Friday, March 27, 2009

Aloe Vera - The Healing Plant

Aloe Vera is a plant of many surprises and wonders. Whether you use it as vital ingredient in beauty products or it is consumed as dietary supplement. Aloe Vera is a hot fertile region plant, but now it is cultivated in most part of the world. Aloe is a member of the lily family although it looks more of a cactus. It has been used for its medicinal purposes since the ancient times, but only recently has it enjoyed a rediscovery and subsequent popularity explosion.

There are over 200 varieties of aloes, but it is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera) plant, which has been of most use to mankind because of the medicinal properties it displays. Aloe Vera contains over 75 known active ingredients including a wide range Vitamins, antioxidant, minerals, calcium, essential Amino Acids, Sugars, Digestive Enzymes, Anti-inflammatory Enzymes, Plant Sterols, Lignin, Saponins, Anthraquinones and more. Aloe Vera contains many components, including vitamins A, B, C, and E. Aloe has a massive amount of minerals and enzymes, however not its entire component has been identified yet.

Nowadays, although medicines and drugs can be very effective in treating ailments, long term use often involves side effects for patients. Consequently more consumers and scientists are turning back to look at more traditional, and often natural therapies which have been neglected for so long. As a result, Aloe Vera is once again attracting attention as it can provide many benefits to our health and lifestyle without any side effects.

BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA

Ancient records show that the benefits of Aloe Vera have been known to mankind for centuries. Its therapeutic advantages and healing properties have survived more than 5000 years.

By using the aloe vera juice a person can get the benefits of aloe vera’s ability to aid in digestion, improve circulation, detoxify and heal from the inside. Aloe Vera juice can be a part of a person’s daily healthy regimen because it is safe to take everyday. If Aloe is taken internally, it increases the actual amount of our bile. It affects the small intestines and stimulates the muscular coat of the large intestine thus causing purging in about fifteen hours. Aloes also help increase the menstrual flow, since it belongs to the group of emmenagogues. Aloes have Aloin present used for therapeutic purposes. This causes less pain. It is a preferable drug for many forms of constipation. Continuous use of it does not lead to enlarging the dose to take.

Aloe’s benefits to our health include, helping to lower the blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. Aloe Vera is a strong laxative that may have some anti-cancer effects to humans. It is now being studied as a treatment for asthma.

USES OF ALOE VERA

Aloe Vera is commonly used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and echzema. It is alleged that sap from Aloe vera eases pain and reduces inflammation. Scientific evidence on the effects of Aloe vera sap on wound healing is contradictory. A study showed that the healing of a moderate to severe burn was sped up by six days when covering the wound on a regular basis with aloe vera gel, compared to the healing of the wound covered in a gauze bandage. In contrast, another study suggested wounds to which Aloe vera gel was applied were significantly slower to heal.

Many cosmetic companies add sap or products derived from Aloe Vera to products such as makeup, shampoos, soaps, moisturisers, sunscreens and lotions. Aloe gel is alleged to be useful for dry skin conditions, especially eczema around the eyes and sensitive facial skin and for treating fungal infections.Aloe vera has very good results in skin diseases and it is often taken as health drink. Aloe Vera is also found effective in treating wrinkles, stretch marks and pigmentations. Where as auravedic practitioners are in the favor of use of Aloe Vera. According to them Aloe vera has very good role in diabetic. Aloe vera is found to have smaller molecular structure and cutting properties. This help breaking down fat globules, therefore reducing obesity. Medical properties of Aloe vera are still on debate, but the beauty properties are highly accepted by the world.

Aloe Vera is also known to have certain medical properties. Aloe vera drink is used as a tonic for patient suffering from arthritis, diabetes and high cholesterol. This is because of the dietary supplement properties, which help in healing like anti fungal, anti oxidant, anti bacterial and some other properties. It is found to boost the immune system. The transparent gel that is found inside its leaf is used as a domestic emergency treatment in burns, injuries and solar erithema, also it is applied externally on hemorrhoids and foe a good cicatrisation. Aloe Vera contains at least two active compounds that decrease the levels of sugar in the blood and its extract is also used in patients with hypoglycemia. Its juice is consumed as prevention and treatment of many gastric disorders. The efficiency of Aloe Vera in the treatment of burns is due because it has a similar structure as aspirin, that in combination with magnesium have an anesthetic effect and because of its antimicrobian composition it helps for the hygiene of the burns, avoiding a possible infection.

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Saturday, March 14, 2009

Don't Fall for the Hype When Choosing a Weight Loss Program

What's the secret to weight loss? Many people wonder why some of their friends can eat whatever they want as often as they want and not gain a pound while others can look at a cookie wrong and gain weight. There has to be some magical potion we can take to lead to weight loss. There has to be a magical pill that we can take that will burn calories for me without me having to sacrifice anything. That might sound absurd, but there are many people hoping and waiting for such a pill or potion. How else can you explain the billions of dollars spent each year in the diet industry? There are definitely some worthy diet supplements that will help enhance your weight loss. But you do have to put forth some effort. Being successful at the weight loss game takes effort on your part, no matter how you look at it. Those that have the inspiring before and after photos of their success all have one very important thing in common. They did something. They worked out or they cut their calories. Chances are if they've been really successful, they did both.

Weight loss is something that a lot of people are trying desperately to achieve. But if you don't have the right tools, you will continue chasing limited time offers and the only thing that will get skinny is your wallet. Diet and exercise are the only elements that have been proven time and time again. Granted the results might take a little longer than we like, but it works. Because it's so much easier to gain weight than it is to loose it, many people think the minute they start a diet and exercise regimen they should see results. The truth is that you didn't gain the weight overnight, so you can't expect to lose it overnight. Working hard and having a low and steady weight loss each week is actually one of the best ways to ensure that you keep the weight off. Think about it. If you lose a bunch of weight in a short amount of time, your body and brain don't have time to adjust to healthy ways of eating. You're basically a smaller person with the same bad habits you've always had. And you gain the weight back because nothing has really changed in your approach to food.

But if your weight loss is slow while you make changes to your portion sizes, what you eat and incorporate regular workouts, you are changing your behavior. You are making a lifestyle change instead of just a temporary change. Whether you have a lot of weight to lose or just a little, weight loss is all about your approach. Before starting any diet or exercise program, be sure you have all of the information you need so that you can make informed decisions on which program will be right for you.

Article Source: http://www.purearticle.com

Jim Mackey is a renowned dietician. He has been advising people on how to maintain a proper diet and how to lose those extra calories. If you want to know more about Weight loss, Diet recipes, South beach diet and Diet plans you can visit www.dietsinreview.com

Top Reveals The Insider Way To Lose weight effortlessly in a matter of minutes

The food and drugs association have approved the laser assisted form of liposuction. The laser assisted form of liposuction uses a high frequency laser and a low frequency laser to precipitate the breakdown of fat. The laser assisted form of liposuction makes it possible for surgeons to make smaller incisions and be less invasive in the surgery.

Steer clear of alcohol when you are recovering from liposuction. Alcohol inhibits the skin’s healing capacity and can cause complications for you after a liposuction surgery. You can speed up your recovery period by drinking tons of water after having liposuction surgery.

If after a liposuction surgery you feel a bit ill, you should report instantly to your doctor. Symptoms of a problem developing that should have you at alert include memory loss, seizures, and widespread muscle twitching; all of which should be reported to your liposuction surgeon to nip the problem in the bud.

Liposuction is a type of surgery that is not covered by health insurance. This is because it is termed as a cosmetic surgery. It can only be covered by health insurance when it is carried out for health reasons. Generally patients who undergo the removal of lipomas enjoy this benefit.

One of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in this dispensation is liposuction. This is because of the need to look skinny and smart. Young and old alike now throng hospitals to get rid of excess fat and look good.

Liposuction has physical and emotional merits. It changes the physical appearance of a patient. It also enhances self-esteem.

You must be financially ready, if you are to have liposuction. Liposuction is affordable in costs, but it really depends on how extensively you want the surgery to be carried out on you. At the end of the day, how much money you have may determine the amount of fat that is removed from your body.

Lipodissolve is a non-surgical procedure that can be carried out in place of liposuction. It is a simple procedure that shapes the body. It does not cause damage to any structure in the body.

Article Source: http://www.purearticle.com

To learn essential guide about articles about liposuction clinics , read this website ==> www.liposuctionspotlight.info/

Monday, March 9, 2009

Massage Therapy Careers Today

Massage therapy careers have the potential to provide positive working environments, flexible schedules and lucrative earnings. Because physicians frequently recommend massage therapy to patients these days, candidates with "healing hands" can pursue a massage education at one of several accredited massage therapy schools.

In a massage program, students gain hands-on instruction in a variety of health-related science like anatomy, physiology and musculoskeletal pathology. In addition to general biosciences, healing arts schools will regularly extend training in CPR and first aid, as well as muscular testing (kinesiology).

Traditionally, the vast majority of vocational massage courses give students practical training in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage; however, a growing number of technical schools and alternative medicine schools have integrated Asian bodywork therapies like acupressure, Shiatsu, Chinese medical massage (Tuina), Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage), craniosacral therapy, Rolfing, Trigger Point, medical massage, as well as numerous other modalities.

Some of the more centralized curriculums involve studies like reflexology, chair massage, and meridian therapy. While each educational program varies, the normal length of a massage course will range between 300 and 500 hours. However, with the expansion of integrative medicine, more and more health schools have begun increasing these training hours to well over 1,000 and in some cases, may provide degree programs in medical massage or massage therapy. Candidates who successfully complete all required coursework and clinical training achieve certification, diplomas or a degree.

Massage practitioners help patients relieve pain and other chronic conditions using various bodywork techniques and touch therapies. But in addition to helping in healing, massage therapists also help clients to improve blood circulation, enhance overall wellness and for relaxation purposes. Additionally, many massage patients often report increased energy levels.

The great job aspects of being a massage therapist are that in addition to gaining a sense of worth from helping others, massage practitioners have the opportunity to work aboard cruise liners, holiday retreats, day spas, wellness clinics; and in a great number of other healthcare related facilities like hospitals, primary care clinics, and chiropractic offices.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, qualified massage therapists can anticipate an abundance of job opportunities as the field is expected to increase faster than average over the several, coming years. Furthermore, depending on education and experience, massage therapists can earn over $30 hourly.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage classes or schools, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.


Massage Therapy Careers Today© Copyright 2007The CollegeBound NetworkAll Rights Reserved


NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Therapy Careers, Massage Schools, and other Natural Healing Schools.

Male Breast Enhancement

by: Eric Morris

Male breast enhancement involves both breast reduction as well as breast enlargement. There are several reasons that a man would choose some form of breast enhancement.

In obese men, excess tissue accumulates over the pectoral region, giving an impression of feminine breasts. Also men who have higher levels of estrogen in their bodies have a tendency to have bigger breasts. These can now be surgically corrected by an operation called gynecomastia that is similar to liposuction. The surgeon makes an incision near the armpit and the extra tissue is disintegrated and withdrawn through it. This operation requires hospitalization for one or two days and is performed under anesthesia.

Some men with small pectoral muscles go for breast enlargement. Breast enlargement provides a contour to the pectoral area in men who are devoid of it. This is an implant operation similar to that done in women. The difference is that the silicone implant is much harder and there is no question of leakage. This is usually an outpatient operation that lasts only a couple of hours and the patient can resume work within a week.

As in women, there are herbal methods such as pills, capsules, and creams available for breast enlargement in men, but they do not work as effectively in men as they are specifically designed for female hormones. Exercise is another natural breast enlargement procedure implemented by many men.

The perspective regarding male breast enhancement is changing. In 2004 alone, there were about 14000 men in the US who went under the knife for gynecomastia. That makes breast enhancement surgery the fifth most popular cosmetic surgery in American males. Some men even get the skin around their areolas folded to make their nipples seem smaller. It is important to note that men who undergo breast enlargement have to wear bras till their new tissue settles with the older one.

Men who have breast enhancement surgeries done claim that it boosts their self-confidence. They are more at ease on beaches and in locker rooms. The notable point is that breast enhancement is not just a woman�s field anymore.

Natural Bar Soaps for the Kitchen and Bathroom

From: http://vitanetonline.com/

Good natural bar soaps that contain only substances that are good for your skin are available, although most people pay little attention to them. Many people might be unaware of the fact but the skin is the largest organ of the body. As such, the skin needs taken care of just as much as any other major organ, yet few people pay much attention to what they bring into contact with it. Although a lot of money is spent on body products, do you really know what your skin needs for optimum health and what substances can do it harm?

Your skin carries out many functions other than keeping the bits inside that should be kept inside. It is a natural thermostat, containing the sweat glands that dampens it and allows evaporation to cool you down. It contains hairs and subcutaneous fat, both of which help you to remain warm when the external temperature is low. Your skin is designed to remain supple, and so allow free movement of the various parts of your body.

It is an ideal waterproof covering for your body that also protects you from infection. Although infection can set in if the skin is ruptured through cuts or grazes, the skin itself rarely suffers from surface infections when related to the number of infectious agents it is constantly in contact with.

The health of your skin is very important, especially in view of the fact that it regularly comes into contact with some very hazardous substances. What may not have occurred to you is that one of the many functions of your skin is to eliminate some of the body’s waste products. It does this when you sweat and the toxins that are emitted can harm it. Although not often infected, it does suffer from complaints such as psoriasis, eczema and acne that are not primarily caused by bacterial agents or viruses, and hence not true infections.

These conditions, however, are caused largely through the emission of toxic agents through the sweat glands. Acne for instance is caused by excessive emission of sebum that combines with dead skin cells to form acne which can also become infected with bacteria. Psoriasis is the excessive formation of skin cells at too rapid a rate, the true causes of which are as yet unknown. Skin cells can become cancerous due to excessive exposure to sunlight or ultra violet radiation, and skin cancer is the most common type of cancer that your doctor is liable to come across.

If you suffer from any specific skin condition, such as acne, or even dry skin that can be caused through excessive exposure to degreasing agents or dry winds, then your skin will need special care. The soap you use is very important in the way you care for your skin, and many people will use soaps that contain many ingredients that they cannot pronounce let alone understand.

Your skin needs cleansed regularly since it comes into contact with many dangerous and toxic substances. Apart from the everyday pollution of traffic fumes and factory emissions, there are also the substances that contaminate your skin at work and at home. At home specially, domestic cleaners can be very harsh on your skin, consisting of substances that are intended to clean away greases and oils, the very types of substance that protect your skin from the elements. When you clean your oven or your sink without gloves, you also clean off the protective oily layer on your skin and leave it open to bacterial attack.

Your skin can also become sensitized to many substances, so that whenever it comes into contact with them it promotes an allergic reaction that can cause irritations so severe that your life can become very miserable. Many people are allergic to various types of soap or detergent because they have become sensitized to them, and are unable to use that type of cleanser after sensitization.

Many soaps contain active ingredients that are intended to carry out specific functions. Thus, some contain antibacterial agents to inhibit the growth of specific types of bacteria on your skin, while others contain detergents to improve their cleaning power. However, some detergents can be very harsh on your skin, and try to avoid bar soaps containing PEG-6 methyl ether or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). These can be harmful to your skin. There are others, and if your skin is sensitive try to avoid soaps containing animal products or petroleum derivatives.

Take tetrasodium EDTA, which is present in common bar soaps. It enhances the penetration of substances through your skin, which means that it can also enhance the penetration of the lees welcome ingredients in the soap as well as the moisturizers. Substances as sodium etidronate that is a synthetic preservative that might cause irritation to your skin and mucus membranes. There are several other synthetic detergents that are ingredients in bar soaps, and many kitchen soaps contain the same ingredients as personal or bathroom soaps, the difference between them being only in their moisturizer and perfume content.

Other ingredients than can cause potential problems are limonene, linalool and camphor, all of which can give rise to unwelcome conditions such as irritation or respiratory problems. The first two of these are common in bar soaps, as are benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol which are irritants. Alpha-pinene, found in some bar soaps, is a sensitizer than can damage your immune system. Unless you know what a specific ingredient is, don’t use the soap. Instead you should use pure natural bar soaps containing antioxidants that are good for your skin.

A pure soap should contain the fat or oil that it is made from, good examples being coconut or palm oils, water, a water softener to enable the soap to cleanse the skin properly, an example being one of the penetrates, a moisturizer such as glycerine or lanolin and possibly a perfume derived from natural sources. Salt is also frequently used, and is a good bactericide.

Wherever possibly, you should choose a natural soap containing antioxidants. Citrus soaps, for example, contain vitamin C although many soaps contain antioxidants such as beta carotenes, vitamin A and vitamin E. Since soap consists of both oils and water, you can have both oil and water soluble antioxidants in your soap. The antioxidants help to protect your skin from the ravages of pollution and the effects of the sun’s rays, both of which generate free radicals that can accelerate the aging and wrinkling of your skin.

A good antioxidant, moisturizer and wetting agent in your bar soap will help to protect your skin from the effects of atmospheric pollutants, the drying effect of the sun and wind and also effectively cleanse the skin surface and pores of everyday dirt. If this is associated with an absence of synthetic chemicals that can cause irritation then you will be giving your skin the best protection that you can. This is true of soaps intended either for the kitchen or the bathroom.

Vitamins May Help Fight Hair Loss

From: http://vitanetonline.com/

Loss of hair or baldness is often referred to as alopecia. Alopecia totalis means loss of all the scalp hair, while alopecia unviersalis means loss of all body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. If hair falls out in patches, it is termed alopecia areata. This condition is temporary and does not usually lead to baldness. Heredity, hormones, and aging are all factors that are involved in hair loss. Researchers have not yet determined the exact cause of hair loss, but some scientists believe the body’s immune system mistakes hair follicles for foreign tissue and attacks them. On the other hand, many suspect that hair loss is simply a genetic component.

A less dramatic, but much more prevalent type of hair loss is androgenic alopecia (AGA), which is also known as male pattern baldness. AGA is extremely common in men. As the name implies, a genetic or hereditary predisposition to the disorder and the presence of androgens, which are male sex hormones, are involved in this condition. Research has shown that the hair follicles of individuals who are susceptible to AGA may have receptors that are programmed to slow down or shut off hair production once they are influenced by androgens.

Women can also experience the same type of hair loss. However, it is usually not as extensive and most often does not occur until after menopause. All women experience some form of hair thinning as they grow older, especially after menopause. With some, it begins as early as puberty. Additionally, most women lose some hair two or three months after having a baby since hormonal changes prevent normal hair loss during pregnancy.

Demodex follicularum, a species of tiny mite, may be the cause of, or at least a contributing factor, to balding. These mites are present in almost all hair follicles by the time a person reaches middle age. In most cases, these mites cause no harm. Researchers believe that the difference between people who lose their hair and those who do not may be in how the scalp reacts to the presence of these mites. If the body initiates the inflammatory response as it tries to reject the mites, this can close down the hair follicles, which in turn, kill the mites and also kill the hair.

Additionally, hereditary factors that promote hair loss include poor circulation, acute illness, surgery, radiation exposure, skin disease, sudden weight loss, high fever, iron deficiency, diabetes, thyroid disease, drugs such as those used in chemotherapy, stress, poor diet, ringworm and other fungal infections, stress, chemicals such as hair dyes, and vitamin deficiencies.

The following nutrients are considered to be very important for dealing with and preventing hair loss: essential fatty acids, raw thymus glandular, vitamin B complex, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, zinc, coenzyme Q10, DMG, and kelp. Additionally, the following nutrients are helpful in dealing with hair loss: copper, grape seed extract, l-cysteine, MSM, and silica. The following herbs can also help prevent and deal with hair loss: apple cider vinegar, sage tea, ginkgo biloba, horsetail, green tea, pygeum, saw palmetto, and tea tree oil.

With proper diet, nutrition, and dietary supplements, one can rule out whether hair loss is dietary verses hormonal or fungal. Some supplements like evening primrose and omega-3 can help regulate inflammation hormones and hormones that can affect the immune system and hair follicles. Your local or internet health food store can better help you select the right products for each persons hair needs.
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