Natural Health Remedies

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease characterized by the bones gradually becoming weaker and weaker. This causes changes in posture and makes the individual extremely susceptible to bone fractures. Because of the physiological, nutritional, and hormonal differences between males and females, osteoporosis affects many more women than men. Men also suffer from bone loss, often as a side effect of certain medications like chemotherapy, drugs, thyroid hormone, corticosteroids, and anticonvulsants, or as a result of other illnesses. About half of all women, and 25 percent of American men, between the ages of fifty and seventy-five show signs of some degree of osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Bone is at its strongest when a person is around the age of thirty. After this age, bone begins to decline. In women, this decline begins to accelerate at menopause. If one has not accumulated sufficient bone mass during those former times in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood, if one loses it too quickly in later years, he or she is at an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Many people have the impression that osteoporosis is caused solely by a dietary calcium deficiency. Therefore, may people think it can be remedied by taking calcium supplements? However, that is not quite correct. It is actually the way calcium is absorbed and used by the body that seems to be the important factor, not actually the amount of calcium consumed. Additionally, the type of calcium consumed is important. Although calcium supplementation is important in dealing with osteoporosis, other considerations need to be taken into account. The correct balance of magnesium, boron, potassium, folic acid, and vitamins C, D, E, and K, all play extremely important roles in battling osteoporosis, along with protein.

Twenty Five million people, 80 percent of which are women, in the United States alone are affected by osteoporosis. This condition can appear at any age and is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually. These fractures include 300,000 hip fractures, approximately 700,000 vertebral fractures, 250,000 wrist fractures, and more than 300,000 fractures at other sites. An estimated $14 billion is spent each year by hospitals and nursing homes in the United States each year in direct costs for osteoporosis and related fractures.

There are three basic types of osteoporosis. Type I is believed to be caused by hormonal changes, especially a loss of estrogen, which causes the loss of minerals from the bones to accelerate. Type II is linked to dietary deficiency, especially a lack of sufficient calcium and of vitamin D, which is crucial for the absorption of calcium. Type III occurs in men and women of any age and is caused by drug treatment for other illnesses or other diseases that are unconnected with osteoporosis.

The following nutrients are recommended for preventing and treating osteoporosis: boron, calcium, copper, glucosamine plus chondroitin, magnesium, phosphorus, silica, soy isoflavones, vitamin B complex, vitamin D3, vitamin K, l-lysine, MSM, a multi-enzyme complex, vitamin A with mixed carotenoids, zinc, chromium picolinate, DLPA, kelp, manganese, a multivitamin and mineral complex, and vitamin C with bioflavonoids. Additionally, the following herbs may be beneficial: feverfew, alfalfa, barley grass, black cohosh, boneset, dandelion root, nettle, parsley, poke root, rose hips, yucca, horsetail, oat straw, red clover, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

All of these great vitamins and herbs are available at your local or internet health food store at discount prices. Look for name brands to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase this way you get what you pay for.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

More information on vitamins and herbs is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://4tj.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-noexternallinks/goto.php?vitanetonline.com%2F%3C%2Fp>

The tripeptide L-glutathione is synthesized in the body from L. glutamic acid, L-cysteine and glycine, a reaction that can occur in any cell of the body although it is essential that it also occurs in the liver. Should glutathione concentrations drop, they can be increased by supplementing with cysteine or any other of the three amino acids that are used in the biosynthesis of this important if substance

The tripeptide exists in two forms: the reduced form (GSH) which contains a sulfhydryl (SH) functional group attached to the cysteinyl part of the molecule, and the oxidized form glutathione disulfide (GSSG). As electrons are lost from the reduced form, two molecules combine to create a dimer formed by a disulfide bridge, the process which can be reversed through reduction of the GSSG. Such electrons are lost during its reaction with free radicals, in which the free radicals are neutralized by the donation of an electron from the oxidized version of glutathione.

The definition of a free radical is a molecule that is lacking one electron from an electronic pair. Its prime purpose is then to steal an electron from the nearest molecule to it. In doing so, it can not only destroy that molecule, but also destroy body cells and lead, not only to premature aging, but also to some potentially fatal conditions.

It is an unusual peptide in that it involves a link between the cysteine amino grouping and the carboxyl functional group of the glutamic acid. It is a powerful antioxidant, acting as an effective free radical scavenger and protecting the body cells from the effects of free radical oxidation. However, it is on its detoxification effect in the liver that we shall focus here prior to discussing some other uses to which the body puts glutathione in its two manifestations.

Much of the detoxification is connected with the thiol group in the molecule. Take mercury for example. The thiol grouping forms a strong Hg-sulfydryl chemical bond within the liver, in the form of a glutathione-mercury chelate. In this form mercury is unable to exert any toxic effect on the body and can be excreted in the normal manner. The same reactive pathway is followed by other heavy metals that can bond to thiol groupings. In this way L-glutathione can protect the liver from the effects of a number of toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and chromium.

This is an important property of the amino acid, particularly in industrial and urban environments where the population is more prone to exposure to heavy metals than their rural counterparts. However, the end result on the glutathione is that it is removed from the body, and, particularly with city dwellers, a supplement may be required to maintain a healthy concentration of this amino acid in the body and in particular in the liver. Therefore, although L-glutathione is not considered an essential amino acid, in that it is biosynthesized within the body, a supplement is sometimes required, particularly by those who live in large cities.

It is important to consider the form in which the glutathione supplement is administered. This is because of the presence of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase within the digestive system. This enzyme appears to destroy L-glutathione before it can be absorbed in the intestine so normal oral forms of supplementation are likely to be ineffective. Possible forms of effective administration include buccal (between the cheek and teeth) and hypodermically.

An alternative means of supplementation is to take substances such as selenium, methionine, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin C and glutamine that stimulate the biosynthesis of glutathione. Also, since the substance utilizes the raw materials of L-cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine in its intracellular production, supplementation with these amino acids should also help to produce L-glutathione.

That said, let’s return to its antioxidant properties and its effect on the liver that contains the largest stocks of glutathione in the body. It is generally regarded as the most important antioxidant in the body. It protects cellular cytoplasm from oxidation by reducing disulfide groups and maintaining a highly reducing environment within the cytoplasm. It reacts with hydrogen peroxide and other oxidative agents, and is converted to the oxidized form GSSG. It is then reduced back to GSH through the combination of the reducing agent and an enzyme. The reducing agent is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), the enzyme being glutathione reductase.

The implications that this strong reducing effect has on the liver are significant. Reduced GSH L-glutathione levels have been found in patients suffering from HIV, hepatitis C and other liver diseases. Supplementation with GSH has been found to restore normal levels of glutathione to the liver, and it has been demonstrated that the treatment has improved such conditions significantly.

Atherosclerosis is a condition of the arteries caused by the deposition of plaques formed from oxidized low-density lipoproteins, otherwise known as bad cholesterol. The strong antioxidant effect of GSH prevents this from LDLs from being oxidized and deposited on the arterial wall. There are other results of glutathione supplementation that indicate the effectiveness of antioxidants in the treatment of serious liver conditions, and there are no doubts that combating the effects of free radicals and oxidizing agents within the liver has a positive effect on many potentially serious liver diseases.

Many of these are exacerbated by the generation of free radicals by relatively modern pollution sources such as pesticides, petrol and diesel emissions, tobacco fumes and various other chemical emissions. A strong antioxidant such as L-glutathione cannot be anything other than an effective means of reducing the biological effect of these oxidants. It protects not only the liver but also the lungs and cardiovascular system.

For all these reasons a supplement consisting of L-glutathione or its constituent parts, glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine, provide significant protection against the stresses and strains of modern living. Increased pollution levels and heightened oxidative stress levels within the body are playing havoc with our body defenses, and GSH is an important one of them that can easily be enhanced by supplementation. There are no known reactions to L-glutathione supplementation, but pregnant women and babies should receive expert medical advice prior to taking it.

More information on glutathione and its counterparts Cysteine are available at VitaNet

Ginger is a subtropical plant grown for its nobby root (rhizome or underground stem). The root has tan skin, ivory to pale green flesh, and a peppery, slightly sweet flavor. Ginger is planted in August or September using the previous year’s crop. Ginger takes about nine months to reach maturity. After the flowers appear, the tops begin to die, leaving the ginger rhizomes ready to harvest. Ginger is a mainstay of Asian and Indian cooking and is used grated, ground and slivered. Ginger juice is the juice of the root. Candied or crystallized ginger is ginger cooked in sugar syrup, while preserved ginger is in a sugar-salt mixture: both of these are used primarily for sweets and desserts. Pickled ginger, used as a palate cleanser with sushi, is ginger preserved in sweet vinegar.

No one is sure how old Ginger is, or where it came from, since it has never been found growing wild. It was first cultivated by the Chinese and Indians. It was one of the important spices that led to the opening of the spice trade routes. The name Ginger comes from the Sanskrit word “sinabera” meaning “shaped like a horn” because of its resemblance to an antler. In the 19th century it was popular to keep a shaker of Ginger on the counter in English pubs so the patrons could shake some into their drinks. This practice was the origin of ginger ale.

Ginger is a plant native to Southeast Asia that is also grown in the United States, China, and various tropical regions. The root is usually the part of the plant used in herbal remedies. Ginger has a long history as a pungent spice for cooking and as an herbal remedy for upset stomach.

Ginger is well known as a remedy for travel sickness, nausea and indigestion and is used for wind, colic, irritable bowel, loss of appetite, chills, cold, flu, poor circulation, menstrual cramps, dyspepsia (bloating, heartburn, flatulence), indigestion and gastrointestinal problems such as gas and stomach cramps. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb and there has been much recent interest in its use for joint problems. It has also been indicated for arthritis, fevers, headaches, toothaches, coughs, bronchitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, to ease tendonitis, lower cholesterol and blood-pressure and aid in preventing internal blood clots.

Look for smooth skin (wrinkles indicate that the root is dry and past prime) with a fresh spicy aroma. Also available dried and ground in the spice section. Specialty or Asian markets carry ginger juice, pickled ginger and preserved ginger.

Ginger can be found as a whole root available for purchase at your local grocery store. It is also available in capsule, tablet, and bulk powder forms at your local or internet health food store. When looking for a ginger supplement, look for name brands like Solaray, Natures Plus, and Now Food to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Ginger is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

More information on ginger root is available at VitaNet

Tip 1: Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day

Fruits and vegetables are packed with beneficial fibers, vitamins and antioxidants. They fill up your stomach fast so you feel full earlier. They are also low in calories and help to keep your calorie count low. Also, there are certain things that you can eat that actually contain less calories than your body burns while you eat them. So if you want to snack – snack on those foods for easy weight loss! We’ll tell you about those foods in our next article.

Tip 2: Eat small frequent meals

Eat 5-6 times a day with about 3 hrs intervals. Make the meals small. The frequency of meals will tell your body that there is plenty of food and so your body need not store body fat for emergencies. On top of that, your digestive system will be constantly working to digest the food and so that means calories are burned. Remember that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eat a breakfast that is sensible and low in saturated fat and your metabolism gets to work, burning off calories for the rest of the day. It is that simple!

Tip 3: Start your exercises early

If you are able to, you should always do your cardiovascular or aerobic exercises in the morning before breakfast. These are exercises that exercise your lungs and heart. Your body has the most energy first thing in the morning, compare that to how you feel after lunch! By exercising first thing, your metabolism gets a kick start and will keep working throughout the day burning fat. Research has shown we can burn up to 3 times as much fat if we workout early than at any other time of the day. So exercis first thing, then you have no excuse to put if off as you go throughout the day.

Tip 4: Build the muscle

Muscles are active cells and they are great calorie burners. The more muscles you pack on, the more body fat you will burn because the calories you have eaten will be burned for energy by your muscles. So go and build muscles to lose weight. Do weight training 3 times a week with rest days in between. Do your weight training workout in the evenings so that you will continue to burn fat. Workout with compound exercises such as bench presses, squats, lunges, dead lifts etc to activate more muscle fibers and so that these large muscles will carry on burning calories for many more hours into the night

Tip 5: Drink!

No not alcohol! Water. Juices, pop, cream & sugar in your coffee or tea all add up. Opt for drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Firstly, it fills your tummy making you feel full and so less likely to crave food. Secondly when you are dehydrated your brain will try to let your body know it needs water, but this often feels like hunger to us. And so we will eat instead of simply drinking some water. When your body is hydrated your metabolism keeps ticking along, burning fat! And lastly, it is worth remembering that drinking ice cold water actually burns calories! As much as 60 a day!

Tip 6: Go for wholesome fresh foods

If possible, purchase fresh foods and avoid package (processed) and convenient foods such as fast food. Packaged and convenient foods are often higher in sodium and fat content. Many people we spoke to are amazed that they can easily lose weight by packing a home-cooked lunch to work instead of eating out. If you do go for packed food always read the nutrition label on the packaging. A product labelled with a fat-free claim does not mean that it is low in calories. Similarly a product labelled as low-sugar or low-carb does not mean it is low in fat or calories.

Tip 7: Stop eating at 7pm

This obviously depends on what time you go to bed and also on your lifestyle, but as a rule, you should plan to stop eating 3-4 hours before going to sleep. If you’re a very active person in the evening, then 2 hours should be ok, but as most of us are on the couch in front of the television, 4 hours should be the norm. Your body needs time to burn off what you have eaten. Eat late and it won’t have metabloised before you go to sleep. Following this ruile will give your body plenty of time to burn off those calories you have eaten throughout the day and help you to lose weight quickly.

Tip 8: Drink Green Tea

Yea really! Green Tea reduces cholesterol, and has been scientifically proven, which can only be good for you. There is research which indicates that taking Green Tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) to bad (LDL) cholesterol. It contains polyphenols which is a powerful antioxidant. Take the tea as normal or you can purchase supplements which should work just as well. Just remember that Green Tea contains caffeine, albeit a lot less than cofffee.

Tip 9: Keep a food diary

Keeping a food diary helps you pin point your eating pattern and will enable you to easily modify it. If possible, have your Registered Dietitian review your notes.

Tip 10: Find out how many calories you need

You need to know your BMR – Basal Metabolic Rate to know the amount of calories you burn. This is simply calculated by:

Body Weight [lb] x 15 + (moderate activity [mins/day] x 3.5)

Since you wish to lose weight, your target is your BMR less 500 kcal

For instance, you weigh 140 lb and you perform 20 mins of moderate activity every day. BMR of this example = (140 x 15) + (20 x 3.5) = 2100 + 70 = 2170 kcal. BMR minus 500kcal; it would be 2170 – 500 = 1670 kcal. Therefore 1670 kcal is the target in this example to losing 1 lb per week.

Tip 11: Allow yourself a little indulgence

Having a small treat once in a while can be rewarding to your weight loss experience. Cutting too much of your favorite treats usually leads to an early relapse. Simply allow yourself a little indulgence, but watch out for the frequency and the quantity

Lana Soko is passionate about weight loss and writes for http://www.lose-weight-with-us.com