Herbs for Losing Weight
Alfalfa
Aids digestion and acts as a diuretic. The active components of alfalfa include its saponin content. Studies indicate that saponins help make fats more soluable, and they may play a role in maintaining the health of blood vessels. The leaves also contain flavones, isoflavones and sterols..
Bladder Wrack Kelp
Kelp is a type of seaweed and it can be bought in pills, tinctures, and dried. It is delicious and can be used a salt substitute, or eaten as a snack. One of the ways it works is by strengthening the thyroid , which can increase the metabolism. The other way it works is by giving your body easily absorbed nutrients which feed the body on a cellular level which reduces cravings. It is a bulk laxative.
Chickweed
In several studies it has shown its ability to break down fat molecules. It is usually recommend in combination with burdock root which helps balance oils and fats in the body; the chickweed breaks down the fat and the burdock helps transport it out of the body. As a tea, it is an effective way to curb cravings, assist digestion, and help lose weight.
Burdock
Improves fat metabolism and acts as a diuretic. Active ingredients include inulin, polyphenolic acids, and non-hydroxy acids. It is an excellent herbal blood purifier that detoxifies the blood and lymphatic system. It is high in iron , and can help build blood during times of low hemoglobin. Burdock is also considered a mild laxative. Burdock aids in the elimination of uric acid.
Burdock root can also help to reduce cravings and hunger and thus assist in weight loss. The best way to use burdock root for weight loss is as a standard decoction: Bring water to a boil, pour in about an ounce of dried burdock root, gently simmer for ten to twenty minutes, and allow to cool. Drink between meals.
Cardamom
A thermogenic herb. One of Cardamom's main uses is as a digestive aid due to its soothing and antispasmodic properties. Studies have shown it may help with any digestive condition.
Cayenne
Improves circulation and digestion. Has thermogenic effects. In one study it was shown that cayenne increased core body temperature, which in turn increased the metabolism and caused the participants to lose more weight then the group not taking cayenne.
Cinnamon
Creates a thermogenic burn. It reduces cholesterol levels - in particular, lowering bad cholesterol while leaving good cholesterol the same. It is cinnamon's effect on blood sugar that makes it a potential help in the war against obesity , insulin resistance , sometimes known as "prediabetes," and the "Metabolic Syndrome." Cinnamon can be used in its powdered or stick form, adding it to drinks and foods, or as a supplement.
Dandelion Root
Aids fat metabolism by affecting the liver. By acting to remove poisons from the body, it acts as a tonic and stimulant as well.
Nettles
Nettles is high in nutrition (rich in vitamins C and E and minerals such as calcium , magnesium , iron , silica, and potassium , which are important for healing broken bones, muscle strains, and tendon injuries.) and helps clears toxins but it also has a effect on weight loss that isn't clearly understood, but it is believed that it helps by feeding the cells on a deeper level which reduces cravings. Nettle tea is used to curb appetite and cravings and assist in weight loss.
Fennel
A diuretic that reduces hunger and improves energy. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed and nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves make a useful tea for weight loss. Use one teaspoon fennel seed and two teaspoons nettle leaves to three cups water. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Fennel is potentially toxic.
Prepare fennel seed tea: 4 tsp. of seeds in 2 pints of boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, keep the container covered, and allow to stand for 15 minutes, then strain. 1 cup 3 or 4 times per day, cool or heated.
Gymnema Sylvestre
It decreases sugar cravings by acting on the pancreas enabling it to maintain a steady blood sugar, which decreases cravings and hypoglycemia
Flax Seed
A bulk laxative that helps curb hunger. Loaded with vitamins and phytonutrients, it is an excellent source of protein and fiber, flaxseed is nature's gift to health! Besides stabilizing the body sugar levels, flax expands five times in bulk when ingested. Flax taken half an hour before meals will help you eat less, so you will lose weight while simultaneously strengthening your immune system.
Garcinia Cantbogia
Aids fat metabolism and reduces hunger. This herb is currently used in the United States as a component of weight loss formulas. Various species of South Asian plants of the genus Garcinia (particularly Garcinia cantbogia) have high contents of hydroxycitrate (HCA), which is the active ingredient in this and many other currently marketed weight loss products. However, it has not yet been shown, in controlled studies published in the scientific literature, to be effective in weight loss in humans.
Preliminary research suggests that garcinia inhibits the accumulation of lipid droplets in fat cells and thereby reduces lipid levels and decreases lipid accumulation in the liver. The hydroxycitrate acid (HCA) found in garcinia is also theorized to improve exercise endurance by increasing lipid oxidation and decreasing carbohydrate utilization . A dosage of, an extract containing 50% hydroxycitric acid, 1000 mg three times daily has been used for weight loss.
Green Tea
Aids fat metabolism and increases energy. Clinical studies conducted by Dr. Abdul Dulloo, of the University of Geneva in Switzerlands brought the conclusion that green tea weight loss programs raises metabolic rates and speeds up fat oxidation.
As part of their study, the investigators measured the 24-hour energy expenditure of 10 healthy men receiving three doses of caffeine (50 mg), green tea extract (containing 50 mg caffeine and 90 mg epigallocatechin), or a 'dummy' placebo per day. The study authors report that, compared with placebo, subject taking green tea extract had a "significant increase" (+4%) in daily energy expenditure.
Green tea extract may also help dieters shed fat. This effect is due to increase in energy expenditure.
Guar Gum
Helps to reduce hunger and has a laxative effect. As a weight loss product, it have been used to promote normal gastrointestinal motility and maintain fecal bulk. It has been noted to decrease appetite by providing a "feeling of fullness."
Precautions: Guar gum and guar gum preparations have been implicated in esophageal obstruction. The water-retaining capacity of the gum permits it to swell to 10 to 20 fold and has led to gastrointestinal obstructions. Guar gum has also been known to cause significant fluctuations in blood glucose (sugar) levels, thus diabetic patients should not use these preparations.
Hawthorn
Reduces blood fat and improves circulation. Hawthorn berry helps with stagnant, undigested food accumulated in the stomach, they also stimulate the adrenal glands and improve thyroid function.
Kola Nut
A stimulant that decreases appetite and aids in the metabolism of fat. Kola nuts are stimulants like caffeine. Kola nut is used extensively by natives of western and central Africa, and also in Brazil.
Parsley
A diuretic and nutritional aid. Juicing recipes with carrot or parsley juice help curb the appetite & reduce hunger cravings. Besides, Carrot or parsley juices can also help maintain proper blood sugar levels, reducing the blood sugar swing that you can experience when on a weight loss program It is one of the highest sources of life-giving chlorophyll which acts like iron to oxidize the blood. Look for healthy, dark green leaves.
Phyllium
Helps to curb hunger and allows the elimination of wastes from the body. Herbalists say that the weight-loss effect of plantain and psyllium is related to the spongy fiber (mucilage) in the seeds and to specific chemicals (polyphenols) in the leaves.
In one Italian study, scientists gave women who were seriously obese (over 60 percent over their recommended weight) three grams of plantain in water 30 minutes before meals. The plantain group lost more weight than a similar group of women who simply cut back on their diet. Recommended Dose: Take a teaspoonful of psyllium mixed well with a glass of juice or water. Take it before each meal.
Senna
An all natural laxative. It stimulates the colon, leading to the increased metabolism of fat.
Red pepper ( Capsicum ), Hit Mustard, and other hot spices
Scientists have found that people who took hot spicy foods (adding a teaspoon of red-pepper sauce and a teaspoon of mustard to meal) raised their metabolic rates by as much as 25 percent. The hot spice also stimulates thirst, so you drink more liquids that also helps in gaining less weight.
Citrus Aurantium
It is a commonly used Chinese herb to improve stomach and gastrointestinal function. Recent research has shown that it may be as effective as ephedra in increasing thermogenesis in the body without the side effects that often result with the use of ephedra. Thermogenesis is the process through which the body converts stored fat into energy and body heat. Increasing the thermogenic process in the body may increase weight loss. Citrus aurantium, or Zhi Shi, contains a combination of adrenergic amines. These are synephrine, N-methyltyramine, hordenine, octopamine, and tyramine. All of these substances have been shown to have powerful thermogenic properties. When this herb is used along with moderate exercise and a healthy diet , it may assist with weight loss.
Instead of just using dried, capsulated, herbal products, start including *whole* herbs in your life. Eat them everyday, as fresh as possible, (e.g. take walks, check out the vegetable stand, or tend a garden), everyday. Instead of taking a capsule, eat a handful of fresh parsley. Experiment with tasting each of your favorite culinary herbs made up as "diet" tea. Collect dandelion leaves, plantain, mints, lettuce, whatever, and whip it up in your blender as special diet "green drink." Almost no calories in most herbs. Eating and living with herbs can bring you a lifestyle which may be more conducive to weight loss.
Herbs can be used to assist in the weight loss process, while they may not be enough on their own, when used in combination with dietary changes and mild exercise can make most weight loss attempts very successful. for more on herbal products go to http://www.youherbal.com
NOTE: Before attempting to loose weight, be sure you know why you have a problem, and then choose the herbs according to your personal condition and needs
medicinal herbs, herbal medicines, chinese herbal formulas, herb gardening, herb Products, preparation of herbs, herbalism, organic herbs
Friday, June 13, 2008
Quit Smoking, The Natural way
.
...Smoking effects and Quiting benefits
Effects of Smoking:
Harmful Effects, Serious Illness, Stop smoking, The Cost of Smoking, Weight Gain, Withdrawal Symptoms, Do You Enjoy Smoking?, The Truth About Smoking, Substitute for Smoking.
Harmful Effects
We've all seen pictures of lungs removed from deceased smokers. They resemble something offered at a bad barbecue and pictures like these display the true horror of what cigarettes do to a human body. The problem is that, as with ads on TV that show terminal cancer patients or photographs of gravestones, these pictures of the harmful effects of smoking create fear. And fear is not always a helpful force for becoming a non-smoker. Often it makes smokers reach for a comforting cigarette.
Governments tend to rely on the income from smoking taxation. According to figures from ASH, the UK Treasury earned just over £8 billion in revenue from tobacco duties in the 2002-03 financial year. From an economic point of view, they aren’t really interested in too many people stopping smoking too quickly – there would be a big hole in the budget figures. This isn’t a moral judgment on any particular government, just a harsh economic reality. But what do you think would happen if quit smoking adverts were positive? If they depicted images of happy and energetic ex-smokers enjoying fitness, health and prosperity? In short, if adverts “sold” stopping smoking as positively as they sell washing powder or a new car?
Forget the “stop smoking because it will kill you” approach, and start thinking about stopping because of the positive benefits, such as living longer and enjoying a better quality of life. Do you see the difference?
Serious Illness
Smoking is known to cause cancer and heart disease. There are now strong links between smoking and diabetes. There are many other conditions and illnesses that smoking might cause or contribute to.
Don’t you think it will feel great when you don’t need to know about any of this anymore? When you no longer need to weigh up the odds, and wonder about whether lung cancer or emphysema might get you first? This will be the greatest health benefit of all – freedom from anxiety about what smoking is doing to your health. There is no guarantee that you won’t get ill in the future, but it won’t be as a result of smoking, and you will have done your health a huge favor.
Smoking Related Deaths
Smoking can be thought of as a slow way of killing you. Cigarettes are full of toxic poisons. Nicotine itself is a toxin, a fertiliser like DDT. Packet cigarettes contain thousands of poisons including arsenic, benzene and carbon monoxide. Our bodies are well equipped to deal with poisons in small amounts and on a temporary basis. This makes us adaptive and is useful for our survival as a species, but make no mistake about it, if you keep introducing these poisons into your body long enough, they will kill you.
If you think of your life expectancy plotted on a graph, your decline towards death will be much steeper than a non-smoker. But not only that, your quality of life will suffer and will not be as good as a non-smoker. The health risks of smoking are more severe the older you are, particularly when you get into your 50s, but it is never too late to give up and start to improve your health.
There will always be an excuse to not give up smoking, an inner voice suggesting negative beliefs, if you don’t genuinely want to give up smoking. Yes, you might be run over tomorrow by a bus, or die suddenly in some other bizarre way, but you probably won’t. Whereas if you stop smoking you are likely to live a longer and better life.
You may wish to question beliefs which harm you – confront them and override them. Ask yourself directly if you really think you’ll get run over tomorrow. The answer will probably be “no”.
The Cost of Smoking
According to statistics produced by ASH, based on the cost of main brand cigarettes after the 2003 budget, smoking 20 cigarettes per day for 20 years in the UK will cost you £32,704. Converted into US dollars that's approximately $62,000 (correct conversion in March 2005).
Many smokers claim that money isn't a reason to stop. They have a resistance to engaging with the issue of how much money they spend on cigarettes. Of course, compared to your health, money absolutely is not an important issue, but perhaps you might like to spend a few minutes considering exactly how much money you spend on smoking, and what you could do with it if you stopped.
You have to be very honest with yourself when completing this next exercise. Work out how much on average you personally spend on smoking. Then multiply this amount by 260, to get the amount you will spend over 5 years. Add about 10% to account for inflation, customs increases etc. Then think about what you would like to spend this money on, if you could. A new car, paying off a chunk of the mortgage, a vacation – whatever you want.
Weight Gain
Do people put on weight when they stop smoking? If you eat more calories than you burn off you put on weight. When people stop smoking they find very quickly that their sense of taste improves and so you would be forgiven for developing an appetite. But the fact is that the only reason for putting on weight when you stop smoking is if you have given up your willpower.
In this case, you are likely to feel that you are depriving yourself, and therefore you substitute. This means using something else to take over from the smoking habit. If you use food as a substitute, and eat more calories than you burn up, then you will put on weight.
But if you remind yourself of all the wonderful reasons to stop smoking and celebrate the gift of health and happiness then you will have no need to substitute anything. Long term non-smokers tend to be fitter and healthier and to weigh less than smokers. Also with the aid of a stop smoking product you should be able to more easily manage your hunger cravings.
Withdrawal Symptoms
This is a very interesting one. Those who make quitting a personal battle, tend to report lots of withdrawal symptoms. These are often quite vague, but common ones include irritability, tension and insomnia. This isn’t surprising – you’re obviously going to be tense, irritable and have trouble sleeping if you are being denied something you really want.
The fact is that if you can get yourself to the place where what you desperately want are such things as happiness, health, personal success, fitness, more money etc, the feeling of being deprived goes away. In fact, you are filled with a feeling of success and achievement. There is nothing to withdraw from. This explains why people stopping smoking the natural way report that they find it surprisingly easy.
Do You Enjoy Smoking?
You really should think long and hard about this. If smoking is enjoyable, do you believe that you could explain this to someone else who hasn't experienced it before? You need to be able to persuade a teenager who has never smoked before just what it is that he or she is going to enjoy so much.
You probably know in your mind that being a non-smoker is much more enjoyable than being adddicted to nicotine. The idea of smoking being enjoyable is proably just one of your excuses for not qutting. Be honest with yourself and realize that quitting will be the most enjoyable way to live your life in the long run.
The Truth About Smoking
Here's the real truth about smoking. If you haven't done it you can't enjoy it. The enjoyment is not pleasure in the sense of a sensation that can easily be described to someone who has never experienced it. It is simply the feeling of topping up the nicotine that is already in your body. Be honest - the first time you smoked it smelt, tasted and felt awful. It actually still does! Your mind is just disguising the fact from you.
If you don’t believe this, test it out. Stop for a few days and then light a cigarette; you'll soon notice the illusion disappear. But by then, of course, it’s too late as you have put the nicotine back into your system again, and your body will start to ask for more. It’s a vicious cycle. Cigarette companies are very aware of this, but there are some scientific and physical facts they are clearly not keen to publicise.
Substitute for Smoking
Look at what you lose when you become a non-smoker; the coughing and wheezing, constantly smelling of cigarette smoke, the feeling of being out of control, not being able to run half a mile, the cost etc. Compare this to what you gain; your sense of taste, your health, fitness, self-respect, and other financial and social rewards.
Why on earth would you want an alternative? You are not losing anything positive when you stop smoking, and everything you gain is good.
The Benefits of Quitting
Unless you have done irreparable damage to your health through smoking (which is unlikely and your doctor will be able to tell you if you have), then within several years your risk of major illnesses for which smoking is an aggravating factor will be no higher than that of a non-smoker.
According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), within one year of stopping smoking, your risk of heart attack falls to half of that of a smoker, and after 10 years risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker. The good news is that although smoking will have an adverse impact on your health, you can undo the damage. So the excuse that you’ve already wrecked your health and so there’s no point stopping is not a valid response.
There is always time for you to work on your health. That time is now.
The even better news is that you don’t have to wait years to see all the good effects of stopping smoking. Your health will start to improve within minutes of stopping smoking as your body rids itself of harmful toxins. Again according to ASH, within 20 minutes of stopping smoking, your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. After eight hours, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood reduce by half, and your oxygen levels return to normal. Over the next few hours and days, you will see other beneficial changes, such as your lungs clearing themselves out and becoming strong again, your sense of smell and taste improving, and your breathing becoming clearer.
You will start to notice even more positive changes within next few weeks and months after stopping. Imagine how you will feel after a year of being a non-smoker! Eventually you can be as healthy as if you never smoked, as your body heals itself. This is amazing – but true.
Look and Feel Healthier
Imagine how clean your skin will feel. Your skin, your hair and your clothes will all smell fresher as will your house and your car. A lot of people can't imagine what it would be like to be a non-smoker. Well, unless you started on the day you were born, you've already got plenty of experience of what it was like to look and feel like a non smoker, probably twelve or eighteen years or so, maybe even more, depending on when you started.
Even if your non-smoking days seem like a dim and distant memory to you now, your body will remember feeling well. Remember that putting toxins into your body is not natural, safe or healthy in any way. The body is not designed to take in those poisons and will reward you greatly as you start to treat it well.
When you Quit
After stopping smoking, your blood pressure and blood quality will improve immediately. Your body will start to shed toxins. Your circulation will improve and your body will start to return to normal. You will be able to breathe more easily and your health will receive a boost. You will have more money in your pocket every day.
As well as physical benefits, you will also feel more positive, energetic and free. Often, the most significant benefit reported by ex-smokers is the sense of being back in control - no longer at the mercy of a habit which gives absolutely nothing in return. Many ex-smokers go on to achieve other great things once they’ve successfully quit smoking, as they feel that they can now do just about anything.
Turn Failure Into Success
There is no such thing as failure when it comes to stopping smoking. There really isn't. If you want to stop, rest assured you will. You may just need to find the right time and the right way for you. Very few people who have achieved something in life manage it the first time – often it takes a few attempts. Ask someone who has stopped successfully and easily and they may well tell you that they had to try more than once.
It’s not a case of failing; just try something different and keep doing that until you stop easily and permanently. The secret is to never stop trying. Tell yourself that you will be a non-smoker. You are 100% confident of this, the only thing you don’t know is when this will happen. But once you decide that it will happen, the pressure is off.
Quit Smoking Naturally
Now you can stop smoking with all natural smoke cessation Herbal product from http://www.youherbal.com/ or click here Herbal Health
.
...Smoking effects and Quiting benefits
Effects of Smoking:
Harmful Effects, Serious Illness, Stop smoking, The Cost of Smoking, Weight Gain, Withdrawal Symptoms, Do You Enjoy Smoking?, The Truth About Smoking, Substitute for Smoking.
Harmful Effects
We've all seen pictures of lungs removed from deceased smokers. They resemble something offered at a bad barbecue and pictures like these display the true horror of what cigarettes do to a human body. The problem is that, as with ads on TV that show terminal cancer patients or photographs of gravestones, these pictures of the harmful effects of smoking create fear. And fear is not always a helpful force for becoming a non-smoker. Often it makes smokers reach for a comforting cigarette.
Governments tend to rely on the income from smoking taxation. According to figures from ASH, the UK Treasury earned just over £8 billion in revenue from tobacco duties in the 2002-03 financial year. From an economic point of view, they aren’t really interested in too many people stopping smoking too quickly – there would be a big hole in the budget figures. This isn’t a moral judgment on any particular government, just a harsh economic reality. But what do you think would happen if quit smoking adverts were positive? If they depicted images of happy and energetic ex-smokers enjoying fitness, health and prosperity? In short, if adverts “sold” stopping smoking as positively as they sell washing powder or a new car?
Forget the “stop smoking because it will kill you” approach, and start thinking about stopping because of the positive benefits, such as living longer and enjoying a better quality of life. Do you see the difference?
Serious Illness
Smoking is known to cause cancer and heart disease. There are now strong links between smoking and diabetes. There are many other conditions and illnesses that smoking might cause or contribute to.
Don’t you think it will feel great when you don’t need to know about any of this anymore? When you no longer need to weigh up the odds, and wonder about whether lung cancer or emphysema might get you first? This will be the greatest health benefit of all – freedom from anxiety about what smoking is doing to your health. There is no guarantee that you won’t get ill in the future, but it won’t be as a result of smoking, and you will have done your health a huge favor.
Smoking Related Deaths
Smoking can be thought of as a slow way of killing you. Cigarettes are full of toxic poisons. Nicotine itself is a toxin, a fertiliser like DDT. Packet cigarettes contain thousands of poisons including arsenic, benzene and carbon monoxide. Our bodies are well equipped to deal with poisons in small amounts and on a temporary basis. This makes us adaptive and is useful for our survival as a species, but make no mistake about it, if you keep introducing these poisons into your body long enough, they will kill you.
If you think of your life expectancy plotted on a graph, your decline towards death will be much steeper than a non-smoker. But not only that, your quality of life will suffer and will not be as good as a non-smoker. The health risks of smoking are more severe the older you are, particularly when you get into your 50s, but it is never too late to give up and start to improve your health.
There will always be an excuse to not give up smoking, an inner voice suggesting negative beliefs, if you don’t genuinely want to give up smoking. Yes, you might be run over tomorrow by a bus, or die suddenly in some other bizarre way, but you probably won’t. Whereas if you stop smoking you are likely to live a longer and better life.
You may wish to question beliefs which harm you – confront them and override them. Ask yourself directly if you really think you’ll get run over tomorrow. The answer will probably be “no”.
The Cost of Smoking
According to statistics produced by ASH, based on the cost of main brand cigarettes after the 2003 budget, smoking 20 cigarettes per day for 20 years in the UK will cost you £32,704. Converted into US dollars that's approximately $62,000 (correct conversion in March 2005).
Many smokers claim that money isn't a reason to stop. They have a resistance to engaging with the issue of how much money they spend on cigarettes. Of course, compared to your health, money absolutely is not an important issue, but perhaps you might like to spend a few minutes considering exactly how much money you spend on smoking, and what you could do with it if you stopped.
You have to be very honest with yourself when completing this next exercise. Work out how much on average you personally spend on smoking. Then multiply this amount by 260, to get the amount you will spend over 5 years. Add about 10% to account for inflation, customs increases etc. Then think about what you would like to spend this money on, if you could. A new car, paying off a chunk of the mortgage, a vacation – whatever you want.
Weight Gain
Do people put on weight when they stop smoking? If you eat more calories than you burn off you put on weight. When people stop smoking they find very quickly that their sense of taste improves and so you would be forgiven for developing an appetite. But the fact is that the only reason for putting on weight when you stop smoking is if you have given up your willpower.
In this case, you are likely to feel that you are depriving yourself, and therefore you substitute. This means using something else to take over from the smoking habit. If you use food as a substitute, and eat more calories than you burn up, then you will put on weight.
But if you remind yourself of all the wonderful reasons to stop smoking and celebrate the gift of health and happiness then you will have no need to substitute anything. Long term non-smokers tend to be fitter and healthier and to weigh less than smokers. Also with the aid of a stop smoking product you should be able to more easily manage your hunger cravings.
Withdrawal Symptoms
This is a very interesting one. Those who make quitting a personal battle, tend to report lots of withdrawal symptoms. These are often quite vague, but common ones include irritability, tension and insomnia. This isn’t surprising – you’re obviously going to be tense, irritable and have trouble sleeping if you are being denied something you really want.
The fact is that if you can get yourself to the place where what you desperately want are such things as happiness, health, personal success, fitness, more money etc, the feeling of being deprived goes away. In fact, you are filled with a feeling of success and achievement. There is nothing to withdraw from. This explains why people stopping smoking the natural way report that they find it surprisingly easy.
Do You Enjoy Smoking?
You really should think long and hard about this. If smoking is enjoyable, do you believe that you could explain this to someone else who hasn't experienced it before? You need to be able to persuade a teenager who has never smoked before just what it is that he or she is going to enjoy so much.
You probably know in your mind that being a non-smoker is much more enjoyable than being adddicted to nicotine. The idea of smoking being enjoyable is proably just one of your excuses for not qutting. Be honest with yourself and realize that quitting will be the most enjoyable way to live your life in the long run.
The Truth About Smoking
Here's the real truth about smoking. If you haven't done it you can't enjoy it. The enjoyment is not pleasure in the sense of a sensation that can easily be described to someone who has never experienced it. It is simply the feeling of topping up the nicotine that is already in your body. Be honest - the first time you smoked it smelt, tasted and felt awful. It actually still does! Your mind is just disguising the fact from you.
If you don’t believe this, test it out. Stop for a few days and then light a cigarette; you'll soon notice the illusion disappear. But by then, of course, it’s too late as you have put the nicotine back into your system again, and your body will start to ask for more. It’s a vicious cycle. Cigarette companies are very aware of this, but there are some scientific and physical facts they are clearly not keen to publicise.
Substitute for Smoking
Look at what you lose when you become a non-smoker; the coughing and wheezing, constantly smelling of cigarette smoke, the feeling of being out of control, not being able to run half a mile, the cost etc. Compare this to what you gain; your sense of taste, your health, fitness, self-respect, and other financial and social rewards.
Why on earth would you want an alternative? You are not losing anything positive when you stop smoking, and everything you gain is good.
The Benefits of Quitting
Unless you have done irreparable damage to your health through smoking (which is unlikely and your doctor will be able to tell you if you have), then within several years your risk of major illnesses for which smoking is an aggravating factor will be no higher than that of a non-smoker.
According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), within one year of stopping smoking, your risk of heart attack falls to half of that of a smoker, and after 10 years risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker. The good news is that although smoking will have an adverse impact on your health, you can undo the damage. So the excuse that you’ve already wrecked your health and so there’s no point stopping is not a valid response.
There is always time for you to work on your health. That time is now.
The even better news is that you don’t have to wait years to see all the good effects of stopping smoking. Your health will start to improve within minutes of stopping smoking as your body rids itself of harmful toxins. Again according to ASH, within 20 minutes of stopping smoking, your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. After eight hours, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood reduce by half, and your oxygen levels return to normal. Over the next few hours and days, you will see other beneficial changes, such as your lungs clearing themselves out and becoming strong again, your sense of smell and taste improving, and your breathing becoming clearer.
You will start to notice even more positive changes within next few weeks and months after stopping. Imagine how you will feel after a year of being a non-smoker! Eventually you can be as healthy as if you never smoked, as your body heals itself. This is amazing – but true.
Look and Feel Healthier
Imagine how clean your skin will feel. Your skin, your hair and your clothes will all smell fresher as will your house and your car. A lot of people can't imagine what it would be like to be a non-smoker. Well, unless you started on the day you were born, you've already got plenty of experience of what it was like to look and feel like a non smoker, probably twelve or eighteen years or so, maybe even more, depending on when you started.
Even if your non-smoking days seem like a dim and distant memory to you now, your body will remember feeling well. Remember that putting toxins into your body is not natural, safe or healthy in any way. The body is not designed to take in those poisons and will reward you greatly as you start to treat it well.
When you Quit
After stopping smoking, your blood pressure and blood quality will improve immediately. Your body will start to shed toxins. Your circulation will improve and your body will start to return to normal. You will be able to breathe more easily and your health will receive a boost. You will have more money in your pocket every day.
As well as physical benefits, you will also feel more positive, energetic and free. Often, the most significant benefit reported by ex-smokers is the sense of being back in control - no longer at the mercy of a habit which gives absolutely nothing in return. Many ex-smokers go on to achieve other great things once they’ve successfully quit smoking, as they feel that they can now do just about anything.
Turn Failure Into Success
There is no such thing as failure when it comes to stopping smoking. There really isn't. If you want to stop, rest assured you will. You may just need to find the right time and the right way for you. Very few people who have achieved something in life manage it the first time – often it takes a few attempts. Ask someone who has stopped successfully and easily and they may well tell you that they had to try more than once.
It’s not a case of failing; just try something different and keep doing that until you stop easily and permanently. The secret is to never stop trying. Tell yourself that you will be a non-smoker. You are 100% confident of this, the only thing you don’t know is when this will happen. But once you decide that it will happen, the pressure is off.
Quit Smoking Naturally
Now you can stop smoking with all natural smoke cessation Herbal product from http://www.youherbal.com/ or click here Herbal Health
Friday, June 6, 2008
25 Easy Steps to Instant Wellness
1. Practice Mindfulness
“Wherever you go, there you are,” is how Jessica Freeman, MD, founder of http://www.youherbal.com . Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment and not thinking about what happened in the recent past nor worrying about the future. It might be difficult and require you to screen your thoughts initially, but with time mindfulness will come naturally.
2. Invest time in you
Create a daily ritual where you take 20 to 30 minutes for any activity that you enjoy and find relaxing. Pick up a book, listen to music, have a cup of tea etc.
3. Put yourself first in order to serve others
It's only when our own needs are fully met that we can generously and whole-heartedly give of ourselves. It's not selfish to look after ourselves, it's essential!
4. Cultivate new attitudes
Change is integral to life. In fact, one of the best ways to deal with difficult situations is to change the way we think about it. Living a healthy life often means challenging our old patterns of functioning and thinking.
5. Meditate
Know that meditation means different things to different people. For some practicing mindfulness is meditation for others it involves chanting. Find what method of meditation works for you and go with it.
6. Strike a balance
Strike a balance between physical development and the spiritual aspects. There is a tendency for people who are more spiritually focused to ignore, avoid, or dismiss their bodies. Similarly, many individuals are entirely engrossed in physical growth and pay no attention to the needs of the soul. In both cases, an adjustment is in order. We are whole only to the degree that we embrace both sides of our being.
7. Pain is positive
Physical and emotional pain serves the purpose of signalling us that something is amiss. Take it as a sign that something needs to come to awareness and perhaps needs to change.
8. Cry your heart out
Crying is not a sign of weakness. In fact it is a means cleansing the heart, whether it comes from laughter so intense that it flows into tears; or from sadness that overwhelms us with sobs of grief. Karl Menninger, in his book The Vital Balance writes, "Weeping is perhaps the most universal of all relief measures." Indeed, this process of letting go may well be a natural source for healing that many have denied themselves.
9. Forgiving is liberating
Start by forgiving yourself. For instance, if something you say causes misunderstandings or may be interpreted as hurtful, don’t beat yourself up over it. Apologise or build an affirmation to get past it. Then move on to forgiving others because blaming others for your shortcomings doesn’t let you off the hook, it only makes you feel helpless and hints to self-confidence issues.
10. Eat when dieting
If you’re dieting you need to continually fuel your body. This means a minimum of four but preferably six meals each day. This way you’ll have the energy to exercise and won’t crave any large unhealthy meals.
11. Don’t avoid fat
If you think you can lose weight and keep it off by avoiding all fats, you’re sadly mistaken. Your body (and your brain) needs fat to survive! This is why the scientists call them essential fatty acids – Omegas 3, 6, and 9. So, make sure you put fat back into your dietary plan.
12. The fork is not a shovel
Even if we are not hungry, most of us have a tendency to finish our meals in 10 minutes. The problem is that the brain doesn't know the stomach is full until 20 minutes after it actually is. You could stuff yourself silly before realising you didn't need to consume as much as you did. Try eating half of what's on your plate, wait a couple of minutes, then continue to eat if you're still hungry. In short, eat slowly. If you want a real hunger-stopper, try an Omega 3 supplement twenty minutes before a meal.
13. Satisfy cravings
If you're hungry for something, eat it. Don't deny yourself the simple pleasures. If it's possible, eat only half of what you want. Is your craving satisfied or are you addicted to the flavour? Losing weight shouldn’t be torture for anybody. Give yourself a small treat or two during the week. Any diet that leaves you feeling deprived will ultimately fail. Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate or one scoop of ice cream during the week.
14. Know your diet pitfalls
To improve your eating habits, you first have to know what's wrong with them. Write down everything you eat for three days. Then check your list. Do you add a lot of butter, creamy sauces or salad dressings? Rather than eliminating these foods, just cut back your portions.
15. Make changes gradually
Just as there are no “superfoods” to a healthy diet, don't expect to revamp your eating habits overnight. Changing too much too fast can intrude into success. Remedy excesses or deficiencies with modest changes that can add up to positive, lifelong eating habits. Like, if you don't like the taste of skimmed milk, try low-fat. Eventually you may find you like skimmed milk too.
16. Be careful with shopping trips
Eat a healthy breakfast, lunch or snack before you go to the mall. If you go hungry, you are much more likely to give in to the temptation of unhealthy foods at the food court.
17. Train wrecks will happen
One of these nights, you're going to go out with friends and overeat. Instead of repeating the overindulgence, just put your self back on track the next day. You're allowed to "mess up" every now and again, so long as you don't make a habit out of consuming an excessive amount of food.
18. Go back to your roots
Eat the food that your ancestors survived on. And since fast food restaurants weren't around back then, this automatically implies you stay away from processed and fatty foods.
19. Eat right on time
One of the leading causes of heart-disease, hypertension and diabetes is the fact that all too often we skip meals and it is this gap between meals that reduces immunity.
20. Juices are no substitute for water
While fruit juices are healthy and need to be part of your diet, they are no
substitute for water. When you keep track of your daily consumption of water, don't include any other beverages there.
21. Don’t pop vitamin pills
Unless prescribed by a doc, don’t consume vitamin tabs. While some such as Vitamin B are water-soluble and will be automatically flushed out of your system, such is not the case with Vitamin A and D. Therefore if you self-medicate you run the risk of suffering from toxicity.
22. Don’t overlook the mind-body connection
Only if you are mentally fit will you be able to concentrate on your work-out and thereby get the most out of it.
23. Don’t skip the warm-up stage
All too often people skip their warm-ups due to lack of time. It is dangerous to exercise cold-muscles and increases the risk of muscle injury and joint pain.
24. Taking the steps is not a substitute for a workout
In fact this could lead to knee injury, particularly if you lead a sedentary lifestyle.
25. Get creative with your workout
If a closed gymnasium is not where you'd rather be, then try joining a sport or take up salsa or Bollywood dancing classes instead.
1. Practice Mindfulness
“Wherever you go, there you are,” is how Jessica Freeman, MD, founder of http://www.youherbal.com . Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment and not thinking about what happened in the recent past nor worrying about the future. It might be difficult and require you to screen your thoughts initially, but with time mindfulness will come naturally.
2. Invest time in you
Create a daily ritual where you take 20 to 30 minutes for any activity that you enjoy and find relaxing. Pick up a book, listen to music, have a cup of tea etc.
3. Put yourself first in order to serve others
It's only when our own needs are fully met that we can generously and whole-heartedly give of ourselves. It's not selfish to look after ourselves, it's essential!
4. Cultivate new attitudes
Change is integral to life. In fact, one of the best ways to deal with difficult situations is to change the way we think about it. Living a healthy life often means challenging our old patterns of functioning and thinking.
5. Meditate
Know that meditation means different things to different people. For some practicing mindfulness is meditation for others it involves chanting. Find what method of meditation works for you and go with it.
6. Strike a balance
Strike a balance between physical development and the spiritual aspects. There is a tendency for people who are more spiritually focused to ignore, avoid, or dismiss their bodies. Similarly, many individuals are entirely engrossed in physical growth and pay no attention to the needs of the soul. In both cases, an adjustment is in order. We are whole only to the degree that we embrace both sides of our being.
7. Pain is positive
Physical and emotional pain serves the purpose of signalling us that something is amiss. Take it as a sign that something needs to come to awareness and perhaps needs to change.
8. Cry your heart out
Crying is not a sign of weakness. In fact it is a means cleansing the heart, whether it comes from laughter so intense that it flows into tears; or from sadness that overwhelms us with sobs of grief. Karl Menninger, in his book The Vital Balance writes, "Weeping is perhaps the most universal of all relief measures." Indeed, this process of letting go may well be a natural source for healing that many have denied themselves.
9. Forgiving is liberating
Start by forgiving yourself. For instance, if something you say causes misunderstandings or may be interpreted as hurtful, don’t beat yourself up over it. Apologise or build an affirmation to get past it. Then move on to forgiving others because blaming others for your shortcomings doesn’t let you off the hook, it only makes you feel helpless and hints to self-confidence issues.
10. Eat when dieting
If you’re dieting you need to continually fuel your body. This means a minimum of four but preferably six meals each day. This way you’ll have the energy to exercise and won’t crave any large unhealthy meals.
11. Don’t avoid fat
If you think you can lose weight and keep it off by avoiding all fats, you’re sadly mistaken. Your body (and your brain) needs fat to survive! This is why the scientists call them essential fatty acids – Omegas 3, 6, and 9. So, make sure you put fat back into your dietary plan.
12. The fork is not a shovel
Even if we are not hungry, most of us have a tendency to finish our meals in 10 minutes. The problem is that the brain doesn't know the stomach is full until 20 minutes after it actually is. You could stuff yourself silly before realising you didn't need to consume as much as you did. Try eating half of what's on your plate, wait a couple of minutes, then continue to eat if you're still hungry. In short, eat slowly. If you want a real hunger-stopper, try an Omega 3 supplement twenty minutes before a meal.
13. Satisfy cravings
If you're hungry for something, eat it. Don't deny yourself the simple pleasures. If it's possible, eat only half of what you want. Is your craving satisfied or are you addicted to the flavour? Losing weight shouldn’t be torture for anybody. Give yourself a small treat or two during the week. Any diet that leaves you feeling deprived will ultimately fail. Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate or one scoop of ice cream during the week.
14. Know your diet pitfalls
To improve your eating habits, you first have to know what's wrong with them. Write down everything you eat for three days. Then check your list. Do you add a lot of butter, creamy sauces or salad dressings? Rather than eliminating these foods, just cut back your portions.
15. Make changes gradually
Just as there are no “superfoods” to a healthy diet, don't expect to revamp your eating habits overnight. Changing too much too fast can intrude into success. Remedy excesses or deficiencies with modest changes that can add up to positive, lifelong eating habits. Like, if you don't like the taste of skimmed milk, try low-fat. Eventually you may find you like skimmed milk too.
16. Be careful with shopping trips
Eat a healthy breakfast, lunch or snack before you go to the mall. If you go hungry, you are much more likely to give in to the temptation of unhealthy foods at the food court.
17. Train wrecks will happen
One of these nights, you're going to go out with friends and overeat. Instead of repeating the overindulgence, just put your self back on track the next day. You're allowed to "mess up" every now and again, so long as you don't make a habit out of consuming an excessive amount of food.
18. Go back to your roots
Eat the food that your ancestors survived on. And since fast food restaurants weren't around back then, this automatically implies you stay away from processed and fatty foods.
19. Eat right on time
One of the leading causes of heart-disease, hypertension and diabetes is the fact that all too often we skip meals and it is this gap between meals that reduces immunity.
20. Juices are no substitute for water
While fruit juices are healthy and need to be part of your diet, they are no
substitute for water. When you keep track of your daily consumption of water, don't include any other beverages there.
21. Don’t pop vitamin pills
Unless prescribed by a doc, don’t consume vitamin tabs. While some such as Vitamin B are water-soluble and will be automatically flushed out of your system, such is not the case with Vitamin A and D. Therefore if you self-medicate you run the risk of suffering from toxicity.
22. Don’t overlook the mind-body connection
Only if you are mentally fit will you be able to concentrate on your work-out and thereby get the most out of it.
23. Don’t skip the warm-up stage
All too often people skip their warm-ups due to lack of time. It is dangerous to exercise cold-muscles and increases the risk of muscle injury and joint pain.
24. Taking the steps is not a substitute for a workout
In fact this could lead to knee injury, particularly if you lead a sedentary lifestyle.
25. Get creative with your workout
If a closed gymnasium is not where you'd rather be, then try joining a sport or take up salsa or Bollywood dancing classes instead.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
