Reasons for sleeping and waking up early

Evening at 9 - 11pm: is the time for eliminating unnecessary/toxic chemicals (detoxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes). This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music. If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.

Evening at 11pm - 1am: is the detoxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 1 - 3am: detoxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 3 - 5am: detoxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the detoxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.

Morning 5 -7am: detoxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.

Morning 7 - 9am: absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick. Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 - 10am rather than no meal at all.

Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals. Aside from that, midnight to 4:00 am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. There, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.

The top five cancer-causing foods

1. Hot dogs

Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.

2. Processed meats and bacon
Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.

3. Doughnuts
Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer

4. French fries
Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries.

5. Chips, crackers, and cookies
All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.

The main causes of liver damage are:

1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause.

2. Not urinating in the morning.

3. Too much eating.

4. Skipping breakfast.

5. Consuming too much medication.

6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.

7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.

8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.

We should prevent this without necessarily spending more. We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to "schedule."

But a lot listed above is mr.sounds' habits.buhuhuhu!:)

Restless Nights

Do you have trouble sleeping or staying asleep at night? Then you are experiencing a sleep deprivation—INSOMNIA!

Insomnia is a sleeping disorder characterized by the inability to fall asleep and/or the inability to remain asleep for a reasonable amount of time. Insomniacs have been known to complain about being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time.

Sleep patterns and mood are intimately related. Sleep deprivation makes us irritable and depressed. Many of us become so desperate to get a good night's sleep that we resort to medications. But is that really necessary? Perhaps the best medicine of all is to really start listening to your body instead of working against its needs.

Here are some tips to have a good night sleep…

1. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco in any form, four to six hours before bed time.

2. Avoid heavy meal in the evening, but a light snack before bedtime may induce sleeping.

3. Avoid vigorous exercise before bedtime.

4. Go to bed only when feeling sleepy.

5. Practice relaxation technique.

6. Take a warm bath.

7. Keep regular bedtime hours.

8. Avoid naps longer than 30 minutes in the afternoon.

9. Listen to music.

10. Avoid illuminated bedrooms.

Vein Strain

Crossing your legs may be the most popular way of developing varicose veins (those purplish knotted veins found at the skin’s surface, usually behind your calves). Veins become varicose when their valves (Tiny flaps which help bring the blood up to the heart) malfunction. When this happens, gravity takes its course and the blood fails to get pushed up. “Your blood is somewhat trapped and remains stagnant, thus distending the veins,” says Dr. Valerie F. Gosiengfiao-de Vera (chief resident of dermatology, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital). Here are ways to improve your blood circulation:

1. WORK OUT. Physical activity helps the blood in your legs to flow, so get a move on.
2. CHOOSE YOUR SHOES. Avoid high heels when you can. Low-heeled shoes don’t strain your calf muscles as much, which is better for your veins.
3. TAKE A BREAK. Be mindful. If you’ve been standing too long, sit down. Or vice versa.
4. LOSE WEIGHT. Being overweight puts pressure on your legs, causing a strain on circulation.
5. UNCROSS YOUR LEGS to avoid distended veins. This relieves pressure in your legs.

SOURCE: marie claire, March 2006

LOW FAT Diet

For a regular healthy diet, it is recommended that of the total calories eaten, no more than 30% should come from fat. However, certain diseases and medical conditions can make it difficult for the body to tolerate even that much fat, so a low-fat diet may help people with these conditions. Such conditions include gallbladder disease, malabsorption of nutrients, and fatty liver.

A study conducted last 2006 shows little evidence that following a low fat diet reduces the risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or even heart disease. Still the best way to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease is to have a regular mammogram and screening for colorectal cancer as well as having regular check-up with a doctor. And just include in the diet low in fat and cholesterol.

What foods are high in fat?

1. Dairy foods (whole milk, ice cream, creams)
2. Fatty red meats
3. Butter is not only high in fat, but saturated fat as well
4. Oils are fat, although some may have lower saturated fat.
5. Egg yolks, which are particularly high in cholesterol.
6. Cheese
7. Processed meats (sausage, salami, hot dogs, bologna)

What are some foods that are low in fat and better to eat?

1. Fruits
2. Vegetables
3. Fish and shellfish
4. Cereals, rice
5. Pasta
6. Nuts and seeds
7. Vegetable oils are preferable to butter

But I suggest, the best way to reduce risk of diseases and to have a healthy lifestyle, have a well balanced diet, control weight, and have a regular exercise.

Red Wine Slows Aging Process?

Is red wine the fountain of youth or a potent poison? Is enjoying a glass of red wine with dinner each evening beneficial to your health? Current research suggests that a glass of red wine each day may be providing you with more than just a little relaxation. Researchers say they've identified how a compound commonly found in red wine, peanuts, and grapes slows the aging process while increasing maximum lifespan.

The compound is called resveratrol -- a natural antioxidant, commonly found in plants (fruits and nuts, especially in red grapes, mulberries, raspberries, and peanuts) –may be able to replicate this process, allowing cells to live longer. For years, researchers have found that moderate red wine consumption may be beneficial to more than just your heart. Studies show that reservatrol reduces risk of cancer (inhibits tumor development), atherosclerosis, heart disease, and brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease -- all diseases that are more prevalent as we age.

For over 10 years, research has indicated that moderate intake of alcohol improves cardiovascular health. In fact, in 1992 Harvard researchers included moderate alcohol consumption as one of the "eight proven ways to reduce coronary heart disease risk." However, research has suggested that specifically red wine is the most beneficial to your heart health. The cardioprotective effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes.

A four-ounce glass of wine is equivalent to one serving. Men will benefit from consuming one to two servings per day. Women should consume only one serving per day to reap the maximum benefits. This is not to say that you should start drinking alcohol if you presently do not. Occasional or binge drinkers have higher mortality rates than those who drink moderately on a regular basis. In those who consume three or more drinks per day, there is an increased risk for elevated serum triglycerides (fat in the bloodstream). Long-term, excessive alcohol consumption can damage nerve cells, the liver and the pancreas. Heavy drinkers are also at risk for malnutrition, as alcohol may substitute for more nutritious foods. Just have a regular, moderate consumption of red wine. CHEERS!!!

Stretch and Shine

Starting your day with a few stretching exercises not only increases your flexibility and blood circulation, it also prepares your body for the rest of the day. “Wired as an instinct from our hunting days, morning stretching prepares our body for our daily tasks,” says physical therapist Rosauro Peciller, Jr. After six to eight hours of rest from the night before, our bodies need a wake up call, signaling that it’s time for some work. “This simple act renews blood supply to our muscles and stimulates joint lubrication to allow ease in movement,” says Peciller. To maximize each stretch, make sure to follow these tips:

1. WARM UP. Rev up your muscles by doing light aerobic exercise for five minutes (like jogging or walking in place) before stretching to prevent you from straining your muscles.
2. DON’T GO OVERBOARD. Gently ease yourself into the stretch and relax (don’t push too hard or bounce!) You’re after a stretch in the muscles –not pain.
3. BREATHE RIGHT. Don’t hold your breath! Inhale deeply while preparing to do the stretch, exhale as you execute it.
4. HOLD IT. Keep the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds. Any shorter and you won’t get any benefit from the stretch, but longer than that might cause injury.
5. GET INTO IT. Close your eyes and stay with it. Enjoy the warm feeling that comes with a good stretch (instead of rushing off to the next one).

SOURCE: Marie Claire, April 2006

Feeling Stressed Out???

Stress is an inevitable part of our daily life. We all have stress sometimes. What causes stress for some people may not be stressful to others. Sometimes stress is helpful –it can encourage you to get things done. But of course you have to manage and control stress to keep it within certain limits. However, long term stress may be harmful to our body. It increases the risk of some diseases like depression and heart disease.

Researcher Walter Cannon recognized stress as a problem seven decades ago when he suggested that humans react to stressful events with physical and psychological responses that prepare their bodies for either "fight or flight." Stress also contributes to the development of alcoholism, obesity, suicide, drug addiction, cigarette addiction and other harmful behaviors.

If you’re looking for some relaxation techniques…try some of these…maybe this can help…

Get a massage

A good massage is not only relaxing, but it may also have some real healing benefits. Therapeutic massages can be given practically anywhere, ranging from a 15-minute massage of the shoulders and back for someone sitting in a chair to an hour-long, head-to-toe massage on a padded massage table.

Breathe in

You've heard of the expression, "take a breather"? Sometimes just five minutes of a little R&R (rest and relaxation) is enough to decompress. This little five-minute exercise was printed in Mademoiselle magazine:

1. Lie down in a dark, quiet room.

2. Take slow, deep breaths, consciously relaxing your feet, ankles and all the way up through your torso to your head and neck.

3. Imagine a place that's tranquil (Bermuda's nice); focus on that image for at least five minutes.

Say yes to yoga

Yoga is a system of exercises (called asanas) for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being. These exercises or postures, called asanas, can increase circulation, improve mobility and bring clarity of mind. There are different styles of yoga. Hatha yoga is probably the most well known in the United States. "Ha" means sun and "tha" means moon, so hatha yoga describes the practice used to balance your system.

In yoga, it is important to learn how to use the correct patterns of breathing to get the most out of your yoga session. The philosophy is that the breath, the mind and the body are so closely linked that whatever you do to one will affect the other. Correct breathing is practiced and observed before meditation and asanas. It's believed that correct breathing alone can relax your entire body, rid it of unwanted toxins and rid your mind of anger, stress, tension and worry.

There are thousands of yoga exercises. Consult a trained yoga teacher or seek medical advice from a doctor first before beginning a program.

Try Tai Chi

Tai Chi chuan (Tai Chi) is an ancient, widely practiced Chinese martial arts form. Like yoga, it is designed to enhance both physical and emotional well-being. Tai Chi consists of breathing exercises superimposed on a series of postures that flow into one another through connecting transition moves. These slow, graceful and precise body movements are said to improve body awareness and enhance strength and coordination while helping the practitioner achieve inner peace.

Advantage to Tai Chi is its low risk of injury. Tai Chi movements are not overly strenuous and are done very slowly. Tai Chi classes, books and instructional videotapes are relatively inexpensive. And once you learn how to do Tai Chi, all you need is about 10 square feet of empty space to practice at home, in a park or even on the beach.

A sniff of lavender

Just about everyone has felt the powerful nudge of "smell memory" whenever they inhale the aroma of a favorite food. Perhaps it's fresh baked cookies that evoke childhood memories of baking with Mom.

That is the way aromatherapy works. Aromatherapy, which relies on the use of essential volatile oils of flowers and fruits to cause biochemical effects, has been proven to have positive effects on the mood. As volatile essential oils are inhaled, they activate receptors in the olfactory bulb at the top of the nasal cavity. These, in turn, induce nerve impulses, which travel rapidly to the brain, where they trigger responses in areas involved in heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, emotions, stress levels and sexual arousal. When it comes to stress, lavender is supposed to be particularly uplifting.

Vegetarian

Here is the follow up article on the newly released advertisement of Alicia Silverstone regarding being a vegetarian. So now I’ll discuss the different types of vegetarians. According to what food they eat and avoid.

Vegan

They only eat vegetables, legumes, and fruits. And they also don’t use products made from animals, like leather in your shoes or bags. They don’t buy or use any products that are tested on animals, because they feel that this act is a form of abusing animal rights

Lacto Ovo Vegetarian

This type of vegetarian doesn’t eat poultry, meat, fish but they do eat eggs and dairy products.

Lacto Vegetarian

This type of vegetarian doesn’t eat poultry, meat, fish but they do eat eggs and dairy products.

Fruitarian

A fruitarian is a person who only eats fruits and vegetables that are actually classified as fruits such as avocados, nuts, seeds, eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes.

Macrobiotics

A macrobiotic diet is mainly vegetarian, but macrobiotic diets often include seafood. In this diet all other meat products are excluded, as are eggs and dairy products. They also do not eat "nightshade vegetables" (potato, pepper and eggplant)

Something Good with Green Tea

Many Chinese and Japanese people have been drinking green tea for centuries because of its medicinal benefits. Today, green tea is now the second most popular beverage around the world.

Green teas many health benefits includes lowering blood cholesterol, boosting immune system, and helping prevent cavities and tooth decay. The only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia only because it contains caffeine. However, it contains less caffeine than coffee.

What is special about green tea is that it contains epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) or catechins content that has an antioxidant effect that is 200 times more powerful than that of Vitamin E and about 25 to 100 times more than that of Vitamin C. ECGC inhibits the growth of cancer cells, kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. Studies also show that green tea can keep the arteries clear of fat deposits that can block blood flow and trigger hypertension.

They say because of the antioxidant in 3 cups of green tea is 8 times more powerful than 1 apple. An apple a day keeps the doctor away??? How about 3 cups of green tea a day keeps the doctor away! Sounds good?!

Healing Herbs

As part of primary health care and because of the increasing cost of drugs, the use of locally available medicinal plants have been advocated by the Department of Health (DOH). Many local plants and herbs in the Philippine backyard and field have been found to be effective in the treatment of common ailments. The point here is not to condemn pharmaceuticals but rather to point out that aside from a few problems, herbal medicines are not major public hazards. But every now and then herbs turn out to pose a new hazard, but such findings are rare compared to the unanticipated side effects in approved pharmaceuticals. And besides, herbs are inexpensive, gentler, and safer than pharmaceuticals.

The ten herbal plants approved by the DOH are as follows…

Lagundi (Vitex negundo), is recommended for asthma, cough and fever; dysentery, colds and pain in any part of the body as in influenza; skin diseases such as dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema; headache; rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites; aromatic bath for sick patients.

Yerba Buena/Peppermint (Mentha cordifelia), is used for pain in different parts of the body as headache, stomach ache; rheumatism, arthritis, and headache; cough and cold; swollen gums; toothache; menstrual and gas pain; nausea and fainting; insect bites; pruritus.

Sambong (Blumea balsamifera), is suggested for anti-edema, diuretic, anti-urolithiasis. Take note that sambong is not a medicine for kidney infection.

Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa), is recommended for diarrhea and stomachache.

Niyug-Niyugan (Quisqualis indica L.), is used as an anti-helminthic. Take note that it should not be given to children below four years old.

Bayabas/Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is used for washing wounds and for diarrhea.

Sambong (Blumea balsamifera), is suggested for anti-edema, diuretic, anti-urolithiasis. Take note that sambong is not a medicine for kidney infection.

Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa), is recommended for diarrhea and stomachache.

Niyug-Niyugan (Quisqualis indica L.), is used as an anti-helminthic. Take note that it should not be given to children below four years old.

Bayabas/Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is used for washing wounds and for diarrhea.

Akapulko (Cassia, alata L.), is used for anti-fungal: Tinea Flava, ringworm, athletes foot, and scabies.

Apple

The apple if you have read the bible the apple is called the forbidden fruit. It is both the fruit of sin and the fruit of knowledge. It is state in the book of Genesis chapter 3 verses 1 to 13 that Adam and Eve were lured by the evil snake to eat the apple which is forbidden by God to be eaten. But still they were deceived to eat it. And as a result they were exiled from the Garden of Eden.

At present an apple is a fruit that many like to eat. As the saying goes “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.” Because there are a lot of benefits eating this fruit, according to chm.bris.ac.uk the benefits of apples are as follows:

1. Reduce blood cholesterol

2. Improve bowel function

3. Reduce risk of stroke

4. Prostate cancer

5. Type II diabetes

6. Asthma

7. Improve lung function and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases

8. Play a role in inhibiting ageing-related problems, preventing wrinkles and promoting hair growth

9. And a good source of lots of vitamins such as potassium

So why is apple a forbidden fruit? Is it still a sin every time we eat this fruit? With lots of benefits from this I think God would reconsider.

Feel Good With Healthy Lifestyle

You may not realize it but, more often than not, it’s the little things we do on a regular basis that can have a huge impact on our health, fitness, and well-being.

To set you on the easy road to a healthier lifestyle, there are simple things you can work into your daily routine to improve the way you look and feel…

First, start everyday with a breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal. The single most important habit you can have to improve your general health is to start each day with a good breakfast. Remember that no single food gives you all the nutrients you need; you should eat a variety of foods to maintain good health. Eating a healthy breakfast gives you the energy reserves you’ll need for the day.

Second, have a good night sleep. Sleep deprivation can spark a range of physical, emotional, and mental health problems, not to mention vehicular accidents that occur as a result of reduced alertness on the road. There’s certainly no substitute for getting a 6-8 hours of sleep and a nap for about 20-30 minutes in a day.

Third, have a regular exercise. Regular exercise provides a wide variety of long-term benefits. It helps control weight gain; maintains healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes; and promotes psychological well-being. Avoid sedentary lifestyle. There are a lot of ways to incorporate physical activity like taking the stairs instead of using the elevator or walking to your destination if it is not that far. Soon physical activity becomes a habit and your body will thank you for it.

Fourth, drink lots of liquids. Avoid dehydration. Drinking plenty of liquids especially water (8-10 glasses/day) keeps vital organs like our heart, brain, kidneys, and liver in proper working order.

Lastly, socialize with people. Social interactions with other people allow us to access a network of health information that we might not be aware of. It also provides access to people who can provide physical and emotional support in times of crisis, as well as provide us with a sense of belongingness. We are social creatures and being part of a social group is therapeutic. It helps overcome feelings of anxiety and depression.

Benefit From Failures In Life

Many people are afraid to chase their dreams…to pursue real success because pursuing real success means taking risks – and people avoids taking risks because they are afraid to fail!

Failure is too often perceived as an inability to reach desired goals. Yet, almost every person who’s been successful had the willingness to experience failures, learn from them, and use them to move forward!

Any failure has the potential to be good and worthwhile – if only we can learn from it. We have to make a commitment to discover, to reflect at the failure and to build upon it. If we don’t, then failure can’t work its magic…And we will become a failure once again! Failure can only be helpful when we decide to learn from it. And learning doesn’t happen by default or osmosis. It requires time to understand what went right and what went wrong, and then figure out how to double dose the good stuff and gradually decreasing the bad stuff.

Failure is an inevitable part of life and success. Sometimes we get it in large doses and sometimes in smaller doses. But if we understand that we alone have the power to make our own failures positive or negative, then accepting failure isn’t so hard. It becomes manageable, beautiful, challenging, and worthwhile.

Key points to remember…learning from our failures is important; acting on that knowledge from failure is even more important. Believe in the strength of the human spirit and who believes in us!

Testicular Cancer

One of the concerns of the people today is having cancer. A disease that is deadly. Cancer cells that are rapidly dividing in result thus form a tumor. The only cure for this is therapy like chemotherapy or radiation. Well these therapies have a bad side effect to the body. Let’s take chemotherapy for an example. It’s a therapy that destroys those rapidly dividing cells (as explained earlier cancer cells divide rapidly). But not only cancer cells are rapidly dividing cells in the body. There are other rapidly dividing cells in the body which is normal. That’s why you observe to people who under goes this therapy they go bald.

Well talking of cancers let us talk about testicular cancer. A cancer that is common among teenage to early adulthood in males of course. What are the concerns of most men here is that will their sex drive or should I say libido be affected? To tell you frankly no it doesn’t affect at all as long only “one” testes is only removed. And besides you still got another one to provide you with hormones. So guys don’t be afraid. You’ll still enjoy one of your physiologic needs which is sex. Another concern is will they be sterile? Again no if only “one” testes is removed. The other testes will compensate for the removed one.

And here is the good news guys’ testicular cancer is easily curable and lesser risk to metastasize.