Kava kava active ingredients are kavalactones, which have been noted for their beneficial effects upon General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). In one study they noted a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. In particular they noted that 26% of the Kava Kava group, where still in remission at the end of the study, which suggests the good long-term effects of Kava Kava on mental health issues.i

Kava Kava Safety?

There has been some speculation on the safety of Kava Kava, after it was banned from most European countries, after a spate of deaths in 2002. However, as of 2014 Kava Kava has been found safe and reintroduced into the European market.

The reason for the re-introduction lies in the nature of the initial evidence from 2002, which purported a tie in between liver health and kava kava. A German court found this evidence to be too circumstantial in nature. Since Kava Kava has been used for centuries by the Pacific islanders, it is very likely that Kava Kava is safe. However, like all herbs there are contraindications, so since Kava Kava appears to be a hepatotoxic in some cases, it makes sense to avoid it if you have liver disease; other than that it appears to be pretty safe, and certainly it is quite an effective anti-depressive and an anxiolytic.

How to Take Kava Kava:

Kava Kava usually comes in powder form, where it is mixed with a beverage in a mixer. Simply mix then filter and then drink.

Two tablespoons equate to approximately 30 grams of Kava Kava extract. Start off with one serving a day and increase after a

few days if there are no symptoms. Herbs are very safe, but in some case symptoms do arise, as no one herb is ideal for everybody.

Another thing to note, not only with Kava Kava, but also with every herb is that on a positive side they possess far fewer negative side effects, when compared with pharmaceuticals. However, on the other side they are slower to work. So give it around 1.5 to 2 weeks before expecting any noticeable alleviation of symptoms.

Also depression, anxiety and insomnia often go hand in hand. And one thing which Kava kava is really good at is reducing insomnia. If you suffer from insomnia, then take a serving of Kava kava one hour prior to bedtime, in all likelihood you will see a noticeable improvement in symptoms of insomnia, such as difficulty in getting asleep and waking up frequently due to disturbed sleep.

Kava Kava Tea

Many people take Kava Kava with water, but Kava Kava can be mixed with any of your favourite beverages, such as kava Kava tea.

l.Blend 3tbsp’s of kava kava in with 3 cups of water.

2.Heat for 5 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Some people prefer boiling the mixture while others prefer to take it warm or even cold. Experiment a little and see what works for you. Also, when boiled some people find the kava kava to be stronger, tending to numb the tongue and also for some, strong sedative like effects are noticed when the mixture is boiled. So see what works for you.

3.Strain and pour.

Also, Kava Kava can be taken cold and it can even be mixed with 7up or sprite, while other options include mixing it with coconut milk.

Many people hate the taste of kava kava while others love it. Experiment and see what works for you!

Kava Kava Contraindications:

• Alprazolam (Xanax) causes drowsiness. When combined with kava kava this might result in excessive drowsiness levels.
• Medications which are changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) and (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) might become less effective when combined with kava kava.
• Levodopa increases dopamine levels in the brain, whereas kava kava reduces dopamine levels. Consequently, kava kava might reduce the effectiveness of levodopa in some cases.

The post Kava Kava for Anxiety and Depression appeared first on HealthPlace.com.

The “sugar causes cancer” myth is popular these days. Cancer is pretty scary to most people. Nobody really wants to get sick with cancer. And we want to have the security of knowing that we can protect ourselves from it.

Thus, the simple claim that sugar causes cancer appeals to us. Because we think, “Gee, I could give up sugar. It would be a noble sacrifice. And then I’d be safe.”

Unfortunately, as we’ll see, it’s simply not true.

Sugar is the current dietary evil. It is enemy no. l, regardless of which dietary camp one belongs to these days. So whenever something gets pinned on sugar, there aren’t many who investigate it further and refute the unfounded claims. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that sugar causes cancer.

It is true that cancer cells use glucose (a sugar) to fuel themselves. Unfortunately, that is hardly enough to indict sugar for causing cancer, because most cells in the body prefer to use glucose as a fuel source. So claiming that sugar causes cancer is either naive or disingenuous. It would be more honest to state that sugar fuels cells. Period.

How does the body obtain glucose? Ideally from food. The body breaks down any digestible carbohydrate and converts it to the usable form of sugar – glucose. So whether you eat a banana, a potato, a piece of sprouted whole wheat bread, a piece of Wonder bread, a Frito, pancakes slathered in maple syrup, Lucky Charms, or a bowl full of white sugar, the carbohydrates get converted to glucose in order to be useable in the body. (Incidentally, I am not suggesting that all of those “foods” have equal nutritional value. I am merely pointing out that in terms of sugar, each is eventually converted to glucose.)

Advocates of the “sugar causes cancer” myth recommend eliminating all sugar from the diet, in order to “starve” cancer. The problem with this is that in order to remove all sugar from the diet, one has to eliminate all digestible carbohydrates, including the much-beloved “healthy” carbohydrates such as carrots, beets, and beans. For low-carbohydrate or zero-carbohydrate advocates, this isn’t a problem. They would love for everyone to stop eating carbohydrates, whether they come from Frosted Flakes or apples. The problem is that eliminating carbohydrates or even drastically reducing them not only starves cancer cells, it starves all cells, including healthy cells.

Once again, low-carb advocates suggest that this is not a problem – that it is, in fact, desirable. But it is not. Despite what the low carb advocates want us to believe—our bodies need glucose. Our bodies will even synthesize glucose if insufficient dietary carbohydrates are eaten. In other words, you absolutely cannot starve cancer cells of glucose while you remain alive since healthy cells and cancer cells alike use glucose.

Also, keep in mind that there are plenty of examples of groups of people eating high carbohydrate diets among which cancer is virtually unheard of. One such striking example is the traditional Kitavan people who have extremely low rates of cancer and yet eat 69 percent of their calories from carbohydrates (Lindeberg, Eliasson, Lindahl, & Ahren, 1999). If eating carbohydrates (sugar) caused cancer, we would expect that groups of people who eat lots of carbohydrates would have higher rates of cancer. But they don’t.

Timothy Moynihan of the Mayo Clinic speculates that the “sugar causes cancer” myth may be due to a misunderstanding of a common medical imaging test for cancer (Moynihan, n.d.). He points out that medical imaging uses radioactive glucose to look for tumors – not because cancer uses glucose preferentially, but because cancer cells use energy faster than healthy cells and thus concentrate any energy source.

Still, many who have an agenda grasp at anything that might support the view that sugar causes cancer. Thus, some claim that “because ketogenic diets cure cancer” we have proof positive that sugar causes cancer.

In the event that you aren’t familiar with ketogenic diets, they are specially designed to deprive the body of carbohydrates and all but the minimum of protein so that the body is forced to use fat as the primary energy source. Some researchers are currently investigating whether ketogenic diets may be an adjunct to conventional cancer treatment (chemotherapy and radiation treatment) (Allen, et al., 2014).

That research suggests that depriving cancer cells of glucose creates additional oxidative stress in cancer cells because using ketones as energy is not as efficient as using sugar. Thus a ketogenic diet produces oxidative stress in all cells, but because cancer cells have faster metabolic rates it creates more oxidative stress more quickly in cancer cells.

There is nothing about that suggesting that sugar causes cancer. All it says is that sugar produces less oxidative stress than ketones, but because cancer cells have higher metabolic rates compared to healthy cells, using ketones in place of sugar is a “hack” that may increase the self-destruction rate of cancer cells faster than the self-destruction rate of healthy cells.

Furthermore, there is no evidence of which I am aware that demonstrates that ketogenic diets can cure cancer. I have seen at least one study that tested the impact of a ketogenic diet on advanced stage cancers (Schmidt, Pfetzer, Schwab, Strauss, & Kämmerer, 2011). Those who were able to successfully remain on the diet for the duration of the study showed mixed outcomes. Some minor positive outcomes were seen, but some problems were also encountered. Overall, the researchers concluded that ketogenic diets may be tolerable for some cancer patients, but nothing indicated that a ketogenic diet offers a miracle cure.

Also consider this: a Johns Hopkins study demonstrated that at least some cancer cells will adapt to use alternative fuel sources in the absence of glucose (Le, et al., 2013). Despite the apparent fact that cancer cells cannot use ketones as fuel, they are adapted to be able to use amino acids such as glutamine as an energy

source. The implication is that in order to successfully “starve” cancer cells, one would have to not only eliminate all dietary carbohydrates, but also all dietary protein. Of course, the body would then begin to catabolize muscle and eventually even organs in order to meet its protein needs, which would inevitably feed cancer cells as well as other cells in the body. So this strategy of “starving” cancer cells is more likely to starve the person before it starves the cancer.

In conclusion, the claim that sugar causes cancer is completely unfounded. Sugar and carbohydrates in general appear to be an essential part of the human diet in most cases, and restricting them to “starve” cancer is misguided and potentially harmful.

The post Sugar Causes Cancer appeared first on HealthPlace.com.

A pill to cure what ails you would indeed be a miracle and there are plenty of
painkillers that can help ease the pain, but surely it is to the causes we should look in
order to understand the root of the problem.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of this disease. It is seen mainly, but not
exclusively, in the elderly – surveys show that 80 per cent of people over the age of
50 have osteoarthritis and it is ten times more common in women that in men.
Rheumatoid arthritis, however, is an inflammatory condition that affects the entire
body; it is much rarer, affecting just 1 to 2 per cent of the population. It is an
autoimmune reaction where antibodies develop against joint tissues – its cause
is unknown.
So what can you do to help yourself? Why not look to natural preparations and a
modification of your diet to help your condition, rather than simply taking
painkillers to mask the problem.
Researchers have discovered that some foods have pro-inflammatory properties,
while others help to reduce inflammation. The most problematic foods for some
sufferers tend to be the nightshade family of foods, which include tomatoes, peppers,
potatoes and aubergines, dairy products, fried foods and shellfish. Anti-inflammatory
foods include oily fish, fruits, vegetables and walnuts.
Dietary supplements may also help to alleviate joint pain and discomfort.
• Quercetin – a non-citrus bioflavonoid displays a powerful effect in the treatment
and relief of arthritis pain and swelling.
• Glucosamine – this amino sugar has been successful in many clinical studies in the
management of arthritis and its symptoms. Glucosamine is produced in the body and
is a major factor in the production of the joint lubricating synovial fluid as well as
cartilage.
• Boswellia – reduces damage caused by long-term
inflammation. Improves integrity of the blood
vessels around the joint so improving the supply
of nutrients to the area.
• Turmeric – a natural anti-inflammatory agent,
supports liver function and detoxifies compounds
from the digestive tract which exacerbate
arthritis.
• Celadrin® – a natural anti-inflammatory agent
that promotes joint health by reducing inflammation
and restoring mobility.

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EACH YEAR, millions of people suffer from the symptoms of hayfever, which include sneezing, itchy watery eyes, a blocked nose, watery nasal discharge and restricted breathing with
chesty wheezing.
Hayfever is a type of allergic rhinitis that affects people during the spring and summer when pollen counts are high. People with allergic rhinitis may also react to other allergens, such as house dust, mould spores and animal hairs. Hayfever sufferers may find that exposure to these allergens exacerbates their symptoms.
There is growing evidence to suggest that people with hayfever are also likely to have allergies to food. Common food allergens include eggs, fish, nuts, milk, chocolate and wheat.
A hypoallergenic diet (which restricts food allergens) has been reported to help hayfever sufferers.
If you consider going down this route, first seek advice from your health store, practitioner or allergy specialist.

When the body experiences an allergic reaction, the immune system’s mast cells release histamine and produce leukotrienes. These are the chemicals of inflammation.
Quercetin and vitamin C work synergistically to restrict the release of histamine and the production of leukotrienes, thereby reducing the allergic response.
Vitamin C rich foods include citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers, broccoli and other green vegetables, whereas quercetin is found in onions, apples, some vegetables,
berries and nuts. Supplements may be valuable for those allergy sufferers who do not get sufficient of these nutrients from their diet.
MSM, a source of Sulphur, may also be useful for the support of those with allergies.
In one study, 55 volunteers diagnosed with seasonal allergies were given 1,300mg of MSM twice daily for 30 days.
A significant reduction in both the upper respiratory tract [including nasal congestion] and lower respiratory tract [including cough] was seen.
Some nutritionists recommendsupplementing with MSM on a daily basis starting with 1,000mg per day, or half this if in combination with the other nutrients such as Vitamin C and Quercetin.
Hayfever sufferers can try adding garlic and raw onion to their regular diets during the spring, as these foods are known to ease sinus congestion.

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Partially cooked or prepared food, a change in drinking water, poor hygiene standards, bad, spoilt or especially spicy food can all have a profoundly disturbing effect on the intestines.
Probiotics provide strains of beneficial bacteria which are often found in yoghurt or, in a more potent form, in powders and capsules. These bacteria can help to destroy or control harmful organisms such as parasites and bad bacteria and can improve intestinal function. Taken 2-4 weeks before travelling and throughout the trip, probiotics could help prevent anyone falling prey to this often debilitating condition.

If you are unlucky enough to be the victim of traveller’s diarrhoea then the herb Wild Oregano is one of the most potent anti-microbial agents known to man.
Wild Oregano has been shown to kill many varieties of harmful bacteria, fungi, parasites etc., and without the risks or side effects associated with antimicrobial drugs. It may be very
useful as both prevention and treatment of traveller’s diarrhoea.
Wild Oregano combines particularly well with probiotics for this purpose. Ginger root capsules have been shown to be very useful in conjunction with a probiotic supplement, for those suffering from nausea which has resulted from bad food or drink. Look for brands that have patented strains of friendly bacteria as these have been subjected to clinical trials.

You should also make sure that you have a probiotic formulation that can survive without refrigeration.

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There is a wealth of herbs that possess immune boosting qualities. The herbs detailed  below, when combined together  enhance their effectiveness of  immune-

stimulating properties,  and also kill harmful microbes  (which cause infection).

Elderberry

These berries are rich in the important class of antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals caused by oxidation and prevent  cell damage. Elderberry also has anti-bacterial and anti-viral  properties;  useful for treating  cold, flu and upper respiratory  infections.

Echinacea

Echinacea addresses  a broad  range of disease causing micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria  and fungi.

Its immune boosting effects have been confirmed in numerous scientific studies.

Astragalus Root

This herb is one of the most  widely used in traditional Chinese  medicine for the prevention of flu and other respiratory  infections.

Oregano

Oregano possesses potent anti- microbial properties that support immune function during  infection.

Olive Leaf

Has a very long history of use in the treatment of fevers. The leaf exhibits extraordinary effects against viruses and bacteria. The bitter compound oleuropein has been identified as the active substance within  the plant that is responsible for its anti-microbial properties.

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We all feel good when the sky is blue and the sun is shining  down  on us, but often feel a little ‘grey’ to match  the typical weather we experience in the autumn and winter. For some people,  this grey feeling is a more serious problem. They may experience the classic symptoms of depression, including fatigue, lethargy, increased  need for sleep, food cravings and weight gain. For some individuals, this means that every day chores, at home  or work, become  almost impossible.

Formerly known  as ‘the winter blues’, Seasonal Affective Disorder  or ‘SAD’ is now recognised  as a genuine  condition affecting many people  in Northern Europe to some degree.

Although  your GP may suggest a course of anti-depressant drugs, many people  are adverse to going down  that route.

Natural  mood enhancers may help provide  relief.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter formed  in the brain.  It is often classed as the ‘happy hormone’ because of its role in improving mood and is often found  to be low in people  who suffer with depression.

Tryptophan, an amino acid found  in many foods, is needed for the manufacture of serotonin. Include  tryptophan – rich foods such as chicken, turkey, fish, bananas, pineapples, eggs, milk, beans and cheese in your diet to help boost serotonin production. Also, include  bread,  potatoes, rice and cereals in your diet.

They contain smaller amounts of serotonin, but are a rich source of the B vitamins.

B vitamins are important for healthy  brain  function and vitamin  B6 (Pyridoxine) helps to convert tryptophan into serotonin. Foods rich in vitamin  B6 include  chicken, pork, liver and kidney, fish, nuts and legumes. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) helps build  and maintain healthy  brain  cells. Good  food sources include  bread,  rice, pasta and pork.

Folic acid found  in bananas, orange  juice, green leafy vegetables, dried pulses and cereals, is another B vitamin  essential for proper brain  function.

To help safeguard dietary intake,  a  B complex can be taken to supplement the diet with these B vitamins.

Recent research is suggesting that there may be a connection between  a vitamin  D deficiency and SAD. Vitamin D is a vitamin with a hormone-like action  that is manufactured when our skin is exposed to sunlight. During  the winter, when we have less sun exposure,  we are more vulnerable to becoming low in vitamin  D. One study demonstrated that subjects experienced  an enhance- ment  in their mood when given supplements of vitamin  D. A daily multivitamin and mineral formula  will supply B vitamins,  vitamin  C and vitamin  D along with other  essential nutrients.

The herb Rhodiola, has been shown  to help boost  mood by increasing  serotonin production by as much  as 30%. In addition, rhodiola may inhibit the enzymes that destroy serotonin.

One of the most annoying symptoms of SAD is the craving for food, especially carbohydrates and the accompanying weight- gain associated  with comfort  eating. Eating complex carbohydrates (found in whole  grains, fruits, pulses, cereals and fruit) provides sustained energy, which helps to stabilise blood  sugar and reduce cravings.  It has been found  that people  who struggle to maintain healthy  blood  sugar levels, are often deficient in the mineral chromium. Wholegrains, liver, fruit and vegetables are all great sources of this important mineral.  Some SAD sufferers benefit from Light Therapy, where they are exposed to an artificial source of light which mimics  sunlight  for short  regular intervals daily.

The post Feeling SAD? appeared first on HealthPlace.com.

Recent studies have also looked at alterations in brain chemistry and neurotransmitter levels in PMS sufferers, particularly serotonin.  Low levels of this important neurotransmitter are associated with PMS symptoms hence the approach by timing carbohydrate intake to help mitigate the typical ‘craving’ symptoms. The supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor to serotonin, may also help provide support in cases of mood swings, carbohydrate cravings and irritability. Other nutrients associated with influencing serotonin levels include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6.

Dietary intervention may be a key factor as a survey of 39 women with PMS and 14 without, reported that women with PMS consumed 5 times more dairy foods and 3 times more refined sugar than those without.  A low glycaemic, Mediterranean style diet focused on fibre, whole grains, fruit and vegetables, nuts  and seeds,  and oily  fish  has  been  suggested as  an approach  to help  reduce PMS symptoms. Limiting sugar, refined carbohydrates and caffeine also appear to be of benefit partly through improved insulin sensitivity and reduced neuroendocrine disruption.  Additionally, essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic  acid  may  improve  symptoms  of  low  mood  and  irritability  in  some  individuals. However, recent data suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may also reduce common mood related symptoms of PMS including depression, nervousness, anxiety and lack of concentration.  They may also reduce the somatic symptoms of PMS including bloating, headache and breast tenderness. A balanced ratio of n3:n6 would appear to be an important factor in maintaining endocrine and reproductive homeostasis.

Blood levels of magnesium have shown to be significantly lower in PMS sufferers. Results from a 2012 study suggested that a combination of magnesium with vitamin B6, may be more beneficial than magnesium alone, in helping decrease the intensity of PMS symptoms.

Incorporating regular exercise into daily life and finding ‘me time’ to relax is often recommended as a method to help dispel stress hormones from the body. Some practitioners suggest being mindful of over exposure to a range of substances known as ‘xeno-oestrogens’, which act as hormone disruptors. They are largely man-made chemicals found in the pesticides sprayed on our food, plastics and detergents.

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To give you a preview on how to solve your problem, these are some of the important things you have to know. High blood pressure is caused by many factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, heredity, stress, diet, and etc. Therefore, we have to modify them such as by losing weight or maintaining your ideal weight. You better also quit smoking and avoid drinking alcohol.

You can also do active exercises and eat a balanced diet. Moreover, balance your salt and potassium intake to prevent fluid retention.

Try also natural remedies such as the use of garlic which is proven that takes effect in controlling blood pressure. Lastly, maintain a stress-free environment so as to prevent exacerbation of the condition.

The post Easy Ways on How to Control Blood Pressure! appeared first on HealthPlace.com.

How to calculate Blood Pressure (BP)? It is easy as ABC! Before obtaining the BP of the client, you must make sure that he/she did not engage in strenuous activities and have not eaten any food that may alter the result. Also, he/she must not smoke or drink alcohol before the BP assessment to avoid coming up with false high results. He/ She must be in a relaxed and comfortable position.

In most cases, clients are usually seated in a comfortable chair with arms in the table. Patients may also be put in a Semi-fowler’s position if they can’t tolerate sitting. Blood cuff must be attached on the elbow part appropriately. Inflate the bulb and slowly release the valve to know the Diastolic and Systolic pressure.

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