Discover How To Reduce Cholesterol Naturally

By Danny Lewis

If you have been told that you have high cholesterol levels, one of the first things you may want to consider is learning how to reduce cholesterol naturally. Of course this is something that you will need to discuss with your physician, but at the end of the day more often than not they will recommend statins to control cholesterol levels, and while they will most certainly do the job, unfortunately they do have some pretty nasty side effects that come with them. Therefore, if you can learn how to reduce cholesterol naturally you can hopefully prevent yourself being on a lifetime medication of statins.

One of the first ways to lower cholesterol is by exercising. By exercising I'm not insinuating that you need to go and take out an expensive gym membership and go crazy in there everyday. Researchers have discovered that it is not the intensity that is key but the duration, so doing something as simple as walking briskly for 30 minutes on a daily basis will help you to reduce your cholesterol levels.

The next way how to reduce cholesterol levels is by cutting down on foods containing trans fats. On the whole, foods do not play a huge part in cholesterol levels, but trans fats do. You normally find that foods such as fast food have been cooked in them and ready made meals contain them. What you need to do is obviously cut down on take away food and if buying ready made meals ensure that they do not contain hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Another way to help balance your cholesterol levels is to increase the amount of fish oil omega3 that you consume. You can of course do this by eating 2 to 3 portions of oily fish per week: however the best way to do it is to use a fish oil supplement. The reason the omega3 from oily fish is so beneficial is because not only does it help to lower the LDL cholesterol, but it also helps to raise HDL cholesterol; and on top of that reduce triglyceride levels too. Also if your cholesterol levels have been high then chances are that may have been some buildup on the artery walls, the essential fats in this type of Omega3 will help to rectify that.

Another way that you may want to look into how to reduce cholesterol is by the use of a naturally blended supplement. These supplements generally tend to take several ingredients that have been proven to lower LDL production by the liver, raise HDL and also get rid of any excess LDL from the body. There are several out in the marketplace and if you do choose to go down this route then you must ensure the one you choose contains a substance known as policosanol. These naturally blended supplements can quite often be as powerful in their effects on cholesterol levels are statins, but without the side effects. - 30540

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Finally There is Hope For Guys - Prostate Cancer Prevention

By Veronica Carrillo

I know how it feels if and when you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It's not a pleasant feeling at all. Many even think they are going to die right after the diagnosis without even having time for anything else. Well, that's not the truth. No matter what you have been told by the doctor, it's not over for you yet. You might feel the world has come to an end and you are surely on your way out of this world. This article tells you otherwise and shows you how and why you shouldn't give up because you have prostate cancer; it even gives you very helpful words of encouragement on how you can survive the condition.

Now, starting with what is testicular cancer. Testicles or gonads are an important part of the reproductive system of a male. A testis (together called the testis or the testicles) is going to be made up of 2 organs smaller than golf balls, and covered with their own covering protective sac called scrotum. The scrotum is found hanging beneath the male reproductive organ, the penis.

Instead of feeling sorry for yourself and waiting for death to happen because of prostate cancer, you should immediately get upbeat and find out what you can do to survive it. Read up on all that is to be studied on the condition and learn all you can about it, including the medications, treatments, etc. Specifically, talk to other people that have survived it and find out what they did, so that you can do the same thing to get the same results.

Thankfully, with the power of the Internet you can find lots of good prostate cancer forums out there where survivors of the condition hang out. Visit such forums and learn from the survivors. Find out what they did and how you can do the same thing. Apart from just finding out what they did, such forums help you by giving you access to people who have been able to survive the condition. Such forums remind you strongly that - if they can survive the condition, you can as well.

Finally, you should be hopeful and optimistic and you will also get the healing and cure that you deserve. In other words, you shouldn't lose hope or feel that you will surely die. Who knows? You just might end up getting even better results and live to be a far older person that those who even diagnosed your prostate cancer!

If you are not hopeful and optimistic I am not confident that any solution or treatment can work for you. If you ask those that have survived it, they will tell you that their hopefulness and optimism had a lot to do with the results they got. So, if you want similar results, you have to be hopeful and optimistic as well. - 30540

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Sandalwood Still As Important As Before

By Sandra O'Ryan

Historical and Current Uses

Sandalwood has been praised for centuries for its medicinal properties and ceremonial significance, as well as for its yellowish heartwood (middle of the tree). Taxonomically included in the Santalaceae family and the genus Santalum, this semiparasitic plant (partially use nutrients from other plants; sandalwood seedlings must first become attached to the roots of other plants) is distributed throughout southeastern Asia and the islands of the South Pacific. The most notable members of this group are Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) and Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum). Other plant species are sometimes substituted for sandalwoods, such as red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus in the pea family) but are not of the true genus and are of inferior quality. An authentic sandalwood tree grows to a height of about 10 meters (33 feet) and has leathery leaves in pairs, each opposite the other on the branch. Both tree and roots contain yellow aromatic oil; the scent of sandalwood oil persists in the wood for years and used for ornamental boxes and statues. The extracted essential oil is highly prized in Southeast Asia, Saudi Arabia and now the United States.

Sandalwood from the Mysore region (known as "sandalwood city") of southern India is generally considered to be of the highest quality sandalwood available, providing great commerce for this region of India. Of the traditional areas in Southeast Asia where sandalwood is found, India has been the front runner in creating plantations in which to continually harvest Sandalwood (The Australian Government has also set up reserves as well). Trade and harvest of Indian sandalwood is under strict regulation and the trees themselves are under government protection; only the government of India is permitted to own the trees. To produce commercially valuable sandalwood with high levels of fragrance oils, harvested Santalum trees are recommended to be at least 40 years of age, but 80 or above are preferred. However, trees at 30 years of age are still harvested but considered of inferior quality.

Much of the valuable wood is found in the roots of sandalwood and thus harvested by uprooting the entire tree versus cutting it at the trunk. In the last few years alone, the price of sandalwood has skyrocketed, mainly due to rising demand and limited supply. Increased demand has mainly come from the perfume and aromatherapy industry. Sandalwood essential oil and paste is used in Indian and Chinese medicine and of course aromatherapy botanical medicine. The perfume industry covets this oil for its ability to blend well with other perfume oils; hence, it is used extensively in hundreds of cosmetic products.

Over the centuries, the use of sandalwood and its products have been an integral part of several religious cultures. It scent, either as an essential oil or ground as incense, is thought to bring one closer to the Divine. Hindus burn incense made from sandalwood oil in burial pyres and at funerals. It's also used in temples to remind people of the heavenly realms. Yogis in India use the oil to anoint each other during ceremonies and before meditation as well deity statues often made of sandalwood itself.

Sandalwood May Help with Antibiotic Resistance

In late December of 2009 a length article by the Associated Press entitled "Pressure Rises to Stop Antibiotics in Agriculture" reported on rapidly emerging bacteria that are resistant to current antibiotics from supposed misuse of antibiotics in the agriculture industry. It was all over the internet in a matter of days. The article provides quotes from professors, researchers as well as government agencies all expressing deep concern and even alarm at the rate of microbial resistance to standard treatment. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) web page includes recent studies regarding antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA) (both of which cause great harm to humans and animals alike) linked to heavy uses in food agriculture. This scientifically sound web site also provided a press conference statement (way back in 2001) by Margaret Mellon, Ph.D., director of UCS Food and Environment Program stating that 70% of total antibiotic production is devoted to non-therapeutic uses in the cattle, swine and poultry industry. It seems plausible that over the last nine years since this press release, microbes have developed an armor of resistance to antibiotic treatments.

Hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria continue to be major health concerns worldwide. In a recent study conducted by the University of Keil, Germany in their Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Journal of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery 2009 Oct.; 37(7): 392-7) researchers found that sandalwood oil in vitro demonstrated an effective treatment for antibiotic-resistant strains as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (a cause of severe soft tissue, bone or implant infections in hospitals) and antimycotic (antifungal)-resistant Candida species. Another microbe that plagues humans is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This Gram-negative bacterium is thought to be harbored by over 50% of the world's population and is strongly linked to the development of duodenal and gastric ulcers as well as stomach cancer. A 2006 study by the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Tokushima, Japan (Journal of Natural Products 2005 Jun; 68(6): 819-24) found that the crude extract as well as isolated compounds of sandalwood essential oil showed antibacterial activity against H. pylori.

Uses Beyond Bacterial

The Australian and Indian Santalum species, found to be similar in chemical composition, are known by aromatherapists to have such therapeutic properties as anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic (reduces fever), antiseptic (as mentioned above), antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms), astringent, carminative (relieves flatulence), demulcent (reduces irritation), diuretic (soft and soothing to skin), emollient, expectorant, as a sedative and general tonic. Their principle chemical constituents are alpha-santalol and beta-santalol. According to a study conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and South Dakota University (Anticancer Research 2007 Jul-Aug; 27(4B): 2185-8) application of the chemical compound alpha-santalol prevents UVB-induced skin tumor development in mice. Sandalwood is also thought to help alleviate the symptoms of depression as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center (www.umm.edu).

Conclusion

The value of sandalwood in some cultures goes back centuries - from burning the fragrant incense in temples to using the oil in sacred ceremonies. In the commerce of today, sandalwood is highly prized by the perfume industry as well as those in aromatherapy. Recent science studies indicate that sandalwood and its principle component alpha-santalol have antiseptic as well antitumor capabilities. With the growing concern of antibiotic-resistant bacteria of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida in both hospital and public environments, serious investigation into the possible uses to of alternative therapies is well underway. Consideration of essential oils, and in this case Santalum album and Santalum spicatum are prime candidates for meeting modern medical needs. - 30540

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Colloidal Silver May Be Able To Give You A health Boost

By Rob Hutchings

Silver colloidal is one of the world's growing health trends this year; in fact a lot of online and local health food stores carry products that have silver colloidal in them. Silver colloidal usually comes in a form of a liquid or suspension. The microscopic particles of silver are manufactured with pure or distilled water in a controlled environment. There is such a vast body of medical and individual reports on its effectiveness in killing bacteria over such a long period of time that it would be very difficult not to take the potential beneficial effects of this material seriously.

Very little is precisely known about how the silver colloid manages to kill bacteria, whether it is because the particles are electrically charged and attach to the bacteria and compete with sites that would normally attach to and impair the function of the CD4 cells in the body's immune system, or maybe they interact with the microorganism's enzyme systems and control its growth or reproduction capabilities, it is not certain. But whatever the mechanism by which the silver colloid is effective there is a vast amount of data, much of which has come from professional or medical sources, that Silver colloidal can be exceptionally effective in controlling infection and relieving or sharing the load on the immune system during infectious episodes.

By augmenting the body's immune system, a person becomes more equipped to fight off diseases and illnesses if the silver colloid is killing off bacteria, germs, parasites, pathogens and in some cases viruses.
For many years, silver colloidal has been used by medical professionals to treat external infections like burns, wounds, scratches and many other skin ailments. In some cases, professionals also use medical dressings that have nano-crystalline silver embedded to treat burn wounds and other infection prone body surfaces. Lots of medical equipment also uses silver or silver colloidal in them; like catheters. By having an antibacterial material, like silver colloidal, in catheters, doctors can prevent further infections and complications. It has also been extensively used in eye drops that are used to treat conjunctivitis.

Not only is silver colloidal known to treat infections for wounds and burns, it has also antibacterial properties that have been reported as being very effective in treating several diseases. Some of these diseases include leukemia, HIV/AIDS, staphylococcus infections, intestinal and digestive infections, and even viral infections.
Interestingly a study conducted in 1990 by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine prove diseases caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, microbes, germs, pathogens, parasites, and viruses can be prevented and even eliminated through electrification of the bloodstream. The study showed that by running a mild current through the bloodstream, around 50 to 100 microamperes, can purify the blood and get rid of the alien microorganisms that are thriving on it. This work which was done in 1990 does not seem to have been followed up - it almost seems to have disappeared. Most importantly what it does show is that there do appear to be treatments that eliminate harmful cells in the blood stream and are effective with a wide spectrum of alien bacteria. It seems entirely possible that silver colloid could effect a similar blanket treatment for a very wide range of infection - the extensive reports in this area would seem to indicate that it is indeed more than just a possibility. For a variety of reasons neither of these treatments would be likely candidates to be taken up by pharmaceutical companies as amongst other things it would be difficult to establish a proprietary position and would be an inexpensive competitor to existing treatments.
Research on silver colloidal also shows that it can be effective in treating and managing viral diseases like HIV.

Silver colloidal is effective in controlling to an extent the effects of HIV because it probably prevents the virus from attaching to the body immune system cells in the bloodstream and reproducing. It is a difficult problem to address because the HIV virus is not predominantly in the blood stream, only 2% approximately, and therefore not readily accessible for bloodstream treatment. But where HIV patients' condition has worsened to the AIDS stage and the body has developed a weak immune system indicated by a low CD4 count, then Silver colloidal can be a very effective treatment method against infections and complications that arise during the fatal development stage of AIDS. By controlling the life threatening opportunistic infections that will undoubtedly occur during AIDS and at least giving the overloaded and damaged immune system a bit of support, then it may be expected that life can be extended and in some cases returned to normal functionality.
There appear many health benefits to silver colloidal; probably the most important being that it seems to work in conjunction with a person's immune system, decreasing one's chances of getting sick. It also prevents complications from developing from patients who are already infected with viruses or are sick with cancer or HIV/AIDS. - 30540

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Causes, Symptoms and Treatment - Leukemia

By Veronica Carrillo

There are many different types of leukemia, but all are a malignant disease of the white blood cells of the body. The cause of all types is still uncertain. Each type is determined by the specific blood cell involved and the length of time the illness lasts. Leukemia exists in both an acute ad chronic form: it is detected when the blood is examined. When the cell group known as the lymphocytes is affected, the disease is called lymphocytic leukemia. When the monocytes are involved, it is known as monocytic leukemia. And when the polymorphonuclear cells are involved, it is called myeloid leukemia.

The British Journal of Cancer reports optimistic news for vegans. British scientists studied the diets of over 61,000 men and women for 12 years. At the end of 12 years, the scientists recorded how many subjects developed stomach, bladder, ovarian, and lymphatic cancers in the three dietary categories reviewed: vegan, pescetarian, and omnivore. For each type of cancer tested, vegans developed a significantly lower number of cases than did meat eaters.

Symptoms. In acute cases, the onset is usually quite rapid and resembles an acute infectious disease. The earliest symptoms may be high fever, diffuse aches and pains, and severe weakness. Painful ulcerations of the mouth are not uncommon. There may be bone pain. The course is unusually rapid, progressive, and downhill. There are hemorrhages of the mucous membranes of the mouth and into the skin. In the chronic case the disease develops stealthily and is discovered often during the course of a routine medical examination. The patient loses weight, appetite, and strength. He has night sweats and feels weak.

Causes of Leukemia There are no visible reasons of Leukemia as such but still artificial ionizing radiation, different type of viruses that cause the blood platelets balancing problem and also the smoking or tobacco habit is the reason of this disease to occur to certain extent.

There are some of the people in whom the maternal-fatal transmission has become the reason for the Leukemia occurrence. Also some of the people are found to have the genetic predisposition as the reason of this disease to happen.

Treatment of Leukemia The treatment is difficult yet not impossible as some of the medication treatment are required to get cured and beside this there are also the radiation therapy and bone marrow transplantation are the treatments of this diseases. But still nothing gives guarantee as the diagnosis has no outer symptoms and the stage in which the diseases are approached is also important. - 30540

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Mesothelioma: Basics You Need to Know

By Sally Clapper

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused primarily by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos is inhaled into the body and forms malignancies on the mesothelial, or protective sac linings, of the lungs, abdomen or heart.

Mesothelioma has three principal types. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is the most common and accounts for approximately 90% of cases. This type of mesothelioma is usually first recognized by the development of pleural plaques on the lungs. The other two types of mesothelioma are peritoneum, which affects the lining of the abdomen, and pericardium, which affects the lining of the heart. All types of mesothelioma can be either contained to one area or dispersed throughout the body.

Mesothelioma is most common in men. Two thirds of cases are diagnosed until the later stages of life because it can take decades for symptoms of the disease to develop from time of initial exposure.

There are three histological types, or microscopic anatomies, of mesothelioma: epithelial, sarcomatous, and biphasic. Epithelial is the most common, and refers to tumors that have affected the linings of small cavities in the body. There are different types of epithelium depending on the number of layers and shapes of the cells. Sarcomatous are more rare but more aggressive types of tumors that begin from the connective and muscle tissues.

Exposure to asbestos has been clearly established as a main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral known for its thermal and fire proofing properties, was once widely used in many industrial and construction products. Occupational exposure is the most common; however it can occur environmentally as well.

It is estimated that over 8 million people in the United States have been exposed through the course of employment. Occupations most at risk are construction and railroad workers, naval and automobile mechanics, and ship repair workers. Family members can also be exposed second hand through asbestos being carried home on clothes or the body.

Approximately 2500 - 3000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed per year in the United States alone. Risk of developing the disease is slightly higher for those that live in contaminated area, such as next to large asbestos mines.

Despite research efforts, no cure currently exists. Although some have survived five years with treatment, median life span post diagnosis is usually less than a year. Those with epithelial histology have longer survival rates than those with sarcomatous or biphasic.

Accurate and early diagnosing of the disease is very challenging. Anyone with suspected or known history of asbestos exposure who is experiencing health problems should consult with their doctor immediately. If already diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is essential to find a pulmonary oncologist or occupational medicine specialist that you can build a trusting, comfortable relationship with.

Treating cancer comes with high medical costs. Most patients with mesothelioma have been negligently exposed and are eligible to receive financial compensation. Warnings should have been placed on asbestos containing products and employers should have protected workers, therefore an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can get you monetary help to make up for lost wages and to cover treatments and other associated costs.

Early diagnosis makes all the difference. If you are experiencing any symptoms and have a known or suspected exposure, do not hesitate in seeking medical advice. - 30540

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Home Remedies For Gout Pain Is Safe And Effective

By Bart Icles

Having gout problems can give you excruciating pain aligned with the illness that it is. As a gradually increasing number of people are being affected by this menace the same people are looking for ways to cure it or at least lessen the pain that it bestows upon all who have the gout problem. There have been home remedies for gout that has been proven to be effective, why not try them out instead of the predictable and, most of the time, ineffective way. Many people say that home remedies are effective compared to the conventional way.

Home remedies simply mean that we will use things that are readily available in our own homes. These things are those which were left ignored in the dark corners until one day some scientists discovered that they actually worked against this problem as old as time itself. On the other hand, popularity has been gained by the home remedies for gout problems.

Applying ice or cold packs for ten to fifteen minutes is one of the most popular home remedies against the gout problem. What this does is reduce the pain and inflammation. It usually is the first thing that you have to do whenever you have a gout attack. Also another thing for you to do is to exercise your joints once or twice a day. Getting to put your whole body to exercise is even more recommendable. Regular exercise nourishes your cartilage and helps your body to effectively dispose of any waste in the body.

Epsom salt is the thing for you if the pain is focused in your big toe. This is usually used as a laxative or bath soap. Epsom salt helps your body's blood circulation as well as lowering your blood pressure. Eating berries or nuts can also help you out greatly because these help in neutralizing your uric acid. If you can still manage it, increase your consumption of citrus fruits, leafy veggies, and green peppers because these are great sources of Vitamin c and bioflavonoids which help in reducing inflammation.

With all the different home remedies for gout pain available, why would you go for the usually and expensive conventional way when the unconventional and homey way works so well? The mentioned gout remedies are all safe and effective. The fruits and nuts remedy also is a great diet for you, so that in itself already has a double purpose. - 30540

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