The Importance of Mental Health

[ad_1]

What is mental health?

Though no concise definition exists, mental health is basically your attitude and approach to life. Psychological, environmental, genetic, or physiological factors have a profound effect on overall mental development.

What is mental illness?

Mental illness impairs your ability to perform routine tasks, foster healthy relationships, or cope with anger or stress. It may be classified on the basis of extreme mood swings, irrational or destructive thought patterns, and behavioral problems.

How important is mental health?

Your mental health has a huge impact on every aspect of your life.

o Self-image

Good mental health means appreciating your achievements and accepting your shortcomings. A mental illness can cause an inferiority complex, a negative body image, and intense feelings of self-hate, anger, disgust, and uselessness, which could mutate into extreme depression, psycho-social disorders, or eating disorders.

o Education

Students with mental problems socially isolate themselves, and develop anxiety disorders and concentration problems. Good mental health ensures an all-round educational experience that enhances social and intellectual skills that lead to self-confidence and better grades.

o Relationships

Mental health largely contributes to the functioning of human relationships. Mental illness can hamper even basic interactions with family, friends, and colleagues. Most people suffering from mental illness find it difficult to nurture relationships, have problems with commitment or intimacy, and frequently encounter sexual health issues.

o Sleep

An inability to handle stress or anxiety can cause insomnia. Even if you mange to fall asleep, you may wake up a dozen times during the night with thoughts of what went wrong the day before or how bad tomorrow is going to be. You may develop severe sleeping disorders which leave you exhausted and less productive.

o Eating

People with mental disorders are more prone to indulging in comfort eating or emotional binges. Finding comfort in food is something we all do from time to time. But with a mental illness, it becomes difficult to control yourself. Overeating can lead to obesity, which puts you at a risk for heart disease and diabetes, in addition to creating an unhealthy body-image.

o Physical health

Your mental state directly affects your body. For example, stress can lead to hypertension or stomach ulcers. People who are mentally healthy are at a lower risk for many health complications.

So make a conscious effort to improve and maintain your mental health.

[ad_2]

Source by Tania Hackner

Enlightened Health Tips From Ascended Masters

[ad_1]

In 1992, a mysterious couple appeared to Gary Renard in his modest living room. That night, they told Gary they were "ascended masters" who had come to reveal the secrets of existence. Their subsequent visits and conversations with Gary formed the basis of three books.

Once in a while a book comes along that changes the way we look at the world. That's what happened to me when I read Gary Renard's first book, "The Disappearance of the Universe (DU)." The book promised to reveal the truth about why we are here. The meaning or purpose of life has always been my favorite topic. In Catholic school they tried to explain, but too many questions were answered by calling them "mysteries" that only God could know. I tried reading a book called 'A Course in Miracles ", but was unable to understand it. Then along came DU.

You have to love a book that offers to explain the meaning of existence. I know the Christian Bible serves this purpose for many people, but after studying the Bible, I found many things still remained "mysteries." I loved the idea of ​​having the meaning of life explained in modern language once and for all.

So, did the book deliver? For me, it did. The book immediately struck a chord with me. I had the feeling I was learning things I have always known, things I had always known, but forgotten. The book is actually a kind of introduction to another book called, "A Course in Miracles (ACIM)." As I mentioned, I had tried to read ACIM some years ago, and could make no sense of it. After reading DU, I attended a seminar given by Gary Renard. It was there I bought my first copy of ACIM. It makes more sense to me now, and I have been studying the Course ever since.

Gary likes to tell jokes and he told a couple good jokes that day. I told him one of mine, but he did not seem too amused. Maybe he had heard it before and was too polite to say. The other thing I took away from the seminar was that Gary Renard is modest and polite and true to the things he teaches. I can also say that I observed some colored lights surrounding his head as he spoke. I have never seen anything like that before or since.

Gary wrote a second book called, "Your Immortal Reality." The second book was good – some reviewing of concepts covered in the first book, and some new material, including some fascinating predictions about the future. I may write about those predictions someday, but today I want to share the teachings about health and healing.

Gary's third book was delayed for several years. I never did find out why it was delayed so long, but I think the reason is that Gary's first books have made him a popular speaker. His life became a whirlwind of travel and lectures and book promotions. He has become one of the most popular teachers of ACIM in the country.

When the third book was finally released, the reviews were mixed. There was more review of teachings from the first two books and from ACIM. There were more predictions about the future. One day i will write about some of the predictions.

Gary Renard's books are spiritual in nature and the physical body is downplayed in favor of mind and spirit. That's why it was so surprising to find a chapter on the health of the physical body in the third book. Not only does the book discuss health, it makes statements as bold and surprising as the seemingly outrageous spiritual teachings from the first two books.

The first book had a chapter on spiritual healing and that's what I expected to find in the third book. Instead, there were suggestions about keeping the physical body healthy. The book contained twelve suggestions to stay healthy including advice about drinking 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. It also mentioned that intravenous vitamin C treatments are curing cancer in some parts of the world.

The book cautions readers to follow instructions carefully when drinking food grade hydrogen peroxide and suggests a book called "The One Minute Cure" to find the best instructions. Since I read "Love Has Forgotten No One," I have been drinking food grade hydrogen peroxide and feeling more and more confident about my own health.

Besides, starting my own regimen of drinking the hydrogen peroxide three times a day, I have been researching and writing articles about the ideas in the chapter on the health of the body. While I can not say I have been able to confirm the truth of all the ideas, I can say I have found nothing to contradict them either. I learned that people have been writing about hydrogen peroxide for most of the last century. It is being used intravenously as well as orally. The same for vitamin C. Linus Pauling is the best-known advocate of vitamin C cancer treatment, but there are others. Dr. Jeanne Drisko at the University of Kansas Medical School is a strong advocate. She uses IV vitamin C treatment in combination with chemotherapy and is publishing some very encouraging results.

So, the things I learned in "Love has Forgotten No One" were very surprising to me. Other people have known about these treatments and been writing about them for many years. I am doing my small part to get more exposure for these treatments by writing about them. I have written several articles about food grade hydrogen peroxide and another about intravenous vitamin C. I have learned that there is great resistance in the medical community to so-called alternative treatments, but some of that is to be expected. I believe that if something works, then eventually it will be accepted by the medical establishment. People like Dr. Drisko will be our guides by testing the treatments and documenting the results. If the treatment is indeed curing people of cancer in some parts of the world, then it's only a matter of time before it becomes accepted practice here.

I would love to hear from you if you know of any cases where intravenous vitamin C has cured cancer anywhere in the world. Meanwhile, I keep researching and drinking my 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide diluted in distilled water three times a day!

The joke I told Gary Renard? Did you hear about the two antennas that got married? The wedding was not much but the 'reception "was great!

[ad_2]

Source by Kirt M Hill

What Are Allied Health Professionals?

[ad_1]

An anesthesiologist, a bioengineer, a nutritionist, a massage and occupational therapist all have something in common. While these professions are engaged within the vast realm of the medical field, they share the fact they serve as complementary practices to conventional medicine. Collectively, they are referred to as the allied health professions.

From the name itself, allied health professions are practices that have the main aim of helping out the health care system to ensure that medical services are given to the patients with utmost importance. Under the allied health field are categorical jobs like diagnostic tests, direct patient care and support services.

Allied health professionals are sought when a certain condition that has to be given treatment beyond the realm of specialization of yet another doctor. A great example of this is the physical therapy profession. Medical doctors suggest that a patient undergo physical therapy if after the surgery or treatment, there still is a need for rehabilitation. This is most common in cases of physical injuries or muscle damages.

Allied health professionals is what you call people engage in these practices. It is a holistic career as it does not simply focus on one discipline only. They also specialize in a field relative to medicine, except that the treatment courses they know and do are not the same as in the conventional approach. But the aim to be of help to further success of conventional medicine treatments still stands.

There are different types of allied health professionals. They are categorized based on the approach that they have specialized in. There are the podiatrists, who specialize in feet-related conditions. Dietitians are also considered as allied health professionals. They focus on nutrition as a way to prevent food-related diseases. Orthoptists and optometrists on the other hand are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of problems in the eyes.

While allied health professionals may not be regarded as doctors in their own right, it is important that they are given enough emphasis by the clinics and hospitals they work with. This is so that they are able to practice whatever they have learned in school to the work toward a healthier society. They know just what you need as a patient and what the doctor would be doing. In a way, you become the liaison between the conventional medicine approach and the treatment needs of the body. To be an allied health professionals is not easy. It takes lots of courage and perseverance.

[ad_2]

Source by Karen Wentworth

The Power Of Art For Mental Health Recovery

[ad_1]

One in four people will experience mental illness in their lifetime. We will all have experienced the flux of emotions that accompany the loss of a friend or loved one, or the anxiety that accompanies the loss of a job or business.

However, some people experience these symptoms on a daily basis and sometimes with more severity, accompanied by behaviors which others do not understand. These behaviors often result in rejection by the people around them due to fear or frustration. Those suffering through mental illness are more often than not alienated from the outside world and some may even be rejected by family members.

Those suffering symptoms of mental illness may try hiding their problem due to stigma surrounding their condition. This often exacerbates their mental health problem but, there is help and hope. Psychiatric treatment, therapy or support groups have proven effective for dealing with mental illness, along with other powerful tools, which brings us to the topic of creative recovery.

The use of artistic tools to lessen the intensity of symptoms of mental illness is an important factor for recovery. Anyone can create something colorful and meaningful to ease the mind through constructive distraction. Art places a person in the moment and connects them to a productive activity which lessens the feeling of hopelessness. No longer at the mercy of a mind that can not control itself due to chemical imbalance, trauma or substance abuse; the participant experiences visual power over unhealthy thoughts.

Hope is an essential ingredient for recovery from mental illness. The sense of accomplishment achieved by creating or participating in any form of art including performance art raises self-esteem and increases one's motivation to pursue recovery further. This activity works most effectively when in a group setting among others recovering from mental illness. The feeling of comradery and support diminishes the feeling of loneliness and increases self-awareness through interaction with peers. This sense of empowerment is an important part of personal recovery.

Many people believe that they must have special talent or experience with art to participate in such endeavors. This is not at all true. The goal is not to create great works of art, but more so to take action toward self-expression. Self-portraits change from day to day as a person's mood and emotions change. It is the simple sense of accomplishment and shifting focus from the harsh perspective of thoughts and feelings experienced by those with mental illness, to the power of simple action creating something new and different rather while shutting out feelings of loneliness.

You can see an example of this recovery tool in action at:

http://www.9musesartcenter.org

[ad_2]

Source by Rick Aldret

Why Women Should Use The Best Organic Supplements For Their Sexual Health

[ad_1]

It is very important for women to pay attention to their sexual health. This is because their reproductive organs are vital parts of their body. Failure to care for these organs can cause a lot of pain and health issues. In order to fix this, women need to know about the best treatment methods and how they can benefit from them.

Nowadays, there are many products on the market that promise to get rid of many sexual issues. However, it is important to think twice before buying any product. This is because most of these medicines are full of chemicals that can cause more harm than good. The reason for this is that some women are allergic to certain chemicals in such products. The result of this is that, they begin to suffer from nasty side effects when they use certain products.

If you are wondering what to do in this case, then keep reading. We have an all-natural option for you in the form of organic herbal supplements. The best organic herbal supplements are not only free from chemicals but they have no side effects risk whatsoever. This means that all women can take these medicines and they can improve their sexual health in a safe way. Also, these medicines help to treat a variety of women's issues simultaneously. Below we will take a look at some of these issues.

One of the most common sexual issues that affect women worldwide is lack of libido. This means that such women do not have sexual urges regularly or as often as they should. The result of this is that these women lead an inactive sexual life. Even if they do have sex, it is not a pleasurable experience since they do not feel completely aroused. In short, lack of libido can prevent women from enjoying intimate moments with their partners.

Organic herbal medicine can get rid of this problem easily. These medicines are a natural aphrodisiac that increase sex drive and improve sensitivity. The result of this is that women become aroused more easily and they have sexual urges more often. Thus, they are able to have pleasurable sex with their partners easily.

Another issue that women suffer from is vaginal dryness. This condition is due to the lack of vaginal fluid. Because there is not enough lubrication, the vaginal walls may feel dry and tight. Sex becomes painful due to this and the chances of bacterial infection increases.

Organic herbal supplements can help fix this problem. These medicines stimulate the reproductive organs to produce more lubricating fluid that in turn helps to keep the vagina healthy. This fluid also helps to get rid of harmful bacteria as well as keep the vagina clean. Thus, women no longer need to suffer in silence due to the discomfort caused by a dry vagina. They can help their reproductive organs by taking these medicines.

Hormonal imbalance is another problem that affects many women. Simple things such as stress, lack of sleep or poor diet can trigger hormonal imbalance. When the hormones are out of control, so many thing can go wrong in the body. This is because the hormones do very important tasks and it is important for hormonal levels to remain stable. Organic herbal supplements can help to rectify the effects of hormonal imbalance. These medicines also help to keep up the right hormonal levels to promote good health.

Apart from the above, organic herbal supplements also help to boost energy levels in women as well as promote better orgasms. These medicines help to tone the reproductive muscles so that women can have better sex more often.

[ad_2]

Source by Eugene Wallace

ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management System Requirements

[ad_1]

Background

An organisation is responsible for ensuring that it minimises the risk of harm to the people that may be affected by its activities (eg its workers, its managers, contractors, or visitors), and particularly if they are engaged by the organisation to perform those activities as part of their "occupation".

There were, according to an estimate by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 2.34 million deaths in 2013 as a result of work activities. The greatest majority (2 million) are associated with health issues, as opposed to injuries. The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, IOSH, estimates there are 660,000 deaths a year as a result of cancers arising from work activities.

ISO is developing an occupational health and safety (OH & S) management system standard (ISO 45001) which is intended to enable organisations to manage their OH & S risks and improve their OH & S performance. The implementation of an OH & S management system will be a strategic decision for an organisation that can be used to support its sustainability initiatives, ensuring people are safer and healthier and increase profitability at the same time.

An organisation's activities can pose a risk of injury or ill-health, and can result in a serious impairment of health, or even fatality, to those working on its behalf; consequently it is important for the organisation to eliminate or minimise its OH & S risks by taking appropriate preventive measures. An organisation's OH & S management system can translate its intentions to prevent incidents into a systematic and ongoing set of processes (supported by the use of appropriate methods and tools) and can reinforce the organisation's commitment to proactively improving its OH & S performance.

What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is an International Standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH & S) management system, with guidance for its use, to enable an organisation to proactively improve its OH & S performance in preventing injury and ill-health.

ISO 45001 is intended to be applicable to any organisation regardless of its size, type and nature. All of its requirements are intended to be integrated into an organisation's own management processes.
ISO 45001 enables an organisation, through its OH & S management system, to integrate other aspects of health and safety, such as worker wellness / wellbeing; however, it should be noted that an organisation can be required by applicable legal requirements to also address such issues.

What ISO 45001 is NOT.

ISO 45001 does not state specific criteria for OH & S performance, nor is it prescriptive about the design of an OH & S management system. An organisation's OH & S management system should be specific to meeting its own needs in preventing injuries and ill-health; consequently a small business with low risks may only need to implement a relatively simple system, whereas a large organisation with high levels of risks may need something much more sophisticated. Any type of system may be capable of being in conformity with the requirements of the standard, provided it can be shown to be appropriate to the organisation and is effective.

ISO 45001 does not specifically address issues such as product safety, property damage or environmental impacts, and an organisation is not required to take account of these issues unless they present a risk to its workers.

ISO 45001 is not intended to be a legally binding document, it is a management tool for voluntary use by organisations from SME's upwards whose aim is to eliminate or minimise the risk of harm.

[ad_2]

Source by Isaac Patturajan

25 Health Benefits of Cinnamon – A Miraculous Spice

[ad_1]

Cinnamon is one of the world's oldest known spices. The tree is native to Sri Lanka where it was found thousands of years ago. It is the best spice available in terms of its nutrition and health. It contains unique healthy and healing property comes from the active components in the essential oils found in its bark. Cinnamon has extremely high anti-oxidant activity due to which it has numerous health benefits. Aside from being used as a medicine by other cultures since ancient times, the health benefits may also come from eating it which can be listed as follows:

1. Lowers Cholesterol:
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon included in a daily diet can lower cholesterol.
Also Cinnamon may significantly lower LDL "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood) and total cholesterol.

2. Reduces blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes:
Several studies have shown improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control by taking as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day. Improving insulin resistance can help in weight control as well as decreasing the risk for heart disease.

3. Heart Disease:
Cinnamon strengthens the cardiovascular system thereby shielding the body from heart related disorders. It is believed that the calcium and fiber present in cinnamon provides protection against heart diseases.

Including a little cinnamon in the food helps those suffering from coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.

4. Fights Cancer:
A study released by researchers at the US Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Besides, the combination of calcium and fiber found in Cinnamon can help to remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells, thus prevents colon cancer.

5. Tooth decay and mouth freshener:
Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat toothache and fight bad breath. Small pieces of cinnamon can be chewed, or gargled with cinnamon water which serves as a good mouth freshener.

6. Cures Respiratory Problems:
Cinnamon is very useful home remedy for common or severe colds. A person suffering should take one tablespoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.

Cinnamon also found to cure flu, influenza, sore throat and congestion.

7. Brain Tonic:
Cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain and hence acts as a good brain tonic. It helps in removing nervous tension and memory loss.

Also, studies have shown that smelling cinnamon may boost cognitive function, memory, performance of certain tasks and increases one's alertness and concentration.
8. Infections:
Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties, it is effective on external as well as internal infections. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.

9. Eases menstruation cycles:
Cinnamon has also been found useful for women's health as it helps in providing relief from menstrual cramping and other feminine discomforts.

10. Birth Control:
Cinnamon also helps in natural birth control. Regular consumption of cinnamon after child birth delays menstruation and thus helps in avoiding conception.

11. Breastfeeding:
It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of breast milk.

12. Reduces Arthritis Pain:
Cinnamon spice contains anti-inflammatory compounds which can be useful in reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

A study conducted at Copenhagen University, where patients were given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month

13. Digestive Tonic:
Cinnamon should be added to most recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in digestion. Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. It is very helpful in removing gas from the stomach and intestines. It also removes acidity, diarrhea and morning sickness. It is often referred to as a digestive tonic.

14. Reduces Urinary tract infections:
People who eat cinnamon on a regular basis report a lower incidence of urinary tract infections. Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in secretion and discharge of urine.

15. Anti clotting Actions:
A compound found in Cinnamon called as cinnamaldehyde has been well-researched for its effects on blood platelets. [Platelets are constituents of blood that are meant to clump together under emergency circumstances (like physical injury) as a way to stop bleeding, but under normal circumstances, they can make the blood flow inadequate if they clump together too much]. The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets.

16. Natural Food Preserver:
When added to food, it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

17. Headaches and migraine:
Headache due to the exposure to cold wind is readily cured by applying a thin paste of powdered cinnamon mixed in water on the temples & forehead.

18. Pimples and Blackheads:
Cinnamon helps in removing blood impurities. Therefore it is often recommended for pimples.

Also external application of paste of cinnamon powder with a few drops of fresh lemon juice over pimples & black heads would give beneficial result.

19. Thinning of the blood and improves blood circulation:
Cinnamon is a blood thinning agent which also acts to increase circulation. This blood circulation helps significantly in removing pain. Good blood circulation also ensures oxygen supply to the body cells leading to higher metabolic activity. You significantly reduce the chance of getting a heart attack by regularly consuming cinnamon.

20. Toning of tissues:
Considerable anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that cinnamon may have the ability to tone and constrict tissues in the body.

21. Muscle and joint pain relief:
Those who eat cinnamon on a regular basis often report that their muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness, is reduced or even eliminated.

22. Immune System:
Honey and cinnamon paste is good for boosting the immune system, removing regular fatigue and increasing the longevity of an individual. It is also known to have anti-aging properties.

23. Itching:
Paste of honey and cinnamon is often used to treat insect bites.

24. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

25. Healing: Cinnamon helps in stopping bleeding. Therefore it facilitates the healing process.

Indeed, cinnamon has several health benefits as highlighted above that can be used to improve one's health and boost one's immune system. This is a great reason to keep some cinnamon around. Sprinkle it in your tea or coffee, over oatmeal or a sweet potato and, this will do wonders to your health.

[However, there's a word of warning to be taken that over dosage of cinnamon may be unwise. Also it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Also, people who have been prescribed medication to manage their blood sugar should not reduce or discontinue their dose and take cinnamon instead, especially without consulting your doctor.]

[ad_2]

Source by Yasmin M Elias

The Health Risks Associated With The Use Of Anabolic Steroids

[ad_1]

Anabolic steroids are classed as illegal drugs and are banned by most legitimate sports organizations. There can be no disputing the fact that testosterone boosts the development of muscle mass and aids sporting performance. Equally there is no doubt that its use can adversely affect the health and wellbeing of users.
The androgenic properties of testosterone can affect the body in many ways but often users see these as inconveniences that can be treated by using other drugs. The most common side effects of testosterone supplementation include the following:

1. Testicle shrinkage – the body responds to testosterone overload by reducing its own production of the hormone. This causes the testicles to shrink due to lack of use. When steroid usage stops, the testicles will grow again but they could take at least six months to return to normal size.
2. Addiction – despite some users trying to convince themselves otherwise, the use of steroids can result in physical and psychological addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with muscle shrinkage, weakness and loss of libido.
3. Growth of breast tissue – this affects roughly one third of male steroid users. It is caused by the conversion of some excess testosterone into the female hormone estrogen. The breasts usually disappear when use of steroids ceases but in some cases they are permanent and may require surgical removal.
4. Baldness and skin conditions – excess testosterone can be converted into DHT, a hair unfriendly by-product that is responsible for male pattern baldness and oily skin.

5. Pain, bruising, infection and scarring may result from careless or incompetent injecting.
Some people have died as a result of steroid abuse and even those who adopt a careful, pragmatic approach have to accept that these health risks are unavoidable. My advice is, follow the natural route and use nutritional supplements to boost the anabolic process.

[ad_2]

Source by Richard Mitchell

Better Vision Phytonutrient Foods For Good Health

[ad_1]

In the field of natural eye care it is useful to understand certain terms and words that are frequently used by eye care professionals and nutritionists. One such term is the word Phytonutrients. Therefore, what exactly are phytonutrients? These are basically substances that are present in plants that are beneficial to our health with disease fighting properties. Plants actually rely on these natural chemical substances that protect and preserve them from threats such as germs, fungi and bugs.

These natural plant substances are also commonly known as Phytochemicals. Considering the fact that improving eye health is a major concern given the increase in eye conditions and eye diseases, it is important to understand how natural substances can help our vision health and reduce the risks for eye problems.

There is evidence to suggest that foods consisting of phytonutrients are very beneficial not just for general health but vision health as well. This is due in part to their ability to boost the body's immune system from damaging free radicals.

Here are some additional benefits of consuming foods that are rich in phytonutrients. Such foods consisting of these natural compounds have been known to reduce the risks for Cancer and reduce heart disease.

What are some food sources of phytonutrient rich foods that are good for the eyes? Some food sources are mainly fruits and vegetables, legumes, spices, tea and whole grains to name a few. These can easily be identified by their pigments. For instance, you can determine whether or not an eye food is rich in this nutrient by the color of the food. According to Louis Premkumar, Professor at Southern Illinois University of Medicine, the darker the hue of the vegetable or fruit, the richer is its' Phytonutrient content. From this point of view, some examples in terms of these types of foods for better vision include dark red colored watermelons, dark green leafy vegetables and dark hued Berries.

There are a variety of different groups of Phytonutrients. Some of the most common ones are Carotenoids, Lignans, Lipids, Flavonoids and Tocopherols.

Vision Benefits of Phytonutrients: Here are some additional Phytonutrient food sources along with some vision promoting nutrients that they possess. Some better vision food sources include the following: Tomatoes, Pink Grapefruit, Red Peppers, Watermelon and Tomato products. This class of Phytonutrient foods consists of Lutein. This important nutrient is found in the Macula of the eye; the part of the eye responsible for sharper eyesight that also enables us to see fine details. This nutrient therefore sharpens eyesight. Additionally, also it is responsible for preventing vision loss and in conjunction with Zeaxanthin, increases the thickness of the Macula, thereby cutting the risk for Macular Degeneration.

Additionally, Phytonutrient food sources are Carrots, Apricots, Spinach, Collard Greens, Broccoli and Kale. These food sources of Phytonutrients consists of the Phytonutrient Beta-Carotene. The human body converts Beta-Carotene into Vitamin A. This nutrient protects the surface of the eyes (the Cornea) thereby promoting better vision.

Phytonutrients are beneficial not just to plants but humans as well. By increasing these food sources in our diets, we are doing something good for our health by reducing our risks for diseases such as Cancer and heart disease while making our eyes healthier and strong.

[ad_2]

Source by Joel Travers King

Health Benefits of Mannitol – The Many Uses of This Amazing Sugar Alcohol

[ad_1]

Mannitol is a sugar alcohol which means they are part sugar and part alcohol. It was initially obtained by isolating secretions from the tree of the flowering ash, called manna, named after the biblical food. It is also sometimes called mannite or manna sugar.

As a sugar alcohol similar to sorbitol and xylitol, mannitol is considered a form of carbohydrates that is not completely absorbed by the body and therefore, does not contribute to the increase of the body's glucose or blood sugar level.

Mannitol is used as an osmotic diuretic demonstrating its ability to increase blood flow to the kidneys. It can also transport liquid through a membrane from a less concentrated to a more concentrated environment. It is a type of diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of water and sodium after it has been used by the body.

It is used as a renal vasodilator which means that it has the ability to widen the blood vessels in the kidneys resulting from the relaxation of the smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls. When dilation of the blood vessel happens, the flow of blood is increased due to the decrease in vascular resistance.

Mannitol is known to significantly reduce an elevated intracranial pressure caused by severe head trauma or injury. This high pressure on the brain can be fatal if it is left untreated for a longer period of time but children are able to withstand the prolonged high pressure more than adults can.

This very unassuming sugar alcohol is also known to treat patients who are suffering from oliguric renal failure, the disease characterized by decreased urination due to the inability of the kidneys to filter toxic substances from the blood. In this case, mannitol is administered intravenously then filtered by the kidneys. As a consequence, more water and sodium are excreted by the kidneys, decreasing the volume of fluid outside of the cells asserting its role as the ultimate cleanser of the body's toxic substances.

Mannitol is also believed to possess the ability to remove the barrier that separates the circulating blood from the cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system. This barrier which is made up of endothelial cells can be completely destroyed by mannitol giving it unhindered access to the brain as it delivers drugs needed for the treatment of certain diseases such as Alzheimer's and other diseases of the central nervous system.

Mannitol is also used during cardiopulmonary bypass to ensure stability of the kidneys in case of low blood flow and low blood pressure during surgery. It prevents the swelling of the endothelial cells in the kidneys which would have otherwise reduced the blood flow to the area and caused damage to the organs.

An Australian pharmaceutical company is currently in the process of further developing mannitol as treatment for cysctic fibrosis. In its powder form, mannitol is inhaled using an osmohaler to draw water into the lungs to loosen the thick mucus that characterizes this disease of the the lungs.

Mannitol is also believed to treat glaucoma by providing moisture to the affected eye area, the vitreous humour, thus relieving the pressure inside the eyes.

Mannitol is also used as antidote for ciguatera poisoning, a kind of poisoning caused by the tropical fish, ciguatera, that manifest stroke-like symptoms.

Like the sugar alcohol sorbitol, mannitol is also used as sweetener in sugar-free candies, chewing gums and other food products especially for diabetics. Mannitol possesses a cooling effect property that contributes to the fresh and cool feel of breath-freshening candies. It has fewer calories than sugar and it does not cause tooth decay.

It is also sometimes used as laxative for children, a bacterial growth medium and diluting agent for such prohibited drugs like metamphetamines and heroine.

More information on For this supplement, .log on to our website at: Http://purebulk.com/mannitol

[ad_2]

Source by Arianna Mendez