Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant is considered to be a miracle plant because of its numerous curative and healing benefits. Aloe vera leaves are filled with a gel containing vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E, and folic acid.

Minerals found in aloe vera juice are copper, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, potassium, chromium, magnesium and manganese. All these nutrients have tremendous health benefits.

Health experts regard aloe vera as nature’s most impressive and versatile herb. This herb is safe to use externally and internally. People across the globe use this herb for treating various health conditions from minor burns to cancer.

Here are the  health benefits of aloe vera.

1. Immune Booster

Aloe vera is full of antioxidants, which are natural immune enhancers that help combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable compounds that are bad for your health and contribute to the aging process.

Drinking aloe vera juice regularly gives the body a regular supply of antioxidants, which can boost and enhance the immune system.

2. Enhances Skin Health

Aloe vera is one of the natural herbs commonly used in skin care products. It soothes the skin, hydrates it, nourishes it and accelerates the regeneration of new skin tissue. By applying fresh aloe vera gel on your face, you can enjoy well moisturized, glowing and flawless skin.

In addition, aloe vera can be used to treat sunburned skin, blisters, insect bites, allergic reactions, minor burns, inflammations and more. Even people who have sensitive skin can use aloe vera without any problem.

3. Regulates Weight and Energy Level

Drinking aloe vera juice aids in natural cleansing of the digestive system. There are many food substances that can cause fatigue and exhaustion, which you can combat by drinking aloe vera juice.

When consumed regularly, aloe vera juice will also help increase your energy level and help you maintain a healthy body weight.

4. Cures Gum Disease

Aloe vera is extremely helpful for your mouth and gums due to its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It also contains vitamins and minerals that promote cell growth and healing of bleeding gums and mouth ulcers.

When suffering from gum disease, just massage your gums with fresh aloe vera gel. You can also sprinkle some aloe vera powder on your toothbrush before brushing and within a few minutes your mouth will feel much better. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly also helps promote strong and healthy teeth.

5. Ends Constipation

Aloe vera juice has natural fiber that aids digestion and improves bowel movements. Being a natural laxative, aloe vera juice can also be used to treat constipation.

When constipated, drink two ounces of aloe vera juice daily. Remember that after taking aloe vera, it takes about 10 hours to get positive results.

6. Halts Inflammation

Aloe vera can be used externally to ease inflammation of joints and reduce arthritis pain. You can also drink aloe vera juice to reduce inflammation throughout the body. People who drink aloe vera juice for two weeks typically begin to experience a significant reduction of inflammation and pain symptoms.

Aloe vera is also considered an excellent home remedy for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Treats Acne

Aloe vera gel is used in a number of different skin care products to treat a wide variety of skin problems including acne.

Acne is a very common problem in which the sebaceous glands become more active and produce more oil. The oil combines with dead skin, dirt and bacteria to block the skin pores, causing inflammation and leading to acne.

The anti-inflammatory properties present in aloe vera help get rid of acne and pimples when the gel is applied on the affected skin twice daily. You can also use aloe vera skin care products to treat the scars and redness associated with acne.

8. Makes Hair Smooth and Shiny

Aloe vera has both emollient and moisturizing properties, which help make your hair smooth and shiny.  It even helps maintain the pH balance of the hair.

Plus, its rich nutritional profile promotes hair growth. It even prevents breakage, reduces scalp itching, and treats dandruff.

1. Cut 2 aloe vera leaves and extract the gel with a spoon or scooper.
2. Add the juice of half a lemon and blend the ingredients in a blender.
3. Apply this mask on damp hair using your fingers, starting from scalp till the hair ends.
4. Wrap your hair in a warm towel for 15 – 20 minutes.
5. Finally, wash your hair with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
6. Use this hair mask once a week or every fortnight.

9. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Level

Aloe vera juice can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar level and reducing triglycerides. For best results, drink aloe vera juice regularly for three months to see a significant drop in fasting blood sugar levels.

Also, aloe vera supplements can help treat peripheral neuropathy (hands and feet going numb) associated with diabetes.

10. Lowers High Cholesterol

Some studies suggest that aloe vera gel can lower high cholesterol levels. When taken internally, the gel improves the quality of the blood and also lowers high cholesterol.

A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology suggests that regular intake of this magic potion can help lower liver production of cholesterol by about 30 percent. Consult your doctor for the proper dosage of aloe vera supplements to take for your specific cholesterol condition.

To conclude, due to the medicinal potential of aloe vera, it is essential to have this herb in your kitchen garden. This wonderful herb will help you solve many health problems at home without the need to go to the doctor’s office.

You can find Aloe Vera products at IHERB.COM

A natural approach to indigestion

A rational approach to indigestion

The term indigestion is often used to describe heartburn as well as feelings of gas or bloating after eating, stomach pains, or fullness in the abdomen. Medical terms used to describe indigestion include functional dyspepsia (FD), gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

These are among the most common complaints in North America, and yet several review articles have concluded that “the efficacy of current drugs on the market is limited at best.” The most popular of these drugs are acid blockers, which work by impeding one of the body’s most important digestive processes—the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) by the stomach.

Bad Block

In the digestive process, stomach acid initiates protein digestion, plus it ionizes minerals and other nutrients for enhanced absorption. Without sufficient secretion of HCl in the stomach, the pancreas doesn’t get the signal to secrete its digestive enzymes. But the manufacture and secretion of stomach acid isn’t just important for digestion. It also helps protect the body from invasion. Stomach secretions can neutralize bacteria, viruses, and molds before they

can cause gastrointestinal infection. So you can see just how much potential harm acid-blocking drugs can cause.

The Natural Approach

With chronic indigestion, the rational approach is to focus on aiding digestion rather than blocking the digestive process with antacids. Indigestion can be attributed to a great many causes, including both increased secretion of acid and decreased secretion of acid. In fact, most nutrition-oriented physicians believe that lack of acid—not excess acid—is the true culprit in many cases.

The first step is to eliminate common causes of GERD/NUD, including overeating, obesity, coffee, tomatoes, citrus fruit, chocolate, fried foods, carbonated beverages, tobacco, and alcohol. In many cases, simply eliminating or reducing these irritants is all that’s necessary to relieve GERD/NUD. Other tips include decreasing portion size at mealtime, chewing food thoroughly, eating leisurely in a relaxed atmosphere, and not eating within two hours of bedtime.

HCI supplementation can produce relief for many. Typically, when heartburn, abdominal bloating and discomfort, and gas occur within 15—30 minutes after eating, a lack of HCl is the cause. If such symptoms occur after 45 minutes, it’s usually a sign of lack of pancreatic enzymes. Keep in mind that pancreatic enzyme secretion is triggered by HCl in the stomach. So taking HCl can lead to improved release of pancreatic enzymes sometimes.

Digestive enzymes are the most effective treatment for pancreatic insufficiency. I have found the best results with multi-enzymes from vegetarian sources. They have a broader range of activity. Follow label directions for dosage.

More Natural Ways to Ease Heartburn and Acid Reflux

There are many promising, yet little-known, natural solutions to heartburn. The following are just a few that may offer help.

• Try a product with zinc and L-carnosine: This particular combination has been shown to protect and soothe the gastric mucosal lining.
• Chew DGL wafers: This specific form of the herb licorice has been shown to be highly effective at decreasing acid reflux, heartburn,
  and even ulcers.
• Drink aloe vera juice: The juice of the aloe plant has a healing effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
• Sip chamomile tea after meals: It has been shown to help reduce esophageal irritation.
• Make chewable papaya enzymes your after-dinner “mint” of choice: The enzymes in papaya naturally help quell digestive upset.
• Try eliminating gluten from your diet: Some people find that their heartburn and acid reflux disappear after they stop eating gluten.
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YOU can find all supplements from article at IHERB.COM

Nutritional Supplements for Osteoarthritis

Why collagen may be more important for bones than calcium

Bones are made up of dynamic living tissue that requires a wide range of nutrients—not just minerals such as calcium—to maintain optimum health.

While minerals tend to get all of the attention when it comes to bones, decreased collagen content is also an important factor in osteoporosis and low bone density.

Collagen is to our bones what two-by-fours are to the frame of a house. It’s the compound that provides the framework upon which mineralization occurs. As our collagen levels decline with age, this becomes a problem. Because if you don’t have enough collagen, it doesn’t matter how much calcium you take, the mineral won’t be bound within the bone.

With that in mind, it’s clear that we need to include strategies for improving the collagen matrix along with traditional mineral supplementation in any bone health regimen.

The Downside of Drugs

One problem with bisphosphonate drugs used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (e.g., Boniva, Fosamax, and Actonel) is that they don’t improve bone quality. Sure, they can increase bone density. But because they don’t address issues with the organic collagen matrix, they can actually make bones brittle.

High-quality bone is strong and resilient, much like bamboo. In contrast, bone that’s pumped up on bisphosphonates is more like chalk—dense, but very brittle. People who are on bisphosphonates need to focus on improving their collagen matrixes to help fix the problems that these drugs produce. Increasing the collagen content of the bone leads to greater strength and flexibility, thereby increasing resistance to fractures.

Significant Supplements

To help improve the collagen matrix and promote bone health, the following key nutrients—along with 800—1,000 mg per day of calcium—are recommended:

• Silica: A highly bioavailable from of silica (ch-OSA or Choline Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid, the ingredient in BioSil) has shown impressive clinical results in improving bone health and bone mineral density. In a double-blind study of post-menopausal women with low bone density, BioSil was able to increase both the collagen content of bone (by 22 percent) and bone density (by 2 percent) within the first year of use. The recommended dosage is 6—10 mg per day.
• Vitamins K1 and K2 impact osteocalcin, a protein that anchors calcium molecules within the bone. Vitamin K is required to convert inactive osteocalcin to its active form, so a lack of it in the diet is a major risk factor for osteoporosis, even among those with a high calcium intake. The best food sources of vitamin K include spinach, swiss chard, kale, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and green beans. A typical supplement dosage for vitamin K is 100 mcg daily.
• Vitamins B6 and B12, and folic acid help convert the amino acid methionine to cysteine. Any deficiency in these vitamins can lead to an increase in homocysteine levels, which has been implicated in various conditions, including osteoporosis. When shopping for B vitamins, look for a formula that contains the methylcobalamin form of vitamin B12 for optimal absorption.
• Vitamin D3 supplementation is associated with increased bone density, and studies that combine vitamin D with calcium have produced considerably better results than either nutrient alone. Most experts recommend daily doses of at least 2,000 IU of D3.
• Magnesium. Research has shown that women with osteoporosis have lower bone magnesium content and other indicators of magnesium deficiency than those without osteoporosis. A dosage
  of 250—500 mg daily is generally recommended.
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YOU can find all supplements from article at IHERB.COM

Boost Your Immune System

What is low immune function?

Low immune function refers to an underactive and poor performing immune system. The immune system’s prime function is to protect the body against infection and the development of cancer. Support and enhancement of the immune system is perhaps the most important step in achieving resistance to disease and reducing susceptibility to colds, flus, and cancer. Supporting the immune system involves a health-promoting lifestyle, stress management, exercise, diet, and the appropriate use of nutritional supplements and herbal medicines.

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, it is a sign that your immune system needs support:

• Do you catch colds easily?
• Do you get more than two colds a year?
• Are you suffering chronic infection?
• Do you get frequent cold sores or have genital herpes?
• Are your lymph glands sore and swollen at times?
• Do you have now or have you ever had cancer?

Recurrent or chronic infections-even very mild colds-only occur when the immune system is weakened. Under such circumstances, there is a repetitive cycle that makes it difficult to overcome the tendency toward infection: a weakened immune system leads to infection, infection causes damage to the immune system, which further weakens resistance. Enhancing the immune system can provide the answer to breaking the cycle.

What causes low immune function?

The health of the immune system is greatly impacted by a person’s emotional state, level of stress, lifestyle, dietary habits and nutritional status. Nutrient deficiency is the most frequent cause of a depressed immune system. An overwhelming number of clinical and experimental studies indicate that any single nutrient deficiency can profoundly impair the immune system.

What dietary factors are important in low immune function?

Optimal immune function requires a healthy diet that is (1) rich in whole, natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, and nuts, (2) low in fats and refined sugars, and (3) contains adequate, but not excessive, amounts of protein. On top of this, for optimal immune function, an individual should drink five or six 8-ounce glasses of water per day (preferably pure); take a high potency multivitamin-mineral supplement; engage in a regular exercise program of at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise and 5-to-10 minutes of passive stretching daily; perform daily deep breathing and relaxation exercises; take time each day to play and enjoy family and friends; and still get at least 6-to-8 hours of sleep daily.

One of the more damaging food components to our immune system is sugar. In one study, the ingestion of 100 gram (roughly 3-1/2 ounces) portions of carbohydrate as glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey, and pasteurized orange juice all significantly reduced the ability of white blood cells (neutrophils) to engulf and destroy bacteria. In contrast, the ingestion of 100 grams of starch had no effect. These effects started within less than 30 minutes after ingestion and lasted for over 5 hours. 

Typically, there was at least a 50% reduction in neutrophil activity two hours after ingestion. Since neutrophils constitute 60-to-70% of the total circulating white blood cells, impairment of their activity leads to depressed immunity.

Some of the most important food components to enhance immune function are the carotenes. Many of the immune-enhancing effects of carotenes, as well as other antioxidants, are due to their ability to protect the thymus gland from damage. The thymus is the major gland of our immune system. It is composed of two soft, pinkish-gray lobes lying in a bib-like fashion just below the thyroid gland and above the heart. The thymus gland shows maximum development immediately after birth. During the aging process, the thymus gland undergoes a process of shrinkage or involution. 

The reason for this involution is that the thymus gland is extremely susceptible to free radical and oxidative damage caused by stress, drugs, radiation, infection, and chronic illness. When the thymus gland becomes damaged, its ability to control the immune system is severely compromised.

The thymus is responsible for many immune system functions, including the production of T lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The thymus gland also releases several hormones, such as thymosin, thymopoeitin, and serum thymic factor, which regulate many immune functions. Low levels of these hormones in the blood is associated with depressed immunity and an increased susceptibility to infection. 

Typically, thymic hormone levels will be very low in the elderly; individuals prone to infection; cancer and AIDS patients; and when an individual is exposed to undue stress. Carotenes and other antioxidants may ensure optimal thymus gland activity by preventing damage to the thymus by free radicals and pro-oxidants.

Beyond protecting the thymus gland, carotenes have been shown to enhance the function of several types of white blood cells, as well as increase the antiviral and anticancer properties of our own immune system mediators, such as interferon. Simply stated, carotene-rich foods and drinks appear to be able to boost immunity.

Foods high in carotenes include colored vegetables, such as dark greens; yellow and orange squash, carrots, yams, and sweet potatoes; and red peppers and tomatoes. Also important for proper immune function, including protecting against cancer, is the inclusion of cabbage family vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower, collards, kale, and greens from mustard, radish and turnip), flavonoid rich berries, garlic and Jerusalem artichoke in the diet.

Yogurt has an ability to boost immune function, particularly when made with large amounts (billions per serving) of Bifidobacterium lactis. Consuming yogurt with Bifidobacterium lactis increases the proportions of total, helper, and activated T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. 

Other effects include an increase in immune cells’ ability to phagocytize or engulf and destroy invaders as well as the tumor cell killing ability of their natural killer cells.

What nutritional supplements should I take for low immune function?

Foundation Supplements. 

There are three products that I think are critical in supporting good immune function:

• A High Potency Multiple Vitamin and Mineral Formula
• Vitamin D3: 2,000-5,000 IU/day
• Fish oil: 1,000 to 3,000 mg EPA+DHA/day.
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A high-potency multiple-vitamin and mineral formula is the first step in supporting the immune system with nutritional supplementation as it will address any underlying nutritional deficiencies. Deficiencies of virtually any nutrient can result in significantly impaired immune function especially deficiencies of vitamins C, E, A, B6, B12, and folic acid. Minerals that are especially important are zinc, iron, and selenium. In addition to a multiple, some specific nutrients are helpful in boosting immune function: vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A.

Vitamin D3 is especially critical to immune health. Individuals who have vitamin D blood levels lower than 38 ng/ml had twice as many upper respiratory tract infections as those with higher levels. Clinical studies have validated vitamin D’s ability to reduce the risk of colds and flu. To insure optimal vitamin D status, recently most health experts are advocating daily dosages of 2,000 to 5,000 IU.

Echinacea has been shown to exert significant effects on immune function in over 300 scientific investigations, not all of the clinical studies have been positive. Mixed results from clinical studies with Echinacea are most likely due to lack of or insufficient quantity of active compounds. Echinamide® is a patented, clinically proven, product that guarantees high levels of the three key active groups of compounds responsible for echinacea’s actions on the immune system. Follow label instructions.

Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat viral infections including the common cold. Clinical studies in China have shown it to be effective when used as a preventive measure against the common cold. It has also been shown to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms in acute treatment of the common cold, as well as raise white blood cell counts in chronic leukopenia (a condition characterized by low white blood cell levels). Research in animals indicates that astragalus apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system. In particular it appears to stimulate white blood cells to engulf and destroy invading organisms and cellular debris as well as enhance the production of interferon (a key natural compound produced by the body to fight viruses). Follow label instructions.

NOTE: Astragalus is one of the main components of the Anti-V product from Natural Factors. Other components of this formula include: Echinamide®;  lomatium (Lomatium dissectum); reishi (Ganoderma lucidum); and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Follow label instructions.

Wellmune is a special beta-glucan preparation from baker’s yeast that has been shown to be effective in several double-blind studies in boosting immunity in preventing colds and the flu. Subjects were treated daily with either 500 mg of Wellmune or a placebo for 90 days. In one of these study results, the Wellmune group reported:

• No missed work or school due to colds, compared with 1.38 days of work/school missed for the placebo group.
• No incidence of fever, compared with 3.50 incidence in the placebo group.
• An increase in quality of life, including physical energy and emotional well-being, as measured by a clinically validated health survey questionnaire.

Medicinal mushrooms like maitake, shitake, reishi, and cordyceps possess significant immune enhancing effects. Much of this activity is also due to the presence of beta-glucans. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have shown that mushroom beta-glucans activate white blood cells. Follow label instructions.

Probiotics refer to health-promoting bacteria products containing species like Lactobaccilli and Bifidobacter. These preparations can be valuable aids in boosting immunity. Take 6 to 12 billion live colony forming units (CFU) daily.

Comment:

Our mood and attitude have a tremendous bearing on the function of our immune system. The bottom line is that when we are happy and optimistic, our immune system functions much better. Conversely, when we are depressed, our immune system tends to be depressed. When a person is under more stress or is depressed, they will need to make a conscious effort to boost their immune system – that includes taking their supplements. 

It is not only major life stresses that can cause depressed immune function, but the more significant the stressor the greater the impact on the immune system. Negative emotions suppress immune function while positive emotions enhance immune function. In my clinical practice, whenever patients are suffering from low immune function I will ask them who their favorite comedian is and then write a prescription for them to watch a movie or TV show that features that comedian. The bottom line is that if you want to have a healthy immune system, you need to laugh often.

How do I know if the recommendations are working?

Fewer colds and other virus infections, shorter bouts of infections, and better overall resistance to infections.