May 19, 2012

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Ubiquinol

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Ubiquinol is the antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10 which is essential for cellular energy synthesis in the mitochondria. The body gets ubiquinol from biosynthesis, supplementation and a small amount from diet. Ubiquinol is a potent antioxidant which is capable of regenerating other oxidants such as Vitamin E and Vitamin C. The main functions of this enzyme include cellular energy production and antioxidant protection. The ubiquinol has impacts on cardiovascular health, renal health, neuronal metabolism, and inflammation and gene expression. As age advances, natural production of ubiquinol decreases in the body; therefore supplementation with ubiquinol becomes important to maintain good health.

Health Benefits of Ubiquinol Supplement

  • Ubiquinol helps heart cells to produce more energy and increases the performance of the heart especially in congestive cardiac failure.
  • In the blood, ubiquinol is found in lipoproteins [a type of LDL cholesterol], it reduces the blood cholesterol levels and narrowing of coronary arteries in patients with coronary artery disease.
  • The antioxidant properties of ubiquinol protect the body from damaging effects of free radicals and prevent aging.
  • Supplementation of ubiquinol protects the nervous system from neurotoxin that induces Parkinson’s disease.
  • The antioxidant effects of ubiquinol play an important role in chronic kidney disease. Supplementation of ubiquinol in patients with chronic kidney disease reduces urine albumin and hypertension significantly.

DOSAGE
To promote overall health, typical dosage of ubiquinol is 30 mg to 90mg per day. The daily required dosage of Ubiquinol in various conditions is as follows; Angina – 150mg, High Blood Pressure- 100mg twice daily, to reduce risk of subsequent Heart Attacks- 60 to 120mg, Congestive Cardiac Failure- 90 to 200mg, Cardiomyopathy- 100 to 150mg, to improve athletic performance- 60 to 120mg, Halitosis and gum diseases- 50 to 60mg, Parkinson’s disease- 1200mg, Alzheimer’s disease- 60mg, Breast Cancer- 90 to 390mg, Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2- 120mg, HIV/AIDS- 200mg, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD]- 90mg, Lung cancer- 100mg, Insulin Resistance- 120mg, Male infertility- 60mg, Tinnitus- 100mg and Prostate cancer-`600mg.

SIDE EFFECTS
Gastrointestinal side effects of ubiquinol include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some cases reported allergic reactions in the form of skin rashes. Neurological side effects include dizziness and light sensitivity in the eyes. There are reports of flue like symptoms and fatigue.

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Food Safety Certification for Everybody

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The need to obtain a food safety certificate may be more for some and less than others. A chef, for example, must have at least a basic training in food safety but would benefit from an advanced training. On the other hand, a waitress may not be required to get a certificate and may only be oriented on the basic practices by a certified co-worker.

The importance of food safety is not only stressed in food processing plants, but likewise in the small food industries that directly cater to consumers and households. International standards dictate local food industries in food safety and local authorities should strive to implement these standards. For this reason, a food safety certificate is deemed mandatory in establishments. Yet, there are also people who will benefit from a formal training, whether mandatory or not.

Who needs food safety certification?

· Employees in the food industry:
Employees responsible for the production of food through to transport of goods, cleaning, storage, preparation and cooking, need to get certified. Food safety in food establishments needs to follow high standards in proper food storage, preparation and handling. They are the forefront in these processes and proper techniques must be practiced to ensure that food is safe for public consumption. Too often, cases in food born illnesses and poisoning happen in food establishments. Thus, employees must get proper food safety certification.

· Upper management in food businesses:
To oversee and properly manage their businesses, upper management must also undergo a successful training in food safety to determine malpractices in food handling among their employees. Employees who cannot afford the expenses of training may also be trained by upper management instead of sponsoring their training under external providers. Food safety training, like ServSafe certification, conducted by certified personnel is acceptable in most states.

· Mothers:
Nothing compares to a mother who gets formal training to ensure that her family eats safe and healthy food. While cases of food borne illnesses and poisoning are less in households, all too often, practical applications of proper food storage, preparation and handling are forgotten or neglected in households. With proper training, a mother can also impart the same knowledge to her children so ensure that everybody knows how to be responsible in the kitchen.

· Individuals with a thirst for learning:
DIY enthusiasts and curious individuals will definitely benefit from food safety training. It’s a great idea to learn how to handle food safely, whether you are preparing it for someone else or for yourself. Practicing good techniques will let you enhance your knowledge and who knows, you might venture into the food industry in the future. Once that happens, you’ll be prepared.

Attention to food safety surely is well-grounded and because of the rampant illnesses and poisoning due to food borne contaminants, bacteria and viruses, a food safety certification is a must for all employees in the food business. Likewise, ordinary individuals can benefit from a good training in food safety to keep themselves and their family safe from illnesses.

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Modern Medicines Answer to Foot Pain

January 19, 2012 By 1 Comment

While you may not pay much attention to it, your foot is one of the sturdiest and most amazing parts of your body. Every day, it is subjected to loads of pressure while having to cross busy intersections, climb stairs, stroll over tough roads, and stand through hours and hours of just being upright.

When the foot is aggrieved, abused, or injured, it elicits pain to warn the body that something is wrong. It may start with simple corns or calluses, but if you continue to resist these signs, pain will eventually ensue. While pain killers are common and at times effective solutions to masking the aches and discomforts, there are other effective heel pain solutions that give you long term relief and injury recovery.

The use of ice packs have been proven to relieve inflammation, while keeping them soaked in warm water can help soften blisters and calm skin discomfort. Foot massages also bring their own brand of comfort. Then there are those pains that can simply be relieved by taking off your uncomfortable stilettos and giving your toes and heels time to breathe and relax.

Healthcare manufacturers have also introduced an array of different systemic and topical medications to help address the issues of common foot injuries, and here we round up nine of the most popular and effective ones.

Over the Counter Medications

  • Painkillers – also referred to as analgesics, painkillers are types of drugs that are used to bring about pain relief. By blocking the entry of pain signals to the brain, these analgesics trick the body into believing that there is no pain. They can easily be bought without prescription, so patients are usually advised to be extra cautious when popping these pills.
  • Topical Painkillers – if you are uncomfortable with orally taking your medications, you can always opt for topical analgesics, which are applied directly to the skin. These painkillers are sold in the form of lotions, creams, and gels and are specifically designed to penetrate the skin to alleviate pain. A bevy of these topical solutions are created with eucalyptus or menthol that numbs the nerves to camouflage the pain.
  • NSAIDs – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are typically sold under the names aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Over the counter NSAIDs are generally sold at lower concentration to guard against misuse, but for more serious foot pain such as tendonitis or sprain, your doctor may prescribe these drugs at a higher dosage. These medications may trigger adverse effects, so consulting with your physician first is a must.

Prescription Medications

  • COX-2 inhibitor – a prescriptive variety of non-steroidal drugs, COX-2 exhibitors are marketed as celecoxib or Celebrex, and are prescribed to treat pain and inflammation. When taken, celecoxib will work to minimize inflammation-causing hormones as well as reduce the possibility of bleeding. When prescribed with this type of drugs, always ask your doctor about the possible side effects and health risks to keep yourself well informed on what to expect.
  • Narcotic Analgesics – also called opioid analgesics, this type of prescriptive medications treat pain by targeting the central nervous system. As it enters the system, opioid analgesics, such as codeine, calm the senses by limiting the pain signals that pass through the brain. As such, they are able to provide a more potent and immediate relief.
  • Nerve Pain Medications – when pain is triggered by nerve damage, your physician will need to resort to nerve pain medications to effectively address your condition. The most popular types of pain killers that target the nerves include amitriptyline, an anti-depressant drug that tones down the pain signals, and gabapentin, an anti-convulesant medicine that works by disrupting brain signals.
  • Nerve Blocks – administered through the use of alcohol or phenol injections, nerve blocks go directly into the spine and block the pain from reaching the brain. Nerve blocks are prescribed to identify the source of the pain itself and treat its symptoms. These are quite powerful, and should be left only for those under severe pain or about to go under the knife.
  • Corticosteroids – specifically designed to replicate cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by our adrenal glands that can significantly mitigate pain and inflammation. They are sold as pills, injections and as topical creams.
  • Ultrasound – while this is not a medication per se, ultrasound does work to hasten the healing process and reduce swelling through the use of its high frequency sound waves.

There is an obvious difference between merely stubbing your toe and a foot condition that makes every movement pure agony. Fortunately, there are several solutions to match the level of pain. Just make sure that you speak with a medical professional before taking anything on a regular basis. The best solution is to make sure that you don’t let minor aches develop into something more. This is where a good podiatrist can get you on the right track.

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Different Kinds of Neti Pots

August 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You might have read and tried neti pots already. Nasal irrigation is a process that has been successfully used by ancient people to treat a variety of nasal and allergic problems. The shape and function of the pots have not changed much for more than a century and people are still using it with very good results. Here are some types to choose from to help you determine which model will best suit your needs.

Clay Neti Pots

The ancient Indians in Hindu practice originally used neti pots made of clay. These were handmade but are no longer as common as they used to be. The appearance and feel of clay neti pots are some of the main reasons why people prefer these. There are a number of associated disadvantages to this design, such as having a very porous surface which tend to accumulate dirt and germs over time. You have to clean it meticulously to ensure that the device stays clear of microorganisms. Using a semi-washed clay neti pot might even lead to more infection and health problems. Since it is made of clay, the pot also easily breaks and chips.

Glass Neti Pots

Glass neti pots are preferred by people because of its aesthetic look. These are also very easy to use and come in different sizes. These are easier to clean compared to clay designs. The salt solution also do not change much about the glass but might leave some stains if not properly cleaned and dried. The glass also tends to shatter quickly if you drop it.

Ceramic Neti Pots

Ceramic neti pots were also traditionally used and only come in small sizes. These present the same problem as traditional clay pots because of the porous surface that can hold dirt and microorganisms. These also tend to break easily and are even more brittle compared to clay. The design is usually attractive, but people might have discomfort or pain when using it because of the absence of the special cone shaped spouts. You will have to fill the pot for each nostril because of its small size.

Plastic Neti Pots

Plastic has the advantage of not breaking easily and coming in a wide array of sizes and colors. These are also lightweight and can be shipped easily. Plastic neti pots have the special spout that will fit easily and comfortably into your nostrils. You can also clean these easily because of its non-porous surface, although it might keep a distinct smell over time. Plastic pots of this type are usually made using a mold with two halves attached. The seam the runs in the middle might scratch the inner nostril causing pain and discomfort. Make sure you clean this one properly for best results.

Metal Neti Pots

The most common neti pots today are made of copper and stainless steel. These are lightweight and very strong materials that do not break and include spouts that can easily fit into your nostrils. The sizes also differ so you can fill in enough water or solution for both nostrils. Stainless steel designs are preferred by many over copper designs because these are more affordable and do not tarnish easily. Stainless steel might develop salt stains if not properly washed. Copper designs are more attractive according to most users.

You might find other makes and types of neti pots on the internet. Make sure you identify the features and characteristics to make the most out of your investment. Find out how these are made and check your source before you make any purchase. Get feedback from others who have tried the model before you buy.

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The ‘Wonder Plant’ Neem

May 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In the National Academy of Sciences’ 1992 book “Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems,” even highly cautious researchers could not help but call neem “a wonder plant.” And once you learn all about this ancient herb, you will have to agree.

What is Neem?

Neem is an evergreen (botanical name azadirachta indica) native to India that has been used in Ayurvedic treatments for nearly five thousand years. It was given the nickname sarva roga nivarin, which translates to “healer of all ailments.” The tree has another curious nickname that speaks to one of its many incredible properties: “the toothbrush tree.” This is because from ancient times to the modern day, twigs from the neem tree were and are still chewed on to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

In fact, all parts of the tree, from seeds to flowers and bark to leaves have a healthful use. The leaves and bark are turned into powders and extracts and tea; the seeds are cold-pressed into oil; the flowers are cooked and eaten in food dishes.

Neem Properties

Neem has a long list of healing qualities — it is antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-pyretic (fever reducing) and anti-inflammatory. It is a broad spectrum antiviral and an antihistamine. It has anti-anxiety and anti-parasitic properties. It is also extremely high in antioxidants — more than seven times higher than antioxidant-rich blueberries. Taken internally, neem purifies the blood, cleanses the body of toxins, promotes a healthy liver and heart, boosts the immune system, helps digestion, relieves bronchial and sinus inflammation, aids in balancing blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improves the skin, treats ulcers, and aids in acid reflux and gastritis.

Neem Products

Neem oil benefits the hair and skin, mainly, because the oil should not be ingested. Neem oil is highly moisturizing with its natural glycerides and long-chain fatty acids and is beneficial in anti-aging treatments. Other skin issues neem benefits are eczema, psoriasis and acne. Neem oil for hair has been used for thousands of year to spur hair growth, to strengthen hair and even to help avoid the graying of the hair. Neem oil is also a natural insect repellant that is safe to use on your pets and garden, too.

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The Role of the Green Tea Extract in the PAGG Supplement and the Slow Carb Diet

May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

For dieters it is quite lucky enough that the PAGG Stack supplement has become so easily available worldwide and the even the doses are precisely formulated. The biggest reason for the popularity of this supplement was the fact that it was mentioned in Tim Ferriss’s ‘The Four Hour Body’ body and the explanation of how it played a part in the slow carb diet success. Since quite a majority of people are in search of the right supplements with nothing but natural ingredients, the PAGG supplement seems to satisfy them in this aspect. The loss of fat and the reduction in weight is promoted when all of the ingredients in the supplement stack work together.

When a dieter is on the slow carb diet the intake of carbohydrates is controlled since they get stored as fat and therefore promotes weight gain. When the PAGG supplement is taken during the diet program the green tea flavanols play the role controlling the way in which carbohydrates are stored in the body and how much energy the body gets out of them. The slow carb diet success is actually based upon this factor where the calories are gradually and slowly digested. Thus the energy needs of the body are completely fulfilled at all times while on the slow carb diet. Since many dieters do not merely desire a slim body but a fit one as well, the ECGC (Epigallocatechin gallate) in the green tea extract allows the calories to move forward to the muscle cells rather than being stored up as fat. Fat gain is also prevented due to the presence of the ECGC since fat cells are more rapidly eliminated from the body.

The benefits of green tea have become known all across the globe and drinking a cup or two a day can be quite ideal for any average person. The fact of the matter is that when it comes to weight loss, a person might actually need to drink so much cups of green tea in a single day that it would probably leave them suffering from insomnia. What they actually require is decaffeinated green tea in a controlled measurement and this is what the PAGG Stack supplement offers.

The green tea extract present in the PAGG supplement is include after precise measurements and is decaffeinated so a dieter’s sleeping routine would never be disrupted. With that said, the presence of the green tea extract actually makes this supplement stack so effective when used during the slow carb diet.

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Top 3 Tips to Lose Weight Naturally

May 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Weight loss rarely comes easy to people especially if they are not on the right diet or fitness program. In order to lose weight naturally, it is important that you understand the process and what needs to be done in order to achieve the best possible results.

Here are 3 tips on how to shed off extra pounds naturally:

1. Cut Out as Much Trans Fat from Your Diet

Despite very aggressive campaigns against obesity due to unhealthy eating habits, majority of the people living in the US as well as in other countries around the world still remain unaware of the real dangers of consuming too much trans fat. Fast food is primarily the source of saturated fat which is just about the most unhealthy component you can ingest.

In order to lose weight, it is very important that you refrain if not permanently abstain from eating fast food as well as other types of processed food products. You will be surprise at how well your body will respond to this move especially if you are severely overweight.

2. Increase More Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Most people assume that they can effectively lose weight simply by reducing the volume of the food they eat. The truth is that your metabolism will simply slow down to a crawl as a result which means weight loss will not occur, at least not in terms of significant numbers.

Instead of voluntarily starving yourself, you should eat more fruits and vegetables. They are just as filling and satisfying to the palate sans all the extra calories.

3. Devote More Time for Exercise

Beginners might find this a little daunting especially those who are not used to exerting physical effort. However, exercise is a must since it does most of the work once your body has gotten used to your new diet. Investing in at home exercise equipment like the exercise equipment as sen on tv and ab crunchers is also a great way to ensure that you get your exercise in.

Working out will not only allow you to lose weigh but it also keeps you motivated and focused. Giving your body some time to acclimate and get used to a workout routine is always best.

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The mediterranean phenomenon

April 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You might have heard of mediterranean diet already. What you might hear first about it is the claims that it promotes longevity or longer life span to people who practice the diet. Well, this diet can actually help you lengthen your life in some way or another. Mediterranean diet is one diet that people should at least try or learn about.

Mediterranean diet is based from a culture and people who live around the mediterranean basin. Certain countries like Spain, Italy, Morocco, Greece, etc. practice this kind of diet. The med diet is not only rich in taste but also rich in culture. It has been existent for centuries and we can say that most people who maintain the diet and the mediterranean lifestyle had lived quite longer lives.

The benefits of mediterranean diet is not of course longevity alone, I mean longevity is just a product of all the benefits of the diet combined into one. Of course, if you have lesser diseases and lesser issues in health then you probably live longer, right? This is how mediterranean affects your lifespan. Due to the healthy food items included in the diet, the combined effect benefits you a lot more. And for those who aspires to look good, mediterranean diet for weight loss is actually effective and reliable.

The food pyramid of med diet consist these foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, beans, legumes, nuts, lean protein source, fish oils and meat, sea foods, red wines, cheeses, herbs and a lot more. Basically they promote a non synthetic and processed free food items and preparations. This characteristic of the diet eliminates the unhealthy elements, definitely good in controlling weight and avoiding diseases.

The diseases that are prevented are diabetes, heart diseases and cancer. As you’ve noticed, these are the leading causes of death in major countries like America. With too much fast food products and other unhealthy lifestyle, development of disease is likely. But with mediterranean diet, you actually get away from these things. You maintain a healthy lifestyle consisting of healthy foods and a somehow passive living. You might want to try it and discover what the craze is all about.

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