Alternative Medicine

How Can Alternative Medicine Help Your Immune System?

February 27, 2010 by admin

With the colder weather soon upon us there will be plenty of illnesses going around before we know it. Even if you are one that washes your hands often the germs around us that cause colds and the flu can’t always be prevented. As a result the circulate in our homes, offices, schools, and even childcare centers. You can help to boost your immune system against such common illnesses though with alternative medicine.

When your body is affected by such illnesses it can take quite a while to feel your self again. With the busy schedule that most people have it can be virtually impossible to just stop taking care of them and focus on getting yourself better. Preventative care with alternative medicine may mean that you don’t have to .

There are many other types of illnesses a person can suffer from as well. When you have a healthy immune system you will find the effects of them to be less severe than they would otherwise be. Your body can also have the strength it needs to fight such problems as diabetes and forms of cancer. Having a very healthy immune system will help you in many ways so don’t underestimate how boosting it can help you stay as healthy as possible.

Toxins can build up in the body due to what we eat and the environment around us. By drinking plenty of water as well as green tea each day you can naturally remove those toxins from your body. When they are eliminated there are less germs and other elements in your body that can lead to various types of illnesses. Exercising each day is also a great way to boost your immune system. Don’t forget to get enough rest each night as well.

Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Astragalus are natural herbs you can use in order to boost your immune system. Echinacea works to help cells grow that naturally fight off any form of infection found in your body. Each of the cells that you already have to fight will be stronger as well. That means you have an additional line of defense from the onset of any illness.

Goldenseal helps to fight off types of bacteria that can cause illness in your body. When you get such bacteria you may need antibiotics to remove it. By using Goldenseal you won’t become done with such illnesses. It is also known to prevent parasites from being able to survive in your body.

If you suffer from bouts of the common cold or sore throats on a regular basis you will want to take Astragalus. It is known to prevent people from suffering from such problems. It is safe for children to take as well. These three types of herbs can be found at local health food stores or purchased online.

By incorporating such methods of alternative medicine to boost your immune system you can feel your very best. You will be less likely to suffer from common illnesses that due circulate. If you are affected by them you will also have the ability to fight them off quickly and get back to your normal routine. Being able to stay feeling your very best will improve your mental health as well. As a result your mind and body will be able to find a good balance with each other.

Cindy Browne loves everything to do with alternative health and is an author of articles about alternative medicine resource. Visit her site for more information on getting healthy.

Alternative Medicine for Bad Cholesterol

February 27, 2010 by admin

What exactly is this “Bad Cholesterol”?

Cholesterol is categorized under “Lipids” or “Fats”. They form part of the cell membranes and are very important in cellular functions. In the blood the fats are attached to proteins and they form groups of substances called lipoproteins.

*Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

*Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL)

*High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)

Chylomicrons

Of these Low Density Lipoproteins are called ” Bad Cholesterol”. If the blood level of this bad cholesterol increases, it gets deposited along the walls of the blood vessels blocking the flow of blood. If the blood flow to heart is blocked it causes angina and myocardial infarction. If the blood flow to the brain is blocked it results in stroke.

On the contrary, High Density Lipoprotein is called ” Good Cholesterol” and it has protective function.

The Alternative Medicine

Though statins rule the roost when it comes to bring down and controlling the blood levels of bad cholesterol, the option of using alternative medicine is always there for its effectiveness, lesser cost and minimal side effects.

Before contemplating alternative medical treatment for decreasing cholesterol, one should know the optimum levels and high-risk levels of cholesterol.

Total cholesterol:

*

< 200mg/dL is the safe and desired level

*201-239mg/dL is borderline high risk

*

> 240mg/dL is high risk level

LDL Cholesterol:

*

160 is high risk level

The goal in people with higher risk factors for heart disease is less than 130 mg/dL. In patients who already have heart disease, the goal is under 100 mg/dL, according to FDA guidelines. And also one should increase the HDL levels or the good cholestrol. So now if you want to avoid statins and take only alterative medicine, then you have to follow two steps.
1. Avoid foods rich in fats
2.Take natural supplements

Fatty foods to be avoided:

The highest cholesterol content is found in meat, poultry, shellfish, and dairy products. As far as possible these food items should be avoided.

Natural supplements to bring down cholesterol levels:

There are numerous natural supplements, which are found, be effective in bringing down the cholesterol levels and it has been proved by many studies. Some of them are

*Beta Sitosterol: It is a plant sterol which reduce cholesterol levels

*Niacin: It is Vitamin B3 which lowers LDL cholesterol by 20%

*Fish oils

*Green Tea

*Psyllium and Flax seeds: These contain fibers which reduce the cholesterol levels

*Mangosteen and sytrinol: These are fruit extracts which reduce cholesterol levels

*Policosanol: it is derived from sugar cane and it reduces LDL cholesterol by nearly 25%

*Cholestin: It is a processed form of red yeast fermented with rice. Cholestin lowers LDL cholesterol by 20-30%. It also raises HDL.

*Soy protein: The isoflavones in it brings down LDL cholesterol by 10%

* Garlic: It reduces LDL cholesterol by 12%

*Aphanizomenon flosaquae (AFA): It is blue green algae, which reduces LDL cholesterol by 20%.

*Gugulipid an extract of Commiphora mukul, the gum resin of the mukul myrrh tree and Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos), a medicinal herb of South Africa are also effective

In addition to these supplements, the other treatment options available are diet regimens including Vegetarian diet, Asian diet, and Low Glycemic diet. A regular exercise will add to the beneficial outcome.

Markus writes and publishes articles about alternative treatments for cholesterol, and other unbiased health related topics on Independent-views.com.