. As a result, they are often not thought of as symtoms of herpes until the physical manifestations of the virus develop. In some cases, sufferers may develop nerve twitching in the area that is affected by the virus both prior to and during an outbreak.

In order to manage the effects of the various signs and symptoms of herpes, a vast array of treatment options are available. For most people, prescription drug treatment is the treatment of choice. Combined with an over the counter pain reliever or topical cream, this treatment method usually results in a lessening of the frequency of outbreaks, as well as a means of easing pain during outbreaks.

Natural treatments are becoming an increasingly popular way to remedy signs of herpes, as they are usually not accompanied by any additional side effects. Consultation with a doctor is always recommended before any form of treatment is used.

What is Acid Reflux? - The Question Behind a Story

There's most commonly a very personal story behind the question "what is acid reflux?" I say that because those who have a very real reason to believe that they may be suffering from the complaint are the ones who pose the question.

Most commonly they may believe that they are suffering with a bout of heartburn and this has been going on for a seemingly extended period. The end result is stomach acid seeping into the esophagus. The potent stomach liquids are pushed into the esophagus and hence the delicate lining is not designed to cope with industrial strength acid that belongs in the stomach.

During your research, and while asking, "what is acid reflux decease?" for that is what you are most likely doing right now; you also come across the term "gastroesophageal reflux disease" and the acronym "GERD".

A few weeks ago I visited a good friend of mine and I had the occasion told him just how tired he looked on that day. I thought that he had been overworking lately but his wife joined the conversation and continued to tell me that he had just spent the last night in hospital with a suspected heart attack. During the night he had experienced severe chest pains and in the end he had to call the emergency services, believing he was suffering from a heart attack.

It turned out to be a severe case of heartburn and the doctors told him that the symptoms were very similar. That's the case; actually some of the symptoms of acid reflux decease are similar to a heart attack.

What is acid reflux? The esophagus, or what you might commonly refer to as the throat, joins the stomach; you will find a restricting valve known as the lower esophagus sphincter. The purpose of this valve is to prevent stomach acid seeping into the esophagus. It's a one-way traffic system that permits food into the stomach and prevents acid leaving the stomach. For a variety of reason, stomach acid may occasionally find its way past the lower esophagus sphincter. The guarding sentinel is known to give way on occasions. The sensitive ling of the esophagus is then irritated to cause severe pain in the lower chest area. That is why there is sometimes a mistake and people think that it's a heart attack.

No matter if you find yourself with severe chest pains call the emergency services and let them tell you that it's simply acid reflux. While you're there you may want to ask the medical staff the same question: "what is acid reflux?"

You will find that the symptoms of acid reflux can be considerably worsened when in a lying down position, such as when you are in bed. That is why people complain more about it during the night than at any other time. That is why some many restless nights are experienced and why my friend looked so tired while I visited him. In fact the acid reflux will occur at any time of day but lets be thankful for our old friend gravity. Not only does it prevent the human race flying off into outer space to meet our maker but also it keeps stomach acid where it is meant to be - in the stomach.

I'm sure that you'd like to know more about acid reflux and how you can help yourself to combat the complaint then visit http://www.treatacid.com

Heartburn - Is it Heartburn or GERD?

Do you experience frequent heartburn? You should ask your doctor whether something more serious might be going on, even if the antacids you take knock it out quickly. Of particular concern is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly. The LES is basically a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. When it doesn't close tightly, stomach contents can leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The result? For many folks, it's the chronic pain of heartburn.

Not One Symptom

Heartburn is the main symptom of GERD, but it is important to know that some people can have the disorder without feeling any acid indigestion. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) notes that other symptoms may include pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning and trouble swallowing. You may even feel as though you are choking or have food stuck in your throat. GERD can also cause a dry cough and bad breath. And as bad as these symptoms make you feel, the potential repercussions are, alas, even worse: bleeding, ulcers, scars from tissue damage, difficulty swallowing, and, possibly, cancer.

What Causes GERD?

Though no one knows for sure what causes GERD, researchers have discovered that one contributing factor may be a hiatal hernia. This happens when the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest is forced out of position and ends up above the diaphragm. The diaphragm usually helps the lower esophageal sphincter keep acid from coming up into the esophagus, but the hernia interferes with this, and reflux is the result.

Other recognized potential triggers include: alcohol use, excess weight, pregnancy and smoking.

In addition, acid reflux may be triggered by eating certain foods such as citrus; chocolate; caffeinated drinks; fatty and fried foods; garlic and onions; mint and mint flavorings; spicy foods; and tomatoes and tomato-based foods such as spaghetti sauce, chili and pizza.

What Can Be Done?

The first step is to go see your doctor. An exam can help determine whether you are suffering from simple heartburn or GERD. According to NIDDK, over-the-counter (OTC) antacid medication may help people in the short term.

However, if it's GERD, prescription medication might be your best bet. Your doctor may prescribe meds that are more effective than OTC ones; he or she may also perform tests to help determine the best treatment course for you. You'll want to get to the doctor sooner rather than later, since GERD is a very treatable problem. Whether you have heartburn or GERD affects your treatment. If you're not sure, see your doctor. ©REMEDY, Spring 2007

Low Carb Atkins Menus - The Awful Truth Revealed!

The Atkins diet is still touted as one of the most popular low carb diets available today. Sure some copycats have made their own diet plans which are based on the Atkins diet, and they have gained some popularity as well, but Atkins diet remains the most sought after diet even today. In this article I will tell you how low carb diet menu plans can be helpful for your health.

There are several advantages of following the Atkins diet plan. One of them is that when you are on a low carb diet, you don't need to count your calorie intake since it is obvious that your calorie intake is kept at an all-time low-level. Another advantage is that low carb diets help in reducing the amount of blood glucose in diabetes patients. For people with high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and suffering from heart related problems, there is good news. Low carb diets reduce the amount of LDL and increase the amount of HDL (or good cholesterol), which reduces heart-related problems.. Low carb diets are also known to make our cells more sensitive to insulin, which minimizes the risk of high blood sugar. Low carb diets are also believed (although it is not scientifically proven) to have several positive effects on our body, such as extra energy, lower appetite for sweets, better focus, enhanced mood and lowering of depression

There are other advantages of a low carb diet as well. Have you been instructed by your doctor not to eat foods that are rich in meats, oils, cheeses or fats? Well, with low carb Atkins menus, you can have all these fatty and oily foods which you could not even touch before! This is because the low carb diet menu is based on a diet which is rich in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates. In other words, you will soon start taking pleasure in a low carb diet menu and wonder why you didn't think of having a low carb diet before!

Also, an Atkins diet plan is very flexible and easy to implement. It doesn't matter even if you are on various other high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, you can apply the Atkins diet plan side by side with other diet plans.

In recent times the Atkins diet has been subjected to criticism, particularly by those who would like to ride on the reputation of Dr. Atkins and get free publicity for their own diet plans. One of these funny criticisms is that Atkins died of his own diet, while the truth is that he died of severe head injury.

To conclude, if you want to live a longer and healthier life, then you need to follow the low carb diet menu plan. If you need more information about how low carb diets can improve your health and how to find good low carb foods, simply click on the link in my resource box below.

Low Carb Diet Help - Important Things You Need To Know About Low Carb Diets

You are overweight. Or, suffering from diabetes. Or perhaps you have heard a lot about the negative effects of high carb foods. Whatever maybe your reason for switching to low carb diet, I am sure that if you are new to low carb diets, you have a lot of questions like how it works, what is a perfect low carb diet like, which foods are allowed and which are not, etc. In this article, I will cover all the basics regarding low carb diet. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will be able to decide whether low carb diet is for you or not.

First of all, let me tell you one thing: if you are in search of a quick-fix solution that will burn your fat like magic and will help you lose weight in a couple of weeks, then low carb diets are certainly not for you. It is not a fad, not is it based on some age-old formula like: eat XX foods at breakfast, eat YY foods for dinner, lose a few pounds of fat, and then go back to your old eating habits. No, it is not something like that. On the contrary, a low carb diet is like a rigorous training you need to undergo for the betterment of your health. You will do yourself a favor if you read at least ONE book on low carb diets.

Low carb diet is not merely about cutting down on sugar and starch. It means revamping your entire lifestyle by rejecting all those high carb foods that you are so used to eating all day and night. Under a low carb diet regimen, you will be required to choose foods which contain a high amount of protein and fat and a low amount of carbohydrates.

You may ask: Why cannot I eat carbs? Good question. First of all, when we eat high carb foods, those carbs are converted into glucose. Insulin converts this glucose into energy which we use in order to run our bodies. So far so good, but if you want to lose weight, your body will have to derive energy by burning fat and not glucose. However, as long as there is a continuous supply of glucose, your body won't bother to burn the fat. So in essence, carbohydrates help in storing fat inside your body. When you lower your carb intake, your body will be forced to burn its own fat in order to produce energy and in this way you will start losing weight or body fat.

Do not confuse "low fat" with "low carbohydrates". There is a big difference between the two. With a low fat diet, your body burns its own fat as well as muscles for energy. While on a low fat diet, you lose a lot of weight for sure, but you also lose a lot of lean muscles in the process, which slows down your metabolism. On the contrary, with a low carb diet, your body will burn fat for its energy production but will keep your lean muscle intact. So you should go for a "low carb" diet and NOT a "low fat" diet. If you need more information about low carb diets, simply click on the link in my resource box below!

Relieve The Pain Of Arthritis

Health supplements can help relieve the pain of arthritis and slow down cartilage degeneration.

The name arthritis means 'inflammation of the joints'. One of the more commonly known forms of arthritis is osteoarthritis especially in the elderly. It is a degenerative disease that effects the cartilage of the joints, particularly the load or weight bearing joints such as the hips, knees and spine.

Cartilage acts as shock absorbers between joints and allows the joint to glide freely. Without cartilage, the joints develop a very rough and rigid surface to move on. Over time degradation of the cartilage between the bones of the joint causes considerable pain and swelling.

Osteoarthritis is usually caused by physical injuries, infections or by repetitive joint stress. It is also proposed that, as we age, we lose the ability to produce healthy cartilage. Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint pain, swelling, redness and loss of mobility.

Let's Try to Slow Down the Wear and Tear

A healthy diet and specific nutritional supplements, along with some lifestyle changes, can ease the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis.

* Increase protective antioxidants in your diet as these remove free radicals responsible for inflammation within the body. Foods that are to focused upon are colorful fruits, vegetables and leafy salad greens.

* Increase the healthy fats in your diet to promote the natural inflammatory pathways of the body. Cold water fish rich in oil, free range eggs, avocados, extra virgin olive oil, macadamia nuts and oils, raw nuts and seeds are all foods rich in healthy fats that reduce inflammation.

* Choose lean protein sources with minimal saturated animal fats. Protein foods for example, fresh local fish, organic eggs, organic chickens or secondary sources such as whole grains and legumes should be included. Protein shakes can be considered to ensure you are receiving enough protein daily.

* Reduce your intake of inflammatory fats contained in processed and take away foods. Consuming a diet high in red meat can also make arthritis worse.

* Reduce the intake of sugary foods, soft drinks, alcohol, tea and coffee, known junk foods. Quit smoking.

* Some people consider the following to exasperate the symptoms of arthritis, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and capsicum.

* Exercise regularly. Exercise keeps the joints flexible, improves muscular strength and assists healthy weight maintenance.

* Keep your weight within the body mass index for your size will help reduce strain on the joints. The impact of every step on your joints can be quite damaging if you are overweight.

* Keep yourself hydrated by drinking 2 liters of filtered water a day.

Alzheimer's Books For Moral and Medical Support

If you're a reader, Alzheimer's books are an easy way to educate yourself about your loved one's disease. There are literally hundreds of Alzheimer's books flooding the market today, everything from highly personal accounts of people suffering from the disease to the ubiquitous Alzheimer's for Dummies.

Which Alzheimer's books you choose to read is largely a matter of personal taste. The following five are classics that all address different aspects of Alzheimer's disease.

The Thirty-Six Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss Later in Life by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins

If you never spend money on another Alzheimer's book, make sure you buy this one. It is the Bible of Alzheimer's care, full of advice and sympathetic support from caregivers who've been there. Does your loved one try to remove his clothes in public? Does she wander at night? Is he refusing baths? Is she refusing food? Whatever the problem, this down-to-earth guide addresses it with both tenderness and frankness.

Talking to Alzheimer's: Simple Ways to Connect When You Visit With A Family Member or Friend by Claudia J. Strauss

This Alzheimer's book provides simple, compassionate conversation starters to help you communicate with your loved one in a nursing home. If she doesn't talk much, or if he always begs to be allowed to come home with you, this book will offer you gentle suggestions for easing the tension and finding more pleasant topics of conversation. If you've been avoiding visiting your loved one because you don't know what to say, this addition to your library is a must.

Alzheimer's Activities: Hundreds of Activities for Men and Women with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders by B.J. Fitzray

"Mom just sits there all day doing nothing." If this is your complaint, then this Alzheimer's book is definitely worth checking into. Suggested activities range from elaborate outings and gourmet baking projects to simple tasks like folding clothes or drying dishes. And, with a hundred activities to choose from, you're sure to find at least a few that will spark your loved one's interest.

Your Name Is Hughes Hannibal Shanks: A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's by Lela Knox Shanks and Steven H. Zarit

This book is written from the point of view of a woman who cared for her Alzheimer's-stricken husband at home. The tone is supportive, candid, and matter-of-fact. Mrs. Shanks never slips into self pity as she admits her mistakes and details her triumphs. If you find comfort in reading about people who have successfully walked the path that you are on, this is the Alzheimer's book for you.

The Forgetting: Alzheimer's: Portrait of an Epidemic by David Shenk.

Far from being dry and academic, this history of Alzheimer's disease reads more like a suspense novel. Shenk details the first diagnosis of Alzheimer's, current methods of treatment and support, and cutting edge scientific research.

This list of Alzheimer's books offers some suggestions to get your library started. As you look through the available literature, you'll probably find some of your own favorites to add. Whether you're into holistic treatment methods or scientific explanations, there's an Alzheimer's book out there for you.

Whey Protein: The All-Natural Muscle Building Supplement

In order to appreciate whey protein entirely it is necessary to gain an understanding of its components and what they do for the body. The nutrients that are available in Protein supplements provide the body with proteins and many amino acids. Since the body is incapable of making amino acids this is an attractive aspect of whey protein. Amino acids are crucial to the health of muscles by promoting growing strength as well as healing capabilities. Whey protein is loaded with amino acids and essential protein to provide any consumer with the benefits of gaining strength and stamina by enabling the body to manufacture creatine.

Creatine is an imperative part of the bodybuilding process because it is directly responsible for firing the muscles. When creatine levels are low, the muscles get tired and sore. Protein supplement encourages the creatine making process by providing the body with the necessary nutrients to manufacture it to required levels.

Whey protein is a by-product of the cheese making process and can interfere with some consumer's lactose intolerance for this reason. Whey was leftover after the cheese making process was complete. Food researchers found that it had a very high presence of natural amino acids that are vital for building healthy strong muscles.

The key element surrounding Protein supplements is that it has a much higher absorption rate than most other supplements. It has proven its weight worth in gold as far as nutritional value goes as well as provides the strength-training individual with an added boost of amino acids necessary for making creatine. That isn't to say that there isn't a significant amount of protein and amino acids available in supplements derived from soy, vegetable or meat. It means that whey protein provides a much higher level of protein intake and absorption than eating a block of soy.

Protein supplements are also noted for giving support to the immune system. Bone health, healthy muscles as well as healthy tissues are all benefits to using a whey protein supplement. Athletes from all sectors seem to benefit from Protein supplements as it is considered a large role player in sports health in general. It is also recognized for its strength training benefits and weight management. It provides the amino acids and proteins without the fat content that is typically found in foods high in protein. The best aspect of taking whey protein as a supplement is that it is all-natural and is associated with very little risks.

Of course, there is always a small element of risk associated with any health food supplement. The only general risk that any potential consumer will face with Protein supplements is the intolerance of products containing lactose. Remember to avoid whey protein if you are allergic to milk or milk products. Try incorporating this powerful, natural supplement to your diet today to experience the advantage that you've only heard others speak about!

Discover 6 Essentials To Maximise Your Health And Energy, & Avoid Disease - Pt 1

Do you ever wonder just HOW you can achieve greater energy; better health, and minimise your chances of succumbing to a crippling illness like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia etc.?

If you're like a rapidly growing number of Australians, you've probably already decided that you're not prepared to accept the "roll-the-dice" approach to your health and wellbeing!

Or, maybe you're simply at a point where you're having to make some changes in your life… changes to bring about some better results in your body and mind.

This first part of a six part series is about helping you on a journey to discover better health, increased energy, and to realize that there IS something that you can do to stack the odds in YOUR favor, when it comes to avoiding chronic disease.

Now of course, we don't believe in magic-pills, or supposed miracle snake-oil cures! And I'm sure you don't either! This is about real information, for intelligent people who are searching for RESULTS…

…People like yourself, and many other people around the world right now.

So here's number one, of the six essential things you must know to maximise your health and energy, and avoid disease:

(Drum roll please: "drdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdr Ta-da!")

#1: You have more control than you think!

There is a pervasive mentality out there that goes a bit like this:

"I'll eat and drink what I like, get little or no exercise, and fill my mind with junk, and I'll be alright mate! If I do 'get struck down' with an illness, I'll go off to the doctor; take some drugs, have some surgery, and I'll be alright mate!"

Don't get me wrong, if that's you - I don't blame you; that's probably how you've been brought up, and that's the view our society supports. But….

I'd suggest that if you subscribe to this view, you're headed for problems!!

Personally, I very much doubt you have this view, otherwise you wouldn't have even visited this article in the first place! True? So I'm pretty safe in assuming you have a different mindset right?

I thought so…

The fact is, what we eat….

What we drink…

What exercise we get….

…and what happens in our minds, has a RADICAL effect on our health!

YES, we can completely change our health results, by changing the things that go INTO our bodies and mind, and by changing certain aspects of our lifestyle routines, such as exercise.

It comes down to knowledge, discipline, lifestyle and persistence.

First let's briefly consider knowledge.

Why did so many unfortunate asbestos factory workers end up dying of lung cancer? Because they didn't KNOW it was dangerous to be inhaling asbestos. These days, with the benefit of that knowledge, you can hardly even THINK of moving a piece of asbestos sheet, and the authorities are on to you!

Knowledge, was the key. The right knowledge can SAVE YOUR LIFE!

There are numerous other examples you can probably think of.

The point is, what is our knowledge level like? And what is the quality of our knowledge?

We can firstly simply LACK knowledge… we can be ignorant of certain truths that are out there for everyone to learn if they want to - or we can even be in denial about that knowledge, for various reasons! A good example would be smoking…

Few could argue the scientific evidence that smoking causes cancer and other horrific diseases; yet multitudes still smoke habitually. Many may be in denial of the knowledge that is evident.

Secondly, we can have incomplete or inaccurate knowledge. Something that most people think is fine, may in fact be harmful.

We promote an approach that is practical, but based on the best available knowledge you can find. We encourage you to have an inquiring outlook into your health - after all it's YOUR body, and no-one is going to be more concerned about it than YOU!

Be open to new developments and possible solutions to health challenges that you may have. But research your knowledge carefully - beware of just any old opinion that's touted around out there!

So, knowledge is a major key. The knowledge you will learn even in this short course alone, can literally save you from an early death, or perhaps even worse, the pain and debilitation of your later life spent with chronic disease. The second factor we mentioned above is discipline.

Not a popular word these days is it?

Shall we skip over that one!?

Maybe not. We're not going to make significant changes in our lives without some APPLIED EFFORT, whether it be mental or physical. If we have spent 10, 20, 30 or more years living our lives in a certain way, it takes some WILL-POWER to change those habits! And that's quite normal…

It all depends what we give power to… do we give power to the old habit, by falling for its lure each time we're tempted?! Or do we give power to the new way by reinforcing helpful and nourishing behaviours into our lifestyle?

The third aspect was lifestyle. This is linked to discipline. But this aspect is probably the main reason why countless thousands of hopeful Australians go on a "diet" to lose some weight, and fail… Six to nine months down the track they are in no better, or even a worse state than they were when they started out headlong into the latest food fad!

Whatever changes we need to make, must be based on a progressive lifestyle change, not a crash-bang, no holds-barred-approach for a few days, and then crash and burn!

Did you get that? "Progressive Lifestyle Change" That will bring about long term, lasting results, if you apply discipline, and….

Persistence - the last of the four aspects we mentioned above.

Something new always has a novelty about it for a few days, weeks, or even months… don't you find?

But how do we look a year down the track, or even five, ten of twenty?

Have we deeply ingrained the habit into our lives? Have we stuck at it through thick and thin, or at least brought ourselves back onto the path if we veer off for a season?

This is the territory of persistence…

Does that make sense?

I trust you've enjoyed this first part of our course. Please visit our site below to grab the rest of the installments to this course and have them delivered to your inbox!

What is Hypothyroidism and What Are The Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a nasty condition that is becoming more and more common as time goes on. So, what is hypothyroidism and what are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is simply when the thyroid is producing an abnormally low amount of thyroid hormone, which can cause a multitude of complications and symptoms.

The reason this is bad news for someone's health is because this hormone helps regulate the metabolism in the body, as well as help in the digestive process. It makes perfect sense then, that one of the most obvious symptoms that is associated with hypothyroidism is a slower than normal metabolism.

It is thought that somewhere around five million or so Americans have hypothyroidism, but the numbers world-wide are unknown. The condition hits women more than men, and it is thought that as much as ten percent of women may suffer with the condition, even if it is only in a mild form, however the exact numbers are unknown.

There are a number of potential causes of hypothyroidism, which include iodine deficiency and where the problem is caused by autoimmune abnormalities.

It is unusual for hypothyroidism to be caused if the diet has sufficient iodine, and many people in industrialized nations will gain iodine from salt (it is added when salt is manufactured) and vegetables. So the majority of cases are likely to come from "autoimmune hypothyroidism".

Autoimmune hypothyroidism is when the bodies own defences attack and destroy thyroid gland cells, which stops the thyroid producing the normal amount of thyroid hormone.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a condition that is associated with autoimmune hypothyroidism and one of the symptoms is a goitre, which is a swelling of the thyroid gland, which can eventually be seen as a lump on the neck.

Another common cause of hypothyroidism is the removal of the entire thyroid gland during surgery. If you were having other problems with your thyroid gland, you might need to have it removed, or partially removed, and although that may cure other medical conditions.

The thyroid is a common spot for cancer to grow therefore forced hypothyroidism can be a better option than dealing with a malignant cancerous growth.

Sometimes, the doctor will only need to remove part of the thyroid if he suspects cancer, and the part of the thyroid that's left will be able to make enough hormones to stave off the onset of hypothyroidism, but not always.

Another way for a doctor to help treat and kill suspected cancer in the thyroid is with what is called radioactive iodine therapy. The doctor will inject the thyroid with iodine to kill part of the thyroid that's thought to be cancerous, but sometimes it will kill too much of the thyroid and hypothyroidism can occur.

A final cause of hypothyroidism that is less well known is when the thyroid gland is perfectly healthy but the pituitary gland isn't making enough hormone to instruct the thyroid to make more thyroid hormones. This can also result in hypothyroidism in some patients.

This article has answered the questions, what is Hypothyroidism?

Further information about the symptoms of Hypothyroidism can be learned by signing up for our free newsletter below.

Finding Relief From Acid Reflux Disease

Millions of people suffer from acid reflux disease which can range from a hoarse throat in the morning to symptoms that might have you rushing to the doctor thinking you are having a heart attack!

This very common chronic condition, sometimes referred to as heartburn by every day folks and often called gastroespohageal reflux disease or GERD by your doctor is not only very uncomfortable, but it can also lead to very serious problems due to the stomach acids burning your esophagus if left unchecked over long periods of time. This condition called Erosive Esophagitis can be serious and some doctors think it may even be linked to esophageal cancer

If you have ever felt that burning in your throat or tasted the bitter sour taste in the back of your mouth then you won't be surprised to learn that acid reflux is caused by stomach acids, and sometimes food, backing up into your esophagus. There is a muscle in between the stomach and esophagus and this muscle acts like a valve that lets food enter from the esophagus into the stomach but is supposed to only open one way so that food and stomach acids cannot back up. However, in many people this muscle does not function properly and the result is acid reflux.

There are many ways to treat acid reflux but you will want to visit a health professional to get a good diagnosis before you choose the right path for you to take. Usually treating acid reflux is an ongoing process and your doctor might suggest medicines such as pump inhibiters that reduce the amount of acid produced or he may leave it to simple dietary and lifestyle changes such as avoiding some foods and sleeping on an incline

No matter what your doctor suggests, it's in your best interest to find out what foods trigger bouts of heartburn for you. Try keeping a food diary and noting what you eat, when you eat it and how you feel shortly after. This will tell you what foods you might think about avoiding. Typically fatty and fried foods cause acid reflux. Other foods you might want to avoid include chocolate, tomotoe based foods, peppermint, citrus and spicy foods.

Other things you can do to reduce the effects of acid reflux disease include wearing loose clothing (especially around your stomach area) and not eating for several hours before bedtime.