What Are Cold Sores? A cold sore is actually an outbreak that is caused by the herpes virus.
The herpes virus has two different types; cold sores are
known as HSV1 or Herpes Simplex 1. This herpes simplex or type, affects the oral region of males and females of all ages. The outbreak usually occurs around the lips and mouth, and occasionally inside the mouth.
I have never had one, but I am told that they are very painful.
What are Cold Sores called? The outbreak is most commonly referred to as a cold sore, or fever blister.
Cold Sores and fever blisters are very common and very contagious.
It is highly recommended not to come into contact with any other person while you experience a cold sore, or you with them. The virus can be easily transmitted. Once the virus infects a person, the infection is permanent.
Cold Sores occur as small blisters around the lips and mouth, a small bumpy rash can also occur.
Outbreaks are most commonly brought on by large amounts of stress.
An outbreak is very irritating, and can also lead to intense itching. A cold sore or fever blister usually lasts several days.
Once the Cold Sore blister bursts or ruptures, this signifies the end of the outbreak.
What are Cold Sores? They are very contagious and painful and once the virus gets into your system, it does not go away.
source: zimbio
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
GET TALLER...DO YOU WANT??
Friday, July 31, 2009 | Published in Get Taller, Growth Taller Secret, health |
Lots of people all over the world want to get tall. If you're reading this article, you're obviously one of them. Why do so many men and women want to be tall? Tall people are perceived as being more attractive - especially to the opposite sex, and usually have an edge in business situations, job interviews, and in all social situations in general.
Don't get this wrong - you can be short, and despite your height you can be very successful and happy. The problem is that all those successful people who are short, were conditioned from young age, that their height doesn't matter. For you, that's not the case. You've probably picked on in high school because of your height, and it's something that you constantly think about, and can't stop seeing as a limiting factor. It can be very hard for you to just "snap out of it" and start feeling normal again. To feel good about yourself, you will have to actually grow taller.
Don't worry - there are proven ways to get tall naturally - from a simple diet, to the infamous NASA technique, which adds an extra inch to your height right now. Stretching exercises rarely work - that's because they only temporarily stretch your spine, and don't have any permanent effects. To get tall you'd have to make a change in your diet, so that you consume lots of amino acids. Combine that with proper exercises, which correct muscle imbalances, and you're well on your way to getting tall!
As promised - here's a way to permanently grow 2 to 4 inches more, in less than 2 months - using simple and natural methods: http://www.igrowtallernaturally.com
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Don't get this wrong - you can be short, and despite your height you can be very successful and happy. The problem is that all those successful people who are short, were conditioned from young age, that their height doesn't matter. For you, that's not the case. You've probably picked on in high school because of your height, and it's something that you constantly think about, and can't stop seeing as a limiting factor. It can be very hard for you to just "snap out of it" and start feeling normal again. To feel good about yourself, you will have to actually grow taller.
Don't worry - there are proven ways to get tall naturally - from a simple diet, to the infamous NASA technique, which adds an extra inch to your height right now. Stretching exercises rarely work - that's because they only temporarily stretch your spine, and don't have any permanent effects. To get tall you'd have to make a change in your diet, so that you consume lots of amino acids. Combine that with proper exercises, which correct muscle imbalances, and you're well on your way to getting tall!
As promised - here's a way to permanently grow 2 to 4 inches more, in less than 2 months - using simple and natural methods: http://www.igrowtallernaturally.com
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
The Different Reasons to Stop Smoking
Friday, July 3, 2009 | Published in health, Health Care, health care issues |
One of the major benefits of quitting smoking is that you begin to look younger after you quit. Smoking dehydrates and deoxygenates the skin. Therefore, when you quit smoking, you start to look brighter. With smoking, lines and wrinkles might start to appear around the lips and skin. Quitting helps reduce these lines wrinkles and the eyes look brighter.
Your sense of smell and taste also improves a lot after smoking termination. Therefore you've got a better eating experience. It helps you cut back on the intake of salt because smokers generally start taking more of these to increase their taste of food. This reduces the probabilities of heart problems and high blood pressure.
Due to the tar and nicotine present in cigarettes, the teeth get stained. After you quit smoking, your teeth won't be discolored and your breath will start to smell good. Another benefit is that you are going to not be touched gum diseases.
Once you give up smoking, you will be ready to save the amount that you spend on your cigarettes. You could use an identical quantity for other purposes like shopping, holidays or other necessities.
If you cease to smoke, you may also save a substantial amount of cash on your insurance costs. Insurance firms typically charge 65% further amount for the life insurance premiums of smokers. Likewise , many insurance companies charge smokers with extra premium amounts for their home insurance as their homes are likely to catch fires than those of nonsmokers.
Fertility issues are a common ill effect of smoking in both the genders. In reality, it can even cause men to be impotent. Ladies who smoke need a little longer to conceive than the usual. Females who smoke are at a chance of premature delivery. They might also give birth to youngsters who are physically deformed. Mothers of newly born should quit smoking else it may lead to the death of the child.
Quitting smoking has many health advantages too. It lessens your odds of contracting many illnesses, like marginal vascular illness, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking also lessens your likelihood of many unwanted conditions, such as optic neuropathy, macular degeneration, osteoporosis, psoriasis, cataract and tooth loss.
The entire body shape improves for better by quitting smoking. Smoking changes the hormone secreting glands, and therefore smokers accumulate more fat around their waist and upper body than their hips. This increases the waist-to-hip ratio and thereby heightens the risk of conditions such as breast cancers, diabetes, gall bladder problems and heart attacks.
Smoking is an unhealthy mental support system. Stopping smoking is a particularly giant feat and apart from the other benefits, it increases the self-esteem and confidence of the individual.
To know more about Quitting Smoking and Nicotine withdrawal, visit http://www.stop-smoking-updates.com/quitsmoking/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Morse
Your sense of smell and taste also improves a lot after smoking termination. Therefore you've got a better eating experience. It helps you cut back on the intake of salt because smokers generally start taking more of these to increase their taste of food. This reduces the probabilities of heart problems and high blood pressure.
Due to the tar and nicotine present in cigarettes, the teeth get stained. After you quit smoking, your teeth won't be discolored and your breath will start to smell good. Another benefit is that you are going to not be touched gum diseases.
Once you give up smoking, you will be ready to save the amount that you spend on your cigarettes. You could use an identical quantity for other purposes like shopping, holidays or other necessities.
If you cease to smoke, you may also save a substantial amount of cash on your insurance costs. Insurance firms typically charge 65% further amount for the life insurance premiums of smokers. Likewise , many insurance companies charge smokers with extra premium amounts for their home insurance as their homes are likely to catch fires than those of nonsmokers.
Fertility issues are a common ill effect of smoking in both the genders. In reality, it can even cause men to be impotent. Ladies who smoke need a little longer to conceive than the usual. Females who smoke are at a chance of premature delivery. They might also give birth to youngsters who are physically deformed. Mothers of newly born should quit smoking else it may lead to the death of the child.
Quitting smoking has many health advantages too. It lessens your odds of contracting many illnesses, like marginal vascular illness, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking also lessens your likelihood of many unwanted conditions, such as optic neuropathy, macular degeneration, osteoporosis, psoriasis, cataract and tooth loss.
The entire body shape improves for better by quitting smoking. Smoking changes the hormone secreting glands, and therefore smokers accumulate more fat around their waist and upper body than their hips. This increases the waist-to-hip ratio and thereby heightens the risk of conditions such as breast cancers, diabetes, gall bladder problems and heart attacks.
Smoking is an unhealthy mental support system. Stopping smoking is a particularly giant feat and apart from the other benefits, it increases the self-esteem and confidence of the individual.
To know more about Quitting Smoking and Nicotine withdrawal, visit http://www.stop-smoking-updates.com/quitsmoking/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Morse
[Health Care] How Many Types of Yoga Are There?
| Published in Exercise, health, Health And Fitness, Health Care, Yoga |
Which Type of Yoga Works Best?
If you have not tried it before then you might be confused by the many differing varieties of Yoga practices that are available. Before deciding which sort of exercise is right for you it is an excellent idea to attend a class of each style that interests you so you can try out each style to find out which you like. Here is a quick overview of the most well liked of Yoga to help you get started:
Hatha Yoga - This is by a large margin the most typical kind of exercise practiced in the West. Hatha is a slow paced practice that is focused on both mind and body. If you're just starting you will possibly find Hatha Yoga to be the most fitting.
Vinyasa - Vinyasa is a sort of Yoga practice that focuses on the breath and how respiring is affecting your body and mind. The physical practice of Vinyasa is more active than the physical practice of Hatha Yoga
If you're looking for a yoga practice which may supply a good aerobic session then Asthenga Yoga is the best choice for you.
Iyengar - Iyengar Yoga is the best exercise practice for folks who have old injuries or prolonged sicknesses and wish to start a Yoga practice which will help them become more flexible and agile and will help them heal.
Kundalini - Kundalini Yoga is targeted essentially on the breath and its effect on energy. This focuses often on fast, repeated movements rather than on drawn out poses. There's also plenty of reflection practiced in Kundalini Yoga.
There are many different types of yoga and more information is available on my blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gale_S_Wilder
If you have not tried it before then you might be confused by the many differing varieties of Yoga practices that are available. Before deciding which sort of exercise is right for you it is an excellent idea to attend a class of each style that interests you so you can try out each style to find out which you like. Here is a quick overview of the most well liked of Yoga to help you get started:
Hatha Yoga - This is by a large margin the most typical kind of exercise practiced in the West. Hatha is a slow paced practice that is focused on both mind and body. If you're just starting you will possibly find Hatha Yoga to be the most fitting.
Vinyasa - Vinyasa is a sort of Yoga practice that focuses on the breath and how respiring is affecting your body and mind. The physical practice of Vinyasa is more active than the physical practice of Hatha Yoga
If you're looking for a yoga practice which may supply a good aerobic session then Asthenga Yoga is the best choice for you.
Iyengar - Iyengar Yoga is the best exercise practice for folks who have old injuries or prolonged sicknesses and wish to start a Yoga practice which will help them become more flexible and agile and will help them heal.
Kundalini - Kundalini Yoga is targeted essentially on the breath and its effect on energy. This focuses often on fast, repeated movements rather than on drawn out poses. There's also plenty of reflection practiced in Kundalini Yoga.
There are many different types of yoga and more information is available on my blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gale_S_Wilder
Why Nutrition Matters With Incontinence
| Published in health, Health And Fitness, Health Care, health care issues, Healthy Food |
If you find yourself trying to cope with incontinence, you are undoubtedly always looking for new strategies and ways to make it easier. You are definitely not alone; many Australians have to contend with this problem, and many learn to manage it quite effectively. One thing that many people do not realise is that incontinence and nutrition are very closely linked. In addition to using well designed incontinence products, being conscientious about your diet and nutrition can have a dramatic - and positive - impact on your incontinence. Below, we highlight a few key facts.
How Weight Effects Incontinence -
Any doctor will tell you that carrying around extra pounds can have a very negative impact on managing incontinence. In fact, obesity has been determined to be a major factor for people suffering from SUI (Stress Urinary Incontinence). All that extra weight increases pressure on the abdominal area - and also increases the likelihood and occurrence of incontinence. By shedding even just a small percentage of the pounds, people can drastically reduce the impact that this condition has on their life - in addition to enjoying many other great health benefits associated with losing weight.
Watch What You Eat... And Drink -
Certain foods and beverages just don't mix well with incontinence. Caffeine is one of the biggest culprits; doctors recommend consuming 500 mg per day - the same as about five cups of regular strength coffee. Even at that level, if you find that your incontinence continues unaffected, you should reduce intake. Some people end up eschewing caffeine altogether and have amazing results.
Citrus foods and tomato-based foods can also exacerbate incontinence. Even if you take care to use the best mobility equipment and incontinence products, consuming a diet high in these foods can negate any good you are doing. Chocolate and spicy foods have also been shown to contribute to the problem. By eliminating or cutting back on these and other problem foods, you can reduce the symptoms and occurrence of your incontinence.
Fibre And Incontinence -
Constipation can wreak havoc on incontinence, increasing its occurrence and making it even worse. Making sure you consume enough fibre in your daily diet can do wonders for the condition and help keep constipation at bay. At the same time, making sure that you are adequately hydrated throughout the day can also improve your incontinence symptoms. By keeping nutrition in mind, you can live your life freely and manage the condition.
BM Healthcare is an online business that believes by making minor adjustments to your diet, incontinence can be handled gracefully and effectively. Thanks to amazing advances in incontinence products and mobility equipment, one can make these nutritional adjustments and have a far simpler time of handling this bothersome condition.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_S_Judge
How Weight Effects Incontinence -
Any doctor will tell you that carrying around extra pounds can have a very negative impact on managing incontinence. In fact, obesity has been determined to be a major factor for people suffering from SUI (Stress Urinary Incontinence). All that extra weight increases pressure on the abdominal area - and also increases the likelihood and occurrence of incontinence. By shedding even just a small percentage of the pounds, people can drastically reduce the impact that this condition has on their life - in addition to enjoying many other great health benefits associated with losing weight.
Watch What You Eat... And Drink -
Certain foods and beverages just don't mix well with incontinence. Caffeine is one of the biggest culprits; doctors recommend consuming 500 mg per day - the same as about five cups of regular strength coffee. Even at that level, if you find that your incontinence continues unaffected, you should reduce intake. Some people end up eschewing caffeine altogether and have amazing results.
Citrus foods and tomato-based foods can also exacerbate incontinence. Even if you take care to use the best mobility equipment and incontinence products, consuming a diet high in these foods can negate any good you are doing. Chocolate and spicy foods have also been shown to contribute to the problem. By eliminating or cutting back on these and other problem foods, you can reduce the symptoms and occurrence of your incontinence.
Fibre And Incontinence -
Constipation can wreak havoc on incontinence, increasing its occurrence and making it even worse. Making sure you consume enough fibre in your daily diet can do wonders for the condition and help keep constipation at bay. At the same time, making sure that you are adequately hydrated throughout the day can also improve your incontinence symptoms. By keeping nutrition in mind, you can live your life freely and manage the condition.
BM Healthcare is an online business that believes by making minor adjustments to your diet, incontinence can be handled gracefully and effectively. Thanks to amazing advances in incontinence products and mobility equipment, one can make these nutritional adjustments and have a far simpler time of handling this bothersome condition.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_S_Judge
11 Common Causes of Varicose and Spider Veins
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 | Published in Aging, Diet Technique, Exercise, health, Health Care |
Once you know what is causing your varicose veins and spider veins, it is much easier to successfully treat the condition. Save yourself a lot of time and energy needlessly trying methods that don't work and restore your legs to their former beauty. You have a better chance of fixing leg vein problems when you understand what causes them.
11 common causes of varicose and spider veins are:
1. Aging - Aging is the most important cause of unhealthy legs. Frequent hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause cause many older women to lose elasticity and tone in leg veins.
2. Diet - Poor diet is a another major factor causing loss of skin elasticity. The result of nutritional deficiencies is decreased leg circulation causing legs and ankles to swell possibly resulting in leg vein problems.
3. Genetics - If your mother, father, brother or sister have varicose veins, spider veins or tired legs, you may be more likely than those with no family history of these symptoms to develop the condition.
4. Poorly functioning valves - One-way valves in the deep veins of the legs prevent backward flow of blood within the vein. If they are functioning poorly, blood flows the wrong way from the deep to the superficial veins which become enlarged, twisted and bulging.
5. Pregnancy - In order to support the growing fetus during pregnancy, blood flow is increased in your body, however the flow is decreased from your legs to your pelvis. This increases pressure on leg veins and may weaken them. Added weight gain during pregnancy may put a strain on leg veins.
6. Heavy lifting - Repeated heavy lifting interferes with good leg circulation and increases the likelihood of vein problems developing in the future.
7. Sitting or standing - Standing and walking upright for long periods of time can increase pressure in your leg veins and in your lower body. That is the reason the veins most commonly affected are those in your lower legs and feet.
8. Obesity - Excessive weight gain puts pressure on the legs, increasing the likelihood of developing varicose veins. Tall, obese women are more likely to develop venous problems or experience tired, painful legs.
9. Lack of Exercise - Lack of exercise such as walking, swimming or bicycling for instance, can result in added pressure on veins and poor blood circulation in the legs.
10. Tight Clothing - High heels and garments that are tight, especially around the waist can restrict your venous blood flow causing pooling of blood and poor circulation in lower legs and ankles.
11. Smoking - If you smoke be aware that it contributes to elevated blood pressure, which can aggravate existing vein and leg problems.
Any or all of these common causes could be affecting you adversely. If you want to know exactly what is causing your leg vein condition, a simple ultrasound can tell you. Unfortunately, no medical treatment can prevent new veins from becoming swollen or painful. Before undergoing any procedure, ask your doctor about any health risks and possible side effects.
In many cases, varicose and spider veins are simply a cosmetic concern and can be reduced and flattened using natural treatments so that they are not noticeable. Even ulcerated veins respond extremely well to natural treatments that contain natural healing herbal infusions. Nature can heal us and return our legs to their original beauty and attractiveness.
Alternative therapies continue to be the method of choice for most people. Surgical procedures tend to be quite invasive and costly. In a recent issue of Canadian Living Magazine, natural creams such as the one made by Venus Naturals was highlighted as one way to get rid of varicose veins.
Francine, co-owner of Venus Naturals, has been working with a master herbalist and an aromatherapist since 1996 to develop natural, effective solutions to reduce and eliminate varicose and spider veins. For more information on varicose vein treatment visit the Venus Naturals website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francine_Davidovich
11 common causes of varicose and spider veins are:
1. Aging - Aging is the most important cause of unhealthy legs. Frequent hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause cause many older women to lose elasticity and tone in leg veins.
2. Diet - Poor diet is a another major factor causing loss of skin elasticity. The result of nutritional deficiencies is decreased leg circulation causing legs and ankles to swell possibly resulting in leg vein problems.
3. Genetics - If your mother, father, brother or sister have varicose veins, spider veins or tired legs, you may be more likely than those with no family history of these symptoms to develop the condition.
4. Poorly functioning valves - One-way valves in the deep veins of the legs prevent backward flow of blood within the vein. If they are functioning poorly, blood flows the wrong way from the deep to the superficial veins which become enlarged, twisted and bulging.
5. Pregnancy - In order to support the growing fetus during pregnancy, blood flow is increased in your body, however the flow is decreased from your legs to your pelvis. This increases pressure on leg veins and may weaken them. Added weight gain during pregnancy may put a strain on leg veins.
6. Heavy lifting - Repeated heavy lifting interferes with good leg circulation and increases the likelihood of vein problems developing in the future.
7. Sitting or standing - Standing and walking upright for long periods of time can increase pressure in your leg veins and in your lower body. That is the reason the veins most commonly affected are those in your lower legs and feet.
8. Obesity - Excessive weight gain puts pressure on the legs, increasing the likelihood of developing varicose veins. Tall, obese women are more likely to develop venous problems or experience tired, painful legs.
9. Lack of Exercise - Lack of exercise such as walking, swimming or bicycling for instance, can result in added pressure on veins and poor blood circulation in the legs.
10. Tight Clothing - High heels and garments that are tight, especially around the waist can restrict your venous blood flow causing pooling of blood and poor circulation in lower legs and ankles.
11. Smoking - If you smoke be aware that it contributes to elevated blood pressure, which can aggravate existing vein and leg problems.
Any or all of these common causes could be affecting you adversely. If you want to know exactly what is causing your leg vein condition, a simple ultrasound can tell you. Unfortunately, no medical treatment can prevent new veins from becoming swollen or painful. Before undergoing any procedure, ask your doctor about any health risks and possible side effects.
In many cases, varicose and spider veins are simply a cosmetic concern and can be reduced and flattened using natural treatments so that they are not noticeable. Even ulcerated veins respond extremely well to natural treatments that contain natural healing herbal infusions. Nature can heal us and return our legs to their original beauty and attractiveness.
Alternative therapies continue to be the method of choice for most people. Surgical procedures tend to be quite invasive and costly. In a recent issue of Canadian Living Magazine, natural creams such as the one made by Venus Naturals was highlighted as one way to get rid of varicose veins.
Francine, co-owner of Venus Naturals, has been working with a master herbalist and an aromatherapist since 1996 to develop natural, effective solutions to reduce and eliminate varicose and spider veins. For more information on varicose vein treatment visit the Venus Naturals website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francine_Davidovich
Stop the Acid Burn That's Destroying Your Health
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 | Published in care, health, Health Care, health care blog, health care com, health care issues |
In my years of practice as a doctor, I've learned that many major health problems are often caused from something very simple. This is good news because it means you can make small changes to improve your health. Unfortunately, most people overlook the easy fixes because they don't trust in their ability to work. So today I'd like to address one simple solution that can bring real, lasting health benefits to your life.
Many of the problems you experience as you grow older aren't really due to aging at all; disease, fatigue, digestive problems. Often you can fix all of these by making a small change in the way you eat and the supplements you take.
The root source of many health-related problems is actually an imbalance in your pH levels. We live in a very acidic world. This includes the food we eat, the pollutants in the air and even some of the skin and hair care products that we use.
By acidic, I mean your internal system becomes sour. This imbalance leads to sluggish digestion and circulation, disease, and fatigue. It can even contribute to the signs of aging. If you bring your system back into proper pH balance, you'll notice you look and feel better. Your digestion will improve, you'll have more energy and you'll be less prone to getting sick.
What is pH and how does it affect your body?
I'll bet you remember something about pH from taking a science class when you were a kid. PH is the measure of how acidic or alkali something is. If you're a gardener, you know some plants prefer different pH levels than others. A low pH in the soil can make growing some plants very difficult.
Your organs are a little bit like those plants. They have a preferred pH level. If your pH is too high or too low, your whole body starts to suffer. The human body functions best when it's at a neutral or slightly alkali pH.
The typical American diet is high in grains and meats which makes your body acidic. Research from the University of California in San Francisco found the following:
When people eat a diet that is higher in grains and meats without adequate vegetables it causes the regulation of the body's acid-base to be out of balance.
When this happens, your kidneys combat the problem by signaling your body to release calcium and magnesium from your bones and ammonia from your muscles. This process restores the pH balance in your system, but weakens your bones and muscles.
It can also result in calcium and magnesium deficiencies. You then become more prone to heart and kidney disease, muscle weakness, diabetes, and an overall general decline.
How to Restore Balance to Your pH Levels
Balancing your pH levels isn't difficult. The first step is to actually measure your pH levels with test strips that are easily available online. These strips use saliva to give a reading on your pH level. I recommend you take at least six measurements over several days. Be sure to measure first thing in the morning and average all the readings to get an accurate measurement.
If your pH is between 6.8 and 7.4 and you don't have any major health problems, then you're doing well. If it is less than 6.8, you will benefit from balancing your pH levels.
To balance your pH levels, you will need to eat more alkali-producing foods. It seems counter-intuitive, but many of the foods we consider acidic, like lemons and tomatoes, actually have an alkalizing affect on the body. Others like grains that are alkali when eaten actually increase acid in your system.
It's confusing, I know. As a general guideline, you can increase your body's pH by eating more fruits and vegetables. Here is a handy chart I've provided to give you some general guidelines:
Alkalizing Foods
Raw Honey
Maple Syrup
Most fruits
Most vegetables
Almonds
Olive oil
Goat milk
Green tea, herbal tea
Acidizing Foods
White sugar
Chemical sweeteners
Blackberries, cranberries
Most beans
Walnuts
Corn oil
Homogenized milk, all meats
Coffee, soft drinks
As you can see, just because a food is acid-producing doesn't mean it's unhealthy-it is a matter of balancing the two types of food. It's not necessary to completely eliminate acid-producing foods from your diet. Just remember to maintain a healthy balance between both.
You can also help restore balance to your pH with a mineral supplement that contains calcium citrate, magnesium, and potassium. These three minerals help to alkalize your system.
In addition to eating more vegetables and fruits, you should reduce or eliminate the processed foods that you eat. Of all the foods on the market, processed foods are the most acid-producing. They also contain high levels of phosphates, which exacerbate the imbalance.
PH balance is one of the most overlooked root causes of health issues. It's a widespread problem that leads or contributes to many of the devastating diseases that are prevalent in our society.
Fortunately, it's a problem with an easy fix. If you test your pH levels and determine that they are out of balance, the simple step of increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat each day will help to correct the problem. Add in the supplements that I recommend here and you'll be on your way to a balanced system and better health.
Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging
http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com
http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com/blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Rosenberg,_M.D.
Mark Rosenberg, M.D. - EzineArticles Expert Author
Many of the problems you experience as you grow older aren't really due to aging at all; disease, fatigue, digestive problems. Often you can fix all of these by making a small change in the way you eat and the supplements you take.
The root source of many health-related problems is actually an imbalance in your pH levels. We live in a very acidic world. This includes the food we eat, the pollutants in the air and even some of the skin and hair care products that we use.
By acidic, I mean your internal system becomes sour. This imbalance leads to sluggish digestion and circulation, disease, and fatigue. It can even contribute to the signs of aging. If you bring your system back into proper pH balance, you'll notice you look and feel better. Your digestion will improve, you'll have more energy and you'll be less prone to getting sick.
What is pH and how does it affect your body?
I'll bet you remember something about pH from taking a science class when you were a kid. PH is the measure of how acidic or alkali something is. If you're a gardener, you know some plants prefer different pH levels than others. A low pH in the soil can make growing some plants very difficult.
Your organs are a little bit like those plants. They have a preferred pH level. If your pH is too high or too low, your whole body starts to suffer. The human body functions best when it's at a neutral or slightly alkali pH.
The typical American diet is high in grains and meats which makes your body acidic. Research from the University of California in San Francisco found the following:
When people eat a diet that is higher in grains and meats without adequate vegetables it causes the regulation of the body's acid-base to be out of balance.
When this happens, your kidneys combat the problem by signaling your body to release calcium and magnesium from your bones and ammonia from your muscles. This process restores the pH balance in your system, but weakens your bones and muscles.
It can also result in calcium and magnesium deficiencies. You then become more prone to heart and kidney disease, muscle weakness, diabetes, and an overall general decline.
How to Restore Balance to Your pH Levels
Balancing your pH levels isn't difficult. The first step is to actually measure your pH levels with test strips that are easily available online. These strips use saliva to give a reading on your pH level. I recommend you take at least six measurements over several days. Be sure to measure first thing in the morning and average all the readings to get an accurate measurement.
If your pH is between 6.8 and 7.4 and you don't have any major health problems, then you're doing well. If it is less than 6.8, you will benefit from balancing your pH levels.
To balance your pH levels, you will need to eat more alkali-producing foods. It seems counter-intuitive, but many of the foods we consider acidic, like lemons and tomatoes, actually have an alkalizing affect on the body. Others like grains that are alkali when eaten actually increase acid in your system.
It's confusing, I know. As a general guideline, you can increase your body's pH by eating more fruits and vegetables. Here is a handy chart I've provided to give you some general guidelines:
Alkalizing Foods
Raw Honey
Maple Syrup
Most fruits
Most vegetables
Almonds
Olive oil
Goat milk
Green tea, herbal tea
Acidizing Foods
White sugar
Chemical sweeteners
Blackberries, cranberries
Most beans
Walnuts
Corn oil
Homogenized milk, all meats
Coffee, soft drinks
As you can see, just because a food is acid-producing doesn't mean it's unhealthy-it is a matter of balancing the two types of food. It's not necessary to completely eliminate acid-producing foods from your diet. Just remember to maintain a healthy balance between both.
You can also help restore balance to your pH with a mineral supplement that contains calcium citrate, magnesium, and potassium. These three minerals help to alkalize your system.
In addition to eating more vegetables and fruits, you should reduce or eliminate the processed foods that you eat. Of all the foods on the market, processed foods are the most acid-producing. They also contain high levels of phosphates, which exacerbate the imbalance.
PH balance is one of the most overlooked root causes of health issues. It's a widespread problem that leads or contributes to many of the devastating diseases that are prevalent in our society.
Fortunately, it's a problem with an easy fix. If you test your pH levels and determine that they are out of balance, the simple step of increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat each day will help to correct the problem. Add in the supplements that I recommend here and you'll be on your way to a balanced system and better health.
Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging
http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com
http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com/blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Rosenberg,_M.D.
Mark Rosenberg, M.D. - EzineArticles Expert Author