Archive for May, 2009

Majority opinion seems to be that “soda pop” is by definition unhealthy. But could this, in fact, be a popular misconception?

In the United States of America, we have many flavored carbonated drinks which we call soda pop. It’s the carbonation process that makes soda pop “fizz.”. 

It is the amount of dissolved CO2 that produces carbonic acid in drinks, and this in turn affects the quality and different tastes of various carbonated drinks, including soda pops and soft drinks.  Click here for more carbonated water information.

In most soft drinks, carbonation is the component which gives these drinks their distinctive taste. Diluted carbonic acid is what causes the fizzy sensation, not the bubbles.

Carbonated water, also known as sparkling water, is plain water into which CO2 gas has been dissolved, and is the main ingredient of most “soft drinks” or “soda pop”.

These drinks were made in the past by putting water in a seltzer bottle at home and adding CO2. Club soda is usually identical to plain carbonated water, but it could sometimes contain a small trace of salt or other minerals. Home-made soda pop could taste salty because of these trace ingredients. Add some drops of concentrated flavors and you have good ole’ soda pop.

If it has enough minerals, the drink is referred to as sparkling water. A large assortment of calorie-free flavors to flavor sparkling water with great tastes is sold at allfreightfree.com. This could be a great option for your family instead of drinking so much soda pop.

Carbonated drinks in the form of diet soda pop can be a calorie-free way to make sure your family drinks plenty of water; we all know that the better the drinks taste, the more your kids will drink, and the more they drink, the healthier it is for your family.

If anyone in your family plays sports, this flavored drink helps make sure they stay properly hydrated while exercising. This has been an extremely hot summer; in spite of the heat, two-a-day football practices are already underway for most college and high school players. Perhaps, football mom, you could provide the team different flavored carbonated drinks to make sure everyone drinks the amounts that they need and stays well hydrated.The kids, and possibly the coach, will love you. This might be a good project for the football booster club to take on.

The extreme summer heat has made drinking water extremely important – in fact, it has made it a dangerous summer even for Texas which is used to hot summers. But we are not use to day after day of 100 plus temperature with high humidity and little infants and the elderly are especially vulnerable.

It is evident that not all “soda pop” is the same. So, flavored carbonated drinks can be a good option for you and your kids, and perhaps even for your elderly neighbor. After all, we are our brother’s keeper.


It would be better if you can treat a yeast infections naturally. Natural remedies are cheaper, easier and safer to use for getting rid and curing your yeast infections. Natural methods are also known to have more lasting effects than medicines available in the market and not to mention the side effects that you may get with over-the-counter drugs.

Before knowing some effective natural remedies for yeast infection it is best to learn the causes of this disease so we could avoid and prevent it from occurring.

Here are the main causes of yeast infection:

  • Foods. Try not to have excessive intake of Milk and other dairy product like cheese because it contains yeast which may lead to yeast infection. Also try to avoid too much caffeine, sugar, alcohol margarine and processed foods.
  • Condoms. Condoms could also lead to male yeast infection because of its latex called nonoxynol-9. Always make sure you check the label first to avoid it.
  • Tight clothing and underwear. Wear cotton fabrics as much as you can and not polyester clothes since it doesn’t allow our skin to breath very well. This means poor ventilation of your skin, more warm and moist environment where yeast bacteria can grow.
  • Some antibiotics and drugs which weaken the immune system and kill the good bacteria from the vagina.
  • Some personal care products which contain high level of perfume scent, tampons, body spray which also kill the good bacteria from the body.

Good natural yeast infection remedies

  • Garlic. If you are not allergic to garlic, this is one of the proven method to kill your yeast infection. Garlic is a strong antifungal. You can make a paste from garlic and apply on affected yeast zones or you can put the paste in a cheesecloth or gauze and insert it into the vagina. You should feel relief after several applications.
  • Vinegar. Vinegar has well known antifungal and antibacterial proprieties. Fill a bath with warn water and a cup of vinegar, after that dry carefully. Try to do it twice a day. Apple cider vinegar has been proven to have better results against yeast infections.
  • Yogurt. Yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus which produces hydrogen peroxide, a known antibacterial. Apply the yogurt in the infected area such as in your vagina for healing. Also eating yogurt can help get rid of yeast infection.

 


By chemotherapy one generally refers to the drug combinations prescribed for the treatment of cancer or tumors. Many side effects of chemotherapy treatments are permanently reported by people undergoing a chemical intervention.

side effect of chemotherapy

Hair loss or alopecia makes the most visible of the side effects of chemotherapy although we should not jump to the conclusion that any bald person has cancer. Why does hair loss appear to begin with? Well, chemotherapy consists of a treatment relying on chemicals that are meant either to inhibit or kill the cells that grow or replicate too fast.

The trouble is that the treatment is directed towards all the cells in the body that have this characteristic disregarding whether they are cancer cells or healthy cells. That is why, besides hair loss, many cancer patients may also have to cope with other side effects of chemotherapy related to their digestive system or skin.

long term side effects of chemotherapy

Even if this is one of the side effects of chemotherapy that most people are familiar with, we may not know that alopecia is only temporary. At the end of the treatment the hair follicles will resume normal functionality. Although there may be changes in color and texture, hair will grow back again normally.

There are a few side effects of chemotherapy to say the least, but their intensity could be reduced. You can prevent hair loss for instance by putting some cold compresses on the scalp and thus reduce the blood circulation in the area. As a result, the blood will carry less drug to the hair follicles and this means that one’s hair will be protected from the damage of the drug.

side effects of chemotherapy

All in all, side effects of chemotherapy are a challenge and doctors are still trying to reduce their number. Even if one solution to preventing side effects from appearing is available, the same solution may not work for another drug that leads to the same problem. The same goes for hair loss; the cold cap may have the wanted effect of doing away with alopecia only in the case of certain drugs, but it may not work with some other ones.


When you want to live a healthy lifestyle and get in shape, it’s a good idea to invest in a good whey protein supplement so that you can get the protein you require. When you work out, you end up creating small tears in your muscles. You must ingest protein so that your body can repair those muscles. That’s how you build bigger muscles, but eating the required protein in order for your body to do the muscle building. You should try to have all your protein from real food sources, like fish, beef and chicken. However, it can be hard to get all the protein you need just from eating food. You must then use a good whey protein supplement so that you can get more protein into your body. Will any whey protein supplement do? Not really.

Whey Protein Supplement - What To Look For

When you’re looking for the best whey protein supplementfor your money, you’re going to want a protein supplement that has at least twenty grams of protein per serving, but also one that doesn’t have a lot of carbs or fat. You also want to make sure the whey protein supplement doesn’t contain any sugar. Your body doesn’t need sugar for any reason. You are not correct, if you think you need it for gaining energy. The human body uses carbs and fat and other nutrients for energy. Sugar it will use for energy but it goes through the body quickly and you’ll only end up crashing after a short boost. So make sure you get a whey protein supplement without sugar for best results.

Whey Protein Supplement: Taste

It’s a myth that healthy eating has to taste bad. You don’t need to forgo your taste buds in order to live a healthy lifestyle. The trick is to find healthy foods that taste great. They’re definitely out there. A case in point is the whey protein supplements that have flavors such as cookies and cream and chocolate fudge. There are some supplements that taste so good they’re almost sinful. This can lead a lot of people to believe that the supplements aren’t good for them but that’s not true.

Whey Protein Supplement: Read Labels

To determine if the whey protein powder is a good one, you need to learn how to read labels. Make sure they’re not filled with junk and that they’re actually a healthy product you can use to supplement your healthy lifestyle with. Then you’ll get the results you want and deserve.


A very interesting caller spoke to me about her need for a home ozone generator. She mentioned that she was a trade nurse and that her husband’s gangrene problem was not resolved at the hospital.

She told said that she was using red clay on the wound and that she wanted an home ozone generator because she believed the ozonator water would help to clean the flesh and kill bacteria. 

Ozone is known to kill bacteria and viruses. Some simply see it as nature’s way of purification.  If you have ever smelled the ‘fresh’ air after a rainstorm, then you are smelling ozone. 

People use ozone for all kinds of purposes. Some want to use ozone generated with a home ozonator to  ozonate oils. This is because ozonated oil is sometimes used to heal wounds with. 

Many people have other purposes for ozone. Some use it to make the air more clean and fresh. There are those who intimate that questionable health situations may arrive due to having too much ozone in the air.Others, do not let that phase them.Like most conversations going on, there are folks who stand on either side of the debate. 

Has the FDA done any studies on home ozonators?  None that I’m aware of.Science does appear to indicate that ozone can kill bacteria and viruses. I have also read or heard somewhere that industry actually uses ozone to clean equipment surfaces.

I visited a dentist not too long ago who told me that in Europe, some doctors are using ozone to clean tooth chambers before doing a root canal or installing a filling.This sparks a bit of interest because it denotes the notion that Europs is better at noticing and embracing things like this.The reason could be that the United States focus more on economic gains, but it is best to stay on subject here.

It certainly does seem that ozone generating machines are starting to become more and more popular. Click to read more about  home ozone generators. It could be that there is something worth taking a look at there! 


Would you like to know the best way to lighten your skin? I encourage you to engage in a search for a good skin lightening cream.

Doesn’t it just drive you nuts when your skin starts to produce unwanted amounts of melanin? The idea that your skin has lost control over the output of melanin can be quite a shocker. Deciding to buy what kind of skin lightening cream becomes significantly important. The result of it could lead to a significant change on your skin. That is why I decided not to take a care-less approach when shopping for one.

It all boiled down to this. My search for an effective skin lightening cream is over. Meladerm does the trick for me. In addition, it is free from side effects. Check out Meladerm reviews and you will find a number of people getting results. Since it has been so effective for others, why not give it a try too?

It was really mind boggling trying to decide which brand to choose. It was interesting to read about skin bleaching. I figured it would only be beneficial to learn more about skin brightening, but I shall not discuss that now.

Skin lightening creams are one of the popular ways to deal with hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately, not all skin lightening products are safe. Don’t be surprised if you find some skin lightening creams that contain dangerous ingredients, including steroids such as clobetasol propionate, and hydroxyquinone, a chemical that is similar to paint strippers.

Dark skinned women are familiar with skin lightening. This is no surprise because it is real important to them. Nevertheless, skin lighteners are highly sought after by many individuals, no matter what color their skin may be. I am one of those many women as I really hate it when my skin starts to produce too much melanin. Many women are confident that these skin lightening products can solve their pigmentation problem. In addition, it improves their self esteem too.

It is not my intention to put a damper on skin lightening creams. If you really want to know if it works, you have to increase your knowledge on the product. I hope any worries that you’ve had about skin lightening creams have been addressed. Maybe it’s a good idea to worry less and enjoy life more.


Homemade colon cleanse is fast becoming a popular way of cleaning the body over other options because readily available ingredients at home are natural foods which are loaded with fibers. Fibers said to be very effective in keeping constipation at bay while maintaining the colon’s good condition. Nuts and vegetables just like fruits and cereals aid in cleansing of the colon by stimulating the intestines.

The Triphala Benefits

When it comes cleansing the colon, one of the most effective homemade colon cleanse comes from an ordinary herb. The potent triphala powder comes from the small triphala herb. Prior to sleeping, the intake of a couple of tablespoons with lukewarm water ought do the trick.

The triphala herb is created by ayurvedic means. triphala contains a lot of magnesium, oxygen even vitamin C. It also contains a lot of hydrogen. It is a natural herb that has proven its capabilities over time as a inexpensive but very efficient homemade colon cleanse.

This homemade colon cleanse makes the colon to begin its absorption of the ingredients present in triphala. As soon as these ingredients go into the colon they start to suction oxygen in the intestines from the person’s lungs; this helps break down the food as well as accumulated waste. This loosens the hard waste materials that might be clinging to arterial walls or even the walls of the intestines.

The benefits that we can reap from this triphala homemade colon cleanse includes the prevention of anaerobic bacterial formation which would have usually made the colon ineffective. This homemade colon cleanse promotes aerobic bacterial development which in turn will help lower the toxin levels as well as cleanses out the entire digestive system. Another benefit you can get out of this homemade colon cleanse is that triphala is a good source of energy that body cells need in order to ensure the acitivty of these cells.

It should be made clear that homemade colon cleanse diets are effective because they are not presumptuous in labeling itself as a special diet that has been especially and magically created in order to cleanse out the colon. What makes homemade colon cleanses diets like those with the triphala herb effective is their content: these packed with natural ingredients which the body recognizes. The triphala benefits are known to be better if your body also utilizes other naturally made ingredients.

 


Medicinal herbs are indeed a boon for many people. The healing properties that the herbs bring are not only in use for alternative medicine but also in the scientific medicine world. Many approved medicines and drugs are originally from herbs and other botanical which have been used for centuries and thus studied by scientists and researchers to see what made people believe in them. Medicinal herbs are the source of many other treatment and relief other than what they were originally thought to be. Many other cures and treatments have been discovered through the research of medicinal herbs.

Many people who enjoy the study of herbs prefer to have their own medicinal herb garden from which to grow and harvest the necessary medicinal herbs. Others have also gone in to business using herbs to treat and cure some ailments.

Popular Medicinal Herbs

There are many herbs that are often used to treat a variety of conditions and illnesses. A lot of medicinal herbs are used for treating anxiety, stress, and pain. Medicinal herb Echinacea is very popular among drug companies as it has been proved useful by researches. This herb is used as an anti-microbial agent, as an immune stimulant as well as prevention and treatment of URI.

Garlic is a medicinal herbthat does not need any introduction at all. This herb and cooking necessity for many countries and cultures is found to be an effective antioxidant and anti-microbial agent. Other properties that this herb has are as a treatment for hypertension and to reduce cholesterol levels. Garlic is also quite notable when it comes to being an antiplatelet herb. Many drug companies are marketing garlic in tablet form as well as in combination with other herbs as a supplement.

Another noteworthy medicinal herb is ginger. Ginger is quite efficient as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as a cure for motion sickness and nausea. This is another medicinal herb that is also used for cooking. It has basically no adverse side effects when used for nausea and also to treat laryngitis. May be a there a problem with ingesting too much ginger for a prolonged period of time since it can reduce the ability of blood’s to clot.

These common and popular medicinal herbsare actually quite easy to get a hold of which may be a reason why these are common. Many studies have been devoted to these herbs and they have been proved to be truly medicinal.


Good strong teeth in a child is a priority to conscientious parents. Yet, in spite of the improvements in dental care in recent years, a quarter of two to five year olds and half of children 12-15 have had one or more cavities. Many feel that adding fluoride to public water is one way to curb the problem of tooth decay. Others strongly disagree.

Fluoride in various compounds may be found naturally in water. In fact, it is the 13th most common element in the Earth’s crust. The question is, when fluoride is not found naturally in water, should it be added? Studies have been made for decades and will continue. The purpose of this article is to consider both views and then present options. You need to know whether you need a fluoride water filter for your drinking water.

The pro side says, “For over 60 years, water fluoridation has proved to be a safe and cost-effective way to reduce dental caries.” “It is well known that fluoride helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay.” “Today, water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20-40%.” These quotes come from an MD.

The pro side claims that fluoride combats tooth decay in two ways. First, it becomes part of the structure of developing teeth. Second, it also works when it comes in contact with the surface of the teeth. Fluoride prevents the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque from dissolving, or demineralizing, tooth enamel, the hard and shiny substance that protects the teeth. Fluoride also allows teeth damaged by acid to repair, or remineralize, themselves. Fluoride cannot repair cavities, but it can reverse low levels of tooth decay and thus prevent new cavities from forming.

Those on the other side of the debate claim that a greater quality of fluoride actually increases tooth decay. At least, they said, this is true:  “. . . there is no difference in the tooth decay rates of the fluoridated and nonfluoridated areas surveyed.”

Fluorosis, a discoloration or mottling of the permanent teeth results when children 8 years of age or younger take in too much fluoride. During these years teeth are forming. To add fluoride to water along with what children get in toothpaste and dental treatments might well exceed this limit.

At times the studies have not considered the long range effects of fluoride. The con side says it has been directly linked to cancer, changes in bone structure and strength, has caused birth defects and perinatal deaths, has impaired the immune system, caused initial stages of skeletal fluorosis, caused osteoarthritis, inhibits key enzymes, suppresses thyroid function and several other adverse problems.

What do they say about the studies that prove that fluoride is good for dental hygiene? The studies had several flaws. First, they did not consider the differences between “natural fluoride” (like CaF) and added fluoride (like NaF). Second, they did not consider the other minerals in the water and these could actually be the cause of decreased instances of tooth decay. Third, the studies lack statistical analysis. Fourth, dental fluorosis is the only safety experiment included.

If you agree with the con side, what can you do if fluoride is added to your water? You could buy bottled water but this option has many drawbacks. Better, buy a water filter that promises to remove the fluoride. Some promise this optionally. For example, Berkey Water Filters have an optional fluoride filter that can be attached to the regular gravity filter rods. There are ways to protect yourself from drinking fluoride in your water if you don’t want it.


Benefits of Meditation Techniques

Myths and legends abound about tonics for eternal youth but, alas, it’s unlikely that any of them are legitimate. For the time being, there is no quick fix for keeping your youthful good looks. Even so, there is plenty you can do to keep yourself fighting fit and in great health, young at heart and looking more youthful.

There’s plenty of ways to improve your eating habits and way of life to improve your well being into old age. There’s also a lot that traditional medicine and complementary practices can do to assist you in beating the years

While more and more people are looking after their health well into old age, others unfortunately develop chronic conditions connected with growing old, such as heart problems, diabetes, osteo-arthritis, acid reflux disease or osteoporosis. While acid reflux treatments can be accomplished with a simple remedy, many other conditions require further treatment. All these severe health conditions can make you feel like you’re getting old at a faster rate than ‘normal’. But don’t panic, if you do have a long-term health problem, don’t let it beat you. There’s an ever increasing range of alternative therapies available to you (as an example, tantric yoga exercises) that, even though they are not a cure, might actually help to alleviate your symptoms, improve your life expectancy, and help you get around easier.

All the conventional medicinal drugs currently available may have some side effects so it’s a good idea to find out what they are, and let your doctor know of any that you have experienced. Don’t stop taking a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor.

In the West, it is this traditional medicinal practises that has been scrutinized under the most rigorous screening and research. Some holistic therapies like the many benefits of meditation may not be predisposed to this type of study, and in cases where research has been performed it has usually been of poor quality to be medically conclusive about the therapy’s efficacy.

Even so, a lot of complementary therapies have been utilized for millennia, and are backed up by the weight of tradition and cultural evidence to back them up, regardless of whether they have been analyzed by clinical trials.

Nothing contained in this article is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.