Monthly Archives: October 2011

Herbal Help For Healthy Muscles

You’ve been working hard in the garden, in the gym or participating in your favorite sport and your muscles are feeling stiff and achy.  Before you reach for one of the many conventional anti-inflammatory medications on offer, it’s worth taking a minute to consider the problems that you may encounter as a result.  Research suggests that digestive discomfort, digestive ulcers, cardiovascular complications and stroke may be associated with the long term use of conventional anti-inflammatory medication. If this makes for alarming reading, don’t worry.  Nature has provided us with alternative herbal remedies that can deal with muscle aches and pains without the negative side effects.

Arnica Montana is a herb with a traditional use for treating bruises and tissue damage.  It is an excellent remedy, trusted through the ages.  Consider the benefits of using arnica in the form of a gel as opposed to a conventional medication.  It works as well as medication such as ibuprofen but has none of the side effects.  It works quickly, absorbs easily, it is convenient to use and continues to work no matter how long you take it for.  It can be used in the treatment of many conditions – rheumatism, arthritis, sports injuries such as sprains and strains, and lumbago.  

Inflammation is a common symptom in all these conditions, often causing intense pain and incurring further symptoms such as loss of sleep. Inflammation is a useful part of the body’s defence mechanism. However, if the inflammatory response is prolonged it can become a debilitating part of the disease process instead of the healing process. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury causing an increase of blood flow to the tissues of the affected area. The area reddens and becomes painful. Applying arnica sparingly, in the form of a gel, to the affected area and massaging it in gently will help to reduce inflammation and in turn reduce pain.  It should, however, only be used on unbroken skin.

Another herb well known for its beneficial effect on pain caused by inflammation is Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum).  Basically, it can be used for any condition where there is inflammatory pain.  Taken internally as a tincture, Devil’s Claw reaches all those painful parts from inside. One of the many benefits of this herb is that it rarely causes stomach upsets. Another plus is that it can be used long term – long term is usually necessary with musculoskeletal problems – and does not interfere with conventional medication. The herb is best used for chronic conditions such as repetitive strain injury due to repetitive movement of a single muscle or group of muscles, and fibromyalgia.  It is suitable for all forms of arthritis and has been shown to work well on gout or gouty arthritis.

Magnesium, which is present in foods such as soya, kidney and haricot beans, chickpeas, brazil nuts, sesame seeds, cashews, oats, brown rice, dark green vegetables, figs, dried apricots, bananas and buckwheat, is an excellent supplement for maintaining healthy muscles.

There are 650 muscles in the adult human body.  They work quite hard irrespective of whether we are physically active or not.  If they become injured or tired they make it difficult for us to move about as much as we want to and cause us pain.  Should this be the case, the important thing to remember is that a sprained or strained muscle must be given enough time to heal to allow it to regain full health.  Not to do so will only exacerbate the condition.

Doing twenty minutes of gentle exercise every day will go a long way to keeping your muscles healthy but it is equally important to make sure that relaxation too becomes part of your everyday routine.

Alison Cullen has worked in the health industry since 1987.  Alison lectures & trains on health issues, and is often to be found quoted in health magazines.

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5 Tips to Travel Fit

Being fit generally means the ability to perform well in a wide gamut of circumstances considered physically taxing. Being fit for some people could mean the ability to fit into a favorite pair of jeans or a certain outfit for an upcoming event. For others, being fit simply means being in good shape because it ultimately translates to being in good health.

With that being said, while it is not easy to shed off the extra pounds and look trim and maintain overall fitness, it becomes a lot more challenging when you have to remain fit even when travelling. Keeping fit is a life-long plan which should be part and parcel of your daily routine. This therefore becomes a challenge when you have to maintain your fitness plan when away or a business or leisure trip. How do you travel fit and ensure you do not blow up in a matter of days what you have worked hard to build for so many years?

  1. The first tip to travel fit is to ensure you carry with you sufficient amounts of water. Water is known to keep the body metabolism active and to flush out harmful toxins from the body. In addition to that, cold water in particular is believed to help accelerate the pace at which you lose weight. This is because with an active metabolism, the body will need to work extra hard in order to warm the cold water. This helps keep you fit as you burn the extra calories that your body wants.
  2. Traveling fit is also about avoiding bottled beverages. Closely related to the above-mentioned point, many people are tempted to ‘cheat’ on their fitness plan by taking calorie-laden beverages because they do not have water with them. It is normal to feel thirsty when you are traveling, and bottled beverages such as sodas are always handy. By carrying your own water, or buying distilled water instead of soda, you will be traveling fit and not blowing up your fitness plan.
  3. It is also important to plan your physical exercise program while away on a trip in advance. This could be as simple as booking a hotel that has a swimming pool facility, or as complex as finding a local gym near your hotel where you can sign up for the duration you will be in your new destination. This will largely depends on the period of time you plan to stay in your new destination. If it is just for a few days, a swimming pool facility could be all that you need.
  4. Save some money by talking walks to the beaches instead of renting a car. This is self explanatory in the sense that taking brisk walks to the beach will not only save you a substantial amount of money on car hire and taxi, you will also be staying fit in the process
  5. Traveling fit is also about planning your meals in advance. You need to ensure you eat nutritious and well balanced meals. Just because you are away from home does not mean you should eat whatever comes your way. Traveling fit in this case could mean carrying your packed food and preparing your meals for yourself in your new destination.

 

Denis is a writer for Mega.co.uk where you can get some interesting voucher code to allow you to make some great savings on your travel.

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Does Drinking 8 Glasses of Water a Day Benefit Our Health?

In today’s world of sugary juices and carbonated sodas, there are plenty of beverage options, especially for those looking to avoid a boring glass of water. The notion that a person should drink eight glasses of water per day — while accepted by most in the medical community — is literally hard for many to swallow, and getting kids to see the benefits of water can be an even harder challenge.

While the simple taste of water may not be enough of a draw, its numerous health benefits and cleansing effects on the body should be.

 

The human body is made up of two-thirds water, and water is an essential component of organs — from the liver to the brain. Drinking eight glasses is the best way to keep body systems running smoothly and efficiently. For example, when not supplied with enough water, the brain can respond with severe headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, all common symptoms of dehydration. For young children in school, hydrating in the morning and throughout the day aids their ability to focus and retain information they are being taught (evidenced by the UK’s campaign and website wateriscoolinschool.org.uk). In adults, hydration is said to lead to higher productivity in the workplace.

While many argue that the body acquires water through all liquids and most foods consumed by the body, nothing can compete with the purity of water. Carbonated and sugary beverages are often loaded with additives, including sweeteners and preservatives. In addition to adding calories, these drinks are far less purifying than straight water, thus contributing less to kidney and urinary health.

Weight and Water Retention: Anyone who works out regularly knows that a key component of any vigorous workout is sweat and lots of it! But in order to have the stamina required of exercise, one needs to drink water frequently throughout the day to replenish loss through perspiration and to keep cells hydrated. Men’s Health Magazine recommends drinking 8 ounces for every 20 minutes of exercise ). Clearly, effective exercise is almost impossible without proper hydration, and weight loss can’t come without exercise. So, if you’re looking to lose weight, load upon the water, get read to sweat… and then replenish!

Many also struggle with fat around their middle. Regardless of how much work they do, they find that there is often an inch or two that simply will not go away. Oftentimes, though, that fat is a result of water retention and the bloating that results from a lack of hydration. When the body isn’t receiving enough water, it retains a certain amount to protect itself. That amount often accumulates in the mid-section, taking on the appearance of belly fat. Once replenished, the body eliminates excess water, bringing back that flatter stomach. Drinking eight glasses of water a day clearly benefits the body, including its organs and cells and ability to focus. Hydration is also a key component of any exercise or weight loss plan. And while the amount required may fluctuate based on body size or activity level, the verdict is clear: water benefits one’s health… so keep drinking!

Sarah writes on behalf of Team24 a healthcare jobs specialist. Team24 work within locum recruitment and are always on the look out for qualified doctors and nurses nationwide.

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Life Begins at 60: Five Experiences to Make You Feel Young Again

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Don’t grow old gracefully, spice up your life with some excitement – your advancing years don’t have to mean joining the pipe and slippers brigade. Maybe you’re looking for 60th birthday ideas for a loved one without making them feel like you’re nudging them towards the pension queue, or perhaps you don’t see age as a barrier and you just want to seek new thrills without letting greying hair and creaking joints stop you. New experiences make us all feel vibrant and alive so here are some ideas to help you roll back the years:

Get pampered

Feeling young again doesn’t have to mean surgery or Botox injections, but there are plenty of more natural beauty, skin and body treatments which can reinvigorate you and give you that glow. There’s plenty you can try from all-over body massages, cutting edge skin creams, or even an organic chocolate face mask. You might not come out looking like an 18-year-old but you will certainly feel rested, relaxed and full of energy, while a decent facial can shave a few years off your appearance.

Fighting spirit

Martial arts don’t have to mean kicking lumps out of each other and rolling around the gym floor. But staying active and getting regular exercise is essential to maintaining vitality and there are plenty of forms of martial arts which suit anyone from eight to 80. Aikido is a passive martial art with the emphasis on self-defence, learning movements which allow you to use an opponent’s speed or strength against them, while slow and patient Tai Chi places the emphasis on movement, flexibility, breathing and health.

Rally driving

Trundling along in the family saloon might make you feel more like Victor Meldrew than Jenson Button, but you can satisfy your need for speed on muddy off-road tracks, or racing through picturesque forest routes. The car does all the hard work so it’s not too gruelling on your body but you still test your skills to the max, or you can even just join the fun as a passenger alongside an expert driver and still enjoy the thrill of high speed driving.

Dream of Wembley

Your peak footballing years may be behind you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dream. Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most exciting football stadiums in the world, including Wembley; see the trophy cabinet up close, explore the dressing rooms and even set foot on the hallowed turf. Just for a day you can imagine what it’s like to score that winning goal and lift the FA Cup.

Take to the skies

Look down on everyone else by gliding through the air with a bird’s eye view of your surroundings. Experience the thrill of flying your own plane with an accompanied lesson, soar through the air in a microlight, or simply enjoy the serenity of a hot air balloon ride. The exhilaration of being so high and so free will leave you feeling on top of the world.

This article has been created by Activity Superstore, the UK’s leading gift experience days supplier.

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