Health, Wellness, Fitness

Cancer, Enzymes & Papaya

2010-02-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

Health & Wellness= Cancer, Enzymes & the Power of Papaya By Mauris L. Emeka

It has been said that cancer is the final stage in years of acting against the laws of nature, and that anyone with an unhealthy lifestyle and who eats improperly spends his whole life preparing for this dreaded disease.

What is the nature of cancer as seen from the cellular level?

Dr. John Beard, a leading professor of embryology in Scotland, posed that question sometime in the 1880s. He spent the rest of his life exploring the process of cancer and discovering just what activity within the body produces malignant tumors. Dr. Beard documented his work in a publication called “The Enzyme Treatment of Cancer And Its Scientific Basis”, copyright 1911.

We have in our bodies what scientists call primitive germ cells. In laymen’s terms, these are undeveloped cells that remain after new life is first formed in a mother’s womb. They are called “primitive” because these cells never did develop into mature cells to form various parts of the body. Think of primitive germ cells as extra cells that were not needed in the formation of the fetus. These cells are therefore in each of us, and they seemingly have no function until and unless the body experiences stress or injury of any kind. At that point, the primitive cells become activated in order to help heal whatever stress or injury the body may be experiencing. And once they are activated, these primitive cells start maturing and behaving like trophoblasts cells, which are the cells that house the fetus in an expectant mother.

Dr. Beard found that these activated cells continue their growth and development until enough protein digesting enzymes are brought to bear. When there is a sufficient amount of protein digesting enzymes in the body the growth of activated cells ceases. The organ known as the pancreas produces these enzymes, but if it fails to produce enough of them then the activated primitive cells will continue their trophoblasts-like growth eventually producing a cancerous tumor.

So whenever healing is initiated by primitive germ cells it is vital that the body have enough protein digesting enzymes to halt the healing process once it has reached a certain point. Dr. Beard’s most important discovery was that if there are not enough of certain enzymes in the body then the growth of activated primitive germ cells will proceed unchecked and lead to the formation of a cancerous tumor. Indeed, the present day enzyme treatment of cancer is based largely on this important discovery.

In a real sense, protein digesting enzymes are our first line of defence against cancer. that is why it is so important that we nourish the body in a way that introduces protein digesting enzymes into it everyday. Otherwise, we must depend on the limited capability of our pancreas to produce such enzymes. All too often our pancreas is not capable of supplying enough digestive enzymes to digest the preponderance of cooked food that we consume daily.

[Note: when food is cooked it kills the enzymes and when we eat those foods it becomes the job of our pancreas to supply enzymes to digest them; but the pancreas is limited in this regard].

When someone has cancer, no matter where the malignant tumor shows up, it is vital that they consume foods whose enzymes have not been killed. That means eating an abundance of raw fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Dr. Beard and other researchers have discovered that enzymes that digest protein play a key role in halting the growth of cancer cells. It’s no wonder that virtually every alternative cancer treatment program encourages patients to stop eating animal products and to eat more raw enzyme-rich fruits and vegetables.

When someone has cancer, if they continue eating a daily diet of animal products (meat, chicken, fish, dairy, etc.), these hard to digest foods greatly challenge an already overworked pancreas. Cancer, no matter where it shows up, is a sure sign that the pancreas is not producing adequate enzymes. In addition, eating animal products makes the body chemistry considerably more acidic, and cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment. And, as mentioned earlier, a lack of protein digesting enzymes allows out of control primitive germ cells to become cancerous. In that sense, we can think of cancer, any cancer, as an enzyme deficiency disease.

The good news is that we can each do something about this situation. We can change what we eat and eat more foods that introduce enzymes into the body, as opposed to mainly cooked foods that require the body to manufacture critically needed enzymes.

One such food that is especially helpful in this regard is the papaya and papaya seeds; another is pineapple. Both fruits contain enzymes (papain and bromelain, respectively) that are similar to the protein digesting enzymes made by the pancreas. Another extremely beneficial food is sprouts (bean sprouts, broccoli sprouts). They are a rich source of beneficial enzymes and other nutrients that are known to suppress cancerous activity.

Protein digesting enzymes are particularly important in that they can dissolve the protein coating that forms around all cancer cells, and this enables the immune system to finally ‘see’ the cancer cells and target them for destruction. These foods also make the body chemistry less acidic and thus a lot less conducive for cancerous activity. (See Barbara Simonsohn’s book, “Healing Power of Papaya”, copyright 2000).

Grant it, protein digesting enzymes may not be the only answer to cancer, but truly they are the body’s first defense against this most dreaded disease. If I ever thought I had cancer, aside from abstaining from animal protein, sugar, refined grains, and processed foods, I would be sure to
eat at least a half of a papaya and a generous portions of its seeds daily in order to strengthen my body’s first line of defence.

Fresh Lemon Grass Drink Kills Cancer Cells

2010-02-12T01:35:00.001-08:00

Fresh Lemon Grass Drink Causes Apoptosis to Cancer Cells

(apoptosis) noun: a type of cell death in which the cell uses specialized cellular machinery to kill itself; a cell suicide mechanism that enables metazoans to control cell number and eliminate cells that threaten the animal's survival. In other words, cell commits suicide.

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Fresh lemon grass fields in Israel become Mecca for cancer patients

By Allison Kaplan Sommer April 02, 2006

A drink with as little as one gram of lemon grass contains enough citral to prompt cancer cells to commit suicide in the test tube. Israeli researchers find way to make cancer cells self-destruct - Ben Gurion University.

At first, Benny Zabidov, an Israeli agriculturalist who grows greenhouses full of lush spices on a pastoral farm in Kfar Yedidya in theSharon region, couldn't understand why so many cancer patients from around the country were showing up on his doorstep asking for fresh lemon grass. It turned out that their doctors had sent them. 'They had been told to drink eight glasses of hot water with fresh lemon grass steeped in it on the days that they went for their radiation and chemotherapy treatments,' Zabidov told ISRAEL21c. 'And this is the place you go to in Israel for fresh lemon grass.'

It all began when researchers at Ben Gurion University of the Negev discovered last year that the lemon aroma in herbs like lemon grass kills cancer cells in vitro, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The research team was led by Dr. Rivka Ofir and Prof. Yakov Weinstein, incumbent of the Albert Katz Chair in Cell-Differentiatio n and Malignant Diseases, from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at BGU.

Citral is the key component that gives the lemony aroma and taste in several herbal plants such as lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), melissa (Melissa officinalis) and verbena (Verbena officinalis. )

According to Ofir, the study found that citral causes cancer cells to 'commit suicide: using apoptosis, a mechanism called programmed cell death.' A drink with as little as one gram of lemon grass contains enough citral to prompt the cancer cells to commit suicide in the test tube.

The BGU investigators checked the influence of the citral on cancerous cells by adding them to both cancerous cells and normal cells that were grown in a petri dish. The quantity added in the concentrate was equivalent to the amount contained in a cup of regular tea using one gram of lemon herbs in hot water. While the citral killed the cancerous cells, the normal cells remained unharmed.

The findings were published in the scientific journal Planta Medica, which highlights research on alternative and herbal remedies. Shortly afterwards, the discovery was featured in the popular Israeli press. Why does it work? Nobody knows for certain, but the BGU scientists have a theory. 'In each cell in our body, there is a genetic program which causes programmed cell death. When something goes wrong, the cells divide with no control and become cancer cells. In normal cells, when the cell discovers that the control system is not operating correctly - for example, when it recognizes that a cell contains faulty genetic material following cell division - it triggers cell death,' explains Weinstein. 'This research may explain the medical benefit of these herbs.' The success of their research led them to the conclusion that herbs containing citral may be consumed as a preventative measure against certain cancerous cells. As they learned of the BGU findings in the press, many physicians in

Israel

began to believe that while the research certainly needed to be explored further, in the meantime it would be advisable for their patients, who were looking for any possible tool to fight their condition, to try to harness the cancer-destroying properties of citral. That's why Zabidov's farm - the only major grower of fresh lemon grass in Israel - has become a pilgrimage destination for these patients. Luckily, they found themselves in sympathetic hands. Zabidov greets visitors with a large kettle of aromatic lemon grass tea, a plate of cookies, and a supportive attitude. 'My father died of cancer, and my wife's sister died young because of cancer,' said Zabidov. 'So I understand what they are dealing with. And I may not know anything about medicine, but I'm a good listener. And so they tell me about their expensive painful treatments and what they've been through. I would never tell them to stop being treated, but it's great that they are exploring alternatives and drinking the lemon grass tea as well.'

Zabidov knew from a young age that agriculture was his calling. At age 14, he enrolled in the Kfar Hayarok Agricultural high school. After his army service, he joined an idealistic group which headed south, in the Arava desert region, to found a new moshav (agricultural settlement) called Tsofar. 'We were very successful; we raised fruits and vegetables, and,' he notes with a smile, 'We raised some very nice children.' On a trip to Europe in the mid-80s, he began to become interested in herbs. Israel, at the time, was nothing like the trend-conscious cuisine-oriented country it is today, and the only spices being grown commercially were basics like parsley, dill, and coriander. Wandering in the Paris market, looking at the variety of herbs and spices, Zabidov realized that there was a great export potential in this niche. He brought samples back home with him, 'which was technically illegal,' he says with a guilty smile, to see how they would grow in his desert greenhouses. Soon, he was growing basil, oregano, tarragon, chives, sage, marjoram and melissa, and mint just to name a few.

His business began to outgrow his desert facilities, and so he decided to move north, settling in the moshav of Kfar Yedidya, an hour and a half north of Tel Aviv. He is now selling 'several hundred kilos' of lemon grass per week, and has signed with a distributor to package and put it in health food stores. Zabidov has taken it upon himself to learn more about the properties of citral, and help his customers learn more, and has invited medical experts to his farm to give lectures about how the citral works and why.

He also felt a responsibility to know what to tell his customers about its use. 'When I realized what was happening, I picked up the phone and called Dr. Weinstein at Ben-Gurion University, because these people were asking me exactly the best way to consume the citral. He said to put the loose grass in hot water, and drink about eight glasses each day.'

Zabidov is pleased by the findings, not simply because it means business for his farm, but because it might influence his own health. Even before the news of its benefits were demonstrated, he and his family had been drinking lemon grass in hot water for years, 'just because it tastes good.'

Protections Against Flu

2009-08-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

Protect Yourself from the Flu and the Vaccine
July 15, 2009
By Melanie Segala, Managing Editor, Total Health Breakthroughs

Have you noticed that the media chatter regarding the expected flu pandemic has been ramping up lately? Could it be because pharmaceutical giants like Baxter and Novartis are moving full speed ahead to prepare for mass inoculations around the globe of H1N1 (swine) flu vaccines by this fall?

I hope the name Baxter rings a bell. In the April 15 issue of Undercover, I wrote about how Baxter’s seasonal flu vaccine had been contaminated with the deadly avian flu virus at one of their facilities in Austria . This “mistake” would very likely have resulted in millions of deaths if it was not caught in time by a lab in the Czech Republic .

Since I researched that article, I made a personal decision to avoid a flu shot at all costs. I have also warned friends and family that a mild case of the flu may ultimately be safer than the long term health effects of the vaccine.

But now I have some news to share that may even protect you from the flu itself, thanks to an enlightening article I recently read by John J. Cannell, MD.¹ Dr. Cannell is a psychiatrist at Atascadero State Hospital in California , a maximum security hospital for psychiatric patients. In 2005, an influenza A epidemic broke out in the hospital. One by one, each ward became infected as patients came down with chills, fever, cough, and severe body aches.

Only one ward in the hospital remained free of infection — Dr. Cannell’s. Why was this so? His patients intermingled with patients from other wards and were not noticeably different in their age, health, or medical treatment.

The only difference that could be discerned was that Dr. Cannell’s patients had been receiving a daily dose of 2000 IU of vitamin D for several months. That’s it. All of his patients took vitamin D and not one caught the flu!

Dr. Cannell’s research then led him to some remarkable discoveries about the effectiveness of vitamin D as a potent antibiotic and antiviral. Vitamin D boosts the body’s production of antimicrobial peptides, a class of proteins that quickly destroys the cell walls of bacteria, viruses (including influenza) and fungi. These peptides also keep the lungs free from infection.

But that’s not all. While vitamin D is destroying flu-causing viruses, it simultaneously performs another life-saving function. It prevents the immune system from producing a dangerous amount of inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) that attack sensitive respiratory membranes. In severe cases of the flu, this inflammation can destroy the normal cell lining of the respiratory tract.

In the early history of mankind, we wore loin cloths and spent most of our time out of doors. With only 20 minutes of full body exposure to the sun, we were able to synthesize 20,000 units of vitamin D within 48 hours. Our exposure to the sun gave us built-in immunity to contagious diseases. Compare that to how society has evolved over the centuries. We spend most of our time indoors and perhaps get a few hundred units of vitamin D from our diet. In the past couple of decades we even started slathering our skin with sun block and now get even less vitamin D in our already deficient bodies. No wonder influenza continues to be a plague.

It is an established fact that most of us are deficient in vitamin D. Knowing this, I recently began taking 2000 units per day in supplement form, which is a safe yet effective dose. Living in Florida , I also get year-round exposure to the sun — although like most people, I’m not outdoors as much as I would like to be. While I can’t advise you on how much vitamin D you should be taking, I can say that if you are dark skinned, elderly, or live in a northern climate, you are at a higher risk for catching the H1N1 flu due to vitamin D deficiency.

If you are in one of these high risk groups, make it a priority to have your levels checked. Dr. William Davis recommends vitamin D dosing to his patients so that they stay in the normal range of 60-70 ng/mL.² According to Dr. Davis, since he began prescribing vitamin D, viral and bacterial infections have become a rare occurrence. Depending on your health and other factors, your doctor may determine that you need up to 5000 units of vitamin D per day, especially in the winter.

I can’t think of an easier or safer way to protect yourself from the flu and the vaccine.

References

1. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/51913.php.

2. http://www.opednews.com/populum/linkframe.php?linkid=88729

Note from Amma Ra:

Get out of doors as much as possible, walking and gardening is grounding, plus you get free Vit D. Personally I do not feel Swine Flue is a great threat at all. But someone has spent an awful time and money training the army, the police and the medical profession to make sure that we all get vaccinated. During the last epidemic in the early 1900’s the vaccines killed far more people than the Flu itself. Check these things out for yourself.

Seems they couldn’t get the Avian Flu scare off the ground, so an expensive and determined effort is being put into Swine Flu. Apparently the vaccine will be ready for use in Great Britain in late September or early October. Forced vaccinations certainly ought to ring alarm bells. Use the tools of discernment and intuition and inner guidance. Remember that fear is a great magnet and can kill you without even contracting a disease.

Heart Surgeon Admits Huge Mistake!

2009-08-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Without inflammation, cholesterol would not accumulate in wall of blood vessel and cause heart disease

Heart Surgeon Admits Huge Mistake!
By Dwight Lundell, MD
Source of this article from totalhealthbreakthroughs.com

Part 1 of a 2-part article (See Part 2 below)

We physicians with all our training, knowledge and authority often acquire a rather large ego that tends to make it difficult to admit we are wrong. So, here it is. I freely admit to being wrong. As a heart surgeon with 25 years experience, having performed over 5,000 open-heart surgeries, today is my day to right the wrong with medical and scientific fact.

I trained for many years with other prominent physicians labeled "opinion makers." Bombarded with scientific literature, continually attending education seminars, we opinion makers insisted heart disease resulted from the simple fact of elevated blood cholesterol.

The only accepted therapy was prescribing medications to lower cholesterol and a diet that severely restricted fat intake. The latter of course we insisted would lower cholesterol and heart disease. Deviations from these recommendations were considered heresy and could quite possibly result in malpractice.

It Is Not Working!

These recommendations are no longer scientifically or morally defensible. The discovery a few years ago that inflammation in the artery wall is the real cause of heart disease is slowly leading to a paradigm shift in how heart disease and other chronic ailments will be treated.

The long-established dietary recommendations have created epidemics of obesity and diabetes, the consequences of which dwarf any historical plague in terms of mortality, human suffering and dire economic consequences.

Despite the fact that 25% of the population takes expensive statin medications and despite the fact we have reduced the fat content of our diets, more Americans will die this year of heart disease than ever before.

Statistics from the American Heart Association show that 75 million Americans currently suffer from heart disease, 20 million have diabetes and 57 million have pre-diabetes. These disorders are affecting younger and younger people in greater numbers every year.

Simply stated, without inflammation being present in the body, there is no way that cholesterol would accumulate in the wall of the blood vessel and cause heart disease and strokes. Without inflammation, cholesterol would move freely throughout the body as nature intended. It is inflammation that causes cholesterol to become trapped.

Inflammation is not complicated -- it is quite simply your body's natural defense to a foreign invader such as a bacteria, toxin or virus. The cycle of inflammation is perfect in how it protects your body from these bacterial and viral invaders. However, if we chronically expose the body to injury by toxins or foods the human body was never designed to process, a condition occurs called chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is just as harmful as acute inflammation is beneficial.

What thoughtful person would willfully expose himself repeatedly to foods or other substances that are known to cause injury to the body? Well, smokers perhaps, but at least they made that choice willfully.

The rest of us have simply followed the recommended mainstream diet that is low in fat and high in polyunsaturated fats and carbohydrates, not knowing we were causing repeated injury to our blood vessels. This repeated injury creates chronic inflammation leading to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity. Let me repeat that. The injury and inflammation in our blood vessels is caused by the low fat diet that has been recommended for years by mainstream medicine.

What are the biggest culprits of chronic inflammation? Quite simply, they are the overload of simple, highly processed carbohydrates (sugar, flour and all the products made from them) and the excess consumption of omega-6 vegetable oils like soybean, corn and sunflower that are found in many processed foods.

In Part 2 of this two-part article, I'll discuss which foods cause inflammation, how those foods trigger the inflammatory process, and the foods to eat that will cure inflammation.

Part 2 - By Dwight Lundell MD 02/06/2009

Take a moment to visualize rubbing a stiff brush repeatedly over soft skin until it becomes quite red and nearly bleeding. Let's say you kept this up several times a day, every day for five years. If you could tolerate this painful brushing, you would have a bleeding, swollen infected area that became worse with each repeated injury. This is a good way to visualize the inflammatory process that could be going on in your body right now.

Regardless of where the inflammatory process occurs, externally or internally, it is the same. I have peered inside thousands upon thousands of arteries. A diseased artery looks as if someone took a brush and scrubbed repeatedly against its wall.Several times a day, every day, the foods we eat create small injuries compounding into more injuries, causing the body to respond continuously and appropriately with inflammation.

While we savor the tantalizing taste of a sweet roll, our bodies respond alarmingly as if a foreign invader arrived declaring war. Foods loaded with sugars and simple carbohydrates, or processed with omega-6 oils for long shelf life have been the mainstay of the American diet for six decades. These foods have been slowly poisoning everyone.

How does eating a simple sweet roll create a cascade of inflammation to make you sick?

Imagine spilling syrup on your keyboard and you have a visual of what occurs inside the cell. When we consume simple carbohydrates such as sugar, blood sugar rises rapidly. In response, your pancreas secretes insulin whose primary purpose is to drive sugar into each cell where it is stored for energy. If the cell is full and does not need glucose, it is rejected to avoid extra sugar gumming up the works.

When your full cells reject the extra glucose, blood sugar rises producing more insulin and the glucose converts to stored fat.

What does all this have to do with inflammation? Blood sugar is controlled in a very narrow range. Extra sugar molecules attach to a variety of proteins that in turn injure the blood vessel wall. This repeated injury to the blood vessel wall sets off inflammation. When you spike your blood sugar level several times a day, every day, it is exactly like taking sandpaper to the inside of your delicate blood vessels.

While you may not be able to see it, rest assured it is there. I saw it in over 5,000 surgical patients spanning 25 years who all shared one common denominator - inflammation in their arteries.

Let's get back to the sweet roll. That innocent looking goody not only contains sugars, it is baked in one of many omega-6 oils such as soybean. Chips and fries are soaked in soybean oil; processed foods are manufactured with omega-6 oils for longer shelf life. While omega-6's are essential -they are part of every cell membrane controlling what goes in and out of the cell - they must be in the correct balance with omega-3's.

If the balance shifts by consuming excessive omega-6, the cell membrane produces chemicals called cytokines that directly cause inflammation. Today's mainstream American diet has produced an extreme imbalance of these two fats. The ratio of imbalance ranges from 15:1 to as high as 30:1 in favor of omega-6. That's a tremendous amount of cytokines causing inflammation. In today's food environment, a 3:1 ratio would be optimal and healthy.

To make matters worse, the excess weight you are carrying from eating these foods creates overloaded fat cells that pour out large quantities of pro-inflammatory chemicals that add to the injury caused by having high blood sugar. The process that began with a sweet roll turns into a vicious cycle over time that creates heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and finally, Alzheimer's disease, as the inflammatory process continues unabated.

There is no escaping the fact that the more we consume prepared and processed foods, the more we trip the inflammation switch little by little each day. The human body cannot process, nor was it designed to consume, foods packed with sugars and soaked in omega-6 oils.

There is but one answer to quieting inflammation, and that is returning to foods closer to their natural state. To build muscle, eat more protein. Choose carbohydrates that are very complex such as colorful fruits and vegetables. Cut down on or eliminate inflammation-causing omega-6 fats like corn and soybean oil and the processed foods that are made from them. One tablespoon of corn oil contains 7,280 mg of omega-6; soybean contains 6,940 mg. Instead, use olive oil or butter from grass-fed beef.

Animal fats contain less than 20% omega-6 and are much less likely to cause inflammation than the supposedly healthy oils labelled polyunsaturated. Forget the "science" that has been drummed into your head for decades. The science that saturated fat alone causes heart disease is non-existent. The science that saturated fat raises blood cholesterol is also very weak. Since we now know thatcholesterol is not the cause of heart disease, the concern about saturated fat is even more absurd today.

The cholesterol theory led to the no-fat, low-fat recommendations that in turn created the very foods now causing an epidemic of inflammation. Mainstream medicine made a terrible mistake when it advised people to avoid saturated fat in favor of foods high in omega-6 fats. We now have an epidemic of arterial inflammation leading to heart disease and other silent killers.

What you can do is choose whole foods your grandmother served and not those your mom turned to as grocery store aisles filled with manufactured foods. By eliminating inflammatory foods and adding essential nutrients from fresh unprocessed food, you will reverse years of damage in your arteries and throughout your body from consuming the typical American diet.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Dwight Lundell is the past Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at Banner Heart Hospital, Mesa, AZ. His private practice, Cardiac Care Center was in Mesa, AZ. Recently Dr. Lundell left surgery to focus on the nutritional treatment of heart disease. He is the founder of Healthy Humans Foundation that promotes human health with a focus on helping large corporations promote wellness. He is the author of The Cure for Heart Disease and The Great Cholesterol Lie.]

There you have it, the above article were forwarded to me and I have includes here some links to the said surgeon.

The Heart Scan Blog

PR Web

Say NO To Mammograms

2009-08-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have received this interesting article. Upon searching on the net, here are few websites supporting this.

Breast Thermography.org

Wikepedia's on Thermography

Breast Thermography.com

Well for starters mammograms expose your body to radiation that can be 1,000 times greater than that from a chest x-ray,which poses risks of cancer. Mammography also compresses your breasts tightly, and often painfully, which could lead to a lethal spread of cancerous cells, should they exist.

"The premenopausal breast is highly sensitive to radiation, each 1 radiation exposure increasing breast cancer risk by about 1 percent, with a cumulative 10 percent increased risk for each breast over a decade's screening," points out Dr. Samuel Epstein, one of the top cancer experts.

Dr. Epstein, M.D., professor emeritus of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the University of Illinois School of Public Health, and chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, has been speaking out about the risks of mammography since at least 1992.

As for how these misguided mammography guidelines came about, Epstein says :

"They were conscious, chosen, politically expedient acts by a small group of people for the sake of their own power, prestige and financial gain, resulting in suffering and death for millions of women. They fit the classification of "crimes against humanity.""

Not surprisingly, as often happens when anyone dares speak out against those in power, both the American Cancer Society and NCI called Dr. Epstein's findings "unethical and invalid." But this didn't stop others from speaking out as well. In July 1995, The Lancet again wrote about mammograms, saying "The benefit is marginal, the harm caused is substantial, and the costs incurred are enormous ..."

Dr. Charles B. Simone, a former clinical associate in immunology and pharmacology at the National Cancer Institute, said, "Mammograms increase the risk for developing breast cancer and raise the risk of spreading or metastasizing an existing growth."

"The high sensitivity of the breast, especially in young women, to radiation-induced cancer was known by 1970. Nevertheless, the establishment then screened some 300,000 women with Xray dosages so high as to increase breast cancer risk by up to 20 percent in women aged 40 to 50 who were mammogramed annually," wrote Dr. Epstein.

Safe Screening Methods do Exist : The Benefits of Thermography.

But you're not likely to hear about them from your general practitioner. " ... The establishment ignores safe and effective alternatives to mammography, particularly trans illumination with infrared scanning,"

Dr. Epstein points out. Most physicians continue to recommend mammograms for fear of being sued by a woman who develops breast cancer after which he did not advise her to get one. But I encourage you to think for yourself and consider safer, more effective alternatives to mammograms.

The option for breast screening that I most highly recommend is called thermography.

Thermographic breast screening is brilliantly simple.It measures the radiation of infrared heat from your body and translates this information into anatomical images. Your normal blood circulation is under the control of your autonomic nervous system, which governs your body functions.

Thermography uses no mechanical pressure or ionizing radiation, and can detect signs of breast cancer years earlier than either mammography or a physical exam.

Mammography cannot detect a tumor until after it has been growing for years and reaches a certain size.

Thermography is able to detect the possibility of breast cancer much earlier, because it can image the early stages of angiogenesis (the formation of a direct supply of blood to cancer cells, which is a necessary step before they can grow into tumors of size).

PCOS

2009-07-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

Check out http://irregularmenses.blogspot.com/ for complete information gathered from the internet sources about PCOS.

Amenorrhea

2009-07-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

Healthscout.com

Definition of Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the name given to the condition when a woman fails to have menstrual periods. The condition is known as "primary amenorrhea" when the woman has never menstruated; and "secondary amenorrhea" if her periods cease after having been regular for months or years.

Description of Amenorrhea

If you are reaching the age of 16 years without ever having menstruated, the chances are that you are developing normally, but a little later than most girls. If you are very athletic or quite thin, menarche could be delayed.

However, because there is a small possibility that you have a hormonal abnormality, consult a physician, especially if other sexual changes also have been delayed - if your breasts and pubic hair have not yet begun to grow, for example.

If you have been menstruating for years and suddenly miss periods for a few months, you have secondary amenorrhea. Many women of reproductive age experience this at some point in their lives. There are several possible explanations for this.

You might be pregnant, perhaps you lost a lot of weight rather quickly or have been exercising a lot, or you may have been under stress. Very obese women sometimes fail to menstruate. You also could be taking a medication that suppresses menses as a side effect.

If you just quit taking oral contraceptives, you may not have a period for several months. In addition, breastfeeding can delay menstruation, and if you are reaching the age of menopause, it would be normal to begin skipping periods.

Secondary amenorrhea due to the above causes is quite common. More serious problems, such as tumors or disorders of the pituitary gland, also can cause amenorrhea, but they are rare.

Failure to resume menstruation after childbirth, particularly if lactation does not take place, may mean that the pituitary gland failed either partly or completely at the time of delivery, a condition called postpartum pituitary necrosis.

If you have been menstruating regularly and your period is more than two weeks late, you may want to see a physician to find out if you are pregnant. However, if you are sure that you are not pregnant and you have no other symptoms, there is generally no harm in waiting several months before consulting a physician. Keep in mind that even if you are not menstruating, you could still become pregnant if you do not take precautions.

Causes and Risk Factors of Amenorrhea

The most common cause of amenorrhea is pregnancy, and this is always excluded before other possible causes are considered.

Female ballet dancers, female joggers and women involved in vigorous sports frequently find they skip menstrual periods or stop menstruating altogether. This is more likely to happen if you are young, especially if your cycle is generally irregular. In fact, teenagers who train heavily are often in their late teens before they actually have their first menstrual period.

Medical experts believe that several factors are involved, including stress, and perhaps the ratio (proportion) of fat cells in your body to other cells. Going on a crash diet and losing a large amount of weight very rapidly also can interfere with menstruation. In both cases, you stop menstruating because your ovaries do not produce enough estrogen in the cyclic manner that causes the uterus lining to thicken and then shed.

If you reduce your exercise schedule or gain weight, you probably will begin to menstruate again. If that does not work, or if you do not want to exercise less or gain weight, your physician may suggest that you take estrogen in low doses.

Some medications such as phenothiazines (used for psychiatric disorders) and some narcotics can cause amenorrhea. So can anorexia nervosa, Cushing’s disease and other conditions related to pituitary insufficiency or thyroid problems. A thorough medical history can usually reveal the cause of amenorrhea in about 85 percent of cases .

Treatment of Amenorrhea

Your physician may prescribe various types of hormones to see whether your ovaries are functioning normally.

Provided no underlying disorder is causing the amenorrhea, treatment is generally unnecessary. However, because women who are not menstruating seem susceptible to osteoporosis, your physician may suggest that you take estrogen and a calcium supplement.

If an underlying disorder is to blame for either primary or secondary amenorrhea, the treatment will depend on the nature of the disorder.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Amenorrhea

Do any tests need to be done for diagnosis and to determine the cause?

What is the cause?

What treatment do you recommend?

Will you be prescribing any medication?

What are the side effects?

What's likely to happen if no treatment is undertaken?

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emedicinehealth.com

Amenorrhea Overview

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding and may be primary or secondary.

Primary amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding and secondary sexual characteristics (for example, breast development and pubic hair) in a girl by age 14 years or the absence of menstrual bleeding with normal development of secondary sexual characteristics in a girl by age 16 years.

Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding in a woman who had been menstruating but later stops menstruating for 3 or more months in the absence of pregnancy, lactation (the ability to breastfeed), cycle suppression withsystemic hormonal contraceptive (birth control) pills, or menopause.

For a woman to have regular menstrual cycles, her hypothalamus, pituitary gland (seeAnatomy of the Endocrine System), ovaries, and uterus should all be functioning normally. The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH and LH cause the ovaries to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone are responsible for the cyclical changes in the endometrium (uterine lining), including menstruation. In addition, a woman’s genital tract should be free of any abnormalities to allow the passage of menstrual blood.

Amenorrhea Causes

Amenorrhea can result because of an abnormality in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, anatomical abnormalities of the genital tract, or functional causes.

Hypothalamic causes

Craniopharyngioma (a brain tumor near the pituitary gland)

Teratoma (a tumor made up of a mixture of tissues)

Sarcoidosis (a chronic disease of unknown cause characterized by the formation of nodules in different parts of the body)

Kallmann syndrome (deficiency of gonadotropins, which are hormones capable of promoting growth and function of reproductive organs)

Nutritional deficiency

Low body weight

Pituitary causes

Prolactinemia (high blood levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates secretion of milk from the breasts during breastfeeding) - Possibly caused by prolactinoma (a tumor of the pituitary gland secreting the hormone prolactin)

Other pituitary tumors (for example, Cushing syndrome, acromegaly, or thyroid-stimulating hormone)

Postpartum pituitary necrosis (death of pituitary cells after a woman delivers a baby)

Autoimmune hypophysitis (cells of the pituitary gland destroyed by the body’s own defense system)

Pituitary radiation

Sarcoidosis

Ovarian causes

Anovulation (lack of the release of an egg)

Hyperandrogenemia (high blood levels of male hormones)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age)

Premature ovarian failure

Turner syndrome (a genetic disorder characterized by underdeveloped ovaries, absence of menstrual onset, and short stature)

Pure gonadal dysgenesis (defective development of the ovary)

Autoimmune oophoritis (cells of the ovaries destroyed by the body’s own defense system)

Fragile X premutation

Radiation or chemotherapy

Galactosemia (an inherited disorder in which galactose, a type of sugar, accumulates in the blood)

Anatomical abnormalities of the genital tract

Intrauterine adhesions (the opposing surfaces of the uterine cavity stick together)

Imperforate hymen (a hymen in which there is no opening, the membranecompletely closes off the vagina)

Transverse vaginal septum (a dividing wall or membrane in the vagina)

Aplasia (absence of an organ or tissue) of the vagina, the cervix, or the uterus

Functional causes

Anorexia/bulimia

Chronic diseases (for example, tuberculosis)

Excessive weight gain or weight loss

Malnutrition

Depression or other psychiatric disorders

Recreational drug abuse

Psychotropic drug use (drugs prescribed to stabilize or improve mood, mental status, or behavior)

Excessive stress

Excessive exercise

Cycle suppression with systemic hormonal contraceptive (birth control) pills

Amenorrhea Symptoms

Amenorrhea is a symptom of an underlying disorder. Additional symptoms may be present depending on the associated condition.

Galactorrhea (breasts produce milk in a woman who is not pregnant or breastfeeding), headache, or reducedperipheral vision could be a sign of anintracranial tumor.

Increased hair growth in a male pattern (hirsutism) may be caused by excessandrogen (a hormone that encourages development of male sex characteristics).

Vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, or disordered sleep may be a sign of ovarian insufficiency or premature ovarian failure.

Noticeable weight gain or weight loss may be present.

Excessive anxiety may be present in women with associated psychiatric abnormalities.

When to Seek Medical Care

Consult a health care provider if a girl is 14 years old and her secondary sexual characteristics (for example, breast development and pubic hair) have not started to develop or a girl is 16 years old and has not had her first menstrual period.

For women who have already begun menstruating, they should see a health care provider if they have missed 3 consecutive menstrual periods.

Exams and Tests

A doctor may perform the following tests to determine the cause of the amenorrhea:

Blood tests may be performed to determine the levels of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland (FSH, LH, TSH, and prolactin) and the ovaries (estrogen).

Ultrasonography of the pelvis may be performed to assess the abnormalities of the genital tract or to look for polycystic ovaries.

CT scan or MRI of the head may be performed to exclude pituitary and hypothalamic causes of amenorrhea.

If the above tests are inconclusive, additional tests may be performed.

Thyroid function tests

Determination of prolactin levels

Hysterosalpingogram (x-ray test) or saline infusion sonography (SIS), both of which examine the uterus

Hysteroscopy (visual inspection of the uterine cavity)

Amenorrhea Treatment

Self-Care at Home

In some women, nutritional deficiencies induced by dieting can cause amenorrhea. Such women should eat a properly balanced diet.

In some women, excessive body weight could be the cause of amenorrhea. These women should restrict the amount of fat in their diet, and they should exercise moderately to maintain an ideal body weight.

More than 8 hours of vigorous exercise a week may cause amenorrhea. A moderate exercise program may restore normal menstruation.

If amenorrhea is caused by emotional stress, finding ways to deal with stress and conflicts may help.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking is also helpful.

Medical Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of amenorrhea. Once the cause is determined, treatment is directed at correcting the underlying disease, which should restore menstruation. In case of anatomical abnormalities of the genital tract, surgery may be indicated.

Dopamine agonists, such as bromocriptine (Parlodel) or pergolide (Permax), are effective in treating hyperprolactinemia. In most women, treatment with dopamine agonists restores normal ovarian endocrine function and ovulation.

Hormone replacement therapy, consisting of an estrogen and a progestin, is needed for women in whom estrogen deficiency remains because ovarian function cannot be restored. It is also required to maintain bone density in women whose underlying disease cannot be treated.

In some cases, oral contraceptives may be prescribed to restore the menstrual cycle and to provide estrogen replacement to women with amenorrhea who do not wish to become pregnant. Before administering oral contraceptives, withdrawal bleeding is induced with an injection of progesterone or oral administration of 5-10 mg ofmedroxyprogesterone (Provera) for 10 days.

Surgery

Some pituitary and hypothalamic tumors may require surgery and, in some cases,radiation therapy.

Women with intrauterine adhesions require dissolution of the intrauterine adhesions.

Surgical procedures required for other genital tract abnormalities depend on the specific clinical situation.

Follow-up

Annual follow-up is required for women with amenorrhea caused by ovarian insufficiency. The follow-up is performed to monitor ovarian hormone replacement and to detect the development of associated conditions.

Prevention

By maintaining a normal weight, girls can prevent primary amenorrhea caused by excessive weight loss or weight gain.

Outlook

In most cases, amenorrhea is not a life-threatening condition. In most women, medications, lifestyle change, or surgery can correct amenorrhea.

Amenorrhea has been associated with reduced bone density and increased fracture rates.

For More Information

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
409 12th St, SW
PO Box 96920
Washington, DC 20090-6920
(202) 638-5577

American Society for Reproductive Medicine
1209 Montgomery Highway
Birmingham, AL 35216-2809
(205) 978-5000

Web Links

MedlinePlus, Amenorrhea - primary

MedlinePlus, Menstruation - absent

Synonyms and Keywords

amenorrhea, absence of menstrual bleeding, absent menstruation, lack of menstruation, missed period, absent period, absent menses, menstrual dysfunction, primary amenorrhea, secondary amenorrhea, menstrual cycle,menarche, menstrual bleeding, delayed puberty, anatomical defects of the genital tract, abnormalities of the genital tract, ovarian disorders, anovulation, pituitary disorders, hypothalamic disorders, intrauterine adhesions, pituitary tumor, hypothalamic tumor, intracranial tumor, hyperandrogenemia, premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, prolactinemia, prolactinoma

Authors and Editors

Author: Lawrence M Nelson, MD, MBA, Head of Gynecologic Endocrinology Unit, Investigator, Section of Women's Health Research, Developmental Endocrinology Branch,

Editors: Suzanne R Trupin, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign; Mary L Windle, Pharm D, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine.com, Inc; Lee P Shulman, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Head, Section of Reproductive Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.

Overproductive Ovaries

2009-07-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Amenorrhoea ... absence of menses

Sour Sop (Guyabano) vs Cancer

2009-07-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Guyabano - 10,000X stronger than chemo
THE SOUR SOP (Guyabano)

The Sour Sop or the fruit from the graviola tree is a miraculous natural cancer cell killer 10,000 times stronger than Chemo ...
Why are we not aware of this? Its because some big corporation want to make back their money spent on years of research by trying to make a synthetic version of it for sale. So, since you know it now you can help a friend in need by letting him know or just drink some sour sop juice yourself as a prevention from time to time. The taste is not bad afterall. Its completely natural and definitely has no side effects. If you have the space plant one in your garden. The other parts of the tree are also useful.

The next time you have a fruit juice, ask for a sour sop.

shfoong: guyabano.

How many people died in vain while this billion-dollar
drug maker concealed the secret of the miraculous Graviola tree?

If there ever was a single example that makes it dramatically clear why the existence of Health Sciences Institute is so vital to Americans like you, it ' s the incredible story behind the Graviola tree.

The truth is stunningly simple: Deep within the Amazon Rainforest grows a tree that could literally revolutionize what you, your doctor, and the rest of the world thinks about cancer treatment and chances of survival. The future has never looked more promising.

Research shows that with extracts from this miraculous tree it now may be possible to....

· Attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss

· Protect your immune system and avoid deadly infections

· Feel stronger and healthier throughout the course of the treatment

· Boost your energy and improve your outlook on life

The source of this information is just as stunning: It comes from one of America ' s largest drug manufacturers, the fruit of over 20 laboratory tests conducted since the 1970 ' s! What those tests revealed was nothing short of mind numbing... Extracts from the tree were shown to:

· Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer.

· The tree compounds proved to be up to 10,000 times strongerin slowing the growth of cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug!

· What ' s more, unlike chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the Graviola tree selectively hunts down and kills only cancer cells. It does not harm healthy cells!

The amazing anti-cancer properties of the Graviola tree have been extensively researched--so why haven ' t you heard anything about it? If Graviola extract is as half as promising as it appears to be--why doesn ' t every single oncologist at every major hospital insist on using it on all his or her patients?

The spine-chilling answer illustrates just how easily our health--and for many, our very lives(!)--are controlled by money and power.

Graviola--the plant that worked too well

One of America ' s biggest billion-dollar drug makers began a search for a cancer cure and their research centered on Graviola, a legendary healing tree from the Amazon Rainforest.

Various parts of the Graviola tree--including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and fruit-seeds--have been used for centuries by medicine men and native Indians in South America to treat heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis. Going on very little documented scientific evidence, the company poured money and resources into testing the tree ' s anti-cancerous properties--and were shocked by the results. Graviola proved itself to be a cancer-killing dynamo.

But that ' s where the Graviola story nearly ended.

The company had one huge problem with the Graviola tree--it ' s completely natural, and so, under federal law, not patentable. There ' s no way to make serious profits from it. It turns out the drug company invested nearly seven years trying to synthesize two of the Graviola tree ' s most powerful anti-cancer ingredients. If they could isolate and produce man-made clones of what makes the Graviola so potent, they ' d be able to patent it and make their money back. Alas, they hit a brick wall. The original simply could not be replicated. There was no way the company could protect its profits--or even make back the millions it poured into research.

As the dream of huge profits evaporated, their testing on Graviola came to a screeching halt. Even worse, the company shelved the entire project and chose not to publish the findings of its research!

Luckily, however, there was one scientist from the Graviola research team whose conscience wouldn ' t let him see such atrocity committed. Risking his career, he contacted a company that ' s dedicated to harvesting medical plants from the Amazon Rainforest and blew the whistle.

Miracle unleashed

When researchers at the Health Sciences Institute were alerted to the news of Graviola, they began tracking the research done on the cancer-killing tree.. Evidence of the astounding effectiveness of Graviola--and its shocking cover-up--came in fast and furious......

.....The National Cancer Institute performed the first scientific research in 1976. The results showed that Graviola ' s "leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells." Inexplicably, the results were published in an internal report and never released to the public...

....Since 1976, Graviola has proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, yet no double-blind clinical trials--the typical benchmark mainstream doctors and journals use to judge a treatment ' s value--were ever initiated...

.......A study published in the Journal of Natural Products, following a recent study conducted at Catholic University of South Korea stated that one chemical in Graviola was found to selectively kill colon cancer cells at "10,000 times the potency of (the commonly used chemotherapy drug) Adriamycin..."

....The most significant part of the Catholic University of South Korea report is that Graviola was shown to selectively target the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched. Unlike chemotherapy, w! hich indiscriminately targets all actively reproducing cells (such as stomach and hair cells), causing the often devastating side effects of nausea and hair loss in cancer patients.

.....A study at Purdue University recently found that leaves from the Graviola tree killed cancer cells among six human cell lines and were especially effective against prostate, pancreatic and lung cancers...

Seven years of silence broken--it ' s finally here!

A limited supply of Graviola extract, grown and harvested by indigenous people in Brazil , is finally available in America .

The full Graviola story--including where you can get it and how to use it--is included in Beyond Chemotherapy: New Cancer Killers, Safe as Mother ' s Milk, a Health Sciences Institute FREE special bonus report on natural substances that will effectively revolutionize the fight against cancer.. This crucial report (along withfive more FREE reports) is yours ABSOLUTELY FREE with a new membership to the Health Sciences Institute. It ' s just one example of how absolutely vital each report from the Institute can be to your life and those of your loved ones.

From breakthrough cancer and heart research and revolutionary Amazon Rainforest herbology to world-leading anti-aging research and nutritional medicine, every monthly Health Sciences Institute Member ' s Alert puts in your hands today cures the rest of America --including your own doctor(!)--is likely to find out only ten years from now.

You need the Health Sciences Institute in your life because you and your loved ones deserve to know--and you deserve to know it NOW!!

10 Foods You Don't Have to Buy Organic

2008-11-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

These Fruits and Vegetables Don't Hold on to So Many Pesticides, So You Can Save Your Organic Dollars for the Ones That Do.

Asparagus
Asparagus face fewer threats from pests such as insects or disease, so fewer pesticides need to be used. Choose: Look for firm spears with bright green or purplish compact tips. Plan on a 1/2 pound per person, and for more uniform cooking, select spears of a similar thickness. Store in the refrigerator vegetable crisper and give them a good rinse before using (even if you're going to boil them).

Avocados

Avocados have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.

Choose: Look for avocados that are still somewhat unripe and firm to the squeeze; they'll ripen nicely on your kitchen counter in a couple of days. Store at room temperature. Although you'll be using only the meat of the avocado, it's always a good idea to rinse them before you slice them open.

Bananas

Pesticide residue remains on the banana peel, which isn't eaten.

Choose: There are basically 3 stages to a ripening banana. You'll want to choose them according to how you're going to use them. Chosen green, where the peel is pale yellow and the tips are green, their taste will be somewhat tart. These work best for frying or baking in a pie. Chosen at their next stage of ripeness, where the peel is mostly all yellow, the pulp will still be firm but their starch content will have started to turn to sugar. These also work well in pies and tarts. In the last stage of ripeness, the skins will show signs of brown spots with the peel a deeper yellow color. This is when they're sweetest and work well mashed and added to baked goods like banana bread recipes. Store at room temperature. If they're unripe, you can place them in a brown paper bag to ripen. Give the bananas a quick rinse and dry before you peel them.

Broccoli

Conventional broccoli doesn't retain so many pesticides because the crop faces fewer pest threats, which means less spraying.

Choose: Look for tightly bunched flower buds on the broccoli stalks that are immature. In other words, try not to buy them if their little yellow flowers have opened. Color-wise, the broccoli should be deep green and the stalks should be firm and not rubbery. Before use, wash in a cool water bath and change the water a couple of times in the process. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Cabbage

Cabbage doesn't hold on to so many pesticides because a ton of spraying isn't required to grow it.

Choose: Look for cabbage heads whose leaves are tight and be sure the head is heavy for its type, and firm. For most cabbage varieties, you'll want to make sure the outer leaves are shiny and crisp. Savoy is the exception to this rule, as it forms a looser head and the leaves grow crinkly naturally. You'll want to avoid any with leaves that show signs of yellowing. Bok choy should have deep green leaves with their stems a crisp-looking white. Discard the outer leaves of a cabbage before using. You can wash and spin most cabbage leaves just like you do salad greens. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi peel provides a barrier from pesticides. Give them a rinse before cutting.

Choose: Here's where your nose plays an important part when choosing fresh fruit. Sniff out kiwis that smell good. They should be plump and yield to a squeeze like that of a ripe pear. Steer clear from those with moist areas on their surface or any skin bruising. If unripe kiwi are all that are available, simply take them home and place them in a paper bag at room temperature with other fruits that need more time, such as bananas or pears. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Mango

Sweet mango flesh is protected by its thick skin from pesticides. Still, you'll want to rinse under water before cutting open.

Choose: Depending on the variety of melon, look for those that are bright in color such as red, yellow, or orange. It should have a distinctive "fruity" smell. If there's no ripe-fruit aroma, steer clear. Mangoes should be slightly firm but yield to your touch somewhat -- the softer the mango, usually the sweeter it is. If the mango is too soft, there's a good chance that it will be rotten inside. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Onions

Onions don't see as many pest threats, which means less pesticide spraying.

Choose: Look for onions that are firm, have a distinctive "oniony" smell that's not overpowering, and show no visible signs of damage or soft spots. Store in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator.

Papaya

Pesticide residue stays on papaya skin, but be sure to give them a wash before slicing open.

Choose: Papaya colors usually range between yellow and green. Look for those that are slightly soft and show no signs of bruising or appear shriveled. If they're not fully ripened, you can toss them in the brown bag along with your unripened kiwi fruit, peaches, and pears. Once they're ripened, store in the refrigerator crisper.

Pineapples

You won't be eating the tough pineapple skin, which protects the fruit from pesticide residue. As with all your produce, you should rinse the pineapple before cutting.

Choose: Although tempting, this is one fruit that you won't want to choose if it has a strong, sweet smell. This usually means that the pineapple is overripe and has even begun to ferment. Like all other fruits, avoid any that have soft spots, and in the case of pineapples, damage to the rind. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Lady Finger and Diabetes

2008-11-30T07:19:00.000-08:00

Please note that another name for Lady Finger (Bhindi ) is " OKRA ".

Last month in one of TV program I learnt of a treatment of Sugar
(Diabetes). Since I am diabetic, I tried it and it was very useful and my
Sugar is in control now. In fact I have already reduced my medicine.

Take two pieces of Lady Finger (Bhindi) and remove/cut both ends of each
piece. Also put a small cut in the middle and put these two pieces in
glass of water. Cover the glass and keep it at room temperature during
night. Early morning, before breakfast simply remove two pieces of lady
finger (bhindi) from the glass and drink that water.

Keep doing it on daily basis. Within two weeks, you will see remarkable results
in reduction of your SUGAR.

My sister has got rid of her diabetes. She was on Insulin for a few
years, but after taking the lady fingers every morning for a few months,
she has stopped Insulin but continues to take the lady fingers every
day. But she chops the lady fingers into fine pieces in the night, adds
the water and drinks it all up the next morning. Please. try it as it
will not do you any harm even if it does not do much good to you, but U
have to keep taking it for a few months before U see results, as most
cases might be chronic.

I have received the above email forwarded to me. So, if there is anyone out there who tried and proved this method work, please post a comment here!

Gallstones

2008-07-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

This natural regime is by Dr Lai Chiu-Nan.

After sending out to a group of people and one of them replied saying someone she know tried it and it works, I am determined to try it as well even though I have none of its symptoms.

Here is the full article:-

It has worked for many. If it works for you please pass on the good news. Chiu Nan is not charging for it, so we should make it free for everyone. Your reward is when someone, through your word of mouth, benefits from the regime. Gallstones may not be everyone's concern. But they should be because we all have them. Moreover, gallstones may lead to cancer. 'Cancer is never the first illness,' Chiu Nan points out. 'Usually, there are a lot of other problems leading to cancer.

In my research in China, I came across some materials which say that people with cancer usually have stones. We all have gallstones. It's a matter of big or small, many or few. One of the symptoms of gallstones is a feeling of bloatedness after a heavy meal. You feel like you can't digest the food. If it gets more serious, you feel pain in the liver area.' So if you think you have gallstones, Chiu Nan offers the following method to remove them naturally. The treatment is also good for those with a weak liver, because the liver and gallbladder are closely linked.

Regimen:

1. For the first five days, take four glasses of apple juice every day. Or eat four or five apples, whichever you prefer. Apple juicesoftens the gallstones. During the five days, eat normally.

2. On the sixth day, take no dinner.

3. At 6 PM, take a teaspoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) with a glass of warm water.

4. At 8 PM, repeat the same. Magnesium sulphate opens the gallbladder ducts.

5. At 10 PM, take half cup olive oil (or sesame oil) with half cup fresh lemon juice. Mix it well and drink it. The oil lubricates the stones to ease their passage.

PS. 1cup=250ml, ½ cup lemon juice=3 lemons (aprox.)

The next morning, you will find green stones in your stools. 'Usually they float,' Chiu Nan notes. 'You might want to count them. I have had people who passes 40, 50 or up to 100 stones. Very many.''Even if you don't have any symptoms of gallstones, you still might have some. It's always good to give your gall bladder a clean-up now and then.

Glossary of Essential Oil

2007-01-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

A

Angelica: Strengthens, restores, and anchors. Avoid use in full sun.

Aniseed: Reduces cramping and indigestion. Do not use if pregnant.

Armoise: Emollient and muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant.

B

Basil: Soothes and tones. Use sparingly.

Bay: Stimulates and energizes. Can irritate skin.

Bergamot: Conditions skin, soothes. Antiseptic. Photo toxic.

Birch Tar: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Do not use if pregnant.

Black Currant Seed: Relieves PMS. High in Vitamin C.

Black Pepper: Muscle relaxant.

C

Cabreuva: Calming, increases alertness.

Cajeput: Stimulates, mood enhancer, antiseptic.

Camphor: Soothes, conditions skin, muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant or epileptic. See Hazards, below.

Cananga: Skin conditioner, deodorant.

Caraway: Muscle relaxant.

Cardamom: Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent.

Carrot Seed: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner.

Cedarwood: Antiseptic, skin conditioner, deodorant, soothing agent.

Celery Seed: Toner.

Chamomile Moroc: Muscle Relaxant, skin conditioner.

Chamomile Roman: Muscle Relaxant, skin conditioner.

Cinnamon Bark: Skin conditioner, anti-inflammatory. Can cause skin irritation.

Citronella: Skin conditioner, insect repellent.

Clary Sage: Skin conditioner, astringent, soothing agent, muscle relaxant. Do not use if pregnant or if drinking alcohol.

Clove Bud: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Can irritate skin.

Copaiba Balsam: Increases circulation, reduces stress.

Coriander: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent. Use sparingly.

Costus Root: Calming agent.

Cumin: Stimulating. Can irritate skin. Use sparingly.

E

Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, soothing agent, skin conditioner, sinus clearing.

Evening Primrose: Moisturizes dry skin and treats eczema.

F

Sweet Fennel: Muscle relaxant, soothing agent, antiseptic.

Frankincense: Skin conditioner, soothing agent.

G

Geranium: Skin refresher, muscle relaxant.

Ginger: Astringent.

Grapefruit: Soothing agent, astringent, skin conditioner.

H

Hyssop: Soothing agent, skin conditioner. Do not use if pregnant, epileptic, or have high blood pressure.

J

Jasmine Absolute: Emollient, soothing agent, antiseptic.

Juniper: Skin detoxifier, astringent, soothing agent. Flammable.

L

Lavandin: Soothing agent, muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, astringent.

Lavender: Muscle relaxant, skin conditioner, soothing agent, astringent.

Lemon: Soothing agent, antiseptic.

Lemongrass: Skin conditioner, soothing agent, muscle relaxant, antiseptic.

Lime: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent.

M

Mandarin: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent.

Manuka: Relieves aches and pains, healing to the skin.

Myrrh: Anti-inflammatory, emollient, antiseptic. Use in moderation if pregnant.

N

Neroli: Antiseptic, emollient.

Nutmeg: Antiseptic, soothes irritated skin, muscle relaxant.

O

Orange: Astringent, soothing agent, skin conditioner.

Origanum: Increases energy.

P

Palmarosa: Skin conditioner, soothing agent, emollient, muscle relaxant.

Peppermint: Emollient, antiseptic, muscle relaxant.

Pine: Antiseptic

R

Rose Absolute: Skin conditioner

Rose Otto: Astringent

Rosemary: Antiseptic, muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner. Do not use if pregnant or have high blood pressure.

Rosewood: Muscle relaxant.

S

Sage: Soothing agent. Do not use if pregnant or epileptic.

Sandlewood: Antiseptic, emollient, soothing agent, skin conditioner.

Spearmint: Emollient, astringent, soothing agent. Use sparingly.

T

Tarragon: Astringent

Tea Tree: Antiseptic, acne fighter, dandruff fighter

Thyme: Antiseptic, toner

V

Vanilla: Emollient

Vetiver: Emollient, reduces blood pressure

Violet Leaf: Soothing agent, skin conditioner

Y

Yarrow: Reduces scarring

Ylang-Ylang: Reduces stress and tension

Reflexology - Foot

2007-01-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

Picture above courtesy of Reflexology Association of Australia

Click on the title to a link with interative map or HERE

The List of Reflexology and Reflexologists Associations Websites.

Reflexology

2007-01-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

Reflexology hand map
Also see the foot map

Discover how areas of the feet and hands are approximate to the body’s anatomy with our interactive reflexology maps.

Extracted from Reflexology and Hand Reflexology written by Barbara & Kevin Kunz, two of the

Ylang- Ylang "Flower of Flowers

2006-12-25T19:48:00.000-08:00

History of Aromatic medicine & Aromatherapy

In the ancient world of prehistory, aromatic plants and herbs were most probably used as food or added to food as well as being burnt during fire rituals to gain favours with the local spirits.

As civilizations developed and forms of religion evolved, it seemed common practice to use specially made incense to communicate with god to gain favour in this world and in the after- World.

People also used aromatic plants' scents for medicine to cure the sick and purify the mind, body or soul. In ancient Egypt and in Persia personal perfumes were used as aphrodisiacs, to increase personal attraction and cover up body odours.

Incense and herbs were used to cleanse the air, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases (specially where sanitation and hygiene were limited) and to cover up bad smells that floated around.

Prehistory

Pre-historic Man already made use of Aromatic plants and this was verified when Archaeologists dug into sacred burial mounds in Eastern Europe and Iraq. The discovery of bodies covered with earth with dried aromatic plants and seeds placed alongside them indicated that these inclusions in the burial ground was designed to help the souls of the deceased on their journey into the next world.

Such tribal rituals and shamanistic practices were common in ancient times as people made use of the scented smoke from burning aromatic woods or other similar materials to reach the spirits and bring favour to the departed.

The Ancient Worlds

The Sumerians (4000 BC) use aromatic plants such as Fennel, Galbanum and Pine and this was found written on clay tablets discovered In Syria (in 1973), which also held the first written formula for plant remedies.

In China, the use of medicinal plants and acupuncture was recorded in 2800 BC, some of the plants named as remedies were: Aniseed, Cinnamon and Ginger.

In India, Ayurveda (Brahma's sacred book on plants) names aromatic plants as part of the secret for eternal youth. It also quotes how it is possible to anaesthetise with the help of some of these plants and gives advice on how to maintain good hygiene and health, using aromatic plants.

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, around 3000 BC, it was common practice to treat Body, Mind and Soul with aromatic plants.Ancient Egyptians are best known for embalming mummies and large amount of aromatic material and complicated procedures were involved in preserving the body of the dead.

Some of the many aromatic plants used in Ancient Egypt were: Ferula (Galbanum), Terebenth, Aniseed, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cumin, Frankincense, Mastic, Bay, Mint and Myrrh.

The Hebrews

The Hebrews whom also had their own traditional knowledge of use of aromatic plants for health and cleansing rituals inherited some of the Ancient Egyptian practices whilst living there and gave a lot of importance to the hygiene of the body.

Moses ordered his people, while fleeing from Egypt, to burn aromatic substances such as Myrrh, Cinnamon, etc., in order to prevent the plague from spreading amongst the living. Some of the ingredients composing Moses’ favourite incense were galbanum, coriander, angelica, fennel and olibanum.

King Solomon received from the Queen of Sheba, some seven tons of gold and vast quantities of aromatic plants and incense. The practice of anointment made used of macerated oils.

Ancient Greece

The Greeks of course also made their own contributions and rationalised medicine, the great physcian Hippocrates was very keen to eradicate superstitious practices from medicine.

Hippocrates is remembered today as the physician who develop a strict code of conduct for other physician and the 'hyppocratic oath' is still applicable to physicians of today and he is often called the' Father of Medicine'

He is also remembered for saving Athens from the plague by ordering the inhabitants of the city to burn large urns of aromatic plants throughout the streets, effectively fumigating the whole city.

Pline, the elder in his Natural history, mention 22 different types of perfume oils concocted with, Marjoram, Cypress, Cystus, Iris, Nard, Myrtle, Laurel, Lemon and Rose. A century later, another very famous physician, Galen, made a definite advance by establishing certain rules in regard to preparing remedies.

Aristotle was the first physician to approach scented vapours and perfumes in a scientific manner he attempted to describe evaporation and volatility and suggest a method of extraction to obtain essential oils. Following on his track Theophratus wrote a traitise on odours. He is said to be the 'father of Botany'.

Dioscorides classified and described many plants and remedies and is said to be the 'Father of Pharmacy'

Cleopatra

Cleopatra holds a special place in the history of perfumes, as she is famous for her great beauty and her own vast use of aromatic plants. She is said to have bathed in special aromatic milk everyday to preserve her skin from ageing. In her era people also made use of aromatic perfumes as aphrodisiacs, in fumigations to induce clairvoyance and enter the dream world to obtain divine guidance and for magical powers.

Ancient Rome & the Romans

As the Greek Empire began to decline many of the famous Greek physicians settled down in Rome where their services were very appreciated and well rewarded.

The Ancient Romans were also very very hungry for herbs and fragrance and used vast amount of aromatic incense and plants. Nero the notorious Roman Emperor, burned incredible amounts of incense a the funeral of his wife and had every house in his city oozing out fragrant fumigations.

The Christian World

When Jesus was born, the Magi (three wise men) came to visit him and when they saw him and as they felt his holy presence they fell in awe and gave him gifts of Frankincense (burned to honour God), Myrrh ( to honour humankind) and Gold to honour his greatness and his direct connection to God.

The Bible quotes Jesus as having instructed people to make special healing unguents with aromatic substances in order to cure various ills and requested the same when he was about to restore the life of Lazarus.

When Jesus was on the cross he was offered a wine containing Myrrh to ease his pain which he declined (Myrrh is known to have antiseptic and anaesthetic properties and has been and is still used in dentistry).

This began the Christian tradition of 'laying on of hands' to heal the sick while using scented ointments made of perfumes plants.

Middle Ages

One has to wait until nearer to the middle ages to see any further progress in Medical advances in Western Europe, as it had regressed into the obscurity of the Dark Ages. Violence appears to have been the norm and culture particularly the written word, practically disappeared.

This does not mean that there was no knowledge of medicine and plants on the contrary, this was now the almost exclusive task and privilege of friars and monks of the Christian Church and was usually safegarded in texts written in Latin.

Crusades & Pre-renaissance period

It is more than probable that oral initiation of folk remedies still went on and the first millenium onwards, Europe finally saw a renaissance in the philosophy of life and with it medicine and a new era of learning began.

The renaissance period cames the results of the crusades in the MIddle East where culture and medicine flourished. Ssoldiers and knights returned fromt the crusades and brought back many treasures of knowledge that helped Western Europe move forwards in matters of the written word and medicine.

Arabic Medicine & Avicenna

Avicenna (Ib’n Sina 11th century), famous Physician, Philosopher, Astrologer and Alchemist, contributed much to medicine by writing his famous 'Cannon of Medicine'. He established himself as an authority on medical matters at the age of 18 and his work was to be treated like the Bible up until near the 18th century. He is attributed the invention of the the still, making it possible to obtain purer forms of essential oils (11/12century).

By then the quest for turning 'lead into gold' was raging and alchemists were busy everwhere purifying and distilling the essence of `everything' to obtain the secret of eternity. This actually helped turn the focus of medicine and remedies on chemistry and physicians of the days renewed their effort to try understand active constituents used in medicinal remedies.

Above article is an extract. For a complete one, click here

Cancer Deaths-Fact Sheet

2006-12-06T10:03:00.000-08:00

CANCER MILESTONE

Cancer deaths in United States fall for first time in over 70 years.

556,902 died from cancer in 2003; down 369 from 2002.

Death rate has been falling, but population keeps rising.

THE EXPLANATION

Smoking on decline; cancer spotted earlier and treated better.

MOST COMMON CANCERS (2003)

Lung: men, 89,964; women, 68,122

Colon, rectum: men, 28,007; women, 27,951.

Breast: men, 380; women, 41,620.

Prostate: men, 29,554.

SIGNIFICANCE

Half-million still die every year, but drop encouraging.

Total deaths may rise again because of aging population.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics

Cell Phones Don't Cause Cancer, Study Says

2006-12-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON -- A huge study from Denmark offers the latest reassurance that cell phones don't trigger cancer.

Scientists tracked 420,000 Danish cell phone users, including 52,000 who had gabbed on the gadgets for 10 years or more, and some who started using them 21 years ago.

They matched phone records to the famed Danish Cancer Registry that records every citizen who gets the disease - and reported Tuesday that cell-phone callers are no more likely than anyone else to suffer a range of cancer types.

The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, is the largest yet to find no bad news about the safety of cell phones and the radiofrequency energy they emit.

But even the lead researcher doubts it will end the debate. "There's really no biological basis for you to be concerned about radio waves," said John Boice, a Vanderbilt University professor and scientific director of the International Epidemiology Institute in Rockville, Md. "Nonetheless, people are."

So Boice and colleagues at Copenhagen's Danish Cancer Society plan to continue tracking the Danish callers until at least some have used the phones for 30 years. This so-called Danish cohort "is probably the strongest study out there because of the outstanding registries they keep," said Joshua Muscat of Pennsylvania State University, who also has studied cell phones and cancer. "As the body of evidence accumulates, people can become more reassured that these devices are safe, but the final word is not there yet," Muscat added.

Cell phones beam radiofrequency energy that can penetrate the brain's outer edge, raising questions about cancers of the head and neck, brain tumors or leukemia. Most research has found no risk, but a few studies have raised questions. And while U.S. health officials insist the evidence shows no real reason for concern, they don't give the phones a definitive clean bill of health, either, pending long-term data on slow-growing cancers.

For the latest study, personal identification numbers assigned to each Dane at birth allowed researchers to match people who began using cell phones between 1982 and 1995 with cancer records.

Among 420,000 callers tracked through 2002, there were 14,249 cancers diagnosed - fewer than the 15,001 predicted from national cancer rates. Nor did the study find increased risks for any specific tumor type.

Acne

2006-12-03T01:06:00.000-08:00

What is acne?

Acne is not just a problem for teenagers, it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid-to-late 20’s, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). Acne can appear as any of the following;

* congested pores,
* whiteheads,
* blackheads,
* pimples,
* pustules, or
* cysts (deep pimples).

These blemishes occur wherever there are many oil (sebaceous) glands, mainly on the face, chest, and back.

You can do a lot to treat your acne using products available at a drugstore or cosmetic counter, that do not require a prescription. However, for tougher cases of acne, you should consult a physician.

What causes acne?

No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria, (which live in everyone's skin and generally cause no problems), to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed.

If the inflammation is right near the surface, you get a pustule; if it's deeper, a papule (pimple); deeper still and it's a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface, the result is a "whitehead." If the oil becomes oxidized (that is, acted on by oxygen in the air), the oil changes from white to black, and the result is a "blackhead."

Some factors that don’t usually cause acne, at least by themselves are:

* Heredity: With the exception of very severe acne, most people do not have the problem exactly as their parents did. Almost everyone has some acne at some point in their life.
* Food: All over the world, parents tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse.
* Dirt: Some individuals have more "oily" skin than others (as mentioned above, "Blackheads" are oxidized oil, not dirt). Sweat does not cause acne, therefore, it is not necessary to shower instantly after exercise for fear that sweat will clog pores. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.
* Stress: Some people get so upset by their pimples that they pick at them and make them last longer. Stress, however, does not play much of a direct role in causing acne.
* Hormones: Some women break out cyclically, but most women (and men) don't. Some oral contraceptive pills may help relieve acne, but unless a woman has abnormal menstrual periods and excessive hair growth, it’s unlikely that hormones play much of a role in causing acne.
* Cosmetics: Most cosmetic and skin care products are not pore-clogging (“comedogenic.”) Of the many available brands, those which are listed as “water-based” or “oil-free” are generally a better choice.

In occasional patients, contributing factors may be:

* Pressure: In some patients, pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, and the like can aggravate acne.
* Drugs: Some medications may cause or worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids (either the medically prescribed prednisone or the steroids bodybuilders or athletes take.) Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.
* Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to industrial products like cutting oils may produce acne.

What other skin conditions can mimic acne?

* Rosacea: This condition is characterized by pimples in the middle third of the face, along with redness, flushing, and superficial blood vessels. It generally affects people in their 30’s and 40’s and older. There is sometimes no "line" separating acne from rosacea, however, there are no blackheads or whiteheads in rosacea. For more, please read the Rosacea article.
* Pseudofolliculitis: This is sometimes called "razor bumps" or "razor rash." When cut close to the skin, curly neck hairs bend under the skin and produce pimples. This is a mechanical problem, not a bacterial one, and treatment involves shaving less (growing a beard, laser hair removal.) Pseudofolliculitis can, of course, occur in patients who have acne too.

When should you start to treat acne?

Since everyone gets acne at some time, there is no "correct" time to treat it. The best advice is to take action when you think it is out of control. This can be when severe acne flares suddenly, mild acne that just won't go away, or even when a single pimple decides to show up the week before your prom or wedding. The decision is yours.

What can you do about acne on your own?

Think back to the three basic causes of acne, and you can understand why the focus of both home treatment and prescription therapy is to: (1) unclog pores; (2) kill bacteria; and (3) minimize oil. But first a word about . . .

Lifestyle: Moderation and regularity are good things, but not everyone can sleep eight hours, eat three good meals, and drink eight glasses of water a day. You can, however, still control your acne even if your routine is frantic and unpredictable. Probably the most useful lifestyle change you can make is to apply hot compresses to pustules and cysts, to get facials (see below), and never to pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with pimples, no matter how careful and clean you are, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer. People often refer to redness as “scarring,” but fortunately it usually isn’t, in the permanent sense. It's just a mark that takes months to fade if left entirely alone.

Open the pores

Cleansing and skin care: Despite what you read in popular style and fashion magazines, there is no magic product or regimen that is right for every person and situation.

* Mild cleansers: Washing once or twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid (for example, Dove, Neutrogena, Basis, Purpose, and Cetaphil are all inexpensive and popular) will keep the skin clean and minimize sensitivity and irritation.
* Exfoliating cleansers and masques: A variety of mild scrubs, exfoliants, and masques can be used. These products contain either fine granules or salicylic acid in a concentration that makes it a very mild peeling agent. These products remove the outer layer of the skin, and thus open pores.
* Retinol: Not to be confused with the prescription medication, Retin-A, this derivative of Vitamin A can help promote skin peeling.

Kill the bacteria

* Antibacterial cleansers: The most popular ingredient in over-the-counter antibacterial cleansers is benzoyl peroxide.
* Topical (external) applications: These products come in the form of gels, creams, and lotions, which are applied to the affected area. The active ingredients that kill surface bacteria include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and resorcinol. Some brands promoted on the Internet and cable TV are more costly, but not really any better than ones you can buy in the drugstore.

Benzoyl peroxide causes red and scaly allergic skin in a small number of people, which goes away as soon as you stop using the product. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide is a bleach, so do not let products containing benzoyl peroxide get on your good colored clothes, shirts, or towels.

Reduce the oil

You cannot stop your oil glands from producing oil (unless you mess with your hormones or metabolism in ways you shouldn't.). Even isotretinoin (Accutane -- see below) only slows down oil glands for a while, they come back to life later. What you can do is to get rid of oil on the surface of the skin, and reduce the embarrassing shine.

* Use a gentle astringent/toner to wipe away oil. (There are many brands available in pharmacies, as well as from manufacturers of cosmetic lines.)
* Products containing glycolic acid or one of the other alpha-hydroxy acids are also mildly helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel (exfoliate).
* Masques containing sulfur and other ingredients draw out facial oil.
* Antibacterial pads containing benzoyl peroxide have the additional benefit of helping you wipe away oil.

What are other things you can do for acne?

* Cosmetics: Don't be afraid to hide blemishes with flesh-tinted cover-ups or even foundation, as long at it is water-based or oil-free. There are many quality products available.
* Facials: While not absolutely essential, steaming and "deep-cleaning" pores is useful, both alone and in addition to medical treatment, especially for people with "whiteheads" or "blackheads." Having these pores unclogged by a professional also reduces the temptation to do it yourself.
* Pore Strips: Pharmacies now carry, under a variety of brand names, strips which you put on your nose, forehead, chin, etc. to "pull out" oil from your pores. These are, in effect, a do-it-yourself facial. They are inexpensive and safe, and work reasonably well if used properly.

What is a good basic skin regimen?

These are all good basic skin regimens that may help with the acne battle:

1. Cleanse twice daily with a 5% benzoyl peroxide wash. An alternative for those who are allergic to benzoyl peroxide is 2% salicylic acid.
2. Apply a gel or cream containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, an alternative is sulfur or resorcinol.
3. At night, apply a spot cream containing sulfur to the affected areas.
4. Use a light skin moisturizer and oil-free makeup.

What can the doctor do for acne?

If you haven't been able to control your acne adequately, you may want to consult a primary care physician or dermatologist. Here are some of the things they can assist with:

* Topical (externally applied) antibiotics and antibacterials: These include erythromycin, clindamycin (Benzaclin), sulfacetamide (Klaron), and azelaic acid (Azelex).

* Retinoids: Retin-A (tretinoin) has been around for years, and has become milder and gentler while still maintaining its effectiveness. Newer retinoids include adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac). These medications are especially helpful for unclogging pores. Side effects may include irritation and mild increase in sensitivity to the sun. Wit proper sun protection, however, they can be used even during sunny periods. For more, please read the Sunburn and Sun-Sensitizing Drugs article.

* Oral antibiotics: Most doctors start treatment with tetracycline or one of the related "cyclines," such as doxycycline and minocycline. Other oral antibiotics that are useful for treating acne are cefadroxil, amoxicillin, and the sulfa drugs.

o Problems with these drugs can include allergic reactions (especially sulfa), gastrointestinal upset, and increased sun sensitivity. Doxycycline, in particular, is generally safe but can sometime cause esophagitis (irritation of the esophagus, producing discomfort when swallowing) and an increased tendency to sunburn.
o Despite many people’s concerns about using oral antibiotics for several months or longer, such use does not “weaken the immune system” and make them more susceptible to infections, or unable to use other antibiotics when necessary.
o Recently published reports that long-term antibiotic use may increase the risk of breast cancer will require further study, but at present are not substantiated. In general, doctors prescribe oral antibiotic therapy for acne only when necessary and for as short a time as possible.

* Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives, which are low in estrogen to promote safety, have little effect on acne one way or the other. Some contraceptive pills have been to shown to have modest effectiveness in treating acne.

* Cortisone Injections: To make large pimples and cysts flatten out fast, doctors inject them with a form of cortisone.

* Isotretinoin: (Accutane was the original brand name; there are now several generic versions in common use.) Isotretinoin is a wonderful treatment for severe, resistant acne, used on millions of patients since it was introduced in 1982. It should be used for patients with severe acne, chiefly of the cystic variety, which has been unresponsive to conventional therapies like those listed above.
o Used properly, isotretinoin is safe and produces few side effects beyond dry lips and occasional muscle aches. This drug is prescribed for 5-6 months. Fasting blood tests are monitored monthly to check liver function and the level of triglycerides, relatives of cholesterol which often rise a bit during treatment, but rarely to the point where treatment has to be modified or stopped.
o Even though isotretinoin does not remain the body after therapy is stopped, improvement is often long-lasting. It is safe to take two or three courses of the drug if unresponsive acne makes a comeback. It is, however, best to wait at least several months and to try other methods before using isotretinoin again.
o Isotretinoin has a high risk of inducing birth defects if taken by pregnant women. Women of childbearing age who take isotretinoin need two negative pregnancy tests (blood or urine) before starting the drug, monthly tests while they take it, and another after they are done. Those who are sexually active must use two forms of contraception, one of which is usually the oral contraceptive pill. Isotretinoin leaves the body completely when treatment is done; women must be sure to avoid pregnancy for one month after therapy is stopped. There is, however, no risk to childbearing after that time.
o Another concern, much discussed in the popular press, is the risk of depression and suicide in patients taking isotretinoin. Government oversight has resulted in a highly-publicized and very burdensome national registration system for those taking the drug. This has reinforced the understandable, but unfortunate and inaccurate, sense many patients and their families have that isotretinoin is dangerous. In fact, large-scale studies have shown no increased risk for depression and suicide in those taking isotretinoin compared with the general population. Although it is important for those taking this drug to report mood changes (or any other symptoms) to their doctors, even patients who are being treated for depression are not barred from taking isotretinoin, whose striking success often improves the mood and outlook of patients who have suffered and been scarred from acne for years.

* Laser treatments: Recent years have brought reports of success in treating acne using lasers and similar devices, alone or in conjunction with photosensitizing dyes. It appears that these treatments are safe and can be effective. However, what isn’t clear at this time, is how long the effects will last. In addition, health insurers do not generally reimburse for these procedures, so they can be costly. At this point they are best thought of as adjuncts to conventional therapy, rather than as substitutes.

* Chemical peels: Whether the superficial peels (like glycolic acid) performed by Estheticians, or deeper ones performed in the doctor's office, chemical peels are of modest, supportive benefit only, and in general do not substitute for regular therapy.

How would you sum up current day treatment of acne?

Treating acne requires patience and perseverance. Any of the treatments listed above may take 2 or 3 months to start working (even isotretinoin.) Unless there are side effects such as dryness or allergy, it is important to give each regimen or drug enough time to work before giving up on it and moving on to other methods. Using modern methods, doctors can help clear up just about everyone.

Just hang in there. And don't pick. Please.

** READ OTHERS SIMILAR ARTICLES HERE :-

1) Karelma
2) Stopspots
3) Herbalremedies
4) Acne

Skin problems explained

2006-11-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

Skin problems explained
By Tamara Sturtz-Filby | 24/07/2006

Changes in your skin, from spots to rashes, can be caused by a host of evils such as environment and pollution, stress, hormones and, most importantly, diet. But why is it when you start a new healthy eating plan - just when you thought your skin would be thanking you for all the good ingredients you're pumping into your body - it breaks out into an array of zits?

"When you change your diet for the better and stop eating fried food, too much salt, fat, and sugar, the body starts to clean itself out," explains naturopath Max Tomlinson.

Definition : A system or method of treating disease that employs no surgery or synthetic drugs but uses special diets, herbs, vitamins, massage, etc., to assist the natural healing processes. (italic is my additions) [Source : Dictionary.com]

"The body releases all the toxins into the lymphatic system which works rather like a vacuum cleaner, pumping them through the blood to the liver to be expelled. However, if the lymphatic system is sluggish and not working properly, usually due to lack of exercise, the body has to find another way of expelling these toxins."

Spotlight on spots
The skin is the body's largest organ of elimination, and if the lymphatic system isn't working well, the body uses the skin as a backup every time, usually resulting in spots. This also happens if the body is so overloaded with toxins due to a previous diet of takeout, processed foods and too much alcohol that the liver just can't cope.

However, not all spots and pimples are the same, and they all tell a different story about the state of your health.

Spots around the hairline and under the jaw line indicate a hormonal imbalance, which could be anything to do with your monthly cycle or even stress. But spots on the chin relate to the bowel, and those around the smile line (from the nose to the corners of the mouth) are connected to the liver. To keep the bowels functioning properly, include plenty of fibre in your diet, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. To keep the liver healthy, try the herbs milk thistle (aka St Mary's thistle), nettles or red clover in tea or tablet forms.

"You want to make sure your bowels are working properly," Tomlinson explains. "So drink plenty of fluids such as herbal teas and hot water with lemon, which is cleansing. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and do some regular exercise."

Painful under-the-skin spots that seldom rise to the surface but can be rife when you change your diet indicate the body is low in energy. If you haven't exercised for a while, start off with gentle walking, at least three times a week, taking the stairs instead of lift and if you take a bus, getting off one stop early and walking the rest of the way.

Treatment tips
To get rid of these spots, don't touch them. If you touch or squeeze them, you'll damage the skin, but if you leave them alone they'll go down much quicker. Try massaging your skin every day to keep everything moving through your lymphatic system. Using firm circular movements, massage for only five to 10 seconds while you're cleansing or moisturising, and any spots will go down much quicker, and you'll get fewer too.

There are also a host of mineral supplements that will help save your skin, including zinc, which is both anti-bacterial and healing, and selenium, which is important for the turnover of skin cells. Remember that minerals are stored in the body, so after taking these minerals for a month you should see an improvement for a number of months.

Spots that have come to the surface of the skin, or whiteheads, are a sign that the body is expelling the toxins, but that the lymphatic system and liver could do with a boost. Eating plenty of green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage and snowpeas, as they contain chlorophyll, which is also very cleansing.

Tomlinson's final piece of advice is to take it easy. "When you make a lifestyle change such as changing the way you eat, be patient with your body," he says. "Let your skin breath by getting plenty of fresh air, exfoliate regularly and don't touch your face with dirty hands. But most importantly, be kind to yourself."

Cancer Causing Agents

2006-11-21T22:14:00.000-08:00

ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF CANCER

According to the Ministry of Health, 1 in 4 Malaysians will get cancer !!

Estimated 80-90% of cancers are cause by cancer-causing agents in the environments which includes

* Radiations
* Air Pollutants
* Chemical Toxins
* Pesticides
* Asbestos
* Toxins in food, water, drugs, cosmetics, household products, cigarettes

COMMONS CANCER CAUSING AGENTS

1) TOBACCO
- Causes cancer of lungs, bladder, esophagus, other organs

2) RADIATIONS
- Causes leukimia, lungs, breast, brains, other organs
- Thyriod cancer - related issues

3) ASBESTOS
- Causes lung cancer & maglinant mesothelioma
- From ceiling, roof, electric irons, toaster

4) PESTICIDES
- Causes breast cancer (esp Pesticide DDT)

5) BENZENE
- Causes leukimia & lymphoma
- Unleaded petrol contains 5% benzene which easily vaporised & inhale into our body

6) FORMALDEHYDE
- Causes lung cancer & nasal sinuses
- Used to preserved dead bodies, plywood, chipboards, other furnitures, carpets, curtains
- Used illegally to preserved fish

7) STERIODS
- Used to improves atheletic performances & illegals medicine

8) POLYCHLORINATED BIHHENYLS
- Causes liver cancer
- Used to manufacture electrical equipments

9) GLUES & SOLVENTS
- Causes leukemia
- Used in epoxies, airplane, instant glues which contains benzene

Adapted from an article of CAP Penang

Digestive Disorder

2006-11-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

Digestion is the process by which food and drink are broken down into smaller parts so that the body can use them to build and nourish cells, and to provide energy.

What is included in the digestive system?
The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract and other organs that aid in digestion.

The digestive tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus, consisting of the following:

mouth
esophagus
stomach
small intestine
large intestine
rectum
anus

Organs that help with digestion, but are not part of the digestive tract, include the following:

tongue
glands in the mouth that make saliva
pancreas
liver
gallbladder

Parts of other organ systems, like nerves and blood, also play a major role in the digestive process.

How does food move through the digestive system?
In a wave-like movement called peristalsis, muscles propel food and liquid along the digestive tract. In general, there are six steps in the process of moving food and liquid through the digestive system:

The first major muscle movement is swallowing food or liquid. The start of swallowing is voluntary, but once it begins, the process becomes involuntary and continues under the control of the nerves.
The esophagus, which connects the throat above with the stomach below, is the first organ into which the swallowed food goes.
Where the esophagus and stomach join, there is a ringlike valve that closes the passage between the two organs. When food nears the closed ring, the surrounding muscles relax and allow the food to pass into the stomach, and then it closes again.
The food then enters the stomach, which completes three mechanical tasks: stores, mixes, and empties.
First, the stomach stores the swallowed food and liquid, which requires the muscle of the upper part of the stomach to relax and accept large volumes of swallowed material.

Second, the lower part of the stomach mixes up the food, liquid, and digestive juices produced by the stomach by muscle action.

Third, the stomach empties the contents into the small intestine.
The food is digested in the small intestine and dissolved by the juices from the pancreas, liver, and intestine, and the contents of the intestine are mixed and pushed forward to allow further digestion.
Last, the digested nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal walls. The waste products, including undigested parts of the food, known as fiber, and older cells that have been shed from the mucosa, move into the colon. Waste products usually in the colon remain for a day or two until the feces are expelled by a bowel movement.