Nutrition as Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD Alternative Treatment: Help is as Close as the Kitchen

Nutrition alone can be an effective ADHD alternative treatment, as research suggests that nutritional deficiencies, particularly those involving essential fatty acids and amino acids, are a factor in Attention Deficit Disorder and learning deficiencies. According to a George Washington University School of Medicine study, hyperactive children who ate a high-protein meal performed equally well, if not better, in school than non-hyperactive children. 

Oxford University (England) study looked at the effects of fatty acid supplementation in children with average intelligence but significant reading and writing difficulties. Purdue University researchers discovered that boys with low blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids have a higher prevalence of ADHD. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in children, and statistics and studies show that a significant number of ADHD children are deficient in essential fatty acids. Physicians commonly use stimulant drugs such as Ritalin for ADHD, but studies show that ADHD children whose treatment program only includes stimulant medication are at a high risk for vandalism, petty crime, alcoholic intoxication, and marijuana possession. 

Fatty acids are essential for proper growth, mental function, the immune system, and brain development, and must be obtained through diet and supplementation. Flax seed and flax oil are the richest plant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, and they provide Attention Deficit Disorder nutrition that is essential for healthy childhood behavioral and IQ development. Every ADHD nutrition food action plan should include one to two tablespoons of flax oil.

Nutrition as a form of Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD Alternative Treatment: Help Is Just Around the Corner

The quality of food we eat (or do not eat) has a significant impact on Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD. Nutrition alone can be an effective ADHD alternative treatment for many people.

A growing body of research suggests that nutritional deficiencies, particularly those involving essential fatty acids and amino acids, are a factor in Attention Deficit Disorder and learning deficiencies.

For one minute, put down the Ritalin bottle and think about these ADHD nutrition research findings.

According to a George Washington University School of Medicine study, hyperactive children who ate a high-protein meal performed equally well, if not better, in school than non-hyperactive children.

An Oxford University (England) study looked at the effects of fatty acid supplementation in children with average intelligence but significant reading and writing difficulties. ADHD symptoms improved significantly in children given Essential Fatty Acids compared to children given a placebo in the control group. In 1981, researchers discovered a link between ADHD and low essential fatty acid levels. 

In 1983, studies on essential fatty acid blood levels in children with behavioral problems confirmed this Attention Deficit Disorder nutrition link. In a 1987 study, researchers confirmed the link between essential fatty acid deficiency and Attention Deficit Disorder. Then, in a 1995 study comparing essential fatty acid levels in ADHD boys to a control group of boys without ADHD, Omega-3 fatty acid levels were found to be significantly lower. Purdue University researchers discovered in 1996 that boys with low blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids have a higher prevalence of Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD.

The most common behavioral disorder in children is Attention Deficit Disorder. Although not all Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) children are deficient in essential fatty acids, statistics and studies show that a significant number of ADHD children are.

Physicians commonly use stimulant drugs such as Ritalin for Attention Deficit Disorder, but studies show that ADHD children whose treatment program only includes stimulant medication are at a high risk for vandalism, petty crime, alcoholic intoxication, and marijuana possession. Furthermore, ADHD medications do not always work, have a slew of negative side effects, and never address the underlying cause of Attention Deficit Disorder.

Nutrition and food are one of the first aspects of treatment to consider with Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD, either as an ADHD alternative treatment or in conjunction with traditional ADHD stimulant drug treatment.

Fatty acids are essential for proper growth, mental function, the immune system, and brain development because they are used to make brain and nerve tissue in the body. Because the body cannot produce the two fatty acid families, Omega-3 and Omega-6, these key Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition ingredients must be obtained through diet and supplementation.

Despite the fact that the typical Western diet is high in Omega-6 fatty acids (found in corn, sunflower, canola, and safflower oil, margarine, vegetable oil, and shortening), most Americans, young and old, are deficient in Omega-3.

Many childhood behavioral and learning issues, according to learning specialists, are linked to Omega-3 deficiencies. Males are more affected by this deficiency because their requirements for essential fatty acids are higher in general. It comes as no surprise that boys are diagnosed with ADHD at a much higher rate than girls.

ADHD adults and parents of ADHD children should consume Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods on a daily basis. However, many children refuse to consume Omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

Enter flax seed and flax oil, the "food of the gods" for Omega-3 fatty acids.

Flax seed and flax oil are the richest plant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, and they provide Attention Deficit Disorder nutrition that is essential for healthy childhood behavioral and IQ development. Every Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition food action plan should include one to two tablespoons of flax oil.

In addition to improving brain function, flax oil can help prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer. Flax oil softens skin, balances energy, burns fat, stimulates metabolism, strengthens the immune system, manages diabetes, and aids in the prevention of autoimmune disease and inflammatory disorders. Flax oil can also help with PMS and some menopausal symptoms.

Here are some delicious ways to incorporate flax oil into your daily diet:

In flavored yogurt, combine 1 tablespoon flax oil.

In fruit smoothies, 1 tablespoon of flax oil is virtually undetectable.

Instead of granulated sugar, combine 1 tablespoon flax oil with 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey.

When making tuna or egg salad, use 1-2 tablespoons flax oil and reduce the amount of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise used by a factor of two.

Melt one stick organic butter and combine it with four ounces flax oil once it has cooled to room temperature. Refrigerate until the flax butter hardens before using it in place of margarine. Make Omega-3 "Ice Cream" by combining 2 cups yogurt, 1 tablespoon flax oil, and fresh or frozen fruit. When frozen, serve.

The majority of studies on the effects of essential fatty acids discovered that at least 10 weeks of supplementation are required to adequately raise fatty acid levels in brain cells. Before judging the effectiveness of nutrition on Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD symptoms, follow a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids for at least 10 weeks, preferably 12 weeks.

Important information about flax oil:

Flax oil is highly perishable and should always be kept refrigerated.

Heat destroys the beneficial properties of flax oil. Only use flax oil with cold foods, preferably cold proteins. Use only high-quality, cold-pressed flax oil when purchasing flax oil. The label should include the date pressed as well as a freshness date of four months or less from the pressed date. If not, do not purchase it! If you use flax seed oil after its expiration date, it will go rancid.

When it comes to Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition, essential fatty acids are not the only thing that is required. Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are essential because both amino acids and essential fatty acids are required for the body to function. As a result, quality protein is essential in Attention Deficit Disorder nutrition.

People with attention deficits and hyperactivity can significantly reduce their unfocused or misdirected energy by starting the day with a protein-rich breakfast. A high-protein breakfast can improve concentration, decrease restlessness, and promote mental and physical calm.

Instead of sugared cereals, syrup-covered pancakes, sweet rolls, doughnuts, or danishes to start the day, try these brain-boosting breakfast ideas;

Breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit.

Peanut butter on whole wheat toast.

Smoothie of fruits and yogurt with flax oil.

Shake with protein.

Bacon and eggs on toast with milk.

On an English muffin, an egg and sausage patty is served.

A tablespoon of flax oil and yogurt.

A New Bodybuilding Study on the Advantages of "Deadlifts"

Deadlifts are a high-potential muscle-building exercise that can increase physical power to single-digit levels, increase metabolism, improve urination, detoxification, and gas-liberation, and improve sexual performance and desire.

Deadlifts are a high-potential muscle-building exercise that can take your overall physical condition to a whole new level if done correctly.

Here are some facts about how Deadlifts can dramatically increase your physical power to single-digit levels:

Deadlifts will quadruple your natural testosterone and growth hormone levels each time you perform this exercise (once or twice a month).

Deadlifts will dramatically increase your metabolism and convert fat into pure energy.

Deadlifts will improve your urination, detoxification, and "gas-liberation" (don't laugh - it's true)...

Deadlifts, when done correctly, will improve your sexual performance and desire.

Deadlifts can dramatically improve lung function and heart efficiency.

Deadlifts will help your immune system recover quickly from a variety of illnesses.

Deadlifts will make you faster, stronger, leaner, more reactive, and energetic...

I crave the sensation of short-duration, high-intensity Deadlifts that successfully force my body to excrete a constant flow of testosterone, arousing a voracious beast within me...

After a 'Deadlift Workout,' I can feel my sexuality soar... my muscles so engorged, that my poise is automatically triggered and empowered to the max.

Low-carb diets are on their way out...Taste is Back

Low-carb diets are on their way out due to increased awareness about obesity, food, and eating. This has caused restaurant chains and farmers to suffer, with no research done on the side-effects of "not eating" what these diets restrict. Eating too much meat and fat can lead to putrefying products in the bowels, and as people get older, they lose the ability to digest food like they used to. Additionally, the low carb diet has started them on food that they may not be able to absorb anyway, so they haven't been absorbing the vitamins and minerals they need to start, process, or finish important tasks. The "Atkins" diets advocate not eating processed and manufactured foods that break down quickly into sugars, but the human body was designed to break down complex carbohydrates into more simple usable energy.

The "old fashioned" weight loss plan is a tried and true method of weight loss that anyone can do and tastes delicious. It involves eating healthy, slow-absorbing carbohydrates, counting and burning calories, and exercising. The new trend is "healthy and better tasting proportions".

To see "low carb" diets on their way out is a somewhat reflective process; not that I was a fan of ketogenic diets unless you have Adolescent Epilepsy, but bringing the "low carb or ketogenic diet" to the forefront of our American society meant that more people were being educated about obesity, food, and eating.

This recognition about food was astounding and became overwhelming, causing restaurant chains and some farmers to really suffer from these trendy diets. People have lost farms that have been in their families for years, businesses that lend job and economic stability to an area, have gone out of business or lost business, all on a dietary whim, with no research done on the side-effects of "not eating" what these diets restrict.

"What are the side effects?" you inquire. Okay, so you've lost a lot of weight by eating a lot of meat and fat, and your cholesterol numbers may be within reach, but have you had your bowels checked recently? Eating that much meat and fat can only result in putrefying products in the bowels. Isn't it disgusting?

As you get older, you lose the ability to digest food like you used to when you were young and had a lot of enzymes. That can be due to age, but it can also be due to disease and antibiotic use. The point is that the low carb diet has started you on food that you may not be able to absorb anyway, so you haven't been absorbing the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to start, process, or finish some important tasks.

"So what's the harm in that", you may say, "I've lost weight and feel great, and I don't feel sick". You probably wouldn't. There are some illnesses that you do not notice until it is too late. One of the leading causes of colon cancer is eating too much meat and fat and not being able to digest that protein and fat in the system. When enough damage is done, you no longer absorb minerals and vitamins as you should, and you begin to develop other, more serious problems, such as cancer.

I must admit that the "Atkins" diets advocate not eating processed and manufactured foods that break down so quickly into sugars that you can almost hear them run into the veins! That is still true; the human body was designed to break down complex carbohydrates into more simple usable energy. The breakdown of a whole grain, fresh vegetable, or fruit product also requires energy, so not only does your body use energy to break down this healthy food, but you also get a lot of fiber, which keeps the intestines and colon clean and functioning well.

So, what's the next trend? I believe the next trend will be the "old fashioned" weight loss plan. This is a tried and true method of weight loss that anyone can do and tastes delicious. This would entail eating healthy, slow-absorbing carbohydrates, counting and burning calories, and exercising! A balanced diet, along with knowing how many calories you need to eat per day to either maintain or lose weight, and an exercise program to give your bones and muscles a reason to stay strong, not a trendy type diet, but a healthy lifestyle that you can live with for the rest of your life, with room for an occasional treat now and then. "Low carb" is out, the new trend is "healthy and better tasting proportions".

Keyhole Surgery is a revolutionary boon for living kidney donors

Keyhole Surgery is a revolutionary boon for living kidney donors. Surgeons inflate the donor's abdomen during the procedure to make small keyhole-sized incisions. A laparoscope (a tiny fiber optic camera) is inserted, along with long instruments used to sever blood vessels and detach the kidney. Living donation is now accounting for nearly 40% of all kidney transplants performed in Canada. Live donor kidneys typically last twice as long as cadaveric donors' kidneys. The Kidney Foundation of Canada has been supporting the work of Canadian researchers involved in laparoscopic surgery since 2001.

Every year, an increasing number of Canadians make the difficult decision to donate one of their kidneys to a family member or friend in need.

While this life-saving act is a blessing for the recipient, it can present difficulties for the donor on several levels. Making a 20- to 30-centimetre incision across the side of the body, going through two to three layers of muscle, and removing 10 centimetres of rib is standard procedure for removing a kidney. With scarring and several months of inactivity, the decision to be a donor is understandably intimidating for many.

However, thanks to a groundbreaking medical procedure known as laparoscopic or "keyhole" surgery, painful incisions and lengthy recovery times may soon be a thing of the past.

"When compared to traditional methods, keyhole surgery is major abdominal surgery without uncomfortable incisions and disfiguring," said Dr. Joseph Mamazza, lead surgeon and medical director of St. Michael's Hospital's Minimal Access Therapeutic Program in Toronto. "It entails an 8 to 10 centimetre cut in the groin area, which reduces the risk of infection and other complications."

Doctors inflate the donor's abdomen during the procedure to make small keyhole-sized incisions. After that, a laparoscope (a tiny fiber optic camera) is inserted, along with long instruments used to sever blood vessels and detach the kidney.

Glenn Collins underwent the first laparoscopic kidney retrieval in Southern Alberta two years ago to help his diabetic older brother, Michael, who was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1997. Glenn's gift gave Michael new hope, especially since his brother was deemed an unlikely candidate for a transplant due to his age and medical history.

Glenn, an outspoken supporter of organ donation, approached a clinic in Calgary about becoming a live kidney donor after researching laparoscopic surgery on the Internet.

"It was an easy decision because Michael was in need," Glenn explained. "While any member of our large family could have answered the call, I stepped up because I was the youngest and fittest, and I passed all of the tests to determine if I was a suitable donor."

Glenn recalls waking up the day after surgery and walking the long corridor to Michael's room when asked about his recovery.

"If it hadn't been for the scar, I would never have known I'd had surgery!" he exclaimed.

Laparoscopic surgery, according to Dr. Mamazza, is advantageous for a variety of reasons. For starters, live donor kidneys typically last twice as long as cadaveric donors' kidneys - people who died suddenly as a result of some kind of trauma. Furthermore, live donors who undergo laparoscopic surgery have less post-operative discomfort and usually recover faster, with their hospital stay reduced from a few months to a few days.

"Keyhole surgery goes a long way toward reducing donor and recipient anxiety," Dr. Mamazza said.

Living donation is now accounting for nearly 40% of all kidney transplants performed.

In February 1995, the world's first live donor keyhole surgery procedure was performed at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. The Kidney Foundation of Canada has been supporting the work of Canadian researchers involved in the study of laparoscopic procedures since 2001.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the only national health charity that funds research, provides educational and emotional support services, advocates for access to high-quality healthcare, and actively promotes awareness and commitment to organ donation.

Simply saying no isn't enough to avoid holiday weight gain

According to nutritionists, the average person gains 5-7 pounds during the holiday season. Our inner brat nags us, insisting that we "really need" that extra helping of pie. Eat a salad before attending a cocktail party to avoid being tempted by all the snacks. Most people abandon their diets later in the day, when willpower is at its weakest. The key is to limit your vulnerability to temptation. Place treats in the back of a cupboard or refrigerator and wrap them in opaque paper or plastic so they don't stand out.

The holiday season is rapidly approaching. Magazines and newspapers have been printing recipes and enticing photographs of rich, mouth-watering treats like cookies, candies, dips, and calorie-laden drinks for weeks.

Then, in the same issue, they give advice on how not to eat all of this. Pace yourself, they say. Keep it to one tidbit every half-hour. Eat a salad before attending a cocktail party to avoid being tempted by all the snacks. Yeah, like my inner brat is going to forego the fondue because I've already loaded up on lettuce.

According to nutritionists, the average person gains 5-7 pounds during the holiday season.

It's difficult to resist all the treats, especially when we see them in advertisements and displays, as well as on counter tops at home, work, and when visiting. Our inner brat nags us, insisting that we "really need" that extra helping of pie. Or it rationalizes that a couple of cookies aren't much and that we can exercise more later.

It's difficult to keep your weight under control at this time of year. It's a good strategy to "just say no" to occasional temptations, but it doesn't work when you're bombarded with images, aromas, and offers of one treat after another.

Controlling oneself is mentally taxing. When you repeatedly say "no" to treats, your mental energy slowly depletes. That's why most people abandon their diets later in the day, when their willpower is at its weakest.

A better solution would be to avoid asking the yes/no question in the first place. The key is to limit your vulnerability to temptation. Here are some pointers:

1. Place treats in the back of a cupboard or refrigerator. Wrap them in opaque paper or plastic so they don't stand out.

2. If there are treats on counters or desks at work, reroute yourself so you don't walk by them.

3. Avoid reading recipes for high-calorie foods. Turn the page quickly when you see photos of cakes and other desserts in magazines. There is less temptation when there is less exposure.

4. If you attend business-related holiday cocktail parties, make a point of only visiting the buffet table once. Stay for no more than half an hour if possible.

5. Get some fresh air every day. Nature helps to clear your mind, making your cravings less noticeable.

6. Get more rest. Not only will you be more alert and less irritable, but research shows that people who sleep more have a better balance of the hormones that regulate hunger - and they weigh LESS than those who don't sleep enough!

How to Get Fit While Saving Money on Health Insurance

There are three aspects to achieving peak health and fitness: diet, exercise and genetics. Find the proper balance and you will become as fit and healthy as your body and genetics allow. Increased fitness will save you money on health insurance; a long no-claims insurance history will also help you look and feel better. Many people overlook anaerobic exercise or weight training. Weight training can reshape your body in any way you want by using weights.

Cycling is a great low-impact exercise that I enjoy. A long no-claims bonus can help you save money on health insurance.

Before we begin, allow me to explain the purpose of this article. I want you to get so healthy that you never need to use your health insurance again. Increased fitness will save you money. A long no-claims insurance history will save you money. And you'll look and feel much better as a result.

There are three aspects to achieving peak health and fitness. Diet and exercise are both important. But that's just two! Let me divide Exercise into two categories: Aerobic exercise and Aneorobic exercise.

Get all three correct. Find the proper balance. And you will become as fit and healthy as your body and genetics allow.

Advice on each of these fitness factors has filled entire forests of paper. Simply walking into your local bookstore will reveal shelves of diet advice. Shelves of fitness advice.

It's amazing how much contradicts itself, especially when it comes to diet. For example, on the shelf next to each other, you'll find a book advocating low carbs and low fat, and another saying high fat is okay if you keep the carbs low. Another emphasizes high protein and claims that carbs are irrelevant...

* Diet

Let me give you some basic dietary advice. Stick to a low-fat, low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. Several medical and weight loss studies conducted in the last 10-20 years support this approach. Many other diet myths date back centuries and appear to be completely false when examined using modern methods.

* Aerobic Workout

Couch potatoes are unaware of how quickly they can begin to feel fit and healthy. Simply go for a 20-minute walk three to four times per week.

Do some more strenuous aerobic exercise if possible. Cycling is a great low-impact exercise that I enjoy. I also get to see beautiful scenery while riding.

Running is an even more intense aerobic exercise, but take care of your joints. Perhaps you prefer hiking to explore the surrounding countryside? Alternatively, try rowing or tennis. Exercise as a sport also allows you to make new friends.

* Anaerobic Workout

Many people try to improve their diet. Many people participate in aerobic exercise. However, many people overlook anaerobic exercise or weight training.

What is the significance of weight training?

Muscle mass declines as you get older. Fat is burned by muscle. As you lose muscle, it becomes more difficult to keep the fat off. Weight training, on the other hand, can reshape your body.

If you started out as a pear shape, no matter how much aerobic exercise you do, you'll still be a pear shape (a smaller pear shape).

You can flatten your stomach, tone your thighs, bulk up your chest and shoulders, and reshape your body in any way you want by using weights.

Weight training is extremely beneficial to skeleton strength and conditioning. Older women can lessen the effects of osteoporosis, while older men can keep their strength and agility.

This brief article can only serve as an introduction to the three keys to your health. If you follow these steps, you should not need to file a health insurance claim.

A long no-claims bonus can help you save money on health insurance. Reduce the cost of your health insurance with any insurer that rates your fitness.

Herbs as medicines

Herbal medicine has a written history in Chinese medicine dating back over 2000 years. Dandelion, Comfrey, Digitalis (Foxglove), Poppy, Milk Thistle, Stinging Nettle have well-researched medicinal properties. Many of them, in fact, serve as the foundation for pharmaceutical drugs. Using anecdotal evidence, which has a history dating back thousands of years, appears to have escaped my esteemed colleagues entirely. Aspirin tablets contain salicylic acid, which was first isolated from the bark of the White Willow tree.

Comfrey, Dandelion and other herbs typically contain hundreds, if not thousands, of chemical compounds that interact. The extract from the bark of the White Willow tree does not generally cause stomach irritation. This is because it contains ingredients that protect the stomach lining and thus prevent ulceration. Herbal extracts can be just as effective but are rarely promoted and used by health professionals. Herbalists rarely prescribe herbal extracts as singles (a preparation which utilises only one herb) Herbalists typically combine a variety of medicinal plants to create a blend that addresses more than just the major symptoms. The presence of active ingredients in the primary or principle herb does not imply that other herbs are unnecessary in the preparation.

Herbs and medicinal plants have long been used to treat disease. Herbal medicine has a written history in traditional Chinese medicine dating back over 2000 years, and herbalists in the West have used "weeds" for just as long to treat what ails us. We've all heard about the benefits of garlic, chamomile, peppermint, lavender, and other common herbs.

The pharmaceutical industry, which is always looking for 'new drugs' and more effective substances to treat diseases for which there may be no or very few drugs available, is driving renewed interest in medicinal herbs.

Given the long history of herbal medicine use and the large body of evidence supporting its efficacy, why are we not generally encouraged to use traditional herbal medicine instead of synthetic, incomplete copies of herbs known as drugs, despite the millions of dollars spent searching for these seemingly elusive substances?

When it comes to ancient cultures and herbalists, herbs are considered treasures, and many so-called weeds are worth their weight in gold. Dandelion, Comfrey, Digitalis (Foxglove), Poppy, Milk Thistle, Stinging Nettle, and many other plants have well-researched and established medicinal properties that have few, if any, competitors in the pharmaceutical industry. Many of them, in fact, serve as the foundation for pharmaceutical drugs.

Scientists at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, west London, are investigating the medicinal properties of common herbs such as dandelion, believing it could be the source of a life-saving drug for cancer patients.

Early tests indicate that it may hold the key to preventing cancer, which kills tens of thousands of people each year.

Their research on the cancer-fighting properties of the dandelion, which has also been used to treat warts in the past, is part of a larger project to investigate the natural medicinal properties of hundreds of British plants and flowers.

"We aren't randomly screening plants for their potential medicinal properties," said Professor Monique Simmonds, head of Kew's Sustainable Uses of Plants Group. "We are looking at plants that we know have a long history of being used to treat certain medical problems."

"We'll look into them to see what active compounds they have that can treat the illness."

Unfortunately, as is often the case, this group of scientists appears to be looking for active ingredients that can then be synthesized and turned into pharmaceutical drugs. Herbs are not traditionally used in this manner, and their functions inevitably change when the active ingredients are used in isolation. That's like saying the engine is the most important part of a car and nothing else is necessary...

So, why is it necessary to isolate the 'active ingredients'?

As a scientist, I understand the scientific process of establishing the fact that a specific herb works on a specific disease, pathogen, or whatever, and the need to know why and how it does so. But, and this is a big but, as a doctor of Chinese medicine, I also understand the process of selecting and prescribing COMBINATIONS of herbs that have a synergistic effect to treat not just the disease, but any underlying condition as well as the person with the disease - that is a big difference that is not easily tested using standard scientific methodologies.

Using anecdotal evidence, which has a history dating back thousands of years, appears to have escaped my esteemed colleagues entirely. Rather than attempting to isolate the active ingredient(s), why not test these herbs on patients in vivo, using the vast array of technology available to researchers and medical diagnosticians, to see how and why these herbs work in living, breathing patients, rather than in a test tube or on laboratory rats and mice (which, by the way, are not humans and have a different, albeit somewhat similar, physiology to us...).

I suspect that one of the reasons for not following the above procedure is that pharmaceutical companies are more interested in whether they can isolate a therapeutic substance that can then be manufactured cheaply and marketed as a new drug - and of course, that's where the money is...

The problem with this approach is that medicinal plants such as Comfrey, Dandelion, and other herbs typically contain hundreds, if not thousands, of chemical compounds that interact, many of which are unknown and cannot be manufactured. This is why manufactured drugs based on so-called active ingredients frequently fail to work or cause side effects.

Aspirin is a classic example. Aspirin tablets contain salicylic acid, which was first isolated from the bark of the White Willow tree. Although Aspirin is a relatively simple compound to synthesize, it is well known for its ability to cause stomach irritation and, in some cases, ulceration of the stomach wall.

Due to other, so-called 'non-active ingredients' contained in the bark, which function to protect the stomach lining and thus prevent ulceration of the stomach wall, the herbal extract from the bark of the White Willow tree does not generally cause stomach irritation.

Consider whether you would prefer side effects or no side effects. It's a straightforward answer. Isn't that right?

So, why are herbal medicines not more widely used, and why are pharmaceutical imposters stuffed down our throats? The answer is that pharmaceutical companies make little or no money from herbs. They, the herbs, have already been invented; they grow quickly, multiply easily, and are generally abundant.

Furthermore, correctly prescribed and formulated herbal compounds generally resolve the patient's health problem over time, leaving no need to continue taking the preparation - which means no repeat sales... There are no ongoing prescriptions... no ongoing issues.

Pharmaceuticals, on the other hand, primarily aim to relieve symptoms - which means ongoing consultations, sales, and health problems - which do you believe is a more profitable proposition...?

Don't get me wrong: this is not to say that all drugs are forgeries or that none of the pharmaceutical drugs cure diseases or maladies; they do, and some are life-saving preparations that are undeniably valuable. Herbal extracts, on the other hand, can be just as effective but are rarely promoted and used.

The daily news is full of 'discoveries' of herbs discovered to be a possible cure for this or that, such as Dandelion and its anti-cancer properties. The point is that these herbs must be thoroughly researched. They are not just 'an active ingredient'. They typically contain hundreds of ingredients, and taking just one or two is not what makes medicinal plants work. Furthermore, herbalists rarely prescribe herbal extracts as singles (a preparation which utilises only one herb). Herbalists typically combine a variety of medicinal plants to create a blend that addresses more than just the major symptoms.

In Chinese medicine, for example, there is a strict order of hierarchy in any herbal prescription, which necessitates a significant depth of knowledge and experience on the part of the physician. The presence of active ingredients in the primary or principle herb, which has a specific physiological effect, does not imply that the other herbs are unnecessary in the preparation. This is a fact that appears to be overlooked by the pharmaceutical industry in its quest to develop new drugs that can control disease.

Knowing that medicinal plants are so effective, that these plants may hold the key to many diseases, that they are inexpensive, and that they have proven their worth time and time again over millennia, why is herbal medicine still not at the forefront of medical treatments, and is regarded as hocus-pocus by many orthodox medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies?

An IR Bodywrap can help you lose weight in the new year

IR Bodywrap can help you lose weight in the new year. Six large warm pads were wrapped around your upper arms, waist, hips, and thighs. After an hour, I was completely soaked - and very happy. The process would continue overnight after the bodywrap was removed. Infrared treatments are used by medical practitioners all over the world because they are one of the most resonant (closely matched) forms of heat for the human body.

The infrared therapeutic treatment helps to unblock the Qi, increase energy, and improve body function by increasing circulation. An infrared treatment can induce 2-3 times the amount of sweat as a traditional sauna. The FDA has approved the use of infrared therapy for pain relief, and more is being discovered on a daily basis. Once acclimated to the sauna, it can burn up to 900+ calories per session.

Did you know you could lie down, take deep breaths, and burn 900+ calories?

I didn't either...

And it sounded too good to be true, so I did some independent research to learn more about this ostensibly wonderful bodywrap treatment.

I had to give it a shot first. Let's face it, if it doesn't feel good and produce results, it's not worth all of the research into how it works and everything else. So I put on my cotton sweatpants and drove up to Ventura, California to give it a shot. I was hydrating and drinking water as I drove up Highway 101.

Before the bodywrap, I measured the circumference of my upper arms, ribcage, waist, hips, and upper thighs and saved the measurement. I was skeptical, but you never know until you try. I wasn't expecting anything to change.

Six large warm pads were wrapped around my upper arms, waist, hips, and thighs as I lay down on a table. Then I was wrapped in a blanket and padded with towels where necessary, and it was that simple. I could hear soothing music, and it was wonderful to do a breathing meditation and take an hour to myself.

Because I'm a lizard who enjoys the heat, the pads got warmer and warmer until I broke a good sweat. I continued to sweat profusely. I hadn't sweated that much since my favorite dance classes at Broadway Dance Center in New York City a few summers ago, and I knew I'd enjoy this treatment. I had been too preoccupied with starting a business and returning to school to keep myself in shape like I used to. I reasoned that this bodywrap thing might be a good way to get myself back on track.

After an hour, I was completely soaked - and very happy. I remeasured myself and found that I had lost 3 inches in total. It wasn't much, but the treatment felt so good that it didn't matter, and I drove home while drinking another large bottle of water. The gentleman who assisted me with the treatment told me that the process would continue overnight after the bodywrap was removed and that the more fluids I consumed, the better, so I took his advice and planned to measure myself again in the morning.

To my surprise, when I measured myself the next morning, I had lost a total of 13 inches! Wow! I called them, and they said it was above average - possibly because I ate well and stayed hydrated - but I was ecstatic. I had to find out more...

So, how exactly does this Infrared BodyWrap function?

Infrared light, which we perceive as heat in our bodies, is a plentiful form of energy that we receive from sunlight. Every second of every day, we emit infrared heat (The army uses infrared binoculars for night vision – to see humans in the darkness). It is a natural part of our human biology. I would learn that FAR Infrared treatments are used by medical practitioners all over the world because they are one of the most resonant (closely matched) forms of heat for the human body.

Radiant heat, also known as infrared energy, is a type of energy that exists in the electromagnetic spectrum. After all, we are all electrons, protons, and neutrons arranged in various patterns that can be described by electrical principles.

The infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum occurs just below red light waves and is not visible to humans but can be felt as heat. (This explains the night vision binoculars example from earlier). The sun generates the majority of its energy in the form of infrared energy, which our atmosphere allows in and the earth radiates back - we are constantly surrounded by infrared waves when we are out in nature. But, in these days of indoor living, SPF sunblock and avoiding the sun are essential.

On average, our bodies emit infrared energy at a wavelength of 9.4 microns. The normal internal production of infrared energy within us is associated with a variety of healing responses and may require a boost to assist the fullest healing response to assist homeostasis, metabolism, and tissue under repair.

According to Oriental / Chinese Medicine, when our circulation is obstructed (described in Chinese Medicine as Blocked Qi flow), our body's healing capacity, metabolism, and daily functioning suffer. The infrared therapeutic treatment helps to unblock the Qi, increase energy, and improve body function by increasing circulation. In an Oriental Medicine Treatment, moxa, cupping, infrared lamps, and gua sha are all related but distinct methods of achieving the same result.

Because of the unique nature of the wavelength, FAR Infrared heat therapy (i.e. bodywrap) activates a more thorough and extensive stimulation of local circulation, which positively impacts enzymes, metabolism, and immune function when used as a treatment. Through an increase in circulation and metabolism, IR therapy assists the body in removing toxins and cellulite that have become trapped in the tissue. This process had been "accelerated" by the bodywrap treatment I had received.

So, how does all of this calorie burning take place?

An infrared treatment can induce 2-3 times the amount of sweat as a traditional sauna without creating a claustrophobic feeling, drying out the sauna, or putting undue stress on the cardiovascular system. I know I can barely last 10 minutes in a regular sauna, but I easily lasted an hour in this bodywrap treatment.

According to the best research on this type of infrared treatment, "regular use may be as effective as a means of cardiovascular conditioning and calorie burning as regular exercise." in the Journal of the American Medical Association

Association formed on August 7, 1981. Indeed, NASA concluded in the early 1980s that infrared therapy would be an excellent way to stimulate cardiovascular function during long space missions.

Someone who is not used to saunas can easily sweat 500 grams and consume 300 kcalories, which is equivalent to 30 minutes of jogging. The bodywrap is a great way to relax in between workouts and, once acclimated to the sauna, it can burn up to 900+ calories per session. But keep in mind that hydration is critical; you must constantly replenish fluids to see results.

The advantages of infrared therapy are numerous. According to research from Sweden, Japan, Finland, China, and Germany, there is a long list of conditions that can be treated, including:

Arthritis and Joint Pain

Injuries from Acne Soft Tissue

Eczema and Menstrual Pain

Wound Repair

Neurodermatitis

GI Issues

Circulation of the Heart

ache and stiffness

Loss of Pounds

Autonomic, Endocrine, and Immune Function

The FDA has approved the use of FAR infrared treatment for pain relief, and more is being discovered on a daily basis. I still need to do more research, but this was sufficient for me. I decided to give it another shot and learn more.

As a result, I now offer it in my practice and medspa... I hope I've opened your eyes to something new, different, and beneficial. If this sounds interesting to you, I've provided a starting point.

Take Action: Core Stability

Swiss balls are used for core and stability training. They are also known as Resist-A-Balls or stability balls depending on who you ask. Swiss balls can be used in a variety of settings, including bodyweight only and free weight gyms. Swiss ball exercises require constant core muscle activation, resulting in a more functional core and sculpted abdominal and back muscles. Using the Swiss ball in conjunction with free weight exercises will help develop the extremities while also training the core.

To begin, using the Swiss balls entails more than just getting on one and hoping not to fall off. Maintaining a balance in your training program is critical regardless of your goals. A personal trainer can design a program that is tailored to your specific needs, desires, and lifestyle. Anyone, regardless of fitness level, can use a Swiss ball due to the wide range of exercises available.

Have you ever heard the phrase "focus on the core"? No, we're not referring to the inside of a golf ball; rather, we're referring to the inner muscles that comprise the abdominal region, hips, and lower back. Most people pay attention to the muscles that are more visible and easier to train, such as the biceps, pecs, and back, but the most important muscles that serve as our foundation are frequently overlooked. So, what exactly is core training, or better yet, core stability, and how does one improve their core stability?

When the body is placed in an unstable environment, core training is most effective. One method for creating an unstable environment is to use those big colorful balls, which are also known as Swiss balls, Resist-A-Balls, or stability balls depending on who you ask. Once used as a rehabilitation tool, it is now popular among healthy individuals for core and stability training.

Swiss balls can be used in a variety of settings, including bodyweight only, selectorized machines and free weights, and free weight or tubing exercises.

We've all seen Swiss balls in gyms, but many people wonder what makes Swiss ball training so effective. How can sitting, rolling, moving, or exercising on a ball be beneficial? There are numerous advantages to Swiss ball training, some of which are listed below.

Posture has improved. Poor posture requires more energy to move the body, not to mention increased stress on the joints and stabilizer muscles. An athlete is constantly looking for a competitive advantage, and simply improving posture will help the body function more effectively and efficiently. Swiss ball training is a great way to improve your posture. Unlike supported exercises such as machine training, postural muscles must work in an unstable environment.

Balance and stability have improved. The human body moves in three planes or a combination of planes, and exercises that allow an individual to train in these multiple planes are necessary for improved balance and stability.

Traditional machine weight training removes balance from the equation, and the machine acts as your stabilizer. Swiss ball training puts you in an unstable environment, forcing you to use your neutralizer and stabilizer muscles to stay balanced in a specific position or motion.

As a result, your athletic performance improves because you can apply more power and strength to any situation, especially on the golf course when you need to balance and stabilize your body on a hill or in an unstable position.

Increased Nervous System Activity.

The advantage of improving your nervous system activation is that you can apply the strength you gained from your training program to real-life situations, whether they are sport-related or everyday activities.

Strengthen your core and your extremities. Swiss ball exercises necessitate constant core muscle activation, resulting in a more functional core as well as sculpted abdominal and back muscles. Using the Swiss ball in conjunction with free weight exercises will help develop the extremities while also training the core.

As you will quickly discover, getting on the Swiss ball and starting your exercises is not enough; there are several rules to follow in order to perform the exercises correctly and safely. Seeking the assistance of a qualified personal trainer who specializes in stability training will be advantageous. To begin, using the Swiss balls entails more than just getting on one and hoping not to fall off; you must maintain proper positioning throughout the exercises. Tucking in the pelvis and pressing the belly button into the spine are two cues to pay attention to during the exercises.

You will need to train in an environment that puts a demand on the core muscles if you want to improve your athletic performance, balance/stability, or posture. You will notice that after practicing with a Swiss ball, you will feel more confident in your ability to transition from the golf course to everyday activities.

Swiss ball training is only one aspect of training in an unstable environment; the use of core boards, wobble boards, foam rollers, and discs are all important in improving athletic performance and training in a way that translates to real-life activities.

Maintaining a balance in your training program is critical regardless of your goals. Muscle strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, stability/balance, and coordination are all essential components of fitness. Athletes will need to add speed and agility to their repertoire. Looking at all of the components that must be integrated, it appears that there is not enough time in the day to complete everything in a training program.

This is where a personal trainer's professional assistance comes into play. A personal trainer can design a program that is tailored to your specific needs, desires, and lifestyle, saving you time in the gym. After all, we exercise to make our lives more enjoyable.

When you begin incorporating stability training into your program, you will quickly notice how it improves other aspects of your life as well as your golf performance. Anyone, regardless of fitness level, can use a Swiss ball due to the wide range of exercises available from beginner to advanced.

Avoiding Mistakes When Choosing An Affiliate Program & 5 Tips For Selecting The Right Affiliate Program

When people decide to join an affiliate program to make extra money or to work full-time, they frequently do so with misconceptions about how the affiliate program works. Read through the top five mistakes people make when selecting an affiliate program and avoid them at all costs. Then you will be more effective and earn more money for your time, so it is definitely worthwhile to read and avoid these warnings.

#1 Support rather than compete

Too many affiliate programs compete against one another, wasting money and driving affiliates out of business. However, if you are a part of an affiliate program, the more affiliates you have, the more information and money you will receive. Choosing an affiliate program that believes in competing with other affiliates is one of the worst things you can do. Choose an affiliate program that supports and grows other affiliates in order to have a larger network and access to more affiliates.

#2 Small Reward

Another common mistake people make when selecting affiliate programs is selecting one that provides little reward for the individual's efforts. Too many affiliate programs pay too little, making it difficult for affiliates to make the money they should. Look for an affiliate program that pays well for your efforts.

#3 Any old statistics?

You want an affiliate program that provides good, solid, real-time statistics, not old or invalid statistics. There aren't many affiliate programs that offer the kind of statistics that an affiliate manager requires, so do your best to find one that does.

#4 No Assistance

Too often, affiliates are left waiting for days for an answer to an e-mail and an important business question. You want an affiliate program that guarantees you support around the clock, if possible, or within 24 hours at the very least. If not, continue looking for an affiliate program that wants to assist you in helping yourself.

#5 New Creative Ideas

Many affiliate programs provide their affiliates with few ideas or creatives, resulting in thousands of web pages with the same advertising. However, affiliate programs would be more successful if a variety of ads were available so that affiliates could alternate ads and place different ads on different sites based on the products sold.

Make a mental note of these five blunders so you know exactly what you're looking for in an affiliate program and what to avoid. You will be much more successful and happier if you do not fall into these traps!

5 Pointers for Choosing the Best Affiliate Program

Affiliate programs can be an excellent way to generate income online. You don't have to spend time developing your own product, taking orders, or providing customer service.

If you already have a high traffic website or an e-zine, you can expect to earn a steady flow of commissions every month without putting in much extra effort.

I've provided the following 5 tips to help you choose the affiliate programs that are right for you to help you get started promoting affiliate programs.

1. Select affiliate programs that are relevant to the content of your website. If your site caters to a specific market, select affiliate programs that sell products in that market.

2. Select affiliate programs with high commissions. For instance, 30%-50% on direct sales.

3. Participate in affiliate programs that offer two-tier commissions. This allows you to earn commissions not only on your own sales but also on the sales of people you refer to your affiliate program.

4. Join affiliate programs that sell a variety of products so you can earn commissions when your referrals return and buy additional services or products.

5. Join affiliate programs that provide excellent marketing support to their affiliates. Many affiliate programs provide their affiliates with pre-written ads, sales letters, marketing courses, and articles to use in promoting their services.

Remember that the best affiliate programs will view their affiliate program as a partnership with you and will combine high commissions with excellent support so that you can begin earning money promoting their products as soon as possible.

You Can Start A Low Cost, High Profit Business From Home While Wearing Your Pajamas

You can start a low-cost, high-profit business in your pajamas. Tele-seminars are one of the best strategies for starting a business. If you don't have a home computer, you may be sitting on a gold mine with Internet Marketing. If you like the idea of not needing your own product or money, joint ventures may be for you. Affiliate marketing is one of the most profitable low-cost businesses you can start.

If you have specialized knowledge or can conduct research and report on it, you can create highly profitable products. You can start a low-cost, high-profit business while still wearing your pajamas. Network Marketing/MLM focuses on self-development as well as business growth. eBay is one of the quickest ways to make money. Remember that one man's trash is another man's treasure.

The world is divided into two types of people. There are those who see the glass as half-empty and those who see it as half-full. This was heightened for me when I had lunch with an old coworker and he began to complain about how only wealthy people could start businesses. I assumed he was joking.

As I sat there listening, he ranted for nearly ten minutes about why he couldn't start his own business and get out of the rat race. He discussed the high costs of starting a business, franchising, and real estate development. I decided to ask him one question when he finally came up for air. "Have you ever considered what kinds of low-cost businesses with high profit margins are available?" asks Mark.

He appeared to have been run over by a truck. "You're just asking the wrong question," I continued. "Okay, if you're so smart, give me some ideas," he said after a minute. "Wonderful," I said. Oh, and by the way, let's have some fun and concentrate on the ones you can work from home in your pjs."

Here are the five low-cost, high-profit businesses that I discussed with Mark.

1. Internet Marketing: Do you have a home computer? If this is the case, you may be sitting on a gold mine. People use the internet for a variety of purposes. From a multimillion-dollar wire jewelry business to a young kid from Long Beach, California, who built his empire by teaching people how to play music by ear. Everyday people are connecting to the internet and attempting to make their own dot com fortune.

2. Tele-seminars: If you are not a very technical person, tele-seminars are one of the best strategies. You can offer a class or seminar with just a phone and a conference call line for your guests to call in on. You can either use it to generate leads or sell your product or service during the seminar. Recording the class may result in an additional product. Once you've recorded the class, it can become an instant product from which you can generate passive income.

3. Joint Ventures: If you like the idea of not needing your own product or money, joint ventures may be for you. This is simply the art of the transaction. You are paid in direct proportion to your ability to bring two parties together who would not have known each other without your introduction.

For example, if you combine company A's products, knowledge, and resources with company B's client list, you get a cut of the profits. And it would cost you nothing.

4. Affiliate Marketing: What if someone else did the majority of the work but you got a cut of the profits? That is, after all, what affiliate marketing is all about. There are thousands of products available, including digital downloads, books, and seminars, as well as hard products such as computers, cell phones, and other techie items. Your job is to find products that your market wants, and when you sell something, you get a cut of the sale. You can do this without any inventory or the overhead associated with a traditional business.

5. Information Products: This is one of the most profitable low-cost businesses you can start. If you have specialized knowledge or can conduct research and report on it, you can create highly profitable products. Interviewing experts in a high-demand niche market, for example, is one of the quickest ways to success.

After interviewing these experts, you can use the information to create several different products based on the one interview. You can sell the recording itself, the transcript of the call, use some of the content to create an e-book or report, or compile several of the interviews into an expert tape series.

6. Network Marketing/MLM: I've always been a fan of network marketing because the business model focuses on self-development as well as business growth. The premise is that you find a company that has a proven system and strong team leadership, and you are passionate about the product. The majority of these businesses have a low barrier to entry. And you build your empire by combining the efforts of many people.

Some people mistakenly believe that you will become wealthy by exploiting others. This is not correct. The fundamental tenet of network marketing is that you are paid in direct proportion to your ability to recruit, train, inspire, support, and lead a voluntary group of people. The rewards for those who can do this are enormous.

7. EBay: I was recently introduced to the EBay craze by someone who, because he didn't have any money at the time, decided to sell a tape set that a friend had made. This product was a collection of interviews with successful business owners. They made their first sale for $37.00 and went on to build a multi-million dollar empire. eBay is one of the quickest ways to make money. You can take items from your garage today and sell them on eBay tomorrow. Remember that one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Something interesting happened at the end of lunch. My friend Mark began to see the glass as half full. So, how about you? Do you want to start a business without breaking the bank? The five businesses listed above are just a few ideas to get you thinking. However, make no mistake: you can start a low-cost, high-profit business while still wearing your pajamas.

Fibromyalgia Patients Can Benefit From Effective Treatment

Fibromyalgia is defined by widespread, sometimes incapacitating pain in the muscles, tendons, and other fibrous tissues. Little is known about effective treatments for the condition due to its wide range of symptoms. There is evidence that regular massage therapy from therapists or mechanical massage chairs can help. Fibromyalgia patients experience frequent disruptions in phase IV sleep, the deep sleep required to feel rested during the day. Some evidence suggests that a lack of deep sleep is a major cause of Fibromyalgia rather than a symptom. Memory foam mattresses can distribute pressure away from pressure points, thereby reducing pressure point arousal.

Fibromyalgia is a perplexing disorder that has only recently gained recognition in the medical community. Little is known about effective treatments for the condition due to its wide range of symptoms and often intermittent nature, but there is evidence that something as simple as a memory foam mattress or topper can help some FMS patients. www.sleepaidfactory.com

Fibromyalgia is defined by widespread, sometimes incapacitating pain in the muscles, tendons, and other fibrous tissues. Other symptoms may include extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty with complex mental tasks, a condition known as "fibro-fog." Patients have been largely left to their own devices for treatment as the medical community struggles to learn more about FMS and distinguish it from similar disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

Many patients have discovered effective treatments for their FMS through trial and error. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that regular massage therapy from therapists or mechanical massage chairs can help with the muscle pain associated with FMS. Other treatments aim to improve sleep by using pressure-relieving memory foam mattresses or toppers. There are numerous options available, so FMS sufferers should gather as much information as possible.

Many doctors believe that FMS fatigue is caused in part by irregular sleeping patterns. Clinical studies have revealed that those suffering from FMS experience frequent disruptions in phase IV sleep, the deep sleep required to feel rested during the day. There is even some evidence that a lack of deep sleep is a major cause of FMS rather than a symptom. Many FMS patients describe a cycle of sleep loss and muscle pain; those who sleep poorly have more pain the next day, so they sleep less at night, which leads to more pain, and so on.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the right mattress can help FMS patients sleep more soundly and with fewer interruptions. When we lie down in our beds, our pressure points bear more weight than the rest of our bodies. For example, if you sleep on your side, the majority of your body weight will be supported by your shoulder and hip. The discomfort caused by these pressure points is responsible for disturbing the sleep of even average people, a process known as pressure point arousal. This disturbance is even more pronounced and frequent in FMS patients due to already sore muscles. Because critical deep sleep is constantly disrupted, FMS patients may wake up exhausted, even after a "full night's sleep." Memory foam mattresses, such as those sold at www.healco.com and www.A1mattress.com, are unique in their ability to distribute pressure away from pressure points, thereby reducing pressure point arousal.

Doctors are still learning about Fibromyalgia, and a cure could be years away. Fibromyalgia patients will continue to forge their own paths to wellness until the medical community can provide real solutions.

Dietary Toture It Doesn't Have To Be That Way By Another Name

Atkins, like all diets I'd tried, was restrictive, repetitive, and tasteless. Atkins almost turned me off steak for good! The weight came back on much faster than it came off. Most, if not all, diets will assist you in losing weight. The key is to be able to stick to it.

I'm down to 172lb. Now I'm not bored, I feel great, and I eat whatever I want when I get home from work at night, says author Dan Rivers. Rivers developed an all-natural nutritional program that includes weight loss for those who need it and weight gain for others who want it. Overweight people who want to lose weight must be encouraged and assisted in breaking the vicious cycle of eating and dieting. Begin by controlling your food and nutrient intake and incorporating some light exercise such as walking.

As you lose weight, gradually increase the amount and intensity of your workout. Overweight people must seek a more scientific method of maintaining healthy, nutritional eating patterns. There is an army of very dedicated people who are now assisting thousands of people in losing weight. Seek assistance if you lack a steely determination, seek assistance. It will change your life, just as it has mine.

I've tried many "diets" in the United States and England, and they all felt like self-inflicted torture to me. They were dull, tasteless, and constricting. I work hard, and like many of you, I don't expect much in the way of luxuries when I get home at night. One thing that does give me a lot of pleasure is eating; I enjoy food and, yes, the occasional drink.

I was never a big guy, weighing 186 pounds and standing 5'8" tall. I wasn't big, but I was always bloated, and I had the "carry on luggage" hanging over the belt, so I was tired and lethargic. Then my wife and I heard about the Atkins torture, er, diet one day. So I figured, what the heck, I'll give it a shot. So, to my surprise, I lost weight and lost it quickly; I still lacked energy, but I was very impressed. It was like a man's dream come true: meat, meat, meat, and more meat, all while losing weight. I was doing well, but as you might expect, I became bored, bored, bored. The weight came back on much faster than it came off. I've discovered that most, if not all, diets will assist you in losing weight. The key is to be able to stick to it.

Atkins, like all the other diets I'd tried, was restrictive, repetitive, and, after a while, tasteless. To be fair to the other diets I'd tried, including Atkins, there are recipes that can help ease the pain, but who wants to start experimenting with their culinary skills after a long day at work? I can tell you right now that I don't. I know it sounds great to eat steak every day, but we've all heard the expression "too much of a good thing," and that "good thing" can quickly turn into a very bad thing. Atkins almost turned me off steak for good!

Now I'm losing weight again, and I'm down to 172lb. I know it's only 14lb, or a "stone" as we say in England, but I'm not bored, I feel great, and I eat whatever I want when I get home from work at night. I hear you all crying, so let me explain: I discovered a way to provide my body with the nutrition it requires to stay healthy while also losing weight.

I began using and then marketing an all-natural nutritional program that includes weight loss for those who need it, weight gain for those who want it, and a variety of other products for skin health, major organ health, and male and female personal health solutions.

Many people become trapped in the boom and bust cycle. We've all tried a variety of diets, but the majority of us have failed. Pose a question to yourself and respond truthfully. What was the source of your failure? If you're being truthful, you'll say "will power." All of the diets I've tried have resulted in weight loss. I cannot say they were ineffective in accomplishing this. I can say, however, that they were boring and restrictive, and that the boredom probably hindered my ability to stick to the diet. I have some willpower, but as they say, variety is the spice of life.

As I previously stated, I enjoy food, and what I enjoy most about it is the sheer variety of foods available. I don't want to have to pick and choose what I can and cannot eat. Since my family and I moved to the United States, we've eaten out more times in the last five years than I could in the previous thirty in England. The cost of dining out is significantly lower here. I love it like a kid in a candy store. Unfortunately, this makes gaining weight very simple, and thus the diet cycle begins.

Of course, any sensible attempt at weight loss must include some sacrifice; we must eat a reasonable amount of food while also providing our bodies with all of the vitamins and nutrients that they require, but the goals that we set for ourselves must be attainable or we will doom ourselves to failure. Is it necessary to eat only meat? Do we have to eat nothing but salad? Does anyone truly believe that microwave meals are satisfying?

Obesity is now being linked to a slew of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Obesity is also well documented as the world's fastest growing health problem. Overweight people who want to lose weight must be encouraged and assisted in breaking the vicious cycle of eating and dieting. "You are not alone," let me say.

I frequently see overweight people who are obviously desperate to lose weight jogging around the streets in an attempt to burn calories. They would probably avoid this type of exercise if they knew how damaging it is to their joints and heart. I'm not saying don't exercise, but we should make sure we're in good enough shape to do so. If you carry far too much extra weight, you will cause yourself more harm than good. Begin by controlling your food and nutrient intake and incorporating some light exercise such as walking. As you lose weight, gradually increase the amount and intensity of your workout.

Most of the overweight people I've seen jogging are probably doomed to failure because they can't be enjoying the agony of forcing their bodies to do something that, let's face it, has been completely foreign to them for years. The key is to begin slowly. Expect no immediate results; there is no such thing as a quick fix. It took time to become out of shape, and it will take time to return to shape. Please be patient.

If overweight people are to lose weight and keep it off, they must seek a more scientific method of maintaining healthy, nutritional eating patterns. Help is available; there is an army of very dedicated people, all of whom were once customers like me, who are now assisting thousands of people in losing weight and becoming healthier, happier people.

These people recognize that proper nutrition is the key to living a healthier life. They recognize that the never-ending cycle of torturous dieting or joint-busting exercise simply does not work for the majority of us and is almost always doomed to failure. Some people have a strong will and can stick to even the most stringent diets in order to achieve their goals. I'm afraid that, like many others, I am not one of those people.

If you, like me, lack a steely determination, seek assistance. It will change your life, just as it has mine.

You will be doing yourself and your loved ones a huge favor. Choose a nutritional plan that you can follow without ruining your taste buds.

You will not be sorry. Oh, and by the way, it is not at all boring!

What is muscle, and how can it be built or avoided

 What is muscle, and how can it be built or avoided

"Please don't give me any weights work - I don't want any muscle, I just want to tone," one of my female clients frequently says. The reasons vary from client to client, but they all seem to stem from a misunderstanding of what muscle is, how we build it, and what it has to do with weight loss - or some combination of the above. Outside of the fitness world, there is a lot of misinformation about muscles and what they do, so I'd like to spend the next two articles debunking the myths.

WHAT EXACTLY IS MUSCLE?

I'd never given much thought to the'stuff' between my skin and bones when I was younger. I realized that muscles were what bodybuilders had, and fat was what made you fat, and that I had a little of both. But I think I thought they existed inside some other substance that filled the space between my skin and bones. Then, in secondary school, I discovered that the majority of this magical substance in a healthy person was simply muscle. In fact, I discovered that, aside from my organ networks, blood vessels, and nerves, and my skeleton, there isn't much under my skin except muscle and fat.

I discovered that muscles were an incredible network of fibers that allowed me to move my limbs, sit or stand upright, talk, breathe, and pretty much translate any thought I had into some kind of action. I discovered that if I didn't use them, they would shrink and weaken, but if I did, they would grow stronger. And I discovered that as my muscles improved, so did I.

All of this was quite a revelation for me at the time, so I understand why so many of my clients are perplexed about why they want to tone without building muscle. However, muscle is the only thing under their skin that can be toned, and 'toning' often simply means that muscles become slightly more visible (which then makes the whole body look smoother and firmer). There is nothing that can be toned if there isn't enough muscle to begin with.

BULIDING THE APPROPRIATE MUSCLES

Muscle is an incredible network of fibers that allowed me to move my limbs, sit upright, talk, breathe, and pretty much translate any thought I had into some kind of action. There is nothing that can be toned if there isn't enough muscle to begin with. For many women, the image they associate 'women' with'muscle' is one of a female bodybuilder in peak competition shape. Long, intense workouts over time are required, as is a baseline level of testosterone. Not all training results in size gains, and working with a competent trainer will ensure you get the results you want.

Often, the clients I speak with have no objections to the idea of a little muscle. The issue is that many people are unaware that it is not a 'all or nothing' situation. Unfortunately, due to a lack of clear information in the media, the only image they have to associate 'women' with'muscle' is one of a female bodybuilder in peak competition shape. Not that there's anything wrong with wanting such a physique if that's what a client wants, but for the majority of the women I speak with, the prospect of developing such large, defined muscles is quite frightening!

Those kinds of muscles, on the other hand, do not develop quickly or easily. Long, intense workouts over time are required, as is a baseline level of testosterone - a hormone that most women do not have in sufficient quantities (without the use of steroids, at least) for size to become a problem. Granted, women with naturally high testosterone levels (like myself!) will gain muscle faster. Even for me, muscles don't appear fully formed overnight. So, if I notice I'm gradually gaining size in an area where I don't want it, I can easily change my training in that area to gradually reduce the size.

Furthermore, many people believe that lifting weights will automatically increase muscle size. The truth is that not all training results in size gains. In strength training, you can experiment with the weight, the number of repetitions of the movement, and the amount of time you allow yourself to rest between groups of repetitions (or sets). Training with a heavy weight and performing low repetitions in each set will increase strength; training with a medium-to-heavy weight and performing medium repetitions will increase muscle size; and training with a lighter weight and performing high repetitions per set will increase endurance.

In practice, it's not quite that straightforward, and there are other factors to consider. The important point to remember is that not all training will increase muscle size, that some muscle is required to tone, and that working with a competent trainer will help ensure you get only the results you want from your training.

Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Workout Misses

 Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Workout Misses

We've identified Bodybuilding Sins that cause back pain, sciatica, and other injuries. Selecting incorrect exercises and how you perform them affect not only how big, strong, and flexible you are, but also how pain-free you are. "The Worst Exercises for Bodybuilding" is our list of the most dangerous exercises. These exercises target areas of the body that are already heavily worked and frequently overdeveloped. Overuse combined with little or no upper back exercises results in a lack of upper back strength and development.

It's one thing for someone who sits at a computer all day and never exercises to have back pain, but it should be criminal for a bodybuilder, who spends hours and hours each week pouring everything they've got into building muscle!

We say this because if you're going to spend so much time, money, and energy attempting to build the "perfect body," you should make sure you not only look good, but also feel good...

We've identified "Bodybuilding Sins" that cause back pain, sciatica, and other injuries... If you are serious about bodybuilding and are tired of having back pain, read them and take action right away.

Because there is so much information to share with you, we've divided it into five articles, each of which covers a different aspect of how back pain affects bodybuilders.

Here is a list of the articles to look for:

Article #1 - Selecting Incorrect Exercises (below)

Article #2 - Training Variations for Maximum Pain Relief and Results

Article #3 - Specific Stretching

Article #4 - Specific Exercises

Article #5 - Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Injury Prevention

Article #1 - Selecting the INAPPROPRIATE Exercises

Prepare yourself; this is going to hurt! The exercises that most bodybuilders concentrate on are the ones that cause the most problems... Hopefully, you're not like that J

But, before we get into the specifics of those exercises, let's first define bodybuilding...

The goal of bodybuilding is not to get as big as you can, or at least not to us, but to build a balanced body that is as strong in every way as possible. For example, while being abnormally large may attract attention, it serves no purpose...

What if you were not only big, but also extremely strong and powerful, lightning fast, flexible, and agile enough to kick ass if necessary?

So many bodybuilders put on massive amounts of muscle while remaining incredibly weak and inflexible... For example, we know someone who can bench press over 350 pounds but can only do 50 push-ups!

The point is that the exercises you choose and how you perform them affect not only how big, strong, and flexible you are, but also how your body functions and whether or not you suffer from aches, pains, and injuries such as back pain and sciatica.

Okay, here they are... the exercises that cause the most difficulties and are most likely to result in back pain: Leg Extension from Bench Press

So, do you have any favorites on this list?

While there are others, these two are the most dangerous.

These exercises made our list of the "worst bodybuilding exercises" for a variety of reasons. For starters, they all target areas that are already heavily worked in everyday life and are frequently overdeveloped...

And by focusing so much on these exercises, you end up creating or worsening muscle imbalances, which pull your bones and joints out of their normal position...

This causes uneven pressure and wear and tear on your muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and joints, eventually leading to a breakdown or injury.

For example, chronic bench press overuse combined with little or no upper back exercises results in overdevelopment of the chest and a lack of upper back strength and development...

This all too common combination leads to what we call "Turtle Back". You know what we mean when the shoulders are pulled so far forward that the lats are as wide as a barn and their back looks like a giant sea turtle shell from behind!

This "Turtle Back" posture can cause pain and injuries in the neck, upper back, and shoulders faster than you can pop an Advil!

Plus, how many times a day are you forced to lie on your back and push up a weighted bar? There are numerous better chest development exercises that not only stimulate more muscle but also build more usable strength.

Let's talk about the fantastic thigh builder, the leg extension...

It not only puts an incredible amount of strain on the knee joint, but it also quickly overdevelops the quads, which are already working much harder than their counterpart, the hamstrings.

An imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings, which is common in bodybuilders, is a major cause of back pain. This imbalance is easily identifiable by what people often call "Bubble Butt" or "Ghetto Booty".

So, hopefully, you can see how critical it is to select your exercises wisely. We strongly advise you to eliminate or reduce your use of these exercises in favor of targeted exercises for opposing muscle groups and targeted stretches for those tight, overdeveloped muscles.

The key to getting rid of back pain, or any other ache, pain, or injury, is to bring your body back into balance...

What good is muscle if it can't be used? How many more workouts will you miss due to back, neck, or shoulder pain? How much bigger and stronger could you be if back pain and other injuries didn't interfere with your workouts?

Consider how bad things will be in 10, 20, or 30 years if you don't make changes to your training now... But don't just take our word for it; ask some of the older bodybuilders who are paying the price now... you can easily spot them at the gym because they limp around trying to find something they CAN do.

Look for the next article, "Training Variations for Pain Relief and Maximum Results," very soon, and in the meantime, here's what you need to do if you have back pain or sciatica.