Of lemons and limes

Limes and lemons are nature’s best physician. These citrus fruits relieve many symptoms which no doctor could. Limes and lemons are very effective cure for coughs, cold and influenza. A big glass of warm water, one table spoon honey, half a lemon works wonders. My friend, Shawn Umsted, who makes it a point to drink at least a glass of this concoction every day, swears he hardly have to visit a doctor.

Limes and lemons destroy the toxins in the body. Typhoid and other diseases die within no time. The juice of these fruits is very effective in destroying uric acid in the body. It is also very effective in destroying bacteria from intestinal tract. Limes and lemons are excellent sources of vitamin C. They are a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, folic acid and flavonoids. It cures constipation, loss of appetite, arthritis, skin diseases, and heart diseases. The high potassium content in them makes these fruits very useful for preventing and curing heart diseases. It strengthens the teeth and gums. It freshens up the breath. It purifies blood and liver.

It stimulates the functions of the kidney, liver and sweat glands. A ripe lime is a good appetizer. It destroys intestinal worms and expels the excessive gases formed in the digestive tract. Regular exercise and lemon juice helps in excreting waste toxins from your body. It purifies blood. Each and every cell of the body is rejuvenated by taking limes and lemons.

Aromatherapy and the Immune System

Stress, pollutants in the environment and our own negative emotions can lead to diseases. Boosting the immune system is the best insurance against contracting such diseases. Aromatheraphy, or the the use of aromatic/essential plant oils to uplift psychological and physical wellbeing, is one way of building the body's natural resistance.

The different smells (aromas), and the chemical constituents of the oils, can produce different emotional and physiological reactions as they reach the brain through the nasal passages, that eventually leads to healing. Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, added to bath water or vaporized in an oil burner.

Lavender, lemon, bergamot, thyme, chamomile, pine, sandalwood, myrrh and vetiver are especially effective in boosting the immune system. These essential oils stimulate the production of infection-fighting white corpuscles.

As with any natural healing methods, essential oils should not be solely relied upon in cases of serious illnesses. However, they may be integrated into any therapeutic program. Furthermore, aromatic plant oils should be handled with care, they should never be swallowed or applied undiluted to the skin.

Great Sex for Good Health

Sex is good for your health. This is not an urban legend, this is a medical fact. Psychologists and health experts believe sex can do more than just put a smile on your face; sex can cure headaches, boost the immune system, provide stress relief and be a valuable addition to your exercise routine.

Recent research suggests that during sex, your body experiences physical changes equivalent to an intense workout. Sex gets your heart racing, increases energy, raises your metabolic rate, stretches all kinds of muscles and, of course, burns calories. Making love three times a week burns around 7,500 calories in a year which is equivalent to jogging about 120 kilometers.

Furthermore, a vigorous bout in the bedroom three or more times a week, can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by half. Making love can also abate depression and boost the immune system with the increased production of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that prevents colds and flu.

Immediately before orgasm, levels of the hormone oxytocin surge to five times their normal level. This in turn releases endorphins, a natural pain reliever, which alleviate the pain of everything from headache to arthritis to even migraine. In women, sex also prompts production of estrogen, which can reduce the pain of PMS.

And whether you believe it or not, sex can also lead to better and healthier teeth. I won’t discuss the nasty details but it has something to do with the zinc, calcium and other minerals present in seminal plasma. These minerals help in fighting tooth decay. But, of course, I still encourage proper oral hygiene before and after intimacy.

So hit the sack, spice up your life and burn a few extra calories while doing so.
And please don’t even think of using these healthy benefits as an excuse to be promiscuous. Japanese scientists recently announced that people engaging in adulterous relations were more susceptible to fatal strokes.

Happy Heart's Day!

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Before deciding on what kind of chocolates to give, or how many dozens of roses to order, or which restaurant to reserve a romantic dinner for two this February 14, let’s talk about the ubiquitous symbol of love, the heart.

The normal human heart is a strong muscular pump a little larger than a fist. Each day, an average heart beats 100,000 times and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood. In a 70-year old lifetime, an average hearts beats more than 2.5 billion times. It is a complex organ, and definitely, one which you cannot live without.

But how did the heart come up as the symbol for love, affection and romance in the first place?

Is it because the heart beats so fast (almost leaping out of the chest!) at the sight of a crush? Or the ecstatic feeling when someone has knocked you off your feet? Or is it because of the inexplicable feeling of despair when one is heartbroken, a feeling that seems to come from the very depths of our hearts? Whatever the real reason, one fact remains: our heart is a very important organ worthy of being the symbol of one of humankind’s most cherished emotion, love.

So take it easy on the chocolates and please order something healthy for your Valentine Dinner. There’s nothing more special than a healthy you with a healthy heart to give your loved one this Valentine’s Day.

Eat Fungi for Vitality

Mushrooms are more than just tasty toppings for pizza and flavorful ingredients to dishes. The common perception that mushrooms have very little nutritional content is not true! In fact, mushrooms have been gaining recognition as a nutrient powerhouse. A serving of mushrooms (about 4 to 5 medium-sized pieces) contains only 20 calories, and virtually free of fat, cholesterol and sodium. It’s also high in fiber and a good source of a number of essential nutrients including B vitamins, selenium, potassium, copper and phosphorus. Mushrooms are also rich in anti-oxidants that help cells ward off damage from dangerous oxygen molecules called free radicals. Chinese and Japanese have long been eating mushrooms for their medicinal properties which includes promotion of overall vitality and enhancement of the immune system. Moreover, the flavor of mushrooms intensifies and their nutritional value remains intact even after cooking! Mushrooms are a great substitute for meat because of their robust taste and hearty texture.

Start including mushrooms in your diet. Below is a simple mushroom recipe you and your family can enjoy.

Wild Rice and Mushrooms, Southern Style

Ingredients:

1 cup wild rice

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups water, boiling

1 lb mushrooms

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 cup milk

1/8 teaspoon pepper

salt

Procedure:

1. Rinse rice and drain; drop into boiling water along with the salt and cook for approximately 45 minutes or until tender and water is well absorbed.

2. Set to the side until rice is dry and fluffy.

3. Wash mushrooms quickly in cold water and saute in butter until well browned.

4. Remove mushrooms from skillet and add flour; rub to a smooth paste.

5. Add milk gradually and cook until thick, stirring constantly.

6. Season to taste, add mushrooms and heat through.

7. Pour over rice, serve hot and enjoy!

Pets and our Health

Pets, be it a dog, cat, bird, ferret or fish, are more than just sources of entertainment and amusement. Aside from the unconditional love, loyalty and companionship they give us, they improve our emotional and physical health and teach us invaluable life lessons only animals can give.

Recent studies say that pet owners live longer as compared to non-pet owners. Furthermore, research suggests that petting or even being around a loved pet relieves stress, causing a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels, and thus, a healthier life.

My parents who are both in their senior years, used to just sit, read or watch TV at home. But with the arrival of our pug, they now have a healthier morning ritual of walking the dog to the park, allowing them to breathe fresh air and exercise. My parents now look forward to the daily morning walks with the dog as these energizes and revitalizes them.

Animals can sense stress and pain. I had a terrible headache one evening and our pug looked at me as if asking “What's wrong with you?” He then lay on my lap and I started petting him. I felt so relaxed and soon enough, my head is not throbbing anymore.

I am sure you've heard many stories about dogs saving their humans from dangerous circumstances. Or pets used in hospitals to help patients recover fast. Truly, pets are more than just friends, they are also instrumental for us humans to live healthier and happier lives.

Computer Eye Strain

Does your job require you to work in front of a computer for more than an hour a day? Do you get throbbing headaches, or blurry vision or sometimes even see double before the day ends? You could be one of the many people who are suffering from computer eye strain. Reports show that an increasing number of computer-users (mostly office workers) are complaining of suffering from this computer-related eye problem. Reports further show that this condition generates $1.15 billion in medical costs each year in the US alone.

Common signs and symptoms of computer eye strain include sore, tired, burning or itching eyes; watery or dry eyes; blurred or double vision; headache and sore neck; difficulty shifting focus between monitor and paper documents in your work area; color fringes or afterimages when you look away from the monitor; changes in color perception; and increased sensitivity to light.

There are several easy steps you can take to reduce the symptoms of computer eye strain. Use proper lighting and reduce light sources as excessive bright lights often cause eye strain. Position documents adjacent to the computer screen to reduce eye movement and avoid repeated refocusing. Take 15-minute breaks for every two hours of work. Look away from the computer screen every 10 or 15 minutes to refocus your eyes. Computer users blink about 5 times less frequently than normal so make a conscious effort to blink more often to avoid eye dryness and irritation. Have your eyes checked, the optometrist can prescribe glasses specially-designed for computer use.

Fighting Tooth Decay

Bad eating habits and poor dental hygiene cause tooth decay and gum disease. As we eat, food particles get in contact with germs that live in our mouth. These microorganisms feed on sugar and starch present in food and eventually release acids. These acids are corrosive and destroy the hard surface of the teeth (called enamel) and tooth decay begins.

Eating a balanced diet and having an excellent oral health care are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. Your daily diet must include bread, cereals and other grain products; fruits and vegetables; meat, chicken and fish; and dairy products such as milk and cheese.

It is also advised to brush our teeth after every meal using flouride toothpaste. Flossing is also necessary to eliminate food particles that are trapped in between teeth. And finally, a visit to the dentist at least twice a year will ensure healthy teeth and gums.