Simple Health Cures

   It is no secret that cavemen of prehistoric times were a healthier bunch than modern people of today. However, their health was not a matter of choice, it was a matter of survival. During those times it was very likely that dangers lurked in every corner, and thus cavemen were always forced to be in their best physical and mental condition. One very significant factor was the caveman Paleolithic diet.

   The food products in this staple included lean meat and fish, wild fruits, nut and vegetables. These foods had high nutritional and energy value, were free from any chemicals, and had low calorie content. This meant that the food the cavemen consumed was just enough for their daily energy needs. They did not go hungry nor did they become too full: this allowed them to become healthy enough to survive in prehistoric times.

   However, man’s penchant for invention also became his downfall. Following the discovery and exploitation of fire for cooking, the caveman Paleolithic diet expanded to include a whole range of other food products, many of them extravagant and unhealthy. Going even further, man developed his farming and agricultural abilities, enabling him to produce food products at an excessive rate. Thus, one can now see the full blown effect this has on the modern world. Increasing cases of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other adverse health conditions continue to plague modern man due to his desire for an easier way of life.

   Nevertheless, these incidents are very proof that people should return to a balanced lifestyle just like the one their ancestors had, and that includes their eating habits. Case in point: advocates of the diet have pointed out that since ancient times, cavemen and their genes have been programmed to receive only certain kinds of foods at certain amounts. In this case, low-calorie foods with high nutritional value should be in every one’s diet. However, inclusion of unessential foods would cause the body to gain excess weight and suffer various ailments as well.

   This diet is very much available to anyone who wants to live a healthier way of life. Essentially this is an exclusion diet, meaning you only eat what’s acceptable and avoid those, which are not. However, if you stay long term with this diet, then the benefits are enormous.

    First, thanks  to a low calorie diet, you can lose a great deal of weight. Second,  your body will be able to detoxify itself faster sand became stronger against disease as a result. Thanks to the diet, your immune system is far more resistant to diseases such as cancer, diabetes and other modern day conditions.

   Staying healthy and avoiding illness can be preventable. Here is 5 tips  you can take to ensure that you avoid illness.

   1) Safe Food Handling Storage:

    Did you know that there is no such thing as the 24 hour flu? If you have become violently ill for the duration of 24-48 hours or less, you have consumed contaminated food. This may be the result of cross-contamination ( food that has touched other tainted foods or surfaces), undercooked meat or food that has been improperly stored or thawed, storage guidelines as set out by the Food Safety and Inspection Services. Always use a meat thermometer to determine if your food is properly cooked. This is the only way to really tell if your meat is fully cooked to a safe temperatures. Use an appliance thermometer to ensure your refrigerator and freezer are keeping your foods at safe temperatures during storage and store all meats at the bottom of the fridge and vegetables and other foods at the top.

   2) Take Care Of Your Immune System:

    Your body’s immune system is your natural defense against illness and disease. We are designed to fight off external attacks from infections, viruses, chemical and our environment as well as internal diseases such as cancer. Our skin, organs and blood all work together to battle disease but if any one area becomes stressed or weakened, the immune system can break down and allows us to become ill. A healthy lifestyle of proper nutrition, the right amount of sleep, exercise, reduced stress, proper hygiene and avoidance of toxins such as tobacco and alcohol will help you maintain a healthy immune system. Supplements including protein, vitamins A,C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, calcium, iron and antioxidants, including carotenoids like lycopene and beta carotene will help keep your immune system strong.

    3) Hand Washing:

   We all know to wash our hands after gong to the bathroom, but there are a great deal of other sources that are equally as germ laden as a bathroom. Surfaces such as keyboards, telephones, TV remote controls, money, hand rails and banisters and so on are handled often by many people and are rarely disinfected. Our hands pick up germs and bacteria constantly. Get in the habits of keeping our fingers out of your mouth, nose and eyes as these are the three main portals for ingesting bacteria and viruses. Wash your hands not only after using the bathroom, but before yo eat. To wash your hands properly, wet your hands with warm water ( not hot) water, lather with soap for at least 20 seconds away from the stream of water and then rinse thoroughly. It is the suds of the soap that trap the germs in the bubbles and allow them to be rinsed away.

   4) Balanced Diet And Exercise:

   Your body is like a fine tuned machine. It requires adequate fuel and movement to function properly. A balanced diet will ensure that all of your organs are well maintained with the necessary energy, vitamins and minerals it needs and movement will keep your circulation and joint healthy.

    5) Reduce Stress:

    There is no doubt about it, high stress levels can do a number on your health. Your immune system will weaken, you can develop high blood pressure and your mental health can suffer when you are exposed to stressors long-term. We all have things that stress us out whether it is from work, kids, financial problems, etc. It may not be possible to eliminate stress from your life entirely, but you can give your body “time off” to help it recover. The key is to identify the source of your stress and do what you can to reduce it. The other important factor is to take time to DE-stress. This may involve taking some “me” time or maybe just a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing several times per day.

    The fact is that illness can be prevented and taking a pro-active approach to your health is always much more effective at keeping yourself healthy than treating illnesses when they occur. You know the saying, ” An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

   The discussion about whether bee pollen or honey is the ideal supplement has been one that health enthusiasts have been puzzling over the ages. However, there are a few key differences between these two substances. Here are a few examples of why bee pollen is the healthier and more efficient of the two.

   Bee pollen, also known as “bee bread,” is a substances derived from flowering plants. After gathering flower pollen, the bees roll it up into small pellets. Honey, on the other hand, is regurgitated nectar. While queen bees subsist on royal jelly their entire lives, the rest of the larvae, worker bees, and drones consume honey. Bee also store honey for later consumption in the winter.

   Bee Pollen and Honey- A Comparison:

   When wondering whether you should choose bee pollen or honey, one of the most important things to keep in mind are their health benefits.

   Honey does have a few health benefits. it has been known to soothe coughs and sore throats. It also contains trace amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants. However, you would have to eat a lot of honey in order to benefit from these nutrients.

   This is largely because honey is mostly composed of sugars such as fructose, glucose, and sucrose. This means there isn’t a lot left for other nutrients. This also makes honey less of an option for those who suffer from diabetes.

   Another downside to honey is that it contains certain bacterias. While most adults are able to ingest them unharmed, there have been cases in which infants have suffered botulism as a result of eating honey.

   Bee Pollen, on the other hand, is unique among supplements in that it contains significant amounts of every daily required nutrient you need  in order to have a complete, balanced diet. These include:

    Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and K,

    Antioxidants, proteins, copper, zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium,

   Selenium, niacin, folic acid, 22 amino acids, enzymes, and many more,

   Knowing this, the answer regarding whether you should pick bee pollen or honey is a simple one. While honey taste wonderful and has two or three benefits, the latter is the way to go when it comes to balancing your diet, revitalizing your energy, detox your body, or strengthening your immune system.

   The best bee pollen is derived from the pristine island of New Zealand, where supplements are naturally pollutant free. Ideally, your supplements should also be freeze-dried, as thus preserves nutrients and makes it easier to digest.

    One of the biggest health complaints is ” I’m tired all the time.” This may not sound like a big issue, I mean everyday gets tired, right? If you find yourself tired all the time and don’t think this is a big health issue, think again. Lacking energy is a symptom of underlying health issues and it is not to be ignored. If you find yourself relating to the list below, lets talk about why  and how we can make you feel more alive.

   Needing to nap in the middle of the day

   Sleepy during work or school

   Physically lethargic or laziness

   Lack of motivation to go about your day

   Fuzzy thinking

   Finding yourself expressing “I don’t know why I’m so tired”

   Generally not feeling as good as you think you should

   Running on low energy

   What causes low energy? There are many issues that may cause low energy, ranging from chronic illness to a lowered immune system. But most commonly, the problem is basic nutrition. Even if you take vitamins, supplements, and over the counter energy boost, there is generally the factor of good eating that is being ignored. Good nutrition is the vital link to health, energy and an overall sense of well-being.

   Food is medicine, and although supplements can help, the vitamins and minerals in real food is what is missing for optimal nutrition. With this in mind, you should be eating nutrient-dense foods as your primary source of nutrition before taking specific whole food supplements to increase your energy and improve your health. The co factors in real foods are essential to creating energy in the cells. Live food is the most valuable source of instant energy, as it feeds the body with quick bio-available nutrients. Lets consider some foods that should be avoided ( although obvious to some, perhaps not so obvious to others)

   Foods to avoid: ( These foods deplete the body of vital nutrients and cause lethargy in the cells, they should be avoided and eventually eliminated for optimal heath)

   All refined sugars

   Any processed and packaged foods including crackers, chips, cookies, boxed cereals, and protein bars

   Baked goods, breads, muffins, cakes and cookies

   Margarine or butter alternatives

   Canned or jarred canned foods: soups, sauces, juices

   Artificial sweeteners: Equal, Splendid, Sweet-n-Low, etc…

   Coffee, specifically traditionally brewed

   Any type of soda or soft drink

   Ice cream, made with dairy dreams, milk and sugar

   Fast foods and chain restaurant foods

   Processed meats, hot dogs, bologna, lunch meats

   Fried foods of any kind

   Foods to Eat: ( These foods promote energy, increase vitally and add to cellular function. There is no limit to good nutrition, eat what you like, vary your diet with new foods, increase the amount of live foods that are placed in your diet, and enjoy everything you eat.)

   Green leafy vegetables such as chard, kale, spinach

   Lettuces, such as red leaf, green leaf, Boston, romaine, wild greens for salads

   Calciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and radishes

   Sulfur- bearing vegetables such as onion and garlic

   Fresh citrus such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, lemons, and limes

   Tropical fruits, such as papaya, pineapple, coconuts, mangoes and kiwi

   Fresh berries such as strawberries. blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries

   Fresh melons such as watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, Casaba and Gala melons

   Tree fruits such as apples, pears, figs and avocados

   Tree nuts, fresh and raw…preferably soaked for greater digestibility

   Whole grains such as quinoa, millet, amarath and occasional brown rice

   Sprouted or cooked beans in moderation, such as mung beans, lentils, garbanzo, and black beans

   Oils: use organic cold-pressed olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, flax seed oil and other refined oils

   Fish occasion

   Dairy: use organic

   Vegetables streamed, roasted, or sauteed lightly over whole grains with fresh pesto

   Prepared vegetables soups, with lentils or mug beans

   Large salads with fresh dressing of oils, raw Tahiti, lemons and sea salt

   Fruit smoothies made with fresh squeezed juices and fresh fruit ( add green leafy vegetables)

   Menu ideas for enjoyable and sustainable energy. ( these are a couple suggestions of easy to prepare foods that can get you on track for better energy and optimal health.

   At this time, of the year most people in the northern hemisphere are thinking more about the warmth and sunshine of the coming summer than the colds, flus and other common viruses that tend to attack us in the colder months, but for many unfortunate people, a so- called summer cold may strike at any time, and even the flu are not in heard of at this time of year.

   Having a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle are the best possible ways to keep your immune system functioning normally( if you are an averagely healthy individual), but even the best defences can become vulnerable when we are feeling tired, rundown or overworked. Every second of every day, our bodies are being are being bombarded by potential pathogens (disease- causing organisms or virus particles) that are present upon our skin, in our mouths, our bodies, in the air we breathe and the food we eat in fact almost all around, within and upon us. Thankfully, most pathogens we encounter are not able to attack us either because they are unable to get to the part of the body where they can cause a problem, or because our immune system neutralize them before they do any damage or are able to reproduce, or because our immune systems neutralize them before they do any damage or are able to reproduce to dangerous numbers.

   The immune system really is an incredible thing. In essence. your immune system ‘remembers’ encounters with pathogens, so under normal circumstances, any single type of cold or flu virus that you have previously had cannot make you ill again ( there are a few exceptions but to cover them would take us well beyond the scope of this article).

   Unfortunately, the viruses that cause colds and flu mutate rapidly. This means that their methods of attacking and entering your cells are changing all the time. It is a bit like a continual game of cat and mouse, with your body defeating one pathogens, only to be attacked by a mutated descendant a few weeks or months later. This constant, rapid mutation of viruses is the reason why there will probably  never be a single cure for the common col, and why pharmaceutical companies and countries medical authorities must take ( a very educated and precise) gamble as to which strain of flu will be the dominant one, come the winter season, and spend months producing tons  of vaccine in the hope of protecting the vulnerable from infection.

   For most of us, colds and flu are an inconvenience that we can do without. Being ill makes us feel bad, make us less productive and of course none of us want to pass on an illness to an elderly, frail or otherwise vulnerable person, for whom a simple cold may become more than an inconvenience. By maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle we can keep our immune system operating effectively, and ensure that our bodies have the energy and resources they need to fight any infections that may take hold. We can also take supplements that contain antiviral herbs such as Echinacea and Elderberry extract that help to optimize and support the immune system, as well as acting as antiviral agents.

   Yoga is not just an exercise, it is a healthy way of life. You don’t just do it three times a week and hope to lose some weight. You need to follow your yoga regime daily. There are many forms and schools of yoga. It helps to tone your physical body when you do the asanas prescribed for you. There are specific asanas that help with specific disease that you may be suffering from. This actually makes yoga a simple and useful healing tool.

   The meditation and breathing exercise which accompany the regular yoga exercises act as a great stress buster for you. This helps your mental alertness and agility. if you are looking to increase your powers of concentration you can practice “Trataka.” Or if you are looking for an instant energy pick me up you can use the yogic breathing technique known as “Kapalbhati.” If you suffer from lower back pain you need to strengthen your back muscle. To do this you can do some physical asanas which specifically target those muscles.

   To learn what asanas suit you best and which you need to practice on a daily basis you will need to take a short course with a qualified yoga instructor.. While it is possible to teach yourself yoga with the help of book and videos, there is always the danger of not doing the asana postures correct. This can lead to some complications and you may even hurt yourself if you do the stretches wrong. So you must learn from a qualified teacher before you begin experimenting with the more complicated postures.

   Some of the immediate health benefits that you will experience as a direct result of your daily yoga routine will include a sense of peace and calm. Since you give your body and mind a full workout, you will be stress free and relaxed. Another related health benefit of yoga would be an increased capacity to do work. Most people feel charged with extra energy and a whole lot more in terms of stamina when they do yoga on a regular basis.

   Also if you are feeling low and need to rev up your energy levels at the end of a long work day, you can do “Pranayama” breathing to get an instant energy boost. The immune system of your body is strengthened and this means that you are not prone to seasonal colds and coughs. Plus since all your muscles get a regular work out will be more flexible. There are many benefits associated with yoga.

   The Prickly Pear Cactus has been used by anicient civilizations such as the Aztecs for medicinal purposes. They called it nohpalli and the mexican to date refer to the plant as nopal. The Chinese used the fleshy pad of the plant to dress abscesses.

   Indians use the fruit of the plant as food and even make a strup from it to treat whooping cough and asthma. In Italy the flowers of the plant are used as a diuretic. All over the world the prickly pear cactus has been used down the ages.

   Today the Prickly Pear Cactus or opuntia ficus-indics, is used for medical treatment of diabetes, cholesterol and the immune system. Recently a line of proprietary prickly pear extracts have been launched in America to support healthy blood glucose levels.

   These contain the extract of the pads and fruit of the cactus and are believed to reduce blood glucose levels by 50%. This is indeed exciting news for anyone who has diabetes and is struggling to get their blood sugar levels under control. Take conducted on 36 volunteers with type 2 diabetes have proved that the extracts do help lower the blood sugar levels after meals. However before you begin using the extracts consult your doctor.

   If you spend long hours in a wheelchair you know it can lead to uneasiness and be very uncomfortable, which is true for everyone who is disabled. Keeping the body moving as much possible in your wheelchair should be a regular part of your daily fitness program. This should be a priority no matter what your disability. Doing regular wheelchair exercise will help you increase your strenght, flexibility, improve your mobility, strenghten your heart and lungs, and help you control your weight.

   When starting or ending any workout or exercise session, it’s important to take ten minutes to warm up, stretch a little but without hurting yourself and then cool down for about ten minutes. When you work out with weights you want to start slowly gradually work up to more weight. Start with simple exercises as outlined below and then move on to some of the more difficult exercise.

   Your upper body workout should include exercises that include both arms, the torso, neck, and the shoulders. However, depending on the nature of the disability, everyone’s situation is different so make sure to consult with the doctor. Let the doctor know what exercises you plan to do and get his/ her okay and which of the exercise are best for you and which should be avoided.

Here are two types of wheelchair exercise that you’ll want to use for you workout.

   Resistance training- Resistance training uses large, stretchy rubber bands that are called resistance bands. Take the bands and wrap them securely around a stable object such as a door, or the arm of your wheelchair. Pull the bands towards you and then the other way away from you to give your muscles a good workout. Rubber bands can be use for pull-downs, shoulder rotations and arm and leg extensions.

   Strength training- Strength training uses the lifting of “free weights” or “dumbbells”. If you don’t have free weights or dumbbells try to find some cans of food that fit nicely in  your hands. Or you might be able to find something better. Whatever you choose have it weighed. You want to start with one or two pounds weights and gradually work up. Do three sets of 12 repetitions for each exercise resting between each set.

   Set realistic goals and reward yourself for working out. Don’t do anything you know you shouldn’t. Start slowly. Keep your eye on the end result. A simple but the best wheelchair exercise and fitness program can improve your overall health, boost your immune system, get blood flowing to the brain  preventing brain disease such as dementia and Alzheimer’s and increase mobility for you.   And encourage others who are disabled to exercise along with you whenever you get together for an added boost.

   Circulation problems can be felt in a number of ways. Some symptoms include fatigue due to poor circulatory function, which may bring on other symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. The inability to concentrate, coldness in the hands or feet, headaches, angina, and high blood pressure are also other signs there could be problems with the circulation system. There are nutritionally-dense foods we can incorporate into our diets to ensure our circulatory system is functioning at it’s best.

   If your circulation is poor, it is vital that the Vitamin C content of the body is kept up, because it will help prevent hardening of the arteries ballooning. Citrus fruits, red berries, tomates, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, red and green bell pepper, cabbage, and spinach are all great Vitamin C foods sources, and it helps promote a healthy immune system and is required to help make collagen, which holds cells together, which is vital in maintaining the integrity and strenght of the arteries and veins.

   Leafy green vegetables, almonds, hazelnuts, and vegetable oils like sunflower, canola, and soybean are all great sources of antioxidants, which are widely recognized for their ability to ward off diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Other great sources include broccoli, cabbage and kale.

   Nuts are high in beneficial, unsaturated fatty acids and research shows a correlation between nut consumption and a reduced incidence of ischemic heart disease. Walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts are very high in these needed fatty acids.

   Fish Oils an in sardines and may help to improve or reverse atherosclerosis, angina, heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhyththmias, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Fish oils help maintain the elasticity of artery walls, prevent blood clotting, reduce blood pressure and stabilize heart rhythm.

   Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects body tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals. Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs can cause damage to the cell walls of the vessels in the circulatory system. Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells. Wheat germ, corn, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, and asparagus are all wonderful Vitamin E food sources.

   The main indications of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), on the other hand, are overall general physical and mental weariness. There are many different causes of tiredness. Just because you’re frequently tired doesn’t neccessarily mean you’ve got CFS. The condition must persist for more than six consecutive months and include other symptom’s such as memory loss, sore throat, headaches and muscle/joint pain without swelling or redness.

   Though there are several potential causes for CFS, the main reason for all fatigue is poor nutrition. Other causes could be faulty digestion, food allergies, obesity, sleep problems, tension or depression. Smoking, alcohol and drugs are also contributing factors.

   The main indications  are physical and mental weariness. It can be so severe that people are unable to participate fully in normal, everyday activities. Even getting plenty of rest doesn’t seem to make a difference for most sufferers. But, with basic lifestyle changes and a diet rich in whole foods nutrients, almost anyone can help prevent or even reverse these symptom”s.

   You can switch to a more wholesome diet that consists mainly of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green pepper, cabbage and spinach are all full of Vitamin C, which helps promotes a healthy immune system. Zinc does the same. Red meat, fortified cereals, peanuts and dairy products are all good food sources of zinc.

   And for protein, focus on fish high in omega-3 oils and lean poultry, since they are loaded with essential fatty acids (EFAs) which help improve circulation and oxygen uptake with proper red blood cell flexibility and function. It’s imperative to get EFAs from your dietary choices, as the body cannot manufacture them. EFA deficiencies are linked to diminished mental capacities and immune function.

   Other things that will help include decreasing stress and getting plenty of good quality rest and regular moderate exercise. Drink lots of pure, clean water, and avoid sweets, caffeine, sodas, processed and salty foods. Set obtainable goals and think positively.