Natural Remedies « I Told You I Was Sick

Spice Up Your Life #1 – Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Posted by admin on January 5, 2011 in Natural Remedies, Natural Weight Loss with 3 Comments

Decrease Inflammation, Lose Weight & Protect Your Heart with This Potent Spice!

Cayenne pepper is traditionally used to add some kick and flavor to spicy dishes, but did you know this potent little pepper packs a powerful health punch? Learn how cayenne can help treat arthritis pain, aid in weight loss and improve digestion.

Health Benefit 1 – Decreases Arthritis & Other Chronic Inflammation

The chemical capsaicin, found in cayenne pepper is noted for its anti-inflammatory properties. The pain relief comes from capsaicin’s ability to block nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF produces a hormone called substance P, which is responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. When NGF is blocked, pain is reduced or eliminated. For those suffering from arthritis, this pepper can be taken orally or placed directly on the skin. Purchase hot sauce made from aged cayenne peppers and place directly on the inflamed area.

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Natural Ways to Improve Mental Health

Posted by admin on November 22, 2010 in Mental Health, Natural Remedies with 1 Comment

Heal the Body to Heal the Mind

Mental illness can make living difficult. Everyday tasks seem unmanageable. Work is overwhelming and family life is a struggle. If you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness, take a look into some of these natural ways to improve mental health.

Natural Way to Improve Mental Health 1 – First, Be Sure the Diagnosis is Accurate

In this day and age where virtually everybody is prescribed a pill for something, it is very important to be sure the symptoms being experienced are related to mental illness. There are many physical ailments that mimic mental health problems. Thyroid disease, gluten intolerance, hypoglycemia and heavy metal toxicity are just a few of the physical illnesses that may at first be diagnosed as schizophrenia, depression or anxiety disorder. For a more detailed description of these and more diseases, I highly recommend reading my earlier article, “Could Your Mental Illness Actually Be Physical?”

Natural Way to Improve Mental Health 2 – Second, Make Some Dietary Changes

Hidden food intolerances can cause symptoms of mental illness. In my article, “Discover the Hidden Connection Between Gluten Intolerance and Your Mental Health”, I explain how this common food intolerance can wreak havoc not only on the body but the mind as well.

In addition to hidden food intolerances, mental health can also be affected by food preservatives such as:

High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup, which is found in virtually every processed food on the market, causes inflammation in the body that has been noted to increase mental anxiety and bring about mental illness. There is now a movement to ban high fructose corn syrup in the US on account of its terrible side effects.

Aspartame

Aspartame is one of the deadliest poisons we consume every day. There are a whopping 92 different symptoms related to aspartame poisoning, the most common being attention deficit disorder and panic disorder.

Food Dyes

Food dyes such as Red Dye #40 and Yellow Dye #5 have been noted to affect both children and adults in a very negative way. Both have been linked to anxiety, hyperactivity and learning disorders. Yellow Dye #5 can also cause migraines and insomnia.

It is very important to become a label reader and drastically reduce or eliminate foods containing these additives from your diet.

A diet rich in a wide variety of healthy, raw, whole foods are the best natural choice for good mental and physical health. Choose organic meats, fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts as the staple of your diet. Indulge in dark organic chocolate for dessert. Dark chocolate can have a powerful impact on mental health by boosting the feel-good chemical in the brain, serotonin and encouraging relaxation.

Natural Way to Improve Mental Health 3 – Third, Take Some Supplements

The Western diet is full of fatty, fried and fast foods that take a toll on both physical and mental health. Though it is important to get the majority of nutrients from food, there are three nutrients those suffering with mental health symptoms should introduce to their diet.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids, such as those found in krill oil, are excellent for the brain. These fatty acids have been reported to decrease aggression and irritability, stabilize mood and prevent psychosis.

Chelated Magnesium

The pituitary gland needs magnesium in order to regulate the hormones that control adrenaline. Too much adrenaline in the body can result in irregular heartbeat, severe anxiety, insomnia, mania and depression. Those who are deficient in this mineral are at increase risk of committing suicide. Adding a chelated magnesium supplement to the diet can reverse these affects and stabilize both body and mind.

Vitamin D

The Vitamin D Council has noted that evidence of mental illness has increased as humans exposure to the sun has decreased. Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the US. This deficiency has been linked to depression, autism, brain abnormalities and schizophrenia as well as a host of physical diseases. Before taking a vitamin D supplement, have your blood levels tested by a trusted healthcare provider to determine how much of the supplement you need.

Natural Way to Improve Mental Health 4 – Fourth, Take Some Herbs

Celebrities into Natural Medicine

Posted by admin on October 6, 2010 in Natural Remedies with 1 Comment

These 5 Stars Use Drug-Free Methods to Balance Body & Mind

With all this talk about celebrities Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton landing in rehab or jail for drug binges and drunk driving, it’s refreshing to read about stars who actually take care of their health. Check out these five celebrities who use natural medicine to keep balance, health and harmony in their busy lives.

Celebrity into Natural Medicine 1 – Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones – Homeopathy

While filming the musical, “Chicago”, academy award-winning actress, Catherine Zeta-Jones discovered the healing power of arnica, a homeopathic medicine used to heal bruising, muscle aches and stiffness. The challenging shoot had Zeta-Jones battling both by slathering the healing treatment all over for months. It worked so well, she now swears by it!

Celebrity into Natural Medicine 2 – Supermodel Christy Turlington – Yoga & Ayurveda

Gorgeous and successful supermodel and mom, Christy Turlington turns to the ancient practice of yoga to keep the balance in her active life. She enjoys how the moving meditation incorporates real physical exercise that cleanses both body and mind. She is also an avid practitioner of ayurveda, an ancient wholistic approach to living based on ones “dosha” or energetic type. She has even recently designed an ayurvedic skin care line.

Celebrity into Natural Medicine 3 – Hip-Hop Pioneer Russell Simmons – Meditation

Entrepreneur, author, hip-hop pioneer and soon-to-be reality TV star, Russell Simmons has been meditating for twelve years. He compliments his daily practice with detoxifying steam showers, a light work-out routine and a vegan diet. Looking for a little enlightenment? Follow Russell on Twitter for a daily dose of spiritual quotes, insights and yoga sutras.

Celebrity into Natural Medicine 4 – Actress Nicole Kidman – Reiki

Natural Methods to Increase Fertility

Posted by admin on October 1, 2010 in Children & Parenting, Natural Remedies with 11 Comments

Tricks To Start a Family Without Fertility Drugs

If you’re ready to start a family but are finding it difficult to conceive, these natural methods to increase fertility may offer the solution you seek. Learn about common causes of infertility in both partners and what natural methods you can use to get pregnant.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility in women. This occurs when the endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus sometimes causing pelvic pain, painful periods and intercourse. Ovulation problems caused by a hormonal imbalance can be another contributing factor in the inability to conceive. Another cause of infertility in women is poor egg quality due to age. Polycystic ovarian syndrome causes unpredictable ovulation cycles which can prevent pregnancy.

One to two percent of women experience a condition called sperm allergy, where the immune system produces antibodies that kill them off. A blockage in the fallopian tubes caused by a sexually transmitted disease, pelvic inflammatory condition or previous sterilization surgery can also decrease chances of getting pregnant. Undiagnosed thyroid disease is a commonly overlooked cause of infertility in women. Studies show that women cannot start or maintain a pregnancy if their thyroid stimulating hormone is higher than a 1 or 2.

Common Cause of Infertility in Men

Blockages in the ejaculatory duct can prevent the man’s sperm from reaching his partner’s egg. This can be caused by infection, physical trauma or congenital defect. Enlarged veins in the scrotum called varicocele, can raise temperature in the testes and affect sperm production.

Abnormally shaped or low-motility (movement) sperm can also contribute to infertility in men. Low sperm count is another contributing factor in male infertility. When these men ejaculate, they produce only seminal fluid but no sperm so they egg cannot be fertilized. Men can also experience a sperm allergy which will cause antibodies to treat them as foreign invaders and kill them off.

Natural Methods to Increase Fertility