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Healthy Lifestyle topic for today is Bitter Melon (Gourd) and Health.

Momordica charantia or karela or Bitter Gourd is a tropical vegetable. The vegetable skin is warty in nature like that of a crocodile. It is bitter to taste. The plant is slender and is a climber. It bears yellow flowers. The bitter gourd is available in many sizes.

Bitter gourd is rich in vitamin A, B1, B2 and c and contains minerals like calcium, phosphorous, iron, and copper, potassium and beta-carotene. It aids purify blood tissue, enhances digestion, and stimulates the liver. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid eating bitter gourd. Since ancient times, the extracts of Bitter gourd have been used in natural medicine. Bitter gourd is a blood purifier, activates spleen and liver. It is a purgative, appetizer and digestive. All parts of the plant, the seeds, leaves and vines, are used for medicinal purposes. Like most bitter fruits and vegetables it promotes digestion. Primarily Asians used bitter gourd to treat malaria. It is said to have a positive effect in controlling the blood sugar level and is termed as 'Plant Insulin'. Three active constituents in bitter melon know as steroidal saponins (charntin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids) are believed to be responsible for the blood-sugar lowering. Rich in iron, bitter melon has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas. It is used to treat blood disorders like blood boils, scabies, ring worm etc.

Nutrients present in the bitter gourd include phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and zinc. It is also among the best-known sources of thiamine, foliate and riboflavin.

There are many health reasons why you should take this bitter vegetable seriously. Here are a few:

Alcoholism

It is an antidote for alcohol intoxication, and helps purify, restore and nourish liver. Its juice is also beneficial in the treatment of a bad hangover.

Blood Purification

It has blood-purifying properties. As a result, the juice is used in the treatment of blood disorders like blood boils and itching due to blood poisoning. Have it little by little on an empty stomach daily, in 4-6 months you will see enhancement in your state.

Cholera

Fresh juice of leaves of bitter gourd is also a useful medication in early stages of cholera.

Diabetes

The bitter gourd is particularly used as a remedy for diabetes because of its hypoglycemic action. It contains insulin-like peptides, alkaloids and charantin, all of which act together to lower blood and urine sugar levels without increasing blood insulin levels. These compounds activate a protein called AMPK, which is well known for regulating fuel metabolism and enabling glucose uptake, processes which are impaired in diabetics. You can take the juice of 4-5 bitter gourds every morning on an empty stomach, add seeds in powdered form to food or prepare a decoction by boiling the pieces of this fruit in water. If you are taking medications to lower your blood sugar, adding bitter gourd might make your blood sugar drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar carefully.

Eye problems

The high beta-carotene and other properties in bitter gourd make it one of the finest vegetable-fruit that help alleviate eye problems and improving eyesight.

Good for stomachimmune syatw

It contains cellulose which is a very good source of fiber thus preventing constipation. It also good digestive agent and helps in stimulating the secretion of gastric juices. This can be very helpful for people with dyspepsia. However, sometimes it may worsen heartburn and ulcers.

 

Immune booster

A glass of bitter gourd juice in the morning can help to strengthen your immune system and increase your body's fighting power against infection. Researchers hypothesize that bitter melon is as an immunomodulator. One clinical trial found limited evidence that bitter melon might improve immune cell function in people with cancer.

Improved Stamina and Energy

Bitter gourd has proved to be a best source for enhancing stamina and energy. Consuming bitter gourd daily improves the energy levels and stabilizes sleeping patterns.

Piles

Fresh juice of bitter gourd is good for patients suffering from piles. Take a mixture of bitter melon juice and buttermilk every morning for about a month and you will see an improvement. A paste of the roots of bitter gourd plant can also be applied over piles to get a favorable result.

Skin care

Bitter gourd is also effective in treating skin diseases or skin infections, eczema and psoriasis. It also helps in keeping the skin free from blemishes and keeps the skin glowing. The blood purifying properties make sure that you don't get acne.

Weight Loss

It stimulates liver for secretion of bile juices that are very essential for metabolism of fats. Thus, if you want to have a perfect, slim figure, then bitter gourd can help you.

 

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Dang Shen is the Pin Yin (Chinese) name for the botanical name of Codonopsis pilosula. A common nickname for this herb is “Poor Man’s Ginseng.” This is because the actual Ginseng is too expensive, and Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) can provide similar benefits without the high cost. As an energy tonic, Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) can also offer other health benefits. Since it is gentler than Ginseng, it can be taken as a supplement more often with fewer side effects.

Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) is a shrubby flowering plant that grows along the river banks or streams and shaded areas under larger trees. Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) cultivated around the world for its beauty as an ornamental plant and its healing properties. It is native to Northeast Asia, which includes China and Korea. It can grow up to eight feet high and has a tendency to move onto other larger trees. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the flowers are bell-shaped with purple and yellow coloration on the petals.

Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) been used in China for over 2,000 years as a tonic for the lungs and spleen to strengthen and enrich the blood, counteract the metabolic activity. Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) commonly known as a heart tonic. It been used to strengthen and tone the heart by helping it to vibrate in a steady, regular rhythm. It used to strengthen the liver and stimulate the production of bile.

Historically, Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) thought to have properties similar to ginseng. The Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參), indicated that it was ginseng from the Shandang region; shen is the key word to describe ginseng or a ginseng-like herb. Like ginseng, Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) referred to as an adaptogen, a substance that non-specifically enhances and regulates the body's ability to withstand stress. Adaptogens increase the body's overall performance in ways that enhance the whole body resist infection. Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) thought to serve the whole body by boosting strength, increasing stamina and alertness, rejuvenating the body, strengthening the immune system, aiding recovery from serious illness, reducing stress, and stimulating the appetite. Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) used to treat a variety of afflictions, including asthma, digestive disorders, fatigue, and high blood pressure. Nursing mothers drink the tea for its galactagogue steps to increase their production of milk.

In the mid-1980s, scientific interest raised in Dang Shen’s, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) potential cardiovascular benefits, especially in patients with ischemic stroke or coronary artery disease/angina. More recent studies have focused on possible roles in liver disease (hepatitis and cirrhosis) and as an antioxidant.

 

CAUTIONS: Not for use if one have the hormone-sensitive disorder such as breast or prostate cancer, or are using anticoagulant drugs. Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) 黨參 should not be used in cases of infection of the digestive system. Side effects been reported, like dizziness, discomfort in the chest area, nervous and anxious, dry mouth.

Herbs in Chinese Medicine: Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) the healing herb Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) - in Energy formulas.

Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) is toning; it is ideal for building energy and effective for Chi of the body.

 

This healing herb is in the Ginseng family and therefore; it resembles ginseng and has the same medicinal properties. However, Ginseng is stronger. It is a perennial herb, and its primary purpose is to create energy. It is suitable for mild chronic disorders that do not need the right influence of Ginseng. Sometimes it used in meals of stew and soups because it is an excellent prevention to heart disease. It used in place of Ginseng as it can be far too strong and expensive. It is milder but still has building energy use.

Dang Shen’s, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) properties

•Aids in digestion

•Helps loose stools

•Aids a weakened immune system and stimulates the nervous system

Improves body function, anti-fatigue and gives energy

•Raises blood sugar

• Enhances blood coagulation

• Improves the function of macrophages.

To take it

•Suck on the bark like a stick

•To be taken raw

•Cook it

•Take it in herbal formulas

Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參)

Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae

Properties: The herb is sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, and acts on the lung and spleen channels. Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) being sweet, neutral, moist, not dry, not greasy and gentle in intensity, it can not only invigorate spleen-qi but also nourish blood and stimulate the production of the body fluid. With its effects similar to, but weaker than those of ginseng, Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) can be used to replace ginseng, but the dosage of Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) should be doubled as much as that of ginseng wherever ginseng used except for emergency treatment of collapse. Therefore, Dang Shen, Codonopsis pilosula (黨參) often used to treat deficiency of spleen-qi and lung-qi, tonifying the lung and control of body fluid and blood.

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The list of causative factors for tinnitus is not going down; rather, it keeps on piling up. Tinnitus is a medical state wherein there is the presence of ringing, roaring, or clanging noise in head or ear. It is definitely not a disease, but it could be a disabling disorder. It is divided into two types, namely: objective and subjective tinnitus.

 

Getting To Know Tinnitus

 

Objective tinnitus is apparent when upon auscultation by the health practitioner, he or she can also hear the noise that the affected individual is hearing. Or it could be that the surrounding structures of the ear could be detected to have some pulsating motions.

 

Subjective tinnitus, on the other hand, it is solely the affected individual who can hear the noise in hid head or ear. It is important to note that noises may differ from one individual to another. Mostly, it includes high-pitch frequencies.

 

Tinnitus is closely related to the presence of inflammation and constriction. It is for this reason that many researchers took time to look into food allergies as one of the causative factors of such disorder. The following information are helpful in order to prevent the occurrence of tinnitus, as well as exacerbating the condition if it is already present, as it is considered by many as a disabling condition.

 

Food allergies - A Causative Factor of Tinnitus

 

Food allergies are abnormal bodily response to food. Our immune system sees food as a threat to our body, thus it protects us using some mechanisms that are manifested as inflammation and vasoconstriction. This is a positive reaction of our body, although as a result, problems could arise.

 

Food allergies, and any sort of allergies, may cause inflammation and vasoconstriction. This thereby makes it as part of the long list of causes that tinnitus has. Let's check which food can actually pave the way to having such disorder.

 

Basically, any food that you are most sensitive at will cause you allergic reactions. But here are the top 5 allergy-causing food that you might try to shy away to get rid of tinnitus: wheat, milk and other dairy products, eggs, peanuts, and soy products. These foods never miss to be on top when people are asked on what food they are most allergic to. Seafood and chicken, in general, are foods that may predispose you to allergic reactions as well.

 

One of the natural, non-medicinal management for food allergies would include desensitization. Desensitization is the gradual exposure to the cause of allergy, in this case the food you are allergic to - seafood, egg, chicken, milk and dairy products. This is an effective way to get rid of food allergies, thus getting rid of tinnitus, too.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6142240

Calcium and Weight Loss

Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for proper growth and development of various systems of the body. It is essential for growing children to develop strong bones and teeth. In addition to these benefits, calcium can also be linked with weight loss. Let's find out the relationship between calcium and weight loss in adults.

A proper and well-balanced diet includes adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrate and fat. A person who eats whole meals at least three times a day is healthy with no excessive fat because vitamins and minerals found in the food stuff help in the absorption and breakdown of large protein and fat molecules. Calcium is one of those substances that act as a catalyst in the process of digestion.

It has been found that people who drink milk on a daily basis and have lots of calcium-rich food in their diet have less body fat than those who do not eat a healthy diet everyday. From this we can safely say that calcium and weight loss are directly related to each other.

Animal protein is sometimes considered dangerous for already obese people. Therefore, doctors suggest we should eat more vegetable sources of calcium than animal or dairy sources. One of the best sources of calcium is coral calcium obtained from fossilized coral reefs above sea level. It is essentially a salt of calcium carbonate or limestone which has been found to be very beneficial in terms of overall health and well-being.

Coral calcium not only helps in overcoming the deficiency of calcium in the body but also prevents many diseases. One of the most prominent benefits of coral calcium is seen in the context of weight loss. Health specialists all over the world link coral calcium and weight loss because of the ability of calcium to lower not only the blood pressure, but also high cholesterol levels in individuals.

One thing that you have to remember is to introduce certain vitamins and minerals to your diet that help in calcium absorption. Many people who eat calcium-rich foods and additional dietary supplements still remain deficient of calcium. This is because the calcium they consume is lost in their urine. Due to this reason, you should consume calcium-rich supplements along with a balanced diet that contain important vitamins and minerals to help calcium get easily absorbed in the bloodstream.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/657250

Calcium Weight Loss Relationship - Shed Pounds and Body Fat With the Help of Calcium

It isn't medical fiction or an old wives' tale: a correlation between calcium and weight loss does exist. If you are one of the millions of people struggling to lose weight, don't you think it would be helpful for you to learn more about this calcium-weight loss relationship?

You know that calcium is vital for healthy bones, skin, teeth, and hair. What you may not realize is that it can help you lose those unwanted pounds as well.

What Does Science Have to Say About Calcium and Weight Loss?

Numerous clinical trials and studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between calcium intake and obesity. Here are some of their results:

1. A study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health found that overweight people who consumed plenty of calcium not only lost a significant amount of weight, but that the body fat they lost was in the problematic mid-body area.

2. Results of a weight loss program conducted in Canada, with the results published in The British Journal of Nutrition, showed that obese women whose diets were deficient in calcium lost nearly six kilos (12.2 pounds) during the program. In addition to following a low calorie diet, the women took 1200 grams of calcium supplements daily.

3. An article in The Journal of Nutrition discusses implications of clinical trials that calcium may contribute to prevent obesity and the occurrence of insulin resistance syndrome.

Data suggest that the brain can tell if your diet is lacking in calcium, and then spurs the body to eat more. On the other hand, a scientific hypothesis suggests sufficient calcium intake can stop your food cravings or desire to eat more.

Best Sources of Calcium From Which You Can Choose

You can get your calcium from many kinds of food. Some of the plant-based sources are almonds, spinach, oranges, and peas. Fishes like sardines and salmon are also rich in calcium. Plus, of course, dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt -- though you should probably opt for low-calorie dairy products since you're trying to lose weight.

Calcium supplements are likewise an excellent source of this important nutrient. The right one can give you the daily requirement you need for health -- and it CAN help you lose weight. You have to remember, though, that a calcium supplement is not a magic diet pill. You won't get rid of your flab through calcium supplements alone. But combine it with a healthy diet and enough physical activity, and you might be pleasantly surprised at the results.

Keep in mind that it didn't take you one day to gain all those pounds, so don't expect to slim down in just one day either. Keep your head, and don't let your desperation to lose weight make you go on a fad diet that will only make you sick -- and which will have you putting even more pounds back again later.

Remember, for the best results, consult your doctor about the ideal weight loss strategy for you, exercise, eat healthy, and consume enough calcium. That way you'll experience for yourself the calcium-weight loss relationship at work.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2134588

Calcium and Body Fat

This is the main mineral present in bones and teeth, between them they contain about 99 percent of the body's calcium. The remaining 1 per cent is used for various function in the body such as blood clotting, nerve signals, and muscle contraction. Absorption of calcium in the intestine is regulated by vitamin D. People who have problems absorbing vitamin D also have poor calcium absorption.

The body absorption of calcium can be enhanced by lactose, which is the sugar naturally found in dairy products. Conversely, the body's ability to absorb calcium is reduced by the compounds oxalate and phytate, which are present in vegetables such as spinach, beetroot, celery, and parsley.

People who are following a high-protein diet will excrete more calcium in the urine. It is for this reason that people who have kidney stones may be advised to reduce their dietary intake of protein.

The mineral calcium has been found to help weight loss. Studies have shown that when your dietary intake of calcium is increased, there is also an increase in the breakdown of fat and a decrease in the production of fat. As a result,body fat is lost.

This relationship was discovered when studies of children and adults who consumed higher levels of calcium and diary products were shown to have less body fat. Obese adults who were following a reduced-calorie diet high in calcium lost more weight and fat than those on a reduced-calorie diet with a low intake of calcium.

Researchers believe that each 300mg increase in calcium intake is associated with approximately 1kg(2lb) less body fat in children and 2.25-2.7kg(5-6lb) lower body weight in adults.

When calcium intake is low, levels of a hormone called calcitriol, which is involved in calcium metabolism, increase in order to help conserve calcium in the body. Calcitriol also causes fat cells to expand and increase fat stores in the body. Conversely, by maintaining your calcium levels,you can suppress the calcitriol and therefore help your body increase the breakdown of fat.

Calcium is found naturally in all the foods listed below, which contain at least 150mg of calcium per 100g of cheese, milk, yogurt, spinach, whitebait and sardines, white bread, canned salmon(eaten with bones), almonds, tofu.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2860810

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Food allergies can be a common source of discomfort and symptoms often go undiagnosed. Many people experience the daily effects of food allergies without realizing their unease is actually a food allergy symptom. One of the most common symptoms of a food allergy is weight gain. In the body, water is retained as a way of attempting to protect the body from the irritation of poisonous substances and food allergens. Fat cells also expand to provide a buffer and protect the body. When losing weight, water is often shed, but the body retains the fat because it is necessary to protect you from these toxins and allergens.

 

What causes food allergies? They are caused by reactions, produced by your immune system, to certain types of foods. A food allergy can produce critical health problems in people and in some cases it can be fatal.

 

It has been reported that about 2% of adults have a food allergy, while about 6% of children have the condition. Don't confuse them with food intolerances. Food intolerances don't have anything to do with your immune system.

 

A food allergy specialist will often first ask a patient to write down their three favourite foods and then eliminate those from the diet. This can result in us actually being addicted to the foods that make us sick! The cravings experienced for these foods are based on the same neurochemical responses that lead to drug additions. Removing the three favourite foods from the diet can not only reveal food allergies, without the need for expensive tests, but it can quickly make us feel great after the short period of "withdrawal" to the addictive substances is over.

 

Other common causes of food allergies include poor digestion, nutrient deficiencies; too narrow a food selection in the diet and leaky gut syndrome. Food allergy relief can often be achieved by applying greater awareness of the need for a broad selection of whole foods, and the limitation or elimination of processed foods.

 

While some people may be able to reintroduce foods which once caused allergy symptoms, as they improve their diet and focus on an improved state of wellness, variations in genetics leave some people with permanent allergies to certain foods.

 

Your Immune System and Food Allergies

 

When you have an allergy to food your immune system makes a mistake and treats a certain type of food as a harmful item. In order to defend your body from this food substance your immune system stimulates specific body cells to create antibodies to attack the substance.

 

If you consume that particular item again your immune system releases histamine as well as other chemicals that flow into your blood stream. These chemicals create allergic symptoms. Symptoms of food allergies typically occur a few minutes or up to about an hour after consuming the item.

 

Doctors believe that histamine is part of the cause of many common allergic reactions, such as rashes and hives, runny nose, diarrhea, nausea issues, itchy eyes, dry throat, difficulty breathing, and anaphylactic shock.

 

Most allergies from food are caused by certain types of proteins that are contained in:

 

Dairy (milk) Allergy : Many children are sensitive to this allergen, especially in the infant to pre-school years. Medical research believes this to be because many new mothers chose not to breastfeed, thus using formula instead. Milk-based formulas often are not compatible with a newborn's digestive system. It is normal though, often the child will outgrow this sensitivity as the child's digestive system matures. This allergen can be acquired though at any age in life.

 

Egg Allergy: This is probably the second most serious allergen in any young child, but again the very young eventually do seem to grow out of it. It can be acquired also at any age in life.

 

The third most common childhood allergy is a Soy Allergy. Avoiding soy sounds so simple to many people but the reality is soy is in almost every processed or prepared and packaged food in the grocery store's aisles. Eating all fresh foods is the easiest and safest way to avoid soy.

 

The following allergens now, although more prevalent in older children through the adult years, can also be found in the very young also.

 

Peanut Allergy: this allergen seems to hit the headline news the most often because of its capabilities to create the most severe allergy attack known as anaphylaxis. Without immediate medical care, many sufferers of a peanut allergy can lose their life to the severity of the symptoms.

 

Gluten Allergy: gluten intolerance or a wheat allergy are all different conditions but their treatment program is very close to the same. Avoiding the gluten protein (or several other proteins necessary to avoid with a wheat allergy) generally leads to a much easier lifetime with fewer recurring health drawbacks.

 

Tree Nut Allergies: although not as prevalent as the peanut allergy, this one can be just as serious because of the severity of a possible allergy attack. Many people can show sensitivities to only one or two tree nuts but often not all of them. This information though must be determined by a licensed allergist. Do not attempt an at-home care testing program to determine where your adverse reactions will lie. The chances for a severe allergy attack are far too great.

 

Fish (such as tuna, salmon, bass, trout etc.) and the next category Shellfish (shrimp, crab, clams, and lobster) is often found only in adults. One of the biggest reasons for this though is that very few young children often do not have these two types of foods in their diet.

 

What Causes Food Allergies in Children?

 

Most doctors and medical experts point to milk from cows, wheat, and soybeans as the main causes of food allergies in children. If your child is allergic to soybeans you need to remember to read the ingredients of all the food you buy that will be part of their diet.

 

Soy is in a lot more food items than you might think. You can find soy in protein powders, cereal, and candy bars bread oils, protein bars, fast food, and most meat, especially pork products.

 

Many peoples who have spent frustrating years trying to understand their health problems, only to discover that they do, in fact, have food allergies. Not surprisingly, a great many of these peoples or parents of allergic children tell me that they first suspected allergies, but their suspicions were dismissed by their doctors after their tests results showed negative. It is thanks to sheer persistence that these peoples eventually find the answers they have been seeking.

 

How to Recognise Food Allergies in Children

 

This questionnaire might help you determine whether your child is reacting to foods.

 

Does your child avoid certain foods?
Do behavioural or mood changes occur after a certain food is eaten?
Does your child crave certain foods?
Does your child complain about his/her mouth or throat itching?
Does your child frequently say that he/she feels dizzy?
Does your child have unexplained diarrhea, vomiting or tummy pain?
Do hives or skin rashes sometimes appear?
Has your child shown a strong dislike to a food that was previously eaten?

 

Other symptoms of food allergy in children are moodiness, frequent fatigue, stomach aches, constipation and muscle pain. Blocked airways due to excess mucus are a common sign in babies, whose small upper airways are easily congested.

 

One often missed warning sign is middle ear infections. More than 70% of children get them, and one study reported that as many as 78% of those children are allergic to milk, wheat, egg white, peanuts, and soy.

 

Psychological or emotional problems are also symptoms of food allergies, especially in children. Food allergies have been linked to autism and hyperactivity in children, anxiety, depression, inability to concentrate, mood swings, and 'fogginess'.

 

Kinds of Food Allergies

 

A food allergy can trigger either an immediate or a delayed reaction to food. This and whether or not the reaction involves the high levels of antibodies determine what type of food allergy it is.

 

Type l. immediately or soon after eating the food, you show clear and often dramatic symptoms. If you are allergic to fungus, you might develop abdominal cramps within an hour of eating a ragout containing mushrooms. A child with a type 1 reaction to kiwi fruit might experience severe itching in the mouth or vomiting within 15 minutes of eating a kiwi fruit.

 

Type 1 food allergies they result in high levels of IgE antibodies in the blood so they are easily diagnosed by tests for these antibodies. Many doctors consider IgE mediated allergies to be the only real allergies, yet most food allergies are not Ige mediated. Only 3- 5 % of children and 1-2 % of adults are estimated to be affected by Type l food allergies.

 

Anaphylaxis - a severe reaction that can be fatal within minutes - is a Type 1 reaction. Warning signs are dizziness, light-headedness, swollen tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, fainting or facial swelling immediately after eating food. Get immediate emergency care.

 

Type ll. Though not considered a true allergy by more conservative doctors, a Type ll reaction still results in high levels of antibodies, usually IgA, IgG and IgM, as well as the typical inflammatory reactions.

 

Type lll. Delayed reactions often go unrecognized because the symptoms are not usually obvious, and may occur days after the food is eaten. Also, since they do not involve IgE antibodies, delayed allergy reactions to not show up on standard skin tests or some blood tests. Instead, they manifest as clusters of physical, behavioural and learning symptoms that affect several body systems at once. Type lll allergies are for this reason often called 'hidden' allergies.

 

A person with Type lll food allergies can suffer from recurring breathlessness, mucous throat, sporadic hyperactivity and emotional swings, chronic stuffy nose, and flu-like symptoms. For another person, symptoms can include headaches, itchy eyes, stomach pains, depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and swollen lymph nodes.

 

These delayed reaction patterns of food allergy are difficult to diagnose. Yet health practitioners believe that they account for most food allergies, especially in children. In my opinion, any undefined pattern of illness that involves different symptoms and different body symptoms should be taken as a likely sign of food allergy until proven otherwise


 

 

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TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed) 薏苡 or 薏仁 is also known as the seed of Job's tears and Pearl Barley. The cultivation of coixseed has a long history in China. It is one of the ancient cereal crops in China which can be both used for eating and for medicine. As coixseed has a high nutritional value, it is known as the "king of the gramineous plants in the world". In Europe, it is known as the "the crops of life and health". In Japan, it has recently been classified as an anti-cancer food, so its nutritional value is greatly increased.

 

The Chinese believes that the coix seeds are diuretic, anti-swelling, pus-expelling and cooling. It is therefore most commonly recommended to people suffering from stiff and painful joints, arthritis, rheumatism, warts and eczema. Findings from recent scientific research conducted by Japanese scientists have been positive.

 

As TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed)薏苡 or 薏仁 contains a variety of vitamins, numerous amino acids, lysine, arginine, B1, adenoisine, and thiamin, so it has the function of promoting the metabolism and reducing the burden of the stomach and intestine. Coixseed can be used as a kind of corroborant food for the physically frail patients. Eating coixseed products regularly is also very beneficial to the treatment of chronic enteritis and dyspepsia.

 

TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed)薏苡 or 薏仁 is easy to digest and absorb. No matter it is used for nourishing or medical treatment, its effects are all very mild. Coixseed is also commonly used in many formulas for arthritis and rheumatism since these conditions are associated with excess moisture. Coixseed can enhance the function of the kidney, clean up the heat and promote urination. As a result, it is also very helpful for the patients who suffer from edema. Chinese pearl barley is used as a traditional Chinese tonic for primarily the skin, lungs, and the spleen.

 

It improves the flow of water throughout the body, so it can be used by that experiencing water stagnation such as abdominal bloating and edema (excessive water weight).

TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed) 薏苡 or 薏仁:

 

Promote healthy blood sugar: The fiber content in barley will prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high. Those suffering from Type 2 diabetes should consume more barley.

 

Reduce cholesterol: Beta-glucan from barley's soluble fiber is responsible for lowering cholesterol.

 

Lower the risk of some types of cancer: By the modern pharmacological studies, it has been proved that coixseed has an anti-cancer effect. The anti-cancer active ingredients in coixseed include selenium and together with fiber which can effectively inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, thus it can be used as the adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer, cervical cancer, helps prevent colon cancer and breast cancer.

 

If the healthy people always eat TCM Chinese Herbs, Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed)薏苡 or 薏仁, it known as an anti-tumor agent and can help them reduce the incidence of cancer.

 

Heart friendly: Regular consumption of barley reduces heart disease. In 2005 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that whole grain barley and barley -containing products are allowed to claim that they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. It is a good source of niacin, a B vitamin that provides numerous protective actions against cardiovascular risk factors.

 

Weight management: Barley is good for the control of weight and obesity as it is rich in beta-glucan soluble fiber. Eating fiber-rich foods may help increase satiety or a feeling of fullness.

 

Protection against childhood asthma: Consumption of barley could help reduce the risk of childhood asthma by about 50%.

Nourishing the skin: helping to clear blemishes and soften coarse skin, thus it is considered as a beauty aid in Asia. By grinding the TCM Chinese Herbs, Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed) 苡 or 薏仁 seeds and mixing with honey, a paste can be made to smooth on problem skin, reducing blemishes and redness.

 

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Jiaogulan belongs to the same family of plants as cucumbers and melons, but it does not bear an edible fruit or vegetable. Harvested in the late summer, the leaves of Jiaogulan are dried and used for healthcare products and medicine.

Ancient Chinese medicine has no record of this herb. But recent research has found that it is helpful in anti-aging, boosting energy, combating cancer, prevents tumors, treats ulcers, relieves stress, promotes long life and improves memory, ease pain and adjusting endocrine levels. Jiaogulan is also believed to have calming effects and to be useful in combination with codonopsis for jet lag and altitude sickness.

Its chemical constituents include the triterpenoid saponins gypenosides which are closely structurally related to the ginsenosides from the well-known medicinal plant ginseng. Ginseng alternatives, only jiaogulan actually contains compounds closely related to ginsenosides, although ginsenosides alone do not determine the effectiveness of ginseng. This herb is in the category called "Tonify Qi." This means strengthening energy and vitality.

Little was known about the plant until after the 1960s, when the Chinese began to realize that it might be an inexpensive source of adaptogenic compounds, taking pressure off of the ginseng stock. Think it may be a substitute for the ginseng that was being harvested by the ton. Worried that ginseng would get scarce, they began studies of jiaogulan. Jiaogulan is a plant that is either a female plant or a male plant. When the seeds are wanted from this herb, you must grow both the plants. The jiaogulan does not show any toxic effects.

 

More importantly for heart health, it also reduces cholesterol, lowers triglycerides, helps regulate blood sugar and reduces inflammation. What's not to like? Gynostemma (Jiaogulan) tea has been used in a Randomized Controlled Trial to treat type 2 diabetic patients.

If you decide to take it you might want to start with a small amount for a short time and see how your body responds before taking it full time.

Although it has long been used for beverages and medicine in southern China, praised in China as the herb of immortality, a Japanese researcher, discovered Jiaogulan have many qualities similar to ginseng. It sparks scientific research on Jiaogulan, revealing it to be a powerful adaptogenic and antioxidant herb with many health-giving properties.

Studies have confirmed the Possible Benefits of Jiaogulan
Studies recently have shown it contains many ingredients found in Asian ginseng. The properties that ginseng is known for such as preventing stress from causing an imbalance in the body have been found in this herb as well.

Cholesterol
Scientific studies have confirmed Jiaogulan ability to assist the regulation of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (bad cholesterol), and HDL (good cholesterol, which helps to metabolize cholesterol from the arteries).

Blood Pressure
Jiaogulan has been widely reported to be effective in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Although the exact mechanism is still being researched, studies have shown that it improves the metabolism of the heart directly as well as enhances the release of nitric oxide in the body, which helps to relax the coronary blood vessels.

Digestion
While it is great for regulating cholesterol, it also assists a good weight loss program, by improving and strengthening digestion. At the same time, it helps an underweight person by assisting the absorption of nutrients. This regulatory effect on bodily functions is the hallmark of an Adaptogen.

Strength and Endurance
The results of human studies confirm that Jiaogulan can enhance the contractility of the heart muscle and heart pumping function. Other studies have shown that the saponins (chemical compounds having a soapy characteristic), as well as trace minerals, amino acids, proteins, and vitamins. Jiaogulan increase strength and endurance in the body. Considering these findings overall, Jiaogulan becomes the perfect herb for anyone who wants to improve his competitive edge in any field of athletic performance.

Immunity
Jiaogulan has also demonstrated an ability to support the immune system when under the siege of various destructive agents.

Adaptogenic Properties
Jiaogulan has a biphasic effect on brain functions, energizing or calming the system depending upon need, as well as on the regulation of hormonal functions in both men and women. The healthy maintenance of these physiological actions plays a major role in the body's ability to cope with stress. It has the ability to adapt and regulate our sympathetic nervous system. Depending on the person or the situation it can calm or excite, yet there is no caffeine found in it.

Antioxidant Properties
The results of many scientific studies show that Jiaogulan powerful antioxidant quality protects against free radical damage.

People called Jiaogulan an 'immortality herb' and sometimes called "Southern Ginseng" or "poor man's ginseng". It was used in the Guizhou Province where people make a tea with the plant. The immortality associated with this herb comes from the fact that the people of this area live to be quite old.

Jiaogulan is a Chinese herb also called the Longevity Herb and in Japan it is called Amachazuru and it is used to increase the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in the body. Researchers use the SOD levels in studies as a reliable indicator of long life. SOD is one of the body's most important antioxidants. Human studies have showed that SOD levels can returned to youthful levels after taking it for only one month.

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TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Lou Han Guo (罗汉果).

The “Luo Han Guo” fruit pulp is dark green, is commonly grown in the Guanxii province, southern China, near the mountains of Guilin. It is also known as “the longevity fruit” and fairy fruit to ordinary people because of the steep mountain fields and have a significant number of residents that live to be 100 years old or more! In ancient China, Luo Han Guo was the tributes to the emperors.

It is harvested while green, seeded and then dried before using in tea, soup or other foods. Once harvested, the fresh fruit Luo Han Guo cannot be kept too long, processed and kept in the fridge. After dry, the outer surface of the fruit will be soft and yellow-brown dust and the skin is a bit hard but thin, juice and the inside contains a large number of seeds.

TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Lou Han Guo (罗汉果) is the only nutritious fruit, that all components from the skin to the seeds have a sweet taste, widely used to treat the disease according to rules.

• Luo Han Guo leaves contain terpene glycoside, regularly brewed to make tea and extracts of the various health products.
• Luo Han Guo roots to treat smallpox.
• Luo Han Guo skin heals wound cut.

This TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Lou Han Guo (罗汉果) is use as a cool drink among Chinese. Air drinks can help control fever or circumstances described in the tradition as the 'hot'. The fruit can be used in both drinks and cooked food. Boil some of the fruit in water until a sweet, concentrated liquid, keep the liquid in a cool place and use it as a substitute for both sugar and honey.

The cooked Luo Han Guo extract provides primary health benefits for invalids and people infected by the HIV. It contains high amounts of amino acids, fructose, vitamins and minerals. Its nutrients are not destroyed during cooking. Its nature and sweetness are not affected by heating or cooling thus making it a versatile fruit to use.

It is three hundred times sweeter than regular sugar. However, it hardly has any calories and use as a flavour-filled natural sweetener. Luo Han Guo is a healthier sugar substitutes. However, the Chinese had Luo Han Guo "secret" weapons as a natural sweetener and healing solution for many centuries.

Luo Han Guo is of cool nature and taste sweet, entering meridians of lung and spleen.

From the perspective of Chinese medicine, dryness is the main characteristics in autumn. People are to be exposing to pathogenic dryness in autumn. In autumn choose food which can balance and moisten the lung, to remove all pathogenic dryness in the lung. Luo Han Guo is the priority option and one of the best herbs that can clear lung benefit throat, transform phlegm, stop coughing, and moisten intestines and loose bowel.

Basic clinical manifestations are as follows:

• Dryness in the mouth, nose, and throat.
• Dry cough with little phlegm
• Dryness even chapped or threatening skin in women.
• Malnourished, result in hair loss.
• Relieves constipation induces regular bowel movements.

TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Lou Han Guo (罗汉果):

• Clearing heat, cooling blood heat, promoting production of fluid, stopping coughing, detoxification, rejuvenation and skin care.
• Treat coughing due to phlegm-heat, sore throat, constipation, irritability and thirst.
• Treat dry coughing due to lung fire, sore throat and aphonia, intestinal dryness and constipation.
• Effectively treat diseases like acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, throat burning and acute gastritis.
• The root of this tree can fix ringworm, carbuncle, sore boil, etc.
• The hair of it can be used for wounds.
• Relieve throat infection or cough.
• Prevent heatstroke and cooling the body in hot climates.

Healthy Lifestyle topic for today is on Vitamin C

Vitamin C key role is producing collagen and helps us deal with daily wear and tear. Thus, it is one of the nutrients required for strengthening of tissues, increase gum health and can also prevent premature aging and boosting the immunity. Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C is an essential nutrient found in fruits and vegetables. Fresh raw; foods have the highest concentrations of vitamin c, while whole grains, seeds or beans contain little Vitamin C. Vitamin C is water-soluble and one of the least stable vitamins.

Vitamin C is available in sources like oranges, lemons, gooseberry, papaya, grapefruit, cabbage, broccoli. However, since the vitamin gets washed out while cooking, storage, it is easily oxidized in the air and sensitive to light. It is mostly contained in the watery part of fruits and vegetables, eating raw for better benefit; vitamin C cannot be produce by the body, needed from external sources.
It is unfortunate that most Vitamin C supplement is not natural Vitamin C, and there is not perfect ascorbic acid. Ascorbic Acid can derive from the food (plant).

Health Benefit of Vitamin C:

Allergies and Asthma:
Vitamin C immune system reduces the allergic reaction. Vitamin C with magnesium is beneficial for asthma.

Cataracts:
Vitamin C take increases the blood supply to the visual zones of the body help to prevent cataracts in elder.

Cancer
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, protect DNA from free radical damage, Vitamin C also feeds ones lymphocytes, part of the body's first defense system against cancer. High consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits minimised risk of various types of cancer. People with high levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants is less likely to develop cancer of the lung, cervix, colon, pancreas, eosophagus, mouth and stomach. The antioxidants remove all the free radicals and damaging toxins before they can damage cells/DNA and trigger cancer.

Diabetes:
Diabetics have problems with low levels of ascorbic acid and other antioxidants in ones tissues. These nutrients need insulin to bring them to one cells. Since diabetics do not produce enough insulin, they have problems with antioxidant levels in general. The antioxidants do not flow when the insulin is low, results in poor control of diabetes and blood sugar level, result in excessive free radical production and consumption of your antioxidant reserves.

Colds:
Vitamin C certainly helps reduce the risk of developing colds and conditions like lung infections, pneumonia, etc. Consuming oranges, lemons in fruit or juice form can help strengthen the body and prevent attack from seasonal colds.

Collagen:
Collagen is an essential for structural protein in the body, whose primary purpose is tissue growth. If the collagen has the potential to revitalize quickly, by consuming large amounts of vitamin C as required by the body (not overdose!). Its remarkable activity can result in control various medical conditions like muscular pain, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of blood vessels, gout, aging, rheumatoid fever, etc.

Heart Disease:
Vitamin C is essential for healthy cardiovascular system. Include vitamin E supplement will enhance vitamin C protects against LDL cholesterol in ones bloodstream. It has also lower high-blood pressure individuals with high-blood pressure (hypertension) have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Hyper-Tension:
People with hyper-tension are at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, vitamin C intake helps in lowering the blood pressure.

Infections:
Vitamin C assists in the treatment of the respiratory system like asthma, chest colds, bronchitis. It also helps the mucus membrane in the lungs to dry during times of infection. Vitamin C is also use to treat urinary tract infections.

Immune System:
Vitamin C immune system ones the body. White blood cells are the defenders of one's body, which fight against infections like bacterial invasions, and protect the body. However, these cells require high levels of vitamin C to do their job, which is why it is necessary to consume adequate amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency can result in weak body, susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Lead Toxicity:
Lead Toxicity is a serious health problem found primarily in children. They have behavioral problems, learning disabilities and have low IQ. It may harm the kidney and increase blood pressure in adults. Vitamin C supplements lower the blood lead level.

Scurvy:
Is a gum disease caused due to vitamin C deficiency in the body. Thus, vitamin C helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.

Symptoms are dry skin, hair loss, bleeding hair follicles, swollen or bleeding gums, bleeding eyes, aching joints and bones, fatigue.

If vitamin c deficient in ones diet, the symptoms may take longer to develop and may appear in slightly different ways, such as loss of appetite, poor growth patterns, fatigue, weakness and bleeding beneath the skin.

Women on birth control pills and cigarette smokers are at greater risk of developing a vitamin C deficiency and so are some elderly.

Skin Aging:
Vitamin C function beyond its role as a network antioxidant. Vitamin C needed for the production of collagen, the connective tissue that supports your skin. Collagen needs for the formation of ligaments, bones and blood vessels. It is essentially the cellular glue that holds your body together.

Stroke:
Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid reduce the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease. Diet vegetables and fruits provide a significant amount of vitamin C, which maintains the blood pressure level. Protects the body from free radicals.

Vasodilation:
Vitamin C has effectively resulted in proper dilation of blood vessels in the cases of atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, and high-blood pressure.

Wounds recovering from surgery:
Vitamin C levels may be low right after surgery. To help speed up healing and fight off infections, Vitamin C level needs to be high. It facilitates the growth of the connective tissues, which fastens up the process of healing of wounds.

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Healthy LifeStyle introduce diet and soup for Lupus Patients.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by your immune system attacking your cells and tissue by mistake. It is more common amongst young women. Symptoms are complicated and can change for no apparent reasons.

TCM practitioners have observed some common categories of symptoms in lupus patients. The symptoms are attributed to different types of imbalances in the body. Recommendations for dietary remedies have to be appropriately matched with these symptoms and imbalances.

Try some of the recipes according to the symptoms that you may be exhibiting. Listen to your body carefully. Stop if you do not feel well.

Although many people might be skeptical about the lupus diet, but my hope is that lupus patients will eat well, nourish their bodies and heal their immune systems.

Chinese Pearl Barley Drink

This drink is supposed to be good for lupus patients who suffer from high and persistent fever and have rashes on the face or all over the body.

15-30g chinese pearl barley or coix seeds
Sugar to taste

  1. Cook the barley with water until soft
  2. Add sugar to taste
  3. Drink a cup daily

Mung Bean Sprout Juice

Mung bean sprouts has a detoxifying effect and has been quite effective on patients experiencing pain and inflammation in the joints, suffer from fever, feel thirsty all the time, and have facial rashes.

500g fresh mung bean sprouts
Sugar to taste

  1. Wash the bean sprouts thoroughly
  2. Wrap them in a muslin cloth and crush to release the juice
  3. Add the sugar to the juice and drink

Astragalus congee with red dates and codonopsis root

Suitable for patients suffering from heart palpitations, lower backache, weak limbs, hair fall and fatigue

60g astragalus
30g codonopsis root
10 red dates
100g white glutinous rice
1 litre water
Sugar to taste

  1. Cook the astragalus and codonopsis root till soft
  2. Squeeze the cooked herbs for juice
  3. Place the glutinous rice and red dates in a pot, add water and cook till done
  4. Add the herb juice
  5. Add sugar to taste

Ginseng thickened soup

A tonifying soup to strengthen patients weakened by lupus

100g astragalus
30g American ginseng
50g glutinous rice flour
Sugar to taste
1 litre water

  1. Slice the astragalus into thin slices and wrap them in muslin cloth
  2. Slice the american ginseng into thin slices
  3. Bring the water, American ginseng and astragalus to a boil and lower the heat to a simmer
  4. Simmer until the water is reduced to about 500ml
  5. Add the glutinous rice flour to thicken the soup
  6. Add sugar and serve