Tips for Gaining Weight

Many people have problems gaining weight, especially if there are health problems involved. If you need assistance, here are some tips on gaining weight which may help.

1. Add 500 calories to your current caloric intake.
2. Eat at least 5 meals a day; small portions, but nonetheless, nutritious.
3. Buy all your favorite foods.
4. Keep snacks on hand for those late night munchies.
5. Drink lots of water.
6. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
7. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want.

Here are some food suggestions to help with weight gain. Keep in mind that eating high fat foods all the time will just add fat. It’s important to begin a high protein regimen. While you will gain some fat, it is important that the weight gain is not entirely filled with fatty foods. Therefore, some of the best foods containing protein are:

1. Cheese
2. Eggs
3. Fish
4. Poultry
5. Meat
6. Beans
7. Lentils
8. Nuts
9. Peanut butter

In addition, you can add ice cream sundaes with whipped cream, nuts and chocolate syrup. Chocolate cake or donuts can also be added. Yes, these are considered high-fat foods, but think of it as a treat for a job well done.

Gaining one to two pounds a week is recommended. The idea is to gain weight, not fat. Therefore exercise, specifically weight training, will not only add pounds but bulk as well.

Gradually, you will notice your weight increase. If not, add another 250 calories to your caloric intake.

Take a vitamin and mineral daily. This will help if you are not consuming enough food. In addition, there are many energy drinks and protein powders which you can purchase to supplement the weight gain.

Finally, eat out once a week at your favorite restaurant.

Take Control Of Depression Without Medication

Depression is an insidious disease and is one that is difficult to diagnose and treat in some cases. While most doctors would prescribe a plethora of medications, you can take control of depression without medication.

St. John’s Wort contains chemical components which, according to recent studies, might work by preventing nerve cells in the brain from absorbing the chemical serotonin, and reduce levels of protein in the body’s immune system. In simple language, it is thought to be an effective medication to treat mild to moderate depression.

However, it must be noted that St. John’s Wort is still undergoing studies to determine its efficacy in treating severe depression. Moreover, St. John’s Wort should not be taken with other drugs wherein the interaction between the drugs can cause harmful results.

The statistics on depression reveal there are approximately 19 million Americans who suffer from this medical condition. While there are many people who are taking anti-depressive drugs, there are those who prefer not to take medication at all. There are a variety of remedies which one can use to alleviate depression, as long as it is mild to moderate in severity.

Breathing exercises have an enormous therapeutic value in treating depression. So too, yoga and other forms of meditation can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with depression.

Other natural remedies can be found in diets which contain omega-3 oils, folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin B6. In addition, the discontinued use of alcohol and caffeine as well as reducing the amount of sweets consumed can also reduce the effects of depression.

Exercise is also a great way in which to minimize depression. Establish a routine such as walking 20 to 30 minutes daily. Utilize aerobic exercise which naturally increases chemicals in the brain known to enhance one’s mood and at the same time decrease the stress hormones.


*This is in no way intended to replace your physicians instructions! Please see a physician to determine the best course of action for your depression.

Take Care of Your Feet

How many times have you uttered, “Oh, my aching feet?” When exercising, your feet really take a pounding. Many injuries to the feet are a result of not wearing proper running or walking shoes while exercising. It’s important to take care of your feet especially when working out. Here are some of these tips to help you avoid foot pain.

Feet need to be washed every day, especially between the toes where fungus can develop. Washing feet daily helps to remove dead skin and bacteria. While there are many who think that soaking tired and achy feet in Epsom salt is the cure-all, the fact is it can leave your feet dry. Use dishwashing liquid instead, as this will not only soothe but soften your feet, as well.

When exercising, it is important to wear appropriate running or walking shoes. In fact, experts relate that running shoes should be thrown away after 200 miles of use. Not wearing the proper shoe can result in calluses, ingrown nails, infections, and runner’s toe.

One of the most painful injuries to the foot is the heel spur. This can result from wearing worn-out shoes when exercising. Experts also suggest that walking or jumping on hard surfaces can cause heel spurs. Unfortunately, the only treatment for this injury is a series of injections.

According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, the most common pain associated with jogging is runner’s knee, which is caused by rolling in or down on the foot. Moreover, rising on the toes can cause injury to the Achilles tendon, especially during aerobic exercises.

If one can’t walk, one becomes debilitated. Therefore, it is essential that you do everything you can to take care of your feet. This includes proper hygiene and wearing the proper shoe while exercising.

Stress Relief Via Aromatherapy

Whether you’ve had a bad day at the office or had a stressful day at home, there is nothing like stress relief via aromatherapy. What is so distinctive about aromatherapy is the aroma part. That is, the use of oils which provide mental, spiritual, and physical healing. The aroma, which is experienced by using various scented oils, invokes emotions and it is the brain, therefore, where all emotions are controlled. Thus, when trying to overcome stress, the therapy is provided by the aroma.

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways: scented candles, baths, fragrances, showers, or even a wood-burning fire. It is the essence of the aroma that reduces stress and provides a calm, soothing, and relaxing state.

Lavender is one of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy. Whether used in baths or scented candles, it is touted as being the most important part of any aromatherapy ritual.

While lavender is known to alleviate stress, lemon oil is another healing substance which has similar properties for use in stress reduction. According to studies, it clears the head, improves concentration and memory, and combats depression. It is probably the most refreshing of oils used today.

Another well-known oil which has become beneficial to one’s health is chamomile. In the form of tea, it not only calms and relaxes, but offers stress relief as well. This herbal medicine is primarily used to alleviate anger and anxiety.

Interestingly enough, aromatherapy has been around since ancient times. It was used mainly by the Egyptians, who recognized the physical and spiritual properties of scented oils. Cleopatra would take milk baths strewn with rose petals, and the aroma would contribute to her physical wellbeing. In fact, Egyptians used scented oils in the mummification process.

Aromatherapy has been used to prevent disease, help in weight loss, and treat depression, but primarily is used for stress relief today. Everywhere you look, you can find aromatherapy products. The next time you feel anxious or stressed out, take a soothing bath using your favorite bath oil, and light some scented candles. In no time you will become relaxed, calm, and probably get a little shut eye as well.

Probiotics Explained

What are probiotics? The Food and Agricultural Organization defines probiotics as “live microorganisms administered in adequate amounts which confer a beneficial health effect on the host.” Probiotics explained are simply bacteria found in dairy such as yogurt. The use of this type of bacteria improves lactose digestion in people who lack it and has positive effects on the immune system as well.

For example, suppose you develop a yeast infection. Most people would agree that consuming yogurt would alleviate the symptoms. This is because of the probiotics contained in yogurt. A yeast infection is caused by different organisms. Lactobacilli is present in a healthy vagina. Conversely, lack of it causes yeast infections. Therefore, consuming yogurt decreases the incidence of yeast infections and lactobacilli controls the duration and incidence as well.

Moreover, studies have shown that three or more servings of dairy products a day have lowered levels of obesity. Thus, dairy products combined with probiotic bacteria can improve health.

Other conditions in which probiotics play a major role are: diarrhea, chronic use of antibiotics, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, lactose intolerance, hypertension, cancer, high cholesterol, and certain allergies. What effect does probiotics have in common with all of these conditions?

Probiotics alleviate diarrhea and has been an effective treatment, especially in children. While antibiotics are used to kill bacteria, it is also true that they can kill off good bacteria as well. Probiotics replace the good bacteria that are lost. As it relates to irritable bowl syndrome, probiotics has been known to provide some symptom relief from diarrhea and bloating. Inflammatory bowel disease when treated with high levels of probiotics has shown to increase the period in which a person is free from this disease.

For those who cannot tolerate lactose, studies have concluded that consuming yogurt and unfermented dairy products aided in the digestion of lactose. So too, probiotics have been shown to reduce the systolic pressure in those suffering from hypertension.

Cancer causing agents such as chemicals can reside in the gastrointestinal tract. The use of probiotics has shown to decrease one’s exposure to cancer risks. Moreover, probiotic cultures in the form of fermented milk reduced bladder cancer. Studies to determine the effects of probiotics in dairy foods have shown a reduction in cases of high cholesterol. However, research is still ongoing.

Finally, a recent study reported that there was a 50% drop in incidence of atopic eczema in children who were receiving a probiotic supplement. Moreover, it was concluded that exposure to specific microbes early in a child’s life may also decrease allergies as well.

Probiotics and its utilization can help to treat acute intestinal infections, aid in the digestion of lactose, improve health, and possibly reduced risk of disease. Studies are ongoing to determine the benefits of probiotics. However, so far there seems to be positive results.

Natural Remedies for Ear Infections

Infections of the ear most often occur after swimming, specifically when polluted water enters the ear canal. Also scratching inside the ear to alleviate itching or trying to remove ear wax are other ways in which you can develop an ear infection. If the onset of the symptoms begins with itching followed by pain, these are signs the ear may be infected. Here are some natural remedies for ear infections which may help.

Apply a heating pad over the ear or a clean cotton pad. Keep the ear clean and dry, and remove any pus with a cotton ball. When taking a shower, wear a shower cap to prevent any water from entering the ear. Remove any water from the ear with a blow dryer.

Other natural remedies include:

1. Add a few drops of garlic juice into the ear.
2. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a ¼ cup of warm olive oil.
3. Add a few drops of warm olive oil into the infected ear.
4. Add a drop of hydrogen peroxide in the ear.
5. Heat up some baby oil and place a few drops in the ear.
6. For wax buildup which results in an infection, place a few drops of mineral oil into the infected ear and remove the loosened wax with a suction bulb.

While these are tried and true natural remedies for ear infections, you can prevent them from occurring by using a remedy that has worked for generations – take a teaspoon of cod liver oil every day. According to research, this old but familiar remedy has been proven effective. Experts suggest taking a teaspoon of the new lemon-flavored cod liver oil followed by a multi-vitamin tablet with selenium. They assert this may also prevent ear infections in children.

Of course, if the ear infection persists after you’ve applied these natural remedies, it would be advisable to see a doctor. However, the general consensus among those who have used these natural remedies for ear infections agree that any one of the above methods do indeed work.

Dandelions Are More Than Just A Weed

Believe it or not, dandelions are more than just a weed. Studies have shown that dandelions act as a tonic to purify the blood, improve gastrointestinal health, and its juice can be used to treat colds and congestion, as well.

Dandelions are not just weeds growing wildly in your garden. They are a rich source of Beta-carotene and vitamin A, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamine, riboflavin, and protein.

Some of the benefits of dandelions are: aids in weight loss, cleanses the skin, improves bowel function, prevents anemia, control diabetes, lowers cholesterol, reduces acid indigestion, and can prevent certain forms of cancer.

In addition, there are studies which indicate that the dandelion has cured certain types of melanoma. In fact, one patient who had a malignant melanoma reportedly ate dandelion salad every day and after a dozen years or so there has been no recurring melanoma.

One of the most beneficial uses for dandelion is in the treatment of high blood pressure. Moreover, dandelion acts as a diuretic and its potassium aids in maintaining a healthy heart. Used for cramps and muscle spasms, dandelions have been used for centuries. In fact, the root of the dandelion is said to cleanse the liver.

If you need a mild laxative, the dandelion will prove beneficial in this regard. It will also improve your appetite, relieve constipation, and aid in indigestion.

Dandelions are healthy and not harmful in any way. It is reported that everyone can benefit from eating dandelions on a regular basis or drinking its juices, as well.

The next time you tend to your garden, save those dandelions that are growing wildly and use them to make a healthy juice, or for use in any of the treatments described herein. Mother Nature has a way of providing us with plants and flowers used for oils and teas. Consider, then, that dandelions are more than just a weed. They are beneficial to our health in more ways than we can imagine.

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How Second Hand Smoke Can Harm You

It’s becoming more and more popular for restaurants, stores, and even entire cities to ban smoking in public buildings. That’s because we now know that you can not only die from smoking cigarettes, but also from breathing in smoke in the air around us. Second hand smoke, whether from the burning end of the cigarette, or from the smokers mouth, can be a serious hazard to your health. Here are just a few of the many problems caused by second hand smoke.

* Second hand smoke contains over 60 chemicals that cause or may cause cancer. Thousands of non-smokers die of lung cancer from second hand smoke every year.
* Some of the toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke are: formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chlorine, arsenic ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide.
* Second hand smoke causes heart disease in non-smokers. These heart disease cases account for tens of thousands of deaths every year.
* Many non-smokers visit the doctor every year for lung related problems caused by second hand smoke. These problems range from coughing to a drop in lung functioning.
* The incidence of breast cancer may be increased by exposure to second hand smoke.

While adults generally have the option or ability to leave an area where someone is smoking, children don’t usually have that luxury. They are also more susceptible to the damage caused by cigarette smoke. In addition to the above problems here are some of the issues caused by second hand smoke that specifically affect children.

* Second hand smoke causes over 150,000 lower respiratory infections every year, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, in children under the age of 18 months.
* Second hand smoke has been indicated as a cause of many SIDS deaths.
* Second hand smoke significantly increases the severity of asthma attacks in children.
* Second hand smoke causes many children to develop ear infections.
* Pregnant women exposed to second hand smoke are more likely to have babies with below average birth weights.

Smoking near your children can not only cause health problems and death now, it can impair them all the way through to adulthood. While you should attempt to quit for the sake of your children; if you don’t quit, please smoke outside away from them.

These are just some of the known problems associated with second hand smoke. Cigarette companies have known that second hand smoke is dangerous for many years, but hid this information. It’s disturbing to think what other consequences second hand smoke causes that we haven’t found yet. Even the shortest amount of exposure to cigarette smoke can have dangerous consequences.

If you are a smoker, please quit or smoke outside in a private area. If you know someone who smokes near you, convince them to quit or at least not smoking when they’re with you.

Hidden Allergens in Your Home

Do you get sick often? Do you feel tired and sluggish during the day? Do you often itch or sneeze? The problem may not be your sleep patterns or your immune system; you may have an allergy problem. Even if you clean and clean, they linger; rubbing up against you, polluting your air supply, and doing anything they can to get you sick. If your problems are severe, you should consider going to a doctor and getting treated, but if they’re just bothersome, you should try ridding your house of these hidden allergens before you take more drastic steps. Here are just some of the common allergy culprits.

Dust
This is one of the worst offenders for household allergies. It hides in your bed, your carpets, and floats around in your air. Here are some simple steps to help get the dust out from hiding and out of the house.
* Get rid of carpets. If you can’t, vacuum (they make hypoallergenic vacuums) and wash your carpets often. If you opt for rugs on the hard flooring, be sure to wash or steam clean them regularly.
* Get allergy covers for mattresses and pillows.
* Wash or steam clean your sheets and drapes frequently.
* Get a HEPA filter for your furnace and change it often.

Pollen
We usually associate pollen with the great outdoors, but it can get tracked inside on clothes, hair and pets. During peak pollen season, take a few steps to keep it out of the house.
* Wash pets regularly.
* Install a HEPA filter in your house and change it regularly.
* Dry clothes and bedding indoors.
* Keep windows and doors closed.
* Keep grass around your house short. Tale extra care to remove weeds as soon as possible.

Mold
While you may be able to see and get rid of mold growing in your house, chances are there’s probably a lot where you can’t see it.
* Use a HEPA filter in your furnace and vacuum.
* Keep the humidity in your house low. If it gets above 55%, you should use a dehumidifier.
* Keep your bathroom clean and dry. Open a window or turn on a fan after a shower or bath. Clean tile and shower curtains often.
* Use mold-inhibiting paint in your basement.

Pet Dander
We love our pets, but it you’re allergic to them, you’ll enjoy having them around a lot less. Since there are very few hypo-allergenic pet breeds, if you want animals in your house, you have to take extra steps to stay healthy.
* Use a HEPA filter in your furnace and your vacuum.
* Don’t allow pets in your bedroom. This will keep you from breathing in dander while you’re sleeping, which is where you spend most of your time when your at home. If you can’t keep your door closed all the time, most pets can be kept out using baby safety gates.
* Buy a lint roller and a large stock of refills. You can roll your clothes if you hug or cuddle your pet. You can also use it to remove fur from furniture and blankets.
* Neuter male pets, this will reduce the amount of dander.
* Get rid of carpets if possible or vacuum them often.

While it might take a bit of work to get rid of the allergens in your home, you’ll feel so much better it will be well worth the effort.


Resources for Allergy Relief:

• Native Remedies - Get More Info on AllergiClear for Natural Allergy Relief.


• The Herb Barn LLC

7 Fun Cardio Exercises for Kids

With all the T.V. shows, computer programs, and video games available now, it’s hard to get kids up and moving anymore. That’s one big reason why childhood obesity is becoming more and more prevalent. Getting your child in shape doesn’t have to be a fight; you just have to find activities they enjoy that are good for them as well. Here are some great workouts that will entertain your kids at the same time.

Tennis. If your child isn’t into traditional team sport, then tennis is a great alternative. It gives a great cardio workout while also working various muscle groups and improving hand-eye and overall coordination. Plus, even though your child isn’t necessarily working on a team, tennis is a great way to meet and socialize with other kids.

Hacky sack. This is a simple cheap way to get your kids up and moving. It also teaches coordination, balance, and helps your kids socialize and work together in a group to accomplish something. Plus, unlike most group sports, there are no teams so children are trying to beat their old records instead of trying to win.

Dance. Sure, you can enroll your child in dance classes, or you could just turn on the radio a couple times a week and make up silly dances to go along with the songs. This not only encourages movement, balance, and coordination, it also work out kid’s brains by getting them to be imaginative.

Video games. These have gotten a bad rap in the past few years, physical video games have come a long way since the original Nintendo. Now there are tons of products available that get your child to stand up and move. One popular game series is Dance Dance Revolution. There are also games on the new Nintendo Wii system that encourage physical movement. These are a fun entertaining way for your kids to get a workout while they play video games. And trust me; these are just as addictive as other video games.

Soccer. There’s a reason there are so many soccer mom’s around; because these moms know that soccer is a great way for children to get their heart rate up, improve their footwork skills, learn teamwork, and have fun at the same time. Plus, if you’re worried about the problem of intense competition, there are many areas with leagues that don’t keep score. This has been and still is a great way for your kids to stay in shape.

Swimming. Doing laps is a great way to get an aerobic workout without causing a lot of wear and tear on your child’s growing bones and joints. It’s fantastic and increasing endurance and stamina. Plus, a pool is a great place for them to hang out, play, and meet new kids in the neighborhood during the summer.

Jumping rope. This is a great workout whether it’s done the traditional way, or the newer more faced paced version. This can help your child meet new people, and some areas even have it as a competitive sport.

So why not get your child involved in one of these great activities? You could even get a workout yourself by joining them or just helping them practice regularly.