People all over are looking for the best way to lose weight– that one elusive way which is effective, safe, doable and sustainable for life.  Unfortunately, the weight loss schemes being offered around the world are nowhere near meeting these criteria.

Some weight loss schemes are effective but not safe.

Some of the weight loss plans around are certainly effective in dropping weight, as they can bring about weight losses of more than a couple of pounds per week, but this is usually hazardous to health, as normal weight loss should not exceed 2 pounds per week.

Take, for instance, the myriad of weight loss pills, slimming teas and juices which often stimulate the colon excessively and bring about diarrhoea.  There is weight loss, of course, but this is due to loss of water, electrolytes and worse, nutrients.  People slim down but become dehydrated, and nutrient deficient, and malnourished if the weight loss strategy is continued into the medium term. 

Healthy weight loss should involve loss of fat and not loss of vital nutrients.

Some weight loss schemes are not sustainable.

There are also unrealistic weight loss plans which demand extreme diets such as subsisting on nothing but soup or certain foods, day in and day out, for protracted periods of time.  Again, this is an unsound weight loss plan, not only because it results in inadequate nutrition but also because such a diet cannot be sustained by a normal person for long.  Sooner or later, taste fatigue sets in, discipline snaps out of control and there is rebound binging. 

Healthy weight loss should be based on an adequate and nutritious diet incorporated into a lifestyle change which can be sustained over the long term.

The  best weight loss plan– according to nutritionists, dieticians and physicians.

Weight loss should be based on a healthy diet—one which provides adequate calories and nutritional content.  Specifically, a diet should provide enough energy for a person’s age, weight, gender and physical activity.  This diet should both be adequate and balanced.

Weight loss should be accompanied by sound, regular exercise—and one which combines aerobic, strength training and stretching.  This is to increase the metabolism, which actually slows down with dieting and aging.  Exercise should not be too limiting and should also be balanced by adequate rest as well.

Weight loss should be based on a diet which is not only adequate and nutritious but tasty and varied enough so that one can enjoy and stick to it.  This diet should be based mostly on a rainbow of different colors of fresh fruits and produce, whole grains and legumes, fish and healthy oils.  Meats should be lean.

You can be sure that this kind of weight loss makes one healthier, happier and with greater wellbeing.

What is the Best Way to Lose Weight? is a post from: Complementary Healing

The following are some types of natural treatment that can be helpful in regaining back your health:

Acupuncture –uses needles inserted at specific points of the body for therapeutic purposes such as alleviating pain, treating illnesses, correcting infertility, and even promoting good health.

Acupressure – this is a form of massage, which uses deep but gentle finger massage on to specific points of the body or what we called “acupoints”. Congested or blocked energy center sthat cause pain and discomfort are released.  Acupressure not only treats physical discomfort, but also the emotional aspect of illness.  It also alleviates anxiety and stress.  

Yoga – is a combination of physical and mental relaxation. It is a common practice by many Indians, and plenty of Western people, to help them achieve and experience long lasting health and happiness.

Meditation – Many Buddhists traditionally use meditation when they are talking or praying to Buddha.  This is where an internal and personal exercise is undertaken to excluding external factors from our minds for a time.  Nowadays, meditation is popularly used by most of us in order to release stress and other negative vibes, or achieve insights into our lives.

Physical Exercise – this is a combination of body movements used to maintain good health and well-being.  Physical exercise in the form of e.g. walking, jogging, aerobics, Tae Bo, kick boxing, and other sports are commonly used by all ages to maintain a healthy weight and prevent diseases like hypertension, and cardiovascular problems.

Aromatherapy – this is another form of alternative medicine that utilizes volatile oils or essential oils  and aromatic compounds that can be used on the skin or within a room to enhance health and improve relaxation.

So, if you think that you need these methods of healing and restoring your health then don’t be afraid to try them.  They’ve been extensively road tested by others before you!!  They have been  proven safe and effective in alleviating illness and giving us energy for a sound body, mind and spirit.

Natural Healing – Regain Your Health is a post from: Complementary Healing

How you can lose weight fast? What could be the best action to help lose weight? What is the easiest and fastest way to lose weight? If there is, what could it be?

Questions of how to lose weight fast has been one of the problems our community is facing today. With the increasing numbers of obese individuals versus a limited solution to the problem you can’t deny how anxious people are to lose weight.  Juice fasts and weight loss pills are apparent solutions and you may get rid of your weight fast.  You might not like the side effects and the weight loss is unlikely to be permanent, you end up yo-yoing and end up in a worse situation than you started with.  Another option to lose weight fast is surgery but you might be hesitating to do that for fear of the risk of hemorrhage, infections and so on.  Rapid weight loss solutions don’t help you if what you shed from your body is water and lean muscle mass.  You simply can’t stay on extreme diets as their nutrition is usually very poor.  Reality sets in when your normal diet resumes and you are happily indulging in foods that simply add the weight back on again.  What’s worse is some of your lean muscle mass is probably gone and with it goes some capacity to burn fat.  You’re not back to the start, you’re behind where you started.

So weight loss should not be too fast, as it’s counterproductive.  However, weight can be lost relatively rapidly.  Weight that is lost at the recommended rat of 0.5 to 1kg per week is pretty fast.  If you lose 3 kg in three weeks, that’s incredibly rapid – if it’s permanent.  If you lose weight more rapidly and it simply returns just as quickly, what’s the point?  You haven’t achieved anything at all.  If you lose it sensibly and keep it off, that’s worthwhile.  That’s real weight loss.

Most people know what foods are good for them and will contribute to a healthy lifestyle, and also know which ones aren’t.  When you know the right foods to eat and have some discipline about eating nutritious foods that your body needs, you’ve made a good start.

Having confidence to achieve your weight loss goal is a crucial step.  What motivates you to succeed in your goal? If you have one, use it to energize yourself to keep on going until you reach your goal. Be committed.  When you reach a point where you feel like giving up look on the bright side and consider your goal.

Exercise should always be part of any plan when you are trying to lose weight.  It helps maintain the muscle you have and it’s muscle that burns fat.  Find a routine to follow that you enjoy until you achieve your goal.  Cardio exercises help burn your fat, lifting weights for strength training helps burn fats faster, and yoga enhances your flexibility, and they are all fantastic elements to include in your exercise routine. If you find questions you feel unable to solve don’t hesitate to ask your health practitioner.

Brisbane Naturopath – How To Lose Weight Fast is a post from: Complementary Healing

Did you know that cardiovascular diseases or heart disorders are the leading health problem in America? In fact, almost 50 million Americans suffer from blood vessel problems or heart diseases.

Heart disease is initially the result of inadequacy in the heart and blood vessels due to veins and artery constriction. In other words, as our heart pumps, it fails to maintain the normal amount of blood circulation needed by the body. As a result of this, tissue congestion and edema develops, and this leads to more serious heart ailments.

Treating cardiovascular disease seems to require a lot of time and money. However, many healthcare professionals and organizations today have approved and recommended the use of a natural remedy as a treatment for different heart disorders. In fact, the researchers from the Harvard School of Medicine have noted that natural remedies for cardiovascular diseases are not only safe and cheap, but also effective.

Natural Remedy Home Advice:

The following are some natural remedies that can be undertaken at home, that are proven to help improve different aspects of cardiovascular disease conditions:

• Perform regular exercise to improve blood circulation and flexibility
• Eliminate the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine
• Reduce salt intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Keep cholesterol level under normal level
• Consume skim milk and low fat cheese
• Limit cholesterol and fat consumption
• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday

Herbs for heart care

The following are some natural herbs that can help the body to improve and treat various heart disorders:

• Ginger (Zinger officinale)- lower cholesterol level and inhibit blood platelet circulation
• Garlic (Allium sativum)- prevent blood clots, lower cholesterol level, and destroy plaque
• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)- protect heart, maintain healthy heart muscle and tone, stop bleeding, promote healing, and prevent heart problems
• Guggul (Commiphora mukul)- lower blood fat level while raising HDL or good fat level, and treating psoriasis, cardiac ischemia, and atherosclerosis
• Ashwagandha ( Withania Somnifera)- unique herb with an amazing properties to relieve stress related disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis

So…

Many doctors have considered that the most efficient way to prevent various coronary heart diseases is by controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels. In fact, they have recommended that the best way to achieve this is by maintaining a healthy diet, having a normal weight, and performing regular exercise which can help prevent the occurrence of heart diseases.

Furthermore, many healthcare professionals today have recommended the use of natural remedies for heart disease rather than traditional hospital treatments and drugs. In fact, it was noted by the researchers from the University of California that natural remedies are cheaper than heart medications and treatments, and are also safe and effective ways of preventing and treating heart disease.

Finding A Natural Remedy for Cardiovascular Diseases is a post from: Complementary Healing

Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure and unsure what to do? Will you take drug medications or consult your doctor frequently?  These methods seem expensive for many. If that is the case, it might be wise to consider using a blood pressure device.  Research has shown that a blood pressure device can be very helpful for health monitoring and disease prevention. In fact, the American Health Association has recommended individuals use a home blood pressure device in order to monitor their overall health.

In addition, the AHA has also revealed that the blood pressure device is useful for:

• Individuals who are taking blood pressure medications to check their effectiveness

• Individuals who have high blood pressure readings at their healthcare provider’s office

• Individuals who are suspected to have ‘masked’ hypertension

• Individuals who require close monitoring such as those who have diabetes, kidney disease, and heart ailments.

• Elderly patients

Why high blood pressure is dangerous?

Individuals that are suffering from high blood pressure are at the risk of increased resistance of arteries against the blood circulation. This resistance means the heart is required to pump blood even harder in order to function properly. Whenever the heart is forced for a long period of time, it can lead to different medical problems. The following are some of the long-term dangers of high blood pressure:

• Heart failure

• Congestive artery disease

• Left heart atrophy

• Stroke

• Transient Ischemic Attacks

• Cognitive Impairments

• Dementia

• Kidney failure

• Eye problems

• Brain damage

Blood pressure device monitoring

There are many types of blood pressure devices that are available on the market today. Some of them are manual blood pressure devices where you have to apply a pressure pump to inflate the cuff which is placed around the arm. This type of device is more frequently seen in healthcare settings. On the other hand, there are electricity based or battery operated blood pressure devices that are easy to operate which are commonly used at home. But no matter what kind of blood pressure device you have, they are all proven to be helpful for disease prevention and health promotion.  It would be wise to consider using a blood pressure device to monitor your blood pressure level regularly even if you do not have any health conditions or diseases.

So…

Monitoring blood pressure levels using a blood pressure device at home seems a very good idea. Not only it is easy to use and operate, it is also gives you a very good picture of your general health. In addition, many researchers, health organizations, and healthcare professionals have recommended the use of blood pressure devices at home not only to prevent diseases and disease complications, but to also help simply improve their overall health.

The Importance of Owning a Blood Pressure Device – An Overview is a post from: Complementary Healing

Holistic health has been generally accepted in many countries and its popularity has not diminished over the years. The concept of Holism has been used since ancient times. It is a method of treatment on which a person’s emotional, physical, mental and at times even spiritual needs are taken into consideration, to provide a better way to heal the ailments that are affecting their health.

It is also said that by using this method, one can find the right cure for any type of disease without relying too much on the medications that are prescribed by their doctors. We all know that some medicines can cause harmful side effects, if taken in large doses, albeit  to help alleviate the suffering of a patient.

The concept of Holistic health is also believed to have originated in China and India, on which people who practice this form of treatment states that, living in harmony with nature can help you live a better life. It’s like conditioning your body to help it “heal itself”, making it more resistant to diseases and giving the individual an optimistic outlook in life. When one thinks that they are stronger or healthier, the body also has a way to adapt to their way of thinking and it makes them better as a “whole”.

Worldwide Acceptance

The concept of Holistic health has also recognized by Western medicine since the 1970’s and is accepted as one of the popular methods in medical practice. Even today, medical practitioners using this form of treatment has been steadily increasing in numbers in every part of the world. It is safer than using chemical treatments which can harm the body.

Since the Chinese believe in Yin and Yang (two forces that always balance each other), they also believe that the body has its own way to balance itself. Encouraging the factors that will trigger that effect (whether with the help of medicine or with Holistic health therapy) is the fundamental notion of Holism. Holism is also described by Aristotle as a concept on which “The whole is more than the sum of its parts”.  It also means that treating the whole body to fight the disease is better, than treating only the “affected area”.

Holistic Health Practices

The most common examples of holistic practices include eating a proper diet, exercising regularly, observing spiritual counseling, undertaking stress relieving activities, taking natural vitamins/supplements, and relaxation and doing things that makes a person happy and comfortable is what makes this approach very effective in curing any type of ailment (especially psychological related ailments). 

People that have been diagnosed with an ailment that has no definite cure in the medical world (example tinnitus and similar ailments) often turn to Holistic health practices. A lot of people have attested that this type of treatment really works and continue to spread the word to those that are looking for a way to help treat their “incurable symptoms”.  If you think that you are suffering from one of those chronic illnesses that medical science hasn’t found a cure for yet, then trying this approach may work wonders, perhaps even miracles for you.

So…

Holistic health doesn’t exclude accessing western medicine at all.  It really is the basis for the whole concept of Complementary Medicine, that ailments are treated on the physical level, which western medicine most certainly, and almost exclusively, does.  It means that other types of medicine are often also accessed by people wanting the holistic approach to their wellness, to address the physical, as well as mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of disease.

Brisbane Naturopath – Holistic Health is a post from: Complementary Healing

Herbs and spices perk up our dishes with extra flavor.  They make our otherwise ordinary meals seem like exotic and exquisite cuisine by lending a full, robust flavor and aroma.  But they do more than just flavor our food, they often have therapeutic uses as well.

Research has shown that herbs and spices are even more nutritionally dense than fruits and vegetables.  Some are loaded with antioxidants and some come armed with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.  Therefore, for the sake of our palate and our health, we need to use more herbs and spices.

To get the most out of herbs and spices, three things should be kept in mind—variety, quantity and judicious use.  Firstly, we need to vary the herbs we use since different herbs have different therapeutic uses.  Secondly, we should increase the amount of spices we use to load up on the healing substances they contain.  Thirdly, we should learn the judicious use of different herbs in order to enhance, and not ruin, our dishes.

The following are the common herbs and spices along with their culinary and therapeutic uses.

Garlic is a versatile spice which can be used in almost all dishes.  This aromatic spice has the powerful antioxidant allicin which lowers bad cholesterol, regulates blood pressure, prevents heart ailments and possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Rosemary is one of the most commonly used herbs and spices.  It also has been shown to decrease capillary fragility and is thus used in insect repellents.  It also has antimicrobial actions against many bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Sage leaf when dried is used as a culinary spice and as a source of sage oil used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.  Research is also underway for its use in memory enhancement and as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Ginger is the perfect herb for stews and soups and has anti-inflammatory properties as well.  Traditionally, it is used to treat problems of the digestive system such as bloating, colic, indigestion and dyspepsia.

Jalapeno pepper is one of the popular herbs and spices used for chili-based dishes.  This hot spice is actually an anti-cancer agent and boosts metabolism to burn more fats and calories and keep weight in check.

Turmeric is the intense yellow ginger-like root from which we get cumin powder used for curried dishes.  It is one of the subjects of recent research because of its anti-inflammatory effects and is thus used to treat arthritis and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  It also exhibits anti-cancer, anti-HIV and cholesterol-lowering properties.

Cinnamon is one of the few herbs and spices which goes well with sweet beverages, breads and pastries.  This fragrant herb regulates sugar metabolism and stabilizes insulin levels to prevent and treat diabetes.  Its therapeutic properties and flavorful taste make it one of man’s favorite herbs and spices.

Herbs and Spices is a post from: Complementary Healing

What do you feel when you have a high blood pressure? How will you know and can you prevent it? Is there a way to control it? What is the best management if you hear your doctor telling you about how high your blood pressure is? Are there foods to help you avoid it? High blood pressure is also known as hypertension and is an increased pressure inside blood vessels due to a disease or unknown cause.

There are signs and symptoms that you can see and feel before your body develops high blood pressure. Be observant to your body’s reaction when you are feeling headaches and dizziness since these are the two things that you should consider the most.  If you smoke, have diabetes, are a postmenopausal female, have a family history with high blood pressure and who has elevated cholesterol should always be attentive to these two signs and symptoms. Additionally, a person who is older than 60 can also expect to develop an elevated blood pressure unless a healthy change to  lifestyle is made.

Sometimes, patients mistakenly believe that when you have high blood pressure you have an increased amount of blood. The fact is that when you eat foods rich in cholesterol or fats these ingredients tend to cling to the walls of your veins or arteries and over time this decreases the space available for blood to flow, within the blood vessels. When this pathway grows thinner, the pressure of the blood increases as well to push it through.  The normal range of blood pressure is 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic. Hypertension will show a reading higher in one or both of these readings.  Some of the signs and symptoms that patients may feel are fatigue, palpitation, angina, dyspnea, headache and visual disturbance.  However, an individual may have a silent hypertension, meaning they have no signs or symptoms.  Naturally, this could be dangerous.

You can easily control an elevated blood pressure through taking prescribde medications or changing your lifestyle to healthy habits such as eating appropriate foods that are low in cholesterol, fats and sugar. When you discipline yourself to continuously eat healthy foods for a specific period of time or for the rest of your life, you can normalize blood pressure and avoid the risk of having diseases associated with hypertension. These diseases include coronary artery disease, cardiovascular disease or stroke, heart failure, renal disease and other life threatening diseases.

In addition to dietary lifestyle changes, you should also avoid smoking, reduce alcohol intake, minimize caffeine intake and control salt intake which can further raise blood pressure. Moreover, doing regular exercise for weight control is also important since obesity is associated with high blood pressure. Avoid stressful environments.  When you feel any of the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure mention above do not hesitate to call your primary health practitioner.

Brisbane Naturopath – Naturally Controlling High Blood Pressure is a post from: Complementary Healing

I am sure that you have heard or noticed various advertisements claiming that their diet programs help individuals to lose fat in an instant! Although these types of diet programs may look enticing for some people, it is important to know that these kinds of programs are unhealthy and can actually be very dangerous to your health. In fact, most of these diet programs do not have sufficient vitamins and minerals and that can lead to various health conditions such as osteoporosis and anemia. So if these diet programs are not ideal for weight loss, what kind of diets or programs should we perform in order to promote an effective, safe, and healthy weight loss?

A healthy weight loss program

A healthy weight loss program includes combination of regular exercises with consumption of healthy and nutritional foods that help the body to convert excess fat in the body into blood glucose to act as a body fuel or energy. In other words, a healthy weight loss program does not only help you to lose weight, but it also provides you with more energy.

Healthy weight loss aids

Regular exercises such as walking, running, biking and swimming are very essential in promoting a healthy weight loss. However for some people, regular exercise can be difficult when they live a very busy and demanding life. The good news is there are various ways to perform your regular exercise even if you have a very busy lifestyle. Different indoor exercise equipment can be utilized to help you with your regular exercise routine.

Other Tips for healthy weight loss

• Consume water or low fat milk instead of carbonated drinks

• Eat a full breakfast to prevent you from getting hungry through the day

• Consume various plant based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, whole wheat, and brown rice

• Choose lean meats like fish and chicken over the fatty meats

• Consume different plant based sourced of protein foods such as tofu and beans

• Regular exercise for at least 15 to 30 minutes per day

So…

Are you convinced that in order to have a healthy weight loss, you must consume healthy foods and have regular exercise? Do you believe me when I say that diet programs that claim to promote fast weight loss are bad for your health? Well if you don’t, let me tell you about a study from the American Obesity Association (AOA). According to the AOA, losing a small amount of fat or 5-10% of your weight can help reduce the risk of various medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, and cancer. Still not enough proof? The American Dietetic Association has noted that fad diets are not safe and effective, and also dangerous to your health. In addition, the ADA has noted that diets rich in essential nutrients and regular exercises are recommended.

Advantages of Healthy Weight Loss is a post from: Complementary Healing

Cancer starts in your cells, which of course are the basic building blocks of your body. Generally, your body forms new cells when you need them and replaces the old cells that die. But sometimes, this process of cell production goes wrong. New cells develop when you don’t need them, and the old cells do not die even when they should. These extra cells are called tumors which can be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are cancer cells that grow out of control and can easily invade nearby tissues causing a lot of problems.

The good thing is that there are many cancer treatments that are available today that you can use to treat cancer.  You may choose a standard therapy such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy while others prefer treatment using natural alternative treatments. Although traditional treatments may be more conventional to many people, natural treatments are now being recognized as offering complementary benefits. In fact, many people including doctors and researchers have supported the idea that natural treatment can improve outcomes when used as a complementary therapy with standard cancer treatments.

Why people choose a natural way to help cure cancer?

There are different reasons and opinions why an individual chooses natural methods during treatment for cancer. The following are some of the common reasons why people choose alternative treatments:

• Natural treatments are usually much safer than orthodox ones
• They are usually less expensive
• They are generally readily available
• They usually cause no or minimal side effects
• They are often useful in treating nausea, fatigue, and pain
• They can relieve the stress and worries of the patient

Diet Therapy

Did you know that your diet plays a big role in the occurrence of cancer?  Dietary improvements are widely considered as a preventive measure for cancer.  If aggravating lifestyle and diet are removed or modified at least, cancer may stop growing and progressing. The following are some foods that can be taken and some that should be avoided:

            What to eat:

• Consume a diet full of home or locally grown, fresh, organic vegetables and fruits, nuts, and grains that contain the essential nutrients to kill and stop the progression of a certain type of cancer cells.
• Consume fruits such as kiwis, apples, grapes, oranges, pomegranates, plums, lemons, prunes, apricots, and raisins, in particular those with dark skins.
• Eat a lot of green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, leeks, onions, celery, cabbage, and dark green lettuce.
• Consume legumes such as chickpeas and lentils, nuts like cashews, hazelnut and herbs spices like mint, parsley, thyme, coriander, and garlic.
• Eat a lot of tomatoes, carrots, chili, and other foods that have beta carotene and lycopene which are proven to help in fighting against many kinds of cancer.

What not to eat:

• Avoid too much salt and artificial sweeteners
• Avoid processed sugar and processed foods
• Stay away from dairy products such as butter, margarine and cheese
• Avoid cakes, pastries, and biscuits.

Herbal Medicine

Do you know that over 60% of all people with cancer are using herbal remedies in combination with other cancer treatments? This is why herbal medicine is considered one of the most commonly used natural therapies by people with cancer.  Herbal medicine will not only boost your immune system, it can also enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Other natural options that you can consider:

• Vitamin intake
• Reiki therapy
• Naturopathic medicine
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic practices
• Hypnosis
• Reflexology

Brisbane Naturopath – Natural Cures for Cancer is a post from: Complementary Healing