My Healthy Tidbits

Exercise - The benefits are: weight loss; lower blood pressure; stronger bones & a decreased risk of osteoporosis; elevated levels of “good” HDL cholesterol; decreased levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol; decreased levels of triglycerides (fats); increased strength & coordination, which leads to a decrease in the risk of falls; improved sensitivity to insulin; enhancement of the immune system; overall increase in one’s sense of well being (reduces depression).

Healthy Diet - The benefits are: weight loss; a decreased risk of diabetes; a decreased risk of heart disease; a decreased risk of almost all cancers; a decreased risk of high blood pressure; a decreased risk of elevated cholesterol; an enhanced immune system; an increased sensitivity to insulin; increased energy and ability to concentrate.

Nutritional Supplements - The benefits are: an enhanced immune system; an enhanced antioxidant defense system; a decreased risk of coronary artery disease; a decreased risk of stroke; a decreased risk of cancer; a decreased risk of arthritis, macular degeneration, & cataracts; the potential for a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, obstructive lung disease, & many other chronic degenerative diseases; the potential for improving the clinical course of several chronic degenerative diseases.

Source: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Nutritional Medicine May Be Killing You by Ray D. Strand, MD www.drraystrand.com

Rebounding is exercise using a mini trampoline.  Rebounding can be light bouncing and/or an aerobic workout. It has many benefits for health and fitness.  It strengthens the immune system; lowers cholesterol trigyceride levels; tones and supports the glandular system; increases lymphatic circulation; increases white and red blood cells; improves arthritis; improves vision; moderates appetite; increases metabolism; burns more calories; increases balance, coordination, dexterity and endurance; and cleanses the cells of toxins.

Books on the subject of rebounding are: Rebounding To Better Health by Linda Brooks and Jumping For Health by Dr. Morton Walker.  A website on rebounding: www.2rebound.com.

Mini Trampolines (Rebounders) range from $35.00 to $250.00.  I purchased mine, on sale, at a local sports supply store.

People with IBS must learn to relax.  It is common for stress to exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, so it is important to make an effort to develop effective relaxation techniques, such as breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, and biofeedback.  A psychotherapist or counselor can help you identify the stressors in your life and develop better methods of managing them.  Exercise can be very therapeutic for people with IBS because it helps reduce stress; it can also normalize bowel function if constipation is a problem.

Here are some resources for curing Diabetes.  Gabriel Cousens, M.D. has written a book “There is a Cure for Diabetes.  He also has a retreat in Arizona, Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center www.treeoflife.nu/.  He uses live foods to cure diabetes and other ailments.  For information go to: http://gabrielcousens.wholelife.com/ .  Click on Live Events and then click on Alive with Gabriel & There is a Cure: Reversing Diabetes Naturally.

It is estimated that up to 75% of the American population will have a problem with hemorrhoids at some point during their life. The severity of hemorrhoids varies.  Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the rectum.

Ways to Prevent Hemorrhoids:

Eat High-Fiber Diet - Constipation and straining to have a bowel movement may cause hemorrhoids. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, bran and whole grains.

Drink Eight Glasses of Water - Fluids help keep the bowels soft and easy to pass.

Exercise Regularly - Thirty minute workouts 3 times a week is adequate for maintaining a physical fit body, which contributes to regular bowel movements.

Avoid Lifting Extremely Heavy Objects - If lifting a heavy object is unavoidable, a proper stance is critical.

Take Vitamin C  - Incorporate Vitamin C into your diet. Drink a glass of orange juice, eats oranges or take a supplement.  This helps maintain strong veins, which prevents swollen blood vessels in the anus & rectum.

Move Around - avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long.

Don’t Read on the Toilet - (see above)

Lose Weight - obesity is a common culprit of hemorrhoids.  Maintaining a healthy body weight is highly effective with preventing hemorrhoids.

Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol - alcoholism can cause hemorrhoids.