Improve your digestion naturally

Digestive problems are a modern day epidemic in Westernized cultures. Major disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, diarrhea and constipation are all too frequent. The modern day diet and lifestyle is loaded with toxins and deficient in high quality live foods full of enzymes and probiotics. Improve your digestive health naturally with an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle.

The gut houses ten times more microbial species than the overall amount of cells in the entire body. These microbial species break down food pieces into small nutrients that absorb into the bloodstream. They also help to detoxify the body and aid in immunity. The ratio of progenic (life giving) to pathogenic (disease causing) microbes should be 85:15. When this ratio gets out of whack it leads to chronic inflammation in the gut and subsequent digestive problems.

Clean water is absolutely essential for healthy digestion. Most people are drinking water that is laced with chlorine, disinfectant byproducts (DBP's) and other environmental toxins. Chlorine and DBP's sterilize the water and when consumed will sterilize the body. By destroying progenic cultures the body is susceptible to opportunistic pathogenic species such as Candida. This results in digestive problems and inflammatory conditions within the body.

The best water to consume is from a natural spring or through a reverse osmosis filtration system. The natural spring water is the most bioenergetically alive and often contains some healthy bacteria. Reverse osmosis filtration works great for anyone in more metropolitan areas where natural springs are not available. Add fresh squeezed lemon and/or apple cider vinegar to your water as often as possible to add anti-oxidants, organic acids and enzymes.

Anti-inflammatory foods reduce inflammatory activity in the body and help heal the gut. Great anti-inflammatory foods include coconut products, avocados, olive oil, berries & phytonutrient rich vegetables. Healthy meat sources such as grass-fed beef, wild game, wild salmon, organic poultry and organic eggs are great as long as the gut can tolerate them effectively. Utilizing apple cider vinegar and/or fresh squeezed lemon can help the body digest heavy proteins.

Fermented foods boost digestive function

Foods that are naturally fermented help inoculate the gut with healthy microbial species. Homemade sauerkraut, kombucha, coconut water kefir, and kimchi are great. Fermented dairy products from grass-fed cows/goats are highly advisable. These include amasai, fermented whey drinks & raw cheese. Often times a probiotic supplement with bio-diverse range of cultures and over 50 billion colony forming units is advisable.

Non-denatured whey protein from grass-fed cows is also very good for rebuilding the gut. Whey is loaded with L-glutamine and enhances cellular glutathione stores which are both needed to repair the intestinal wall and de-inflame the body. Powerful herbs such as turmeric, g garlic, onion, rosemary, & oregano among others should be used as much as possible to improve immune coordination.

Carminatives are herbs that stimulate the digestive system to work better. These herbs contain a high content of volatile oils that are effective at expelling gas and easing griping pains from the stomach and intestines. They also tone the mucous surfaces & increase peristaltic action within the esophagus, stomach. This peristaltic action propels food and wastes through the system.

The major carminative herbs include coriander, cinnamon, ginger, juniper, anise, fennel, cloves, caraway, dill, peppermint, thyme and licorice. These carminatives are often combined with aloe. Aloe is a cathartic herb that increases intestinal transit time and is used to alleviate constipation. These herbs help tone down the powerful gripping effect that aloe often promotes in the gut. This combination helps stimulate effective and comfortable stools for those with chronic constipation.

Sources For This Article Include
http://www.ehow.com/way_5467562_carminative-digestive-remedies.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/035840_fibromyalgia_remedies_solutions.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/033438_GAPS_diet_healing.html

About the author:
Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.drjockers.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance phone consultations to help you beat disease and reach your health goals

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036351_digestion_remedies_solutions.html#ixzz1zPCKoXQf

Eight home remedies to soothe sunburn

Summer provides the opportunity for vitamin D3 and sunbathing and tanning for many who have been confined to the indoors for several months. It is also a time for more outdoor activities under the sun. But overdoing it, especially at first, leads to sunburn for most.

Knowing how to sooth and heal sunburns naturally is to your advantage. Here are eight natural sunburn remedy tips:

(1) Aloe vera gel may be the best sunburn solution. Try to purchase a tube or jar of gel with the least amount of fillers or preservatives. Even better, simply use the gooey stuff inside a freshly cut aloe vera leaf. You can purchase an indoor plant or plant one outdoors.

Cut off a section of leaf, peal off the outer skin and wipe the gooey pulp onto your sunburned skin. Don't wipe it off. Instantly, you'll feel refreshed and the healing will occur more rapidly without blistering or peeling. You can store the remaining leaf in the fridge for a while. Apply commercially sold gels the same way.

(2) Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is handy for a lot of things, even cleaning or absorbing odors. You should have a box or two available and not just in your refrigerator for absorbing odors.

It can be taken orally for many health issues, from indigestion to cancer. (http://www.naturalnews.com/029099_baking_soda_household.html)

For sunburn, simply mix four tablespoons of baking soda (not baking powder) in a good sized bowl of cool water. Soak a clean cloth or cotton balls in the bowl and dab onto your sunburned area.

(3) Hydrate amply with pure or purified water. Heavy sun exposure often causes dehydration. So drinking more water is a good idea. Sitting in cool, non-chlorinated water for a while helps too.

(4) Skim milk for sunburn? One source claims mixing one cup of skim milk with four cups of cold water, creating a compress and applying to your sunburn for a half hour every four hours until the pain and irritation subside.

(5) Vitamin E gel or fluid is appropriate for a sunburn that went untreated early and is getting out of hand with blistering and peeling. You can simply put holes in vitamin E gel capsules and apply directly to the affected area, or purchase a vitamin E gel or oil directly.

Make sure you use natural vitamin E, not a synthetic version.

(6) Oatmeal essence is as unusual a choice as skim milk, but many swear by it. There are three methods:

* Infuse lukewarm bath water by swishing a clean sock filled with one cup of uncooked oatmeal in the water until it turns milky, then get into the tub and soak

* You can convert a cup of rolled oats into powder with a blender, food processor or coffee grinder. Dissolve the oats under the faucet as the water fills the tub, then soak for 30 minutes. Rinse off with cool water after soaking with either preparation.

* Make a paste using the oatmeal powder and rub it onto the skin. This helps your skin retain its natural oils.

(7) Green tea has been used by some to relieve sunburn pain and boost healing. You can sit in cool bathwater with six or more green teabags floating around, or simply put cool, wet green tea bags onto the affected area.

(8) Apple cider vinegar, unpasteurized and unfiltered, can be used to relieve the pain of sunburn and speed up healing, even if the sunburn gets to peeling or blistery phase. It may sting at first, but it is effective (ACV System details, source below).

Sources for this article include:

ACV System details http://www.scribd.com

http://www.angieslist.com

http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/aloe-vera.shtml

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036350_home_remedies_sunburn_summer.html#ixzz1zP7lDF1p

Gentetically Modified (GM) grass linked to Texas cattle deaths

GM Tifton 85 grass starts unexpectedly producing cyanide gas that kills 15 of 18 cows of farmers herd in Elgin, Texas. A very disturbing story for sure.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57459357/gm-grass-linked-to-texas-cattle-deaths/

If you only choose one remedy for survival and pain relief, grab some Arnica

If you've ever driven by a field of yellow daisy-like flowers and felt a sense of calm, you've experienced the embrace from Arnica, soothing your earthly and invisible aches and pains. Arnica montana, or Leopard's bane has been in use medicinally since the 1500s, and is both an herbal medicine and a homeopathic remedy made from these lovely flowers. Many natural practitioners believe it is one of the most useful remedies in the medicine chest for a multiplicity of conditions. If it hurts, Arnica makes better -- almost always. Of course there are thousands of homeopathic and herbal medicines for specific ailments; however, in almost every case of injury or shock -- no matter how small -- Arnica should be your first go-to treatment.

Arnica treats shock, on all levels. It heals shock to the tissues after injury or over-use, stops bleeding internally and externally and relieves emotional shock; anecdotal evidence points even to its ability to relieve shock on the soul level.

Herbal or Homeopathic

The herbal form of Arnica is available in extracts, tinctures, ointments, creams and gels and is only recommended for topical application. It should never be used on broken skin or taken orally as it produces serious side effects. Homeopathic Arnica is a standard remedy in every first aid it. It is meant to be used orally and is safe when used according to guidelines.

Aches, pains, bruising

One of the best known uses for homeopathic Arnica is for the treatment of aches, pains, bruises, sprains, broken bones, sports and other injuries to both soft tissue and joints. It relieves arthritis and gout pain and is an excellent general pain reliever that has been shown to be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It has a special affinity for relieving low-back pain.

Swelling

Homeopathic Arnica reduces swelling, especially from injuries, and helps to dissolve blood clots that have formed at the site of the injury. It also reduces localized swelling from insect bites. Topical treatments with tincture of Arnica-soaked compresses or ointments will provide additional pain relief to the area. Ointments made with diluted Arnica tincture are especially helpful for reducing pain and swelling of hemorrhoids. http://www.naturalnews.com/028901_hemorrhoids_remedies.html

Bleeding

Arnica stops bleeding anywhere in the body. Whether from a car accident, a black eye, a stroke or after a tooth extraction, a dose of homeopathic Arnica will stop the flow of blood immediately.

Heart and cardiovascular system

Because it acts as a muscle tonic, Arnica strengthens the heart and reduces swelling associated with edema. The remedy will also relieve a variety of conditions related to the blood vessels, such as peripheral artery disease, or PAD. Do not self treat for these conditions. Consult an experienced homeopath for guidelines for use.

Sore feet

Too much standing, working out or shoes that don't fit well all cause foot pain. A foot bath with a few drops of Arnica tincture mixed with Epson salts and warm water relaxes sore feet and heals bruises to bunions and tiny bones. Apply a smear of Arnica ointment after drying feet and pains will be gone by morning.

Emotional shock

Whether your toddler falls from her tricycle, gets stung by a bee, or you find out the stock market has crashed, a parent has died, or a new baby is born -- Arnica works to calm the emotions and enables you to better cope in the moment. The person needing Arnica may appear indifferent, will want to be left alone and will usually be suffering from some form of shock or excess mental/emotional strain.

Sources for this article include:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnica
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/arnica-000222.htm
http://www.naturalnews.com/028901_hemorrhoids_remedies.html
http://www.arnica.com/
http://www.mskcc.org
Boericke, William; Materia Medica and Repertory; Jain Publishing, 1998

About the author:
JB Bardot is trained in herbal medicine and homeopathy, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle. She writes about wellness, green living, alternative medicine, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, herbs and naturopathic medicine. READ HER OTHER ARTICLES ON NATURAL NEWS HERE: http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1686.html You can find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001364941208&ref=tn_tnmn or on Twitter at jbbardot23 https://twitter.com/#!/jbbardot23

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036188_Arnica_pain_relief_remedy.html#ixzz1yIrtGqaG

How to create a natural first-aid kit for travel

"Schoooool's out for SUMMER!" It's that time of year when people get itchy feet, anxious to go somewhere and do something fun. If you and yours are headed out for some adventures this summer, pack some peace of mind in the form of a natural first aid kit.

There are lots of great, inexpensive herbs, essential oils, and homeopathic remedies to pack along with your bandages and hand sanitizer that will help insure common problems don't put a damper on your trip.

Build your own natural first aid kit

All of the products listed below are available at health food stores, by mail-order, or off the internet. Wrap glass bottles in cloth such as flannel to protect from breakage. These products are safe for use on children and pets as well. A small padded lunchbox makes a nice place to keep your stuff.

• Arnica - get both the pellets for internal use and the gel for external use. For trauma, muscle strains and soreness, bruises. Do not use on open wounds. Also good for sleeplessness and restlessness when over-tired, such as from jet lag. There are homeopathic blends for jet lag.

• Activated charcoal or powdered bentonite clay for traveler's diarrhea or food poisoning. If using on children or pets, be sure to check dosing directions. Make a paste and apply externally to wasp or bee stings to draw out poison. Apis is the homeopathic remedy for stings.

• Calendula cream for soothing and healing wounds and burns, including sunburn. Has astringent, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera is good for burns as well.

• Citronella based insect repellant. Other essential oils that repel bugs include: peppermint, cedar, lemongrass, geranium, rosemary. There are many nice natural (DEET free) blends available. Apply liberally and often.

• Ginger - capsules or crystallized; for motion sickness, soothing stomach upsets, and relieving gas. It has antispasmodic properties.

• Lavender essential oil - an all-purpose remedy; use to help with insomnia, anxiety, headaches, wounds and burns. For most people, it can be applied directly to the skin. One drop takes the swelling and itch out of mosquito bites. It is an anti-inflammatory and has antiseptic properties. Tea tree oil is an antiseptic as well. Use to prevent a wound from getting infected. There are homeopathic bug bite ointments available too.

• Nux vomica homeopathic remedy for overindulgence. Too much excitement, food, drink, sugar. Carbo veg remedy is also helpful for bloating and gas.

• Rescue Remedy - Bach flower remedy for calming all kinds of emotions: anger, grief, fear. Helps with anxiety and sleeplessness. Give it to your pet during a lightening storm, or to a toddler to calm a tantrum, or to an adult having trouble sleeping.

• Yarrow - an anti-inflammatory useful in the treatment of diarrhea, stomach cramps, and other gastrointestinal distress. Open and sprinkle on minor wounds to stop bleeding. Make into a tea to lower fever. Mild sedative, may prevent insomnia.

Other Considerations:

It's a good idea to take your regular vitamins or supplements with you to maintain equilibrium. Vitamin C and the Bs help combat stress, magnesium helps with sleep and constipation. Electrolyte mixes such as Airborne or Emergen-C are good additions too, especially if you will be flying and breathing airplane air.

Depending on your plans, customize your kit. For example, if you're planning an outdoor excursion, you may want to add grindelia spray for poison ivy. Rhus tox is the homeopathic remedy for poison ivy, and very helpful as well.

Additional essentials: bandages, tweezers, instant-read thermometer, moleskin for "second skin" for blisters, elastic bandage for sprains, alcohol wipes, waterless hand sanitizer.

You know what works best for your family, so take those items. Enjoy your trip!

Sources for this article include:

http://www.herbcompanion.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/032633_first_aid_outdoors.html

http://altmedicine.about.com

Balch, Phyllis, CNC. Prescription for Herbal Healing. p. 144-145.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036119_first-aid_kit_travel_emergency.html#ixzz1xQHZMzYR

Hemp seed oil: The new healthy oil

Hemp seed oil, pressed from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, has been named nature's perfect food due to its balanced concentrations of omega fatty acids. Hemp used to be consumed worldwide, as it was one of the first cultivated and consumed crops. There is a misconception that hemp contains THC, the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant. Needless to say, this is false. Although relativity new to the Western Hemisphere, hemp seed oil is now widely available in health-food stores.

Balance is key

The seed of the hemp plant contains some of the most balanced and richest sources of oils on the planet. The ideal 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is recommended by the World Health Organization for optimal utilization. The essential fatty acids in these oils are fundamental in restoring health and immune function. Hemp seed oil contains 80 percent essential fatty acids, the highest of any plant.

Be sure to get your daily EFAs
Hemp seed oil's exceptional concentrations of EFAs (essential fatty acids) are what make it so special. In concept, this oil could provide all of our EFA necessities for life. Essential fatty acids are the omega fats that cannot be produced by the body and must be ingested. They are known for their role in preventing heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, arthritis and much more.

The seven-time Nobel Prize nominee, Dr. Johana Budwig, a pioneer of EFA research, reported success in treating heart infraction, arthritis, cancer, and other common diseases with massive doses of EFAs.

Essential fatty acids are indispensable for the function and development of the brain and nervous system and the production of healthy cell membranes. They also supply hair and skin with necessary nutrients and aid in various other functions in the body.

An alternative to fish oil

Fish oil supplements are a great source of EFAs, particularly Omega 3s, which is why they have become so popular. However, for those who are vegetarian, they are not an option. There are also concerns that some sources of fish oil are contaminated with mercury and other toxins. Hemp seed oil, which contains Omega 3, 6, and 9, is a great alternative that will provide the same benefits as fish oil without the danger of ingesting toxins.

Hemp seed oil for hair, skin, and nails

Hair, skin, and nails are all formed from the same line of dermal cells, so it is no surprise that people who use hemp oil report thicker and shinier hair, softer skin, and stronger nails. Since hemp seed oil is nearly identical to our own lipids, it is capable of penetrating our cells and lubricating the surfaces between them. It is used to nourish not only dry skin but blotches and lesions as well. It can detoxify the skin and even out skin tone. You can safely use hemp oil as a skin moisturizer without worry of it clogging the pores.

Eczema

Of the many possible uses of hemp oil as a direct treatment, its efficacy at treating eczema is one of the most promising. Researchers, led by Dr. J. Callaway at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Kuopio, Finland, studied the benefits of hemp seed oil on patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and reported the following results: "We saw a remarkable reduction in dryness, itching and an overall improvement in symptoms."

Special properties of hemp oil:

-Only plant containing vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption
-Contains vitamin E in advantageous amounts
-Relives premenstrual stress
-Has unequaled anti-inflammatory properties not found in other oils
-Is a natural sunblock

Second to none

Hemp seed oil products are true superfoods that are brimming with greatness. When speaking of hemp seed oil Dr. Callaway also remarked, "I'd have to conclude that this is probably the healthiest oil on the market."

Sources for this article include:

http://www.earthlybody.com
http://www.nutraingredients.com
http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/content.asp?id=64
http://www.hemp-guide.com/hemp-oil-benefits.html
http://www.downtoearth.org

About the author:
John Mckiernan is a health and fitness writer. He is the owner of Supplement Helper where he writes about supplements, health, fitness and more. He also manages CNA Info, a small blog that is aimed at answering questions for those interested in becoming nursing assistants. All articles are contributed by Fallon C Clark, California registered CNA.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036039_hemp_seeds_oil_EFAs.html#ixzz1wWqvvv6B

Glutamine: The ultimate healing supplement

The healing powers of glutamine are vast and understated. This completely safe and natural amino acid supplement has been studied for the past 15 years for its unique and compelling healing properties. It is now clear to researchers that glutamine is key in healing the body from certain diseases and ailments.

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the blood stream, and while the body is able to produce the amino acid, it becomes unable to produce sufficient amounts of it during times of stress. This makes it a conditionally essential amino acid. Conditionally essential amino acids must be obtained from dietary sources or supplements when the body is unable to produce enough of them. Times of stress include anytime the body has undergone trauma or contracted illness or disease that it must heal from.

Healing stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal diseases

It is estimated that 6 percent of people carry the ulcer causing bacteria their stomach, H. pylori. The antibiotics typically used to treat H. pylori can cause side effects and create a resistance in the bacteria. Research now shows that glutamine supplementation can safely and effectively protect against and repair the damage caused by H. pylori. Glutamine is the single most prescribed ulcer medication in Asia.

Glutamine plays an important role in strengthening the lining if the gut. With the many chemicals the human stomach is exposed to these days, there is a good chance your gut may require some maintenance and repair. Gut health is necessary and essential for overall health and well being.

Even serious gastrointestinal and digestive diseases such as Crohn's, IBS and Colitis can see substantial improvement with glutamine supplementation. Glutamine supplies fuel for fast multiplying cells, such as those in the gastrointestinal systems. Many of the drugs used to treat these diseases only mask the symptoms, while causing serious side effects. On the other hand, there are studies in which patients of these diseases have seen nearly complete recovery with glutamine supplementation alone.

Glutamine is also useful for treating diarrhea, as it decreases loss of electrolytes and water from the small intestines. Glutamine's role in the health and healing of the gut and intestines is unparalleled.

Glutamine for post surgery, wounds, burns and illness

Hospital acquired infections greatly increase the mortality rates of post surgery patients and are responsible for up to $33 billion in preventable health care costs. A 2010 meta-analysis of 14 studies (published in "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition") where intravenous glutamine was administered in critically ill surgical patients, showed that glutamine significantly reduced hospital duration of stay and infectious complications compared to control groups.

Glutamine is known for its ability to enhance immune function and to decrease healing time in burn patients. Glutamine is the major amino acid lost during any tissue injury, implying that it has a significant role in the healing and recovery process.

Glutamine for muscle recovery

Athletes who are interested in preserving muscle tissue and decreasing recovery time from training sessions can benefit from glutamine. Two thirds of the glutamine stores in the body reside within the muscle tissue. During times of stress and intense physical exertion the body releases high levels of the muscle wasting hormone cortisol, which can decrease glutamine stores. Supplementing glutamine can help keep the body in an anabolic state, making it easier to build and maintain muscle mass.

Supplementing glutamine

It is necessary to supplement glutamine if you are interested in its healing and anabolic benefits. The wound healing properties of glutamine are only present in amounts 2 to 7 times greater than required in healthy persons.

Daily dosage recommendations

Ulcers - 2 grams
Anabolic purposes - 5-15 grams
Gastrointestinal diseases - 5-20 grams

Glutamine, which can be purchased online and at health-food stores, is far less expensive and much safer than most medications that it can be used as a substitute for.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.naturalnews.com/033532_l-glutamine_gut_health.html
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/glutamine-000307.htm
http://www.lef.org/protocols/health_concerns/trauma_02.htm
http://jn.nutrition.org/content/131/9/2543S.full
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11151079
http://americannutrition.wordpress.com

About the author:
John Mckiernan is a health and fitness writer. He is the owner of http://Supplementhelper.com/ where he writes about supplements, health, fitness and more.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035956_glutamine_supplements_healing.html#ixzz1vmDh6b3L