Conquering the Common Cold

What do we know about the Common Cold?

• No Cure. Antibiotics, designed to knock out bacterial infections, do nothing when it comes to treating a cold.
• None of us are safe! No matter how strong and healthy we are, an occasional cold will reduce us to whimpering, sneezing, coughing versions of our former selves.

So, what do we do? Lay back with a box of tissue, pop a couple of cold tabs and wait it out? Not necessarily! Doctors who specialize in self-care medicine say that there is a lot more that we can do to get through a cold comfortably, and possibly more quickly! Here is some of the best advice that experts have to offer on the subject.

• Vitamin C - "Vitamin C works in the body as a scavenger, picking up all sorts of trash - including virus trash," Says Keith W. Sehnert, M.D., a physician with Trinity Health Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. "It can shorten the length of a cold from seven days to maybe two or three." Studies conducted at the University of Wisconsin found that cold sufferers taking 500 milligrams of vitamin C four times a day suffered from about half as many symptoms (coughing, sneezing. etc) as those not taking the vitamin. Best way to get it? Drink it! Orange, grapefruit, and cranberry juices are excellent sources of vitamin C.
• Zinc - Suck on zinc lozenges and cut your cold short, to an average of just 4 days! It also can help reduce symptoms such as dry, irritated throat. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for everyone, but when it works, it works!
• R and R - Take a day or two off of work, or at least slow down! Extra rest enables your body to focus it's energy on getting you well.
• Stay Warm - Keep your immune system cozy by bundling up against the cold. This way your body can use energy to fight your cold instead of protecting you from the cold.
• Eat Lightly - Eat, but steer clear of foods that put a strain on your body's metabolism. Eat fewer fatty foods, meat and milk products, and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Chicken Soup - A silly folk remedy? No! Researchers at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach have found that hot chicken soup, either because of its aroma or its taste, "appears to possess an additional substance for increasing the flow of nasal mucus." Researchers say that this mucus serves as a first line of defense in removing germs from your system, so eat up!
• Liquids - Drink six to eight glasses of water, juice, tea, and other mostly clear liquids daily to keep the body hydrated and to flush out impurities.
• NO Smoking! - Smoking aggravates the throat and interferes with the infection-fighting activity of the cilia, the microscopic "fingers" that sweep bacteria out of your lungs and throat. Even if you don't quit for good, at least stop for the duration of your cold.
• Salty Gargle - Dr. Van Ert of San Francisco advises mixing 1 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gargling away whenever your throat hurts.
• Hot Toddy - Get a good night's sleep and clear a stuffed-up nose by sipping a "hot toddy" or a half a glass of wine before bedtime, suggests Dr. Caughron, a family practitioner specializing in preventive medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia. But don't go overboard! More alcohol than that can stress out your system and make recovery more difficult.
• Get Steamed - Clear congestion and relieve a dry cough by taking a hot steamy shower. Or make a steam tent by draping a towel over your head above a bowl of boiling water.
• Keep Your Germs to Yourself - Cough and blow away, but do it into a disposable tissue instead of sharing them! Then promptly throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
• Medicate - If you decide to take over the counter medication, follow the instructions carefully and only take medication that addresses the symptoms that you are suffering from.

Looking for alternatives to drugs? Try these herbs and teas that contain special properties that are natural antagonists against colds!

• Goldenseal and Echinacea - "I recommend herb capsules such as goldenseal and echinacea at the early onset of a cold," says Elson Haas, M.D. He says that goldenseal stimulates your liver, which helps to clear up infections. Echinacia clean your blood and lymph glands, helping circulate infection-fighting antibodies and removing toxic substances from the body. Try one or two capsules twice a day for up to two weeks.
• Garlic - Garlic is known for its antibiotic effect and "can actually kill germs and clear up your cold symptoms more rapidly," says Dr. Haas. He recommends two or three oil-free garlic capsules three times a day.
• Licorice Root Tea - Dr Van Ert recommends this teas for it's anesthetizing effects for soothing irritated throats and relieving coughs.
• Other Teas - Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime tea, or tea brewed with hops or valarian her, have natural tranquilizing effects that will help you rest. Add a teaspoon of honey, a simple carbohydrate that has a sedative effect.
• Monolaurian - Dr. Van Ert also recommends this fatty acid (available in capsule form) for it's antiviral effect. He recommends taking two capsules three times a day with some food, for helping the immune system stay fit to battle the cold virus.

Chron's Disease

Crohn's disease is often confused with other inflammatory bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, thus making it difficult to diagnose. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease is characterized by an inflammatory reaction throughout the entire thickness of the colon and bowel wall. This inflammation can penetrate deeply into the affected organ, causing pain and diarrhea.

Symptoms associated with Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding (which may lead to anemia), weight loss, malabsorption syndrome and nutritional deficiencies. The onset of Crohn's disease is typically between the ages of fourteen and thirty. Cases of this disorder tend to be 2-4 times more common in Caucasian whites than non-Caucasian, and 4 times more common in Jews than non-Jews.

Crohn's disease is typically experienced as flair-up, with attacks occurring every few months to every few years. Over time, if the disease is active, bowel function can gradually deteriorate, with the risk of cancer increasing by 20 fold.

Scientists believe that chronic imbalances in the intestinal flora set off a chain of events that, in the end, damages the intestinal mucosa. This theory is strongly supported by the parallel in the number of cases of Crohn's and other inflammatory bowel disorders and use of antibiotics over the last 50 years. In turn, it has also been found that the incidence of Crohn's disease is higher in cultures consuming a "western diet", while it is virtually non-existent in cultures consuming a more primitive diet. Studies also reveal that patients with Crohn's disease were found to be individuals who habitually ate, prior to the onset of symptoms, more refined sugar, less raw fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber when compared to their healthy counterparts.

While the exact causes of Crohn's disease is still unclear, there is much that can be done to lessen symptoms and even put this disorder into remission. The goal for treatment of this disorder is to control inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies and relieve symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding.

Recommendations for Wellness

1) An elimination diet, such as Gottschall's Specific Carbohydrate Diet have been shown to reduce the symptoms experienced within 3 - 12 weeks.

2) Avoid sugar, both white sugars, and the sugars contained in white flower, white rice etc.

3) Keep a food/flair-up journal. Identify foods you are eating, or your emotional state just before and during a "flair-up". In time, you may find a pattern forming

4) To reduce intestinal inflammation and begin the healing process, try products such as UltraInflamx - by Metagenics, Robert's formula - by Phytophamric, or aloe vera juice.

5) Flax seed or fish oils (Omega 3 Oils) have been known to greatly reduce the inflammatory process. If you find you have a hard time digesting them, try freezing the gel caps before taking them.

6) Extra vitamins and minerals are important at this time, especially if you are not absorbing nutrients correctly. Incorporate a liquid meal replacement (one that is loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein, and low on sugar!) into your diet as well as taking a high quality vitamin and minerals supplement. Try to find one that is in a gel casing or capsule.

7) Find a good mineral supplement such as Alfalfa, barley greens, liquid chlorophyll or colloidal minerals. Many of these come in a powdered form that you can mix with water or juice.

8) Because of blood loss due to rectal bleeding, and the anemia associated with it, incorporation of additional iron is important. Look to find an herbal iron alternative, especially one that comes in liquid form for better/easier assimilation. If you decide to look to a single herb, Yellow Dock would be my choice. (Consult with your health care provider before introducing additional iron into your diet.)

9) Starting a program of re-inoculating the intestinal tract with Friendly Bacteria, namely lactoacidopholis can enhance recovery and restore bowel function to normal.

It's Not Just a Yeast Infection

Candida Albicans or a yeast infection, both digestive and systemic, is a health problem of which answers to its elimination are far and few between. Literally millions of men and women have a potential yeast infection that is causing, directly or indirectly, a significant number of health problems or conditions.

Candida Albicans is a destructive yeast infection that begins in the digestive system and little by little spreads to other parts of the body. Candida is present in all of us not long after birth. Typically, this yeast remain in a healthful balance with the other bacteria and yeasts within the intestinal tract. Under certain conditions, such as excessive stress, lowered immunity or the long-term use of steroids, the candida yeast can multiply, thus disrupting the gastrointestinal "terrain". Candida overgrowth may also be a consequence of antibiotic treatment, as antibiotics not only kill pathogens but also a large number of those bacteria that are part of a healthy gastrointestinal flora. With the depletion of the beneficial protective flora in the intestinal tract and a weakened immune response, this opportunistic yeast can then spread and multiply beyond the intestinal tract affecting every organ in the body.

In babies, an overgrowth of candida appears as diaper rash. It can also be found on the body as jock itch or athlete's foot. It can appear in the mouth as thrush or in the vaginal tract, known by many women as a yeast infection. Systemic yeast is now being associated with a variety of conditions ranging from mental disorders, deranged immune system, food intolerance, gastric upsets, premenstrual tension, infertility, ovarian failure, sexual function difficulties and fatigue. It can manifest with a multitude of symptoms including constipation, diarrhea, colitis, headaches, bad breath, mood swings, canker sores, muscle and joint pain, congestion, severe itching, PMS, fatigue, kidney or bladder infections to name a few. It is estimated that 30% of the population suffer from health issues directly related to yeast. In fact, the majority of people who have Candida do not realize they have it until become seriously ill.

If you think you might have candida, or would like to find out if you do, take this simple self-scoring Candida Questionnaire located. If you score over 140 points on this test, you might want to follow the Recommendations for Wellness listed below to begin down the road of better health.

Recommendations For Wellness.

1. Avoid all yeast containing foods: Yeast breads, fermented beverages (beer, wine, brandy, scotch, etc.) moldy cheeses, fermented vinegars, salad dressing, peanuts, biscuits, canned citrus fruit juices, cake mix, ice cream, all dried fruit, oranges, pickles, tomato sauce, sugars, yeast powder, processed and smoked meats, malt products, barbecue sauce, olives, mayonnaise, chili peppers.
2. Avoid all refined carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, hidden sugars such as those found in soft drinks, pastries, canned fruits and vegetables.
3. Rotate between at least 3 different anti-fungal herbs every 4 days to kill the candida yeast in the intestinal tract. These herbs can include Garlic, Caprylic Acid and Pau d' Arco (Taheebo tea).
4. Supplement with Lactobacillus Acidophilus or Bifidophilus daily. This helps to reintroduce the good bacteria back into the intestinal tract.
5. Take 1 tablespoon of Flax seed or olive oil daily to improve healing and prevent the fungus from destroying cells.
6. Incorporate Echinacea to help strengthen the immune system.
7. Multivitamin & mineral complex with vitamin A to provide all the nutrients needed for proper immune function and for repair of intestinal lining. Try to select a vitamin complex that includes zinc.
8. Treat any skin yeast or fungal infection with tea tree oil.

Increase Your Energy Level

How is your energy level? Do you jump out of bed in the morning early full of energy and are excited about getting your day started in "high gear"? Are you one of those individuals who has your day already planned and can hardly wait to get started on all the activities you've scheduled for the day? Is this you "Mr. or Mrs. Motivated Person. I hope you fall into this category because if you do, life will be more pleasant and you are apt to be a more healthy person, too.
If, on the other hand, you awake tired, feel rundown and try to go back asleep again you could be experiencing a serious problem that probably needs to be addressed immediately. This type of condition can not only cause chronic fatigue and exhaustion but other related conditions as well such as: insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression.
I don't claim to be an expert on this subject but I do know that creating some kind of excitement in your life can be very helpful in remedying this condition. Having a daily goal plan and taking the necessary action to implement your goals can surely make your life more upbeat. It could ultimately be just the thing to improve and/or manage this condition.
Now if this condition becomes more serious then it's probably needs to be addressed immediately. In my research on the internet I learn about information that addresses all kinds of situations and conditions. I just learned about a site that seems to be just the one for curing this condition perfectly.
The site states that something can be done about chronic fatigue and tiredness and fatigue. The good news is it's simple. The treatment is based on an easy to follow program,
which includes the use of homeopathy, vitamins and herbs,
as well as some simple lifestyle and nutritional steps to
restore vitality. It has been developed by naturopath Nick Dale
and is successfully treating thousands today.
Why not check his site now
Copyright © 2004 All Rights Reserved AbsolutelySenior.com

Sonny Julius is a retired sales supervisor. Prior to this he spent 29 years in the family florist business. Becoming dissatisfied he decided to leave the family business and enter the sales profession.
He eventually became a sales supervisor with a sales staff of 8 salesmen to train his team he used an 8-step formula, which he developed to help them organize and manage their territories. It is the same 8-steps he used to make his career change.

Natural Health Remedies

Health remedies are among the most important things you can utilize to gain full control of your health. Those that are natural are even better for you then others. Your health is all you have and you need to care for it in any way you can. Health remedies are available to help you to do this.
You have heard the saying, "Your health is all you have". Well, it's true. Without your health, you couldn't do the things you normally like to do. Without your health, your days seem numbered, not unlimited. It is important to take care of your health in any way you can. Optimizing your health should be a main concern of yours. But, there are ways to doing this that are not so bad.
The way we live our lives shows much we value our health. Think of it like this. Once you damage your brand new car, no matter how much fixing and repairing you do to it, it will never be the same new car. The same goes for your health. No amount of health remedies can replace the health you once had. So, instead of wasting away your life with illness and improper care of your health, you should invest the time to get the information you need to have a healthy, full life!
If you are sick, you probably take a trip to see the doctor. But, what if the way you are living is what is causing your health to drop? Do you eat the right way? Do you exercise regularly? While many people have good intentions of doing these things, we often take a step sideway when it comes to convenience and knowing what the best course of action actually is. What you need is information. You need information about how to eat correctly. You need someone to tell you what exercises you need to do and how often. But, where can you find this information? Sure, you can sell your soul to a trainer and have them handle it for you, or you can find the information online.
Let's say that you are sick and you do go to the doctor. Do you feel comfortable taking the drugs that the doctor prescribed? Many of us do no know any different then just taking them. But, there are side effects to most drugs. In some cases, the side effects can do damage to your body in the long run. But, there are other options available to you. One way to improve your health is through the use of natural health remedies. You can find natural health remedies available for many of the common ailments that you suffer from.
While it is not easy to admit that most of us need help in managing our health, we have to do it. Health is what keeps us working each day. Health is what keeps us enjoying the things we love. Health remedies can be a great way to enhance your health, but you need the information about them to truly have them help you. Finding this information does not have to be difficult though. You can find it throughout the internet.

Causing Your Own Insomnia

Many of us experience the occasional night of sleeplessness; it is when the occasional night becomes a pattern of several nights in a row that you are faced with a sleeping problem.
Repeated loss of sleep affects all areas of your life: The physical, the mental, and the emotional. Sleep deprivation can affect your overall daily performance and can even have an effect on your personality.
If your sleeplessness continues for a long period of time it can cause problems in your relationships, reduce your productivity, and it may lead to other health problems.
These three things are often major culprits in keeping you awake.
1. Uncomfortable temperature-Make sure the temperature in your room is comfortable. The ideal temperature for sleeping is between 65 and 70 degrees, of course you will have to experiment to find the temperature that is most comfortable for you.
2. Noise-Many people are sensitive to noise and will either wake up or be unable to fall asleep because of noise. A white noise machine is an excellent device used to mask annoying noise and allow you to sleep.
3. Light-As with noise many people are bothered by too much light. Make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible. Lined window coverings or room darkening blinds may be necessary on your windows. A sleep mask is another alternative.
It is a good idea to keep track of your sleeping habits using a sleep log to record bedtime, wake time and any details regarding your sleep patterns. Doing this, will let you see if certain things are contributing to your sleeplessness. You can then work to eliminate or change the things that are causing problems. Many times prescription sleep aids are taken when natural remedies are all that is needed.

Fitness Goal Secrets Revealed

Lets talk a little about achieving your fitness goal.
Everybody finds it hard to arrange time to do various day to day chores or tasks, including your muscle and fitness training.
Just follow these steps to help you get more out of each day in your workout routine, or any other part of your life for that matter. These steps will help you achieve your muscle and fitness goal.
I have found that the more I struggle with my daily life the harder it is to get anything out of what I do. In other words, if I have certain things that need doing throughout each day, and I also want to get in some training, I find that I don't get the proper benefit that I should expect from my training routine.
Is this the same with you?
Do you find that it's hard to get the time to train?
Are you struggling with the fact that you have so much on your plate, that it's just too much stress to cope with?
Well, let me help you here. I'll guide you through the various steps required to get you to achieve that fitness goal.
There's a lot of information here. So what I've decided to do is to break it into a number of easy to follow articles. This way you can cope much better and receive much more benefit from it.
Ok, lets begin with an overview.
BE - DO - HAVE
This is a triple key to success in your muscle and fitness regime. To ensure your success, you can't have one without the other.
You see, the problem with most people is that they want certain goals or results. Nothing wrong with that. And you should have certain goals that you wish to attain. This is the Have portion of the three keys.
The real problem starts with the fact that most people believe that they just have to do certain things in order to achieve the desired results or goals. This is the Do part of the three keys.
Although this is true, no matter what you do you can't achieve success without the first key, which is Be. I'll go into this a little more shortly.
But first, let me clarify...
Your goals are the Have key. This is the first thing you need to decide and it must be specific. What is it you want to have? Do you want to have more lean muscle? Or is it to have less weight? Or do you want to have more weight gain?
Decide you goals. Be specific. Now you have the third key in place, even though you don't actually have it yet. But, it's in place in your mind.
Now, you have to decide what it is you must do to achieve those goals. This is the Do key. What is it that I must do, in order that I have whatever it is that I want? What should I do to achieve my goals?
Decide what you need to actually do. What exercises will offer the best results for my specific goals? How much of those exercises should I perform and how often?
This is the most important key. It's the key that most people leave out because they're too busy trying to decide what to do in order to have that goal they are aiming for.
The Be key.
Ever notice that when you get into something, that you're going great for weeks... then you give up?
For example:
Lots of people decide to go on a diet and begin a fitness program. They want so much to lose weight. The go at it hard. They are succeeding. No sooner have they lost a few pounds, then they lose interest. They stop and end up putting it back on.
Why?
Because they lack the Be key.
In other words, you must choose what you need to Become to begin taking action. What is it that is required you Be, in order to succeed?
For example:
If you lack focus. Then you need to become more focused. If you are lazy when it comes to taking action to get things done, then you need to become a person that takes action... even when you really don't feel like it.
That's the hardest part of success with your training. Not only in your muscle building and fitness regime, but also in ANYTHING you do throughout your life.
The Solution:
1. Decide what you want to have. What are your goals?
2. Decide what the necessary steps are, that you must do to reach those goals.
3. Choose what you need to be. What do you need to become in order to do what is necessary to have what you want?
I think I've given you plenty to think about today. Please re-read this again, and again if necessary. You've really got to get this right so that you can succeed in anything you choose to do. So to achieve that muscle and fitness goal, make sure you read this again.