Put RLS to sleep

We all have restless nights; those long nights where you cannot sleep and you just end up staring at the ceiling for hours. Fortunately for most of us, this is a rare occurrence, but there are others out there who suffer from this type of thing daily, or more precisely nightly.

Many people suffer from something called Restless Leg Syndrome, this is where a sufferer’s legs twitch and jerk when they attempt to sleep, which leads to repeated sleepless nights and related mental problems, depression and stress for example.

For those affected, RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) is horrible to live with, as few medical fixes exist, however many natural remedies can be used to minimize the effects of RLS.

• Walking more may not sound like a remedy, but regularly going for long walks will stretch out your leg muscles and relieve excess tension. This method, in addition to reducing the likelihood of attacks from RLS, the walks will help reduce the stress caused by the lack of sleep.

• Quinine, when mixed with tonic water is a great muscle relaxant; however it should be considered a final measure if no other methods work for you as Quinine can produce several severe side effects. If though, you find that no other medication or natural remedy works for you then Quinine acts as a potent relaxant, when taken just before bed.

• Hot and cold compresses will help to relieve tensity in the leg muscles if done before sleeping, allowing for a lower chance of an RLS attack in the night.

• Caffeine in large amounts increases the excess energy levels in the body, when this energy goes unused the body will attempt to expel it at a later time. This can cause regular RLS attacks during the night as your body “cooks” off this excess energy, so an easy way to reduce the chances of RLS attacks is to either cut down on the amount of caffeine you take in or even cut it out completely.

• Many herbal tea also act as natural muscle relaxants, chamomile tea being the most well known of them. There are many others though, Kava, Valerian and Mucuna being a few examples, these teas will naturally calm your nerves and relax your leg muscles.

• Soaking in a bath with Epsom salts before bed will help to increase the amount of magnesium available to the body, which is important in the creation of healthy and unflawed muscle tissue. It is theorised that RLS is caused by flawed muscle tissue agitating the nerve cells nearby. So by increasing the flow of magnesium in the body you can improve the health and quality of some muscle tissues, reducing the chances of RLS attacks.

• Frequent leg massages will soften tenser leg muscles and when combined with muscle relaxants can cause a complete and deep sleep free from RLS attacks.

By using a few of these methods each night before going to sleep you be able to minimize the frequency of which you suffer RLS attacks and increase the amount of sleep your getting. Enjoy the rest!

Stopping Shingles

Assuming you have already had chicken pox in your life, would it surprise you to know that you still have it? Even after the initial illness appears to fade, it hides away in your nerve cells for years. Occasionally later in life the virus reappears, due to this aggressive reactivation the virus is renamed the Zoster virus, or shingles.

It is not fully understood what causes the sudden reactivation of the virus, some experts have suggested it is due to the immune system of the sufferer failing or becoming weaker. The development of shingles begins with a series of tingling pains across the skin, which is soon followed by a series of red rashes and blisters. These blisters can last from anything between five days to several months before crusting over and fading.

This however, is only the onset of Shingles, from that point it develops into post-herpetic neuralgia, which takes the form of sharp shooting pains in the same area the blisters developed and faded. This pain can last for years and is difficult to reduce, making it an incredibly dehabilitating illness to try and live with.

If you are suffering from shingles or are looking for a way to minimize the pain a friend or loved one is receiving from the illness, you’ll find a few ways to do just that using naught but natural means.

Capsaicin is a naturally produced pain killer, produced in an ointment form as a product called Zostrix. This ointment, when applied to an area of rash reduces the pain levels by blocking off pain signals from nerves just under the skin.

Cat’s-claw is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions, both highly desirable to anyone suffering Shingles; it is most advised to take 1000 milligrams three times a day to keep the pain levels reduced and minimize the chances of the rash spreading.

Lemon Balm or Melissa, is rich in anti-herpes producing compounds known as polyphenols, since Shingles are a form of herpes, this is a great way to treat the pain from shingles. Use topical applications of lemon-balm tea, which you can make by steeping 2 to 4 teaspoons of herb per cup of boiling water. Apply the tea to the blisters with a cotton ball four times a day. This home remedy will also reduce redness, as a small addition.

Turmeric when mixed into a paste can help to relieve pain and accelerate the healing process to any area the paste is applied to.

However, there are plenty of other ways to combat the symptoms of shingles starting with the simplicity of altering your diet to acupuncture.

The Anti-Shingles Diet:
By incorporating foods that are rich in lysine (such as; sardines, eggs, cheese and meats) you can prevent further attacks from herpes and minimize the chances of the onset of shingles in the first place. The addition of foods rich in Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E will help to build up resistance to the virus, which will help slow, or even stop the spreading of the virus.
Zinc sources such as red meats, oysters, legumes, beans, chicken and whole grains are great for fighting off infections, this makes it great for fighting the onset of shingles as well as many other infections. Zinc rich foods are an integral part of any diet regardless of whether or not you are fighting off the Shingles virus.

Acupuncture:
This treatment method originated in China and is attributed as the most effective method to combat Shingles in the same country. Although no true scientific study has proven the effectiveness of acupuncture, many who have used this method to combat the symptoms of shingles have claimed the effectiveness the treatment.
If you choose to try acupuncture I do not recommend using it in place of medical treatment as it has not been proven to have truly positive effects.

Burrows Solution:
This solution is great for cleaning shingles sores as well as reducing the pain from the sores. By soaking an area of skin infected with shingles with this solution you will find that the skin becomes soothed and less painful. In addition it will wash away the scabs and blisters created by the virus, as well as clearing up the oozing residue these scabs create.

Neem Leaves:
A simple way to soothe the pain from Shingles is to bathe in a warm bath with Neem leaves mixed into it. The natural properties of Neem leaves soothe the blisters and clean any open wounds that may have been caused by shingles.

So there you have a few methods to combat the symptoms of shingles, but these methods should be used in conjunction with proper medical treatment, not in place of it. So be sure to take your doctors advice as with the correct treatment you alleviate the symptoms of Shingles quickly and easily. 

Snuff out heartburn

Do you suffer from heartburn? If so you are one of the millions people who do, so don’t worry too much, Many people who suffer from heartburn complain that store bought remedies simply are not strong enough to dampen the pain and search out alternate methods of treatment.


Regardless of if you suffer Chronic (2-3 times a week) or intermittent (1-2 a month) pains, these natural remedies and tactics to combat heartburn should prove useful to you.

Chew gum

Multiple tests have determined that any sugar free gum has potential to aid in the neutralization of heartburn. Tests have determined that upon chewing gum, you stimulate the salivary flow rate which will cause the knock on effect of washing away any excess acids and minimizing the amount of damage these excess acids can cause.

It can be believed that chewing a single piece of sugar free gum after each meal can help minimize the chances of developing heartburn.

Eat Liquorice

It was suggested by Susan Blum, MD, that chewing liquorice before a meal can minimize the chances of developing heartburn. She said that the beliefs that taking antacids to avoid the development of heartburn is wrong, seeming as the stomachs contents are meant to be acidic. Her theory is that by eating liquorice before a meal you are more likely to avoid the development as liquorice is a natural stomach healer. However, it goes without saying that this is not an excuse to binge on liquorice before a meal, for two main reasons;

1. You will ruin your appetite.
2. You can develop several dangerous side effects, the same as if you binged on sugar for large amounts of time; these side affects could be anything as minor as weight gain to something more dangerous such as a rapid increase in blood pressure.

Drink Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera’s use as a soothing agent is well known, great for neutralising the pain from severe burns. These effects have also been demonstrated as working within the stomach, which minimises the pain caused by severe heartburn. It does so by neutralizing the inflammation within the stomach and oesophagus, in addition to regulating and soothing the acid flow between the two. It is recommended to drink a half a cup before eating to prepare the body for the inflow of acid that accompanies a meal.
As a warning however, it should be noted that this juice is also a potent laxative if not prepared properly, the easiest thing to do is to purchase Aloe Vera powder and mix that into water instead.

Drink Slippery Elm

Some experts have suggested that mixture of Slippery Elm and water, once drunk can create a protective layer covering the stomach lining. This lining is demonstrated as being extremely potent at negating the pain induced by acid reflux (heartburn). However, there is very little research to back up these theories yet the few tests that have been carried out have all been positive.

Baking Soda

My Nan would always try and treat her stomach pains with a cup of baking soda and water, and whilst it is true that there are some benefits to taking Baking soda, I do not recommend it. Remember how it was said earlier that antacids are not exactly good for you? Baking soda and water is an Antacid so whilst it will neutralize some amounts of pain from heartburn, it will also reduce the acid in your stomach, causing problems further down the line. Baking soda has also been attributed to causing some of the following side effects:

• Swelling
• Nausea
• Increase in blood pressure
• Slow breathing
• Weakness

Now armed with the above knowledge, you should be able to find the way that works for you. However, if the above methods do not work, keep in mind these methods are only the tip of the iceberg and many more ways exist! Good luck!

How can we fight depression?

Current statistics show that 9.7% of all Britons are affected by depression, which works out at about 1 in 10 people affected by depression either directly, or indirectly. With numbers rising constantly, it pains me to think about how little is being done to actively fight the damage that depression is doing to our society. So I believe it is only appropriate to attempt to find some way of combating the steady growth of depression, or at least give others a way to help themselves weather the storm that is depression.

I know that these may seem to be a rather, cliché piece of advice, but I suppose it is as it’s true. Get out and get some fresh air, go for a jog, get some exercise. Doing so will release endorphins, natures naturally occurring happy drug. This natural Anti-depressant is free, easy to get and best of all, its non addictive! In addition when receiving this Anti-depressant will cause you to naturally get into better shape!

Eat something! When you keep your blood sugar levels stable you will find that mood swings become less and less frequent, as a plus by eating regular meals you will build your natural energy levels which will make it possible for you to achieve the first step I pointed out. There is a second way you are able to manage depression via food is to eat a diet that is rich in serotonin. Most anti-depressants act by blocking the serotonin receptors in the brain, which, in a roundabout way, causes the serotonin levels in the body to increase. Whereas these anti-depressants (Prozac for example) can prove to be highly effective to combat the signs and symptoms of depression, a serotonin rich diet can achieve similar results. Some foods that deliver high amounts of are:

·         Foods that are rich in Omega 3-fatty acids deliver a large dose of serotonin, foods like Salmon and sardines are great sources for Omega 3.

·         Certain healthy fats (like coconut oil) contain large amounts of Serotonin.

·         Any food high in protein naturally carries substantial Serotonin deposits.  

As an added piece of information, stay away from Caffeine as part of your diet as caffeine naturally decreases serotonin levels.

Don’t lurk in the dark like a vampire; exposure to sunlight can naturally increase the levels of vitamin D in the skin, causing the body to become healthier. In addition, it has been shown that exposure to sunlight can cause people to become more confident and as a bi-product, happier.

There are many mood enhancing supplements out there, each of which has there own benefits:

• 5-HTP: This supplement will help with anxiety, allowing takers to become more sure of themselves.
• Saint Johns Wort: By reducing the speed of nerve synapses, St. Johns Wort allows the taker to “Slow down” and relax, reducing stress, one of the key attributers to depression.
• SAMe: A strong and well known anti-depressant loaded with serotonin deposits.
• L-Theanine: This supplement, commonly found in tea naturally reduces stress levels.

Keeping your hormone levels stable will lead to a more stable mood, lacking in sudden and negative mood swings. The three main producers and forms of hormones are Thyroid, Adrenal and Sex hormones, each is responsible for maintaining a different area of your wellbeing, with even a slight disruption leading to intense changes in personality. By taking supplements of TSH, Cortisol and Estradiol you can keep these three important hormones in a healthy level, avoiding the crash that can come with a hormone imbalance.

By following these simple and natural tips you should be able to fight of the dark aspects of depression, or at the very least stem the tide. If of course these methods do nothing for you then you should follow the oldest, and without a doubt the best method of beating depression; Talk to someone you can trust. A family member, or friend, occasionally the kindness of strangers can help to fight back against depression. 

Bring down Bronchitis!

What is Bronchitis? Bronchitis is a respiratory disease that causes the mucus in the lungs to become inflamed and irritated, which causes the membranes in the lungs to swell and grow thicker, shutting off the tiny airways that carry oxygen to and from the lungs. The obvious symptoms of Bronchitis are strong coughing fits normally accompanied by phlegm, breathlessness and acute pain in the throat and chest.

Bronchitis is caused when Viruses or Bacteria irritate the Bronchial tubes, often the same types of viruses that cause the common told. More serious forms of Bronchitis (Known as Chronic Bronchitis) is most commonly caused by cigarette smoking, however there are other causes that are less commonly mentioned, such as Air pollution, dust, toxic gases and industrial fumes which are all known causes of Chronic Bronchitis as well as other respiratory diseases.

The majority of people who suffer from Bronchitis are smokers; this is where the “Smokers cough” originates. Although this is true and the most common sufferers of Bronchitis are smokers, there are others that also suffer from Bronchitis, such as:

• The Elderly and Infants whose immune system is either building an immune system or their immune system are degrading.
• People with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• People regularly exposed to Air pollution or irritants like chemical fumes.
• People regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.

The signs of Bronchitis are many, yet most signs can be confused with those that are attributed to illnesses such as the common cold, these symptoms are as follows:

•         Coughing fits.
•         Fatigue.
•         Fever and the Chills.
•         Blocked or runny nose.
•         Production of clear, white, grey, yellow or green thick mucus.
•         Wheezing and shortness of breath.

As you can see, these symptoms are fairly common when attributed to things such as the common cold. This does unfortunately lead to many people mistaking acute Bronchitis for a lingering cold, causing more and more cases of damage from untreated Bronchitis.

Fear not though brave reader! There are, fortunately, many ways to fight Bronchitis naturally, most of which are cheap and easy to put into practice.

• The simplest and most common way to treat Bronchitis is the intake of extra liquids. Most people say “Water is best”, but this isn’t true, it doesn’t matter what type of liquid you intake they all act in the same way, keeping the sputum more fluid and far easier to expel from your lungs. However, if you are looking for a way to relive the pain in a sore throat, a hot drink is a great way to decrease the pain by soothing the irritated throat.
  
  
• Keeping with the theory of using warm water, by gargling with warm saltwater you will simultaneously relieve pain in the throat as well as cutting through a few levels of mucus that build up in the throat membranes.
  
  
• There ar Fruits and nuts that can help to alleviate the symptoms of Bronchitis whilst fighting of the illness. Almonds being one of the key nuts that hold all the right vitamins and nutrients to fight back many illnesses, including Bronchitis. They are rich in Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium and have recorded effectiveness when used to treat respiratory diseases, if you are suffering from Bronchitis, be it Acute or Chronic I severely recommend a daily intake of a handful of Almonds to help combat the symptoms. 
  
  
• A fruit with great Anti-Bronchitis properties is the lemon, which is suggested to dissolve mucus and kill harmful bacteria. The recommended way to intake lemons is grating 1 teaspoon of lemon rind and adding it into a cup of boiling water, the excess citric acid will mix into the mixture, and then allow the mix to steep for five minutes. After doing so this mixture should alleviate some of the more painful symptoms of the illness.
  
  
• A honey and onion mix is another great way to alleviate the symptoms and help fight off the symptoms, a great way to relieve the cough that comes from bronchitis, is to slice an onion into a bowl, then cover with honey. Allow to stand overnight, then remove the onion. Take 1 teaspoon of the honey, four times a day. This will help to increase the flow of mucus, removing the blockages in your lungs in the process.
  
  
• Bronchitis can cause muscle pain due to the excessive amounts of coughing, so a way to release the pain from the chest is definitely something you will be looking for. One of the best things to use is Cats claw or Uncaria tomentosa, this is a powerful herb that blocks the production of the hormone called prostaglandin which causes inflammation and pain. By taking Cats claw regularly you will be able to cause pain to subside, which I can guarantee will be a plus.
  
  
• SLEEP! Regular rest helps your body develop antibodies to combat the effects of the illness, and due to the flu like symptoms of Bronchitis, you may find it difficult to rest, even sitting down will become uncomfortable, however moving around constantly will slow your body’s ability to produce antibodies and you may cause the disease to spread unintentionally.
  
  
• Certain herbs are also useful for combating the symptoms of Bronchitis, Bay leaf is a great addition to ones intake when fighting bronchitis. It acts and an Expectorant, much like the onion mentioned before, breaking up increasing the flow of mucus from the lungs into the airways, allowing it to be easily expelled whilst coughing. 
  
  

  Savory and thyme are also said to expel mucus from the lungs, much in the same way that Bay lead does, making both of them a great tool in the fight against Bronchitis.

By keeping a high intake of each of these natural aids you will find your body becomes much more resistant to the symptoms of Bronchitis, and able to quickly rid itself of the illness should you become infected.

But as I stated earlier, there are many ways to simply avoid Bronchitis; don’t smoke, avoid second hand smoke, utilize an air purifier at home and in the workplace, there is no shortage of ways to fight off the onset of this debilitating disease, most of which are simply “Keep a clean lifestyle.”

The Plantain - Nature's Miracle Healer

Plantains look similar to bananas, but they are vegetables instead of fruits and should be cooked to eat them. Manny Alvarez says in his book, "The Hot Latin Diet: The Fast-Track to a Bombshell Body," that plantains are nutritious and offer several health benefits in addition to their delicious flavor. Add plantains to stews or soups in place of potatoes to get the advantages they offer.

One plantain supplies several grams of fiber to your diet, Victor Preedy, Ronald Watson and Vinood Patel say in their book, "Flour and Breads and Their Fortification in Health and Disease Prevention." Fiber is an important nutrient because it helps decrease your chances of suffering from heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Fiber also helps prevent constipation by keeping your intestinal tract working the way it should.

Beta-carotene
Plantains are also a source of beta-carotene, which the Mayo Clinic says you need to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for eye health as well as normal growth. A diet lacking in vitamin A can result in difficulty seeing in the dark, dry eyes, eye infection and unhealthy skin. Adding cooked plantains to your diet is one way to increase your intake of this important vitamin.

Calcium
Your bones, teeth, nails and muscles rely on an adequate intake of calcium to maintain their health and their strength. Alvarez says that plantains supply a good amount of calcium. Calcium contributes to strong bones, which helps prevent breaks and fractures as well as diseases, such as osteoporosis, as you age. Calcium also aids in keeping your teeth healthy so you are less likely to experience cavities, periodontal disease and teeth that fall out easily. Including plantains in your diet can help you consume more calcium.

Vitamin C
Plantains are also a source of vitamin C. Preedy, Watson and Patel say that one plantain supplies you with 20mg of vitamin C in each 3.5 oz. serving. This translates to between 40mg and 60mg of vitamin C, depending on the size of your plantain. Consuming enough vitamin C helps your body fight off infections that can lead to sickness and also promotes healthy gums, teeth and skin. Getting plenty of vitamin C also helps your body absorb the iron you consume from your food so you are able to produce red blood cells and provide oxygen throughout your body.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/373890-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-a-plantain/#ixzz2JAsiEK25