Friday, August 1, 2014

38 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Family Healthy, Naturally

By Lorene Troyer

Have you ever thought about making some lifestyle changes for you or your family but it seems too overwhelming or even impossible. Or maybe you're just not sure how to get started. One way to overcome these feelings of overwhelm is by taking small steps rather than making dramatic changes.

Living healthier does not have to be an overwhelming process. Here are some practical things I do (or at least think about doing) to help my family and myself stay healthy.

1. I got familiar with the health food stores in our area. I found out where they are located and what they carry. I read the labels on their products and asked questions. Not everything that's sold in a health food store is good but I found I was able to replace a lot of the items we used with a healthier product.  I also search for items online and buy a lot of products from Amazon.

2. I use air-dried sea salt in place of regular table salt. Unrefined sea salt contains mineral elements that the body needs without the unhealthy additives found in regular salt. I use Himalayan Salt or Celtic Sea Salt when cooking for my family.


3. We use butter rather than margarine. Organic is best, but not always in the budget. Butter is a natural food and is a source of vitamins, minerals and important fatty acids. Margarine is an unnatural substance and often contains (highly unhealthy) trans-fatty acids.

4. I try to minimize the use of refined sugar (corn syrup, table sugar etc.) in our diet. Excessive use of refined sugar is linked to cardiovascular problems and cancer. It can also suppress the immune system and reduce resistance against infectious disease.

5. Instead of refined sugar, I sometimes use  Raw Honey as a sweetener. (Should not be given to children under 1 year of age). Raw honey is chock-full of nutrients and contains many medicinal properties. 

Frequently, I add a bit of Stevia to foods that require sweetening. For example, I may add a little bit to my son's cereal and then a teaspoon or two of sugar. The stevia is very sweet but has an aftertaste, so I mainly use it to cut down on the amount of sugar I need to use. 

6. We use Natural Deodorants instead of antiperspirants. Deodorants counteract odor while allowing your body to perspire and get rid of toxins. I check to make sure the deodorants are free of aluminum and other dangerous substances before I buy them.

7. I encourage my children to eat 100% whole wheat bread, rather than white bread. The whole wheat bread is more nutritious and is a good source of fiber. In a 10-year study ending in 1984, Harvard researchers found that adults who ate high-fiber breads had fewer strokes and heart attacks than those who ate bagels and baguettes. Fiber is also helpful in weight control.

8. As our budget allows, we use organic beef and chicken rather than regular. Organic meat is free from the antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides often found in other meats.

9. We get plenty of sleep. This helps bolster the immune system and helps the body function at its peak. Some researchers say that every hour of sleep we get before midnight is worth 3-4 hours after midnight.

10. I try to avoid heating food in the microwave. (Although my son still uses it to make popcorn). Some researchers say that nuking food turns it into an unnatural substance, which can cause cancer, long-term brain damage, loss of memory, emotional instability and a host of other problems.

11. I try to drink at least 2 quarts of purified water every day (I have to admit, most of the water I drink comes in the form of tea). Some of the many benefits of drinking water include improved energy levels, healthier, smoother skin, removal of toxins from the body, and better mental performance.

12. We spend time in the sun. Sunlight helps the body make vitamin D, which has been shown to prevent many forms of cancer‚ as well as heart disease‚ multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and numerous other ailments and diseases.

13. I read the labels on the foods at the grocery store. It's good to know what we are putting in our mouth. Just because it is sold as a food in the grocery store does not mean we should eat it :)

14. I try to avoid buying foods that contain interesterified fats (may also be called high stearate or stearic rich fats) or hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. According to my research, these oils are unnatural and are associated with many serious health issues such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. I opt instead to use butter, animal fat or natural oils such as olive, or coconut. 

15. We don't buy or consume foods or drinks that contain aspartame, saccharin or sucralose. These sugar substitutes are unnatural toxins that the body either has to get rid of or store and can cause dangerous side effects. A healthier alternative is the Stevia, which is a natural sweetener.

16. I use Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar in my diet (haven't yet got the kids or hubby to drink it, though). Studies indicate that vinegar removes toxins from the body, helps control weight, supports the immune system, increases energy levels, fights allergies and offers many other health benefits. It's good to dilute it so it doesn't cause damage to the teeth- 2-3 teaspoons of vinegar mixed in a tall glass of water sweetened with raw honey makes a healthy cocktail.

17. I've cut down on the processed milk in my diet. While clean raw milk from pastured cows is a wholesome food, processed milk does not have much nutritional value and is linked to various ailments such as diabetes, allergies, heart disease, asthma, headaches etc.

18. What to do about cell phone radiation? I keep the phone away from my body as much as possible by using the speaker phone. Other options are to use an air tube headset or attach a ferrite bead on the phone headset.


19. We exercise regularly. Nothing too earth-shaking- a walk around the neighborhood, a leisurely bike ride, a game of tag with the kids. Evidence shows that even moderate exercise can strengthen the immune system, improve cholesterol levels, reduce stress and increase energy.

20. I  remind my children (and myself) to practice our good posture. Keep the shoulders back, head lifted, pull in abdomen, and chin parallel to the ground. This will decreases risk of backaches and pains and the organs function better. It also increases the ability to concentrate and think. 

21. I try to avoid drinking, bathing or taking showers in chlorinated water. Studies indicate that chlorine is linked to heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. There are many products on the market that will effectively remove chlorine elements from the water supply. We use an inline Shower Filter for our shower and a reverse osmosis filtering system for our drinking water.  

22. Frequent hand washing is encouraged around our house- especially after using the restroom, before eating and or after coming home from shopping etc. Nontoxic hand cleaner or wipes are a  viable option when traveling or when soap and water are not available.

23. Whenever possible, we use eggs from free range pastured hens. These are shown to be more nutritious than regular "grocery store" eggs. Another option is to purchase eggs marked DHA or high omega 3.

24. Grudges and strife are not allowed in our home. Research shows that holding on to bitterness and feelings of resentment can cause long-term health problems while practicing forgiveness lowers the heart rate and blood pressure and reduces stress levels.

25. Keep live plants in the home. Plants emit oxygen and absorb toxins and carbon dioxide that are present in the air. It is recommended to have one plant for every 100 square feet. I have to confess, the only plant I've been able to keep alive in my home is a cactus plant.

26. Laugh often. The Bible says, "A merry heart does good like a medicine." Laughter reduces stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, and builds up resistance to disease.

27. I've started burning Soy Candles instead of paraffin-based candles in our home, because the paraffin-based candles release toxins in the air that can lead to health problems. A better though more expensive alternative would be pure beeswax candles.

28. Practice breathing deeply. Breathing from the diagram rather than the chest helps the body get rid of toxins, harmful organisms and abnormalities such as cancer cells. It's being done right if the stomach moves out whenever a deep breath is taken.  

29. Another good piece of advice (that I don't necessarily follow) is to chew food well before swallowing- 25 to 50 times per bite. This helps the body absorb the nutrients it needs and helps prevent overeating. Food that's not chewed well can cause bloating, gas and constipation.

30. Avoid wearing tight clothes. It can cause compressed nerves leading to back and leg pain. It may also block the lymph system, which is the body's first line of defense against toxins, harmful organisms and cancer cells.    

31. We don't reuse disposable plastic water bottles. Some research has shown that repeated use causes toxins from the plastic to leach into the water. Instead, we use reusable plastic bottles on trips and at sporting events.  

32. I refuse to allow amalgam (silver) fillings to be put in my family's teeth. Amalgam is about 50% mercury, a heavy metal toxin which can cause symptoms such as depression, insomnia, forgetfulness and confusion. There are safer alternatives.

33. When cooking or baking, I sometimes replace some or all of the regular white flour with a healthier alternative such as whole wheat flour, spelt or oat bran. These substitutes are far more nutritious and are a good source of fiber.

34. I've started eating dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Research indicates that dark chocolate can decrease blood pressure, and lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It has a lot of calories so I enjoy it in moderation.   

35. I don't blindly follow the advice of our physicians. While doctors can be a great source of information, the responsibility for my health and well-being ultimately rests on me. I ask questions and do my own research to find out what my options are.

36. I don't buy antibacterial soaps and cleaners. Most of these products contain a dangerous substance called triclosan and do not clean any better than other products. If I see the words "kills germs," "antibacterial," or "triclosan," on the label, it's my cue to look for an alternative.

37. I personally avoid soda (or pop, depending on where you live), and also try to discourage my children from drinking too much of it. Research has linked soft drinks to osteoporosis, obesity, tooth decay and heart disease. Healthier alternatives include tea, water or fruit juices.

38. I try to minimize my family's use of over the counter pain pills such as acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen. These pills, when used excessively, can cause many dangerous issues such as heart attacks, bleeding gastric ulcers, and serious liver problems. Whenever possible, I use natural alternatives such as herbal or vitamin supplements, ice packs etc.


So there you have it, some simple ideas of things I can do to keep myself and my family healthy naturally. Did I miss anything. Feel free to share your comments with us.  


Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Natural Healthy Remedies: 5 Simple Ways to Stay Healthy

This author tells us how to stay well in natural healthy way using methods that many people often overlook. There is a connection between how you live and  how healthy you are.  

5 Different Ways of Staying Healthy
By Lisa Granger

Here are five simple ways of staying healthy.

1. Reduce Stress

There is good stress and bad stress (distress). If we have absolutely no stress in our lives, life will be very boring indeed, however, if we have too much stress then life will be - well - stressful.

In our fast paced life we tend to take on too many responsibilites that wear our bodies out. There is only so much we can do in any given day. Setting priorities and practicing good time management is one way of reducing stress.

2. Take Control of your Emotions

Being constantly angry and resentful is not a healthy attitude. Research has shown that anger can cause cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Learning to control your emotions is critical to enjoying a healthy lifestyle. The bible tells us that "a cheerful heart is good medicine" (Prov. 17:22)

3. Exercise

Regular exercise I'm sure you've heard over and over again is vital to staying healthy. You don't need to spend money you don't have to attend the gym or hire a personal trainer (unless you really want to). The simplest and most effective form of exercise is walking.

Walk to the supermarket, walk to school, walk to work, walk two blocks and back, drive to the park and walk a few laps, walk to your friends house - just walk. In biblical times walking was a way of life and the average person lived to about 70 years.

Walking will help you to control your weight and blood pressure and significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks.

4. Practice Safe Sex

Did you know that there are over 40 kinds of Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Some of these have no symptoms until it is too late, and can still be contagious. HIV/AIDS as we all know has no cure, and can cause death if not properly treated. It is always better and wiser to save sex for marriage and to be faithful to your partner in order avoid contracting any STD which can be detrimental to your health.

5. Live a Righteous Life

"Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead fear the Lord and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality". (Prov. 3:7-8).

When you listen to God by reading the bible and apply what you have learnt to your life, your quality of life will be greatly improved. You will experience overall good health, happiness, financial freedom and everything else that constitutes living a happy life. Of course life will still be full of challenges, but look at these as good stress and learn how to handle them effectively.

Read more on how to live a healthy stress free life on my website http://www.howtoimproveyourlife.info/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Granger
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Different-Ways-of-Staying-Healthy&id=1525793



Natural Healthy Remedies

Monday, November 9, 2009

Natural Healthy Remedies: Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar

If you are looking for an inexpensive, easy way to increase your energy levels, and help your body stay healthier, don’t overlook the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar. I started using it years ago, when I was looking for a natural means to get rid of food allergies.

To get the benefits I am talking about, you will need to use organic, unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar. This can be found in your local health food store or online. I buy it by the gallon from Amazon.

Here are some of the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar:

It may help to:
Remove toxins from the body
Control weight
Support the immune system
Improve complexion
Increase energy levels
Fight allergies
Get rid of constipation
Control blood glucose levels
Ease leg pains

Using apple cider vinegar offers many benefits but it should be used with caution. It is an acid so it can damage your teeth and the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract if it is not diluted. Taking it with drugs that affect your insulin and glucose levels may result in an additive effect.

My preferred method to drink apple cider vinegar is to mix 2-3 teaspoons of vinegar in a tall glass of water sweetened with raw honey. You can drink this cocktail several times a day.

If you are looking for a natural healthy way to do something good for your body, consider the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar. It is simple, inexpensive and is chock-full of nutrients that are good for you.

Click here for my favorite place to buy raw apple cider vinegar

apple cider vinegar review

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Benefits of Green Tea for Staying Healthy

Not only does it have cancer fighting properties, it also aids in weight loss and offers many other benefits to those who partake of it. Read and enjoy and have a cup of green tea.

Staying Healthy Benefits of Taking Green Tea Supplements
By Louise Williams

The Chinese have been drinking green tea for its health benefits for thousands of years and it's easy to see why. It packs a punch when it comes to preventing aging and disease. The best way to enjoy the benefits of staying healthy. Here are 5 of the most important health benefits.

1.Staying healthy requires taking a supplement every day, you will greatly reduce your risk of getting cancer. The catechins prevent cancers of the stomach, breast, colon, and kidney and are beneficial for treating solid tumor cancers.

It is thought that its cancer-fighting benefits come from its ability to prevent new blood vessel growth in tumors and inhibit tumor cell proliferation.

2. It is very helpful in any weight loss program because it speeds up the metabolism of fat and calories. It also works as a mild appetite suppressant for some.

3. Gree tea also improves your cognitive performance, thanks to the mild dose of caffeine it contains. By taking a supplement every day, you will notice that you can think much more clearly.

4. It will help prevent skin aging due to exposure to free radicals because of the powerful antioxidants it  contains. It also protects your skin from harmful UV-A rays.

5. You can take it to prevent digestive problems like diarrhea, Crohn's disease, and vomiting.

6. Drink it or take a supplement in order to prevent Parkinson's disease.

7. Staying healthy using green tea prevents the formation of blood clots, lowers your LDL cholesterol level, lowers your blood pressure, and protects you against heart disease.

This list of benefits of green tea is only the tip of the iceberg. There are many more health benefits. In order to enjoy these benefits to the maximum as well as other benefits in disease and aging prevention, you should take a supplement that contains many more ingredients than just green tea.

Why take only a pill when you can take a supplement that combines green tea with many other anti-aging ingredients? For example, black cumin, alfalfa, biotin, folic acid, and calcium, to name a few other ingredients will provide far more health benefits.

Moreover, a supplement that contains all of these ingredients working in synergy together will have enhanced effectiveness. So what is stopping you from looking for green tea supplements. With the right combination of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and more, you will be able to put off aging and disease for years to come.

I have been an educator for 20 years. I am also an ailment and herbal expert.www.anti-agingstopped.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?Staying-Healthy-Benefits-of-Taking-Green-Tea-Supplements&id=1920800

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

4 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Winter

This author shares her secrets to staying healthy while the people around her are coming down with flu, colds and other viruses.

How to Stay Healthy During the Winter Months - 4 Incredibly Simple Tips Revealed
By Henri K. Junttila

As the winter sneaks upon us, we start seeing people coming down with flu, colds and other viruses. The best way to protect yourself against this is to live a healthy lifestyle and take care of your body.

In this article I will cover some of the ways I keep myself healthy during the dark, winter months. I live in Scandinavia, where the winters are harsh and dark.

One of the biggest problems during the winter is nutritional deficiencies. One of the biggest reasons why the flu hits during the winter is because of the lack of sunshine, namely vitamin D.

#1 - Staying Warm

Having enough clothes on my body is something that I have a big problem with during the winter months. By keeping your body warm and even having a little too many clothes on your body will help.

#2 - Avoid Junk Food

During the winter months you are most susceptible to colds, flu's and viruses. We also tend to be more depressed when we do not get enough sunshine. Many try to deal with this depression by eating more junk foods, which can lead to more sickness and a weaker immune system.

#3 - Eat Berries

Berries are loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. Try to buy or save blueberries, strawberries, cloud berries and all those yummy berries for winter. You can then make smoothies during to give your body the amazing nutrients that they contain.

#4 - Take a Supplement!

Taking a supplement will give your immune system a big boost because it now has all the building blocks it needs to protect itself from viruses and bacteria.

There are many high quality supplements available on the market today, just go and do your research and compare different alternatives that you have and should have no problem staying healthy during the winter months.

If you're interested in learning more about the high quality natural supplements, visit my website, where I share what products I have personally been using daily for several years.

Henri K. Junttila is a health researcher, and believer of using the best natural options to stay healthy and young. Visit his website http://www.natural-supplements-advice.com/ today to learn more about the powerful health benefits of natural supplements.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henri_K._Junttila
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Stay-Healthy-During-the-Winter-Months---4-Incredibly-Simple-Tips-Revealed&id=3145000

Monday, November 2, 2009

Benefits of Sunlight - Learn How Healthy Sun Exposure Can Improve Your Health

By Darlene Tabler


Despite what we have been led to believe about sunlight, the right amount of responsible sun bathing can make you happier and healthier. Considering the sun as a friend by using it responsibly can be very beneficial as long as we avoid the damaging effects of chronic exposure.


Make sure you understand the risks of skin cancer verses your sunlight needs. Of course we should not get burned or look directly into the sun, but a small amount of daily sunshine on our skin and in our eyes (indirectly) is essential for good health.


New research suggests that sunshine may reduce the risk of many forms of cancer such as prostrate, breast, colon and ovarian cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is our main source of Vitamin D. The major biological function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. And as we know calcium is essential for good bone health.


Researchers have found that Vitamin D from sunlight also plays a role in increasing the amount of oxygen your blood can transport around the body, which in turn, will boost your energy levels, sharpen your mental faculties and give you an improved feeling of well-being.


Chronic skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis have also been shown to improve during safe sunbathing.


The fear of skin cancer is one of the main reasons given for staying out of the sun. During our research we have found that the imbalance of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids as well as the lack of essential nutrients such as anti oxidants from a balanced diet, may also play a role in the development of skin cancer.


The research is beginning to bear out the need for safe sun exposure. By limiting sun exposure, changing our diet ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 to a diet similar to that of our ancestors, (one more closely reflecting a diet ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids) and making other dietary improvements we may start to see a decrease in the incidence of skin cancer.


The best source of Vitamin D is of course UV-B from sunlight or from natural food sources like Cod Liver Oil. Those who can not for whatever reason obtain a healthy amount of sun exposure can satisfy the bodies vitamin D requirements by taking a daily dose equivalent to 1000 IU's of vitamin D from Cod Liver Oil. Remember, Vitamin D in milk and in most vitamins is synthetic and is not nearly as good as getting this important nutrient from the sun.


Darlene is a researcher, writer & blogger whose interest lies in finding healthy alternative solutions to modern health issues. To learn more visit one of her blogs listed below.


http://www.2healthnuts.blogspot.com/ or http://www.thesecretofamalaki.blogspot.com/




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_Tabler
http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-of-Sunlight---Learn-How-Healthy-Sun-Exposure-Can-Improve-Your-Health!&id=118993






Benefits of Water for Human Health

by Vijay009

Nature has blessed us with one of its most precious gifts-Water. It is one of the most vital components of all living beings. Water carries all the essential nutrients throughout the body though it is not a food. Its importance lies in the fact that a person can stay without food for some time, but not without water. It is more important than food.

Water possesses a unique property-versatility. It can be used for various purposes and various needs of the body. It is advantageous in any form be it ice, liquid or steam or hot, cold or lukewarm depending upon the need. The largest constituent of human body is water. About 65 to 70 percent of the total body weight consists water.

The body requires water for smooth and efficient functioning of its various processes. Proper intake of water helps in the absorption of food in the stomach. It eliminates the chances of blood clogging and enables an even circulation of blood to all the blood vessels, even the smallest one. It maintains normal body temperature in all weather conditions and keeps the skin moist, soft and lustrous. It is therefore necessary to drink plenty of water daily to preserve and maintain a healthy glowing skin.

Water also improves the functioning the kidneys by eliminating the wastes from the body in the form of urine and preventing the chances of formation of kidney stones. During hot weather it removes the bodily wastes through skin in the form of sweat.

Water is mainly consumed daily through drinking, other fluids such as juices and to some extent through the food. It is present in most of the vegetables such as tomato, radish and watermelon. The body also has its self mechanism of generating water through combustion going on in the system.

It is necessary to drink plenty of water to replace the rate of water removed from the system so as to maintain a balance. Most of the times there is more water elimination during some physical activity such a walking, exercise and running as there is a great loss through sweat and through lungs. This has to be replaced by drinking water and eating food.

If the normal balance of water in the body is disturbed, there is a direct effect on the vital essential processes. Death may occur within 2-3 days if adequate water is not supplied to the body. Everyday water loss takes place from our body no matter whether we drink or not. So if we don’t provide sufficient water to the body blood thickening takes place which exerts a pressure on kidneys. As a result harmful toxins and poisons get accumulated and may also lead to death.

It also causes several other problems such as acidity, anemia, headache, gas, bloating and nervousness. Sufficient intake of water automatically relieves these symptoms and makes them disappear.

A normal adult should drink at least 10-12 glasses of water per day, whether one feels thirsty or not. This required quantity is necessary to flush out the system and meet the daily needs of the body. Drinking excess water is also considered harmful as it weakens the stomach and kidneys.

Gastric juices get diluted and digestion slowed down, if water is taken along with meals. It should be taken one hour before or one hour after meals. Drinking water early in the morning after getting up is very helpful in preventing constipation and disorders of the stomach. It also aids the formation of saliva which along with some useful enzymes helps in the cleansing up of intestinal tract. Drinking water from a copper vessel early in the morning removes excessive heat from the body and cools the system.

Besides using water internally it is also very useful externally for bathing and personal hygiene. During our regular day to day activities, walking, exertion a small layer of sweat forms outside the skin pores which contain various poisonous substances. It is necessary to wash off these poisons for keeping the skin healthy and glowing. There should be a variation of water use according to seasons. It is beneficial to use warm water in winter, lukewarm water in monsoon and cold water in summer for bathing.

Water used for drinking, cooking and bathing should be free from bacteria and viruses. Proper steps should be taken to purify the water and make it germ free and clean. Boiling water for about 15 to 20 minutes is the most simple process in making it free from bacteria and safe for drinking and cooking. U.V filters can also serve this purpose.

Thus we can say that water is one of the essential needs of mankind. It is necessary for the proper functioning of various body processes and maintaining proper health and vitality. Drinking sufficient amount of water not only protects us from various diseases but also enables our body to flush out various toxins poisons and wastes which are harmful for our body.

Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to Internet Business, do please browse for more information at our websites.
http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com/
http://www.100earningtips.com/

Article Source: Article Directory