Natural Remedies Help Recurring Sinus Infections

(NaturalNews) When the basic function of life - the ability to take breathe properly - is compromised, it can make you feel quite desperate. Recurrent sinus infections or allergic rhinitis are very common. It is estimated that at least 37 million Americans are affected by this every year. Sometimes allergic sinusitis can last 3 months or more and keep on coming back. For centuries, people have effectively used herbs and natural remedies to help heal sinus infections. Along with keeping well rested, here are a few helpful therapies that will boost the immune system and make symptoms of sinusitis more bearable:

• Vitamin C is an excellent immune booster. Take up to 3000 mg of a non-acidic form of vitamin C in divided doses each day.
  
• Trapped or stagnant mucus provides a breeding ground for bacteria so keep it fluid by drinking plenty of liquids, preferably purified water .
  
• Some people swear by apple cider vinegar. Mix two teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of water with a spoon of honey to improve the taste. This can be taken 3 times a day.
  
• Avoiding environmental allergens may be difficult, but try to keep away from substances you know will trigger an allergic response such as house dust, animals, foods, pollens etc. Stay away from tobacco smoke and chemical irritants as these will cause further swelling of the mucus membranes.
  
• Do a nasal wash if you can bear it. Although not pleasant, it's an excellent antiseptic. Mix a cup of warm water, half a teaspoonful of sea salt and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. Draw the fluid up through your nostrils and spit it out through your mouth.
  
• Aromatherapy oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree and rosemary help to clear congestion and ease inflamed nasal passages. To use as an inhalant, drape a towel over your head and lean over a pot of steaming water with a few drops of the oil in. You can also buy vapour rubs made with combinations of oils that will help open up airways and assist breathing especially at night.
  
• Use a warm compress to help open the nasal passages.
  
• Craniosacral therapy focuses on the cranial bones and has decompression techniques that assist draining of the sinuses.
  
• Garlic is well known for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. You can take it in a form of a supplement or if you don't mind the smell just eat it raw.
  
• Try immune boosting herbal combinations of Echinacea, Golden seal and Cat's claw. These are well known for their anti-viral properties.
  
• Consult your homeopath for remedies for sinusitis such as Kali bich, Hepar sulph, Pulsatilla, Merc sol, Nat mur, Silica and Sulphur, among many others. These promote drainage, fight infection and alleviate allergies. Homeopathic treatment should address the body as a whole, bringing the immune system back into balance. Homeopathic treatments can be used safely during pregnancy, for snuffles in newborn babies and for snotty-nosed children.

Your health care practitioner should be consulted if your sinus infection is showing no sign of improvement.

20 Things You Need to Know About Ginger

Ginger has been used as a medicine for thousands of years to treat a wide range of ailments from diarrhea to arthritis. Besides it medicinal use, this tuber has been used as culinary cooking spice for nearly 4500 years. Ginger products, like candy, are made from fresh or dried ginger root and the herb is available in many different forms. Fresh ginger root can also be prepared as a tea. Read on to learn more about this powerful herb that can be found in any grocery store across the country.


1. Highly valued as a spice, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used medicinally for thousands of years by Chinese physicians. Ginger acts as an antioxidant and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and pain-killing properties. It also improves liver function and lowers cholesterol as well as having beneficial effects on the heart. Ginger has anti-ulcer activity and improves the function of the muscles in the gut while helping to relieve spasm. Ginger is also valued for its warming properties.

- Nicola Reavley, The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs

2. Ginger helps the body to sweat, so toxins are drawn to the skin's surface. To prepare the ginger bath, place half-inch slices of fresh ginger in boiling water over a stove; turn off the heat, and steep for thirty minutes. Remove the ginger, and add that water into a tub already filled with hot water.

- Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith, The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps

3. Try some ginger ale — ginger is a known stomach soother. It's best to drink flat ginger ale at room temperature (cold beverages will irritate an upset stomach). Take tiny sips, especially if you have already vomited. If you can keep that down, sip a bit more. If you're out of ginger ale, you can try making a cup of ginger tea (with grated gingerroot). Some people even find relief by nibbling on a gingersnap.

- Carol Turkington, The Hypericum Handbook: Nature's Antidepressant

4. Ginger juice produces better recovery from symptoms of nausea than ondansetron, a commonly prescribed drug during chemotherapy.

- Andreas Moritz, Cancer Is Not A Disease - It's A Survival Mechanism

5. Ginger has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in the colon in animal studies.

- Andreas Moritz, Cancer Is Not A Disease - It's A Survival Mechanism

6. Ginger root extract (gingerols) inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori in the digestive tract, which is a bacterium linked to stomach cancer.

- Andreas Moritz, Cancer Is Not A Disease - It's A Survival Mechanism

7. Ginger stimulates blood circulation. These effects make it useful in treating a number of disorders marked by swelling and pain, such as arthritis. A three-year study of fifty-six people with rheumatoid arthritis found that about 75 percent of the subjects achieved relief from pain and swelling by taking powdered ginger.

- Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies

8. If you take ginger for medicinal purposes, the powder form is the best because of its high concentration of nutrients. Take 4 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of powder divided in two to four doses over the course of the day. Ginger tea is a good herbal tonic for influenza because of its soothing qualities and its antiviral abilities. To make fresh ginger tea, cut a one-inch slice of fresh ginger-root into small slivers. Place the ginger in a pot and simmer at a near boil for about 15 minutes, then strain into a cup. Add a little honey to taste.

- Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, and Makoto Suzuki, The Okinawa Program: How the World's Longest-Lived People Achieve Everlasting Health

9. For centuries, ginger has been prescribed by Ayurvedic and Indian healers to treat the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Ginger contains natural anti-inflammatory agents called gingeroles. Fresh ginger, however, also contains compounds called shogaoles, which can cause stomach irritation in some people.

- Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Hundreds of NEW Natural Products that Will Help You Live Longer, Look Better, Stay Heathier, ... and Much More!

10. Ginger tea aids digestion and soothes heartburn, and powdered ginger capsules, tea, or candy control motion sickness and nausea without causing drowsiness. Fresh ginger root relieves the sting of minor burns and can prevent and fight heartburn by absorbing stomach acid. A ginger compress can soothe carpel tunnel syndrome.

- Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D., The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies

11. Ginger supplementation helped to modulate immune activity in a beneficial direction, suggesting usefulness in control of chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Another study of ginger found that the herb could help control the risk factors involved in "syndrome X," which combine to greatly increase risk of type 2 diabetes — a condition that creates severe inflammation throughout the body because of the pro-inflammatory effects of high blood sugar and high insulin levels.

- Freedom Press, Natural Cancer Cures: The Definitive Guide to Using Dietary Supplements to Fight and Prevent Cancer

12. A double-blind study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association compared the effects of ginger and Dramamine, a common over-the-counter motion sickness drug, and found that ginger was actually more effective. In addition, ginger had none of the side effects — such as drowsiness — of the commercial drug. Ginger is an even more effective anticoagulant than garlic or onions; gin-gerol, one of its compounds, has a structure very much like that of aspirin, which also thins the blood. Ginger is a folk remedy for menstrual cramps.

- Gary Null, Get Healthy Now with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy Living

13. Ginger is an inexpensive, effective, and nearly universally available remedy for inflammation and pain. It is used to treat cramping that accompanies constipation and to relieve peptic ulcers. In China, ginger has been put to the novel use of helping to turn breech babies by giving the mother ginger teas before delivery.

- Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies

14. To test the ability of ginger to reduce inflammation, a preliminary clinical study was conducted on seven patients with rheumatoid arthritis in whom conventional drugs had provided only temporary or partial relief. One patient took 50 grams per day of lightly cooked ginger, while the remaining six took either 5 grams of fresh ginger or 0.1 to 1 gram of powdered ginger daily. All patients reported substantial improvement, including pain relief, increased joint mobility, and decreased swelling and morning stiffness.

- Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods

15. Ginger has a long tradition of being very useful in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, including the nausea and vomiting typical of pregnancy. Although the mechanism of action has yet to be elucidated, current thought is that this is due more to ginger’s effects on the gastrointestinal tract than to any effects on the brain. Ginger’s anti-vomiting action has been studied in the most severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis gravidum.

- Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D., Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition

16. Ginger also can settle stomach upset caused by food allergies. Ginger inhibits the production of immune-system components called cytokines, chemicals that create a long-term tendency toward inflammation.

- Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies

17. In Japan, ginger's anti-parasitic effect is put to use in the preparation of sushi, which is traditionally eaten with pickled ginger. In the laboratory, ginger extracts have been shown to kill the anisakid worm, a parasite sometimes carried in raw fish, within sixteen hours, about the length of time the parasite would have to establish itself in the digestive tract after consumption of contaminated fish.

- Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies

18. Fresh ginger is used to help break down high-protein foods such as meats and beans and lessen the effect of uric acids in the body from eating these foods. Dried ginger feeds the properties of foods and herbs to the lower extremities — the colon, kidneys, ovaries, sexual organs, and legs; it also treats motion sickness, and is most convenient in the form of capsules or a tincture for this purpose. Ginger should not be used when signs of heat are present.

- Paul Pitchford, Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition

19. Garlic and cayenne are good remedies for exterior conditions such as the common cold.

- Paul Pitchford, Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition

20. Ginger tea is useful as a supplement in treating schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease increasingly prevalent among tourists returning to the United States

- Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies

25 ways to improve your health and happiness in 2010

From NaturalNews
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger


The New Year is upon us, and for many people, it includes a New Year's resolution for achieving improved health and happiness in 2010. Here are twenty-five health-enhancing ideas to help you accomplish that goal.

#1 - Replace sodas or soft drinks with tea or water.

#2 - Commit to eating one raw fruit (or serving of vegetables) at every meal.

#3 - Add just 5 minutes a day to your exercise routine. Don't have an exercise routine? Start with 5 minutes a day!

#4 - Get more sunshine!

#5 - Learn some Pilates. It's probably the #1 exercise system for core strength and flexibility.

#6 - Drink a superfood smoothie every day.

#7 - Buy more indoor plants: They purify the air in your home.

#8 - Take a quality, wild-harvested fish oil supplement that contains vitamin D.

#9 - Eat more quinoa: It's a high-protein, low-carb "grain" that can easily replace rice or couscous.

#10 - When you get out of bed each morning, do five sit-ups first. It sounds simple, but just 5 sit-ups a day can make a difference.

#11 - Instead of trying to find a parking spot so close to the grocery store, park farther away. You'll get a little more walking exercise and a little more sunshine.

#12 - Get a good water filter so you can stop drinking tap water (or bottled water).

#13 - Pick up a "gentle" art like Tai-Qi or Yoga. It will reduce your stress and improve your physical stamina.

#14 - Take a relaxing hot bath with epsom salts and soothing herbs like lavender. It will do wonders for your mind and your muscles.

#15 - Get a professional massage! Massage therapy is really, really healthy, and it's a great way to reward yourself for some of the other accomplishments you're making.

#16 - Grow your own sprouts! With a simple, low-cost sprouting machine, you can grow and eat your own sprouts. Eating just one ounce of sprouts a day still had a huge impact on preventing cancer and boosting immune function.

#17 - Prepare for a Spring garden. Sure, it's cold and snowy right now, but make a commitment to start a garden this Spring, and you'll reap many health benefits in the months ahead.

#18 - Get a mini-trampoline and do some rebounding in your living room. You can even watch movies or documentary DVDs at the same time.

#19 - Make a point to get at least eight hours of sleep for 2-3 nights a week (or more, if you can). Most people are sleep deprived, and the health cost is enormous.

#20 - Start visiting local farmer's markets so that you eat more local food in 2010. You'll be healthier and happier as a result.

#21 - Got a job you don't like? Quit it! Downgrade your lifestyle to live on less money, then pursue what you really enjoy. Being happy in a small house is better than being miserable in a big one.

#22 - Get off those medications! Make a point to learn how to safely and gradually get yourself off all the medications you can by eliminating underlying imbalances or illnesses. The fewer medications you take, the healthier you'll be!

#23 - Throw out your television! Are you still watching cable TV or satellite TV? It's a complete waste of your life (but you already knew that). Disconnect the cable. Read more books and get your information online where news sources are more independent and intelligent.

#24 - Make a decision to think of food as nourishment instead of entertainment. Eat what your body needs, not what your taste buds desire.

#25 - Teach others how to be healthy! The more you talk with others about healthy habits, the more you'll follow them yourself. :-)

That's it! I hope you enjoyed these 25 ideas for improving your health in 2010 (and beyond).

Of course, one of the best ways to keep improving your health in 2010 is to keep reading NaturalNews! We'll be bringing you more natural cures, herbal remedies and self-care tips throughout 2010.

I'm personally looking forward to sharing a great year with you!


--

About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher and author with a mission to teach personal and planetary health to the public. He is a prolific writer and has published thousands of articles, interviews, reports and consumer guides, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a manufacturer of mercury-free, energy-efficient LED lighting products that save electricity and help prevent global warming. He's also a successful software entrepreneur, having founded a well known email marketing software company whose technology currently powers the NaturalNews email newsletters. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and pursues hobbies such as Pilates, Capoeira, nature macrophotography and organic gardening. Known on the 'net as 'the Health Ranger,' Adams shares his ethics, mission statements and personal health statistics at www.HealthRanger.org

Use Herbal Remedies for Headaches

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 by: David Victor, citizen journalist

From: NaturalNews

Headaches are one of the most common ailments people experience. It is estimated that 50 million people seek medical attention for headaches every year in the US alone and over $500,000,000 is spent annually on headache medicine. There are many herbal remedies for headaches that can help you without taking chemical based medicines.

The two most common types of headache are tension headaches which are caused by muscular tension and headaches caused by a constriction of blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. A few of the common causes are stress, poor posture, caffeine, eye strain, low blood sugar, allergies, sinusitis, and tiredness. There are also more severe problems that can cause headaches, but they are far less common. It is estimated that 90% of all headaches are tension headaches.

There are headache remedies from virtually every school of medicine including Chinese Herbalism, Ayurveda and Aromatherapy. Each remedy seeks to help you get rid of the pain using natural ingredients. Many of the remedies below have multiple uses and most are used in more than one school of alternative medicine.

Traditional Chinese Herbalism recommends using ginger for headaches. You can eat a small piece of fresh ginger or make a ginger tea. You can find ginger in most health food stores.

Ayurveda (the traditional system of medicine in India) offers a couple common remedies for headaches. The first is to soak a cloth in warm mustard oil and apply directly to your forehead to relieve the pain. The second remedy is to put coriander seeds in boiling water and inhale the steam created by this mixture. This is often used to relieve sinus related headaches.

If you want to try an aromatic remedy, there are several headache cures from the Aromatherapy school of medicine. For tension headaches, lavender is used to relax away your pain. You can message lavender oil directly into your temples or place a drop or two at the base of your nose. You may also want to try inhaling peppermint oil steam similar to the coriander seed remedy talked about above or take a bath with relaxing scents like chamomile. The idea is to soothe away your pain with pleasant smells.

There are many more herbal remedies for headaches. Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, rose hip, and more can soothe away a tension headache. Another common herbal remedy for tension headaches is valerian root. You can take capsule supplements or drink valerian root tea, but beware that it may make you drowsy.

These are just a few of the herbal remedies for headaches you can try. In general, these are so much better for you than popping pills and in most cases much more pleasant. Who wouldn`t want a soothing bath or warm cup of tea?


Resources:
http://www.holisticonline.com/
http://www.holisticchineseherbs.com/
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy MD, PhD

7 Ways to Ease Heartburn

From Care2

1. Choose foods with care
Perhaps there’s a reason why the sales of PPIs have risen in tandem with the profits of several fast food chains. Compared with fruits, vegetables, and grains, fatty foods spend more time in the stomach generating acid. That’s why pepperoni pizza is a classic heartburn trigger. Acidic foods such as coffee, chili peppers, orange and tomato juice, and tomato sauce can also cause heartburn, as can drugs like tetracycline, aspirin, and ibuprofen, as well as iron and potassium supplements.

There are also several foods that seem to promote heartburn by weakening the muscle at the base of the esophagus. These include garlic, onions, and–say it ain’t so–chocolate. Some drugs can have this effect, too. Formulations you’ll want to avoid include estrogen, narcotics, and Valium, as well as certain antidepressants and asthma medications.

2. Eat elegantly
Beware the double whammy of stress and eating on the run, which tend to go hand in hand. Stress triggers both acid production and sensitivity to heartburn pain, while eating quickly encourages overeating and pushes acid up the esophagus. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, relax when you eat, and keep portion size moderate.

3. Pop that gum
One heartburn soother may come as a surprise: saliva. Chemically, saliva is a base, it neutralizes refluxing acid and washes it back into the stomach. Enter gum: A study at the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque showed that chewing gum after meals significantly reduced esophageal acid levels.

4. Take soothing herbs
Several herbs have long histories as heartburn remedies. After you eat, steep one to two teaspoons of chamomile, angelica, anise, caraway seeds, coriander, fennel, or a combination to make a soothing tea. Peppermint and spearmint, once considered reflux triggers, also appear to reduce heartburn. German researchers found that taking a capsule containing peppermint and caraway seed oils for four weeks reduced heartburn significantly more than taking a placebo.

5. Walk it off
Walking after meals helps too, by settling food and aiding digestion. We’re not talking about strenuous walking, which stalls digestion, leaving food in the stomach longer. A pleasant half-hour stroll is all it takes.

6. Rely on gravity
When you stand or sit, gravity helps keep stomach acid where it belongs. But when you lie down, you lose that benefit.

Make gravity your friend by putting several bricks under your mattress to tilt the head of your bed up at least six inches. Don’t rely on extra pillows; you’ll just end up bending your body at the waist, which increases upward pressure on your stomach.

7. Downsize yourself
A spare tire around your abdomen will press against the stomach, pushing acid upward. Tight clothes are another culprit, so don’t squeeze yourself into your Calvins before a big meal. If you do eat extravagantly, go ahead and loosen your belt.

15 Brilliant Uses for Toothpaste

By Zana Faulkner, DivineCaroline 

Toothpaste: it whitens, brightens, deodorizes, removes stains, and restores and protects enamel. But toothpaste’s cleaning capabilities work wonders on many things besides our teeth. The same ingredients that help polish our pearly whites can also soothe some common ailments, make household items sparkle, and even get rid of stains and pungent smells. Try out these fifteen tricks with a white, non-gel toothpaste (unless otherwise noted), and watch that cavity-fighting, breath-freshening tube of wonder work its magic.

1. Relieve irritation from bug bites, sores, and blisters.
These skin irritations all tend to weep and, in the case of bug bites, often itch. Apply a drop of toothpaste to a bug bite or insect sting to stop the itching and decrease any swelling. When applied to sores or blisters, it dries them up, thus allowing the wound to heal faster. It’s best when used overnight.

2. Soothe a stinging burn.
For minor burns that don’t involve an open wound, toothpaste can deliver temporary cooling relief. Apply it delicately to the affected area immediately after a burn develops; it temporarily relieves the sting and prevents the wound from weeping or opening.

3. Decrease the size of a facial blemish.
Want to speed up the healing of a zit? Apply a tiny dot of toothpaste to the affected area at night before bed. Wash it off in the morning.

4. Clean up your fingernails.
Our teeth are made of enamel, and toothpaste is good for them, so it stands to reason that toothpaste would also be good for our fingernails. For cleaner, shinier, and stronger nails, simply scrub the underneath and tops of fingernails with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

5. Keep hair in place.
Gel toothpastes contain the same water-soluble polymers that many hair gels are made of. If you’re looking to style and hold an extreme hair creation, try gel toothpaste as your go-to product if you’re out of regular hair gel. (This is also a great trick for making baby barrettes stay in place.)

6. Scrub away stinky smells.
Garlic, fish, onion, and other pungent foods can permeate the skin cells on our hands. Scrubbing hands and fingertips briefly with toothpaste removes all traces of smelly odors

7. Remove stains.
Toothpaste can make tough stains on both clothing and carpets disappear. For clothes, apply toothpaste directly to the stain and rub briskly until the spot is gone, then wash as usual. (Note that using a whitening toothpaste on colors can sometimes bleach the fabric.) For carpet stains, apply toothpaste to the stain and scrub it with an abrasive brush, then rinse immediately.

8. Spruce up dirty shoes.
This tactic works great on running shoes or scuffed-up leather shoes. As with carpet stains, apply toothpaste directly to the dirty or scuffed area, then scrub with a brush and wipe clean.

9. Remove crayon stains on painted walls.
Rub a damp cloth with toothpaste gently on the marked-up wall and watch the Crayola marks disappear.

10. Make silver jewelry and other silver pieces sparkle.
Rub toothpaste onto jewelry and leave overnight. Wipe clean with a soft cloth in the morning. Make diamonds shine by giving them a gentle scrub using a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a little water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of toothpaste. Do not use this method on pearls, as it will damage their finish.

11. Remove scratches on DVDs and CDs.
This remedy has been used with mixed success rates, but it seems to work fairly well on shallow scratches and smudges. Apply a thin coating of toothpaste to the disc and rub gently, then rinse clean.

12. Tidy up piano keys before tickling them.
Piano keys retain oil from the skin, which then attracts dust and dirt. Clean away grime gently with a damp, lint-free cloth and toothpaste; after rubbing in the toothpaste, wipe the keys clean with a second lint-free cloth.

13. Deodorize baby bottles.
If baby bottles develop a sour-milk smell, a good cleaning with some toothpaste and a bottle scrubber will clean away residue and deodorize. Always make sure to rinse well.

14. Remove the burned crust on irons.
For those of you who still use an iron, you may find that after time, the plate of the iron develops a burned crust. The silica in toothpaste gently grinds away this rusty-looking layer.

15. Defog goggles.
Scuba divers, swimmers, and triathletes may already know about this handy little trick: Rub a small spot of toothpaste into each lens of your goggles, then rinse thoroughly, and voila! There’ll be no need to ever buy expensive defogger gels again. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, though, as the abrasive ingredients in toothpaste could scratch the lenses.

10 Easy Ways to Boost Your Immunity

By Rachel Venokur-Clark, Green Options

Flu season is here. With all the concern and worry surrounding the Swine flu, we may be forgetting that we are also more susceptible to the common cold and other illnesses during the winter months. There are many natural ways you can help to boost your immune system with food choices and healthy regimens. Of course, as you have seen in many articles, the first course of action is to wash your hands regularly for at least 20-30 seconds. By adding the following foods and healthy behaviors to your regime, you can help your body build its resistance to germs and help yourself stay healthy this winter.

FOOD CHOICES:
1) Ginger: Traditionally, ginger has been used to treat the common cold and help to alleviate flu like symptoms. Ginger not only helps the body fight off infection, but is a great natural cure for indigestion or nausea.
Try adding fresh grated ginger with tamari, garlic and basil while sautéing veggies for a quick and healthy stir fry, or enjoy some ginger tea after meals.

2) Turmeric: Turmeric has many healing benefits, some of which include helping to detoxify the body, enhancing and boosting the immune system, as well as having an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and helping you to prevent cancer.
Turmeric can be added to whole grains, vegetables and bean dishes, curries and so much more.

3) Garlic: Garlic increases the immune function. It is an antibacterial, anti viral and anti fungal, acting as a natural antibiotic in your system.
Try adding raw garlic to your juicer when making fresh juices or add roasted or sautéed garlic to any recipe for a great addition.

4) Cruciferous Vegetables: The family of Cruciferous vegetables includes cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, turnip, brussel sprouts, radish and watercress. Cruciferous vegetables assist the body in its fight against toxins and cancer. They are good sources of betacarotene and protect against free radical damage. They also contain vitamin C and Calcium.
If possible, eat them raw or very lightly steamed or boiled so that the important enzymes remain intact.

5) Vitamin C Foods: Citrus fruits, kiwi, guava, strawberries, broccoli, spinach, goji berries and cauliflower are all good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the production of infection fighting white blood cells and antibodies, making it easier for you to fight off germs.
Eating fruit in its whole form offers you additional nutrients and fiber, slowing down the absorption of the natural sugar and helps to prevent blood sugar spikes for most people.

LIFESTYLE CHOICES:
Some foods or unhealthy behaviors can make a person more susceptible to germs. Making a few simple changes can help you stay healthier.
1) Drink at least eight 8oz glasses of water a day to help keep you hydrated and help flush out the toxins.
2) Avoid high fat, high sugar, processed foods that deplete your system and start eating more fruits and veggies daily.
3) Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine. Caffeine in excess can deplete your system of vital nutrients and minerals, weakening your ability to fight off germs.
4) Get a good nights sleep. You may need anywhere from 6-10 hours of sleep depending on your age, health and activity levels. Listen to your body and allow it get the immune boosting restorative sleep it needs.
5) Don’t smoke. We all know the risks here, but in case you forget, smoking damages your respiratory tract making you more susceptible to the flu, bronchitis and pneumonia.
 

Green Options Media is a network of environmentally-focused blogs providing users with the information needed to make sustainable choices. Written by experienced professionals, Green Options Media's blogs engage visitors with authoritative content, compelling discussions, and actionable advice. We invite anyone with questions, or simply curiosity, to add their voices to the community, and share their approaches to achieving abundance.

Discover the Many Health Benefits of Chlorella

Tuesday, November 03, 2009 by: Elizabeth Walling, citizen journalist

Chlorella is an astounding package of complete nutrition, considering it is such a simple life form, which is probably why it is often referred to as nature's multivitamin. The synergistic nature of chlorella's nutrients is undeniable. All of its natural properties function together in a way individual supplements can't touch. Chlorella is famous for providing a vast array of benefits while fighting numerous diseases and conditions.

Vitamins. Chlorella is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. And chlorella provides these nutrients in a whole food bundle which is far superior to any manufactured formula. Be aware, however, that many experts are now saying the vitamin B12 in chlorella is not highly bioavailable, so other sources should remain in the diet.

Minerals. Like most dark green veggies, chlorella is packed with highly beneficial magnesium, which improves blood sugar levels, heart health, mental health and relaxation to name a few. Chlorella also contains other important minerals like potassium, iron and calcium.

Amino Acids. Chlorella is a rich source of protein with a balance of important amino acids, including all of the essential ones which the body can't manufacture. These aminos are responsible for rebuilding the body's lean tissues and neurotransmitters, and contribute greatly to many functions in the body.

Chlorophyll. This green pigment not only gives chlorella its color, but it also provides many health benefits. Chlorophyll can improve immunity, alkalinity, and inflammation - it can even fight bad breath.

Detoxification. These days, toxins come at us from every possible angle: food, air, water, beauty products, cleaning supplies and even clothing. It's important to give the body what it needs to detox from all the harmful substances it encounters each day. Chlorella has an amazing ability to bind with toxins like chemicals and heavy metals, and move them swiftly out of the body. These benefits are powerful and can have a definite positive impact on our health.

Digestion. Chlorella promotes the production of healthy flora, bacteria and probiotics throughout the digestive system. This is essential for good digestion and overall health, and also makes chlorella effective for fighting candida and yeast overgrowth. Its anti-inflammatory benefits can also work to heal the digestive system.

Energy. A nourished, healthy body is full of energy and vitality. Many people report increased energy and elevated mood after using chlorella. Nothing can compare to the way it feels to be powered by a true superfood.

Cancer. Chlorella is known for its remarkable cancer-fighting benefits, possibly because it is rich in natural carotenoids, which can prevent oxidation (a leading cause behind cancer and heart disease). Paired with its detoxifying nature and ability to nourish the immune system, chlorella is a natural anti-carcinogenic agent.

Diabetes. In preliminary studies, chlorella can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels over time. This can prevent and improve conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome). It is also thought that chlorella may guard against side effects of diabetes such as vision loss.

Fibromyalgia. Many have reported chlorella reduces pain associated with fibromyalgia. In one study, participants with fibromyalgia who consumed 10 grams of chlorella daily noticed a definite improvement in general symptoms and quality of life.

Heart Disease. Studies have demonstrated that chlorella can improve triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, and may also benefit those with high blood pressure. These factors, combined with chlorella's strong antioxidant properties, may provide effective protection against heart disease.

Obesity. Chlorella's unique properties may also have the ability to lower overall body fat. One 2008 Japanese study showed chlorella can reduce body fat percentages. This may be due to its ability to aid fat metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity. Plus, when we replace nutritionally empty foods with powerful superfoods like chlorella, the body tends to crave less junk food because it feels more nourished.

Tips for Using Chlorella:

- Chlorella is at its best in pure powder form without any kind of binding agents or additives. However, tablets are acceptable if you can't find a way to work the powder into your routine. Look for broken cell wall chlorella, which has been processed to make the nutrients in chlorella more digestible.

- Find a pure source of chlorella. Poor production methods can result in a contaminated product, and there are some manufacturers who use high-heat processing which destroys many of the benefits of chlorella. Do your research and find a reputable manufacturer of high-quality chlorella.

- The typical maintenance dose for chlorella is 3-6 grams per day. However, much higher dosages can be used to fight existing degenerative conditions and for heavy metal detox (as much as 20-30 grams per day). Since quality chlorella is a whole superfood, it is generally safe to take in large doses.

- Some people find they need to start small and gradually increase the dosage as their body adjusts to chlorella. Start with as little as 500 mg per day and add more as slowly as needed.

- Avoid chlorella if you are on anticoagulant drugs like warfarin (because of the vitamin K, which acts as a clotting agent).

Rx

Ryan

Rx #: C473954

10/27/2009

Dr. Ronald Brazg

AndroGel 1% Pump (2X75GM)
Qty: 300

Covington MultiCare

Flu Shot

I got my seasonal flu shot today at Safeway Pharmacy in Kent. Administered by Dr. Lu, Pie Rph.

Cost: $30, tax not included.

Rx

Dian

Rx #: C462951

4/20/2009

Dr. Andrew Johnson

Hydrocodone/Apap 7.5 - 750MG PA
Qty: 12

Covington MultiCare

Hep B

Received third and final Hep B shot. No problems.

I'll return on March 4th for physical and blood work. I'm looking forward to figuring out why I'm so tired and sore all the time, etc.

Tdap

Received my Tdap (Tetanus - Diphtheria) vaccine to meet the requirements of the permanent resident process.

Location: Safeway Pharmacy.

Apicoectomy

I went to Dr. Andrew Johnson's office in Covington for an appointment last week and today he took the cyst/infection out. It took only like 30 minutes for him to do that and I was loopy the whole time. Right now I don't feel any pain at all and hopefully the problem with my ears will start to go away along with the removal of the infection on my tooth.

They gave me 3 kinds of medications; steroids, antibiotics and pain killers.

The doctor decided not to do the bone graft and it costs us $275 for the surgery. The insurance covers 80% of the rest.

Flu Shot

Today I got my flu shot for this year. It was given to me by my company's (MultiCare) employee health nurse, at no charge.

MRI Results

I went back to the neurologist today for my follow-up appointment. She told me my MRI results came back good; nothing notably wrong... only a bit of slight arthritis in my neck, which might explain why it often feels stiff for me. Brain looked normal. No sign of why I'm having headaches...

She talked to me about some options for medication for the headaches, primarily Topamax. It's a preventative med for headaches, meaning i would take it on a steady routine to help prevent them, instead of taking them only when headaches occur. It sounds like it might be a good way to go, but she explained a few of the side effects that may occur: tingling of fingertips, inability to focus at times, possible depression...etc. I didn't fill the prescription, because now that I know that nothing is seriously wrong with my head, I'm confident that it will feel more at ease in the coming months without medication, especially when Dian is finally with me.

I'm just going to talk with Dian about it first before deciding anything...

Cold

I woke up today with a cold. Stuffed up sinuses, headache, fatigue, sore throat, etc. Felt them coming on over the previous day or two. I slept for quite awhile last night... maybe 11 hours. I've been blowing my nose constantly today. My head is full of icky crap, but it's coming out. Napped for a couple hours today. Took a few cough drops, and Tylenol Cough & Sore Throat liquid medicine at night.

MRI Day

Today I went to Cascade Imaging (Auburn, WA) to have Brain and Neck (Cervical Spine) MRIs.

The MRIs went fine. It was an interesting experience, especially since I've never had an MRI done before. They gave me earplugs and slid me into the machine, where I had to lay still for about an hour and twenty minutes or so. They took many separate tests, each a few minutes long. And after the first forty minutes, they pulled me back out and shot me with contrast (gadolinium). This is an agent that goes into my veins to help them get a better visualization of my insides, from what I understand. After the shot, I began to feel a bit nauseous. They had me smell a tiny cloth with alcohol, and gave me a couple sips of water. That helped... Then I went back into the machine for another twenty-plus minutes of tests. After that, I was done.

Being slightly claustrophobic, the MRI wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I'm anxious to get the results, which should be within the next week.

Second HPV Vaccine

Today (10/14) I got my second HPV vaccine by dr. May Hizrani at MMC Hospital. My third and last HPV shot would be in March 2009.

Cervarix vaccine - Rp1,332,210.
Medical service (doctor) - Rp100,000.

Life In Mono

The blood test from after my neurology appointment said I'm positive for mononucleosis (commonly called "mono"). So I called my primary doctor this morning and made an appointment to get checked out. He said it's a mild case of it since I don't show many of the common symptoms of it, aside from fatigue and headaches. He finds it odd that I've had it before (when I was 17), and have it again now at 29. It's fairly rare for that to happen apparently...

He suggested to get plenty of rest and to not overexert myself for a couple weeks, and that I should start feeling better within two weeks or so. If I'm not feeling back to normal in four weeks, or notice that the headaches are getting worse, I should see him again. Aside from that, it should go away on its own.

He gave me a prescription for my headaches (Butalbital).

In the meantime, I should be hearing soon from Cascade Imaging, who will be scheduling my Brain and Neck MRIs...

Refill

I bought a refill to my liver and cholesterol medicine for the next month.

Becombion Forte Tab - Rp18,000
Lesichol 300mg Cap - Rp255,000
Simvastatin 20mg Tab - Rp20,250

My Last Hep A Shot

On lunch break today I got my second and last Hepatitis A shot by Dr. May Hizrani at MMC Hospital.

Medical Service - Rp100,000.
Havrix II vaccine - Rp572,047.

Migraine # 3

This morning I had a banana, a couple vanilla cream cookies, and a small handfull of goldfish crackers at work. At about 11:30a, my vision began to appear slightly "wavy" with little bright zig-zag spots, and I began to feel extremely tired. Even more so than usual. The headache began...

By 12:30p, the headache had only gotten worse. At that time, I had been feeling light-headed and slightly nauseous, as well as experiencing some hot flashes. It was already a migraine.

At about 1:00p - during our staff meeting - I decided to go downstairs and check into our facility's Urgent Care center. There, I explained everything to the doctor. She seemed concerned about my fatigue, low testosterone and cholesterol. She also asked me if I spend a lot of time using computers, which of course I do. She suggested I talk more with my regular doctor about my fatigue, etc, and that I might want to consider a head scan. Since I already have an appointment with a nuerologist on Wednesday, I have decided to ask them for one. In the meantime, the UCC doctor shot me in my ass with something to cut down the pain. Then she prescribed me Imitrex for future migraines.

After coming home after the check-up, I took an Imitrex pill, which helped the remaining head pain. Then I napped for a couple hours, and have felt better since.

Healthy Liver Care

Healthy Liver Diet, What foods are good for the liver

1. To have a healthy liver you have to have a healthy life style, moderate exercises, nourishing diet, avoiding food in unhygienic conditions to avoid illness like viral hepatitis or jaundice.
2. Alcohol is injurious to liver and is responsible for a condition called fatty liver in young adults so complete avoidance of alcohol is mandatory for a healthy liver.
3. As liver helps in excretion of drugs, long term intake of medicines like pain killers can be injurious to liver and so over the counter medicines without prescription from doctors should be avoided.

Home Remedies for a healthy live, Natural Liver Cleansing

1. Mix 20ml of juice extract of fresh margosa leaves and 20ml of pure honey. To this mixture add 3gms of black pepper powder and stir well. Take in equal doses in the mornings and evenings.
2. Mix 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon crushed onion juice and take this mixture on empty stomach in the morning at least for three months.
3. Sugarcane juice should be taken for nutrition of liver and general health. Barley water should be taken by diabetic patients.
4. Add 10gms of pure turmeric powder to 50gms of yogurt and mix well and divide into equal parts. Drink one part in the morning and another in the evening.

Vaccination Record

Polio / IPV:

1. 12/10/79
2. 01/14/80
3. 02/15/80
4. 01/25/82

DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis):

1. 12/10/79
2. 01/14/80
3. 02/15/80
4. 02/11/81

MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella):

1. 02/11/81

TB Tine:

1. 08/15/80

Typhoid:

1. 07/16/07

Hepatitis A:

1. 07/16/07
2. 01/22/08

Hepatitis B:

1. 08/15/08
2. 09/15/08

==================================
I have also had some others in the past, most notably Tetanus in 2003 I believe it was. I am still in the process of tracking down more of my past immunization records. These are all I have recorded to date...

Blood Pressure

How To Keep It In Control

There are number of people across the world who suffer from high blood pressure also called hypertension. It is easy to keep hypertension under control by following a few simple guidelines that we will discuss below:

1. LIMITED ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: High consumption of alcohol affects high blood pressure. As per the Doctors studies it has been proved that those who do not drink or drink small amount of alcohol suffer less from high blood pressure than those who drink higher amount of alcohol.

2. TAKE CALCIUM: Consumption of calcium through normal diet seems to have a positive effect in controlling hypertension on some people. In other words calcium is generally good for people having high blood pressure.

3. BE VEGETARIAN: Vegetarians have been shown to have lower blood pressure than those who are non vegetarian. SO being a vegetarian may not be such a bad idea.

4. REGULAR WEIGHT CHECK: An obese person suffers more from hypertension than people having normal weight. If an obese person reduces a few kilos, they can achieve a near normal blood pressure even though they are still somewhat fat.

5. ADD POTASSIUM: Addition of the mineral potassium either through regular diet or through supplements may be valuable in controlling high blood pressure. Studies have show that maintaining a correct balance of the minerals sodium and potassium in your diet can help regulate hypertension.

6. CUT DOWN ON SALT: People should generally consume less salt in their diet. A little cut on the salt intake may produce a good effect on hypertension.

7. TRY AEROBICS AND AVOID ISOMETRICS: Studies have shown that aerobic exercise has a better effect on high blood pressure as compared to isometrics exercises such as weight lifting. Even including moderate amounts of swimming and walking into your exercise routine can be beneficial for hyper tension.

8. MEASURE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE: People should take steps to regularly check their blood pressure at home. It provides feedback about how your diet, exercise and medication are affecting your blood pressure.

9. DON’T TALK MUCH: Arguing and fighting with people can leads to high blood pressure. So by being calm and quiet and talking less, you can improve your blood pressure.

10. CHECK YOUR SPOUSE’S PRESSURE, TOO: It is must for the people suffering from high blood pressure to check their spouse’s blood pressure because of their shared stress or other emotional factors. It is seen that the longer two people are married, the more similar their blood pressure readings become.

11. JUST BE HAPPY: Your emotions and health go hand in hand. Especially when it comes to hypertension. So leading a happy life can reduce high blood pressure.

Beating the Vaginal Infection

I went to the Ob/Gyn again today cause based on the pap smear result two weeks ago it said that I've had an infection from bacteria in my cervical area. She gave me prescription for Dalacin C Clindamycin 300 mg. I'm going to be taking them twice a day for a week and hopefully the infection will go away for good.

And then so long to vaginal discharge.

Antibiotics - Rp213,791.

New Vaccine Fights Breast Cancer Tumors

DNA Vaccination Kills Herceptin-Resistant Breast Tumors
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News

Sept. 15, 2008 -- An experimental breast cancer vaccine makes mice reject tumors -- even cancers no longer sensitive to Herceptin.

The vaccine targets breast cancers that grow wildly in response to a growth factor called HER-2. About 25% of women with breast cancer have HER-2 positive tumors.

Herceptin, a man-made antibody approved for the treatment of breast cancer, targets these cancers. But after a while, tumor cells often become resistant to Herceptin.

The new vaccine elicits immune responses that kill HER-2 positive breast tumors in mice, whether or not they've become Herceptin resistant, says Wei-Zen Wei, PhD, professor of immunology at Detroit's Karmanos Cancer Institute.

"Regardless of whether tumor cells are resistant, if immune cells are properly primed by immunization we can destroy these cells," Wei tells WebMD.

The vaccine developed by Wei's team uses DNA that carries the genetic code for a key piece of the HER-2 molecule. After injection of the DNA into the skin, a small electric pulse is administered to help cells take up the DNA and produce the protein that elicits immune responses.

Mice given the vaccine made anti-HER-2 antibodies. The vaccine also primed cellular immune responses that attacked breast cancer tumors. These cellular responses alone were enough to kill HER-2 positive cells in mice unable to make antibodies.

A version of the vaccine is now undergoing human safety tests.

Last April, a different HER-2 vaccine made headlines when it halved the number of deaths in women with HER-2 positive breast cancer. The vaccine also slowed breast cancer recurrence.

However, researchers at San Antonio's Brooke Army Medical Center found that 26 months after vaccination, there was no significant difference in cancer recurrence between vaccinated and unvaccinated women.

Gary Yang, MD, associate professor of radiation medicine at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., says these human studies are a major step forward.

"These studies accomplished a lot -- but we need to find out why the immune system cannot sustain this efficacy," Yang tells WebMD.

Yang says that is why Wei's team's work is so important. What's learned in the lab must be tested in patients -- and then more lab work is needed to answer questions raised by human studies.

"The clinical research into breast cancer vaccines is not going to be a home run," he says.

Wei is convinced that in the long run, vaccines will prove to be powerful cancer treatments.

"Ultimately, we will be using the best defense we have to fight cancer -- the human immune system," she says. "It is a very challenging thing to do. We hope we have reached a point where we can make it useful to patients."

Wei and colleagues report their findings in the Sept. 15 issue of Cancer Research.

I'm A Rockstar!

After feeling quite tired this morning after a usual night's sleep, I decided to try a Rockstar Energy Drink with lunch. It turns out that I felt productive this afternoon. The drink seemed to really boost my energy levels, and I felt much better. However, I don't want to get in the habit of having energy drinks often.

Chronic Hepatitis Nutrition

What Should I Eat?

By Charles Daniel
Updated: September 8, 2008
Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Susan Olender, MD

What should someone with chronic hepatitis eat? This is a common concern and the answer may surprise you. There's no single recommended diet -- because there's not much difference between a healthful diet for someone with chronic hepatitis and someone without! Even though several books and websites suggests otherwise, there are only guiding principles that you should understand. With these principles, you and your physician can develop a diet that gives your body the nutrition it needs without putting additional stress on your liver.

We all have very similar nutritional needs, whether we have chronic hepatitis, or not. These only change for people with decompensated cirrhosis, which is such extensive scarring (fibrosis) that the liver can't function properly. Distinguishing whether a person with chronic hepatitis has cirrhosis and the stage of their cirrhosis determines how much attention he or she should pay to a special diet.

Make Sure You're Eating...

Enough calories. Anorexia is a symptom associated with advanced cirrhosis that can make it difficult for someone to get enough calories. Usually, this only lasts a short period of time, brief enough for your body to get by on its reserves. However, if it lasts for several days or weeks, you probably aren't getting the nutrition you need. One solution is to discuss with your physician whether you're getting enough food or enough of the right foods.

The right amount of protein. Meats, milk, nuts and cheese are all good sources of protein. Protein is an important nutrient and it's absolutely necessary for good health. People with chronic hepatitis should be able to enjoy moderate amounts of protein without worry. As long as your liver is working properly, protein shouldn't be a problem. However, too much protein is bad for people with advanced cirrhosis and can lead to brain disease as the excess protein accumulates in the blood. Again, the liver is responsible for keeping protein at safe levels, but when the liver is damaged as is the case with decompensated cirrhosis, it can't do as much as it did before. While it's important to eat enough protein, too much is harmful. Talk with your doctor to determine what's the best amount of protein for you.

Enough vitamins and minerals. Some people with chronic hepatitis, especially those with alcoholic hepatitis or advanced cirrhosis, may not be getting enough of the fat-soluble vitamins and necessary minerals they need through their diet. Your doctor or nutritionist may measure your levels of vitamins A, D and E to check your clotting time. One solution to this deficiency is using doctor-prescribed supplements. Otherwise you'll need to make certain you get these vitamins and minerals the old-fashioned way: through a balanced diet.

Prepare Meals with Your Liver In Mind

Low-fat meals. The liver is an incredibly important organ to your body. It's involved with many aspects of nutrition. One important function of the liver is to produce bile, which the body uses to emulsify dietary fats, such as from potato chips or hamburgers. Before the body can absorb the fats and use their nutritional energy, all fats must be prepared by this process. However, depending on the damage to your liver, you might not be able to prepare enough bile to handle a meal high in fats. As a result, you might suffer indigestion because of the undigested fat. One solution is just to eat low-fat foods. An alternative is to eat very small amounts of a high-fat food.

Small meals. Because your liver is damaged, it isn't able to store as much energy as it once could. One of the jobs of the liver is to store the chemical glycogen, which it can quickly give back to the body when it needs immediate energy. Most people can store relatively large amounts of glycogen in their livers, but when the liver is damaged with fibrosis, the scar tissue takes away valuable storage space for glycogen. This explains one reason why people with chronic liver disease often get tired quickly. One solution is to eat small, frequent meals making sure to include carbohydrates. This gives your body the chance to replace its glycogen reserves.

Protect Your Liver

The liver is such a powerful filtering organ. Every five minutes, your entire blood supply is filtered through it. As blood filters through, the liver removes the toxins (anything poisonous to your body). The liver has an amazing capacity to keep doing its job even while damaged, but eventually too much damage will reduce liver function. Therefore, it's in your best interest to reduce toxins to your liver. Here's some common toxins to the liver:

* Alcohol. People with chronic hepatitis should avoid alcohol since it speeds progression to cirrhosis. People with cirrhosis should absolutely avoid alcohol.
* Unnecessary medicines. Even though medicines are beneficial, they are still toxic chemicals that must be processed by your liver. It's important to follow your doctor's advice and take the medicines that you need and avoid the ones that you don't. Check with your doctor before taking a medicine if you have liver disease.
* Pesticides and herbicides. Though these can absorb through your skin, they are still toxins ultimately processed by the liver.
* Household chemicals. We use chemicals daily, sometimes without a second thought. People with chronic hepatitis should take extra caution to reduce exposure of these through fumes, ingestion and skin absorption.
* Vitamins and supplements. Some vitamins (K, A, D and E) are very important and necessary for people with chronic hepatitis and many doctors will prescribe vitamin supplements. However, aside from physician-recommended vitamins, use caution with additional supplements because they may be toxins.
* Tobacco products
* Recreational drugs

Remember the Basics

Healthful foods. Your body needs good nutrition whether you have chronic hepatitis or not. To achieve good nutrition means that you're getting the nutrients you need (vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber) from the foods you eat. The quality and types of foods are important: fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats (chicken, turkey, pork) and whole grains (barley, brown rice, whole wheat breads and oat meal).

Exercise. Along with nutrition, exercise is an essential part of good health. Some of the common symptoms associated with chronic hepatitis in the setting of no cirrhosis or cirrhosis that isn't too advanced, such as fatigue or depressed mood, may be improved with regular, moderate exercise. You should begin any exercise program gradually and, depending on your level of health, under a physician's guidance. Most exercise, however small the amount, is very beneficial to your health and well-being. It is an excellent complement to good nutrition.

---
Charles Daniel is a hepatitis advocate writing about hepatitis and its many aspects, specifically how this disease affects people and their communities.