Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Sleep and Natural Health

Sleep deprivation can be a killer, so make sure you are getting your share, otherwise your health will suffer.


Coffee, tea, and even cocoa, contain caffeine and are not a good idea at bedtime. On the other hand, a nightcap containing tryptophan, such as milk, can assist in the production of hormones that encourage sleep. Try milk on its own, or mixed with other natural products, such as your favourite herb or honey.


It has been estimated that the average amount of sleep required for replenishing the mind and body is eight hours. Studies have shown that those who regularly have less than six hours sleep, have a higher mortality rate than those staying in bed longer. So either don't go to bed too late, or don't get up too early! Cultivate a routine around about eight hours sleep, as part of your natural health program.


The time to solve your problems is during your waking hours, when you are alert, so don't take them to bed with you. Don't just switch off the light when you go to bed, but switch off your brain as well. There are all sorts of ways that you can do this, such as meditating, or reading a chapter from an enjoyable book. The television news is not a good idea to go to bed on. If you go to bed with bad news on your mind, you will not rest. Disasters are bad for your health!


A comfortable night's sleep, in a comfortable bed, in a comfortable room is really all you need for a flying start the following day. So do not neglect your comfort zone. Include it as part of your natural health lifestyle and you will reap the benefits.


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natural health sleep

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Is Beauty Only Skin Deep

It is often said that beauty is only skin deep. Obviously this is an overstatement, because true beauty exudes as much from within, and is just one of the rewards of a natural health lifestyle. Care of the skin though, should be included as a part of your total fitness program.


Diet is important in skin care. Fried foods and saturated fats should be eliminated, in favour of fruit and vegetables, if greasy skin is to be avoided. Stress can bring about hormonal changes, due to increased adrenal gland activity, which can exacerbate a greasy skin problem. You should be aware of your stress levels and, where possible, make adjustments to your lifestyle to bring about reductions.


Not all fats are bad for you or your skin, and you should ensure that your intake of essential fatty acids, (EFA's) is sufficient, which can assist with flaky skin problems. Fish is an excellent source of EFA, and should be regularly included, as part of a healthy diet. Nuts and seeds will also help, and could be included at breakfast, or even as a healthy snacking alternative!


Collagen has been the subject of frequent press reports, usually when used in cosmetic injections, for the 'benefit' of famous people. The growth of new collagen can be naturally encouraged by an adequate intake of vitamin C in your diet. Fruit and vegetables are the best natural source, and are a tonic for your skin, as well as sustaining your general health. Smoking is known to inhibit the absorption of vitamin C. Therefore, it's bad for your skin as well as being bad for your total well being.


Our lifestyle choices do much to influence our natural good health, as evidenced by a healthy, glowing skin, reflecting inner health and beauty.


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natural skin beauty

Monday, August 14, 2006

Arthritis - Alkaline Foods Alleviate Acidity Problems

Diet is important to arthritis sufferers because acidic foods can make the pain worse, through a build up of acid crystals in the joints.


Some foods, which might normally be considered part of a healthy diet, can best be avoided by arthritis sufferers. Citrus fruits, and related fruit juices fall into this category. Fortunately there are plenty of natural healthy alternatives, such as cranberry juice, which is generally thought to be beneficial. Pineapples and pineapple juice are also reported to be satisfactory. Tomatoes though, should be avoided, and replaced by the abundance of green vegetables which are available.


Think about substituting red meat with chicken, and include eggs and dairy produce in your diet. Always remember that too much of anything can be harmful, but by replacing acidic foods with alkaline alternatives, you will have made a big step in the right direction.


Whilst on the subject of diet you should remember that it is as important for arthritis sufferers, as anybody else to drink plenty of water. Several glasses a day should be your minimum, and a fine way to help cleanse the system of impurities. Generally, tap water is as good as any other, and much cheaper than the bottled varieties.


Tags:

natural health

Are You Getting Your Oats?

A healthy diet does not have to be an expensive diet!


Oats are an inexpensive way, of starting the day, with a breakfast, that can assist in controlling blood cholesterol levels. They are also an excellent source of soluble fibre, and a general aid to digestion. Include them in your diet, and you should find that you have less of an urge to snack, as they release energy slowly into your body. Think of them as a nutritious, tasty, appetite suppressant, and you will soon feel the benefit that other people will see!


You may find that as you become less inclined to snack; your bonus is in controlling your weight. So not only do you feel better but also you look better. Of course no one food is sufficient to keep you naturally healthy. However, the inclusion of oats, as a regular, if not daily part of your diet, will help to keep you fit.


If ever the question arises as to whether you are getting your oats? You will be able to reply, in the affirmative, and explain how you feel so much better for it.


Tags:

natural health