Yoga Provides Multiple Benefits for Cancer Survivors

Yoga has long been a form of relaxation, meditation and exercise, dating back to several thousand years B.C. Originating out of India, yoga teaches us to focus on the self: mind, body, spirit. Which is exactly what cancer survivors need to do to heal. So it makes sense that a new study found that yoga can aid survivors with sleep, energy and vitality.

Researchers studied 410 cancer survivors who had difficulty sleeping. Half of the subjects participated in two 75-minute yoga sessions per week, in addition to post-cancer care that the whole group received. The sessions consisted of 18 poses that incorporated breathing exercises and meditation. At the end of a month, sleeplessness improved in the yoga group by 100 percent.

Before the study started, only 15 percent of participants in both groups were sleeping soundly. At the end of the study, 16 percent of the control group were able to sleep soundly—an increase of only 1 percent—whereas the yoga group doubled their stats to 31 percent. Given the fact that the yoga group had decreased their sleep medication by 20 percent, while the control group increased theirs by 5 percent, there is a strong link between the practice of yoga and improved sleep ability.

The yoga group also reported an improvement in fatigue. “If you break down the program into its basics—breathing exercises, postures, mindfulness—it's not entirely clear which component ... is most important," lead researcher Karen Mustian said. "It could be they all work together to improve sleep, fatigue and quality of life ... or it could be that one of them is really the most important piece."

Very little is required to begin practicing yoga:

•Attire: loose-fitting pants or shorts that have some give so that you can move freely, along a tank top, t-shirt and/or a sports bra depending on coverage you are comfortable with. No special shoes are required. In fact, most classes are taught barefoot.

•Accessories: the only real accessory you should have is a yoga mat, which can be purchased inexpensively at your local Target or fitness store. The mat provides a comfortable, stable surface for movement, and provides traction so you don’t slip during poses. It also protects feet and hands from the harsh, hard nature of the floor. If you find it difficult to stand for any length of time but still want to get a workout in, consider purchasing a yoga ball. Available in a variety of sizes, you can sit and stabilize your body as you go through poses. An added bonus is a core workout while on the ball, as you do need to balance as you sit.

Feel Healthy, Look Healthy, Be Happy - A Lifestyle Makeover

Get ready for a shocker - almost none of us, yes, NONE OF US, are nearly as healthy, happy, and energetic as we could be, should be. This may not be a big surprise to you and me, but why then is no one doing anything about this epidemic? The simple answer is that we're all so used to doing things the way we have been for nearly a century that, not only is the idea of change overwhelming, but most of us simply don't know where to start.

I'm not here with some miracle solution, and certainly not one that will change your life overnight or will be super fast and easy to implement, but simply to give you a brief overview of what I've learned in my quest to be happy and healthy. You can make the necessary improvements with some effort and by giving yourself time to get used to and enjoy making these changes. Often we just need to hear that someone else has put in the work and is reaping the rewards, and I'm that person!

A little information about why we need to make some big changes

For starters we all put too many "fake" substances in our bodies. From the hygiene products we use, to cleaning products, make-up, and especially what we eat. It's true - most of what we consume is processed, convenience foodstuffs and NOT REAL FOOD.

We have all become so busy and live such fast-paced lives that we have come to rely upon whatever's the quickest and easiest solution for our needs. Unfortunately, we're doing this at the expense of our health and in many cases our very lives, and I'm not being overly dramatic. Many of us complain regularly about stress, exhaustion, and constantly getting sick, and this is just a preview of what can happen and often does as we age. Many illnesses that creep up on us are treatable or preventable. It's true - I've read the scientific research and anecdotal evidence, and experienced this myself as have many others in my life.

Do some fact-checking for yourself. You'll find all sorts of incredible claims that seem to belong in Ripley's Believe it Or Not, but they are completely factual and well-researched and documented. Actually, when you really think about it, it all makes perfect sense. You'll discover there are vegetables and fungi that can kill cancer cells in their tracks. There are illnesses that can only, at best, be moderately improved by medicine and surgery but those with these illnesses can be made virtually symptom-free or even cured through natural means and the detoxification and elimination of harmful, "fake" substances from their environments and diets. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The motivation to change my lifestyle

You may say you don't have time for such changes, or joke that you may as well move to a hippie commune. I made the same excuses and jokes until I became very ill with a disease called endometriosis. The short explanation is that the cells that line a woman's uterus end up outside of it, and can grow and spread into other organs which can in turn cause debilitating pain and complications. I had two surgeries to remove these invading cells and they didn't work - it is incurable and the endometriosis keeps coming back in most cases. I had a third surgery that worked in that it resulted in marked improvement, but I was still in constant pain and the endometriosis will return. I have Stage 4 endo, measured in stages the way cancer is, and it's very aggressive. My life has essentially been on hold for the past four years and I have been unable to work or do many of the things I used to due to the impact the pain has had on my life.

I'm not telling you all of this for pity, but to make a point about what all of this "convenience" has cost us. My condition is fed by too much estrogen and most of the fake substances we use or processed foods we eat take estrogenic action once they enter our bodies. If you read the list of ingredients on a bottle of foundation make-up for example, there is nothing natural there and believe it or not you can absorb way more through your skin than orally. Worse still, anything absorbed through your skin enters your bloodstream that much faster. So these chemicals are going directly into your blood and wreaking havoc on your body, making you toxic as they build up over time.

Get motivated to change your lifestyle now - don't wait until you get sick

Now I'm not trying to frighten anyone with this information. Many of us already have an idea that many of the products we use and foods we eat aren't the greatest for us, but as most of us have always lived like this we are accustomed to it. It's a big task to make a total lifestyle overhaul to be healthier and happier and prevent future illnesses, especially if you feel ok now. I was in that same boat until I got so ill that I took matters into my own hands, doing the research and realizing that my disease could likely have been prevented. When you are in pain 24-7 and are willing to do anything to get better and get your life back, changing your eating habits and switching to natural products in your everyday life is the easiest thing in the world to wrap your head around. And though I had researched this "natural treatment" for some time, I have only recently implemented it.

But now that I have made the changes I am telling you about, I am experiencing so many wonderful things that years of surgeries and painkillers could not accomplish for my chronic condition. The pain is diminishing steadily, I am in better physical shape, I have more energy, and my mood has greatly improved. At one point the pain was so extreme and constant that I was suicidal and was fighting just to exist - I wasn't "living" at all. Now I see a light at the end of the tunnel and know that not only am I getting better, but I will be in even better shape than I was before I got sick and, by continuing to live a much healthier life, my incurable illness may essentially be in remission before long!

Don't get me wrong - I still stumble, still cheat by having potato chips sometimes, or drinking with friends at a party, using an old bottle of Comet to scrub the bathtub when I've run out of baking soda and vinegar. But the key is to realize that like any big change it will take time and you will make mistakes. Start small and change one thing at a time.

Think of your body as a Cadillac. If you put sugar water into the tank instead of premium gasoline, it's going to breakdown. It's the same with you - put enough chemicals and processed substances into your body instead of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats etc., and you'll break down too. The issue is that you need to realize this and make the changes before your muffler falls off!

You may worry about making the time and think it will cost more but this is not the case. As I have already suggested, do a little research of your own and you'll see that it doesn't have to be difficult, expensive, or all that time-consuming and the benefits to your health, happiness, and life in general are immeasurable.

Look up recipes using all-natural ingredients to make your own home cleaners, make-up, skin treatments, and more. These things can be fun, quick, and easy, and in the long run cost far less and be more effective than the products you're currently using. If you're still unsure, this snippet of info is for the ladies - sugar ages you far faster than you would naturally. Aside from this many of the make-up and anti-aging products we waste money on contain substances that are widely thought to contribute to the onset of various cancers and other illnesses, and actually aid in the breakdown of our cells, aging us faster as well! Using tomato pulp on your face at night and extra virgin olive oil as a moisturizer does for more for your complexion and costs significantly less too (and castor oil fades existing wrinkles and prevents new ones!).

So stop making excuses - just pick a few things you can easily change now and get started. Before long you'll be amazed at how much better you look and feel, how much more energy you have, and how much more disposable income you have in your bank account. It's not hippie-dippy - it's simply getting back to basics and being good to our bodies!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ardra_Taylor

Whats The Difference Involving Fish Oil And Krill Oil

You will find reports saying that there's a new omega 3 supplement in town that will challenge the highly respected oil supplement - that new product is called antarctic krill oil. But could there be really much difference? Let us check more details on the fish oil vs. krill oil argument and know the facts.

It has already proven its prowess as a good supplement. In hopes to make the most out of the health rewards that Fish Oil will give, scientific studies have been performed to come up with supplements that are more efficient that will give more omega 3.

Not too long ago, it's been found that there might just be an alternate source that will give as much as Fish Oil can give. This has lead some to imply krill oil is some kind of miracle, while there are other people saying that it is just a marketing stunt to market this latest fad.

Krill and Fish oil - what they can do

Krill and Fish Oil are regarded as probably help reduce inflammation, support heart health and also cardiovascular health, it can also help improve mood levels, encourage fat reduction plus much more. These benefits are all because of omega 3 fatty acids. Krill Oil and Fish Oil are both natural supplements Which can be safely taken everyday without any unwanted side effects.

Does krill oil have more antioxidants?

What's notable in krill oil that makes a lot of people think that it might be better than fish oil is that it is made up of more antioxidants than some but not all brands of fish. One example of antioxidant present in krill oil is the astaxanthin which can be readily absorbed into the body easily. But, there are some fish oil that contain added astaxanthin and deliver more of it than krill oil does. Thus,there are brands of oils are better than krill if you use this measurement of astaxanthin antioxidants.

Krill oil May Contain Additional Vitamins A and D

Aside from its antioxidant content, krill supplements are also found to contain vitamins A and D which are absent in fish oil. This could be bad or good, depending on whether you are already taking a multivitamin that already contains enough vitamin A and D. There are doctors that advices not to take too much Vitamin A or D, so consult your doctor how much Vitamin A or D is good for you.

In spite of the new fad, many people still seem to stick with fish oil supplements. Here are some reasons why:

The possibility of krill extinction

Although Omega 3 fatty acid health benefits have already been established, krill hasn't been as thoroughly researched as fish oil. More importantly, there's some people believing that krill will also be included in the listing of species that are already decreasing in numbers - consuming them and producing them for oil might actually not be good for the environment. Krills are also of whales so the question arises: are we taking away food from endangered whales?

Krill oil is pricey

Presently, there are only some good health companies who manufacture krill oil. Currently, krill oil product generally cosst more than fish oil. This means you are going to shell out extra money on a product that has fewer studies to demonstrate whether it really gives health advantages equal to fish oil.

Krill oil has all the vital omega 3 fatty acids

While Fish oil is said to provide you with huge levels of omega 3 fatty acids, krill oil remains superior regarding levels of important omega 3 acids like EPA and DFA. What this mean is the specific benefits plus the desired effects might probably be better acquired with krill oil.

The verdict between Fish Oil and Krill Oil

Base on the debate above, paying more for krill oil maybe great for consumers. This means that there are maybe some concerns about taking krill oil supplements for now, you can maybe pay more to buy krill oil supplements, probably take food away from endangered whales, getting too mmuch vitamin A as well as much vitamin A and D. But the choice is still yours whether you want to stick with proven and tested fish oil until more studies are performed on krill oil.

It is also important to remember that there are also fish oil supplements now, have added astaxanthin antioxidants and as a result they've got this ingredient just like krill oil does. Consequently the same amount of antioxidants just like krill oil has.

Remember that these statements aren't health advice and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Fish oil supplements aren't meant to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.

Reasons why krill oil is great for your health

It is a well known misconception that all fats that we eat are harmful for your body. This is definitely not true because there are some fats that are very good for your body. One category of fat that is beneficial for your body is the Omega3 fatty acids. Always bear in mind that foods rich in Omega 3 should form a part of our diet.

Krill Oil Benefits List

1. Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
2. Ease premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps
3. Combats signs of aging
4. protect cell membranes
5. supports liver function
6. supports memory plus learning
7. bolster immune system
8. important for healthy skin

What are Krills?

Krills are shrimp-like animals of the sea. Krills are near the base of the food chain, serving as nutrition to many other marine creatures. Did you know that even the great whale feed on krills?

Human consumption of krills are not new. You just haven't heard of it. Krills are familiar delicacy in Japan probably even before 19th century. However, there a lot of krill types as there are fish. Remember that not all kinds of krills are to our body though.

This type of krill oil that have been tested and proven to be beneficial to us and that is what you call antarctic krill oil. Antarctic krill oil has many of health benefits which I will mention below. But for the meantime, let's investigate the alternatives!

Krill Oil and Fish Oil Comparison

People have been taking fish oil for quite some time now due to the health benefits that it promises. But there are many different types of fish which can end up in the production of fish oil & we're coming to discover out as time goes on that there may be certain kinds of fish oils which are better for the body than others. Fish oil are really beneficial to your health and wellness because it has 2 vital omega-3 fats to our well-being - the DHA & EPA. DHA & EPA are known to enhance healthy heart also supports your immune system.

Unlike krill, fish oil has scarcely any antioxidant in it. The problem with thisis, as omega-3 fats consumption increased, you need to raise your consumption of antioxidants too! The reason why you need to do this is because fish oil is very perishable. Antioxidants are needed to prevent fish oil from oxidizing and cause more damage than good.

Krill oil on the other hand, has not only both DHA and EPA but also strong antioxidants property. Therefore you do not need to be anxious regarding increasing your intake of antioxidants!

What's Krill Oil?

Krill are small crustaceans, much like shrimp, which grow to be from one to six centimeters lengthy. They reside along the oceans flooring, and feed mostly on phytoplankton. Eaten by a big variety of wildlife such as whales, seals, penguins, squid, and fish or all types, these creatures are pretty much on the bottom with the meals chain.

Most commercial kind krill fishing is done in the southern portions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean, too as the northern part of Pacific Ocean, around the coasts of Japan and Canada. The fisherman catch these wildlife to use them in aquaculture and aquarium feeds, for sport fishing, or for meals. If krill is used for food in Japan it's known as okiami.

The oil that's naturally discovered in these creatures is extracted and offered as a dietary supplement. The cause for this is due towards the reality that it's very higher in omega 3 fatty acids. It also consists of an antioxidant which is known as astaxanthin. The algae that is eaten by krill produces the vibrant red pigment, astaxanthin which makes krill, shrimp, lobster and other crustaceans their pinkish color.

These anti-oxidants assist to shield the cells within our body from some thing called 'free radicals'. Free radicals are unstable substances which several think contributes to a number of various persistent illnesses. Astaxanthin crosses the blood to brain barrier, which can make most researchers think that it may shield the eyes, mind, and central nervous system from the damage brought on by totally free radicals. Other anti-oxidants do not cross this barrier.

People ingest krill oil for the exact same uses that they would ingest flax oils, fish oils, or other omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil can occasionally trigger a fishy burp or aftertaste, that is a recognized after effect if fish oil. Krill oil also has a larger amount of astaxanthin than fish oils do. Its utilized for several different well being reasons which consist of:

• Decreasing Cholesterol- Inside a study done on the effects of krill oil on high cholesterol, 120 individuals were offered both krill oil, fish oil, or a placebo. The ones who ingested krill oil showed a reduction of 34% in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol, and an increase of 43.5% in HDL or 'good' cholesterol in comparison to those that took a placebo. Those who took krill oil also acquired a lowered triglyceride count. The ones who took the fish oil confirmed a reduction of LDL cholesterol by 4.6% compared to the placebo, and and increase in HDL by 4.2%.

• Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS- Research shows that krill oil may help wit the symptoms of PMS, by further research is nonetheless being conducted.

• Arthritis-According to research posted within the 'Journal with the American College of Nutrition' when people got 300 mg each day of krill oil in comparison with a placebo, those who took krill oil showed efficient outcomes in relieving arthritis pain, irritation, along with other signs.

As far as aspect effects are concerned, there are really very couple of. Of course, those with allergy symptoms to seafood ought to not ingest these oil. People who have bleeding disorder are advised to speak having a doctor and be supervised by a professional well being professional prior to using krill oil. It is not recommended to use it with blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, or NSAIDS this kind of as ibuprofen, or naproxen should not use krill oil without checking with their medical doctors. The exact same goes for gingko bilobo and garlic. Side results may include looser stools and indigestion.

Different Types of Treadmills For Exercise

Walking, jogging or running can be a very fun way to do exercise, but for many who live in urban and crowded areas, going out armed with water bottle, portable music player, towel, running shoes and lots of energy sometimes can't be an option, hoping that the weather keeps holding. But alas, it happens more often that not, that it is not possible at all to exercise outdoors.

A good alternative is to get a treadmill, but the offer out in the market can be overwhelming, and for someone who is new to them, it can be a real challenge to choose the right one, since they all look the same, but there are many different models and types out there, literally hundreds of brands and models, all of them competing among themselves to gain more fans, offering diverse functions, materials, colors, tactile screens or even cardiac monitors for those who are also worried about their health.

The range varies from the budge, home designed manual treadmills to the big commercial ones, intended to be used in gyms or doctor practices.

The simplest ones have no motor, those designed for homes with little available space, since they can be folded to be stored under the bed or inside a cabinet. They are usually one of the cheapest kind of treadmills found in the market, but unfortunately, the durability of this kind of treadmill is rather limited and if they are used too roughly, they may tend to break down after a couple of months. These are recommended for the causal user, and not for somebody planning to use it every day for many hours each time. These are perfect for people who are just beginning and want to try out before deciding to go to the next step in home-training.

There are treadmills intended for home use equipped with a motor, and they can also be found in a multitude of models and with more or less functions programmed in them. They are built in a more stable frame, but they are also bulkier and use up more space, since very few of these can be stored away.

If the user is serious about exercising, these kinds of treadmills have different programs for more specific ends, copied from those used professionally in gyms: cardiovascular training, condition training, or simple weight loss. Whether these built in functions will work for everyone, depends on the user.

For those who are planning to use it constantly, maybe the best option could be a commercial treadmill. There are simple, yet robust and equipped with a high-powered motor, and those with tactile screens, media players and cardiovascular monitors. It all depends on the particular use intended for it, and of course, the budget available.

The price and quality of the treadmill can vary and the person interested in buying one for his/her personal use, should first consider how often will be using it and what kind of training is planning to do. Depending on the quality and the price, will also depend the guarantee offered by the vendor, which can vary from model to model and it should be a detail to consider before finally buying a treadmill.

from ezinearticles.com

Stomach wraps more effective approach to treat severe acid reflux

Washington, Mar 17 (ANI): For treatment of severe acid reflux, stomach wrap operations could be a more effective option than acid suppression tablets, according to a new Cochrane Systematic Review.

The study shows a more pronounced improvement in symptoms shortly after surgery than with drug treatment.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common chronic disease in which acid reflux causes heartburn, acid regurgitation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

GORD can be treated by changes to diet and acid suppression tablets, but in the most severe cases, doctors go for a surgical operation called a fundoplication, which involves wrapping part of the stomach around the lower part of the gullet.

However, it is not certain whether this procedure is more effective than medication.

The authors reviewed data from four trials, which together involved 1232 participants.

And their conclusions relate to findings from follow-up up to one year after treatment.

They found that fundoplication operations performed by keyhole surgery were more effective at reducing the symptoms of GORD over this timescale, but that there was little data available to indicate potential benefits over longer timescales.

"There is evidence to suggest that, at least in the short to medium term, surgery is more effective than tablets for treatment of GORD. But surgery does carry a risk and whether this is outweighed by the benefits in the long term is still not certain," said lead researcher Samantha Wileman of the Health Services Research Unit at the University of Aberdeen in the UK.

"Previous research, prior to the development of keyhole surgery for GORD, has suggested that the benefits of surgery for GORD are not sustained over time, highlighting the importance for future keyhole fundoplication studies to include longer term follow-up. We also need to know more about the clinical and cost implications of long term medication versus surgery," said Wileman. (ANI)