Monday, November 17, 2014

Spices That Keep Blood Sugar At Bay Part 1



1. Rosemary: Rosemary has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of health problems... Everything from indigestion and joint pain to hair loss. But new research reveals its polyphenols can regulate blood sugar.
They do this by blocking enzyme activity that causes insulin spikes. Researchers found that fresh rosemary is more potent than the dry versions you'll find in most grocery stores. Try growing your own or buying it fresh if you can.
2. Cinnamon: Research shows that this sweet spice can lower blood sugar by up to 10 points in people with type 2 diabetes. If you think that 10 points isn't that big a deal, consider this... That's just as effective—and less dangerous—than Big Pharma's medications for blood sugar. And the results may be even better if you aren't already having problems with insulin control.
Try buying whole cinnamon sticks and grating it fresh. Always look for the Ceylon variety. The taste is much stronger. So is the polyphenol content. You can even try adding it to dishes you already eat—like steamed vegetables or baked chicken—for an extra kick.
3. Marjoram: It's antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Marjoram may also help you beat a headache. You can even use it as a mild laxative. And just like rosemary, this herb can help you control blood sugar. The same study found it was effective for blocking insulin response and preventing cravings. And once again, fresh was better than dry. You may not be familiar with its delicate flavor. If that's the case, just think of it as a slightly sweeter version of this next spice...

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Arnica For Help To Relieve Arthristic Aches & Pain



Seasonal changes can set off arthritic aches and pains, but you can help relieve the discomfort with arnica (Arnica montana), a daisy-like mountain flower. Try rubbing tincture, cream, or gel on sore spots. Don't use on broken skin, and never take arnica internally unless in the form of a homeopathic remedy. To make an arnica compress, mix one tablespoon of arnica tincture in one pint of purified water. Dip a gauze pad in the mixture, then put it on the troublesome joint or bruised area. Look for pure arnica extract for preparing topical applications.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Foods To Help Blood Sugar In Check



1. Pistachios: A Spanish study found that eating a diet high in Pistachios helped subjects lower their glucose uptake by almost 80%, This means they needed less sugar to get the same amount of energy output from their cells. Just make sure to skip the roasted and flavored varieties. You should even avoid salted and shelled nuts. Eating them may take a little more work, but raw pistachios in the shell are your best bet.
2. Okra: Okra seeds are rich in alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. This stops starches from converting to sugar in your bloodstream. This—and plenty of fiber—is why Okra is a potent anti-diabetes agent.. If you’re going to give okra a try, lightly steam or grill it. Overcooking it makes it slimy. You’ll also lose its vitamin content in the process. And you can pair it with this next solution for even better results—and flavor…
3. Garlic: Studies show that garlic decrease serum glucose levels. It has the same effect as drugs like metformin on glucose levels… But it takes it a step further by also lowering triglycerides—and being free of dangerous side effects. You’ll get the most benefit from eating raw garlic. But this may be a little intense for some people. Try adding fresh garlic to the foods you already eat. You can also take a natural garlic extract supplement to get even more benefit.
4. Walnuts: They’re high in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. And research shows eating walnuts can lower your diabetes risk by an average of 24%.. In fact, even eating them just once a week can lower your risk by over 10%. And just like pistachios, you want to find them raw whenever you can. Don’t discard their waxy outer skin. That’s where you’ll find most of its antioxidants. Try adding raw walnuts to a fresh salad to extra texture, flavor, and blood sugar protection.
5. Coffee: A recent study found that people who cut their coffee intake by one cup or more a day were at 17% greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes after four years. But people who increased their coffee consumption by one or more cups each day lowered their risk by 11%. Just make sure to drink clean, quality coffee—not just the cheapest cup you can find. Organic, minimally processed coffee is your best choice. Be sure to avoid using creamers and sugar—or other dangerous sweeteners. They’ll wipe out most the coffee’s health benefits.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Sunshine To Reduce The Risk Of Developing Asthma In Kids



Researchers have reported that sun exposure during pregnancy reduces the risk of developing asthma in kids. They looked at the vitamin D intake of 2,000 pregnant women in Scotland and the development of asthma in their children.

Those in the highest group of vitamin D intake compared with the group with the lowest intake had a greater than 50 percent lowered risk of wheezing in their children at 5 years of age.

Furthermore, those mothers with the lowest vitamin D intake in pregnancy were associated with a decreased response to asthma medication in their children.

There is no question that we are living in a time of severe vitamin D deficiency. People are inappropriately afraid of the sun. We use sunscreen in ever-increasing amounts. The result of this sun-phobia mentality is vitamin D deficiency, which is occurring at pandemic rates.

Vitamin D supplementation can be an important part of nearly any holistic regimen, including the treatment of asthma. Adults generally require 2,000 to 10,000 IU of vitamin D per day and children smaller amounts. Any lab can measure vitamin D levels easily with a routine blood draw.


Saturday, November 8, 2014

Cabbage For Help To Reduce Pain Of Headache



Making a warm compress made from cabbage leaves can reduce the pain of a headache. Or, if you suffer from chronic headaches, drink 2 ounces of raw cabbage juice daily.