Acidifying Foods

These foods may seem to be alkaline in nature, but make the body’s pH more acidic:

- Red meat, fowl, processed meat products, meat extracts, fish, shellfish (mussels, shrimp, and so on)
- Eggs
- Cheese (strong cheese is more acidic than mild cheese
- Animal fat (lard, suet)
- Vegetable oil, especially peanut and refined oil, and oil spreads (margarine)
- Whole and refined grains; wheat, oats and especially millet
- Bread, pasta, cereal flakes, and all foods made from refined grains
- Legumes: peanuts and beans (soy, white, broad, navy and so on)
- White sugar
- Sweets : syrup, pastry, chocolate, candy, preserves, jellied fruits
- Oleaginous fruits : Walnuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, and so on (except chestnuts and almonds)
- Commercially made sodas, sodas with cola base and others
- Coffee, Tea, wine
- Condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup

ALKALISING FOODS
These foods help to combat overacidity and restore acid-alkaline balance.

- Potatoes
- Green vegetables of all types (raw or cooked), salad greens
- Colourful vegetables: carrots , beets, red and yellow peppers, and so on (except tomatoes)
- Corn (kernels or cooked)
- Milk (liquid or powder), cream, butter, well drained cottage cheese
- Bananas
- Almonds and Brazil nuts
- Chestnuts
- Dried Fruits, especially dates and raisins (except those that are tart to the taste, aprocot, apples and so on)
- Alkaline mineral water
- Almond milk
- Black olives preserved in oil
- Avocadoes
- Cold-pressed oil
- Natural sugar

WEAK ACID FOOD

The acidifying effects of these foods very according to the individual’s ability to metabolize acids:
- Whey, yougurt, curdled milk, kefir, cottage cheese that has not been drained well
- Fresh fruits (the less ripe the fruit, the greater the acidity.
- Fruit juice
- Honey
- Vinegar

FEVER – Why we heat up !

Fever is a reflection of the body’s attempt to defend itself from a biological terrain overloaded with toxins. The acceleration of immune defenses, blood circulation, respiration, and cellular exchanges produces heat and thereby increases body temperature. Fever is, therefore, a manifestation of the body defending itself, which is why it is a common symptom of so many different maladies. It is the body’s brilliant way of incinerating and eliminating a large amount of toxins in a short space of time. Unless the patient’s temperature climbs so high that it poses its own risk to the body, breaking a fever will only obstruct the body’s defense system.

Focus on Psoriasis

Came across an interesting article on Psoriasis in Health Magazine.

Psoriasis is often mistaken for eczema, psoriasis is actually an autoimmune disease for which there is no known cure. This non-contagious recurring autoimmune skin disease that affects nearly million Malaysian both sexes equally and can occur at any age.

According to medical research, the scaly patches caused by psoriasis – called psoriatic plaques – are areas of inflammation with excessive skin production. This can be painful, itchy and unsightly – striking at the physical and emotional health of the patient. Like most skin diseases, psoriasis is visible to the naked eye. For most of us, our natural reaction to wonder at what is wrong, whether psoriasis is contagious (they are not) or whether the person with psoriasis is dirty, high strung and sometimes as far as if the person is evil and now suffering the effects of karma. Psoriasis is a disorder stemming from a physical defect just like other disorders such as arthritis, asthma or diabetes. Psoriasis, especially in moderate or severe forms, is highly visible. Because of the abnormal growth of skin cells, thick red scaly inflamed patches of skin appear.

However, psoriasis is not contagious. You can’t catch the disease from another person and you can’t pass it on to someone else by touching them or having close contact.

Psoriasis is actually chronic disease of the immune system that causes the abnormal growth of skin cells. While a normal skin cell mature in 28 to 30 days and is shed from the skin’s surface unnoticed, psoriatic skin cell takes only three to four days to mature and move to the surface, resulting in cells piling up and forming the scaly lesions. Psoriasis lesions cam be painful and itchy; they can crack and bleed. Skin inflammation in psoriasis is just the tip of the iceberg; there is increasing evidence suggesting links with serious health concern such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, depression and obesity. Aside from the physical burden, there is also a psychological and emotional impact. People with psoriasis often report feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, anger, frustration and even depression related to the appearance of their skin and how others react to their condition. Some patients with severe psoriasis have even experienced thoughts of suicide. Psoriasis is a disease of the immune system and has nothing to do with poor hygiene. Triggers that can influence the course of psoriasis include infections, stress or worry, hormonal changes, injury to the skin, alcohol, obesity, poor diet and certain medications.

Psoriasis is a chronic, life-long disease and there is no known cure yet. However, research into the immune system has led to the development of new biological drugs that target the underlying causes of the condition. Many conditions affecting the skin look alike. For example, some early symptoms of psoriasis, such as itching and redness, look the same as eczema or atopic dermatitis. This can sometimes make the disease difficult to diagnose. It’s important to see a doctor who can do the necessary tests to make a proper diagnosis.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE DIABETES?

There are some symptoms that could suggest you may have diabetes. However, as these symptoms are also common in other conditions, speak to your medical practitioner if you are concerned about any of these symptoms. Look for the following signs.

1. Frequent urination
2. Increased thirst
3. Rapid weight loss
4. Blurred vision
5. Hyperventilation
6. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn and abdominal pain
7. Tingling, numbness or weakness in hands or feet.
8. Slow healing wounds
9. Skin Problems
10. Lack of energy

Diabetes… 10 Reasons why you should CARE

1. The number of people with diabetes worldwide has increased fivefold in 15years, from 30 million in 1985 to 150million in 2000.

2. In the coming decades, the greatest increase in diabetes will be seen in developing countries like Malaysia.

3. The number of people diagnosed with diabetes has increased by 80% in the last decade in Malaysia.

4. In Malaysia, ONE IN FOUR between ages of 50 and 60 years have diabetes.

5. Every 10 seconds, one person dies of a diabetes-related condition.

6. Indians are more likely to develop diabetes compared to Malays and Chinese.

7. 30 to 80% are unaware of their condition.

8. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney failure.

9. People with type 2 diabetes on average dies five to ten years younger than those without diabetes.

10. People with type 2 diabetes are more than twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack compared to those without diabetes.

TIPS TO PREVENT BACK PAIN

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases list the points below to keep you from hurting your back.

1. Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Maintain a proper posture. Try to stand up straight and avoid heavy lifting when possible. If you do lift something heavy, bend your legs and keep your back straight.
3. Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
4. Get active as regular exercise will keep your back muscles strong.
5. Warm up or stretch before exercise.
6. Quit smoking as it impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues, Smoker’s cough may also cause back pain.
7. Wear comfortable low healed shoes.
8. Increase the intake of calcium for stronger bones.
9. Sleeps on the mattress of medium firmness to minimise any curve in your spine.
10. Ensure that your computer workstation is placed ergonomically correct.

More secret to healthy eyes….

It is crucial to look after our eyes to prevent our vision from deteriorating. In fact, proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce eye diseases conditions. Eye health should not be taken for granted. Fortunately, nature has provided us with the necessary tools, such as anthocyanosides and carotenoids, to promote healthy vision and prolong eye health.

Example of good and safe nutrient and supplements are :
Bilberry – Bilberry contains anthocyanosides that help accelerate the replenishing of rhodopsin. the purple pigments in eye rods required for night vision. Anthocyanosides safeguards the blood supply to the eyes, strengthening capillaries and help prevent damage to retina. This nutrient may especially benefits individuals with macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and night blindness.
Lutein (Marigold extract)
Lutein is the only carotenoid found both in the lens of the eye and in the macular. Lutein has been found to neutralise free radicals from ultraviolet light. Studies indicate that high levels of lutein may decrease the incidence of cataracts, glare, and provide better colour vision and more critical acuity.

Our eyes are the windows to the souls. Protect your eyes! Keep your eyes sharp, strong and healthy.

Eyes is the most vulnerable and delicate part among our senses. With technology and pollution, our eyes are constantly under strain, resulting in conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, infections and macular disease.

COMMON EYE CONDITIONS

CATARACTS – Clouding of the lens inside the eye, resulting in blurred or dim vision. If the lens of the eye thickens and becomes clouded or opaque, it becomes unable to focus or admit light properly. Some causes of cataracts include aging, diabetes, heavy metal poisoning, exposure to radiation, injury to the eye, and the use of certain drugs, such as steroids. The main symptom of a developing cataract is a gradual, painless loss of visions. Cataracts are the number one cause of blindness in the world. Occasionally, a cataract may swell and cause secondary glaucoma. Cataract can be prevented and even be reversed through proper nutrition, supplements and lifestyle changes.

GLAUCOMA – A group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve (the nerve at the back of the eye) is damaged. Glaucoma is a serious eye disease marked by an increase in the pressure that the fluids within the eye ball exert on other parts of the eye. If this pressure is unrelieved, it may harm the retina and ultimately damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss, even blindness.

ITCHY OR TIRED EYES
Itchy or tired eyes can be the result of many different factors, including allergies, eye strains, fatigue, infection (conjunctivitis), and an inadequate supply of oxygen to the cornea and outer eye tissue.

AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)
The leading cause of vision loss, affecting mostly those over the age of 50. It is caused by damaged macula. In general, it is basically caused by hardening of the arteries that nourish the retina, depriving the tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This loss of vision may appear suddenly or it may progress slowly. Macular degeneration is probably the result of free radical damage similar to the type of damage that induces cataracts. Factors that predispose a person to developing macular degeneration include aging, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and environmental toxins.

DIABETES RETINOPATHY
Occurs when tiny blood vessels inside the retina at the back of the eye are damaged due to diabetes. The disorders in which some of the tiny capillaries that nourish the retina leak fluid or blood that can damaged the rod and cone cells. New capillaries then begin to form in the injured area, and these also interfere with visions. Problems with the blood vessels can cause retinal haemorrhage (leakage from the vessels that transmit the fluids of the eye), microaneurysms (abnormally enlarged blood vessels in the eye), retinal edema (the accumulation of fluid in the eye) and perhaps, loss of vision. Unfortunately, there are no warning signs;the condition usually causes no symptoms until it is relatively advanced.

DRY EYES
Dry eyes occur when the tear ducts do not produce enough fluid(tears) to keep the eye moist, resulting in burning and irritation. This problem is more common in women then in men, and women’s susceptibility increases after menopause. Contact lens wearers are particularly prone to developing dry eye problems. Dry eyes generally lack of Vitamin A, and are more likely to effect people over the age of sixty five.

EYESTRAIN
Eyestrain causes a dull, aching sensation around and behind the eyes that can expand into a generalized headache. It may feel painful to focus the eyes. Eyestrain is commonly a result of overuse of the eyes for activities requiring close, precise focus such as reading or computer work.

FLOATERS
Bits of cellular debris floating within the eye are commonly referred as floaters. Because these floaters cast shadows over the retina, the individual sees small specks that moves slowly before the eyes, especially in certain lights and against certain backgrounds. Most floaters eventually become less noticeable and are considered benign. Floaters that coalesce into long, stringy strands may be caused by a disorder called fibrillar degeneration of the vitreous. This condition is usually caused by excessive exposure to sunlight.

Did you know…….?

THE FASTEST GROWING NAIL IS ON THE MIDDLE FINGER.
Your nails grow based on the length of the finger – the longer your finger, the faster the nail will grow.

HOW MUCH CAFFEINE DOES A CUP OF COFFEE CONTAIN?
This depends on the type of beans used, how they were roasted and how the beverage was brewed. A small cup of “instant” coffee contains about 65 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of drip-brewed coffee contains approximately 115 milligrams.

SPANKING REDUCES KIDS’ IQ
According to an expert on discipline and domestic violence, children who were spanked scored lower on IQ tests than those who were not spanked. According to the report published by HealthDay, the study reveals that children who were not spanked scored and average of five points higher that those who were spanked. Children between five and nine who were not spanked scored nearly three points higher, on average.

MOBILE PHONE, BRAIN CANCER LINK CONFIRMED
According to research by the World Health Organization, the links between mobile phone usage and incidents of brain cancer have been confirmed. The study, which was carried out over 10 years, has found that heavy mobile phone users pose a higher risk of getting brain tumours in the latter stage of their lives. According to Dr Elizabeth Cardis, who heads the study, ” In the absence of definitive results and in the light of a number of studies which, though limited, suggest a possible effect of radio frequency radiation, precautions are important.

An apple a day…….

……keeps the doctor away. Apple extract protects cells from damage by interfering communication between cells. Flavanoids, which can be found in abundance in fruits in general, act like antioxidants, taking up free oxygen radicals that can damage DNA. The pectin in apples can also lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and help to manage diabetes and maintain a healthy digestive tract.