Herbal Nutritional Supplements

Many of us are struggling to get the required basic elements that we need so that we can function properly, to achieve optimum health, we must have to fulfill that deficiency of important nutrients. Nutritional dietary supplements can provide the essential elements our bodies need to thrive. Although there is no replacement for healthy eating, but dietary supplements will help in improving health and person can achieve higher levels of health.

 Necessity for Nutritional Supplement

One can find an overwhelming wealth of nutritional supplements information online, but the important point is to get nutritional supplements information that is reliable because without proper knowledge, it’s like gambling with health.

Benefits of Dietary Nutritional Supplements

A nutritional herbal or dietary supplement is a supplement that provides human body essential nutrients to maintain good health. There is a wide range of health benefits that nutritional supplements cover. Like some supplements are good for weight loss and are available as a weight loss supplements, some supplements are good for bodybuilding called as Bodybuilding Supplements, similarly there are several other supplements that are good for specific body organ and termed accordingly like thyroid supplement, hair loss supplement, anxiety supplement, anti-aging supplements etc. and there are some supplements that are good for overall health. 

Weight loss supplement and bodybuilding supplements are very beneficial if someone want to loose weight or gain some weight to build his body structure. A multivitamin supplement that contains many essential vitamins can alleviate the many pressures that our body and minds are subjected on a daily basis. Some supplements are very beneficial for sportsman and athletes and are available as sports supplements.

Herbal Nutritional supplements are available in different forms, so that one can choose according to his feasibility and convenience like some supplements are available in liquid form as Nutritional Supplement Drinks or Liquid Nutritional Supplements. Some supplements are available in tablets, Capsules and in Soft gel forms.

Herbal Nutritional supplements are helpful in providing essential nutrients that can boost the defense system of the body. Some food supplements are also helpful in enhancing the memory and sleep quality and promote better health. 

Suffering from Arthritis Pain? Need Some Tips? Here You’re!

As we all know that Arthritis is a type of join disease characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness. The cause of these symptoms may be the infection, trauma, or any other metabolic disturbance either due to malfunctioning of an organ or because of another disease. It is mostly present in aged people and can be categorize in many types depending upon symptoms and their severity.

In Greek, the word Arthritis means “Joint Inflammation” but now it is used as a term that describes more than hundred disorders collectively known as Rheumatic Disease.

The most common type of arthritis is Osteoarthritis (OA) that can be defined as a deteriorative type of joint disease that mostly affects older people. It is also very common in athletes. In OA, the cartilage (a type of connective tissue that is soft, elastic and flexible) of joint is destroyed and this destruction starts with the thinning out of the cartilage between joints which will result in wear and tear of cartilage and that ultimately leads to painful movement. Overweight individuals are more susceptible of developing osteoarthritis, especially of the knee.

Another form of arthritis is the Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which is quite different from the other forms of arthritis. It is characterized by inflammation of knuckles and joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an Autoimmune Disease i.e.; defense system of body become weaken and does not work properly to protect the body against harmful substances, rather our body starts attacking itself which cause fatigue, loss of appetite and even fever. Patients of RA have swollen, red, painful and stiff joints.

People who suffer with this painful joint disease are the most desperate about finding out a solution or a remedy so that they can get rid of this painful condition. Although there are certain medicine and drugs that can reduce the severity of pain, but many people would like to make changes in their diet plan as to provide them with better nourishment and some even also go for exercises to get relief from this discomfort.

In addition to medication, there are some dietary factors that have the healing potential. Here I am going to mention only few dietary factors that people consider most effective against Arthritis.

Dietary Suggestions for Arthritis Patients:

Ginger root and Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to relieve the pain which is associated with arthritis.

Basically, arthritis is the inflammation of joint i.e.; it is a condition of redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, heat and disturbed function of joint due to the reaction of the body to injurious harmful agents. Since omega-3 fatty acids are considered to have anti-inflammatory effect, all those foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids are usually considered good for arthritis patients.

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil. Other sources may include dried beans, broccoli, canola oil, Chinese greens, flaxseed oil, ground flaxseeds, kale, legumes, salad greens, soybeans, soy milk, soy oil, tofu, walnut oil, walnuts, and wheat germ.

Eating fish is the part of healthy diet and half pound of fish per day can do the trick for the arthritis patients.

Gingerroot is another option that has a long history of use for the Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger not only helps in reducing inflammation but it also improves the functioning of digestive system by increasing the blood flow to the stomach. In this way, it does not cause any stomach irritation and provides relief by inhibiting the enzymes which cause inflammation.

Allergies:

One third individual suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis have certain types of food allergies which indicates that certain foods can rigger the pain and other arthritis related symptoms. Since, it can vary from person to person so we cannot say that a particular type of food that triggers arthritis pain. Therefore, one should always pay special attention to the food and try to figure out which type of food generates pain and other arthritis related symptoms.

I am sure these suggestions would be helpful for my readers who are suffering from this painful disease as well as for those who read it for the sake of information.

Boost Your Energy Level!

Our lives are getting so busy and complicated that we do not have time for us. Your surrounding may be filled of so many examples illustrating that people are so busy in their other routine work that they forget to feed their body – which is the necessity of living. They are just working hard enough to run after the clock so that they can catch the time and during this hectic schedule they neglect their diet, result is fatigue, tiredness, lack of energy and exhaustion.

Fatigue is a condition of abnormal tiredness and lack of energy which drives almost 10 million people all around the world to doctor visit each year. It can block our productivity and efficiency and can upset our lives. Fatigue is one of the most common health problems I have ever heard. There are different causes of fatigue, you just have to figure out that why are you feeling so tired and then find out a method to turn it around. First and foremost thing in this journey is to pay some attention to your health. Here I am listing few things which might be helpful for you.

• Drinking Lots of Water: Drink plenty of water each day to keep your body hydrated because dehydration is the biggest cause of fatigue and tiredness. Our feeling of thirst is not always a trustworthy indicator of need of taking water, therefore it is recommended to take at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

• Eat Healthy: Eating a healthy and balanced diet is must to live an active and fit lifestyle. Try to adopt a habit of eating a balanced diet at regular interval to maintain your energy level. Avoid simple sugars as they cause devastation on blood sugar and leads to low level of energy.

• Exercise & Breathing Techniques: Another way to boost your energy level naturally is to do exercise as it increases oxygen intake by keeping metabolic rate high and also improves blood flow so that you feel more refresh and energized. Breathing deeply will also help you to inhale adequate amount of oxygen and eliminate toxic gases from the body, and thus makes you feel relaxed. ^{[1, 2]}

• Have Proper Sleep: Taking a good night sleep enhances your day time performance. More you have adequate sleep more you are proficient. Click here for more information on sleep. ^[3]

• Enjoy Snack Time: Boost your metabolic rate and energy level by eating healthy snacks throughout the day because it let you to triumph over the slouches enabling you to think more clearly and creatively. ^[2]

• Have a Positive Attitude: Try to focus on something which makes you feel good and always try to maintain a positive attitude towards life. There is nothing more energizing than having a positive approach towards life.

References

1.http://willtaft.com/health/boost-your-energy-level-7-tips-to-productivity/
2.http://ezinearticles.com/?id=366056
3.http://optimalhealtharticles.blogspot.com/2008/10/sleep-basic-information.html

Winter Tips

As I have already mentioned that winter is coming and nothing will stop it. It is the season of chilled winds, cool breeze and snow. I personally like to enjoy snow from inside my house. It looks so beautiful! But everyone cannot enjoy this beautiful season specially the arthritic patients. Here are some health tips to help you stay healthy and in high spirits in the coming months.

• Take herbal supplements or herb to strengthen your immune system and to speed up the recovery from cold and flu.
• Take plenty of rest if you are having flu because stress can lower immunity, resulting in a greater chance of illness.
• Avoid excessive intake of alcohol. Excess alcohol consumption can lower immunity.
• Get plenty of water t hydrate your body and skin. It is essentially important to maintain the natural glow of your skin as the harsh winter elements and low humidity tend to dehydrate your skin.
• Increase your protein intake and also take mixed nuts which contain immune boosting proteins and vitamins.
• Vitamin C reduces the chances of getting cold. Take a vitamin C supplement daily or take it from the citrus fruits.
• Keep yourself warm during the winter season.
• Exercise daily to keep yourself healthy and fit.
• Get plenty of rest. A good night sleep is the best way to give your body rest and stay healthy.

Arthritis Care for Winter Season

Why Winter Season is Bothersome for Arthritic Patient?

Winter is coming! Many people will enjoy the chilled winds and cool breeze of winter season. It is a season that won’t surrender and it comes with cool breeze, chilled winds, cold temperature, low humidity and dry indoor environment which create problematic situation and feeling of annoyance in the mobility of joints. People suffering from any type of arthritis are not able to enjoy this cool and pleasant season of the year as they already are experiencing the reduction in their joint mobility because of the reduction in the muscular strength and winter season makes this condition more debilitating.

Why Arthritic Patients are Weather Sensitive?

Why winter is the most troublesome season for the arthritic patients? Why is it so difficult for them to manage? Why the symptoms of arthritis get aggravated during winter season? Why they are sensitive to weather change? The main reason is that cold temperature during winter season causes muscles, tendon and ligaments present around the joint to contract which result in increased pressure on joint. Arthritis sufferer experience severe pain during mobility because of this increased pressure on joints. According to many clinical studies about 70% people who are suffering from arthritis are affected by climate change. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

Tips for Maximizing Arthritis Cure

No matter how cold the temperature is! You can still manage your arthritis. The key point is to make yourself well-aware about arthritis. The more knowledge you have about arthritis, the better you will be able to tackle it in winter

There are many ways by which one can facilitate his mobility and movement. I am listing here some of them:

• Take proper rest and perform some relaxation exercises which will help in increasing the mobility of joints.
• Take care of your diet. Take a proper and balanced diet rich in Glucosamine sulfate which has a pronounced effect in bones and joint health.
• There are some other nutrients and herbs that have potential to maintain good health of bones and joints like Alfalfa, Shark cartilage, Condroitin, MSM, Boswellia, Calcium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. Try to include them in your diet.
• Take your medicines on time.
• Try to increase your fluid intake as it will help you to get rid of toxins.
• Try to stay at home during the coldest part of the season.
• Always try to keep the affected area under wraps.
• Try to keep yourself active by performing regular exercises. Walking is the best exercise to improve mobility
• Try to keep your joint warm either by using hot packs or through warm bath. It will also help in relieving arthritic pain.
• Try to keep your weight under control. Joints of an obese arthritic patient are more vulnerable, and putting extra weight on them will result in greater degree of arthritic pain. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

References:

1.http://arthritis.ygoy.com/2008/11/17/arthritis-care-for-winters/
2.http://4arthritis-rheumatoid.blogspot.com/2008/11/arthritis-treatments-5-tips-for-winter.html
3.http://optimalhealtharticles.blogspot.com/2008/10/arthrits.html

Important Facts about Common Cold

Common cold is a viral infection of upper respiratory tract. Since there is no cure for common cold, the best option is prevention. Once a cold has a firm grip on you, it is hard to stop it.

Here we are listing some important facts about common cold that you need to know:

• There are many over-the-counter medications available for common cold, but none of them can actually cure common cold. They can only be used to alleviate cold symptoms.
• Bovine colostrums, taken in the cold and flu season may help to ward off infection.
• It is unlikely that a vaccine will ever be developed to prevent the common cold because the viruses responsible have the ability to change in shape and size, and have hundreds of different forms.
• The possibility for real cold relief may lie in substances like interferon, natural proteins that the body produces in response to viral infection.
• Interferon seems to improve the respiratory tract’s ability to ward off viruses.
• Vitamin C promotes interferon production.
• Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. It is important to understand that penicillin and most other antibiotics work only against bacterial infection and not on viral infections.
• You can catch cold when your immune system is weakened such as during stress and/or because of poor diet, viruses can take hold. These viruses are opportunistic and lie dormant in the body, taking hold when the immune system is at its weakest.
• Allergies can cause symptoms that mimic those of colds and flu. Allergy testing is recommended.
• Anyone who has frequent colds or bouts with the flu should be checked for thyroid malfunction. When you are well, perform the thyroid function self-test. If your temperature is low, consult your health care provider.
• Congestion, cough, and/or sore throat are the signs of a cold, but if these symptoms occur together with fever or fatigue, you may have the flu.
• If congestion develops in the chest, it is best to consult a physician, as chest (lung) infection can be serious.
• If your fever goes above 102^o F for more than 3 days, or experience any other sign or symptom consult your doctor.

Reference:
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 297-300. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.

Common Cold

Common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract and is highly contagious. According to estimation, more than $1 billion are spent every year in America on nonprescription treatments for coughs and colds. Many people think that cold weather causes colds. It is not true, although most colds are caught in the season of fall and winter because most cold viruses grow better in colder temperature. ^{[1, 2]}

Causative Virus of Common Cold

There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause the common cold, out of them the most common virus is Rhinovirus. There are more than 110 serologic types of viruses that can cause upper respiratory tract symptoms or cold symptoms. Rhinoviruses are the viruses that contribute about 30% to 50% of all cases. ^[3]

Symptoms of Common Cold

The most common symptoms of common colds are listed below:

• Scratchy throat
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Head congestion
• Nasal congestion
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Malaise
• Weakness
• Sometimes Fever

The symptoms of common cold usually last for 7-10 days. ^{[1, 2]}

Economic Impact of Cold

Although common cold is the most common health problem all around the world and sometimes consider as trifling but if we talk about the economic impact of common cold only in United States of America, approximately $2.9 billion are spent on over-the counter medicines and about $400 millions are spent on prescription medicines for common cold.

Mostly people received Antibiotic prescription for the relief of their symptoms. In the United States, an estimated 41 million antibiotics are prescribed annually that contributes to an unnecessary cost of $1.1 billion.

According to estimation, children suffering from common cold and cough miss approximately 22 to 189 million school days annually, due to this parent have to miss 126 million workdays to stay at home to take care of their children. Employees suffering from common cold let pass 150 million workdays annually. When added to 126 million workdays missed by parents, the total of cold-related work loss exceeds $20 billion. ^[2]

Treatment of Common Cold

There is no treatment for common cold, no medically proven medicine that directly targets the virus. The purpose of medicines and supplement in common cold is to maximize the comfort of the patient and to limit the severity of symptoms.

Here we are listing some herbs that are helpful in reducing the severity of symptoms and have favorable effects on body.

• Astragalus
• Boneset
• Catnip Tea
• Cat’s Claw
• Chuan xin lian
• Ephedra
• Echinacea
• Goldenseal
• Elderberry
• Eucalyptus
• Fenu-Thyme
• Ginger
• Pau d’arco
• Slippery elm
• Yarrow tea
• Hyssop
• Mullein
• Red clover ^[1]

References:

1. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 297-300. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinovirus