Got Toxic?

By Clifford H Woods

Most households are full of toxic products that are quite hazardous to your health. These can be products that carcinogenic, and, and they are easy accessible to others in your homes. Disinfectants, air fresheners, and cleaners found beneath your kitchen sink are undeniably dangerous products, without you even giving them a serious thought. If you mix bleach with ammonia, you get a toxic fume cloud that was used by the military during World War I.


Teflon Cookware: Non-stick cookware – when these non-stick pans were introduced into American households in the 1960s, they were believed to be godsend. Gone were the days of soaking pans and scouring for hours with steel wool. But in 40 years, we have become knowledgeable on the ease of this cleaning comes at a steep price; the coating that makes non-stick in Teflon pans is “polytetrafluoroethylene” or PTFE for short. When this chemical gets hot, it gives off toxic gasses linked to many types of cancers and other health complications.

Use at Medium Heat:  the problems with PTFE-coated pots and pans happen at high temperatures, so if you have to use Teflon, cook foods on only medium heat or less. The best option is to simply avoid these non-stick pans completely.

Plastic Bottles: another problem is plastic bottles that have dangers of BPA and these BPA mimics the effects of certain hormones that can be harmful to your endocrine system. Most manufactures have switched to BPA-free plastic. Single-use plastic bottles are worse for leaching chemicals, particularly when they are left in a hot car or used in a microwave.

Oil for Plastic Bottles: every year, barrels of oil equaling one million barrels are used to manufacture the more than over 25 billion single-use plastic water bottles used in the U.S. Try to find a glass bottle or stainless steel bottle instead.


Oven and Store Cleaners: toxic chemicals in cleaners for all-purposes often contain ammonia, which is a strong oxidizer, and burns the eyes and the skin.  Another danger lies in cleaners for the oven, which can cause burns from chemicals and produce toxic fumes that are harmful to the respiratory system.  Each year 120,000 children beneath the age of 5 are involved in incidents containing household cleaners. 2006 was the most recent year for data on these toxic products.


Pest Control Products: other toxic products are those that kill pests. These all have ingredients that are harmful to humans. The active ingredient in Round Up weed killer is known to cause damage to the kidney and reproductive harm in mice. Raid, a common roach killer has cypermethrin that is known to be an irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory system and also has negative effects on the central nervous system.

Chemical Fertilizers: toxic and harmful to health. They also are noted for causing destruction to local water supply and are a known contributor to algal blooms. When the yard is watered or it rains, the runoff goes into storm-drains and this untreated water is dumped into rivers, ocean, and streams. This creates an inequality in the delicate water ecosystem that can kill fish and degrade water quality. If you have a lawn, it is best to use organic fertilizers.

Compost Pile: another alternative to harsh chemicals is to start a compost pile to create nutrient rich soil for flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. This is your own inexpensive fertilizer that can be created by letting little food scraps and yard trimming set. This also helps to divert waste from landfills.

These are only a few of the toxic products that can damage your personal and environmental health in various manners.

Make an effort to get rid of them.

---

Clifford H Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant Life.
We Provide Great Products, Excellent and Useful Information with Exceptional Customer Care Service.

Managing Diabetes

By Clifford H Woods

Your body needs glucose in order to get energy for cell and tissue function. Without energy, the cells do not function properly and the immune system is compromised. When your blood glucose levels are high, this could lead to Diabetes. The amount of glucose in blood it regulated by insulin. Insulin imbalances in your body cause this condition.

If the body does not synthesize enough of insulin, your cells do not get glucose that is required for energy. Similarly, if the body does not utilize insulin properly, this may lead to elevated levels of blood sugar. It is estimated that 25.8 million people both children and adults in United States suffer from this condition.

This is about 8.3 percent of the population in the country. There are other conditions, which manifest with increased glucose levels in blood. These include kidney problems, vision impairment, and nervous system complications. People with this condition exhibit symptoms like increased thirst, extreme hunger, frequent urination, and unexpected weight loss.

In addition, patients with the diseases may also show signs like fatigue due to low energy levels and impaired cellular function. Blurred vision and mild high blood pressure are other symptoms witnessed in patients with Diabetes type 1 and 2. Medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies are ways in which patients can manage the disease.

Patients are advised to follow their treatment plans keenly and make changes in their lifestyle.

Healthy diet is essential and overweight people should try to lose weight as this can make a significant drop in blood sugar levels. A healthy diet should contain whole grains, vegetable, fruits, and legumes. Patients should limit the amount of saturated fats and use unsaturated fats, which may be obtained from olives, almonds, olive oil, and fatty fish. Exercise is also important when you are managing Diabetes, and the related conditions. Regular exercise prevents the conditions from occurring and for those already suffering the diseases, physical exercises keeps the body strong by enhancing cellular function.

Eating healthy diet not only helps in enhancing body metabolism but also keeps blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

Exercises like aerobics including cycling and dancing and resistant training such as weight lifting could help in regulating blood sugar. When aerobic exercises are combined with resistant training, the effects on reducing blood sugar are high than when only one type of exercise is done.

Obtain an exercise plan:. ask your doctor for advice about what kinds of exercise is for you. Your doctor may want to check the condition of your heart and feet before advising you and then recommend the correct balance of muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercise.

Exercise schedule: again ask your doctor about for advice on the best time of day for you to exercise so that your workout routine is coordinated with your meal and medication schedules.


Blood sugar levels: always ask your doctor what blood level sugars are good for you.

Keep a check your blood sugar levels: checking your blood sugar level before you exercise, as well as during and after is very important, especially if you take insulin or medications that lower blood sugar. The warning signs of low blood sugar can include feeling shaky, weak, confused, light-headed, irritable, anxious, tired or hungry.


Drink plenty of water while exercising: dehydration can affect blood sugar levels.


Always have food or your glucose pill with you during exercise: your blood sugar could drop too low and you may need to take a break, eat or take your pill and remember to wear a medical identification bracelet when you're working out. If you take insulin, you may need to adjust your insulin dose before any full on physical activities or wait a few hours to exercise after injecting insulin.

Always ask your doctor about the appropriate changes in your medication.

If a patient uses tobacco, quitting is the best option. Smoking increases the risk of getting other complications like heart attack, nerve damage, and kidney disease. A patient needs to reduce incidents, which could trigger stress. Stress management helps maintain low blood pressure and keeps the body immune system optimal.

Medications should be taken under strict supervision of a doctor.
A patient suffering from diabetes should have regular checkups of the blood glucose levels. This is important because it helps understand how the body is responding to treatment and when to take appropriate actions because of abnormal changes in blood sugar levels. This reduces the advancement of the condition to serious stages.

---

Clifford H Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant LifeWe Provide Great Products, Excellent and Useful Information with Exceptional Customer Care Service.

Causes of High Cholesterol and Natural Remedies

By Clifford H Woods

The root causes of High Cholesterol is said to consist of:

• Diet that is poor, especially one high in cholesterol, saturated fats and refined carbohydrates
• Family tendency to high cholesterol
• Insulin resistance diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Stress
• Inactivity

You are most likely to have cholesterol that is high and that can lead to heart disease if you have any of these risk factors:

1. Smoking: Cigarette smoking causes damage to the walls of the blood vessels, making them much more likely to accumulate deposits of fat on the walls of the vessels.
2. Obesity: Those that have a BMI or body mass index of 30 or more makes the person at more risk of having raised cholesterol.
3. Diet is poor: Foods high in cholesterol, such as like dairy products that are full fat and red meat, increase the overall amount of cholesterol. Eating saturated fat in animal products and trans-fats, found in many commercially baked crackers and cookies also raises the cholesterol level.
4. Little Exercise: Exercise helps to boost the body’s HDL which is the good cholesterol while lowering the LDL or bad cholesterol. Getting very little exercise puts a person at a much higher risk of high cholesterol.
5. Hypertension or High Blood Pressure: When pressure is increased on the artery walls it damages the arteries, which may speed the buildup of deposits that are fatty.
6. Diabetes: Sugar or glucose levels that are high add to the level of higher LDL cholesterol and also lowers HDL cholesterol. High blood sugar or glucose also causes damage to the lining of the walls of the arteries.
7. History of heart disease in family: If a sibling or a parent develops heart disease before the age of 55, levels of high cholesterol can put other members of that family at a larger than average threat of also developing heart disease.

There are many natural remedies for controlling high cholesterol and seven of them are listed here.

Policosanol (is a natural extract from plant waxes): Studies have shown that policosanol decreases total as well as LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein, and raises the good HDL cholesterol. It is normally recommended that one take 10 to 20 mg each evening.

Red Yeast Rice (Monascus Purpureus): When taken at 1,200 mg 2 times daily. This is an extract that has been proven to decrease cholesterol levels and raise HDL. This type of product used in successful studies contained 10 to 13.5 mg of monacolins per day. The recommendation is that one needs take, daily, 100 mg of CoQ10 when using monacolins.
Garlic (Allium sativum): Take up to 500 mg of aged garlic twice daily. It lowers cholesterol levels and increases HDL cholesterol.

Niacin (inositol hexabniacinate, or IP6): Take up to 3000 mg daily of this no-flush form. It lessens cholesterol levels as well asraises HDL cholesterol.

Fish oil: Daily take a dose of a fish oil product that contains 480 mg of EPA and 360 mg of DHA. Fish oil decreases artery inflammation and lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul): Take daily a total of 1500 mg consistent to 5 percent guggulsterone which is equivalent to 75 mg of guggulsterones. Guggul is an Ayurvedic herb that drops cholesterol levels and raises HDL.

Antioxidant formula: Take a compound of antioxidants or a multivitamin as instructions on the container direct. Several of these antioxidants prevent the oxidation of cholesterol.

Clifford H Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant Life
We Provide Great Products, Excellent and Useful Information with Exceptional Customer Care Service.

Calcium and Bone Health

Calcium and Bone Health

By Clifford H Woods

Calcium is a mineral needed for strong teeth and bone health. It is also important in the growth of young adults and children.  The absorption of calcium as well as vitamin D, and the creation of bone reach a peak around twenty years of age.  It begins to decrease from the age of thirty when a process of draining begins.

Good intake of calcium and vitamin D increases bone mass in children and young adults, as well as decreases bone loss and improves bone health among people over 30.

Research has shown that calcium benefits by having slimming effect on the metabolism and could be important as an element of weight loss.  This research has also shown that calcium prevents weight gain by promoting the type of fat that is burned instead of the type that is stored.

Experts advise 3 servings a day as well as decreasing calories in other areas of the diet that will accommodate this increase in daily intake. Milk has also shown added calcium benefits by its antioxidant-rich properties that can prevent some cancers, such as ovarian, colorectal and breast cancer.

However, studies have also shown that extreme doses of calcium might increase the risk of some cancers as well.  This suggests that calcium supplementation is not a way to prevent cancer, but adequate intake of calcium through diet is recommended instead.

There is research suggesting that adequate intake of calcium benefits by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as hypertension.  Although 99 percent of calcium goes to the health of teeth and bones, the remaining 1 percent shows the tendency to play a role in the functioning of muscles and nerve transmission.

Deficiency in calcium can cause problems with the heart as well as high blood pressure, but so can too much calcium; so, expert suggests that the source of calcium for health needs should come from calcium-rich food and not supplementation.

Vitamin D is vital in helping the body use calcium from the diet and research also indicates the benefits of vitamin D in fighting various other health difficulties.  Low levels of vitamin D in blood have been linked with heightened risk of heart diseases and memory issues in older adults, with asthma and cancer in kids.

Research shows that vitamin D plays a part in the prevention and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as high blood pressure.

Natural sources of vitamin D and calcium for bone health also come from the sun, but spending much time in the sun currently is bad for the skin, so vitamin D and calcium benefits are both best received through several natural food sources such as some fish, egg yolks, fish liver oils, grain products and dairy that is fortified.

Experts believe that research is showing that both calcium and vitamin D are important in areas of health.

---

Clifford H Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant Life.
We Provide Great Products, Excellent and Useful Information with Exceptional Customer Care Service.

Boosting Your Immune System the Natural Way

By Clifford H Woods

With so many natural options, it makes no sense to choose drug methods to boost the immune system. Immune System boosters are evident in many foods and supplements. This page discusses the good, the bad and the interesting when talking Immune Systems.

The Immune System: Our body has the capability to keep us in perfect condition, given we take care of the nutritional and physical activity aspects of it. The Immune System is a very intriguing and beneficial defense mechanism that protects us from harmful, dangerous or unhealthy things that enter the body. 

Immune cells detect and eliminate viruses, infections and bacteria present in the body, so as to stop us from getting sick. In full health, a person’s bodily defence can protect from virtually any threatening, foreign intruder. The Immune system has the ability to release antibodies and alerting protective cells of any threat in need of combating and or eliminating.

A Poor Immune System: There are many contributing factors to a poor or effective immune cell performance. These can include stress levels, dietary intake; sleep habits and substances such as steroids. When it comes to food and hydration, it is vitally important, for our Immune System, that we regulate the intake of unhealthy products. 

The food groups that put our natural bodily defence in jeopardy are refined carbohydrates and, especially, sugars. This and/or a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables can have a detrimental affect on the Immune System. Things that hinder the health of the immune cells are called immunosuppressive.

Immune System help: A diet full of vitamins and minerals is essential, as is a good Omega-3 intake, for a healthy Immune System. Minimizing the consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugars can offer immense benefits to the body.
A good sleep pattern is crucial. This allows the systems to re-energize and repair themselves so as to be prepared for future threats. Immune disorders cannot easily be repaired without this necessary restoration time.

With a lack of sleep or poor diet usually comes stress. This is a contributing factor to multiple health conditions and is common in the majority of all humans. Stress creates the inability to rest or relax, forcing the body into overdrive and completely exhausting the Immune System. 

Methods of relaxation such as meditation and yoga can be extremely beneficial in improving immune strength, or an activity like walking or fishing. Breathing exercises will allow the break the body requires to be at optimal health. There are also natural remedies, supplements and vitamins that aide in good functionality and defences of the Immune cells.

Natural Methods Vs Drugs: Natural dietary intake including foods rich in Vitamin C (fruit and vegetables) and Vitamin E (seeds and grains) can be of great benefit to the body. However, with factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake or physical inactivity combined with the amount of foods required to reach the ideal level of vitamins and minerals, most people need and/or seek supplementary assistance. 

Immune System boosters like Omega-3, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Garlic and Selenium tablets/capsules, powders or drops and Immune System Boosters such as Taheebo can be used as a safe, naturally beneficial supplement. 

Aiding in the repair of Immune System disorders and offering a healthy maintenance method, natural is definitely the ideal option. There are over 150 drugs available for the treatment of immunity deficiencies and immune disorders. The problem with these is that there is an enhanced possibility of side-effects. These symptoms can vary from muscle aches and pains to a severe reaction such as fever, headaches and malaise, experienced by up to 50 percent of patients.

---

Author: Clifford H Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant Life.

A Beneficial Form of Pain Management

By Clifford H Woods

There are many forms and severity of pains and a vast selection of painkillers and medication specifically for particular types of pain. The definition of pain states it as an unpleasant feeling but anyone who has experienced severe pain knows that unpleasant is a definite understatement.

Depending on the injury, illness or ailment/s, pain can range in intensity, from a mild discomfort to crippling agony. Different pain management methods are beneficial for different pains and areas affected.

What is MSM? This substance is found in all life forms, from animals and humans to plants, and is called Methyl Sulfonyl Methane or MSM; also known as “Organic Sulfur”. It is intended to supply sulfur to the body, this helps the body to make other needed and useful things.

There are numerous conditions that MSM is used to treat, with a vast array of symptoms.

Regular organ function and all of the body’s systems depend greatly on this naturally occurring sulfur. MSM contributes to the correct functionality of over one hundred of the body’s compounds. The body uses the available supply reasonably quickly and then excretes the majority of the remaining sulfur.

As a pain management option or as a dietary supplement can be extremely beneficial. It can be a great method of detoxification, flushing free radicals and toxins from the body, and can also contribute to healthy production of energy and a strong metabolism. By helping to digest food sufficiently and beneficially, MSM allows the body to break down and utilize the food eaten, greatly improving nutrition.

What MSM Is Used For? It is taken for several pain relief purposes but is most commonly known for its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to increase blood flow, thus reduce swelling and improve circulation.

Uses for this natural medicine include treatment of bone and joint defects such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, joint inflammation and musculoskeletal pain, easing swelling and reducing pain. It is used to accelerate the bodies healing process. Cuts and abrasions and even stretch marks, scar tissue and wrinkles can be treated with it.

This natural pain relief offers possible aid for high blood pressure and cholesterol, plus poor circulation. Sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV and AIDS and lung disorders like emphysema have been known to benefit from MSM. This pain management method can even help people with cancers such as breast or colon cancer.

Other reasons to use MSM are for pain management associated with illnesses from swelling of the mucous membrane, inflammation of the eye to parasitic infections. Muscle cramps and swelling, headaches/migraines and surprisingly, people with hangovers can benefit from it.

Odd Uses: This natural pain relief sulfur has an endless list of uses. This list includes snoring. Said to alleviate snoring, getting someone to sleep without the disturbance. It is highly unlikely that any other natural pain relief medicine can offer so many uses as this one product. One’s hair nails and skin can benefit from MSM, making it a possible addition to beauty and hygiene products in the future.
* * *

Clifford H Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant Life
You can purchase products here: Purchase Here
We Provide Great Products, Excellent and Useful Information with Exceptional Customer Care Service.

Problems Brought About By Weight Issues

By Clifford H. Woods

The problem of obesity and overweight matters affecting people around the world is becoming an epidemic. More and more people are suffering from obesity in the US specifically, in the West and also around the world. There are many reasons why this problem keeps getting worse. The main concern that health professionals have is that obesity and weight issues affect the health of individuals concerned. Such individuals are predisposed to lifestyle diseases and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary and heart conditions and diabetes.

According to latest statistics available, up to two thirds or 66% of adults in the US are overweight. Also, up to one third are obese. This is a very serious trend and governments as well as individuals need to wake up and take action. In children, statistics indicate that about 20 per cent of teenagers across North America are obese while 20% of kids aged between 6 and 12 years are overweight and obese.

These statistics are almost similar in Europe, with about 50 % of the adult population aged 20 and above being overweight. Such concerns in the West have come to the attention of the national governments. The local health care facilities are being weighed down by the increasing demand to address problems of obesity and overweight patients.

There are various reasons why this problem has been growing across the US and generally in the West. For one, individuals and families are leading very busy lives. They therefore have no time to prepare meals and rely solely on processed and deep fried foods purchased at local stores and restaurants.

Processed foods are not at all healthy to the body as they have all their nutrition taken out. When families purchase these processed foods, they get very little nutrition. On the other hand processed foods are full of unhealthy fats and salts which promote obesity.

The busy lives that people lead also take them away from gym and the playing fields. Rather than engage in healthy exercises on a regular basis, most people will ride in their cars, use and elevator and sit on a chair all day. Sedentary lifestyles are just as bad as processed and deep fried foods.

The best way to curb this condition is to create awareness with the general public. Children need to be taught the benefits of a healthy diet and the benefits of playing and exercising on a regular basis. However, adults should ensure they provide their kids with healthy foods and healthy snacks.

A deliberate change in lifestyle is very important. A healthy lifestyle will definitely result in reduced number of obesity and overweight cases. Families, communities and schools should endeavor to provide their members with playing fields and gyms where they can work out and get rid of excess weight.

Another important lifestyle adjustment that can be made is use of a healthy diet. Consumption of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, greens and others is very important. There are plenty of healthy foods that families can consume. These few changes will ensure there are fewer problems and cases brought by weight issues in the society.

**

Clifford H. Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant Life.
See more information at http://www.oralchelation.com and http://www.vibrantlifemsm.com/

We Provide Great Products, Excellent and Useful Information and Exceptional Customer Care and Service.