Learn Everything about My Fatty Liver Journey

So many years have passed since I have been diagnosed with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome that I have even almost forgot about this blog, which was an extremely useful source for me to keep on going, to keep on researching and in the end manage to deal with my IBS problems. Which, for most of the year, are kept under control, even though I can't say that I have completely managed to cure myself.

However, now, years after being diagnosed with the problem that was the foundation of this blog, I have a new and scary condition: a fatty liver. Non alcoholic fatty liver disease, to be more specific and, just as it happened when I was first diagnosed with IBS, I got pretty scared.

And then I started to do the research, finding out more and more about the fatty liver, how to reverse it or at least try and what kind of lifestyle changes one has to undertake in order to reverse this horrible condition which, even though not dangerous as-is, can lead to some potentially life threatening problems.

And this is how I have started my Fatty Liver Diary blog - a blog where, just as I did here, I will talk about my trip to get cured of my NAFLD, offer tips and tricks regarding the diet one should try and share what works - and what doesn't - for me.

I have decided to create the blog because I found that information on the fatty liver - which is a condition that grows in unwanted popularity due to our modern lifestyles - was scarce and on many occasions contradictory. So I decided that the best thing to do in order to help myself and the others suffering from this condition is to create my own place where I will share what I know it works because I have tested it on me. I am no medic, but with so many years reading about various conditions and diseases and fighting them off myself, I believe that I have a better understanding on things than the regular person. And even though I knew nothing about Fatty Liver, hours of research and tons of books read have resulted in me  learning a lot of secrets and interesting things about this.

So if you are suffering from a fatty liver and you're curious to find out what's my take on this, as well as follow my progress and journey to a Happy, Healthy Liver (see what I did here?) make sure to follow the link above and check out my Fatty Liver Diary.

Stay healthy!

Fat Loss Program that Cleans Your Colon Like a Brush

I have searched for tons of programs that cleanse your colon and that are also not scams and I only found a few of these and shared my experiences with you already: Dr.Natura's Colonix was good, the Master Cleanse was great and that should be enough for us all to be healthy.

But wait! If you want to try something else and especially if you want to lose some weight while performing your annual colon cleansing, then you have to check this out: the so-called Top Secret Fat Loss diet is, despite its silly name, a great diet and a perfect colon detox program written by well-known Dr Suzanne Gudakunst.

Unlike other colon cleansing programs that don't really care about the general health of your colon, this one not only helps you cleanse it, but also helps you get rid of parasites and worms that LIVE in your colon right now and are, of course, very harmful for your health. Check out some really disgusting images that actually show you what's inside your colon right now:

I am sure you want to get rid of those and you should act now! You will feel a lot better, pain will go away, you will lose weight... it's basically everything you have dreamed of and never did. It's your lucky day.

So please, for the sake of your health, head over to the official site of this colon cleansing/weight loss diet and check it out for more details and then take a few minutes to think about it and decide if you should start it or not. I hope you'll make the right decision!

Stay healthy!

Learn About the Bio Colon Cleansing with the Master Cleanse Diet

If you are just like me into colon cleansing and colon health, it's not the first time you have heard about the Master Cleanse diet, a program that indeed manages to completely detox your colon in a BIO fashion, put you in a better shape, reduce pain and even help you lose some weight in the process!

Basically a simple diet, the Master Cleanse Diet is easy to follow and it's completely BIO since it's main ingredient is a homemade lemonade made of the following ingredients:

* 2 Tablespoons of organic lemon juice
* 2 Tablespoons of organic grade B maple syrup
* 1/10 Teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
* 10 oz of filtered water

However, as it happens usually with most of the colon cleansing and body detox programs, the Master Cleanse is also a difficult diet to follow and simply knowing the recipe of the lemonade won't do anything for you - you need help from somebody who can prepare you mentally for the diet. And that's when the Master Cleanse Book comes into play and it's extremely useful!

This amazing book teaches you how to follow the diet for 10 days only (most other sites tell you to follow it for more, up to 40 days, but that's plain insane especially since deficiency of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the regimen don't make it a diet to follow for so long) and also helps you understand the whole program. In other words, it's exactly what you need for a bio colon cleansing and whole body detox and it comes a lot cheaper than any other supplements or diets that you might have tried!

Add to that the fact that celebrities like Beyonce or Robin Quivers followed this Master Cleanse diet and were simply amazed by the results and I think you have enough reasons to try it for yourself.

So my quest here is over now and I only hope that you will at least visit the official website of this book and read to find out more before deciding what could be a huge step towards a better health and a happier colon.

Don't forget to share your thoughts about this diet if you try it in the comment section below!

New Liquid Dietary Supplement Containing High Potency Antioxidant

Resveratrol is an all-natural plant derived antioxidant found in red wine that has been shown to have many beneficial properties in clinical tests. The benefits of resveratrol include helping prevent cancer, lowering blood sugar, and acting as an anti-inflammatory. In a recent report on 60 Minutes, David Sinclair, a biochemist from Harvard, told Morley Safer that resveratrol "could potentially slow down aging itself."

Pulsate Plus contains the equivalent amount of this powerful antioxidant that you'd find in a whole bottle of red wine, allowing you to experience the benefits of resveratrol without side effects like intoxication or headache. Pulsate Plus also contains a wealth of other beneficial nutrients, including soluble fiber, B vitamins, potassium and magnesium. This exclusive formula combines some of the best ingredients to promote cardiac health, boost the immune system, improve mood and enhance energy in a single tasty supplement with no added sugar or saturated fat.

Pulsate Plus fits well into the stable of Rawleigh products because it adheres to the Rawleigh standard of strength, quality and value. Pulsate Plus is safe for long term use when used as directed. To purchase Pulsate Plus and take advantage of the benefits of resveratrol, visit http://www.rawleigh-products.com.

Doctor's Natural Nutritional Supplements Now Available in the UK & Ireland

Since its establishment in 1989, Doctor's Natural has seen its customer base steadily increase by over 20 percent annually. Its nutritional supplements have been taken by more than 96,000 women, men and children.

Doctor's Natural immense success in the Scandinavian market due to the quality of its ingredients and ground-breaking results has prompted its initiative into the United Kingdom & Ireland.

Presently over 40 percent of UK residents take nutritional supplements and as a result of increased demand, this figure is projected to grow substantially in the coming years.

A major reason for Doctor's Natural success is that it offers what no other nutritional company does: a medical hotline that guides customers so that they purchase the right products for their specific needs.

Dr. Bo Nielson, Founder and CEO of Doctor's Natural, says: "With so many nutritional supplements on the market, most people buy the wrong ones because they don't really know what they need and what to take. More importantly, people don't have access to professional advice that will help them make the right decisions. Our medical hotline solves that problem.

"Our polluted environment and hectic lifestyle are demanding that we pay even more attention to our health. We offer 100 percent natural supplements that are very effective and evidence-based. Our customers are highly satisfied and confident in their choice. They know that the supplements they are taking work and are backed by scientific studies," he concluded.

Birgitte Mogelvang, a Doctor's Natural medical advisor, says: "What most people don't realise is that nutritional supplements work differently from one person to another and this has a lot to do with lifestyle, gender, age and whether they are looking to treat or prevent a certain health condition or simply maintain overall health. Years of research has allowed us to develop highly personalised treatment packages based on these factors. Our website (www.doctorsnatural.com) is a resource where people can find exactly what they want and need."

Doctor's Natural nutritional supplements are developed by medical professionals and manufactured in the EU in accordance with the highest HACCP and GMP pharmaceutical standards. The company delivers to homes or offices with no shipping costs or hidden fees.

Mercy Healthy Weight Solutions Opens New Office At Mercy Fairfield HealthPlex

n support of the vital link between healthy weight and fitness, Mercy Healthy Weight Solutions has opened the doors to a new office at the Mercy Fairfield HealthPlex (located at 3050 Mack Road).

As the area's most complete weight loss program, Mercy Healthy Weight Solutions has been seeing patients at its current office on Winton Road since the program began in early 2008.

The program's wide range of services includes medical and surgical weight loss, nutrition, counseling, and fitness - including a six month membership to the Mercy HealthPlex of their choice and a Wellness Coach to facilitate their fitness plan.

Obesity rates in the United States continue to rise, and with them are increased risks for serious conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and sleep apnea. Fortunately, many of these health risks can be addressed and even eliminated through healthy weight loss. "The health effects of massive weight loss are dramatic," said Dr. Northup, "More than 88% of obese type 2 diabetics who have gastric bypass surgery are seeing complete resolution of the disease and elimination of all medication within days of the procedure."

Free patient information sessions are being held regularly for anyone who is interested.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, describes the growth of bacteria that sets processes into motion that eventually destroy tissue surrounding the teeth. Seventy-five percent or more of Americans over 35 have some degree of gum disease. At later stages of gum disease, tooth loss is a frequent consequence. Additionally, gum disease can impact far more than dental health. According to the American Dental Association, "There is evidence that bacteria in the mouth which are associated with gum disease may be linked to heart disease, artery blockages and stroke."

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease symptoms can be are subtle, but warning signs are usually present. They include:

• Bleeding gums during and after brushing teeth
• Red, puffy or sore gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Shifting teeth or loose teeth

The following steps are key to avoiding gum disease:

1. Brush your gums -- Massage your gums daily in small circles where each tooth is embedded in the gum to promote circulation and remove bacteria. Finish by lightly brushing the top and bottom gums, both on the inside and outside, with your regular fluoride toothpaste.

2. Rinse with a fluoride rinse - If you're drinking water contains fluoride, you can skip this step. If not, rinse for one minute with a fluoride rinse. The rinse will help reduce the number of bacteria present.

3. Floss every day - Even though you sometimes can't see the particles in and around your teeth, flossing gets rid of them, and serves to prevent infection. Measure out about 18 inches of floss, wrap the ends around each forefinger and grasp with the thumb. Push it up and down between teeth and along the sides of the teeth. Slide into a clean section of floss with each tooth you clean.

4. Rinse with a quality mouthwash -- Ask your dentist to recommend a low-alcohol, non-irritating brand. High alcohol can aggravate the mouth, and some believe it leads to oral cancer. A good mouthwash kills bacteria in the mouth.

5. Don't smoke or drink heavily -- Higher incidences of gum disease and oral cancer exist in smokers and drinkers. Drinking and smoking can also contribute to yellowing of teeth. Chew sugarless gum instead.

6. Get routine, professional dental cleanings - Despite your best solo efforts, you can't prevent gum disease entirely on your own. In-home dental care just can't clean to the degree that a dental office cleaning can. Also, your dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease that you might miss and take steps to halt further progression.

SOURCE: Drs. Lesueur and Dodaro

Which conditions can cause gastro-oesophageal reflux?

In the previous post, I have talked to you about gastro-oesophageal reflux, now it's time to see who contributes to the problems. In many cases, the disorder cannot be attributed to any specific cause but the following conditions can contribute to the problem.

Hiatus hernia
The stomach pokes through the diaphragm, preventing the muscle fibres of the diaphragm from closing the lower end of the oesophagus. The oesophagus remains wide open which allows stomach acid to get into the oesophagus.

Overweight
If the person is overweight the excessive fat in the abdominal cavity increases the pressure inside it. This causes the contents of the stomach to travel up into the gullet. Loss of weight reduces stomach acid reflux.

Pregnancy
Because the uterus increases in size during pregnancy, it presses on the stomach, creating higher pressure inside it, which increases the tendency to reflux. In addition, hormonal changes lead to relaxation of the oesophageal sphincter during pregnancy.

Meals
The more the stomach is stretched by food, the higher the tendency to reflux. The tendency is also increased by eating fatty meals as fat delays gastric emptying. Try to avoid large rich meals, particularly in the evening and this will reduce the tendency to reflux.

Foods
Chocolate, peppermint, coffee, fruit juices, sour, hot spicy food and alcohol and over eating prevent the oesophageal sphincter from working properly.

Tobacco
Tobacco prevents the oesophageal sphincter from working in order, reduces the rate at which the stomach empties and increases stomach acid production.

Constipation
Constipation increases the tendency to reflux by raising pressure inside the stomach cavity.

Lying down
The tendency to reflux increases when you are lying down. This is just due to gravity. A simple way to change that is to use a pillow under the mattress or to raise the head of your bed by 3 inches with blocks or a house brick under the bed frame.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorders diagnosed?
The symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux may be so obvious that no tests are needed. There are others scary test as well but we dont advise to do.
If the doctor is in doubt, or if the symptoms are very troublesome, a gastroscopy will be considered. During the procedure oesophagitis, hiatus hernias, peptic ulcers and other conditions can be either found or ruled out.

Another possibility is to measure the acidity in the lower end of the oesophagus during a 24-hour period. This will give an indication of how often and how long the reflux episodes last.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux can resemble those of a peptic ulcer, chest pains (angina pectoris), muscle pains, back problems, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, pancreatic disease etc. These conditions will sometimes have to be ruled out before the diagnosis can be made.

On Gastro-oesophageal reflux

What is gastro-oesophageal reflux?
If heartburn begins to occur on a daily basis you need to see your Physician for advise.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a condition where the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular ring at the lower end of the oesophagus) is abnormally relaxed and allows the stomach's acidic contents to flow back or 'reflux' into the gullet (oesophagus). It can also cause heartburn and pain in the chest. Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a common condition and the most frequent cause of indigestion in the world.

Oesophagitis
Oesophagitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the oesophagus caused by repeated episodes of gastro-oesophageal reflux.

The symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux oesophagitis?

A painful or burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest, sometimes radiating to the back (heartburn). The acid reflux may reach the pharynx (throat) and mouth. It is sour and may burn. A small number of patients have difficulties breathing and suffer from hoarseness because the refluxed fluid irritates the larynx and respiratory tract. Excess belching is common.

When does gastro-oesophageal reflux occur?
Symptoms typically occur after over eating a large or fatty meal or drinking alcohol. Lying down, bending over or bending and lifting can all cause reflux. It is made worse by smoking.

The frequency with which the symptoms occur varies. For most people, they are rare but weekly and daily episodes of refluxes are not uncommon sometimes even 10 times a day.

Does gastro-oesophageal reflux affect your health?
It is an unpleasant condition that can have a big influence on your lifestyle. Many people feel that their quality of life is lowered by the symptoms. Prolonged exposure to refluxed acid leads to oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus). Long-standing oesophagitis may be complicated by the formation of scar tissue that contracts and results in a narrowing (stricture) in the affected part of the oesophagus. This can make it difficult or even impossible to swallow. It is a serious condition that requires urgent assessment and treatment, but, fortunately, this complication is relatively rare. It can cause ulceration leading to bleeding and an iron deficiency, which may develop into anaemia due to a chronic blood loss.

Bulimia: What is bulimia and who becomes bulimic

WHAT IS BULIMIA?

Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder. It is often called just bulimia. A person with bulimia eats a lot of food in a short amount of time. This is called binging. The person may fear gaining weight after a binge. Binging also can cause feelings of shame and guilt. So, the person tries to "undo" the binge by getting rid of the food. This is called purging. Purging might be done by:

* making yourself throw up
* taking laxatives- pills or liquids that speed up the movement of food through your body and lead to a bowel movement
* exercising a lot
* eating very little or not at all
* taking water pills to urinate

WHO BECOMES BULIMIC?

Many people think that only young, upper-class, white females get eating disorders. It is true that many more women than men have bulimia. In fact, 9 out of 10 people with bulimia are women. But bulimia can affect anyone: Men, older women, and women of color can become bulimic. It was once thought that women of color were protected from eating disorders by their cultures. These cultures tend to be more accepting of all body sizes. But research shows that as women of color are more exposed to images of thin women, they are more likely to get eating disorders. African-American, Latina, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian and Alaska Native women can become bulimic.

On The Irritable Bowel Syndrome: stuff to remember

To everybody suffering of irritable bowel syndrome, there are some things to keep in mind when dealing with it:

#IBS is a disorder that interferes with the normal functions of the colon. The symptoms are crampy abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

#IBS is a common disorder found more often in women than men.

#People with IBS have colons that are more sensitive and reactive to things that might not bother other people, such as stress, large meals, gas, medicines, certain foods, caffeine, or alcohol.

#IBS is diagnosed by its signs and symptoms and by the absence of other diseases.

#Most people can control their symptoms by taking medicines such as laxatives, antidiarrhea medicines, antispasmodics, or antidepressants; reducing stress; and changing their diet.

#IBS does not harm the intestines and does not lead to cancer. It is not related to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

How Does Stress Affect IBS?

Stress is one of the factors which affect the bowel and can cause quite some damage in many areas. If you are wondering how can stress affect the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), we have some answers!

Stress (feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry, or overwhelmed) can stimulate colon spasms in people with IBS. The colon has many nerves that connect it to the brain. Like the heart and the lungs, the colon is partly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which responds to stress. These nerves control the normal contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. People often experience cramps or “butterflies” when they are nervous or upset. In people with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress. Stress makes the mind more aware of the sensations that arise in the colon, making the person perceive these sensations as unpleasant.

Some evidence suggests that IBS is affected by the immune system, which fights infection in the body. The immune system is affected by stress. For all these reasons, stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS. Stress management options include:

* stress reduction (relaxation) training and relaxation therapies such as meditation
* counseling and support
* regular exercise such as walking or yoga
* changes to the stressful situations in your life
* adequate sleep

What is and how to treat Enteric ganglionitis?

Enteric ganglionitis refers to an inflammatory neuropathy caused by paraneoplastic (including lung small-cell carcinoma, thymoma, and breast cancer), infectious (i.e., Chagas’ disease), or neurological (i.e., encephalomyeloneuropathy) means; connective tissue disorders (i.e., scleroderma); and inflammatory bowel diseases (i.e., ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), although some cases are idiopathic.

Enteric ganglionitis can occur throughout the alimentary tract and is associated with degeneration and functional impairment of enteric neurons. These alterations ultimately result in impaired gut motility and transit. Depending on the segment of the gastrointestinal tract that is involved, the clinical manifestations of enteric ganglionitis include esophageal and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysmotility, gastroparesis and intractable vomiting in the stomach, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and megacolon in the intestine. Recent data suggest that enteric ganglionitis in the small intestine can be identified in patients with severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Treatment of Enteric ganglionitis:

* Once the diagnosis of an inflammatory neuropathy is established, usually steroids such as prednisolone at doses of 60–100 mg/day, methylprednisolone (up to 600 mg/day), or beclomethasone (200 µg three times daily), alone or combined with other immunosuppressive therapy (azathioprine or cyclophosphamide), can dramatically improve the clinical picture.

PLEASE NOTE: This is just a suggested treatment. NEVER take it for granted and ALWAYS consult your medic before taking any pills for ANY disease!

General Facts about IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

* IBS is one of the most common functional disorders seen in gastroenterological practice.
* It is characterized by abdominal pain/discomfort associated with bowel habit disturbances, bloating, and other symptoms usually defined as unrelated to any organic abnormality.

Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome:
IBS investigators have identified a set of symptoms that provide physicians with guidelines toward a diagnosis of IBS. These are called the Rome Criteria.

The Rome criteria:
1. Continuous or recurrent symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort that
A) may be relieved with defecation,
B) may be associated with a change in frequency, or
C) May be associated with a change in the consistency of stools.

2. Two or more of the following are present at least 25 percent of the time:
A) Altered stool frequency (greater than 3 bowel movement per day or less than 3 bowel movements per week)
B) Altered stool form (hard or loose watery stools or poorly formed stools)
C) Passage of mucous stools
D) Bloating (feeling of abdominal distention)

Many patients experience other symptoms that are consistent with irritable bowel syndrome. However, the Rome criteria do assist researchers and clinicians by correlating and describing symptoms uniformly.

Other important factors are the presence or absence of pain at night, gastrointestinal bleeding, fevers, chills, sweats, weight loss, etc. The presence of these types of symptoms suggest alternative diagnoses. These complaints do not exclude an underlying diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome but suggest other diagnoses that may have other treatments. Thus, IBS may be coexistent with other acute or chronic gastrointestinal illnesses.

Lab diagnosis (for physicians, students):

* patients with IBS have an increased number of inflammatory cells in the ileum and colorectum. These inflammatory cells have been documented to be closely apposed to nerves supplying the intestinal mucosa and to release a wide array of inflammatory mediators, thus providing a morphological basis for the hypothesis that inflammation may perturb gut sensorimotor function.
* The cause of the low-grade intestinal inflammatory response is as yet unknown and may involve a number of factors, including, for example, undiagnosed food allergies, changes in bacterial microflora, genetic factors (polymorphism leading to decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine synthesis), or bile acid malabsorption.
* A peculiar form of IBS has been related to a previous episode of acute gastroenteritis (i.e., postinfectious IBS).

Better Off for Slacking Off? Yoga2You Supplies Relaxation Therapy for 2009 Health and Wealth

Yoga2You's essential relaxation therapy, 10 Minutes of Stress Relief, helps to center and rejuvenate. Now, this easy-to-follow relaxation therapy is available as a CD or Digital Download, priced so that anyone who is stressed can afford to buy it.

Taking time to slack, or relax, for ten minutes a day does wonders. And new scientific findings show that "taking ten" or regular time-outs for long term relaxation therapy, also helps the body to sleep better and defend itself in unseen ways against toxic stresses.

Your mother may have called television the boob tube, but believe it or not, when it comes to the relaxation response, you're still using your brain to engage and watchWhen we relax in ways that use our brain, whether in front of a TV, reading a good book, or surfing the Internet, it doesn't elicit the relaxation response which is attained through activities that rest the thinking mind.After a hard day's work, I like to listen to the CD before going to bed. It relaxes me completely. It is like having a private Yoga Instructor with me at all times.Yoga2You Relaxation Therapy Provides Essential Relaxation TechniquesYoga2You Relaxation Therapy Provides Essential Relaxation Techniques

Does vegging out in front of the TV, having a glass of wine or a smoke count? Not quite, and here's why: recent scientific research shows that achieving the "deep relaxation response" is what helps the body's immune system build key defenses against stress. Even during sleep, the brain is at work.

"Your mother may have called television the boob tube, but believe it or not, when it comes to the relaxation response, you're still using your brain to engage and watch," explains yoga teacher Saraswati, creator and vocal artist for 10 Minutes of Stress Relief. "When we relax in ways that use our brain, whether in front of a TV, reading a good book, or surfing the Internet, it doesn't elicit the relaxation response which is attained through activities that rest the thinking mind."

Specifically, relaxation techniques, repetitive prayer, and varied forms of meditation are what scientists found influence the genetic activity that makes cellular defense against stress more effective. At a cost of just over a penny a day for the single download, or three cents a day for the CD, and just ten minutes, improved health and reduced stress has just become simpler than ever. 10 Minutes of Stress Relief is the perfect staple for anyone's relaxation toolbox.

One of the challenges of sticking to any New Year's resolution whether it be an exercise routine, increased work productivity, or taking ten minutes to relax or meditate can be finding the time, the focus, sometimes the companionship. 10 Minutes of Stress Relief makes the most of those preciously carved ten minutes while serving as a kind of buddy or relaxation coach, the on-call companion for sticking to 2009 program of improved stress management in meeting today's lifestyle challenges.

As one fan of Saraswati's relaxation therapy wrote, "After a hard day's work, I like to listen to the CD before going to bed. It relaxes me completely. It is like having a private Yoga Instructor with me at all times."

Susan Lark, MD Urges Women to Fight for Their Right to Use Bioidentical Hormones

Susan Lark, MD, noted medical researcher and women's health practitioner, is urging women to continue waging a battle against the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) steps to limit their access to bioidentical hormones. Most recently, the FDA sent warning letters to several pharmacies that sell bioidentical hormones, saying that the claims these pharmacies make about the safety and effectiveness of bioidentical hormones are "unsupported by medical evidence, and are considered false and misleading...""I am very concerned that the FDA took this step. Limiting access to bioidenticals could create a potentially disastrous scenario for the millions of women in this country who have entered menopause and depend on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for their health, comfort, and well-being," says Dr. Lark.

The research demonstrating the danger and side effects of conventional HRT is strong and convincing. The risk of life-threatening diseases such as breast cancer and heart attacks has been definitively shown to be much greater with conventional HRT. Many women also do not tolerate conventional HRT because of its numerous side effects. In contrast, bioidentical hormones have provided women with a much safer and effective option. There are far fewer health risks and side effects with bioidentical hormones.Dr. Lark urges women to call their state representatives or the FDA (1-888-463-6332) to relay their concerns and desires to keep bioidentical hormones readily available. It is crucial that women continue to have a choice in the management of their menopausal symptoms, and bioidentical hormones are the safest choice available.

unsupported by medical evidence, and are considered false and misleading...I am very concerned that the FDA took this step. Limiting access to bioidenticals could create a potentially disastrous scenario for the millions of women in this country who have entered menopause and depend on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for their health, comfort, and well-beingDr. Lark has devoted her career to raising awareness of women's health issues, such as PMS, obesity, hormone replacement therapy and osteoporosis. She pioneered the use of women's self-care treatments based on diet, nutrition, exercise and stress management, and has penned twelve books on women's health and healing. Her most recent title is Hormone Revolution.

Her monthly newsletter, Women's Wellness Today, and her web site, www.drlark.com, are dedicated to educating and empowering women to make the best choices for optimum health and beauty. Online visitors may sign up for Dr. Lark's free biweekly e-newsletter, which presents breaking health and beauty news along with lifestyle tips, easy recipes and simple exercises for health and beauty.

Healthy Directions, LLC is the recognized leader in providing authoritative health and beauty solutions to consumers. In addition to producing online resources and publishing newsletters, Healthy Directions, LLC encompasses its subsidiary, Doctors' Preferred, Inc. (DPI), a vitamin and nutritional supplement business that markets primarily through direct mail. Located in the Greater Washington, D.C., area, Healthy Directions, LLC (www.healthydirections.com) is a leading publisher in America. The company provides quality products and services for the health and beauty marketplaces.

Workplace Creativity Activated by Reflexology, Chair Massage

Reflexology and Aromatherapy increase the positive impacts of chair massage in the workplace through improved cognitive and creative abilities. Corporations seeking to improve workplace morale and enhance the health and productivity of employees are turning to workplace massage. This modest benefit is now being considered more often by companies large and small to keep staff performing at their best, especially during the recent economic upheaval and related stresses.

When coupled with the time-honored techniques of reflexology and aromatherapy, workplaces offering chair massage receive immediate benefits. Employers often report a palpable improvement in company morale as well as a measurable up tick in efficiency and anecdotes indicating above average levels of creative problem solving.

Stress is a leading cause of lost productivity in the workplace and in these uncertain times, it can easily overwhelm and interfere with someone's personal and professional responsibilities. I believe it is an attractive choice for companies of all sizes that want a healthy and high value benefit that goes beyond donuts and bagels.We had 2 therapists offering aromatherapy and they were a huge hit. Everyone I heard from felt the aromatherapy was beneficialAromas share a deep connection with brain function and when combined with therapeutic touch, they can be a powerful force in shaping mood and calming anxiety Brandon Thomas, founder of JoyLife Therapeutics, underscores the importance of touch therapy in today's corporate landscape. "Stress is a leading cause of lost productivity in the workplace and in these uncertain times, it can easily overwhelm and interfere with someone's personal and professional responsibilities. I believe it is an attractive choice for companies of all sizes that want a healthy and high value benefit that goes beyond donuts and bagels."

Workplace chair massage is performed in a short, concentrated session, lasting as long as a typical coffee break. The massage station requires a small amount of space, allowing any empty office or corner to be transformed into a relaxing and rejuvenating retreat. Workers receiving massage in the workplace report experiencing immediate relief from pain associated with repetitive stress injuries and poor posture, an enhanced sense of well-being and improved mental clarity.

Haynes & Boone an international corporate law firm recently brought in Dallas chair massage therapists who also used aromatherapy during their 15 minute chair massage sessions. "We had 2 therapists offering aromatherapy and they were a huge hit. Everyone I heard from felt the aromatherapy was beneficial," said Jennifer Asbury-Hughes, in Human Resources at the Dallas headquarters.

Researchers at the Touch Research Institute have proven increased immune functioning, decreased stress and stress hormone levels and decreased perception of pain all as a result of receiving massage. Office massage is performed on the upper body and back and is complimented by the ancient healing technique of reflexology, which applies pressure to key points of the foot, encouraging the corresponding parts of the body to restore natural function. Reflexology purports to impart many benefits, including stress relief, improved cell and organ function, increased efficacy of waste and toxin removal as well as promoting the body's self-healing mechanisms.

Aromatherapy has also been valued for thousands of years for its physiological, psychological and pharmaceutical benefits. Oils are carefully chosen for their therapeutic properties and specifically blended to suit the individual needs of each client. These blends are used in conjunction with specialized massage techniques to enhance mood, boost creativity and stimulate immune system function.

Studies by the Touch Research Institute have shown increased elevated mood and improved alertness and computational abilities. "Aromas share a deep connection with brain function and when combined with therapeutic touch, they can be a powerful force in shaping mood and calming anxiety," says JoyLife Therapeutics founder, Alana Burman.

Companies are shifting to a more proactive approach regarding employee wellness and are organizing in-house wellness programs designed to help workers stay informed and take charge of their personal health. HR departments are recognizing the benefits of regular use of alternative therapies including corporate chair massage, aromatherapy and reflexology to help maximize the profitability of their organizations as a whole.

Consumers Discover Natural Ingredients In "Athletic Soap" To Be Effective During Cold & Flu Season

Defense Soap is more than an athletic soap… It's a first line of defense against a lot of skin issues... including MRSA, ringworm, herpes and impetigo Now, consumers who are concerned about cold & flu season have found a new use for this soap. One of the main active ingredients in Defense Soap is the natural essential oil Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil. Eucalyptus oil has powerful and antimicrobial properties. The natural healing powers of eucalyptus have been widely known among holistic health practitioners for thousands of years. The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS), which is the official compendium for Homeopathic Drugs in the U.S. and is recognized by the FDA, recognizes eucalyptus oil for these benefits. Though much less significant than it's antimicrobial properties it seems the oil's potent aromatic attributes helps to open airway passages --allowing users to breathe easier. Combining the powers of Eucalyptus Oil with Defense Soap's other natural essential oils like Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil --which is also thought to combat the skin-dwelling bacteria that are involved in causing infections--creates a sense of well being and at the same time works to keep the natural skin flora in balance. In practice, it is generally agreed that healthy skin is better prepared to utilize it's natural immunities to fight off germs.

"Defense Soap is more than an athletic soap… It's a first line of defense against a lot of skin issues... including MRSA, ringworm, herpes and impetigo", says Guy Sako, the inventor of Defense Soap.

Since Defense Soap uses only pharmaceutical grade natural essential oils so it's less harsh on the skin's healthy bacteria. There are no dyes or harsh chemicals. The ingredients in Defense Soap have undergone rigorous clinically testing.

Alternative Medicine: What is Holistic Gynecology

Holistic medicine is an alternative branch of gynecology that uses massage, nutrition, biofeedback, acupuncture, herbs and other natural therapies to treat a variety of gynecological conditions. Holistic gynecologists believe that every person is a unique individual, rather than an example of a particular disease. Conditions like infertility, premenstrual syndrome (or PMS), menopause, HPV (human papillomavirus), and others – are understood to be the result of physical, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental imbalance. For that reason, most holistic gynecologists perform a thorough evaluation of a patient's diet, exercise habits, health history, occupation, family and life history. And, as strange as this might sound or as hard you might find it to believe in the 21st century, it usually works!

That is because many of the aforementioned gynecological and sexological problems or others like urine incontinence, chronic pelvic pains, vulvodynia, and lack of lust, excitement, and orgasm are resistant to standard medical treatment. Holistic Gynecology believes that vaginal acupressure, or Hippocratic pelvic massage, can help some of these problems. Technically, it is a very simple procedure as it corresponds to the explorative phase of the standard pelvic examination, supplemented with the patient's report on the feelings it provokes and the processing and integration of these feelings.
Such procedures helped patients to become present in their pelvis and to integrate old traumas with painful emotions. Holistic gynecology and sexology can help the patient to identify and let go of negative feelings, beliefs, and attitudes related to sex, gender, sexual organs, body, and soul at large. Shame, guilt, helplessness, fear, disgust, anxiety, anger, hatred, and other strong feelings are almost always an important part of a sexual or functional problem as these feelings are "held" by the tissue of the pelvis and sexual organs.

However, have in mind that acupressure through the vagina/pelvic massage must be done with great care by an experienced physician, with a third person present, after obtaining consent and the necessary trust of the patient. Which means that, if the holistic gynecologist is a scammer or has no idea what he or she does, you'd better avoid it as it can do more harm than good.

Souvia Tea Celebrates it's 3rd Birthday with New Teas

The Valley's Award Winning Tearoom celebrates its 3rd birthday January 8th with the introduction of two new teas. GINSENG OOLONG and XIAO HONG PAO join Souvia's offerings of over 140 premium teas and herbals. The Ginseng Oolong combine the antioxidants of a lightly oxidized oolong with the benefits of ginseng which is well known for its gentle stimulation of mind and body. Xiao Hong Pao tea (Big Red Robe) is the most famous oolong tea in China. This tea is cultivated from the oldest (over 350 years) and most valuable tea plantation. "The Xiao Hong Pao comes from cuttings of the original Emperor's plants that now number only five and are protected by law", says Kerstin Wingert, President and Founder of Souvia® Tea. Legend has it that this tea saved the Emperor's wife from disease and the Emperor clothed the bushes in red robes to show his gratitude. "At Souvia Tea we strive to bring the highest quality teas together with the most knowledgeable staff for the perfect tea experience. ", Wingert continued.

About Souvia Tea:
Souvia Tea has Arizona's largest collection of premium loose leaf teas and herbals that can be prepared at home or enjoyed right in its stores. Souvia Tea is the Phoenix Metro area's award winning source for information on tea through its passionate, knowledgeable staff and regular classes and tastings. Souvia has was recognized as Best Tearoom in 2008 and won the coveted Sterling Award in 2007. Souvia has been featured on Good Morning Arizona, Sonoran Living and KPNX's upFront programs. With a contemporary European design that reflects the natural basis of the product offered, Souvia Tea strives to create an environment that appeals to tea drinkers of all levels.