Category: Health

Acai Berry Weight Loss

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Lose Weight and Look Good with the Acai Berry

We all know how hard it is to lose weight. Many of us have tried and failed in testing different ?miracle? lose weight products. But here is something that may seem new to you, but has in fact been around for many decades. This super fruit has so many great health benefits and losing weight effectively is just one of them, and this fruit is called the Acai Berry.

First and foremost, it would be highly controversial to make a claim that the acai berry is a ?miracle? fruit or superfood. It will not cure all ailments nor clear any disease instantly. One thing that is for sure is that the acai berry is a fruit that is highly nutritious and contains many compounds that will help prevent diseases, illnesses, and will help our body get healthy. The Acai berry is one of the healthiest foods that can be found in this planet.

Now with that said, there is one issue though that you may have. No there are no side effects, but its availability in its fruit form may be very hard to find. Since they perish easily and cannot be grown locally, as they are only found in the South American jungle, your local fruit shop or grocery is more than likely not to have them in stock. Fortunately though, Acai berries are usually formed into a powdery substance and freeze dried and is used in many weight loss products. They are even made into juice.

Now for the good part. To lose weight with acai berries is very viable. This small berry is packed with numerous vitamins and minerals that are associated with weight loss. They also help our muscles to grow and aid in rejuvenating our energy. Acai berries are also great sources for fiber, antioxidants, fatty acids and other nutrients. Just by ingesting or introducing acai berries to your body, you can help it to process food better and provide it with the nutrients it need even if you are on a diet and don?t eat that much. You will still be able to provide your body the nutrients that it needs to work perfectly and make it healthy.

You can do this by purchasing acai berries either fresh, if you?re lucky enough, dried, or in powder form. You can them mix them with your food as an ingredient. You may use it in making yoghurt, or maybe as a topping to your healthy low fat cereal. You can even mix it with healthy baked products such as cookies and muffins.

In its liquid form, acai berries can be made into a low fat smoothie or juice. This way you can get more of its health benefits as it is in its concentrated form.

You may even find acai berries in a capsule form. You could easily ingest the benefits that acai berries provide in this form, just make sure not to forget to make it a daily regimen.

Understanding Mental Health

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Mental health is as important as physical health. Still, millions of Americans suffer with various types of mental illness and mental health problems, such as social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and personality disorders. Mental illness and psychological disorders have good treatment options with medications, psychotherapy, or other treatments.

Mental health concerns everyone. It affects our ability to cope with and manage change, life events and transitions such as bereavement or retirement. All human beings have mental health needs, no matter what the state of their psyche. This book is written specifically for those who want to have an introduction to mental health, mental illness and mental health problems. It is written in simple language from a person that is curious about the subject and wants to share with you his research.

My curiosity about what makes certain people successful, drove me into the road of mental health. I am not an expert in the subject of mental illness ad treatments, thus before any actions to self-treat or self-diagnose your mental health status you should consult with a qualified physician who can properly diagnose and treat any potential mental illnesses. What became clear to me is that there is more to good health than just a physically healthy body: a healthy person should also have a healthy mind. A person with a healthy mind should be able to think clearly, should be able to solve the various problems faced in life, should enjoy good relations with friends, colleagues at work and family, and should feel spiritually at ease and bring happiness to others in the community.

Why should you be concerned about mental illness?

As mentioned earlier, our mental health affect how we perceive many aspects of our lives. It is an integral part of our whole health. There are many reasons why you need to be concerned about
mental illnesses.:

Because they affect us all. It is estimated that one in five of all adults will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime.
Because they are a major public health burden. Studies from nearly every corner of the world show that as much as 40% of all adults attending general health care services are suffering from some kind of mental illness.
Because they are very disabling. Even though the popular belief is that mental illnesses are less serious than physical illness, they do in fact produce severe disability. They can also cause death, as a result of suicide and accidents.

The World Health Report from the World Health Organization in 2001 found that four out of the ten
most disabling conditions in the world were mental illnesses. Depression was the most disabling disorder, ahead of anemia, malaria and all other health problems.

Because mental health services are very inadequate. Specialists spend most of their time caring for people who suffer from “severe mental disorders” (psychoses). These are quite rare, but are also the very diseases that the community associates with mental illness. Most people with the much commoner types of mental health problems, such as depression or alcohol problems, would not consult a mental health specialist.
Because mental illness leads to stigma. Most people with a mental health problem would never admit to it. Those with a mental illness are often discriminated against by the community and even their own family.
Because mental illness can be treated with simple, relatively inexpensive methods. This is the good news! It is true that many mental illnesses cannot be cured. However, many physical illnesses, such as cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis, are also not curable. Yet, much can be done to improve the quality of life of those who suffer these conditions and the same applies to mental illness.

It is important to understand mental health so we can help ourselves and our loved ones. The stigma often associated with the many forms of mental illnesses is very real. For example, many people with bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses are afraid to share their condition with other people for fear of ridicule or judgment. The stigma is so real in fact many will avoid telling friends or family of their mental condition. Many people with bipolar disorder face stigma and discomfort from well-meaning friends and family members that don’t really understand bipolar disorder. It is common for patients with bipolar disorder to feel misunderstood. Unfortunately even many health care providers carry with them a biased attitude toward bipolar patients. Many have a difficult time focusing on the real reason a person is in their office. Instead they focus on the mental health issue.

Here are some small steps patients and family members can take to help overcome the stigma associated with mental illness:

* Always accept your condition for what it is.
* Never attempt to hide your condition for fear that others will be un-accepting or misunderstand you.
* Educate friends and family. Direct them to a number of sites that help explain bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. Great reference sites include the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
* Confidently explain that one if five people suffers from some form of mental illness or another.
* Remember that you are more an insider than you realize.
* One out of every five of your friends, acquaintances or associates likely suffers from some form of mental illness. -Use support groups to help bolster your self-confidence and promote your inner peace and well-being.

Mental Health Counselling

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Mental health counselling can be an effective therapy as part of a wider treatment plan for an individual who is suffering from depression or an anxiety related disorder, or for people who have experienced a traumatic event in their lives and are finding it difficult to cope with, or for those who are struggling to deal with specific problems and issues. It is often a doctor who will recommend mental health counselling, however, many individuals will seek the services of a counsellor themselves, either by asking their doctor for advice or by approaching a counsellor directly.

What is counselling?

Basically, counselling can be described as a type of talking therapy. It is usually delivered in a safe and private setting so that the individual concerned can relax and talk openly and freely about their particular problems or issues and the emotions or feelings that can accompany them.

It is described as a talking therapy because the counsellor will listen empathetically to an individual in order to understand the situation from the individual’s point of view. In doing this a trained counsellor will be able to encourage an individual to see their situation more clearly, perhaps from a different perspective, and will be able to help them identify new ways of coping with their problems or circumstances. Counselling usually does not involve giving advice or telling someone what to do with their lives, it is more about exploring problems, identifying possible solutions and choices and obtaining clarity.

For counselling to be effective, it is essential that an element of trust develops between the counsellor and the person or persons receiving the counselling as only in this way can there be an open and free dialogue. It may take time for a person receiving counselling to lose any initial feelings of distrust, fear and embarrassment so quite often counselling will be offered over several sessions in order for a relationship to develop between the counsellor and the patient or client.

There are several types of mental health counselling services available, each drawing on its own particular theory of human psychology and development. There are also many different types of counsellors, some of who are trained to deal with a particular problem or circumstance. For example bereavement counsellors, counsellors who specialise in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, and counsellors who understand the issues surrounding drug and alcohol addiction, as well as many others.

Counselling can take place on a one to one basis, or in group sessions, face to face or over the phone. It can last for just one session, a specific block of sessions or be open ended with no time limit at all. Regardless of the particular type of mental health problem involved, the first step to recovery is recognising that there is a problem in the first place.

When mental health counselling can help

Mental health counselling can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have a tendency to repress feelings like guilt, frustration, anger, resentment, sadness and so on and who find it difficult to cope alone and who for whatever reason, perhaps do not want to discuss how they feel with their friends and family. It can help an individual to gain new insights into their own particular circumstances and problems and to achieve clarity and direction in life. Most of all it can help an individual cope and improve their quality of life.

There are numerous circumstances where someone might seek the services of a mental health counsellor or be referred for counselling by their doctor and these include but are certainly not limited to:

Relationship problems, including separation and divorce
Problems at work or financial worries, dismissal, redundancy
Physical, sexual and/or mental abuse
Bereavement
Depression and anxiety
Post natal depression
Eating disorders
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Alcohol and drug abuse
Phobias
Panic Attacks
Dealing with stress
Post traumatic stress

Finding a counsellor

In order to get the right kind of help it is important that you access the most appropriate type of counselling for you and as there are so many available options, it can be problematic if you decide to go it alone.

In the first instance, it would be advisable to speak to your doctor as he or she will be able to take into consideration your full medical history before recommending any particular type of therapy or counsellor. If you decide to seek the services of a trained counsellor independently, it is up to you to check out the cost and the credentials of any potential counsellor before you start.

Many voluntary organisations have counsellors and there are numerous private counsellors advertising in the press, phone books and on the Internet. However, you can find an accredited counsellor from the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy website at www.bacp.co.uk or from the National Board for Certified Counsellors at www.nbcc.org if you live in the USA

Drug Patents Are Good For Our Health

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Miles White, Chairman and CEO of Abbott Laboratories recently wrote about the importance of drug patents for the future of medicine. He began by talking about a case settled by Abbott and the South American country of Brazil. Brazil felt that the price of Abbotts AIDS medication Kaletra, the most widely used AIDS medication, was too high and patients could not afford it. They were threatening to break Abbotts patent and produce a generic version locally in order to treat more patients. The two sides reached an agreement as Abbott agreed to significantly reduce the price per patient and the government agreed to honor the patent.

White points out that while this situation ended well for both parties involved, this issue should not be forgotten. He writes, we cannot let the agreement end discussion of the ideas involved; it is essential that we consider their implications so as to avoid situations that might not be so fortunately resolved. What hangs in the balance is how the world will continue to develop the medicines it needs.

He also writes about the need for a balance to exist between innovation and access to medicine:

The negotiation raised a well-worn chorus of criticisms of the patent system, but failed to address the underlying question: how would our society continue to progress without it? The problem is that our global needs and global systems are in conflict. This threatens to harm one goal, innovation, in the name of another, access to medicine. Access is the goal the world cares about and one taken seriously by innovator companies (those that conduct research and development of new medicines) that have made significant contributions to this end across the developing world – from building healthcare infrastructure in Africa, to drastic price cuts that have benefited a wide range of countries, including Brazil. But it must be recognized that access is inseparable from innovation: without access, innovation is meaningless; without innovation, there is nothing to have access to.

White concludes by quoting President Abraham Lincoln, The patent system added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius. The patent system exists so that innovation can continue. So scientists discoveries are protected.

Fruits And Vegetables Health Benefits By Rainbow Color

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Ever wonder what the health benefits of all those colorful fruits and vegetables you are eating really are? Fresh whole foods are full of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and many other nutrients that are essential for ultimate health. There are so many beautiful colors of produce out there and each color has its own set of health promoting nutrients. It is vital to consume the full spectrum of colors to get the most nutrients to protect your overall health.

Red Fruit and Vegetables

The most notable nutrients found in red fruits and vegetables are lycopene and anthocyanins. There are many thousands of other beneficial nutrients as well and create some pretty impressive health benefits for your body.

Some health benefits of consuming lots of red produce include reducing the risk of cancer and free radical damage. There have been studies that have shown red produce lowers the risk of prostate cancer, lowers blood pressure, inhibits tumor growth, lowers LDL cholesterol levels, and supports joint tissue.

Red fruit and vegetables include red peppers, cranberries, tomatoes, pomegranates, apples, strawberries, raspberries, red cabbage, cherries, guava, and watermelon.

Orange Fruit and Vegetables

Carotenoids and citrus bioflavonoids are the most popular nutrients found in orange produce. Orange produce has shown to improve brain function, decrease muscle cramps, lower cancer risk, lower heart disease risk, and increase the efficiency of your immune system.

Some examples of these orange fruits and vegetables are pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mango, carrots, cantaloupe, tangerines, and oranges.

Yellow Fruit and Vegetables

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two big nutrients found in yellow fruits and vegetables with the most notable benefit being the decrease risk of macular degeneration and they overall protect your eyes from damage. They can also increase your energy levels and your immune system.

Some yellow fruits and vegetables are corn, pineapple, yellow peppers, lemons, yellow apples, and pears.

Green Fruit and Vegetables

Chlorophyll is the major nutrient in that green color you find in fruits and vegetables. Green produce has been shown to lower cancer risk, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, free radical damage, and improve your vision and immune system.

There is lettuce, kiwi, artichokes, asparagus, limes, Brussels sprouts, avocado, spinach, kale, peas, green beans, green peppers, green apples, zucchini, and broccoli that fall under the green produce category.

Blue and Purple Fruit and Vegetables

The vast array of health benefits found with blue and purple fruit and vegetables range from improving the immune system, digestion, and lowering inflammation in the body to lowering LDL cholesterol levels, tumor growth, and risk of cancer. The main nutrients that give these fruits and vegetables their color and some health benefits are resveratrol, proanthocyanidin, and anthocyanidin.

What are some blue and purple fruit and vegetables that you can start eating for these health benefits? Blue and purple produce options include raisins, plums, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, eggplant, and pruns.

White Fruit and Vegetables

Anthoxanthins are health beneficial nutrients found in white produce. With this color of fruit and vegetables come some great health benefits of lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, stomach cancer risk, and overall heart disease risk. Onions, potatoes, leeks, bananas, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, and many nuts and seeds are great examples of white fruit and vegetables that give you many nutrients.

The key to ultimate health is getting a variety of fruits and vegetables and eating the full spectrum of the rainbow. Each color has its own beneficial nutrients and should have a place in a healthy plant based diet. A diet high in nutrients and lower in nutrient-poor foods is the key to longevity and health.