Organic Food is it the better Choice?

Posted By Kiiera Success Group
Categoirzed Under: Fitness
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by Kiiera Success Group

Since organic food started to gain popularity in the late 1990s, people have been skeptical about the superiority of organics. Many people claimed that the benefits of organic over traditional products could not be proven. The truth is that there had simply not been enough testing done to prove the benefits of organic products or the drawbacks of traditionally produced food.

There have been various studies done to show the improved nutritional value of organic agriculture by analyzing the vitamin, nutrient, and mineral content of both organically and traditionally grown produce. There are significantly higher levels of various components in organic products, including:

* Chromium, prevents hardening of the arteries and type 2 diabetes * Calcium and Boron, build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis * Lithium, a common chemical in antidepressants and mood stabilizers * Salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory which can prevent heart disease * Antioxidants, protect cells from damage * Magnesium, helps prevent death during a heart attack * Selenium, helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers * Vitamin C, builds the immune system

While this list seems rather long, its not complete. While these nutrients have been found organic produce, they arent the only ones. This list could also get longer as more research is done about the nutrient benefits of organic food.

While its important to look at the beneficial properties of organic food, we must take into account the harmful effects of traditionally grown foods to fully understand why organic food is superior. When many of the chemicals used in farming were approved, there had been little research to show whether or not these chemicals we harmful. Research has since found that most of these chemicals have negative effects on humans. Non-organic foods have been analyzed and have been found to contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, solvents, and various hormones. Some of the conditions linked with these substances include:

* cancer * heart disease * osteoporosis * migraines * hyperactivity * decreased intelligence * impaired hearing * less growth in childhood * anemia * Alzheimers * multiple sclerosis * rheumatoid arthritis * early puberty * increase in antibiotic-resistant disease strains

Again, this list is just part of the harmful side effects of these chemicals. There are likely many more conditions to be added to this list after more research is done. Also, most of the research has been done on the affects of single chemicals, and not multiple offenders as are normally found on conventional food. While several of these chemicals have been banned, they are still present in regular and organic food. This is because they linger in the soil; some have been there for over 20 years.

While there are obviously many benefits to organic agriculture, it is not without its faults. First of all, organic products are more expensive. Depending on where you buy organic food, it could cost twice as much as regular grocery store brands. There is also concern that natural fertilizers such as plant material and manure could contain harmful organisms, such as e coli. Although this can be rare it can also make consumers very sick.

Even with the drawbacks, organic food production is proving to be much safer for consumption than other foods available. Along with the health benefits, organic agricultural practices also benefit the environment; keeping it viable for years to come.

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Is Organic the right choice?

Posted By Kiiera Success Group
Categoirzed Under: Fitness
Comments (0)
by Kiiera Success Group

Since organic food started to gain popularity in the late 1990s, people have been skeptical about the superiority of organics. Many people claimed that the benefits of organic over traditional products could not be proven. The truth is that there had simply not been enough testing done to prove the benefits of organic products or the drawbacks of traditionally produced food.

There have been various studies done to show the improved nutritional value of organic agriculture by analyzing the vitamin, nutrient, and mineral content of both organically and traditionally grown produce. There are significantly higher levels of various components in organic products, including:

* Chromium, prevents hardening of the arteries and type 2 diabetes * Calcium and Boron, build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis * Lithium, a common chemical in antidepressants and mood stabilizers * Salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory which can prevent heart disease * Antioxidants, protect cells from damage * Magnesium, helps prevent death during a heart attack * Selenium, helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers * Vitamin C, builds the immune system

While this list seems rather long, its not complete. While these nutrients have been found organic produce, they arent the only ones. This list could also get longer as more research is done about the nutrient benefits of organic food.

While its important to look at the beneficial properties of organic food, we must take into account the harmful effects of traditionally grown foods to fully understand why organic food is superior. When many of the chemicals used in farming were approved, there had been little research to show whether or not these chemicals we harmful. Research has since found that most of these chemicals have negative effects on humans. Non-organic foods have been analyzed and have been found to contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, solvents, and various hormones. Some of the conditions linked with these substances include:

* cancer * heart disease * osteoporosis * migraines * hyperactivity * decreased intelligence * impaired hearing * less growth in childhood * anemia * Alzheimers * multiple sclerosis * rheumatoid arthritis * early puberty * increase in antibiotic-resistant disease strains

Again, this list is just part of the harmful side effects of these chemicals. There are likely many more conditions to be added to this list after more research is done. Also, most of the research has been done on the affects of single chemicals, and not multiple offenders as are normally found on conventional food. While several of these chemicals have been banned, they are still present in regular and organic food. This is because they linger in the soil; some have been there for over 20 years.

While there are obviously many benefits to organic agriculture, it is not without its faults. First of all, organic products are more expensive. Depending on where you buy organic food, it could cost twice as much as regular grocery store brands. There is also concern that natural fertilizers such as plant material and manure could contain harmful organisms, such as e coli. Although this can be rare it can also make consumers very sick.

Even with the drawbacks, organic food production is proving to be much safer for consumption than other foods available. Along with the health benefits, organic agricultural practices also benefit the environment; keeping it viable for years to come.

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Stress Relief - The Best Herbs for Anxiety

Posted By Stephen Jablonski
Categoirzed Under: Depression
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by Stephen Jablonski

Herbs have been used for centuries in the treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. Even today’s anxiety prescription medication often contains an herbal component. That’s because these anxiety herbs have well known abilities to strengthen our body’s response to stress and also to promote relaxation and calm.

Herbs for anxiety treatment offer an effective alternative to today’s drugs. They’re usually available without a prescription, they’re less expensive, and they’re nonaddictive. On the other hand, herbs for anxiety or any other affliction will work much slower than prescription drugs. Their effects are milder so you’ll need to exercise more patience when taking them. But this is an acceptable trade-off for the minimal side effects.

That doesn′t mean that herbal remedies come with no side effects at all. These anxiety herbs definitely do have side effects, they’re just more mild. Still, you should be cautious whenever you start to take any new supplement. Talk to your doctor or your pharmacist before you take anything new.

Valerian

Valerian has a strong reputation as a sleep aid. It can help you get to sleep faster and stay asleep for the whole night. It can also be used during the day as an aid in calming and controlling the effects of stress and anxiety.

Kava

Kava was first used in the South Pacific islands where it grows easily and abundantly. There it was cultivated into a relaxing beverage used in nearly every household. From there, it made its way to Europe and the West where it is used as an effective treatment for anxiety and insomnia.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is a medicinal herb that dates back over 2000 years to the days of Hippocrates. He used it to first treat depression but in today’s world, it has been found to be an effective treatment against the effects of moderate levels of anxiety. It comes with certain side effects though as it may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and also interfere with the effectiveness of other drugs you may be taking.

Passion Flower

This herb, native to the new world, was found to be both a useful aid to digestion as well as a strong sedative. The early pilgrims to America used it as a natural tranquilizer and today it works just as well.

Wrapping Up

Most health food stores carry these herbs for anxiety so they’re easy to find. They’re sold in different forms too…teas, capsules, or liquid extracts, so you have many choices. It will probably take a little trial-and-error before you find the right form that works for you.

Capsules are convenient. Extracts are very flexible. And teas are the best tasting and most enjoyable. But in any case, these best herbs for anxiety can become a significant tool for you to use to help manage your anxiety.

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How Do Stop Smoking Aids Work

Posted By Pam Johnson
Categoirzed Under: Fitness
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by Al Cecil

Giving up smoking is notoriously difficult to do, so many people use stop smoking aids to try to make it a little bit easier. Many of these aids are available, including nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers, pills, and homeopathic remedies.

When most people think about stop smoking aids, they think about the patch. The nicotine patch is a popular and well known stop smoking aid. It is available in most drugstores and was made with the intention of helping smokers quit smoking by lessening the discomfort they experience from withdrawal symptoms.

The nicotine patch can be an invaluable aid to smokers dealing with the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including anxiousness, nervousness, irritableness, sleeplessness, headache, and cravings. The patch cannot eliminate all of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, but there is evidence that it can alleviate some of them effectively. In order to succeed, one must wear the patch every day for approximately three months. It’s said that one out of every five smokers is able stop smoking using the patch if they are committed to quitting. However, some people experience side effects such as skin irritation and difficulty with sleeping.

A popular and well known stop smoking aid is the pill, otherwise known as bupropion or Zyban. This prescription drug and antidepressant pill is actually for those individuals who are depressed. However, it has been proven that this pill also helps smokers trying to quit smoking by suppressing symptoms of withdrawal. In fact, some studies show that Zyban is twice as effective as a nicotine patch. In any case, it is easy to use and non-addictive. Side effects of Zyban include trouble sleeping and a dry mouth. It is certainly worth a try.

Some other options for stop smoking aids include nicotine inhalers and nicotine gum. Those who use nicotine gum find it helps you quit smoking because it occupies your mouth, so you do not feel the need for a cigarette. Many who have stopped smoking have ended up gaining weight as a result of eating more to compensate for not having a cigarette in the mouth. For those who are afraid to stop smoking because of the fear of weight gain, nicotine gum is useful. This will satisfy their cravings for nicotine during withdrawal from cigarettes. It is typically used for about three months.

One type of stop smoking aid quitters can opt to use is a nicotine inhaler to try to wean off nicotine dependency. The nicotine inhaler mimics the effects of smoking, creating a transition step for those trying to stop smoking. However, it can cause throat and mouth irritation.

It is important to remember, however, that stop smoking aids can only work when individuals want them to work. That is, individuals must be fully dedicated to quitting smoking. This inner drive and motivation is the only way smokers will be able to quit smoking. Though stop smoking aids such as nicotine patches, nicotine pills, nicotine gum, and nicotine inhalers can help smokers quit, nothing can help them quit permanently except willpower.

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Tips to Manage Your Stress

Posted By Lillian F Tighe
Categoirzed Under: Stress Management
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by Lillian F Tighe

Stress and tension are part of most people lives and threaten your health in many ways. Stress can come in the form of accidents, financial difficulties, problems at work, family issues, and poor health. The way to manage stress has a lot to do with your mental, emotional, and physical health. The following are some ways that you can manage the stress in your life:

Try to find out what is causing your stress.

See if you can make changes in the areas of your life where you are feeling stress.

Relaxaton techniques such as massage, deep breathing, meditation, or yoga may help to relieve your stress.

Exercise or other physical activity will help you deal with stress

Practice time management. Put your tasks into a priority list. When you make your list take into account yourself, your family, and your job. Using a check list will give you satisfaction when you complete a task.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid sugar, fats, tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol as all of these items will put a strain on the way your body copes with stress.

Make sure that you get enough sleep and rest.

Talk with someone if there are things that are bothering you. This can include friends, family, professional counselors, and support groups.

Get out there and volunteer! Helping others can give you a sense of purpose.

Take some personal time. This can include reading a book, watching a movie, listening to music, or any other personal time that you enjoy.

Recognise and deal with your anger.

A vacation from your regular life, even if only for a weekend, will help you deal with stress.

Try not to do too much. Take things one step at a time.

Dont try to be perfect in everything that you do.

Try not to be too critical of others.

Laugh whenever you can, even at yourself now and then.

Move your head from side to side and rotate you neck in a circle to reduce the tension in your neck and jaw.

Practice realistic goal setting using the SMART approach, set small and realistic goals to accomplish the tasks you have to do and reduce your stress. Try setting a goal using the SMART method:

SPECIFIC: Write down your first small goal.

MEASURABLE: How will you know when it is done?

ACHIEVABLE: Make sure it is not too big.

REWARDED: Reward yourself when you reach your goal.

TIME-LIMITED: In order to be a SMART goal it must have a realistic finish date and time.

Laugh at stress. Laughter is your body’s natural stress-release mechanism. Rent your favorite funny movie or record a TV show that you know makes you laugh. You can keep the recording on hand for those stress emergencies. Go to the library and borrow a book that you know will make you laugh. Or read the daily comics in the newspaper.

Exercise is the best way to cope with stress. Go for a walk, go to the gym and give yourself some distance from the problem. Take a walk at lunchtime or during your coffee break at work. This will increase your energy and make it possible for you to cope with the situation.

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