How to Cope with Ulcers

An ulcer is an inflammatory condition in the lining of the stomach causing pain and burning while the stomach is empty, or while food is being digested. Ulcers have a tendency to bleed. Blood can be observed in the stool as being dark in colour. Ulcers can cause haemorrhaging to such an extent that a person could possibly bleed to death.  

Ulcers are caused in many ways, as follows: improper food combining; the overproduction of hydrochloric acid which may erode the stomach lining; the overproduction of the enzyme pepsin; the over-ingestion of alcohol and tobacco products; the taking of aspirin regularly; not chewing food properly thereby preventing saliva to mix with food to aid digestion.   

Conventional treatments for ulcers such as drugs, surgery, the provision of antacids do not work because they only address the symptoms and not the underlying cause of the problem. It is therefore best to look at diet, food supplements and what other measures can be taken to treat an ulcer, or to lessen the chances of developing one in the first instance.

Some doctors impose a bland diet on their patients suffering from ulcers which is counterproductive as they still need to get the daily nutrients they require from their food despite this condition. If you suffer from an ulcer, it is best to eat smaller meals at each sitting on a more regular basis than three large meals per day. Six meals per day at 2-3 hour intervals would be ideal. Avoid fasting if you suffer from an ulcer.

As poor food combining can cause an ulcer, avoid combining proteins and starches in the one meal. As food goes through the pyloric valve (the exit from the stomach) it becomes confused if partially digested proteins and carbohydrates are present at the same time. It is therefore not recommended that you eat meat or chicken with potatoes in the same meal, but they can be eaten separately.

The diet should be high in fibre which helps food to travel though the digestive system. Fibre is also necessary to encourage regular bowel movements. A patient with an ulcer should be encouraged to eat cooked vegetables several times a day. Sweet fruits, millet, buckwheat, coconut, almonds, avocado, sprouted grains and seeds are also recommended. Raw vegetables should be discouraged as they are difficult to digest. Both potato juice and cabbage juice are good for people with ulcers as they accelerate the healing process. Drinking distilled water can help reduce pain.

Herbs good for ulcer sufferers, for the reasons stated, are as follows: peppermint oil aids the healing of inflammatory conditions; licorice improves mucous in the digestive tract; cayenne red pepper aids digestion and stimulates blood flow; chickweed helps digest fatty substances and encourages the helpful production of stomach mucous; and golden seal alleviates internal bleeding.

Food supplements can also be used effectively to help with ulcers. Vitamin E, 1,000 IU once daily, slows down inflammatory conditions. Zinc Picolinate, 50mg twice daily, aids the healing of ulcers. Vitamin A in the form of fish liver oil, 25,000 IU once daily, helps repair tissue.

As ulcers arise from the over acidity of the body, the following foods and drinks should be avoided: dairy products, meats, flour products, chocolate, sweets, eggs, gains, fizzy drinks, and citrus fruits. All fried foods should be avoided. The more alkaline the overall food intake is the better.

Some other adjunctive measures you can take if you suffer with ulcers are as follows: if you are a smoker, it is best to give it up because it interferes with the body’s reaction to food; alcohol intake should be limited to two units per day; it is best to either avoid stress altogether, or take positive steps to limit its impact on your life.  

How to Cope with Food Allergies

If food enters the body without being properly digested, your immune system will produce antibodies to attack that particular food as if it were a threat to the body, and thereby cause a reaction. Antibodies trigger the release of histamines, which in turn cause gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin problems.  Reactions to foods eaten can occur from a few minutes to a few hours after they have been consumed.

The most common food allergies are to eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, potato, carrots, celery, chocolate, soft drinks, corn flakes, sugar and fish such as cod, trout and plaice. Symptoms of a food allergy can include the following: itching; redness; burning sensations; vomiting accompanied by diarrhoea; respiratory problems such as asthma; sudden drop in blood pressure; and suffocation. About 15% of the public suffer some form of food allergy.

Prescription drugs such as antihistamines, cortisone or decongestants in the treatment of food allergies are ineffective, and all have serious side effects. As an allergy is a digestive problem, it is important that your food is broken down into the smallest particles prior to consumption in order to facilitate proper digestion.

Consuming products containing simple sugars should be avoided if at all possible. Simple sugars cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate rapidly, and cause hyperglycemia temporarily in the body, necessitating the release of insulin to counter this condition. The release of insulin lowers blood sugar levels rapidly resulting in hypoglycemia, which heightens the craving for more sugar.  This vicious circle can be the cause of food allergies, resulting from the fermentation of excess sugars in the intestines.

Lots of modern processed foods have additives containing chemicals, while others are made up largely of synthetic substances. A person can easily develop an allergic reaction to these inputs into food. Therefore pay attention to food labelling in order to establish that the packaged food you are purchasing contains mainly natural food. Avoid any synthetic foods.

Eggs can be a problem if they are from hens that have been fed antibiotics and other medications in order to prevent disease. Farmed fish are also fed manufactured substances in order to prevent afflictions, such as lice, they would not normally suffer in the open ocean. It is wise therefore to pay attention to the source of the food you are consuming.  

In order to combat food allergies it is therefore best to make whole natural foods a major part of the diet. The majority of the nutrients that you required daily should be obtained from whole grains, leafy green vegetables, eggs from free-range hens, walnuts, black radish, tomatoes, plums, prunes  chicken, meat, low-fat yogurt and ocean- fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna. If you buy processed foods, make sure you are purchasing ones that contain the largest amount of natural foods, and have received the least amount of processing by paying attention to the ingredients list which foods companies are legally obliged to put on packaging.

Manganese can help the body fight food allergies. The main food sources of manganese are whole grains, leafy green vegetables and nuts. It could also be taken as a food supplement requiring up to 10 milligrams per day. Pantothene is a food supplement that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce the body’s own cortisone. You will need to take 500mg. of it twice daily.

How to Prevent High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major cause of stroke, heart attack and problems with eyesight. Blood pressure needs to be kept as near as possible to an ideal reading of 120/80. The higher value is called the systolic reading and occurs when the heart contracts and forces blood through the circulatory system. The bottom value is the diastolic reading and occurs when the heart fills in the expansion phase and the blood pressure is at its lowest, which it is 75% of the time. Both values can vary 10% from the normal without significant consequential health problems.

The main causes of high blood pressure are as follows: obesity; emotional factors; kidney problems; high sodium consumption; high sugar intake; arteriosclerosis- a hardening of the arteries which puts more pressure on the heart; atherosclerosis- a narrowing of the arteries which affects the heart’s ability to do its job; an imbalance of electrolytes; malfunctioning adrenal glands; high cholesterol; smoking which constricts all arteries and capillaries; and excess alcohol consumption which damages the liver.

Conventional medicine’s response to high blood pressure with diuretic drugs, or drugs in the blocker range, does not address the underlying cause of the problem and it therefore reoccurs. All of the types of drug prescribed for high blood pressure have serious side effects such as the forced excretion of essential minerals from the body, depression. fatigue and sexual problems. The best approach to stabilising blood pressure levels is to concentrate on diet, exercise, food supplements and other adjunctive measures.

Foods which stabilise blood pressure are cucumbers, onions, artichokes, eggplant, leeks, turnips, red peppers, olives, black currants, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, oranges, grapefruit , grapes, fresh fruit in general, rice, rye and low-fat dairy products such as milk and yogurt. Foods to be avoided are bacon, processed meats, parmesan cheese, caviar, fish in general, beets, spinach, fennel, bananas, coffee and salt.

The herb garlic is very useful in that it is an excellent diuretic, opens up blood vessels and thereby stabilises blood pressure. Other herbs that can be employed in this regard, for the reasons stated, are as follows: parsley is a natural diuretic; hawthorn strengthens the heart muscles; chervil purifies the blood; and marshmallow strengthens the kidneys.

If you cannot get sufficient amount of the foods you need in order to stabilise your blood pressure, as indicate above, then you could use foods supplements to make up for any deficiency. Vitamin C (100 0 mg), taken once daily, acts as a diuretic and helps clear arteries of plague. Fish oil (1000 mg), taken once daily, helps lower blood pressure. Niacin (250 mg) , taken twice daily, opens up arteries thereby alleviating high blood pressure and ensuring a more efficient blood flow. Vitamin E (200 IU) taken once a day also helps lower blood pressure.

Moderate daily exercise can do wonders for your circulation and body in general. All you need to do is engage in it for 30 to 45 minutes daily. Any form of exercise will do such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling or dancing. You can split the time spend on it op into smaller time periods, if you so wish, such as three 15 minute sessions. It is best to do exercise outdoors if this is possible. Make sure you are well hydrated during any exercise session by drinking plenty of water.

If the cause of your high blood pressure is stress, then you will need to address this. If the stress arises from your circumstances, can you do anything about changing them? If the stress is arising from circumstances beyond your control, can you change you attitude to the cause? A person suffering from stress should endeavour to maintain an optimistic attitude at all times. It has been proven that optimism raises the immune system to such a high degree, that it can combat any abnormal occurrence in the body such as high blood pressure. 

How to Cope with Colds & Flu.

Colds and flu are caused by viruses. Colds can be transmitted easily between individuals. The main symptoms of colds are runny nose, sore throat, mild fever, mild headache, sneezing, coughing and congestion. Flu symptoms include many of the same as colds, but also high fever, severe aches and pains, chills and sweats, severe sore throat and fatigue. Fever, chills, fatigue and severe aches are the symptoms which most distinguish flu from other infections.    

Whilst there is no known cure for the common cold or flu, there are certain preventative actions a person can take in order to lessen the chances of getting either, as well as actions to curtail the duration of an infection. Antibiotics are useless in the case of a viral infection, and there isn’t much evidence to support the view that over-the-counter medications help in any way.

Sufficiency in both vitamins C and D is vital in the fight against colds and flu. Any deficiency in these critical vitamins will leave your body more susceptible to being invaded by a virus.  It is best to derive sufficiency in these vitamins from food, or other natural sources, in the first instance if at all possible. Garlic and ginger have also been known to be used effectively in the fight against colds and flu.

The best food sources of vitamin C are: fruits like gooseberries, kiwis, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons and grapefruit);  vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green peppers and potatoes; and the herb parsley also contains large amounts,  and can be sprinkled on meat or fish dishes to enhance them.

Failing to get enough vitamin C from food sources, then a food supplement should be taken as a precaution against a deficiency. Adults require about 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day, and children require half that amount. If you are getting some of this vitamin from food sources but not enough, then you should work out the strength and frequency of the supplement you need to take.

There are not many food sources of vitamin D, so it is easy to have a deficiency. The food sources available are: fish oil; some fish such as sardines, tuna, salmon and herring; and eggs and milk but in in small amounts.  The main source of vitamin D is the action of direct sunlight on the skin; all that is needed is 15 minutes of sunlight a day on at least a third of the body.

In countries that have long winters without much sunshine, it may be prudent to supplement the diet with vitamin D supplements. An adult requires 2, 000 IU of vitamin D per day, and a child half that amount. Alternatively, you could acquire your daily requirement by using sunbeds in a safe manner in lieu of sunshine.      

Whilst sufficiency in these vitamins should help you prevent catching a virus in the first place, if you do catch one despite your best efforts, here are some things you can do to curtail its duration, as follows:

1.     Wrap up warm by putting on an extra layer of clothing if necessary.

2.     Get sufficient sleep.

3.     Avoid sugar-laden foods and soft drinks, as sugar depresses the immune system.

4.     Drink lots of hot drinks like hot water with a slice of lemon, green tea, lemon tea, ginger tea or coconut milk.

5.     Maintain the normal amount of food you take in a day, ensuring that you are getting enough vitamins C and D as outlined above.

6.     Maintain any daily exercise like walking or jogging that you were doing prior to the infection.

7.     After contact with a runny nose or eyes, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid spreading the virus.

The British Government advises certain at-risk groups to avail of an anti-flu jab each year prior to onset of cold weather.  This may be a good idea, in countries where it is available, for the elderly, pregnant women, people with diabetes or any chronic organ infection. Anti-flu vaccinations are said to have a more than 80% success rate, but need to be renewed annually as the viruses causing flu keep changing.  

If you have got a home-made remedy for the common cold or flu that worked well in the past, I would be pleased to hear about it via the comments box below.

How to Prevent Cataracts

A cataract in this context means a loss of transparency of the lens of the eye, a condition which either impairs or destroys vision. There are several different types of cataracts, as follows: the traumatic type occurs from physical injury; the irradiation type occurs from exposure to rays; the complicated type occurs from ocular disease; and the congenital type occurs due to improper formation during fetal life.    

Cataracts, other than ones present at birth, are caused by injury, aging, heavy metal poisoning, X-rays, exposure to ultraviolet light, eye infections, the use of certain drugs such as steroids, arising as a consequence of diabetes or nutritional deficiencies in the diet. In diabetics, excess sugar in the blood migrates to the eyes causing them to swell resulting in damage.

If you engage in combative sports where there is physical contact like boxing or rugby union football, you are running the risk of sustaining an eye injury. However, the organisers of these sports do have trained medical staff in attendance at all times. The eyes should be protected by goggles if you are employed as welder, or in certain metal processes, likely to damage the eyes. If you are engaged in any of these activities, all the necessary precautions should be taken at all times to protect the eyes from any possible injury.

X-rays, beta rays and other radiation sources in sufficient doses can cause ocular injury. However, when these are used by professionals in the diagnosis of health problems, every possible safety precaution is taken. Ultraviolet radiation can damage the corneal epithelium. This is mainly the result of exposure to the sun at high altitude. Wear sunglasses if you are exposed to the sun when it is strongest, and don’t use sunbeds for tanning purposes without eye protection.

A small or underdeveloped optic nerve is known as optic nerve hypoplasia, and is one of the leading causes of vision problems or blindness in children. It occurs at the early stages of fetal development when the eyes are forming. If you suspect that your infant has vision problems, have your doctor carry out a CT or MRI scan to look for brain defects. There is no known treatment or cure for optic nerve hypoplasia at the present time.

If you are a type 1 diabetic, you need to take insulin shots as outlined by your doctor in order to ensure that your blood sugar levels do not fluctuate rapidly and thereby damage the eyes. If you are a type 2 diabetic, you can make sure your blood sugar levels move on an even keel by adhering to the diet, exercise and food supplement suggestions in my December 2012 post titled    “ How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes “.  If you are on drugs containing steroids for an ailment, such as gout for example, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce the risk of such treatment affecting your eyesight.

Cataracts arising as a consequence of aging or a nutritional deficiency can be prevented by adhering to a sensible diet. Apples, blueberries, coconuts, olives and pineapple are fruits that strengthen weak eyes.  Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, onions, turnips, lettuce and watercress are vegetables that aid the eyes. Yeast, liver, kidney, cheese, oily fish, egg yolk and whole grains are foods that make sure you are not deficient in vitamin B2 or the mineral selenium. If you cannot get enough of these from food sources, then take supplements to make sure there isn’t a deficiency.

Herbs which can be taken to help the eyes in the ways indicated, are as follows: chaparral acts as an antioxidant, rebuilds tissue and is high in potassium; eyebright stimulates the liver to cleanse the blood with a beneficial knock –on effect on the eyes; and bilberry has a relaxing effect on the eyes. 

If you are interested in further information on eyesight, then a book I would recommend is titled The Eyes Have It by Earlyne Chaney. This is a self-help manual for better eyesight, and you should be able to pick up the paperback version from Amazon for less than $10.  

How to Cure Acne

Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin arising from obstruction of the sebaceous glands. It usually affects the face but other parts of the body can also be disfigured by it on a temporary basis. It most frequently occurs among teenagers following puberty. If severe occurrences of it are not treated, then scar tissue can form in the area of the outbreak.

Acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum, a fatty secretion produced by small glands under the skin, causing clogging of the pores leading to a bacterial infection. The overproduction of sebum can be caused by the following: an intake of foods high in saturated fats or sugars which become saturated fat in the blood; a vitamin A or zinc deficiency; an allergic reaction to a polluted environment, certain foods or to cosmetics.

An overabundance of toxins in the body overwhelms normal channels of secretion, such as the bowls, urinary tract and the lungs. When this happens, the excess toxins are excreted through the skin, which combine with surface bacteria, causing the infection.

Conventional treatments for acne in the form of antibiotics, drying agents or creams do not work because they do not address the underlying cause of the problem. What is causing the body to react in such a way as to excrete toxins through the skin needs to be identified as soon as possible. An unbalanced diet containing too many saturated fats or sugars is the answer in the majority of cases.

If you are currently suffering from an outbreak of acne, avoid anything interfering with the kidney’s ability to do its job, which includes an intake of  refined sugars, saturated fats, processed meats, fried foods, alcohol and coffee.  Cut down on anything containing a high carbohydrate content, and get enough daily protein from a combination of vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs, wholegrain cereals, wholegrain bread and non-fat yogurt.      

If the symptoms persist after your change of diet, it may be prudent to check with your doctor about testing for an allergic reaction to certain foods. If you regularly apply cosmetics to your skin, stop for a while to see if an outbreak of acne will subside. If you are a smoker, it is best to stop and try to avoid all secondary smoke as far as possible. Try to avoid working or being in places that brings you into contact with chemicals.  

In order to ensure there isn’t a deficiency of vitamin A or zinc in the diet, the food sources of these are beef liver, egg yolk, fish, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, leafy green vegetables, melon, apricots, oranges and wholegrain bread. If you fail to get enough of these from food sources, then food supplements can be taken instead.

The following herbs can also help with acne in the ways indicated: horsetail tones the skin; red clover is a blood purifier and cleanser; dandelion root is a liver cleanser; silymarin (milk thistle) aids the regeneration of liver cells needed to detoxify the body of poisons; it also helps prevent the liver cells from damage.

Some things you can do to an affected area of the skin are: keep the skin clean by just washing with water without soap; apply aloe vera gel three times a day; rub the inside of a banana peel over the affected area prior to going to bed.

If you want to comment on this post, or ask a question on it, use the comments box below for that purpose. 

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

According to the WHO (World Health Organization) there are 347 million diabetics in the world today, and this figure is projected to increase to over 500 million by the year 2030. Of the diabetics that exist in the world at the present time, about 90% have the Type 2 variety of the disease. Type 1 diabetics usually have the disease from birth, or get it at an early age, and are insulin dependent because the body has stopped producing this hormone which regulates blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetics usually get the disease in middle or old age, and for this reason it is also known as “adult-onset diabetes”.

Diabetes is a chronic condition resulting from either the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels, or the insensitivity of the body to react to the amount of insulin produced. If the blood sugar level in the body remains high for a sufficient period of time, it can negatively affect the function of the heart, eyesight and limbs. In both the USA and UK, diabetes is second only to road accidents as the cause of amputations. Lots of people have died from health complications arising from diabetes.

It is prudent to take some preventative measures against Type 2 diabetes, especially if you are in one of the at-risk groups. Statistics on the disease has shown that a person stands a greater chance of getting the disease if a parent has suffered from It, you are overweight or obese; if you are of Afro-Caribbean or Asian origin, or you are of middle or low class income groups. You can ask your doctor to carry out tests if you consider yourself to be susceptible to the disease. The main symptoms of the disease are: excessive thirst; frequency of urination; muscle cramps; poor healing of wounds; itching; and eyesight problems.

The bodily organ that produces enough insulin to aid the metabolism of food is the pancreas. If you take pre-emptive actions against getting the disease by concentrating on diet, exercise and food supplements, you are insuring the pancreas does not become overloaded thereby impairing its ability to function properly.  As the disease is caused by the body becoming too acidic, there should be alkaline bias in the diet.

The diet should consist mainly of raw natural foods. Vegetables such as kale, celery, cabbage, watercress, lettuce, cucumber, chicory, onion, olives, beans, soybean, fruit in general and especially apples, oats, grains and sprouted grains , beef liver, egg yolk and wholegrain bread should constitute a major part of the diet. Natural foods to be avoided are bananas, beets and potatoes. The latter have shown to increase blood sugar levels rapidly. If you eat potatoes from time to time, do so with their skins intact, which contain fibre which counteracts some of the rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

Anything causing a rapid rise in blood glucose levels such as sugar-laden soft drinks should be avoided. Other foods to be avoided are chocolates, biscuits, jam, fruit syrup, jelly, ice cream mayonnaise, honey and white rice. It is also best to avoid coffee, cocoa and only take alcohol in moderation. Giving up smoking also helps the whole body to function better.  

Adequate daily exercise is the second preventative measure that should be undertaken against Type 2 diabetes. This can involve walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, going to the gym, or anything else that takes your fancy.  You will need to engage in a physical activity of your choice for 30-40 minutes daily in order to achieve and maintain an ideal weight. The time period involved daily can be split up into two or more sessions if necessary. Two 15 minute exercise sessions 30 minutes after eating a meal that contains carbohydrates, which convert to sugar in the body, would be ideal.  

Lastly, it would be prudent to take a multivitamin and mineral tablet daily as insurance against a deficiency in the diet having an influence on the development of diabetes. Sufficiency in vitamins B2, B6, and the minerals chromium, manganese, magnesium and potassium are vital in the fight against developing this chronic condition.

Why the Acid/Alkaline Balance is Important to Health

A healthy orgasm is one which has an effective filtration system composed of organs like the liver, kidneys, skin and intestines all functioning well, and able to eliminate waste. These organs generally do a very effective job. If you don’t overload them, they generally manage to get rid of all of all the substances  your body doesn’t need, especially excess acids - the waste products of metabolism. 
   

Your body needs acids to function properly, but excess acidity can be harmful, which is why filtration is so important. A diet that contains too much animal protein (meat) and not enough vegetal protein can cause a condition known as acidosis, whereby excess acids accumulate in the tissues. An inactive lifestyle also impairs your body’s ability to eliminate waste properly.

Proteins contain a variety of acids which include sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and uric acid.  These acid-producing foodstuffs form the basis of our nutrition since the amino acids that make them up are essential to the proper functioning of the human body.  Our bodies need a regular supply of protein but only in the right amounts. Most people absorb too much protein on a daily basis. About 50 grams (2 ounces) daily is sufficient for most people, but those engaged in strenuous physical activity could absorb 50% more.

Amino acids obtained from milk and dairy products (cheese and yoghurt) produce little acidic substances. Amino acids obtained from animal protein (meat, poultry, fish) contain sulphuric and phosphoric acids, as well as purines which contain uric acid, and are thus highly acidic. Consuming too much animal protein is often the cause of rheumatism, gout and kidney stones.

Grains produce acids, as do toxins contained in products like coffee (caffeine), tea (theine) and cocoa (thebomine), all of which are rich in purines and therefore acidifying. The same applies to white sugar, refined flour and its derivatives, and refined fats.  

Acidifying food strips your body of minerals. These foods include peanuts, asparagus, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, egg white, processed meats, liver, kidney, refined white flour and derivatives (white bread, pastry and biscuits), strong fermented cheese, hard fat, refined oils, dried legumes (lentils, peas and beans), semolina, white sugar, tea, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, meat, fish, poultry and pasta.

Fruits and vegetables are mainly alkaline foods. Milk is also alkaline if ingested in the form of yogurt. Because these foods are rich in minerals, they should form a major part of the diet. Potatoes are an excellent alkaline food especially when steamed. Chestnuts are also recommended as an accompaniment to most vegetable dishes.

Here is a list of alkaline-rich foods: vegetable broth, chestnuts, fruit and fruit juice, most herbs, powdered milk, unsweetened condensed milk, vegetable leaves and roots, vegetable stems, onions, garlic, potatoes, soybean and derivatives, and yogurt.

Foods with a good acid/alkaline balance include good quality butter, whole grains, sprouted grains, green beans, millet, fresh walnuts, rye bread, whole rye flour pasta, sweet peas and unrefined sugar.

The acid/alkaline balance should be achieved within the context of an overall balanced diet. In order to achieve the latter, you should give attention to the following: eat foods in their proper proportions; don’t eat too much meat; opt for vegetable proteins whenever possible; eat some fresh fruit and vegetables every day; cut down on your intake of refined sugars, salt and alcohol; don’t barbeque too often; cut down on your intake of fried foods; make sure you are getting enough antioxidants such as selenium, Vitamins C & E.

If you want to say something about this post, do so via the comments box below.

Some Mental Health Considerations

Mental health problems are the least likely type to get talked about in the home or at the place of work. It is as if In certain homes and workplaces mental health is a taboo subject.  Just taking about the subject to an understanding family member or friend can be enormously beneficial to a person experiencing a mental health problem. Here are some facts about mental health not generally known:

·        A mental health problem affects 1 in 4 people in any given year.

·         The assumption that people with mental illness cannot work is false. The chances are you probably work with someone with a mental illness.

·        People with mental illness can and do recover from the condition.

·        People with mental health problems are no different from ordinary people. We all have mental health problems from time-to-time just like we have physical health ones.

·         People who have had a mental health problem and overcome it can emerge stronger the other end.

·        While some people with mental illness can sometimes be violent or unpredictable, people suffering from this condition are more likely to be a victim of violence.

·        People with mental health problems generally want to keep in touch with family, friends and work colleagues as a route to recovery. Interaction with a pet such as a dog or cat can also aid a person suffering from mental stress.

·        If you think you don’t know anyone with a mental illness, it is more likely that someone you know or love has suffered from one.

·        Nine out of ten people with mental illness suffer some form of discrimination.

If you know someone who has been unwell with a mental health problem, make a point of asking them how they are, and how they feel. By doing this you are letting them know that they don’t have to avoid the issue with you, and you are not stigmatizing it. By just spending time with the person taking about anything of mutual interest, not just health issues, can be of benefit to the person concerned.

If you want to talk to people about your mental health problem, here are some pointers: be prepared for different reactions dependent upon the person you are taking to; chose a good time and place when you feel comfortable and ready to talk; be prepared for lots of questions, as the person you are taking to might need to ask them to help them understand; at the start, keep the conversation light to help you both feel relaxed; if the other person asks you about your mental health, answer honestly bringing the issue into the open.

If you have a mental health problem, you can always learn from other peoples experiences. If you know of somebody who has come through such a problem, that would be a good place to start. Otherwise, you could learn from the experiences of how some famous people including actors, politicians and sports stars have coped with their severe periods of depression. Videos of such people taking about their mental health problems can be accessed here:  http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/take-action/people-experiences.

The following are some good websites to access regarding mental health problems: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/expertadvice.aspx ; http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/ ; http://www.mind.org.uk/help/information_and_advice. If you are not computer literate, then you should consult your doctor or local health welfare services about your particular problem. 

Imagine

I have borrowed the title of today’s post from John Lennon. While the lyrics of Lennon’s famous song mainly relate to: “a brotherhood of man ……. sharing all the world” my words concern environmental, health, wellness and justice issues which constitute a similar proposition. 

                                                                                             Imagine a world without pollution in which weather patterns are not distorted by emissions from dirty industries, oil based fuels for cars and transportation generally, into to the atmosphere causing global warming. The heating up of the planet is having the following influences on worldwide weather: leaving low-lying coastal regions and cities at risk of flooding from higher seas and storms; having an influence on global food production because of droughts in certain parts of the world and excess rain in others both having a disturbing effect on food production and making prices go up as a consequence; causing artic ice to shrink resulting in loss of habitat for animals and fish dependent upon it.

Imagine a healthier world without junk food, convenience food, street drugs, and the need for less prescription drugs. Lots of health problems could be prevented from occurring in the first instance if people had a healthier diet. The incidence of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and arthritis per head of the population has increased more than a hundredfold in the past 150 years as a consequence of the introduction of processed foods taking people away from nourishing basic foods. The introduction of sugar in all its different forms into foodstuffs and soft drinks has also greatly contributed to health problems. The medical establishment’s response to this compounded situation is prescription drugs. The latter at best only give a temporary respite from the symptoms, and do not address the root causes of problems which usually relate to a poor diet.

Imagine a world without famine. More than 10 million children under the age of five die in the world every year. Of those, more than 60% die from diseases brought on by malnutrition. Despite some developed countries giving generously to famine-stricken ones in the form of aid, a lot of the latter is taken by corrupt officials or armed groups in the countries concerned. It is much better to help people at a local level to invest in seed banks and distribution within a region in order to make the best use of the land. Any aid contributed should be channelled directly to local organizations, as far as possible, in order to avoid corrupt officials siphoning off money for themselves.

Imagine some of the injustices that exist in the world being sorted out. In recent days we have had the third presidential debate in the US election which concentrated on foreign policy issues. The two combatants, Obama and Romney, when discussing the Middle East agreed that American interests in the region exactly coincided with those of Israel, neglecting to mention at all the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland. Such an oversight only serves to further the views of those advocating armed conflict in order to bring the issue once again to world attention.

 

The United Nations are the only trans world organisation trying to sort out some of the problems highlighted above. However, they are hampered in some cases by their own rules such as the Security Council’s inability to secure a vote condemning Assad of Syria because of the need for all permanent members to agree on such a resolution. Church leaders, and especially Christian church ones, have failed to provide any guidance beyond their own narrow and generally prejudiced views of the issues facing mankind. Only the Bible provides hope in that when things get awfully bad on this planet, the Book of Revelation predicts an intervention from on high because of man’s inability to sort out problems of his own making.

Some Do-It-Yourself Health Measures

Here are some measures you can do yourself concerning health which are preventative in nature- that is they can stop a health problem from occurring in the first instance:

1.     Improve your circulation.

Poor circulation in the body can lead to the following conditions or diseases: obesity; type2 diabetes; arthritis; dark circles under the eyes; cold feet or hands; itching; eye problems; vertigo and dizziness; muscle cramps; numbness; blood clots; chilblains; varicose veins; cardiovascular problems; and memory loss.  

The blood needs to be fluid to enable it to be pumped to every corner of the body by the heart.  Here are tips to improve circulation:

·        Drink at least six glasses of water daily.

·        Eat leafy green vegetables, whole fruits, wholegrain cereals. legumes, fish and some poultry.

·        Add cinnamon, garlic or ginger to meals where appropriate.

·        Exercise regularly such as going for a 30 minute walk daily. Other excises to consider are jogging, cycling or swimming.

·        Take a multi vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure there is no deficiency of magnesium or vitamin B6 in the diet.

·        Quit smoking, limit alcohol, sugar-laden soft drinks and caffeine intakes. 

2.     Improve your posture.  

Nearly all posture problems start with tension in the neck caused by jutting the chin up and out. You need to stop pulling your head back, let your head release forward thereby enabling your entire spine to lengthen. Don’t get stuck in one position for hours on end such a watching a computer screen –get up a move about occasionally. When seated for long periods of time you need a chair to support your back and neck, keep your knees apart, your feet firmly on the floor and avoid crossing your legs which will put pressure on your spine. When standing, stand tall as bad posture causes muscles to shorten and us to shrink.  

You can undo a day’s tension by spending 20 minutes every day in the “active resting“ position. To do this, lie down on your back on a carpeted floor, keep your feet on the floor with your knees pointing upwards towards the ceiling. Support your head with some books so it isn’t tilted backwards. This will help release tension, particularly in the spine, and thereby give immediate relief.

3.     Improve your memory.

You can improve your memory by doing the following:

·        Don’t skip on exercise or sleep: physical exercise increases oxygen to the brain and reduces the risk of disorders that lead to memory loss; make sure that you are getting enough sleep because when you are sleep deprived your brain cannot operate at full capacity.

·        Make time for friends and fun: meaningful relationships are a strong support system vital to both emotional and brain health; engage in laughter with  family and friends on a regular basis.

·        Keep stress in check: chronic stress damages brain cells and damages the region of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and retrieval of old ones.

·        Eat a brain-boosting diet involving doing the following: eat enough fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring in order to get enough omega 3 fatty-acids which have a beneficial effect on the brain; limit anything containing sugar or saturated fat; eat more fruits and vegetables; and drink green tea containing antioxidants that protect against free radicals.

·        Give your brain a workout: the more you work the brain, the better it is able to process and remember information. The best way to do this is (a) tackle something that is new; (b) that is challenging; and (c) something that is fun and provides physical and emotional enjoyment.

4.     Improve your eyesight with palming.  

Palming is one of the most relaxing things you can do for your eyesight, and relaxation is the best natural contribution you can make in respect of your vision.  All you need to do is allocate 10 minutes of your time daily to doing the following:

·        Sit in a comfortable chair in which your back is supported and is situated immediately adjacent to a table.

·        Place your elbows on the table and place your cupped palms over your eyes in criss-cross manner so that all light is blocked out.

·        Breathe deeply while repeating to yourself “my eyesight is improving”.

·        Your eyes should be open during palming, and you should avoid touching them, as far as possible, with your palms.

The above simple steps are consistent with my belief that individuals can take preventative actions in relation to health problems.  

Why You Cannot Solely Rely on Food for Nutrition

 The British government are the only government that I am aware of to have done a study over time on the depletion of the nutrient value of food caused by modern farming methods. The study that I am referring to was started in the 1930's and concluded in the 1990's. The years 1940 and 1992 are of particular importance in the study. A selection of vegetables, fruits and meats from those two particular years were compared in the raw and, where appropriate, cooked states to determine the loss of critical minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc etc. 

A very brief summary of the findings of the losses over this 52 year period is as follows: vegetables lost on average 31% of their mineral content; fruits lost on average 23%; and meats lost on average 30%. There is no reason to suppose this loss of essential nutrients hasn't continued from 1992 to the present time. The reasons for the losses are modern methods involving intensive farming, the mechanisation of farms, fertilizer policy and the use of chemicals and sprays on crops. 

That particular study just related to the state of the land that the selection of vegetables, fruits and meats came from. Whilst the condition of the land from which products are sourced is important, the other variables to consider with food in order to get the best nutritional value from it is: how fresh is it; how is stored; and how is it cooked ? Vital nutrients can be lost with cabbage, for instance, simply by overcooking it. These variables are such that there is no guarantee that you are getting all the nutrients that you need on a daily basis from what you consume.  

If we cannot derive all the vitamins, minerals and fibre we need daily from the food we eat, what can we do to compensate? The answer to that question is to take supplements to make up for the deficiency in the diet. A good way to do this is to take a multi-vitamin and mineral tablet or capsule daily. Most of these contain all the essential vitamins and minerals required to maintain good health, and compensate for any deficiencies in the diet. These tablets or capsules can be obtained from health food shops, from the major supermarkets or can be obtained from suppliers via the Internet.

People concerned about aging could additionally take Brewer’s Yeast on a daily basis which usually comes in tablet form. Brewer’s Yeast is an excellent food supplement containing large amounts of iron, magnesium zinc and other minerals, as well as essential amino acids and all the B vitamins.

If you have any comments to make on this post, please do it via the comments box below.

What We Consume Can Prevent Health Problems

A balanced diet and well-planned individual meals are both important for our wellbeing. Each meal has a specific function to perform, as follows: breakfast should be highly nutritious meal to commence the day with: lunch should provide the various nutrients you need in the proper amounts; and dinner should be light, enjoyable and encourage sleep.

As you may know, you are more vulnerable to disease when you are tired. Taking in foods in their proper proportions through planned meals at the appropriate times of the day can help avoid fatigue, and thereby prevent sickness.

People who start the day with just a cup of coffee accompanied by a donut or muffin are inviting health problems because they are not getting the nutrients they need at the start of the day. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it takes the body from a fasting state to an energy-driven state, and fuels the day’s activities.  A good way to start the day is by consuming porridge oats, or any wholegrain breakfast cereal, followed by two boiled or poached eggs accompanied by wholegrain bread.  Occasionally grilled, as opposed to fried, bacon, sausages and tomatoes can be used.     

Lunch should consist of lots of green and multi-coloured vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, carrots,  sprouts, some lean meats or cheese, fruits such as an apple, orange or banana, all accompanied by wholegrain bread. If you have lunch in a restaurant choose healthier grilled, steamed or baked foods in preference to fried or sautéed ones.

Dinner should consist of a fish or meat dish accompanied by boiled or baked potatoes and other vegetables. Post the main meal, a natural low-fat and calcium rich yogurt is preferable to a desert. Dinner, being the last meal of the day, should encourage restful sleep.

Many people have problems eliminating waste because they don’t drink enough, or drink the wrong, beverages. An adult should drink 1.5 litres (3 pints) of liquid per day. Water is the best beverage to use at meal times and in between meals. Green and herbal tea, decaffeinated tea, coconut milk and low-fat milk also encourage the elimination of waste from the body. Alcohol should generally be avoided, but there is evidence to suggest that beer or wine taken in moderation can be a benefit to health.

Lots of health problems arise from people skipping meals, eating at fast or junk food outlets, and giving scant attention to the nutrients their bodies require on a daily basis. The human body requires the correct fuel to function properly in a similar manner to a motor car. Well- planned and balanced meals are essential to ensuring our bodies are functioning at the optimal level to perform whatever tasks we have to do on a daily basis, as well as maintain good health.

Should Assisted Suicide Be Legalised ?

The issue of assisted suicide has repeatedly come up in the UK over the past six months or so. The way the law in the UK stands at the moment, a family member or a doctor assisting a person to commit suicide could possibly be charged with manslaughter. Assisted suicide is legal in some jurisdictions such as Switzerland and the state of Oregon in the USA.

The case of Tony Nicklinson in the UK has recently put the spotlight on the issue. Mr Nicklinson, who in his fifties, suffered a massive stroke leaving him paralysed from the neck down was completely dependent on his family for his every need. Despite the stoke leaving him speechless, his wife Jane found a way of communicating with him via eye movements linked to a screen. After having suffered the consequences of the stroke for several years, he indicated that he wanted to commit suicide because he found his continued existence painful, demeaning and unbearable.    

Tony Nicklinson brought a case before the courts seeking permission to give both his doctor and family immunity from prosecution if they assisted him in the act of suicide. This permission was refused by the judge who heard the case. Mr Nicklinson was so devastated by the ruling that he refused to take food following it, then got pneumonia and has since died. Since his death, his wife Jane has led a campaign to have assisted suicide decriminalised.

I personally do not see why anyone assisting in a suicide should be prosecuted especially as the act of suicide itself is legal. Why should anyone helping someone commit a legal act be charged with any offence? Is assisted suicide the only example in the whole body of laws where helping someone commit a legal act is illegal? I therefore think the judge’s decision in the Nicklinson case could be challenged purely on legal grounds alone.

Some faith groups have got involved in the debate saying any premature ending of life is wrong. If most faith groups had their way, the act of suicide itself would be illegal. Someone wishing to commit suicide only wants to terminate their own life for their own specific reasons. Why shouldn’t a person be allowed to do this enlisting the help of others if necessary? Isn’t the right to end a life at the time of a person’s own choosing, a right like any other?

I think that it is ccrrect to highlight the issue of assisted suicide on this blog as the need for it usually arises out of a health problem. The laws in the country you are viewing this page from may differ from the UK’s laws referred to above, but the principles involved are the same. If you have got anything to say on this post, use the comments box below to express it.