September 22nd, 2011 by Phil
Considering the growing prevalence of chronic conditions related to excess body fat, researchers are more often examining ways in which people can alleviate the symptoms of these diseases without having to rely on a daily schedule of pharmaceuticals.
A team of doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center conducted a study looking into the efficacy of a number of best holistic health practices to lower blood pressure.
While many natural interventions were shown to provide some level of relief, the study authors noted that a tailored approach may work best.
"This is where the art of medicine comes in. Getting to know patients and what they will and will not embrace can help physicians identify different therapies that suit their patients' habits and that will hopefully make a difference for them," said Kevin Woolf, M.D.
First, individuals with high blood pressure should consider lowering their sodium intake. It's typical for Americans to consume a diet loaded with salt, so it's important to keep an eye on labels. Excess sodium is a key factor behind elevated blood pressure.
Coenzyme Q10 was also shown to help people with hypertension, as were potassium supplements.
Additionally, the researchers uncovered some scientific benefits of meditation. The mind-body practice is known to help individuals attain a clearer mind, which may reduce stress and, as a result, lower blood pressure. The study authors also noted that acupuncture may be effective for some people.
Philosopher and trailblazer Ilchi Lee believes that individuals who experience chronic health issues should turn toward more natural remedies to avoid a lifetime of consuming potentially damaging pharmaceuticals.
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September 8th, 2011 by Phil
It's well-known that learning and forming healthy lifestyle habits early on is more effective than trying to change behaviors later in life. Now, researchers at the University of London's Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development at Birkbeck have found that brain education techniques for kids may make a significant difference in improving concentration in infants.
A team of scientists tested their theories on a group of 42 babies who were about 11 months old. The young volunteers were instructed to pay attention to a butterfly on a computer screen and ignore distractions. The children were tested on their brain function both before and after the trial.
The researchers concluded that the 15-day training was effective in improving the infants' ability to avoid distractions, as well as their capability to shift focus.
"In the real world, sometimes we want to be able to focus on one object of interest and ignore distractions, and sometimes we want to be able to shift the focus of our attention rapidly around a room – for example, for language learning in social situations. This flexibility in the allocation of attention appeared to improve after training," said researcher Sam Wass.
Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes that brain education and learning are important aspects for all individuals, young and old. This research suggests that helping kids develop attention and focus skills early on may help them achieve academic success when they enter school.
Moreover, success in school has been shown to lead to a happy, fulfilled adulthood. While it's never too late to improve oneself, it may be best to start out young.
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September 2nd, 2011 by Phil
It's relatively well known that when pregnant women are stressed, their children are at risk of developing behavioral or anxiety problems. Now, researchers believe that mental issues in the father may also have an adverse effect on offspring.
In a mouse study, a team of scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York found that the children of males with depression or anxiety tended to have the same problems as their fathers.
"This type of translational animal work is important to help scientists focus their work in humans," said lead author Eric Nestler, from the New York institution. "These findings in mice raise the possibility that part of an individual's risk for clinical depression or other stress-related disorders may be determined by his or her father's life exposure to stress, a provocative suggestion that now requires direct study in humans."
Results of this study suggest that the benefits of meditation when stressed can reach farther than the immediate alleviation of anxiety that the practitioner experiences. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of gaining a clear mind and eliminating negativity from the brain.
People looking to conceive should consider using holistic health care to treat their conditions, since many pharmaceutical solutions come with side effects, some which may affect a person's physical health.
Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes that all people should seek out a more peaceful existence that is free of stress. It's been shown that chronic anxiety is a cause of a host of illnesses and conditions. As a result, healing the mind may also go a long way toward a healthier body.
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August 22nd, 2011 by Phil
Many individuals are interested in practicing holistic health methods – such as taking natural nutritional supplements or engaging in meditation or yoga – in an effort to strengthen their bodies and minds without the use of pharmaceuticals, which often come with side effects.
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered that frankincense extracts may be used as holistic health care to treat arthritis.
“The search for new ways of relieving the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis is a long and difficult one,” said lead researcher Emma Blain.
The team of scientists developed a treatment made from the extract of a Somalian type of frankincense that has been used by native people for a long time to treat inflammatory conditions.
“What our research has focused on is whether and how these extracts can help relieve the inflammation that causes the pain,” said Blain.
The researchers theorized that the herbal extract slows the production of imflammatory molecules, thereby preventing the breakdown of cartilage that is characteristic of arthritis.
The condition causes much pain in individuals who have it, spurring many to turn to invasive or pharmaceutical treatments. The problem is, much of Western medicine is wrought with side effects, like the risk of infection, addiction or other problems that may be more serious than the initial disease.
As a result, many individuals are turning to holistic methods of health, which aim at treating the root of a condition or illness using the plants and elements provided by the Earth. These treatments may not only come free of side effects, but could be more effective in alleviating pain, discomfort or depressive feelings than drugs or surgery.
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August 12th, 2011 by Phil
Frequent or even moderate use of tanning beds has been associated with an increased risk of skin cancer like melanoma, which can be deadly. Now, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center report that the beds may also lead to brain changes similar to those seen in drug addicts.
A team of scientists conducted a study in which volunteers used tanning beds and reported on their feelings about the activity before getting in the bed. Additionally, researchers measured the participants' brain activity while they tanned.
Authors of the study concluded that tanning does have similar effects on the brain to those seen in drug addicts, and that some users display an addict-like behavior in regards to tanning.
"Using tanning beds has rewarding effects in the brain so people may feel compelled to persist in the behavior even though it's bad for them," said study author Bryon Adinoff. "The implication is, 'If it's rewarding, then could it also be addictive?' It's an important question in the field."
The researchers noted that about 120,000 individuals are diagnosed with melanoma each year. Moreover, people under the age of 30 who use tanning beds are 10 times more likely to develop the disease.
Author and trailblazer Ilchi Lee says that practicing holistic health includes protecting oneself from the sun, eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise and using mind body spirit fitness.
Lee believes that getting the best holistic health is one thing that all individuals should strive toward in an effort to attain success and fulfillment, since a person's physical self is intricately tied to their mental and spiritual aspects.
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August 10th, 2011 by Phil
There's no question that listening to music can do wonders in improving a person's mood. Hearing a familiar tune can inspire spontaneous singing and dancing, and it's difficult to stay sad while doing these things.
Now, researchers at Philadelphia's Drexel University reported that the power of music may even be strong enough to lift the spirits of individuals going through cancer treatment.
A team of scientists reviewed 30 trials that examined the healing ability of song. The study revealed that music can significantly relieve anxiety, improve quality of life, lift mood and alleviate pain. Moreover, the researchers also observed a positive impact on cardiovascular and lung function.
"The evidence suggests that music interventions may be useful as a complementary treatment to people with cancer," said lead researcher Joke Bradt. "Music interventions provided by trained music therapists as well as listening to pre-recorded music both have shown positive outcomes in this review."
Flutist and trailblazer Ilchi Lee recommends non-pharmaceutical interventions for practicing holistic health. Additionally, he says that music is one of the healthiest forms of entertainment and that it has the power to soothe the body, mind and spirit.
Lee also recommends that individuals experience the benefits of meditation and yoga in order to achieve wellness without an invasive procedure or drugs. These holistic health methods have been shown to significantly improve a person's mental abilities, which may also strengthen the physical self and prevent disease.
Too often, people turn to medications to help them feel better. But sadly, these drugs can have side effects and leave individuals feeling worse of than they would without the pharmaceuticals.
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August 4th, 2011 by Phil
Often, when people get older they begin to experience difficulties in their mental health and are subsequently prescribed antidepressants to help alleviate depressive symptoms. However, such pharmaceuticals may actually be doing more harm than good.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the risk of stroke, falls, fractures and epilepsy for people 65 and older.
"This was an unexpected finding, and so further research using other data sources is needed to confirm these findings as well as provide more evidence on the benefits of different antidepressants in this group of people," said researcher Carol Coupland.
Authors of the study said SSRIs are commonly used among older adults, so the finding may be of significance to a large segment of the population.
The results of the research also point to a greater need for best holistic health practices, especially for older individuals who want to improve their minds. Cognitive decline among these individuals has been extensively studied in past years because of the great detrimental effect it can have on the quality of life of those who experience it.
In fact, the scientific benefits of meditation are well documented. Extensive research has shown that meditation – the act of focusing on the present moment while pushing out negative thoughts and energy – can make a big difference in alleviating anxiety, feelings of depression and helping to clear the mind of negativity.
Additionally, meditation has been shown to have physical effects. Calming the mind may improve cardiovascular function, boost the metabolism and keep blood pressure at a normal level.
Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes in holistic approaches to wellness as alternative to harmful pharmaceuticals and invasive procedures.
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August 2nd, 2011 by Phil
Individuals who prefer to make their own meals at home may end up with the best holistic health, according to researchers at Nova Scotia Agricultural College and McGill University.
Their study revealed that people who cook and eat at home tend to make healthier food choices and be in better moods than individuals who dine at restaurants.
"The home is a privileged environment that nurtures healthy eating and in which healthier food choices trigger and are triggered by more positive emotions," said study authors.
The researchers noted that while humans have been hard-wired to crave fatty, salty or sugary foods in order to obtain enough calories to survive during the hunting and gathering years, the calmness that individuals tend to feel while in the comfort of their own home may counteract the evolutionary trait.
Authors of the study said their findings may help more Americans achieve a healthier diet.
Philosopher, trailblazer and flutist Ilchi Lee recommends practicing holistic health methods as a way to achieve overall well-being. This certainly includes eating a healthier diet, which can lead to a stronger body and mind.
Individuals who wish to improve their wellness through the food they eat may want to consider making their meals at home. A balanced diet includes ample fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and beans and legumes. Individuals should avoid products like soda, packaged snacks, fatty meats and excessive desserts.
For those who may not be used to eating at home, consider getting into the habit by purchasing some cook books, which may provide some simple techniques and recipes to get to you into the kitchen.
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July 20th, 2011 by Phil
Individuals make decisions each day, from the banal choice of what to eat for breakfast to important distinctions between choosing a school to attend. However, few actually think about the actions that the brain makes in even the most simple of decisions.
Researchers at Rutgers University have found that making a choice activates regions in the brain associated with reward, suggesting that the action is an adaptive trait to help humans achieve what they desire.
"It makes sense that we would evolve to find choice rewarding, since the perception of control is so adaptive. If we didn't feel that we were capable of effectively acting on our environment to achieve our desired goals, there would be little incentive to face even the slightest challenge," said co-author Lauren Leotti.
The team of scientists conducted a study wherein participants were either allowed to make choices in a computerized game or the machine would make the decisions for them. Participants were able to receive rewards for certain answers. Results revealed that individuals who were given the option to choose felt a stronger sense of control, when compared to their counterparts.
Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes that people's choices are key drivers in their life success. In fact, his Brain Education research reveals that individuals may be able to choose to see the positive in life over the negative, thereby boasting a stronger, more pure mind.
Brain Education and learning are key components to reaching a heightened state of mental well-being. The technique has been shown to yield positive results in people worldwide, helping them on their journeys toward betterment and fulfillment.
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July 19th, 2011 by Phil
Individuals who are interested in practicing holistic health often take vitamin C supplements, as well as consume ample citrus fruits, in an effort to boost their immune systems and keep their hearts healthy.
Now, researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University discovered that vitamin C plays a very important role in keeping the eyes and brain functioning at their optimal levels.
"We found that cells in the retina need to be 'bathed' in relatively high doses of vitamin C, inside and out, to function properly," said co-author Henrique von Gersdorff, Ph.D. "Because the retina is part of the central nervous system, this suggests there's likely an important role for vitamin C throughout our brains, to a degree we had not realized before."
The researchers found that a lack of vitamin C caused GABA receptors in the brain to malfunction, hindering communication between the brain and cells. Additionally, the study authors noted that the antioxidant vitamin C may act to preserve receptors and cells from deterioration.
The scientists said their findings may have implications for individuals looking to stave off glaucoma and epilepsy. Vitamin C has also been known to prevent the onset of scurvy, which often leads to other conditions like depression.
The best holistic health practices involve things that individuals always knew were good for them: a proper diet, physical exercise and a strong connection between the mind, body and spirit. To attain the latter aspect, author and philosopher Ilchi Lee recommends practices like meditation and yoga, which do more than strengthen muscles, as they have also been shown to improve concentration and brain function.
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