Simple Health Cures

   The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. The body is made up of approximately 55 to 75 percent of water. Water forms the basis of blood digestive juices, urine and perspiration and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones.

   As the body can’t store water, we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from lungs, skin, urine and feces. Water is needed to maintain the health and integrity of every cell in  the body, keep the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through blood vessels, help eliminate the by products of the body’s metabolism, helps to flush out toxins, regulate body temperature through sweating, lubricate and cushion joints and carry nutrients and oxygen to the body’s cells, just to name a few. Drinking refreshing, clean water plays a major role in reducing the risk of certain diseases.

   The loss of body water through urination is gtreatly increased by the ingestion of decaffeinated and alcoholic beverages. These drinks have a diuretic effect, meaning they stimulate the kidneys to excrete more urine. Not only do we lose water, we also lose water-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B (thiamine) and other B complex Vitamins. For every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink, you need to add an additional glass of pure water.

   A diet containing lots of fruits and vegetables will supply about 4 cups of water a cup a day. Even with adiet high in  fruits and vegetables, it is still neccessary to drink an additional 6 to 8 cups of water per day to supply enough water to meet the body’s daily needs. For every caffeinated or alcohol beverage you drink, you need to add an additional glass of pure water.

   Dehydration occurs when the water content of the body is too low. This is easily fixed by increasing fluid intake. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, lethargy, mood changes and slow responses, dry nasal passages, dry or cracked lip, dark-colored urine, weakness, tireness, confussion and hallucinations. Eventually urination stops, the kidneys fail and the body can’t remove toxic waste products. In extremes cases, this may result in death.

   Approximately six to eight glasses of a variety of fluids can be consumed each day. More than eight glasses may be needed for physically active people, children, people in hot or humid environments, and breastfeeding women. Less water may be needed for srdentary people, older people, people in a cold environment or people who eat a lot of high water content foods.

   Macrobiotics devotees believe that food, and food quality, affects our lives more then is commonly thought. It is thought to effect our health, well being and happiness. They focus on moving away from processed foods, and moving toward more natural and more traditional methrods of food preparation. They claim it is better to choose food that is less processed, more natural, use more traditional methrods of food preparation for themselves and their family.

   Macrobiotics emphasize locally-grown, organically-grown whole grain cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits, seaweed and fermented soy products, combined into meals according to the principle of balance between Yin and Yang. Cereals, fruit, beans, nuts and vegetables, and rice make up the main part of the diet and are considered neutral and are naturally balanced in terms of Yin and Yang. Foods which are either extremely. Yin in nature or extremely. Yang in nature are eaten very rarely if at all. Very Yin products include coffee, tropical fruit, sugar, soft dairy products, vegetables, alcohol and honey. Very Yang products include poultry, meat, firm dairy products like hard cheeses, and eggs.

   The macrobiotic diet is high in natural unprocessed foods, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables. It is low in saturated fats, whilst providing the essential fats. Food should be organically grown and eaten fresh. The Macrobiotic lifestyle also governs how food should prepareed. No microwave should be used, rice must be cooked in a process cooker. Food should be eaten and chewed slowly, in a relaxed manner.

   Low fat  high-fiber diets are also believed to play a role in preventing some types of cancer. And the macrobiotic empasis on fresh, non-processed foods may be beneficial to those dealing with certain food allergies and chemical sensitivites. Followers assert that the balance and harmony of the macrobiotic diet and lifestyle create the best possible conditions for health. They claim that the diet yields many positive health effects, including a general sense of well-being, and some studies actually show that people on the diet have a decreased risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer.

   Juice can actually be considered a Natural water source and provides the body with protein, carbohydrates, essentials fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that can be aborbed quickly and efficiently. Fresh juices also contains necessary enzymes, and pigments such as carotenes, chlorophyll, and flavonoids.

   Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables provides numerous nutritional advantages that are extremely important to weight loss. In addition, diets containing a high percentage of uncooked foods are significantly associated with weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and lower blood pressure.

   Juicing kick start your body’s digestive process and enables quick absorption of high-quality nutrition, which can result in increased energy. This is one of the great advantages of achieving weight loss through improved nutrition. Fresh juices, combined with a well-balanced diet will provide you with energy needed to burn more calories, fat and provide you with the fuel you need for physical activity.

   However, juicing does remove the fiber from these nutrient-dense foods. So be sure to include an appropriate amount of fiber rich foods in your daily diet. Jucing should be a complement to a well-balanced healthy diet, not a substitute.

   So with a little planning and creativity, juicing could enhance your well-balanced diet and add some zest. The internet is a great resource for juicing recipes and information, and with the realization that raws foods and juicing is a great health boost, books and magazine articles are touting the benefits and offering recipe ideas.

   Oragnic food is foods that is free from all genetically modified organisms, porduced without artificial pesticides and fertilizers and derived from an animal reared without the routine use of antibiotics, growth promoters or other drugs. Once only available in small stores or farmer market, organic foods are becaming much more widely available.

   Organic foods have been shown to improve your immune sytem, help you sleep better, shed the excess weight more easily, and improve your blood work just to name a few. Oraganic food can boost intense, realistic flavors and a higher Vitamin and Mineral content.

   And though logically it makes sense to consume a diet based on organic foods, some worry about the cost. But with careful planning and preparation, going organic is actually quite affordable. And, the peace of mind knowing you and your family are consuming food that haven’t been treated with pesticides or genetically altered is worth the extra money spent.

  The pesticides used by conventional farmers can have many negative influences on your health, including neurotoxicity, disruption of your endocrine system, carcinogenicity and immune system suppression. Pest exposure may also affect male reprodctive function and has been linked to miscarriages in women. Additionally, conventional produce tends to have fewer nutrients than organic produce. Studies have found significantly higher levels of nutrients such as Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus and significantly less nitrates ( a toxin) in organic crops.

   So it’s a smart idea to buy and eat organic produce and free range organic foods as much as possible for maximum health benefits. In addition, the knowledge that you’re supporting the organic foods industry that is dedicated to protecting the environment by steering clear of harmful pesticides, and chemicals that can result in the loss of topsoil, toxic runoff and resulting water pollution, soil contamination and poisoning and the death of insects, birds, critters and beneficial soil organisms should help you feel even better.

   According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a healthy diet as one that Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low fat milk and milk products: includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts, and is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. But just what minerals and nutrients are vital to our health and well being? Consider these nutrient-dense foods when you’re looking to improve your vitamin and mineral intake.

   Vitamin A is needed for good eyesight and optimal functioning of the immune system. Cod liver oil, dairy products, sweet potatoes and dark green leafy vegetables are all great natural food sources of Vitamin A.

   Vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, is imperative to the body’s ability to process carbohydrates. Whole grains breads, cereals and pastas have high amounts of thiamin.

   Riboflavin, or B2, can be found in fortified cereals, almonds, asparagus, eggs, and meat. It’s used in many body processes, including conventing food into energy and the production of red blood cells.

   Niacin, also known as B3, can be found in lean chicken, tuna, salmon, turkey, enriched flour, peanuts and fortified cereals. It aids in digestion and also plays a key role in conventing food into energy.

   Vitamin B6 can be found in fortified cereals, fortified soy-based meat substitutes, baked potatoes with skin, bananas, light meat chicken and turkey, eggs, and spinach. It’s vital for a healthy nervous systems, and helps break down protein and stored sugars.

   Vitamin B12 is needed for creating red blood cells, and can be found in beef, clams, mussels, crabs, salmon, poultry and soybeans.

   Citrus fruit, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green peppers, cabbage and spinach are all loaded with Vitamin C, which is vital to promoting a healthy immune system and making chemical messengers in the brain.

   Vitamin D can be found in fortified milk, cheese, and cereal, egg yolks, salmon, but can also be made by the body from sunlight exposure. It’s needed to process xalcium and maintain the health of bones and teeth.

   Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant and is essential to your skin’s good health. Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, almonds, hazelnuts, and vegetable oils like sunflower, canola and soybean to get this vital nutrient.

   Folic acid can be found in fortified cereals and grain products, lima, lentil and garbanzo beans, and darl leafy green vegetables. It’s vital for cell development, prevents birth defects promotes heart health, and helps red blood cells form. Pregnant women need to take special care to ensure they are getting enough of this for themselves and their developing baby.

   Dairy products, broccoli, dark leafy greens like spinach and rhuburb and fortified products such as orange juice, soy milk, and tofu are all loaded with calium. Like Vitamin D, it’s very important in helping to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.

   Organ meats, oysters, clams, crabs, cashew, sunflower seeds, wheat bran cereal, whole grain products and cocoa products are all high in copper, which aids in metabolism of iron and red cell formation. It also assits in the production of energy for cells.

   Iron can be found in leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, poultry, soy foods and some fortified foods. It’s needed to transport oxygen to all parts of the body via the red blood cells.

   Potassium can be found in foods like broccoli, potatoes( with the skin on) , prune juice, orange juice, leafy green vegetables, bananas, raisins, and tomatoes. It aids in nervous system and muscle function and also help maintain a healthy balance of water in the blood and body tissues.

   Red meat, fortified cereals, oysters, almonds, peanuts, ckickpeas, soy foods, and dairy products are great dietary sources of zinc. Zinc supports the body’s immune function, reproduction capabilities, and the nervous systems.

   Protein is the main component of muscles, organs and glands. Every living cell and all body fluids, except bile and urine contain protein. The cells of muscles, tendons, and ligaments are maintained with proteins. Children and adolescents requires protein for growth and development, and adults need it to maintain cell integrity. It can be found in foods like beans, milk and meat.

   The primary function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and the nervous system. Complex carbohydrates are the best choice for a stable blood sugar level. Whole grain breads and cereals, legumes, and starchy vegetables are all good complex carbohydrate sources.

   Essential fatty acids play a part in many metabolic processes, and there is evidence to suggest that low levels of essential faaty acids, or the wrong balance of types among the essential fatty acids, may be a factor in a number of illnesses. Goos sources are fish and shellfish, flaxseed, canola oil, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, leafy vegetables and walnuts.

   Though this list is far from complete, it gives a good base of knowledge on which to build a healthy, well-balanced diet.

   Including these superfoods in your diet can help to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, maintain your memory power, and prevent osteoporosis. These superfoods are delicious to eat, easy to prepare, and super good for you.

   Tofu is an alternative protein source to meat. Along with other soy products, tofu can be beneficial for lowering your cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Soy products like tofu may also decrease the side effects associated with menopause, including the dreaded “hot flashes”.

   Navy beans loaded with fiber, which can help reduce your risk of cancer and other forms of cancer, as well as relieve the symptoms associated with diverticulosis. Women need 30 grams of fiber a day, so include them in your favorite chili recipe, or try them as a side dish alternative to pasta or rice.

   Packed with calcium, yogurt can help prevent osteoporosis. It has also been shown to boost your immunity and help with weight management. Additionally, yogurt contains high amounts of good bacteria such as acidophilus, which helps to prevent yeast infections and urinart tract infections. It also contains protein, which may help your body battle the fatigue and weariness that follows a hot flashe.

   As we age, we sometimes find ourselves forgetting things or feeling as if we’re in a fog. If you find this to be the case, grab for the blueberries the next time you’re shopping for groceries. Recent studies show they may actually help with short term memory loss. They’re also loaded with antioixidants. Pair them with some low fat plain yogurt for a top notch way to protect both your brain and your bones.

   Avocado also contains antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which can help to protect your vision and skin, which can suffer as we age. The monounsaturated fat found in avocados has also been shown to improve the condition of hair and skin. They’re great on a turkey sandwich, or mash up a few ripe ones and whip up a quick side of guacamole to have with some low fat baked tortilla chips.

   And as always, it’s important to make low fat and low sodium choices when menu planning. These do nothing to help alleviate the symptom’s brought on by menopause, and are unhealthy options at any age, but especially as we grow older. Avoid smoking or alcohol, and get plenty of rest, and you’ll soon find your menopause symptom’s are easily managed

   An estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease, and more than half are undiagnosed. Frequently misunderstood, and too often overlooked and misdiagnosed, thyroid disease effects almost every aspect of health. Taking care of it with good nutrition is a smart step in the right direction. Here are some superfoods that research has shown can nurture a healthy thyroid, as well as some ones to avoid.

   Coconut  and coconut butter, or more commonly known as coconut oil,has been used as a food and medicine since the dawn of history. Unlike saturated animal fats found in meats and dairy products, coconut is a raw saturated fat containing fatty acids which the body can metabolize efficiently and convert to energy quickly. Research also shows it helps to regulate thyroid function.

   Kelp is a steller, nutrient-dense sea vegetable. It is also known as Liminaria and contains a natural substances that enhances flavor and tenderizes. Kelp works as a blood purifier, and promotes adrenal, pituitary and thyroid health. it’s natural iodine may help normalize thyroid-related disorders, like overweight, and lymph system congestion.

   Turkey is one of the leanest protein foods and is low in calories, making it an excellent healthy food choice. Turkey also contains selenium which has been shown to inhabit cancar development, improve the immune system, and aid in the metabolism of our thyroid hormone.

    Thyroid patients should avoid the consumption of goitrogens, substances that suppress the function of the thyroid gland, and which can also cause an enlargement of the thyroid. Goitrogens are foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, kale, turnips, and canola oil. Soy and peanuts also include goitrogens and should be avoided.

   Both copper and iron are so important for thyroid function, so thyroid patients should take time to make sure they’re getting enough in their diets. Foods such as organ meats, oysters, clams, crabs, cashews, sunflower seeds, wheat bran cereals, whole-grain products, and cocoa products are all rich in copper. Foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, and poultry are high in iron. Complement your iron intake with adequate amounts of Vitamin C from foods such as citrus fruits, red berries, tomates, potatoes, and bell peppers to help maximize your body’s iron absorption efficiency.

   The benefits advocated from eating such a diet seem endless, lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, eliminating cravings, preventing overeating, purging the body of accumulated toxins, balancing hormones, maintaining blood glucose levels and reversing degenerative disease.

   Followers of a raw diet cite numerous health benefits, including increased energy levels, improved appearance of skin, improved digestion, weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease, just to name a few. Proponents believe that enzymes are the life force of a food and that every food contains its own prefect mix. These enzymes help us digest foods completely, without relying on our body to produce its own cocktail of digestive enzymes.

   There can be some effects when you are first starting a raw foods diet. Some detoxification effects may be experienced as your body attempts to shed some toxicity. This may include occasional headaches, nausea sensations and mild depression. If these symptoms persist, you should seek the help of somebody who is experienced with detoxification symptoms.

   Following a raw food diet means that you have to carefully plan your meals to make sure you don’t fall short of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. In some instances it might be appropriate to consider taking dietary supplements, especially when just starting out. You’ll need invest in some appliances so that you are able to prepare the food, if you don’t already have them available. A durable juicer, a blender and a large food processor make raw food preparartion a breeze. You may also want to look into purschasing large containers to soak sprouts, grains and beans, as well as for storage. A durable juice extractor for your fruits and vegetables.

   The smoothest way to begin a raw foods lifestyle is to slowly transition into it. Try starting off by eating approximately 70 to 80 percent raw foods in your diet. Have fruit and salads throughtout the day and a cooked vegetable meal with a salad in the evening. This should help make the transition easier on your body and hopefully lessen side effects associated with detoxification. This is an emotional time as well, so you should allow yourself plenty of time to make the switch. Journaling during the process can help. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling the positive effects of a healthy, detoxifying raw foods diet.