Woman Health - Eye-Opening Information for Menopausal Women

Don't take calcium supplements. Calcium makes bones more massive, but more brittle. A stout dry branch breaks easily, while a green one, no matter how thin, won't break at all. Food sources of bone-building minerals (such as yogurt, nettle infusion, dandelion vinegar, and cooked kale) include "flexibility" minerals such as magnesium, boron, and zinc and are a superior way to prevent bone breaks later in life says Weed.

Gain some weight. Women who gain 10-15 pounds during their menopausal years have fewer hot flashes, stronger bones, and healthier hearts. (And most of them lose the extra weight in the following decade.)

Try herbal hormones. Many common herbs and foods contain substances that can be used like estrogens by the body. This is much safer than taking estrogen supplements, which are known to promote uterine and breast cancers.

Be outrageous. The emotional extremes - rage, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts - that give menopausal women the label "hysterical", actually serve important functions in helping women come to terms with aging, death and profound personal growth.

Bursting with tidbits of detailed information such as these, and rich with the forgotten wisdom of ancient times, NEW Menopausal Years The Wise Woman Way is the perfect guide for menopausal women of today.


Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.



Susun Weed
PO Box 64
Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax: 1-845-246-8081



Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often profoundly provocative.

Susun is one of America's best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women's health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world. Learn more at http://www.susunweed.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/


Click Here To Download "Eye-Opening Information for Menopausal Women" E-Book

Woman Health - The Benefits of Green Tea

Green Tea: Three glasses a day keeps cancer away

Consumed by millions in the Far East we are just beginning to get used to seeing this unfermented cousin of the black tea most Westerners are accustomed to drinking. For hundreds of years this very popular drink has been praised for its health benefits, which are now backed up by recent scientific study. Breast and prostate cancer are among the leading causes of cancer death in the US. Even with our advances in medicine these two types of malignancies claim 200,000 new victims annually and up to 50,000 deaths per year. Because of the latency in development of these two particular cancers there is opportunity for prevention. Further more, reduction in the risk of recurrence if one is unlucky enough to be stricken with them in the first place also applies. While there are several treatments for these cancers, prevention would be a person's wiser choice. Since it can take 20 to 40 years to develop breast and prostate cancer, anyone wishing to prevent these cancers would search for something that was safe and effective for long-term use to radically diminish the chances of acquiring these cancers.

Green tea, a very popular beverage in the East has been studied as a chemopreventive agent against cancers. This beverage, popular for over 4000 years and consumed in quantity only second to water, has stood the test of time so to speak. It is has been around long enough and consumed by millions of people to judge its safety and efficacy. Green tea comes from the evergreen Camellia sinensis and the dried leaf is infused with hot water to yield the beverage. Green tea has been scientifically studied and shown to diminish primary occurrence as well as recurrence of cancers of the colon, ovary, breast and prostate. There are certain flavonoids and polyphenols in the tea that once absorbed have potent antioxidant properties. This is just one of many mechanisms of action on inhibiting cancer. Studies have shown that these flavanoids and polyphenols are very well absorbed when taken orally either in the form of a drink or in capsules. Unlike pharmaceutical agents that act on a single target when fighting cancer, the green tea polyphenols harbor a multidimensionality against tumorigenesis (tumor formation).

In mice, Interluken-2 deficient specimens prone to cancer survived when given green tea polyphenols which were found to lower interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In human studies, there is overwhelming evidence that green tea reduces incidence of breast and prostate cancer as well as reduces recurrence in those treated for these cancers. Epidemiological studies have found a two-fold reduction in breast cancer in women who consistently consume green tea. Another study involving men found the relative risk for prostate cancer nearly one-fourth in those who drank at least three cups of green tea daily. This is big news for those at high risk or cancer survivors.

Although safer than most chemotherapeutic drugs, one has to be concerned about caffeine if they are sensitive (there are decaffeinated formulas available) and the possible interaction with the blood thinner warfarin, since green tea contains vitamin K in significant quantities. Vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin warranting careful monitoring for those taking this drug.

How much is enough? According to studies the average cup of green tea yield 50 to 150 mg of polyphenols depending on the amount of leaves used and the steeping time. Based on this at least three cups of (heartedly steeped) tea daily should provide 300 mg of the polyphenols. If you are not that big a tea-totter, you can also obtain this amount in a 400 mg (80% standardized extract) capsule. While higher doses seem to be very well tolerated the effect is dose dependent. Better protection against cancer is achieved obviously with higher doses, but one should consult a nutritionally minded physician or herbalist for guidance.

References:

Krochmal, R., Hardy, M. L., Green tea and breast and prostate cancer chemoprevention. Atlernative Medicine Alert, July 2004, 7:7:73-84.

Kohlmeier L, et al. Tea and cancer prevention: An evaluation of the epidemiological literature. Nutr Cancer 1997;27:1-13.

Varilek GW, et al. Green tea polyphenol extract attenuates inflammation in interleukin-2-deficient mine, a model of autoimmunity. J Nutr 2001;131:2034-2039.

Jatoi A, et al. A phase II trial of green tea in the treatment of patients with androgen independent metastatic prostate carcinoma. Cancer 2003;97:1442-1446.

Mittal A, et al. EGCG down-regulates telomerase in human breast carcinoma MCG-7 cells, leading to suppression of cell viability and induction of apoptosis. Int J Oncol 2004;24:703-710.

----

(c)2005

JP Saleeby, MD is assistant medical director of the Emergency Room at Liberty Regional Medical Center. He holds faculty position at GSU School of Nursing and is a proponent for preventive and integrative medicine. He can be reached for comment at jpsaleeby@aol.com. Telemedicine consultations in integrative preventive medicine available via http://www.saleeby.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Woman Health - Food Health Values

Now let’s take a look a the basic food elements in your perfect dietary plan; fruits and vegetables group, bread, cereals, rice and past groups, meats and beans group and dairy group. Each has different characteristics or helpful nutritional value for your dietary needs.

Fruits and Vegetables – Fruits have very little if any protein and fat. Instead, they have carbohydrates, generally fruit sugar or fructose and glucose. As Florida commercials tend to announce, fruits offer us vitamins, C and B to be exact, as well as potassium, fiber and other nutrients. While the sugar helps with maintaining blood sugar levels, vitamins and other nutrients help ward off sickness and disease, and fiber is important for waste disposal from the body.

Here is a peek at some fruits and their relationship to the perfect diet.

Apples – These help cleanse the system and aid lungs, and have been used as laxatives, for fainting, melancholy and palpitations. Apples have been known to help people with diabetes, heart disease, cancer and high cholesterol trouble.

Apricots – These offer beta carotene and potassium. They aid in adding moisture to the body, especially the breathing and throat areas. Apricots have been known to help fight cancer and high blood pressure, prevent night blindness, aid those with stomach and lung cancers, low energy and elderly with mental depression.

Bananas – These have been noted to help with intestinal and lung problems, ulcers and constipation, mental alertness, and increasing energy. They also help people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease risk, blood sugar level maintenance, and the elderly with confusion.

Berries – A variety of berries has been noted to help with varicose veins, menstrual problems, premature graying, joint ailments, insomnia, liver, spleen and pancreas problems. They also help reduce cancer risk and aid with rheumatoid arthritic solutions, weight loss issues, stomach and colon cancers.

Citrus Fruits – Oranges, tangerines, kumquats, lemons, limes - -help with stomach and colon trouble and with anemia and infections (like scurvy) and colds. They are also help people with cataracts and the prevention of colon and stomach cancers.

Figs – These work as laxatives and have been known to help with the treatment of boils and anemia reduction, and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Grapes – Grapes are associated with cleansing the body and to help with water retention, urinary issues, jaundice and hepatitis. They are also associated with the healing of rheumatoid arthritis and aid with mental confusion / depression, especially among the elderly.

Mangos – Mangos are noted to aid in the prevention of anemia and the strengthening of the immune system. They also have been used to help with fighting off infections and tumors and the prevention of cervical cancer. And they help with the heal of diarrhea, sweating and mental alertness.

Papayas – This is a great source for vitamin C and is also noted for helping with male fertility, with aiding white blood cells among the elderly, with intestinal treatments and with cancer prevention.

Pears – Pears have similar characteristics as apples. They provide moisture for the body, are slow to digest and have fairly little allergic responses reported. They have also been used to help with coughing, diabetes, cholesterol levels, dryness in the chest cavity, skin injuries, introducing babies to food, staving off hunger and boosting brain power.

Pineapples – Their juice helps with digestion, dissolving blood clots (related to thrombosis) and healing wounds. They have been known to help with cancer prevention.

Prunes – Help with iron deficiency and constipation. Prune puree can act as a substitute in dietary cooking to lighten the fat low, working in place of butter and margarine.

Now let’s look at some veggies. Again low in calories, vegetables are also high in fiber content, vitamins and minerals, with little to zero protein and fats. Check and see how some veggies affect your perfect diet.

Artichoke – Artichokes have been known to aid liver disease, kidneys and gallbladders. They also help with large intestinal problems, skin and bowel cancer prevention, high cholesterol and hepatitis.

Asparagus – Great source of some vitamin B, this veggie helps with water retention with regards to kidneys and menstrual issues, cataracts and lung problems (some bronchitis, tuberculosis).

Avocado – Great source for vitamins E and some Bs and oil, avocados help with the immune systems in elderly people. They also aid the liver, lungs and intestines (ulcer treatments), infertility in men and Parkinson’s Disease.

Broccoli – This has been noted to help with anemia, eye disorders like near-sightedness, and infections, especially childhood ones like measles. Broccoli has also been known to help counteract the effects of cigarette smoke and aid in many types of cancer prevention.

Cabbage – Cabbage has been used to help with lung and digestive disorders, ulcers, wounds, joints, mastitis and acne. Is has been reported to help with breast and prostate cancers, bacterial infections and heart disease prevention.

Celery – This is helpful for those with high blood pressure, for those with rheumatoid arthritis and for calming, not only with the liver but with stress and anxiety as well. Celery is also used to help with stomach, pancreas and spleen troubles, acne and canker sores, burning urine and eye inflammation.

Legumes – These seed pod products help with the reduction of heart disease risk and help with the healing of some cancers, blood sugar level maintenance and iron / calcium maintenance in the body. They also aid people with anemia and diabetes.

Mushrooms – These help white blood cells in the immune system, help fight some cancers and heart disease and may help in the prevention of clotting, by blood thinning.

Onions – They have helped with heart disease prevention, bladder (and other) cancer, and circulatory problems. They have also helped in healing swelling from bug bites and bronchial inflammations. And onion tea is said to have sedative qualities.

Potatoes / Other Roots – These root veggies are associated with the prevention of different cancers, the prevention of blood clotting related with heart disease, and with protection against inhaled nicotine (via smokers). Carrots further aid in stomach and lung cancer care, food poisoning healing, iron deficiency, sexual problems and night blindness. While beets help reduce heart disease risk and spina bifida (with pregnant women). And they help with high blood pressure care and muscle replenishing.

Pumpkins / Squash – These have been known to help with the prevention of prostate cancer and the reduction of heart disease risk. They also aid in healing cataracts / retinal and lens damage in the eye and with the flu and colds.

Soybeans – These help with osteoporosis risk reduction, lowering blood cholesterol levels, and prostate and breast cancer reduction and prevention. Soybeans have also been known for helping the spleen, blood and pancreas, and increasing milk production in breast-feeding women.

Tomatoes – These help in the reduction of heart disease, the healing of prostate and other cancers, and with the aging (both mentally and physically) process.

Bread, Cereals, Rice and Pasta – Cereals are considered staple foods. Depending upon the country, weather, region, etc., popular varieties vary; corn, barley, oats, wheat, rice, millet. Grains mainly give the body carbohydrates (mostly starches), some fiber, protein, vitamins (mainly Bs and E) and minerals. Here is a peek at some foods in this category.

Bread – This major energy source offers the body lots of nutrition, protein, calcium, iron and B vitamins. Breads help reduce risk of infertility in men, anemia, heart and spine problems, osteoporosis and colon cancer risk. Historically, bread was prescribed as nature’s way to aid in colonic irrigation.

Corn – Corn may be able to help with spina bifida risk in babies. It helps with heart disease and colon cancer prevention. Popped corn can be a great diet food, depending upon the oil and additives (like butter) used. Corn silks have been used in diuretic teas to help with high blood pressure, gallstones, kidney stones, water retention, and urinary problems.

Oats – Oats are known to help with skin problems and in the treatment of depression, anxiety and insomnia. The saponins, B vitamins and alkaloids in oats aid with mood-lifting. Some forms of oats also work as antiseptic and heart disease treatments, help lower blood pressure and with weight reduction (cause full feeling and digest slowly) and are popular on diabetic menus.

Rice – Rice has been used for the healing of depression, for reducing colon cancer risk, for reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It offers quick energy for the body, helps calm the stomach, is good for poor digestion and diarrhea, and helps fight celiac disease. Rice cakes are great substitutions for dieters, replacing breads.

Wheat - This traditional kidney toner help with the reduction and prevention of colon and breast cancer, blocking of the arteries and heart disease. Wheat also aids in mental functions including focus and calmness. Many pastas are made from wheat and in this category. They offer carbohydrates, fiber and B vitamins to the body.

Meats and Fish - Meats are a source of protein and iron. Mainly fat content needs to be of concer with regards to perfect dietary planning. And leaner meats are becoming more readily available; lean hamburger, buffalo, emu and ostrich. Fish, also good protein sources, help reduce heart disease risk, inflammation and blood clotting.

Fish – Oily fish have been known to help with bone density, to relieve psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritic pain, and help prevent heart disease and anemia. Shellfish helps with male fertility, brittle bones, weak muscles, weight loss and the prevention of cancer.

Meats – Aid male fertility, build body tissue, nervous system damage and maintenance and help with the prevention of anemia and osteoporosis.

Gamebirds / Poultry – These foods help enhance concentration and mood. They also aid in the prevention of anemia and depression. And for those with allergies, turkey and chicken are noted at rarely causing allergic reactions.

Dairy – Dairy products help in the prevention of tooth decay, protein deficiency, loss of energy, high blood pressure, bone fractures, osteoporosis, rickets and some cancers including colon.

Weight Control Services, a site dedicated to providing current health and fitness information. The article you have read is available for your use in its entirety as part of a collection of ebooks offering valuable information on a variety of Health and Fitness topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Woman Health - Cancer and Your Pet

Just say the word cancer and any of a host of undesirable thoughts will pop in your mind- and with good reason. Cancer is one of the most common of diseases among pets and increases as the pet ages. In dogs, the frequency of getting cancer is equivalent to that of a human being getting cancer. Additionally, it accounts for close to half the deaths of pets over the age of 10.

Just what is cancer and what causes it? Basically, cancer occurs when cell growth rates go out of control on, or inside, the body. What causes this chaos inside the system of the cell is still unknown-but the results have been well documented and the reputation is well known. Some cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer or testicular cancer can be largely prevented by spaying or neutering your pet while it is still very young( 6-12 months or so). Other types, however, are not as easy to detect, causing difficult preventive methods. Following are many common types of cancers seen in pets. Skin tumors in dogs should always be checked by a vet. Breast cancers have a high rate of malignancy in dogs- often 50%. Lymphoma is common and is characterized by an enlargement of the lymph nodes. Testicular tumors are common in dogs- especially those having retained testes. Cancers occurring in the head and/or neck are common in dogs and often malignant. Aggressive and quick therapy is required. Abdominal tumors are harder to detect and very common. Watch for weight loss or abdominal enlargement. Testing for cancer can be done in a variety of methods - from x-rays or blood tests to actual biopsy samples(tissue samples). Most often, biopsies are required to diagnose cancer.

Treatments run the gamut in cancer therapy. Since each cancer may be of a different type from animal to animal, and each animals system may react differently to the same drug, the care is highly individualized. Your veterinarian may choose from such options as chemotherapy, radiation, hyperthermia, surgery, immuno-therapy, or cryosurgery(freezing) to treat your pet, although combinations of the above methods are quite common. Now for the big question. Just what are the success rates of these methods in treating my pet for cancer? Just as in humans, the success rate depends on a number of variables- what type of cancer your pet has, how early you detect the cancer,how you treat the cancer and how strong your pet is- just to name a few. Sometimes the cancer can be cured if response is quick and the treatment aggressive but all pets may receive a better quality of life from therapy received. The best therapy seems, however, to be early detection through regular vet visits and keen knowledge of your pets overall rate of health at all times. Watch for changes and be aware should any unusual symptoms pop up.

COMMON SIGNS OF CANCER SEEN IN SMALLER ANIMALS

•Loss of appetite
•Sudden weight loss
•Slow,or non-healing sores
•Offensive odor
•Abnormal growths or swellings
•Loss of stamina
•Hesitation in exer-cising
•Persistent lameness or stiffness
•Difficulty in eating or swallowing
•Difficulty in breathing, defecating or urinating

Article written and reprinted with permission of: http://www.pedigreedpups.com/ Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog Breeders - "Your New Best Friend"

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

Debbie Ray, owner of: http://www.pedigreedpups.com is a lifetime dog lover and owner and breeder of german shepherd dogs for over 15 years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Woman Health - For Women: Ice Is Nice!

Ice therapy is a women’s best friend. Really! I’m not kidding. When it comes to alternative medicine, using ice is an easy, drug-free and inexpensive therapy right out of your freezer. The simple technique of ‘icing’ is used to lessen pain and decrease inflammation, but it has many more uses, particularly for women.

Injury treatment - For sports and overuse injuries. R.I.C.E. therapy (rest-ice-compression-elevation) is the recommended method to treat muscle and joint pain, strains and sprains. Many athletes also use ice therapy as preventative treatment after a workout. Did you know that women’s risk of developing ACL injuries is four times greater then men? Always have ice therapy on hand after a marathon or off the slopes, in case your anterior cruciated ligament decides now’s the time to act up.

Comfort back pain – Forty-one percent, or 10 million women a year, suffer from back pain. The major causes for women’s back pain are housework and gardening. Cool lower back pain with ice therapy. It’s an easy, immediate relief for nagging pain after you’ve been pulling weeds or lugging groceries.

Ease migraine headache pain – Every woman experiences migraines at some point in their life. It might be part of your monthly cycle or a symptom of menopause. Ice therapy is a proven remedy for migraine relief. Lie down for five to ten minutes and place an ice pack behind your neck, on your forehead or temples. Ice naturally reduces inflammation and numbs pain, decreasing the effect of migraines and easing you into relief without the use of drugs.

Chill hot flashes and night sweats – 80% of women will experience body heat fluctuations during menopause. Nothing chills a hot flash like an ice pack! Keep a chilled pack in an insulated tote next to your bed at night, ready when a flush of heat wakes you up.

Family first aid and home emergencies – If you have children or an accident-prone husband, an ice pack in the freezer is a necessity. Considered the first line of treatment to use for bumps, bruises, sprains, black eyes, strains or minor burns, ice therapy is a must for home emergencies.

Reduce swelling after surgery – Whether it’s cosmetic, reconstructive, or joint replacement – all will result in postoperative swelling and bruising. Ice therapy is recommend by most doctors to decrease inflammation and bruising after surgery.

Reduce puffy eyes – Not enough sleep? Allergies? Ice therapy relieves puffy, swollen eyes with a little TLC.

Cool minor burns and treat insect bites – Like to garden, but hate sunburn and bugs bites? Summer sun and pesky bugs won’t get the best of you when you use ice therapy. Wrap an ice pack in a towel for a cold compress to gently cool sunburned skin. (But don’t use on skin that has blistered – seek medical attention for damaged skin.) Take the sting out of bug bites, by using an ice massage directly on the bite for 5 to 10 minutes. It will numb pain, relieve some of the itching, and reduce swollen bumps caused by the bite.

Let ice be nice to you!

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury.

About the Author: Louise Roach is a health and fitness editor, marketing specialist, and product development consultant. She helps others find pain relief through the use of SnowPack Cold Therapy products. Ms. Roach has recently developed a take-with-you ice therapy kit for women, with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to the Women’s Information Network Against Breast Cancer (WIN ABC). Learn more about the benefits of cold therapy at http://www.snowpackusa.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/