Alternative Medicine

It seems that one thing almost all moms have in common is this: They want more energy. Being a mom is rewarding, but it seems part of the job to be tired. What can a mom do to increase her energy naturally without relying on too much caffeine or other harmful stimulants?

The following articles discuss several things:

• Being social boosts energy
• Energy from relaxation
• Finding balance for more energy
• Get more energy with food
• Find out if your career is draining you
• Moms, energy and exercise
• Need energy? Get more sleep

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We’ve been told for years that taking a multivitamin every day is essential for good health.  They are touted for giving you energy, lowering blood pressure, fighting cancer, and living a longer, healthier and happier life.  It seems there are vitamins for every age, sex, body type, health level, and lifestyle.  But now many scientists are saying that vitamins may not only be unnecessary, they may even be dangerous.

One of the biggest issues with multivitamins and other supplements is that there’s no federal regulation for their ingredients.  The FDA is responsible for regulating what goes into everything you eat and every medicine you take.  They take precautions to try to protect you and keep you safe.  But, there are no agencies responsible for regulating what goes into the supplements you take.  No one is responsible for double checking the purity or safety of the ingredients.  Many supplements and vitamins can be dangerous if they are made improperly or with impure ingredients.

The FDA also requires drug companies to report the side effects of their medication.  With multivitamins and supplements, there’s no such requirement.  This means you’ll have to research everything in the pill that you aren’t sure is safe.  Plus, researching side effects of multivitamins and herbal medications on the internet, where most people do their searching, may or may not give you accurate information.

There are organizations out there that will verify and give supplements “stamps of approval”, but these are all voluntary.  Also, with the many organizations that will do this, you have to know what approvals to trust.  Just because it has a “guaranteed pure” or certification seal on it does not mean it’s safe for you and your family.

When you buy a pack of multivitamins, turn it around and look at the back.  Many multivitamins have not only the vitamins you need, but a lot of extra you don’t.  While 600% of your recommended daily value may seem to be better than 100%, that extra really doesn’t do much good.  In fact, it may even be hurting you. 

Even drinking too much water can be hazardous to your health; think of what too much of a vitamin or mineral might do.  Most of the extra is simply eliminated from the body in your urine.  That’s not just wasting your money, it’s making extra work for your kidneys and other parts of your body.  Even if you take a multivitamin that only has 100% of the nutrients you need (which are often hard to find), your overall vitamin intake for the day, including the vitamins in the food you eat, may exceed 100%.

So, if you’re not taking a multivitamin, how can you get enough of the nutrients you need?  From your food, of course.  The best way to get what you need is the natural way.  Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and omega 3 fatty acids (the best way to get these is from fish) will provide pretty much all the nutrition you need to live a healthy life.  In fact, nutrients from food are better absorbed into the body and do you more good. 

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Acid reflux can range in severity from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition.  But it is a potentially dangerous condition, as it has been linked to cancer of the esophagus.  That’s why it is so important to treat it.

There are numerous prescription and non-prescription drugs on the market for acid reflux.  They have provided relief to many sufferers, but some do not respond to them.  And they’re not without side effects, either.  Some studies have linked proton pump inhibitors, the type of drug usually prescribed for acid reflux, to an increased incidence of pneumonia.  Some of these drugs can also cause other gastrointestinal problems, and they may interfere with the absorption of other drugs.

These concerns have lead many acid reflux sufferers to seek more natural treatment options.  Here are some things you can try if you want to get rid of acid reflux naturally.

Herbs

* Ginger - Ginger is one of the most popular herbs for digestive problems, and it can be very effective against acid reflux.  It helps by relieving pain and inflammation and killing bacteria that aggravate the condition.  It is important to use it in moderation, however, because overdoing it could make your heartburn worse.

* Bladderwrack - Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed whose stem is used medicinally.  It contains alginic acid, which is used in mainstream heartburn drugs such as Gaviscon.

* Aloe vera - Aloe is best known as an effective treatment for sunburn and other skin irritations.  But it has also been shown to be good for acid reflux.  It can be taken in capsule or juice form two or three times a day.

* Licorice - Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been studied for use in the prevention of ulcers and gastritis.  It is also a natural antacid.  It may be taken in tea, or you can buy chewable deglycyrrhizinated licorice tablets.  These are best if you are concerned about blood pressure or water retention.

Foods

* Sweet foods - Sugar is a natural antacid, so eating something sweet can help curb excessive acid in the stomach and combat acid reflux.  Anything that is sweet and low in acid will do, but fruits such as red apples, pears, purple grapes, and honeydew are best for overall health.

* Vegetables - There are also some vegetables that have antacid properties.  These include potatoes (sweet and white), broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, and avocado.

* Foods to avoid - Avoiding certain foods can help prevent acid reflux symptoms, or at least reduce their severity.  Some of these are citrus fruits, sour berries, fermented foods, alcohol, caffeine, tomatoes, mustard, and spicy foods.

Acid reflux can be treated naturally.  These treatments are often just as effective as prescription drugs, and they have a much lower risk of harmful side effects.  Still, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for advice.  Some herbs can interact with other herbs or medicines, and they may not be suitable for people with certain health problems.

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Whether your allergy medicine just isn’t cutting it anymore or you just want to research healthier alternatives, natural medicine can be a healthy and effective way to reduce your allergy symptoms.

You’ve probably heard by now about how good omega 3 fatty acids, also known as “good fats”, are for your body.  They have been shown to prevent many diseases and are considered good for your overall health.  Plus, people who consume a lot of these fatty acids tend to suffer from fewer allergies.  You can put more omega 3s into your diet by eating more fish, flax seed, and certain nuts.  If you just can’t stomach these foods and choose to take a supplement, be sure to research safe products first so you know what you’re taking won’t cause adverse effects.

Quercitin is another compound found naturally in food that can help ease your summer allergies.  It acts by preventing the production of histamines.  You can get quercitin in your diet by eating fruits like citrus, tomatoes, and apples, certain green vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, and parsley, and even from tea and wine.  However, you’ll probably find more relief by taking a supplement.  As a bonus, quercitin is an antioxidant, which means it can reduce your risk of certain types of cancer.

Of all the things you’d think to use to treat allergies, weeds are probably one of the least logical choices.  Surprisingly, stinging nettles and butterbur are both common weeds that have been found to reduce the production of histamine in the body and to provide allergy relief.  They can be found as supplements, or you can buy freeze-dried plants and brew them into your own tea.

Many people rely on allergy shots to treat allergy symptoms.  For these shots, a small amount of allergen is injected under the skin.  They are administered every week for several years.  Eventually, the patient builds up a tolerance and no longer needs medication to control allergies.  The problem is that injecting these allergens into the body can cause an adverse reaction in itself.  There is a new, more gentle method of the same type of procedure.  It is call sublingual immunotherapy and requires allergens to be put under the tongue.  This is a less invasive process that provides the same effect as shots.

If you’re worried about putting chemicals into your body, natural or otherwise, then nettie pots are a great alternative.  These devices operate similar to a nasal spray, but instead of antihistamines, they contain only salt and water.  They act by flushing allergens out of your sinuses (which is where most summer allergens get into your body), preventing a reaction before it starts.  They’re safe, natural, and have been used for hundreds of years.  If you really want, you can skip the pots altogether and just flush your nose with salt water, but nettie pots make the process faster and easier.

The real beauty of natural products is that you can use many of them with your allergy medications for an extra boost.  Just check with your doctor first to make sure there are no interactions or adverse side effects.  You should also remember that unlike medications, natural medicines can take a while to work, so you may need to start using them before allergy season to get the full benefit.

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The Wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used in many ways for many years.  It has been an important ingredient in numerous home remedies, and it has frequently been used for weight loss. 

This simple, inexpensive substance has seemingly endless uses.  Here are some of them:

* For weight loss, drink two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before each meal.  This is not a quick fix, but it has been said to cause gradual weight loss with no major changes in diet.  Coupled with a sensible diet and exercise routine, however, it could cause somewhat quicker weight loss and help you keep the weight off.

* For a cold or the flu, take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water several times a day.  This will help balance the body’s pH, making it a less favorable environment for the germs.

* Apple cider vinegar is great for getting rid of dandruff.  Applying it to the scalp and letting it stand for 30 minutes to an hour before washing will kill the fungus that causes dandruff.  It also helps soothe an itchy scalp.

* Diabetics can benefit from taking apple cider vinegar in water once a day.  This has been proven to help lower blood sugar.

* Apple cider vinegar is often used to relieve sinus problems and ear infections.  Depending on your symptoms, you can drink it, add it to a vaporizer, inhale it, or squirt it in your ear with a syringe and let it drain back out.

* Facial toner. Mix a tablespoon of acv in 8 ounces of water and apply with a cotton ball after cleansing your face to restore normal ph balance and remove cleanser.

* Digestive problems and diarrhea can be relieved with an apple cider vinegar tonic.  The vinegar soaks up liquid and forms a protective coating in the intestines, and it activates stomach acid and enzymes.  It may also relieve the symptoms of acid reflux.

* Apple cider vinegar can soothe a sunburn.  You can soak a towel in it at full strength and place it directly on the burn, or you can take a bath in water with one cup of the vinegar added.

* Painful and unsightly varicose veins can benefit from treatment with apple cider vinegar.  Apply it full strength twice a day, and drink two teaspoons in water twice a day.  It may take a month to see results.

* Apple cider vinegar is good for a sore throat.  Gargling with a vinegar and water mixture every hour can help you feel better faster.  But it is important to remember not to swallow the mixture once you’ve gargled with it, because it draws out germs.

* Muscle soreness can be treated with apple cider vinegar.  It can be applied full strength with a small amount of cayenne pepper added, or you can soak in a bath with a few cups of vinegar added.

These are just a few of the myriad ways that we can use apple cider vinegar for health.  Drinking a vinegar tonic each day can improve our health in a number of ways.  We can also apply it topically to rid ourselves of many more aliments.  Stocking up on apple cider vinegar will put the remedy for a variety of problems right at your fingertips.

Read more about the benefits of apple cider vinegar or buy it online.

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Benefits of a Cool Mist Humidifier

If you have sinus problems, you have probably heard about the benefits of running a humidifier.  They add moisture to the air, reducing nasal congestion. 

But sinus sufferers with children, or those who have children with sinus problems, are often hesitant to use them due to the heat produced.  The hot water, and the unit itself, can cause burns if children touch or bump into them.

Cool mist humidifiers eliminate this problem.  They add moisture to the air without producing heat, making them safe for use around kids.  And they also provide a number of other benefits.  These include:

* Cool mist humidifiers can cover a larger area than warm mist humidifiers.  Instead of providing enough vapor for a single room, many of them can cover several rooms, or even an entire house.  This is good if you have more than one person in the home who has frequent sinus congestion.

* A cool mist humidifier is often easier to clean than a steam humidifier.  Frequent cleaning is important, but in most cases each cleaning only takes a few minutes.

* Cool mist humidifiers do not heat the areas in which they are used.  Steam humidifiers tend to make rooms warmer.  That is not necessarily a bad thing when you live in a cool climate, but if it’s already warm in the house, it can make it rather uncomfortable.  Cool mist humidifiers allow more control over the room temperature.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

One drawback of cool mist humidifiers is that they may disperse bacteria and mold that are present in the water used.  It is essential to keep them clean, and you may need to use distilled water in them if your water has large amounts of minerals in it.  But there are ultrasonic humidifiers that produce water vapor without heat while killing the harmful substances in the water.

Ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers work by producing ultrasonic vibrations in the water.  This creates water vapor and kills bacteria and mold at the same time.  They do, however, cost more than a regular cool mist humidifier.  They also do little to remove minerals, so it may still be advisable to use distilled water in them.  But if there are people in your home who have allergies, an ultrasonic humidifier can be of great benefit to them.

A humidifier can allow sinus sufferers to breathe freely and reduce their need for medication.  If you want to try one but are apprehensive about using a unit that produces heat, a cool mist humidifier may be for you.  They can humidify large areas without creating a hazard for small children or raising the ambient temperature in your home.  And if allergies are a concern, an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier can reduce the allergens present in the water used.

Read a review of the Crane Pig Humidifier

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What To Expect When Visiting a Reflexologist

What to expect when visiting a reflexologist? Firstly, as with any session that involves a form of holistic or alternative healing method, you will be asked a series of questions about your overall health. After that you will be asked what problem you are experiencing that requires this form of therapy.

Next, you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks, and lie down on a table. The reflexologist will begin the procedure by applying pressure to specific reflex points on your feet. The professional may use the technique on your hands as well, depending upon the area of concern.

You will most likely become quite relaxed during the session. The applied pressure may cause some pain at the outset, but that can be easily adjusted. Most people who have undergone reflexology assert that when a certain reflex point is honed in on, the initial reaction is pain, but this quickly subsides as this is the point at which the reflexologist detects the immediate problem.

After the session, you will feel calm and serene. The reflexologist may ask you to return for repeated sessions to maintain your overall health. You may also be given exercises you can do at home in-between sessions.

While some reflexologists assert that results depend largely upon one’s condition, it is apparent that you will eventually realize positive results no matter what problem is being treated.

Although some patients have stated that headaches dissipate within minutes of treatment, others may not feel immediate pain relief since everyone responds differently to this type of treatment. What patients do affirm, however, is that they feel incredibly relaxed and rejuvenated after a session.

Because reflexology is in and of itself non-invasive, you do not have to worry about any side effects. What you can expect is to feel refreshed and revitalized by the experience.

It should also be noted, however, that if you have a serious condition or are pregnant, you should first consult a doctor to ensure that this form of treatment will not in any way cause undue harm.

Reflexology has been used for centuries and originates in Chinese culture. They believe that the life force, or Qi, in one’s body directly affects the balance or imbalance therein.

To increase energy and maintain one’s balance, reflexology is now considered one of the most popular forms of alternative therapies to date.

Before making an appointment for treatment, research the many reflexologists to ascertain if they are certified and qualified to perform this procedure. You can access online reflexology institutes worldwide to find professionals in your area.

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Reflexology Explained

If you were told that a headache could be relieved by simply rubbing your big toe, would you believe it? Well, it happens to be true. In fact, certain areas of the feet and hands have a direct correlation to parts of the body. This is the basis for reflexology explained.

Reflexology began over 5000 years ago and is derived from the Chinese belief that when we have an imbalance within, we tend to become more vulnerable to illness. It is the inner energy or “life force” that, when balanced, leaves one in a state of physical and emotional wellbeing.

How does one attain balance within? The Chinese believe that it is the Qi (pronounced kee) or energy that maintains a healthy body and mind. Thus, when you apply pressure to certain points of the hands and feet, you can alleviate aches and pains that exist in different areas of the body - as well as maximize your immune system, increase circulation, and reduce stress.

Perhaps you may have seen demonstrations of Qi Gong on TV. Qi Gong is a form of meditation in which slow and specific movements increase the energy or life force within one’s body.

Reflexology was originally devised by Dr. William Fitzgerald in 1917. In the 1930s, the method was further developed by Eunice Ingham and is widely utilized today. By putting pressure on specific areas of the hands and feet, known as reflex points, one can stimulate the energy to specific areas of the body, including organs and glands.

For example, let’s assume you are sitting at your computer for long periods of time. Let’s also assume that you develop a headache or neck ache as a result. By applying pressure to the big toe, which consists of several reflex points related to the head and neck, signals are sent via the nervous system. This, in turn, can increase circulation and alleviate the pain.

Conversely, there are a myriad of reflex points on the hand and fingers which directly affect the brain, ears, shoulder, sinuses, adrenal glands, stomach, lower back, and other organs in the body. If you are stressed, for example, applying pressure to the pinky of the hand can bring instant relief.

Reflexology, when practiced or administered correctly, does indeed work. Here is an example of how to get rid of those annoying headaches. (Note that you can perform this exercise, but it is much better to have a family member do it for you.) Lie down and begin breathing exercises. Starting with the left foot, begin massaging the big toe, ensuring that enough pressure is being applied. Now do the same with the right foot. Relax and continue deep breathing. Before you know it, the pain will have dissipated.

While reflexology is not considered new, it is nonetheless practiced and recognized as a form of alternative medicine. It not only serves to increase depleted energy within, but brings about the inner balance to achieve good health and wellbeing.

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