Here's How Bad Painkillers Are For You

Popping painkillers has more or less come across as a norm, and people just choose to for painkillers, be it for end-of-the-day headache, a body pain post workout, or even minor spinal discomfort. If you do pop in painkillers every now and then, you should be aware that these could have side effects on your health and well being, and may even prove to be addictive.

HOW DO PAINKILLERS WORK?

The two main mechanisms through which painkillers work are:

1. Reducing pain by suppressing formation of chemicals in the body which cause pain.

2. Reducing sensation of pain by binding to opoid receptors of central nervous system.

However, one has to stay wary to make sure that one is always in a position to avoid the side effects which come as a part and parcel of using painkillers. Some of these are:

1. Addiction:

Painkillers could be highly addictive substances, mainly owing to the feeling of euphoria they create amongst users. The fact that many over-the-counter and prescription painkillers are abused due to addiction could take many by surprise.

A scenario wherein an individual is particularly vulnerable to becoming addicted to painkillers is when one consumes these post surgery for recovery. The underlying idea behind consumption of these painkillers is to numb the pain, but people over time become addictive and iteratively go for higher doses.

Over time, it might be possible that an individual is not able to cope up with withdrawal symptoms and becomes addicted to the effect created by a painkiller.

2. Cardiovascular Effects:

Research has even shown that use of painkillers could lead to cardiovascular complications, some of which include slowing down of heart rate, or even a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

If one goes for painkiller abuse, or consumes more than the quantity of painkillers as prescribed, it could lead to fluctuations in the heart rate. Blood clotting and stroke are some other possible side effects of painkillers on the cardiovascular system.

3. Worsens Headaches:

If one happens to consume painkillers such as paracetamol, asprin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for getting over a headache, and for more than 15 days a month, they are likely to be victims of overuse of drugs. With passage of times, such people could experience headaches which increase in duration, and sometimes in intensity as well.

4. Lead To Kidney Damage:

Any drug that one consumes is released in the bloodstream, and thereafter eliminated after being filtered from the kidneys. Painkillers could influence the process of filtration in following ways

o Interfering with flow of blood to the kidneys.

o Lead to allergic reactions

o Cause direct injury to kidney nephrons

Over time, this could possibly lead to kidney damage and sometimes has even more serious consequences such as leading to a kidney failure.

5. May Even Cause Depression:

Depression is a term normally associated with sadness or even chronic stress. But usage of painkillers has shown to increase symptoms of depression, in particular if one uses opoid analgesics.

Say no to painkillers today!

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Ginkgo Biloba for Depression, Memory and Heart Problems

Ginkgo biloba is a tree that existed for more that 100 million years - it grew in many parts of the world before the Ice Age and it survived in Asia. The ginkgo biloba tree reaches and average height of eight metres and it can live for up to 1,000 years and is highly adaptable to many different conditions. The fruit of the tree has an unpleasant odour and the pulp can cause a severe skin irritation in most people. However, the leaves and the nuts have many medicinal qualities. The tree is now cultivated all over the world for use as medicine. It is a safe and effective herb when used in prescribed doses.

There is a great deal of research that has been done and continues to be conducted on ginkgo biloba's efficacy - there are over 400 published studies and reports, as well as several books on. Over 4 million prescriptions are written for its use every year in Europe alone - the annual sales in Europe exceed $500 million. It is the most frequently prescribed herb in France and Germany.

Both the leaves and nuts are used medicinally. The nuts are edible and can also be dried. The chemistry of the nuts and leaves are similar but the quantities of the components vary a little. The combination of components gives ginkgo biloba its wide variety of healing qualities. Single components cannot be isolated and used individually - as the combination is what makes it effective.

Ginkgo biloba has many functions in the body. 

These include:

Heart, lungs and cardiovascular system - increases oxygen supply, boosts circulation by improving blood flow and heal blood vessel damage.

Brain - helps to keep the mind alert, lifts mood, regulates brain metabolism and enhances mental function, including memory and concentration.

Aids eye health, balance and hearing.

Reduces premenstrual syndrome, protects the prostate in men and provides help with urinary problems- it is well known for its positive effect in the treatment of male impotence resulting form decreased blood flow to the penis.

Protects the nervous system.

Supports the immune system - enables white blood cells to fight a range of foreign invaders - including viral and bacterial infections. It also helps to reduce the occurrence and severity of allergic reactions.

Anti-inflammatory and eases muscle cramps.

One of the main uses of ginkgo biloba is in improvement of the circulatory system. It has the ability to increase the blood flow through the aging blood vessels - especially the brain. The improved circulation in the brain enhances memory, mental agility, alertness and concentration. It also alleviates some forms of depression. Ginkgo biloba improves the circulation to all areas of the body - especially the extremities (hands, feet, penis) and is therefore recommended in the treatment of varicose veins, Raynaud's disease, intermittent claudication, winter hands and feet, varicose ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and end-arterial disease associated with smoking. In order to improve functioning of the brain and nervous system it is suggested that you take a combination of ginkgo biloba and multivitamin and mineral supplements (these need to include balanced B group vitamins). The amino acid Acetyl-carnitine is also suggested to improve memory and mental alertness (This amino acid is often prescribed for Alzheimer's and senile dementia). The essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are also important for improved nerve transmission and nervous system health.

Ginkgo biloba has been shown to be effective in treating some forms of mild to moderate depression. The antidepressive effects of ginkgo biloba have been studied and in one recent study 40 elderly patients were given 80mg ginkgo biloba extract or a placebo three times per day. After 4 weeks the patients taking ginkgo biloba showed a marked reduction in the total score as measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale. The dosage for mild depression is 40 mg three times per day. Ginkgo biloba can be used with prescription antidepressants.

Ginkgo biloba is a very safe herb to use and has few side effects in long-term studies and there is no decline in its effect over time. In 44 studies, involving 9,800 patients the only side effects reported were gastrointestinal discomfort in 26 cases, headache in 7 cases and dizziness in 6 cases. These were transient and lasted a few days only. Ginkgo biloba shows no interaction with other medication and can be used with prescription drugs. Because of ginkgo's effect on blood clotting it would be wise to use less prescription anti-clotting agents such as warfarin, heparin as well as aspirin - tell your doctor and ask for your medication to be decreased. It is best to consult your health care professional if you are taking medications.

Ginkgo biloba is a valuable herb with a unique combination of chemicals which mean that is has many uses in the body. Some of these uses have been presented in this article. The range of uses is still being explored by researchers but ginkgo's effectiveness in improving circulation, brain and nervous system function, immune system and depression is well established.

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Egg Whites VS. Whole Eggs?

Eggs yolks vs. egg whites. One of the great debates when considering a healthy diet is that egg whites are healthier for you because the yolk is loaded with cholesterol and fat. So, what's the answer? Which one do you choose when eating breakfast? Which is the healthier option?

To determine the answer, let's look at 3 key factors.

Factor #1: Do you want just protein or are you interested in the nutrients as well?

One egg is about 70 calories and has 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat. The egg white portion of the egg contains about 3.5 grams of the total protein. The remaining 2.5 grams plus the 5 grams of fat are in the yolk. This is why many people opt to toss the yolk and increase the egg white because you're getting all the protein without the unnecessary fat. Although this sounds good in theory, the yolk also contains all of the nutrients. The yolk contains leucin, choline, as well as Vitamin A, D,E & B. Leucin helps the attack on visceral fat, the fat that builds around your internal organs. It also promotes muscle recovery after exercise. Choline has been shown in research to be effective in preventing memory loss, protecting the liver from accumulating fat and may even lower cholesterol. Vitamins A, D, E & B have too many benefits to list. But to touch on the most important in regard to this topic, they enhance our breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, which provides us energy. They breakdown fats and proteins, which aid the normal function of the nervous system and they promote healthy skin, hair, and eyes.[i]

Do you want less calories and less protein? Or do you want to opt for the yolk with more calories and fat but also a much higher level of nutrients, vitamins and minerals? The decision is now yours to make.

Factor #2: Cholesterol (HDL vs. LDL) or high density lipoprotein vs. low density lipoprotein

To keep this simple, LDL is the bad cholesterol because it causes the buildup of fatty deposits with in your arteries that cause heart disease. Conversely, HDL, or the good cholesterol, helps to remove the LDL from your arteries. Many studies show that eating whole eggs raises your HDL cholesterol to a higher degree than LDL thereby increasing the overall good to bad cholesterol level in your bloodstream. This is a good thing.

Cholesterol became such a big hype in the media over the past few decades because of the rise in people diagnosed with heart disease. BUT, having higher cholesterol doesn't mean you have heart disease. A Harvard study conducted on over 100,000 people concluded that egg consumption in healthy individuals did not increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Cholesterol does serve a purpose in your body and to eliminate it just because of media hype is bogus. Now that you know the difference, you are aware that as long as you are a healthy individual the increase of HDL you get by consuming egg yolks is not a bad thing after all.

Factor #3: The quality of the egg.

There are other factors to consider as well such as whether the egg is organic, whether the chickens are cage free, and what the chicken's diet consisted of. The more natural cage free chicken will have a yolk higher in omega 3 and contain more nutrients. A chicken that is raised in its natural state and allowed to eat insects and greens will have thicker shells and a deeper colored orange yolk indicating a much higher nutrient level and carotenoids. So the rule I'm proclaiming is the following. The better quality of the egg the more you should want the yolk.

Now you have an explanation of the 3 main factors to consider when choosing whether or not you want to include the yolks in your next healthy breakfast or toss them in the trash. There really is no right or wrong answer. It's merely a matter of preference. Personally, I use a combination of both and here is my recommendation. If you eat eggs everyday just eat the whites. This will limit your fat and cholesterol intake. However, you should also try and incorporate the whole egg into your diet once or twice a week to get all the other nutrients, vitamins and minerals found in the yolk. After all an egg is at the top of the super food list, and the yolk has everything to do with that.

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Celery Juice - Nutritious and Versatile

Among the many vegetable juices from which you can choose, one of the best is celery juice. Not only is it a good choice to mix with other juices, but it is a highly nutritious drink in its own right. Celery juice contains vitamins B and C, and a number of minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, sodium, sulphur, iron and calcium.

Celery juice has a calming effect, and this is thought to be due to the action of the essential oils which have a regulatory effect upon the nervous system. It is used for those suffering from insomnia. If the seeds of the plant are available, they could be added to the juice, for the essential oils which are so beneficial are also present in the seeds. The root, stem and leaves of the celery plant all contain the active ingredients of the plant, and are rich in nutrients.

Celery juice is a natural diuretic, and is an effective treatment for arthritis, gout and rheumatism. Large quantities of the juice can be consumed by patients with these conditions. It is also considered to be useful in cases of kidney stones and gallstones, and is a good treatment for those with bladder problems or those with constipation. It is also considered to be helpful for those who need to lose weight, inasmuch as it is said to reduce the craving for sweet foods, and when mixed with honey and consumed before a meal it is said to reduce the appetite.

Celery juice is used to balance the PH levels in the blood, and is extremely effective in the treatment of stomach acidity and reflux. High acidity in the body can result in degeneration of bones and joints which may be caused by consuming too much meat, too many grains or too many refined starches and sugars. Celery juice will aid in the elimination of calcium deposits before they can cause damage.

Celery juice can be used in hot climates for its cooling qualities and is an excellent drink to take if you need to replace minerals and fluid due to excessive perspiration. Celery juice is a good mixer, and is delicious when mixed with carrot juice or apple juice, and the injection of the combination of nutrients is so beneficial not just because of its inherent nutritional value, but also because of the fact that those nutrients are so readily assimilated when consumed in the form of juice. Celery juice is said to be good for the brain, and is also said to be useful in the treatment of hangovers.

The juice from the celery plant is useful as part of any detoxification programme, and is used also for the regulation of blood pressure. In ancient Greece, the juice from celery was consumed as a treatment for headaches. Don't forget to juice the leaves as well as the stems and roots, and when choosing your celery for juicing, try to choose a plant which has a nice green colour.




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Health Benefits of Kale - Why is it Good For You?

Kale is one of the most underrated foods there are in the world. Many people don't even know what it is and even those who do will not find it so easy to recognize it when they see it. This is a shame because Kale has many health benefits. Especially in today's modern world with our overall bad diet, it is important to include such superfoods as Kale in our diets on a regular basis.
Why is Kale so healthy? It has to do with all the nutrients it contains:
1. Kale contains indole-3-carbinol, a substance that can help your body fight against industrial chemicals known as Xenoestrogens that can be cancerous and also lead to increased abdominal fat storage. Kale actually helps you maintain a slim waist line.

2. 1 cup of Kale can supply you with all of your recommended daily dose of Vitamin A which is a powerful element and great for your eyes and teeth health. It takes just a tine supply of this special herb to give you this massive benefit.
3. Kale contains various sulfur rich components that were found to fight cancerous elements in your body. In various animal studies, these types of sulfur elements were found to help reduce the size of tumors in animals.
4. Kale contains vitamin C which is useful in fighting off infection and aids the healing process whenever you suffer wounds.
5. Kale is rich in vitamin B12 which helps the function of the nervous system and is important for various internal body functions.
6. Kale is a tasty addition to many dishes and salads. It's super low in calories with just 36 calories for a whole cup of the herb and so it's an excellent diet food.
7. Rich in calcium, Kale assists in maintaining bone strength and proper structure. Its high vitamin A content also helps in this respect.

8. Manganese, which is found in great quantities in Kale, is also an excellent fat burning elements as it helps in the energy production process from carbohydrates and protein.
As you can see, adding Kale to your diet can prove to be a big help to maintain proper health and even to burn some additional fat. Naturally, you won't get a six pack abs just by eating Kale but it is still an excellent addition to any healthy eating plan focused on proper health and fitness for the long term.

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The Toxic Metal - Aluminium

Aluminium is the third most common element on earth and exposure is from industrial and household uses. Aluminium sulphate is used as an additive in public water to clarify the water, when combined with fluoride it becomes very toxic and causes brain cell death.

Foods have a natural amount of aluminium in them. The ones that are mostly acidic such as, tomatoes, cranberries, rhubarb, apricots, cabbage and apples. It's also found in processed cheese, teas, herbs, spices and commercial salt. Food can absorb aluminium, from utensils, cans, foil, saucepans and containers. Baking or cooking foods in aluminium especially meat, leaches the aluminium out of the foil and into the food. It can also be found in deodorants and dye-fixing chemicals used in tanning. Aluminium in the 1970's was discovered to cause hallucinations, jerky muscles and dementia in dialysis patients where tap water was used for the dialysis. Aluminium is also a neurotoxin where it can enter the brain and nervous system and travel along the nerves to the spinal cord. Aluminium also has the ability to increase the destructive power of other types of metals in our body that we need for normal function that are otherwise not toxic to us unless it's in high doses, such as chromium and iron. Aluminium also affects myelin that surrounds the nerve sheath and therefore has an effect on people with multiple sclerosis.

Tea contains high levels of aluminium. When you squeeze lemon in your tea it increases the absorption of aluminium. The same goes for hot water with aluminium and fluoride and squeezing lemon in it. When drinking water always make sure it has been filtered well where the metals and fluoride are removed. Kegs that the beer is stored are aluminium; beer naturally also contains aluminium and is acidic so it readily leeches the aluminium out of the kegs into the beers. One important thing to remember is that acidic fruit and vegetables leech aluminium so be careful what you combine your fruit and vegetables with; for example cooking a fish in aluminium with chunks of lemon.

Aluminium has been linked with many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and ALS. Low levels of magnesium and calcium intake increases the absorption of aluminium and iron from the gut, which allows it to enter the brain. As with all other metal toxicities it has an effect on the nervous system and decreases the antioxidants network system within the body and causes cell death. To detoxify from aluminium you must first of all get rid of any aluminium you're exposed to such as cooking and eating as mentioned above, also processed foods containing glutamate such as MSG, hydrolysed vegetable proteins, soy protein extract, protein isolate as glutamine binds with the aluminium and increases its absorption. Also increase your antioxidants to combat metal toxicities.

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