How to treat depression and natural alternative treatments for depression. Posted by Nabeel on 3:24 AM

Prescription Anti-Depressants, Tranquillizers and Sleeping Tablets are regularly prescribed by doctors to treat anything from bereavement to postnatal depression. While there are many responsible and caring doctors out there, there are also many who over prescribe. This may sometimes be due to lack of time, lack of adequate training in emotional problems and mood disorders or sometimes just pure indifference towards the patient's problems! Sad, but unfortunately true!

In my opinion, the above drugs should only be used as a very last resort to treat depression, anxiety, or insomnia which is severe and chronic, i.e. when the person's day to day functioning is badly affected and where the problem is not responsive to any other forms of treatment. Many times, however, prescription drugs are the first line of treatment and this often becomes an obstacle in the patient's road to health and empowerment. In the extreme, it can lead to addiction and more problems than the patient started out with.

As for prescription sleeping tablets, the majority are addictive if used for longer than two weeks. After a while, more and stronger medication is needed, as the body gets "used" to the drug and "forgets" how to go to sleep by itself. This sets up a cycle of insomnia and dependence which is very difficult to break - and which would have been entirely avoidable if the health practitioner had spent some time listening to the patient and helping him or her to overcome problems, rather than resorting to prescription drugs.

The good news is that there are usually many healthier alternatives which really work well. They are not always the "quick fix', but most are a more permanent and certainly healthier alternative, leaving YOU in control!

Here are a few:

Exercise

I know, I know - you've heard this before and it IS hard to start! But if every client followed this advice, I would go out of business! Regular exercise helps you to feel healthier, increases the production of natural "feel good" chemicals in the body, boosts self-esteem and significantly reduces the symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. It also helps those struggling to lose weight or fight addictions. The keyword is "regular"! At least half an hour of brisk exercise three times a week. Daily is better if you are trying to beat depression. Walk, swim, jog, dance, do aerobics, whatever - so long as it results in a bit of sweat and an increased heart rate. Believe it or not - if you persevere, you will begin to enjoy it!

Social Support

When you are depressed, you usually isolate yourself and avoid company. Mixing with people is not always what you feel like doing, but loneliness is one of the major causes of depression. Get out there and join the world! You may hate it at first, but do it anyway! It will ultimately help to uplift your spirits and you will not feel so alone. If you don't have a social circle, join one! Volunteer organizations, mothers' groups, churches, sports clubs, hobbies and crafts are all good ideas. Be creative! Try out different alternatives until you find something that you like. Don't give up!

See the Discussion Forum Notice Boards for free support groups and topics of Inspiration. Join an online support group or start one of your own.

Talk About It

This is the most effective way of relieving depression and anxiety. Share your problems and "externalize" them, rather than bottling them up. You will be amazed at how relieved you feel and how you are able to begin to get things into perspective.

Speak to friends, family or to a professional person like a licensed counselor. Writing about your feelings is also therapeutic, so keep a journal, write a book or consult a professional.

Do Nice Things For Yourself

Nurture and spoil yourself. You deserve it too! So have a bubble bath, buy that special something you've been wanting, play your favorite music and SING, have an aromatherapy massage or relax and soak in your bathtub after adding a few drops of soothing lavender oil to the water. - and do it because YOU ARE SPECIAL!

Learn how to say 'No' to others when it is appropriate and 'Yes' to yourself when you need it. If you tell yourself "I don't have enough time to do that for myself', ask whether you would make the time if it was someone else's need. You will probably find that, while you have the time to see to the needs of others, you have 'no time' for yourself! Turn this around and see to your needs too. They are just as important! Don't be a martyr and deny yourself and then resent other people for not caring about you!

Diet

No, not the starvation kind! Enjoy your food and eat healthily. Some foods help to fight depression and anxiety. A carbohydrate rich diet helps the body produce serotonin - the 'feelgood' chemical. Special serotonin foods are oats, whole wheat, bananas and other carbohydrate rich foods. Make sure you are having a full supplement of Vitamin B, magnesium, zinc and iron - a deficiency in any of these can lead to depression and anxiety-type symptoms and insomnia.

Natural Alternatives

There are many natural alternatives to prescription antidepressants, anxiolytics, and sleeping tablets. Research suggests that St John's Wort is as effective, but has far fewer side effects, than many of the commonly used prescription antidepressants. Passiflora, Melissa, and Lavender are other natural remedies to relieve anxiety and, in sufficient dosage, may also help to induce sleep. To ensure therapeutic dosages and correct manufacturing processes, Feelgood Health has formulated a number of natural remedies to promote emotional and psychological health. PureCalm (adults) and Kiddie Calmer (children) are specifically formulated to soothe the symptoms of anxiety and stress, while MindSoothe (adults) and MindSoothe Jr. (children) will assist with anxiety as well as depression. Serenite (capsules or drops for adults) and Serenite Jr. (drops for children) help to promote natural sleep. All of these, and other natural remedies, can be ordered online at www.nativeremedies.com. Consult a health practitioner before changing or stopping prescription medication!

Learn to Relax or Meditate

Relaxation techniques and meditation are easy to learn and are so effective in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression that I wonder why they are not routinely prescribed or even taught as a life skill at school! There are some excellent books on meditation and relaxation reviewed at www.feelgoodcounseling.com/AngelBooks.htm

Understand Your Symptoms

Why are you feeling depressed? What is bothering you? What needs to change to help you to feel better? Is it something in your present, or are there unresolved issues in your past or in your childhood that you still need to deal with and which are affecting your life and your relationships?

Are your anxiety symptoms realistic or do they subconsciously mask other issues in your life which need dealing with like low self esteem, relationship problems or problems from your childhood?

Symptoms of depression and anxiety are very troublesome, but they are also an 'early warning' signal from your body that something is not right and needs to change. Listen to your body and work on your problems to prevent further ill health.

For more recommended and reviewed books on depression, anxiety and stress, see

http://www.feelgoodcounseling.com/reference_library.htm

Here are some other useful eBooklets on the topic of Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Depression.

• Understanding And Treating Anxiety
• Help Yourself Overcome Panic Attacks
• Help Yourself Overcome Insomnia
• Understanding And Treating Depression

Feelgood Tip

Here's a private game to play, guaranteed to warm your heart! See how many people you can get to return a smile! Without looking loony, make eye contact, smile and greet each person you meet or pass (as long as it's not in a dark alley!). Count how many return your smile. Not only does it feel good to have people smile at you, the facial muscles involved in smiling send messages to the brain, causing an increase in production of natural feelgood brain chemicals! Try it - you'll be surprised!

Naturally Healing the Heart: Heart Disease & Congestive Heart Failure Posted by Nabeel on 1:31 PM

Weakening of the heart causing insufficient blood flow to vital organs, symtpoms include shortness of breath, fliud retention, enlarged heart, and weakend kidney function. Eating the right kind of fat is important. If you crave bad fats then your body is telling you that you really need “good” fats like Super Omega 3 which helps to reduce heart disease and inflammation. Lecithin is another “good” fat that helps liquify cholesterol and dissolve plaque. FIBER IS VERY IMPORTANT ALSO!! If u don’t get enough in your diet we have Natures 3- Fiber rich and sodium free supplement

NEVER cook with Criso. best is olive oil

Natural supplements for the heart:

L-Carnitine is an amino acid that is already in our body but depletes with age. Its function is to transport long-chain fatty acids therefore reducing and preventing fat buildup in the heart and circulatory system. Symptoms of a deficiency include progressive muscle weakness and hypoglycemia. Used for heart problems, weight control and loss of energy, Reye’s syndrome, Graves Disease…

Hawthorn Berries is an herb that strengthens and restores the heart. Clinical and labratory research findings show that it is beneficial in treating an umber of heart conditions including, angina, arrhythmia, artherosclerosis, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It improves the tone of the heart muscle, oxygen uptake, improves circulation to the heart, energizes heart cells and dilates blood vessels. When used for blood pressure, garlic works great along with it! Completely safe for long term use However the ONLY interaction is the drug digitalis does sometimes counteract and must be reduced and your dr wean you slowly off the digitalis.

CoQ10 is probably the most important heart nutrient for the circulatory system. It lowers blood pressure,oxygenates the heart muscle, detoxification and extends life for those with congestive heart disease. Your bodies natural CoQ10 depletes with age, esp. after 50 so supplementing is essential. Great to use with hawthorn or garlic. It is beneficial to the heart, liver, gums, thyroid, muscles and pituatary. From recovery from a heart attack larger doses are required 1,000 mg daily. Also helps reduce side effects of chemotherapy.

Antioxidants are a must and this is the best and highest antioxidant level on the market today. It is the ONLY product with ORAC certified label by the Brunswick Labs. Higher antioxidant levels than all competitors including Monavie and Xango. THAI GO clearly outperformed all other leading competitors in ORAC capacity- Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity(which is the measure of antioxidant strength) It is the only product with the ORAC stamp on the label from the Brunswick Lab.

Bioflavonoids enhance Vitamin C absorption and help maintain collagen and capillary walls. Also aid in the bodys defense system. Antioxidants scavage and destroy damaging free radicals and benefit every organ and system in the body. Antioxidants are getting increasing attention from the scientific community. Xanthones has attracted alot of attention also, scientists are discovering that these compounds support immune, structural and digestive systems, and the brain and skin.Free Radicals are hgih energy particles caused by pollutants that we absorb through the air, diet, drinking, through your skin..Free radicals lack an electron. Their only mission is to steal one, causing damage to your healthy cells by altering its chemical structure. In the oxidative chaos, free radicals critically damage your cells, proteins, DNA and therefore causes cancer, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and on and on. Antioxidants are important to us because they stop damage from free radicals by providing them with the elecrons they so desperately are seeking out, leaving strong and healthy cells alone.

Mangosteen is one of the key ingredients of Thai Go, a fruit found in Thailand. Mangosteen contains the single-greatest known supply of xanthones that support the immune, structural, digestive systems, brain and skin health. Antibiotic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits. Also helps rid our body of toxins and free radicals that have been damaging our bodies from birth.Mangosteen fruit contains the highest content of xanthones.

Researchers studying xanthones, have discovered that they are a powerful aid in fighting diabetes. Mangosteens xanthones are also very helpful with high blood pressure.Xanthones have been shown to have beneficial effects on some cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, atheriosclerosis, hypertension, and thrombosis. Inflammation is one of the main causes of heart disease. Mangosteens natural substance offer the potential of halting or reversing this inflammation. Also good to lower cholesterol. Fibromaylagia.

Xanthones have been demonstrated by scientists at the National University of Singapore to possess anti-viral properties also. Other international scientists have discovered that mangosteen xanthones can destroy salmonella and tuberculosis bacteria.

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Weight loss drugs prescription to cure Obesity Posted by Nabeel on 1:16 PM

Many people are nowadays suffering from the problem of overweight; those of you who are not quite acquainted with the pharmaceutical side of weight loss, Phentermine, Adipex and Didrex are some of the more popular versions of anti-obesity pills doing the rounds. Nowadays, there are so many online pharmacies are providing information and online prescription about the usage of these drugs.

If there is anyone who is held accountable for adverse effects, it's got to be you, so beware! When you set out procuring prescription weight loss pills online, ensure the presence of the FDA approval, as well as the Square-trade logo.

There are a range of minor side effects that weight loss drugs like Phentermine might induce, such as headache, upset stomach, anxiety etc, but most are curable in close consultation with your physician. Depending on your desired results, you could make the choice. While Phentermine is an appetite suppressant, there are other formulae that manipulate hormonal secretions to control the appetite.

Now that you're all set to go, click and lose weight with the wide range of online Prescriptions diet pills, and gain tremendous self-esteem, all for a reasonable price.
These pills are specifically recommended for people who have a body index mass of more than 30 which means that the pill is mostly needed by the extremely overweight and the obese.

These weight loss diet pills are actually small wonders or miracle pills. They help in curing various health problems like high blood pressure, insulin resistance and cholesterol when they are used on a short term basis! So, apart from helping you lose weight, these pills have numerous added benefits.

There are various diet pills available. Acomplia diet pill is an appetite suppressant that boosts the level of chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and nor ephrine in the brain and helps to suppress you continuous want for food!
Another diet pills like phentermine and Adipex work as an appetite suppressant and control your hunger.

Hoodia diet pills are also very popular today. Their elemental ingredients are derived from the Hoodia plant originally found in the Kalahari Desert of Africa where people starve of hunger and therefore use this natural appetite suppressant. The Hoodia diet pill is made from this plant and works as herbal pill.

It is known that diet pills have a number of side effects too! You have to bear these for the first few days after which they disappear. But if you think you can’t handle the downside, you can opt for Hoodia diet pills that have no such drawback!

So, now prepared with all the knowledge about these diet drugs, you can just order the diet pill of your choice. You can easily grab the pill online at any internet online pharmacy. But be sure that the pharmacy should be genuine and proving FDA approved drug only.

Steps to Lower High Blood Pressure Naturally Posted by Nabeel on 12:25 PM

Hypertension is a silent killer. Every year million of people die from diseases associated with high blood pressure. One of the worst contributors to high blood pressure are obesity, lack of exercise, and poor diet, especially Americans. We eat too much and move too little and there has been a rise in childhood obesity, which can result in hypertension in children and diabetes.

If you pre-hypertensive, and not yet taking medication, you can prevent the diagnosis of high blood pressure and bring life around a bring you blood pressure back to normal ranges.
Quit Smoking

Smoking a a definite contributor to high blood pressure, heart and lung disease. The US Government has passed a bill to help smokers quit. There is 24/7 online support for smokers desire to quit smoking.

If you live in the DC area, there is a stimulus program called Blackberries for Smokers. It is a $1,000,000 governmental program that is giving blackberries to people who use the quick smoking hot lines.

Smoking is an addiction as strong or stronger than drug addiction. Recognize that is not going to be easy to stop smoking, but if you are determined and lay some ground rules, it will make it somewhat easier. Make up you mind to want to quit and be determined to move forward until the job is done. If you slip and light up, that is OK, start again. When trying to stop smoking, it is important to recognize the times when you are most likely to smoke and devise a plan of action for those times of greatest temptation like:

* after sex
* after coffee
* after eating
* going to the bathroom
* when upset

There are at least 5 good over-the-counter stop smoking aids that help with nicotine withdrawal. Some programs claim, to help your stop smoking withing one month or less. There is even a prescription that helps you to quit smoking. So all you need is a desire and a plan to quit. I smoked from the time I was 13 and had my last cigarette in 1977. You can do it.


Diet

Dietary changes will play a major part in lowering high blood pressure. Eat a diet filled with fresh fruit and vegetables. Include fish, poultry, grains, nuts, seed and dried beans as a part of your diet. Cut your salt intake in half or use a salt substitute such as dash.

Limit processed foods, such as canned vegetables, luncheon meats which are high in salt. Include foods high in calcium, magnesium, and potassium or take a daily supplement.

Lower saturated fat intake. You daily fat consumption should be 30% of your total daily diet. Red meat has more fat and is generally should not be a major source of dietary protein.

A three day juice or vegetable fast can help to lower high blood pressure. Even if you just once or twice a day will produce health benefits.


Exercise

Exercise it important for a healthier and longer life. A exercise program can aid in weight loss and help your blood pressure to return to normal. It is important to check with your doctor before you start any exercise routine.

Walk 15 to 20 minutes three or four time a week. If you have difficulty being motivated, try to get a exercise buddy. Exercise will help you to strengthen your heart and lungs, tone muscles, improve flexibility, improve circulation, improve bond density, reduce stress and help your to sleep deeper and rest better.

Yoga is good for stretching muscles, improving flexibility and blood circulation. There are certain yoga exercise that are designed to lower high blood pressure.

Weight training with light weights is also an excellent for of exercise. The main types of exercise that are helpful are stretching, cardiovascular and strengthening. All exercise should begin with a warm up and end with a cool down. A warm up helps your body to slowly get used to moving and drives blood flow to the muscles. The cool down helps your body to return to its resting rate.

The WMCA has a program to help seniors with medical challenges. They program gives you access to exercise for $60 for three months. For most people, that is all you will need to get you where you want to me. You will need to ask you physician about the program and get a referral.




Drinking and Drugs

If you are using any type of illegal drugs, please stop. Street drugs especially stimulates such as, coke, crack or amphetamines raise blood pressure dramatically and if you have hypertension and do not know it, you can cause instant and heart attack or stroke. If you don't have hypertension, you will get it. Use alcohol in moderation. For woman no more than two 8 ounce drinks a day and for men, no more three.
Other Natural Methods

* Apple cider vinegar, has vitamins A, B, C and E and is well documented to lower high blood pressure. You can make a daily drink of apple cider vinegar honey and water to help.

* Green tea, helps to lower high blood pressure and can be drank a few times a day.

* Taking a grape seed extract for four weeks can lower blood pressure substantially.
* Co-enzyme Q10, works as an antioxidant to protects blood vessel linings and helps keep blood vessels dilated, thus lowering blood pressure.
* Garlic and Vitamin C, increases nitric oxide in the blood and lowers systolic blood press

HOW TO CURE NECK PAIN EASILY Posted by Nabeel on 11:00 AM

HOW TO CURE NECK PAIN EASILY

WHAT IS NECK PAIN AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

Neck pain may originate from any of the structures in the neck. These include muscles and nerves as well as spinal vertebrae and the cushioning discs in between. Neck pain may also come from regions near the neck, like the shoulder, jaw, head, and upper arms.

When your neck is sore, you may have difficulty moving it, especially to one side. Many people describe this as having a "stiff neck." If neck pain involves nerves (for example, significant muscle spasm pinching on a nerve or a slipped disc pressing on a nerve), you may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm, hand, or elsewhere.

Common Causes
Common neck pain is from muscle strain or tension. Usually, everyday activities are responsible. Such activities include bending over a desk for hours, having poor posture while watching TV or reading, placing your computer monitor too high or too low, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or twisting and turning the neck in a jarring manner while exercising.

Traumatic accidents or falls can cause severe neck injuries like vertebral fractures, whiplash, blood vessel destruction, and even paralysis.

Other causes include loss of neck curve, a herniated disc, fibromyalgia (pain syndrome throughout the body), and arthritis. Meningitis, although much less common, can cause significant neck stiffness.

Your Neck Pain May be Caused by the Loss of Your Neck Curve.

Numerous recent medical studies have confirmed the link between chronic neck pain, tension headaches and migraines to a loss of the natural neck curve in the patient suffering from these headaches.

The Importance of the Curve in Your Neck

The spine in your neck should actually be curved, rather than straight. The images on the right demonstrate what a normal neck curve looks like, and how the loss of curve results in a straight abnormal neck. When you lose the curve in the neck, the discs in your neck begin to compress; this will lead to arthritis. In addition, the nerves that are near the discs become irritated (leading to neuritis) and the surrounding muscles are abnormally pulled (leading to myofascitis). This loss of the neck curve will ultimately result in headaches and neck pain.

Clinical Studies Support These Findings

Several studies have investigated and scientifically linked the relationship of the loss of neck curve with the presence of chronic headache and neck pain.

The Department of Neurology, Nagoya University School of Medicine in Japan conducted studies of 372 patients with tension headaches in comparison to 225 normal control subjects. The majority of the patients with tension-type headache were found also to have straightened neck spine, leading to the conclusion of the study that the loss of the neck curve plays an important role in the development of tension-type headache and its accessory symptoms.

The Center for the Study of Spinal Health, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario completed a descriptive study that concluded that patients with both tension-type and migraine headaches demonstrated a high occurrence of:

a) back of the head and neck pain during headaches
b) tender points in the upper neck region
c) greatly reduced or absent neck curve and
d) x-ray evidence of joint dysfunction in the upper and lower neck spine

The findings of this study concluded that healthy neck curve plays an important, but largely ignored role in the manifestation of adult benign headaches.

There are also several studies that show that the loss of neck curve is involved in neck and shoulder muscle pain, the pain after whiplash injury and long-term degenerative neck arthritis. [Click Here for a full list of published studies illustrating the correlation between loss of healthy neck curve and headaches, neck pain, arthritic changes and radicular symptoms.]

Study after study has shown that loss of healthy neck curve is a significant factor for the onset of neck pain caused by loss of the natural neck curve. This is a powerful conclusion for anyone who suffers from these chronic neck pain, because it means that the opposite is also true: RESTORING THE NATURAL CURVE IN THE NECK MAY CURE AND PREVENT CHRONIC NECK PAIN.

A normal healthy posture when viewed from the side should reveal a position where the ear is balanced over the shoulder and the neck maintains a forward curved position. The normal neck curve is commonly reduced or altered due to trauma or poor postural habits. To return the neck curve toward a normal healthy position it is necessary to strengthen the muscles in the back of the neck and to stretch the damaged ligaments of the neck. The ligaments of the neck will “creep” toward a normal position just as the teeth do with braces.

A Cervical Curve Correction Device can Restore The Natural Neck Curve.

A Cervical Curve Correction Device is a tested and proven health care tool used to stretch and strengthen the connective tissues of the neck back to its natural curve. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (MGPT) investigated cervical (neck) extension-compression traction with the purpose of establishing or increasing the cervical lordosis (neck curve) and concluded that an increase was in fact established in the majority of the treatment group.

The home CCCD shown below is a lightweight cost effective version of the CCCD the very CCCD used in research studies. This product has been shown to effectively restore the neck curve in pre/post x-ray studies.

Step 1:

• Place the plastic foot bar at the edge of the skirt.
• Drape the strings and head harness over the slope of the base unit and under the attached U shaped bar.

(Below: Base Unit)

Step 2:

• Sit at the bottom edge of the base unit.
• Place the plastic foot bar under your heels, while keeping your knees bent at a 90 angle.

(Below: Depiction of Step 2)

Step 3:

• Lie back and position the neck support beneath your neck

(Below: Depiction of Step 3)

Advanced Applications:

• Remove the snap-on U shaped bar.
• Lie back over the base unit as the top edge of your shoulders are beyond the top edge of the unit.
• Now follow the same direction as in step 4.
• This advanced set up will cause your head to pulled back beyond your shoulders.
• This set up will better correct that common forward head postural displacement.

(Below: Photo of an advanced application)

Step 4:

• Reach over your head and grab the head strap.
• Place the head strap on your forehead
• Slowly extend your bent legs. This will begin to apply some tension to your head and neck that will cause your head and neck to stretch backwards.

(Below: Depiction of Step 4)

Neck Exercise Instructions:

• Remove the foot bar, ropes and head strap. Remove the snap-on U shaped bar and slide the U shaped bar (clip ends first) inside the base unit allowing, the end with the neck roll to be outside the base unit at least halfway.
• Lie face down on the base unit and place your head under the neck support so that the neck roll is touching the back part of your head.
• Take hold of the U shaped bars with both hands. Slowly extend your neck and head upwards toward the ceiling. Hold that position for at least 3 seconds and then return to a resting position. Repeat this extension movement at least 10-20 times or until the muscles in the back of your neck are fatigued.

(Below: Example of a Neck Exercise)

There are three important factors to consider when attempting to change the ligaments that maintain the curves of the spine:

Duration: The amount of time the ligaments of the spine are held in a stretched curved position. The longer you hold a stretched curved position in the spine, in a given session, the more ligament “creep” will occur, resulting in better curve correction. Each stretching session should last from ten to twenty minutes.
Intensity: The more tension you place on the spinal ligaments, the better curve correction you will create. Always try to tolerate as much tension as possible.
Frequency: The more sessions you apply a stretch to the spinal ligaments, the greater curve correction that will take place. You should stretch the spinal ligaments at least once a day. Stretching the spinal ligaments several times a day should be encouraged.

We suggest that you consider all these factors with each stretching session. You can vary these factors within each session.

Do not confuse this type of neck stretching with the neck traction method commonly used with physical therapy. The important difference with this method of stretching is to re-establish a curve in the neck where other methods straighten the neck.