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How To Correctly Clean And Disinfect In Order To Keep Germs To A Minimum

Are you actually destroying disease-causing germs when you clean or are you just spreading them around from one room to another or from one place to another? Im sure you have tons of products under your sink that claim to kill germs and pathogens. The big question is though, do you know how much time each product needs in order for it to do what it claims that it can do? The reality of the matter is that most people simply believe that applying a chemical then wiping it off constitutes a job well done after doing things like cutting raw poultry or simply cleaning up during the flu season.

Quite worrying though, most of the time disinfectants are not used properly which causes dangerous pathogens such as E.Coli and salmonella to grow out of control. Whats even scarier is that if you are the type of person who only uses wipes then you are even more at risk. Most cleaning products do not actually disinfect and it also goes the other way where most disinfectants dont actually clean.

Its critically important to understand the difference between all three types of cleaning which are, disinfecting, sanitizing, and simply cleaning. Cleaning is about removing physical dirt and any other visible things that may be present on the surface of what we are cleaning. When cleaning, some germs are also removed however, its important to know that the objective of cleaning does not give a germ-free end result. If it is ones goal to remove germs then a different product should be used that stipulates that it can disinfect.

Disinfecting something is the cleaning practice of completely destroying any bacteria or viruses on a surface. If you have a child in diapers or there is someone in your house who has the flu, for example, you need to use the correct type of cleaner in order to kill germs since disinfecting would be the objective.

The problem is, not everyone wants to use such strong and potentially dangerous chemicals all the time in their home. The good news is that there are special types of cleaning methods that can remove germs and viruses without the assistance of chemicals. One such method is the use of microfiber. Temples Pride microfiber mops and cloths are used by hospitals because of their extremely unique cleaning abilities. Microfiber has been proven to be able to uplift and remove germs without chemicals. By cleaning with microfiber, you can do away with a large portion of the dangerous chemicals many of us use in our day to day lives while cleaning.

Greenourish Complete – The Organic Superfood Blend You Have To Try!

Everyone’s talking about Specialist Supplement Ltd’s GreeNourish Complete…

This innovative daily food supplement is no ordinary green shake. It is a Soil Association organic, high-fibre combination that contains an impressive 35 green foods, vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, seeds, sprouts and mushrooms, plus bio-active enzymes – all in one easy-to-make, easy-to-take powder.

The best product is now available.

Simply put – it makes achieving optimum nutrition a reality for everyone, with easy access to organic and vegan nutrients (including food form vitamin C and quality plant protein).

A great all-round supplement to support immunity, digestion (bulk), energy levels, cleansing, detoxification and alkalising of the body.

WHAT’S IN THIS SUPERFOOD POWDER?

This organic superfoods blend contains 35 food ingredients plus bio-active enzymes, in concentrated powder form:

11 green foods
Pre-sprouted activated barley, wheat grass, quinoa, barley grass, alfalfa, Seagreens® Ascophyllum (kelp), spirulina, barley grass juice, wheat grass juice, chlorella and nettle.

8 fruits and berries
Acai berry, bilberry fruit, lemon peel, apple, Acerola cherry, bilberry extract, blueberry and cranberry.

7 vegetables
Beet, carrot, tomato, kale, parsley, green cabbage and spinach leaf.

2 herbs and seeds
Linseed / flaxseed and turmeric.

7 sprouts and mushrooms
Kale sprout, broccoli sprout, reishi mushroom, cordyceps mushroom, shiitake mushroom, cauliflower sprout, maitake mushroom.

PLUS bio-active enzymes
Protease, amylase, bromelain, cellulase, lactase, papain and lipase.

Why settle for 5 a day, when you can have 35 a day?!

A BIT MORE ABOUT THE ORGANIC FOOD INGREDIENTS

Pre-sprouted activated barley and barley grass: Barley grass is one of the green grasses. High levels of vitamins and minerals are found in green barley leaves. These include potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, beta carotene, B1, B2, B6, C, folic acid and pantothenic acid.

It’s is said to have 30 times more vitamin B1 and 11 times the amount of calcium than there is in cow’s milk, 6.5 times as much carotene and nearly 5 times the iron content of spinach, close to seven times the vitamin C in oranges, four times the vitamin B1 in whole wheat flour, and 80 micrograms of vitamin B12 per 100 grams of dried barley plant juice. Barley grass is very high in organic sodium.

At the time it is harvested to make juice, barley grass is about 45% protein. It has almost twice as much protein as an equivalent amount of wheat germ and about five times the minerals which accompany animal protein, in addition the protein in barley grass doesn’t come burdened with fat.

It is also believed to contain up to 1,000 enzymes, which are the necessary regulators of the body. In fact, barley grass has one of the highest natural levels of the enzyme SOD (superoxide dismutase), which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells against toxic free radicals, thought to be a primary culprit in ageing.

Barley grass also contains the green pigment, chlorophyll – a natural detoxifier that rids the intestines of stored toxins.

Pre-sprouted barley utilises the latest patented scientific food technology, whereby all the natural active enzymes and nutrients in the barley grain are captured just prior to sprouting (the most nutrient- and enzyme-rich stage). The pre-sprouting stage also provides access to a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids.

Wheat grass: Wheat grass has such a high nutrient-to-calorie ratio that it is considered to be a complete food in itself – or a ‘superfood’. In fact, one pound of fresh wheat grass is equivalent in nutritional value to 23 pounds of fresh garden vegetables! One of the main reasons for the excellent nutritional value of wheat grass is the presence of chlorophyll – a green pigment (and powerful phyto-chemical) formed in plants in the presence of sunlight, by the process of photosynthesis. Wheat grass contains up to 70% chlorophyll. A typical analysis includes the following:

– vitamins (including vitamin A, all the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K)
– minerals (including iron, phosphate, boron, copper, selenium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chromium, manganese, phosphorous, silicon and zinc).

Aside from chlorophyll, wheat grass is also a very good source of:

– dietary fibre
– complete plant protein: Wheat grass contains a surprising amount of complete protein, as is the case with many other fresh leafy greens. What’s more, because it is a plant-based protein, it is also nutrient-dense and lean – it doesn’t contain the high levels of saturated fat, cholesterol and calories usually found in animal / dairy sources.
– natural enzymes: Wheat grass contains a high number of beneficial exogenous enzymes (enzymes not made in the human digestive system), namely: oxidase, lipase, protease, amylase, catalase, peroxidase, tranhydrodinase and superoxydismutase (SOD). These enzymes support efficient digestion – a complex process which involves literally hundreds of thousands of specific enzymes.

Quinoa: This grain has a high protein content and has been added to the GreeNourish Complete blend to support the amino acid profile of the pre-sprouted barley and wheatgrass.

Alfalfa: Rich in vitamins and minerals such as pro-Vitamin A (B-carotene), B6, C, D, E, K, P. Alfalfa yields 10 times more mineral value than an average grain. It also contains chlorophyll and contains 8 essential enzymes.

Seagreens® Ascophyllum (kelp): This is a large, common brown alga (Phaeophyceae) in the family Fucaceae, being the only species in the genus Ascophyllum. It is seaweed of the northern Atlantic Ocean, and is also known as kelp. It is common on the north-western coast of Europe (from Svalbard to Portugal) including east Greenland and the north-eastern coast of North America. Seagreens® Ascophyllum nodosum is sourced from the Scottish Outer Hebrides and is the highest of Seagreensâ® species in terms of iodine levels – typically 700mcg iodine per 1g. Ascophyllum nodosum is rich in both macro-nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur) and micro-nutrients (e.g. manganese, copper, iron, zinc etc). It is also host to cytokinins, auxin-like gibberellins, betaines, mannitol, organic acids, polysaccharides, amino acids, antioxidants and proteins, which are all highly beneficial.

Spirulina: Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae. It contains between 55 and 70% protein (more than beef, chicken, and soybeans), 8 essential and 10 non-essential amino acids, as well as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), beta-carotene, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, iron, copper, manganese, nucleic acids RNA and DNA, chlorophyll and phycocyanin (a pigment-protein complex that is found only in blue-green algae).

Chlorella: An edible, single-cell marine algae (a sea-moss or sea lettuce), chlorella contains chlorophyll, vitamin B12, beta-carotene, polyunsaturated fatty acids and 19 amino acids (including the 8 essential amino acids). It is also a source of calcium, iron, selenium and zinc.

Nettle: A source of chlorophyll, vitamins (including vitamin C), serotonin, histamine, acetyl-choline, minerals (including iron), calcium and silica.

Acai berry: Açai (ahh-sah-ee) is a berry grown in Central and South America, Brazil and Peru. It is rich in minerals, healthy fats, vitamins and other nutrients, including: vitamin C, vitamin A, B vitamins (niacin, vitamin B6 and riboflavin), vitamin K, dietary fibre, omega fatty acids (omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-9 (oleic acid)), protein, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, potassium, antioxidants (resveratrol, cyanidin-3-galactoside, ferulic acid, delphinidin and petunidin), polyphenols and flavonoids.

Bilberry: Bilberries are any of several primarily Eurasian species of low-growing shrubs in the genus Vaccinium (family Ericaceae), bearing edible, nearly black berries. The species most often referred to is Vaccinium myrtillus L., but there are several other closely related species. Bilberries are distinct from blueberries, but closely related to them. They contain diverse anthocyanins, including delphinidin and cyanidin glycosides., and are often associated with improvement of night vision.

Lemon peel: Lemon peel is packed with beneficial nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carotenoids and flavonoids, as well as dietary fibre. In fact, lemon peel is more nutrient-rich than the fruit itself, or even the juice. Vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium and fibre in the peel can support the function of the heart, nerves, muscles, digestive system and eyes. Polyphenols and vitamin C in lemon peel are powerful antioxidant compounds, plus the high content of bone-friendly calcium and vitamin C can also help to keep bones and teeth strong (and the flavonoids in lemon peel work synergistically by improving the absorption of vitamin C – the flavonoid naringenin, in particular). Carotenoids convert to vitamin A inside the body, and vitamin A, as we know, helps to keep eyes healthy. Extracts of lemon peel (and other citrus peels) can also help in healing wounds.

Apple: Apples are a rich source of pectin: a naturally-occurring carbohydrate. Pectin is particularly good at helping to lower blood cholesterol levels. The liver pumps excess cholesterol into the bile, which then enters the intestines. If pectin is present in the intestines, it will bind with the cholesterol and take it out of the body. Pectin also changes into galacturonic acid, which can combine with heavy metals (such as lead and mercury) and certain radio active materials in the gut and take them out of the body. For people who are prone to constipation, pectin can provide a gentle form of fibre, which acts as a bulk laxative and mops up toxins that enter the intestines.

Acerola cherry: Acerola cherries are known as superfruits, due to their excellent nutritional value and exceptionally high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of cells and for a strong immune system. Acerola cherries provide a naturally bio-available and powerful source of vitamin C, which is fully utilised by the body – unlike synthetic ascorbic acid, which is sold as vitamin C.

Blueberry: Blueberries contain high levels of anthocyanin antioxidants, including malvidins, delphinidins, pelargonidins, cyanidins and peonidins. They also contain the antioxidant flavonoid, quercetin. And, if you want to maximise the antioxidant benefits from blueberries, go organic!

Cranberry: For many years, researchers believed that the ability of cranberries to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) was partly related to the strong acidity of the cranberries. Recent research has shown that it’s not the acidity of the cranberries, but the unusual nature of their proanthocyanidins (PACs) that is related to prevention of UTIs. The special structure of these PACs (involving A-type linkages between their components) acts as a barrier to bacteria that might otherwise latch on to the urinary tract lining. In many studies, the UTI-preventing benefits of cranberries are somewhat modest and limited to women who have recurrent UTIs. But this whole area of investigation has opened the door to an understanding of other possible cranberry benefits. For example, stomach ulcers are often related to overgrowth and over-linking of one particular type of stomach bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) to the stomach lining. In much the same way as cranberries may help prevent bacterial attachment to the lining of the urinary tract, they may also help prevent attachment of bacteria to the stomach lining. There is already some preliminary evidence that cranberry may help protect us from stomach ulcer in this way. We expect to see future studies confirming this fascinating type of health benefit. Among the fruits and vegetables richest in antioxidants berries such as cranberries rank right up there at the top of the list. They have a vast array of other nutrients too, including digestion-aiding enzymes.

Beet: Beetroot is the taproot portion of the beet plant. It is one of several of the cultivated varieties of Beta vulgaris grown for their edible taproots and their leaves (called beet greens). It is a source of dietary fibre, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron and vitamin C. The deep red colour of beetroot results from the presence of a type of betalain pigment (betacyanins). Beetroot is also a source of betaine and inorganic nitrates.

The deep red colour of beetroot results from the presence of betalain pigments. There are two categories of betalains, one of which is responsible for these reddish to violet colours – betacyanins. Betanin is an example of betacyanins present in red beetroot.

Betaine is a naturally-occurring substance and amino acid, found in plants and particularly in beetroot. Betaine is created by choline, in combination with the amino acid glycine.

Research* carried out by Professor Andy Jones and colleagues (University of Exeter, UK) highlighted beetroot juice as a source of nitrate. The Professor stated that “Nitric oxide (NO) is vitally important in human physiology and it modulates many of the processes that are essential to exercise performance. Evidence indicates that NO availability can be enhanced by dietary supplementation with inorganic nitrate which is abundant in green leafy vegetables and beetroot.”

Carrot: Carrots are a good source of thiamin, niacin, folate and vitamin B6 (which act as co-factors to enzymes during substrate metabolism in the body), as well as manganese, and a very good source of dietary fibre, carotenes, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. Carotenes are converted into vitamin A in the liver cells. Beta-carotene is the major carotene present in these roots – a powerful antioxidant and a nutrient involved in all of the functions of vitamin A, such as maintaining good eye health, reproduction (sperm production), maintenance of epithelial integrity, growth and development. Carrots are also rich in the poly-acetylene antioxidant, falcarinol.

Tomato: Tomatoes are recognised for their high antioxidant content, including a rich concentration of lycopene. Tomatoes also contain vitamin C, potassium, folate, vitamin K, vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, dietary fibre, vitamin A and manganese.

Kale: Kale is a lutein-rich food – a carotenoid nutrient. Among the carotenoids, lutein is perhaps best known for its supportive role in eye health, and in particular, for its ability to protect different parts of the eye from potential damage by light or oxygen.

Parsley: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a bright green, leafy species of Petroselinum in the family Apiaceae, native to the central Mediterranean region (southern Italy, Greece, Algeria, and Tunisia), naturalised elsewhere in Europe, and widely cultivated as a herb. It contains vitamins A, C, E, bioflavonoids, iron, folic acid, volatile oils, coumarins, flavonoids, chlorophyll, manganese, calcium and potassium.

Green cabbage: Cabbage is one of two vegetable types (the other is root vegetables) found to be a mainstay for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in a 2015 study** of over 57,000 adults in Denmark. In this very large-scale study, adults who closely followed the Healthy Nordik Food Index were found to have the lowest incidence of type 2 diabetes. Importantly, this key health benefit was linked to six food intake categories: (1) fish, (2) rye bread, (3) oatmeal, (4) apples and pears, (5) root vegetables, and (6) cabbage. Researchers have now identified nearly 20 different flavonoids and 15 different phenols in cabbage, all of which have demonstrated antioxidant activity.

Spinach leaf: Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an edible flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae native to central and western Asia. It contains vitamins A, B2, B6, B9 C, E and K, lutein, magnesium, manganese, folate, betaine, iron, calcium, potassium, folic acid, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium and Omega 3 oils. More recently, opioid peptides called rubiscolins have also been found in spinach.

Flaxseed: Most plant foods contain at least small amounts of phytonutrients called lignans. Lignans are unique fibre-related polyphenols that provide us with antioxidant benefits, fibre-like benefits, and also act as phytoestrogens. Among all commonly eaten foods, researchers*** now rank flaxseeds as the number one source of lignans in the human diet. Flaxseeds contain about 7 times as many lignans as the closest runner-up food (sesame seeds). They contain about 338 times as many lignans as sunflower seeds, 475 times as many as cashew nuts, and 3,200 times as many lignans as peanuts. When we think about antioxidant-rich foods, the first foods that come to mind are typically vegetables and fruits. Of course, foods in both of these food groups can be outstanding sources of antioxidants! Yet according to recent research, flaxseeds also belong high up on our list of antioxidant-rich foods. When flaxseeds are compared with other commonly eaten foods in terms of their total polyphenol content (polyphenols are one very important group of antioxidants), flaxseeds rank 9th among 100 commonly eaten foods. The antioxidant benefits of flaxseeds have long been associated with prevention of cardiovascular diseases and have recently also been tied to decreased insulin resistance.

Turmeric: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is a spice which contains dietary fibre, volatile oil, vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin B6), minerals (such as potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium) and the yellow pigment, curcumin.

Kale sprout: Most edible seedlings of Brassica vegetables, including kale sprouts and kale microgreens, are packed with vitamin C. Kale sprouts are also notable for their high levels of glucosinolates, and more importantly, their metabolites isothiocyanates.

Broccoli sprout: Broccoli sprouts are a source of glucoraphanin, which creates sulforaphane when chewed or swallowed – a compound which accelerates the body’s ability to detoxify from various pollutants. As with kale sprouts, these sprouts are also notable for their high levels of glucosinolates, and more importantly, their metabolites isothiocyanates.

Reishi mushroom: With the Japanese name Reishi or Mannetake (10,000 year mushroom), the Chinese name Ling Zhi (spirit mushroom – mushroom of spritual potency), this mushroom is also referred to as the ‘mushroom of immortality’ of Chinese legend because it has been linked to anti-aging and longevity, as well as detoxification, anti-inflammatory actions, energy boosting, immunity and more. Reishi is rich in active polysaccharides, as well as triterpenoid compounds (primarily ganoderic and lucidenic acids).

Cordyceps mushroom: Some of the most interesting potential health benefits of cordyceps include its ability to support respiratory health, increase oxygen uptake, boost heart health, detoxify the body, slow the aging process, increase energy and improves the immune system.

Shiitake mushroom: Lentinus edodes are widely eaten as a food and used in herbal preparations in the Far East and South America. They have more recently grown in popularity in the West and contain triterpenes, polysaccharides and lentinan.

Cauliflower sprout: Cauliflower is a member of the cruciferous vegetable (or Brassicaceae) family- along with broccoli, cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts and some other less common varieties. Recent studies suggest that cruciferous vegetables are an excellent source of natural antioxidants due to their high levels of various phytochemicals, as well as good suppliers of essential vitamins, carotenoids, fibrer, soluble sugars, minerals, and phenolic compounds. In fact, itâs believed that brassica vegetables are the largest source of phenolic compounds in the human diet.

Maitake mushroom: The maitake mushroom is a large mushroom native to North America, Europe and Japan. The Japanese name “maitake” literally means “dancing mushroom.” It is also referred to by the English name “hen of the woods” because of its substantial size and unique shape. Maitake mushrooms have been used as medicine in Japan for centuries â they are traditionally believed to promote longevity. Research on the mushroom’s health benefits began in Japan in the 1980s and is now being pursued in the United States. Maitakes contain a polysaccharide (many sugar molecules joined together to form one large molecule) called beta glucan. Just some of the proclaimed health benefits associated with this mushroom include immune booster, blood sugar management and heart helper.

Enzyme blend: Proteases are digestive enzymes that break proteins down into amino acids. Amylase is a digestive enzyme essential for our digestion of carbohydrates, as amylase breaks down starches into sugars. Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme mixture derived from the stem, fruit, and juice of the pineapple plant. Cellulase is any of several enzymes produced chiefly by fungi, bacteria, and protozoans that catalyze cellulolysis, the decomposition of cellulose and of some related polysaccharides. Lactase is a type of enzyme that breaks down the sugar, lactose, found in dairy products. Papain is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the raw fruit of the papaya plant. Proteolytic enzymes help break proteins down into smaller protein fragments called peptides and amino acids. Lipase is the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of fats that we consume. Specifically, lipase breaks fats into fatty acids and glycerol (simple sugar alcohol).

All this in one organic superfoods blend – can you afford not to try it?! Daily organic nutrition made easy. Ideal for the whole family!

*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23640589
**https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4632438/
***https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4375225/

Running Out Of Energy Throughout The Day? How’s Your B12?

When you were young I bet you had all the energy you needed. Doesn’t it seem like kids below a certain age never run out of energy. They could run all day and still be bouncing off the walls when bedtime comes around.

If you’ve noticed that too, you aren’t alone.

I was sitting outside the other day at a State park just enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Birds were chirping, squirrels were dashing through the brush and zipping up trees, occasionally I would hear the sound of a distant dog barking on a walk with their owner.

I also heard distant voices on the gentle breeze. It sounded like kids, maybe 4 or 5 years old walking with their dad. I could hear them counting their steps, reading signs along the path and asking questions left and right as inquisitive kids tend to do.

When they reached the trailhead I heard them say, “lets go around again!” You could hear their love for a good hike in their exuberant voices. But the response from their dad was, “not now, you tired me out.”

You don’t think about your energy levels when you are young, but as we creep up in age our energy production starts to fall.

Did you know, this might be because we become deficient in certain important vitamins as we age. B vitamins are typically low such as B6, B12, and B9 (or folate). The B vitamins are important for a number of things, but energy production is an important one.

But you might be saying, “I eat plenty of vitamin rich foods, and I even take a multi-vitamin.”

It turns out many of us may be deficient in key vitamins even though we have plenty of those vitamins in our system. The reason that might be is because about 60% of Americans have genetic mutations that prevent our bodies from converting these key elements into the active form our bodies need to make use of them.

These defects, called methylation defects or MTHFR, actually prevent us from utilizing the vitamins already in our system.

Put it this way you may not have a problem absorbing vitamin B12 but you may have a problem converting the inactive form into an active form.

Let’s take vitamin B12 for instance. The common synthetic form used in food enrichment and supplements is called cyanocobalamin. In a functioning system we convert that B12 into methylated B12 or vitamin B12 methylcobalamin. But if we happen to have a methylation defect that does not happen and it leads to a deficiency even though we may have plenty of B12 in our blood stream.

So what can we do? The good news for the 60% of us with a methylation defect is that we can take Methyl B vitamins. Methyl B12 and Methyl Folate use the active form of B12 and Folate that our body needs and can use without the conversion.

If you have MTHFR your only option is to choose methylated versions of these vitamins, but for the rest of us it may be beneficial to do so as well. For one, unless you have been tested you may not know if you have the genetic mutation. Better safe than sorry right?

It really isn’t a big deal, because Methyl B12 and Methyl Folate are readily available in supplement form. It’s as easy as a few clicks on Amazon, or a trip to your local grocery store even.

After that, you are ready for that extra loop on the hiking trail. Just make sure you packed a few snacks for the kiddies.

For a fun look at the benefits of methyl folate vs folic acid see the video below

Take The Mystery Out Of Tennis Elbow

Let’s explain what tennis elbow really is. It is an overuse syndrome where a body part is used beyond its physiological boundaries where it can fail to serve its’ intended purpose. So if a muscle’s job was to bend the wrist backward and move it to the outside when called upon to do so it may not be done as smoothly as you would like. when a muscle behaves in the less than ideal way it becomes what is known as dysfunctional. The dysfunctional muscle spreads its’ inherent dysfunctionality to surrounding muscles it works in conjunction with. The problem starts to affect a more widespread area if left untreated.

The muscle called Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis is the primary muscle involved in tennis elbow Tennis Elbow. You may be surprised to learn that carpenters, plumbers, and painters also get a fairly high rate of tennis elbow. Even more interesting is that tradesmen usually do not play tennis. What they have in common with tennis players id that they use their wrist to bend backward and out to the side. This is the distinct action of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis. The muscle will extend the wrist and abduct the wrist at the same time. This is quite a unique motion. when we overdo that particular motion the muscle becomes dysfunctional as previously stated.

What goes wrong in the muscle. The muscle has only so much tensile strength. If you go past its’ normal limits it begins to weaken because its’ strength is diminished. You are asking a muscle to do more than it physically can. The muscle will respond to the extra demands but will not work efficiently. Pain is your body’s way of saying that something is wrong. Your body will let you know that your elbow is not going to work properly when asked to do more then it can.

How would you like to deal with the problem? You can tell the brain there is no problem on the physical level by medicating the situation. The brain stops receiving input so while you feel the problem is gone it may be getting worse. So before you start popping those Aleve and Advil pills think is it going to fix your problem or cover it up? You may be lulled into thinking that the absence of pain means there is no problem. You are merely shutting off the communication between the damaged body part and your brain. The muscle only has so much to give before it fails.

I would urge you to consider some alternatives to the self-medicating route. Joint mobilization will allow for reduced stress on the elbow. What is joint mobilization? It is a chiropractic treatment that restores function to the elbow in this case by reducing the subluxation. A subluxation is where normal biomechanical integrity is lost by displacement of that body part. If the elbow has undue stress put onto it the three bones of the arm the humerus, radius, and ulna will subluxate. There will be a distortion of the joint’s normal properties. The Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis crosses the elbow to do its job of extending and abducting the wrist. So it would make sense that when the elbow subluxated it will put stress onto the muscles that are near it.

Chiropractors who specialize in extremity adjustments treat subluxations of the elbow by palpating the area. Once it has been determined where the subluxation exists further analysis calls for determining directional displacement to find out what our line of the drive should be to correct the faulty biomechanics. Once structural integrity is restored the tissue will respond favorably to soft tissue treatment. By using both joint mobilization and soft tissue treatments we can bring about the full restoration of the joint.

Many will elect to do one or the other electing either doing mobilization or soft tissue treatment. Why would you do half the work to make it successful? Find the problem then fix it. But be done with it. I hope you can appreciate this common-sense approach. You will do your tennis elbow a world of good. Imagine playing tennis without pain or turning a wrench under somebody’s sink without pain. I trust that you have found this helpful. Feel free to pass this on or leave a comment below.

Signs Of Too Much Folic Acid – Is Excess Folic Acid A Cause For Worry?

Folate, when it comes from food is a good thing. You can never really have too much folate when it comes from food. Whole food sources of folate might come in the form of meat like chicken or beef. Or, alternately from lentils, beans or dark leafy greens.

Sometimes we might not get enough folate from our diet and may need to supplement with an added source. When you do so it is important to keep a couple things in mind. First off stay away from the synthetic form folic acid as your body may not be able to convert it into the active form folate.

Second make sure you stick to the recommended dose. Some of the side effects you might notice if you are taking too much folate is diarrhea, cramps, confusion, and skin reactions like rashes as well as difficulty sleeping, mood changes and even a lower sex drive. The max amount you want to consume each day from supplements is 1,000 micrograms. Note that that total also includes folic acid from fortified foods.

The optimal dose per day of active folate is 400 micrograms. But if you are taking a 400mcg folic acid supplement you might not be getting as much active folate as you think, we’ll go into more detail on why in a moment.

While a rash may not seem like too bad of a symptom, excess folic acid can come with more severe symptoms such as epilepsy, an increased risk of prostate cancer and colorectal tumors. You see the enzyme needed to convert folic acid into a usable form in the body can be slow or ineffective causing unmetabolized folic acid to build up in ones tissues and plasma.

To make matters worse excess folic acid can hide a deficiency in vitamin B12. If you are deficient in B12 for too long it can lead to neurological changes, anemia, fatigue, and even nerve damage.

How Should You Use Folic Acid

Using the terms folate and folic acid interchangeably gets confusing (try to think of it as folate is natural, folic acid is synthetic). It is recommended you get most of your folate from whole food sources like fruits, vegetables and meat. Food sources of folate also contain many other essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

Supplementation comes into play when you are not getting enough folate from foods or your body has trouble absorbing it into a usable form. Most adults need 400 mcg a day, however pregnant women (or those trying to get pregnant) need a higher dose around 600 mcg a day.

We hinted at it before, but choosing the right kind of folate is important as well. Many prenatal vitamins contain the artificial form folic acid, which often times the body cannot convert into a usable form. The bioactive form l-methylfolate or simply methylfolate avoids many of the risks of taking too much of the synthetic folic acid.

This quick video shows a bit more on why folate is preferred over folic acid.

Head-on Collisions: The Most Dangerous Motor Vehicle Accidents

When driving down the road, you hope all goes well. However, since you cannot control other drivers, you may be involved in a head-on collision. When this happens, there will be serious injuries and possibly deaths. Since these collisions are the most dangerous in which motorists can be involved, it is important to know not only how they occur, but also how to avoid them while behind the wheel. However, if at some point you find yourself the victim of a head-on collision, make sure you retain a qualified auto accident attorney to help you gain compensation for your damages. The legal team at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. offers free consultations to help you make the right decision in choosing the right attorney.

Why Do Head-On Collisions Occur?

Since head-on collisions do not happen as frequently as other types of motor vehicle accidents, you may be wondering why they occur. Some common reasons include:

  • Poor visibility
  • Driver Impairment
  • Falling Asleep at Wheel
  • Distracted Driving
  • Lack of familiarity with roads

In many head-on collisions, one driver gets confused and drives the wrong way down a road. When this happens, drivers have little time to react and often nowhere to go to avoid the oncoming vehicle. Since high speeds are usually a factor in these collisions, numerous deaths often occur. If you have had a loved one die in a situation such as this, always consult with an auto accident lawyer to discuss your case and learn of the various options you may have available.

Why are These Collisions So Dangerous?

Due to the many deaths and serious injuries that happen in head-on collisions, people often wonder what exactly makes these collisions so violent and dangerous. One of the biggest reasons involves the fact that while one vehicle is often going full speed, the other vehicle is likely slowing down in an effort to get out of the way. As a result, it absorbs most of the impact, leading to injuries or deaths. According to a study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation, the chance of dying in a head-on collision doubles for every 10 mph a car exceeds 50 mph.

How Can Head-On Collisions be Avoided?

If you want to decrease the chances of being involved in one of these violent and often deadly collisions, there are numerous steps you can take. Some of the most common and recommended include:

  • Never driving while impaired or tired
  • Never drive distracted
  • Pay attention to road signage
  • Ask for directions if you are lost

Since many collisions of this nature take place due to wrong-way driving, never attempt to drive somewhere if you are not sure how to do so. By stopping to ask directions, you may save your life as well as those of other drivers.

For victims of these accidents, the damages can include large medical bills, lost wages due to an inability to return to work, and pain and suffering that may last a lifetime. To ensure you and your family are fully compensated for these damages, schedule a consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible following your accident.

Cognitive Brain Damage Rehabilitation

Cognitive brain damage rehabilitation revolves around two essential aspects such as restoring the brain functions that can be restored and learning to do things differently when a function cannot be restored to the pre-injury state. The cognitive brain damage that can result from a brain injury can vary from person to person. It may depend on many factors such as the affected patient’s pre-injury abilities, personality, and the severity of the injury. This article provides information on the importance of cognitive brain damage rehabilitation.

Acquired Brain Injury Rehab Help

Cognitive brain damage rehab is a broad term used to describe certain treatments that address cognitive problems that could arise after brain damage. With the wide range of symptoms arising from cognitive brain damage, cognitive brain damage rehab doesn’t refer to a specific approach to treatment. Although speech, swallowing, and similar cognitive problems can be easily recognised, some cognitive issues are almost invisible. Hence, many medical insurance schemes don’t cover such treatments. Cognitive rehab tends to enhance independence and functioning in patients with cognitive issues due to brain damage. Here are two broad approaches to cognitive brain damage rehab treatments.

. Restorative Treatment – The goal of this treatment option is to improve the cognitive system to function in a wide range of activities.
. Compensatory Treatment – This method is used to train the affected individuals to deal with specific problem areas after the injury. For example, learning self-cuing strategies or using memory notebooks.

A person with a moderate degree of cognitive impairment can benefit from a comprehensive outpatient cognitive brain damage rehab program. These programs may include individual as well as group therapy for behavioural or social goals. Outdoor activities make the bulk of such treatment programs. Most of these programs are designed by medical experts who are experienced and skilled in such treatments.

More targeted treatments can be offered by a single provider for patients with cognitive issues related to language processing such as using written strategies for memory organisation and following directions. Speech-language pathology services are some of these providers. In case a patient is working on cognitive skills for home management or driving, occupational therapy is the best option for him/her.

The main goal of the rehabilitation process is to help the patient progress to a higher level of functioning independently. Therapy focuses on regaining lost skills as well as learning new ways to compensate for abilities that may have been permanently lost or changed due to brain damage. The aforementioned article provides information on the importance of cognitive brain damage rehabilitation.

Naturopathy Facts

From the basics of science to a common understanding of areas such as biochemistry and physiology, all healthcare professionals work with the same basic understanding of how the body works and how the principles of medicine actually work. 7Vitalism as a concept was refuted by Wohler in 1828, but the idea continues to thrive in natural medicine. 7It is perhaps not surprising that natural medicine has developed into different practices such as homeopathy, acupuncture and herbalism. 7

The USAThe naturopathic school system trains naturopathic medical students primarily as family doctors. 12Other naturopathic doctors prefer to focus on certain areas of naturopathic treatment modalities such as homeopathy, botanical medicine or physical medicine. 12Although it is a diverse group, most physicians agree on common treatment principles. Learn more here12 One of the most important principles of naturopathy is that the body uses its inherent ability to heal itself when the cause of the disease is eliminated, and the use of natural treatments can help to influence those abilities. 12

Naturopathy is an independent system of basic medical care, which results from a strong philosophical conviction about life, health and illness. 7His principles and philosophies are an integral part of naturopathic assessment, diagnosis and treatment. 7It combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine and emphasizes disease as a process rather than as a whole. 7Naturopathic medicine is defined by principles rather than methods or modalities. 7The focus of naturopathic therapies is on the treatment of the causes of disease and the stimulation of the healing power of the body through the use of natural techniques and therapies. 7

Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a medical system based on the healing power of nature. 18Naturopathy is a holistic system, meaning that Naturopathic Physicians (N.D.s) or Naturopathic Physicians (N.M.D.s) strive to find the cause of the disease by understanding the person’s body, mind and soul. 18Most naturopathic doctors use a variety of therapies and techniques (eg diet, behavior modification, herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture). 18

Naturopathic practitioners are trained specialists in naturopathy. 11They have training in conventional medical sciences, but are not orthodox physicians (allopathic doctors or M.D.). 11In addition to the standard medical curriculum, naturopathic students must complete extensive courses and clinical studies in natural healing. 11

Some common prescription drugs come from naturopaths and doctors alike. 11Scientific research in Europe and Asia shows that some herbal substances are superior to synthetic drugs in clinical situations. 11Naturopathic Bodywork Naturopathic physicians are trained in massage techniques, manipulation techniques and physical therapies used to treat injuries and pain. 11

Naturopathic physicians understand the art of healing, which is not just the delivery of a herbal remedy or dietary supplement. 5The basis of EBM is the randomized controlled trial, which is of great value in evaluating individual treatments for individual diseases. 5There are randomized controlled trials that suggest that naturopathic treatments such as botanical medicine, nutritional therapies, acupuncture and physiotherapy are effective in certain conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraine, depression, asthma, hypertension and type II diabetes. 5

Online and distance learning courses for naturopathic doctors or certificates do not have a standardized curriculum or accreditation for their programs recognized by the US Education Department. 3You can teach a variety of courses that help students understand the healing power of nature and the innate ability of the body to heal itself. 3The classes may include herbal medicine, homeopathy, orthomolecular nutrition, introductory anatomy, reflexology and iridology, among others. 3

Since the medical degree courses also take four years and include a two-year basic science education, many naturopaths claim that their education is equivalent. 14The quality of medical school programs is far superior to those of naturopathic schools. 14The faculties of the medical faculties are much larger and better educated, and the scope and depth of the clinical experience is much greater as the people who go to medical school clinics cover the full range of diseases. 14Some naturopathic graduates complete an additional year of postgraduate education in which they work on an outpatient basis. 14

A licensed ND must have completed a program accredited by the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), which is accorded programmatic accreditation by the US Department of Education. 26In fact, CNME has accreditation authority because it meets administrative criteria, not because the naturopathic curriculum is medically sound. 26Much of the curriculum includes homeopathy, herbalism, hydrotherapy, craniosacral therapy, chiropractic manipulation, and naturopathic philosophy. 26

Students of the naturopathic study course have to take three courses in homeopathy and can take three more. 14The Southwest College of Natural and Health Sciences in Scottsdale, Arizona, was founded in 1992. 14The College of Natural Medicine at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut began teaching in 1997. 14The National University of Health Sciences near Chicago, which has been offering chiropractic degrees since 1966, received the approval of its Doctor of Natural Medicine in 2006. 14

The American Naturopathic Medical Association (ANMA), founded in 1981, claims to represent about 2,000 members worldwide. 14The Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians (HANP), which requires a recognized professional qualification and additional homoeopathic education, has about 50 members in the US and Canada. 14The AANP has published the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine six times between 1990 and 1996. 14

Sources:

https://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=59 0
https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/what-is-naturopathic-medicine 1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturopathy 2
https://aanmc.org/news/difference-between-traditional-naturopath-and-licensed-naturopathic-doctor/ 3
https://medium.com/@ZDoggMD/naturopathy-is-99-9-bull-hit-but-heres-what-that-0-1-can-teach-us-a99de55e1948 4
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/naturopathy 5
https://www.verywellhealth.com/naturopath-naturopathic-doctor-differences-2614941 6
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/naturopathy-vs-science-facts-edition/ 7
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/naturopathy-and-science/ 8
https://www.naturalhealers.com/naturopathic/ 9
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.naturopathic-medicine.aa104756spec 10
https://www.oregon.gov/obnm/Pages/Aboutnaturopathy.aspx 11
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/naturopathy 12
https://www.princetonreview.com/grad-programs/98/naturopathy-naturopathic-medicine 13
https://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Naturopathy/naturopathy.html 14
https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlipson/2016/05/12/naturopaths-witch-doctors-in-white-coats/ 15
http://whatstheharm.net/naturopathy.html 16
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/mar/27/naturopath-whistleblower-snake-oil-multi-billion-dollar 17
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/treatment/naturopathy 18
https://www.gwcim.com/services/naturopathic-medicine/ 19
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3kjk53/this-ex-naturopath-had-to-relearn-what-wellness-means 20
https://zdoggmd.com/against-medical-advice-027/ 21
https://www.nuhs.edu/admissions/naturopathic-medicine/ 22
https://www.chihealthcare.org/therapies/naturopathic-medicine/ 23
http://worldnaturopathicfederation.org/about-naturopathy/ 24
https://www.naturalhealers.com/naturopathic/naturopathy/ 25
https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2016/01/shocking-confessions-naturopathic-doctor.html 26
http://skepdic.com/natpathy.html 27

Health Insurance Comparison

People have to work hard to find an affordable private insurance quote that is affordable for a self-employed person. There are companies out there like Assurant who can offer you a fair rate for private health insurance. A Health Insurance Comparison should keep track of which policies just happen to deal with major medical issues. Many people would prefer a health insurance plan that includes a vision plan or a dental insurance plan. HealthInsurance.org is something that many people around the world are going to use to compare insurance rates across the globe. A private health insurance comparison also gives you an idea of how affordable your life is going to be and how you need to plan your future. An older person may honestly struggle to find a good Health Insurance Comparison source that they can genuinely afford.

The private health insurance companies often do not want competition in the marketplace. The truth is that Blue Cross Blue Shield happens to control a large amount of the market in a given state. A person who is looking at a real Health Insurance Comparison needs to keep this kind of consolidation of the marketplace in mind when they are doing some comparison shopping for health insurance. A person who is struggling with a new bike shop that they have opened may need to sign up for COBRA insurance so their health insurance can be subsidized by people who are either their former employer or a limited state based subsided. The business owner will be able to get off of the COBRA insurance once they can get their bike shop going in the right direction.

If an older person feels that their health insurance rates are being increased on them at a low price, they may want to talk to their state’s insurance regulator. A plan may be sponsored by the AARP in partnership with Humana, so if you have a problem with the plan, you may want to talk to people who work at your local AARP. The AARP is a large group, and people are going to want their Medicare supplements to end up being quite affordable. A senior citizen should keep in mind their limited income as they get older when they are working on a private health insurance comparison. A self-employed person can also look forward to a Medicare supplemental plan by already working with the people at Humana.

The self-employed home builder may be able to purchase insurance for example. They can offer you a short term, six months or twelve-month insurance policy if this is something that you can end up affording a necessary, primary medical insurance. A private health insurance plan is something that can give people the peace of mind required to provide you with the concept of self-reliance. People need to be careful and make sure that their rates do not end up increasing every month. The monthly premiums need to stay competitive and reasonable if you are going to trust private health insurance plans.

Many people are seeing their employers give up on the idea of providing employer-based health insurance. This means that you should look for an insurance policy that can cover you and your family. The cost of having a baby is also not as cheap as many people might think. The supplemental income that you can pick up from a second job can help you pay for a private health insurance plan. The more family members that you have on your health insurance plan, the more expensive the plan will end up being. If you are an employer who wants to cover their employees, it can be tough because of the high costs. Some employers think that it can cost as much as twelve hundred dollars a month to pay for an employee’s health insurance plan. The minimum price of private health insurance plans may be enough to scare off some employers.

Aetna is one company that many people will go to to get the private insurance that they. Aetna is large enough to offer an entire package of benefits where people can get their dental and vision needs taken care of. People should not be afraid that their insurance will not help them if they get in an accident, people need to pay their premiums, and the rest will be taken care of. Celtic Insurance Company is another health insurance company out there that tries to compete with other health insurance companies across the United States. Aetna should care about keeping their rates reasonable when they do have a fair amount of competitors out there. There are some people out there who would talk to a financial advisor while they are working on a proper Health Insurance Comparison. The private health insurance comparison should include a large amount of research. The individual health insurance comparison can impact your entire family.

Best Way To Quit Smoking – Rtt Hypnosis Therapy

There are plenty of methods to quit smoking, including herbal treatment, meditation and hypnosis. Here is how to apply such methods.

Smoking not only harms the smoker but also the lives of his or her family members, so it is of paramount importance that a smoker quit as soon as possible. Studies have confirmed that smoking not only harms a persons physical body, but can have an emotional and psychological impact as well. Smokers suffer from short term memory, and frequently can face depression. Here are several treatments that can help a smoker quit the habit.

Herbal Treatment as Smoking Substitute

Herbs have been traditionally thought to curb smoking behaviour. Herbs that help a smoker quit smoking include lobelia, black cohosh, catnip and oat weed.

However, caution must always be exercised with herbal treatments. Always ask advice from a qualified health professional before starting any herbal treatment. One popular myth of herbal treatment is that herbs do not have side effects because they are from natural sources. However, that is simply not true. Some herbs, when taken in excess or mixed with other ingredients, can cause nausea or headaches, so it is best to ask a qualified health professional before using them.

Lolita inflata is another good herb, though taking this in excess can lead to side effects. What lolita inflata does is to act as substitute for nicotine. The good thing about it is that it is not addictive.

Meaningful Non-Smoking Activities

Another method for quitting smoking is to find meaningful activities to occupy one’s time. Smokers should use the opportunity to gain new skills. Find an activity that is enjoyable to do. When a person enjoys what he does, he will be distracted from smoking. Pick up healthier habits like going to the gym, or long distance running, or even just walking. However, if the individual lacks willpower, then hypnosis may be the answer, as a way to re-educate the brain from thinking it needs nicotine. My aunt finally gave up after 30 years of smoking after attending a Rapid Transformational Therapy clinic.

Create a Conducive Non-Smoking Environment

The smoker who is trying to quit should have an environment that is conducive to quitting. The hardest thing for a smoker is probably learning to say no. Smokers in the midst of quitting can start by avoiding friends who are frequent smokers and begin mingling with other like-minded individuals. There are also many anti-smoking programs they can join, where they will meet many others out there who are facing the same problem.

Meditation as a Smoking Cessation

Meditation is considered a form of self hypnosis that can achieve a state of peace and higher awareness. Meditation doesn’t need to be just restricted to sitting on a mat and staying in a stationary position for several hours. It actually can be done anywhere and in any form, from gardening to walking the dog. Meditation is good because it acts as a substitute for the the relaxing effect that smokers often gain from smoking.