Monthly Archives: April 2011
Tantalizing Tea with a Twist
The Black Cohosh Controversy
A Storm in a Teacup?
By Tracey Karele – AIM Nutritionist
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa or Actaea racemosa) is a herbal remedy that has been used worldwide for many years for the relief of menopausal and premenstrual complaints. Black cohosh root is also an important ingredient in AIM’s Revitafem product. Studies have confirmed that black cohosh can mimic oestrogen in the body, and this herb has received official recognition in Germany. Nonetheless, there have been a few reports of adverse effects associated with the consumption of black cohosh. Read on to discover more about this herb and the truth behind the claims.
What Is Black Cohosh?
Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family, and is a perennial plant that is native to North America. Other common names include black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed and macrotys. Insects tend to avoid it, which accounts for some of these common names. The underground stems and roots of black cohosh are commonly used fresh or dried to make infusions, capsules, solid extracts used in pills or liquid extracts (tinctures). Black cohosh is a useful herbal remedy because it is said to have an oestrogen-like action with the ability to bind to oestrogen receptors in the body.
Relief From Menopausal Symptoms
Black cohosh is a popular remedy for the symptoms of menopause. This has been especially true since the risks of hormone therapy, a standard treatment for menopause, were publicised in 2002. Black cohosh possesses anti-spasmodic, diuretic and cooling properties. It is useful for hot flushes, vaginal dryness and night sweats – all common menopausal symptoms. It is also known for its sedative properties and has a calming effect useful for anxiety, nervousness and muscular spasms and the depression associated with menopause. It can also relieve menstrual cramps and back pain.
Quite a few clinical studies confirm that the use of black cohosh is effective for improving menopausal symptoms, although some have found no improvement. Early German studies found black cohosh improved physical and psychological menopausal symptoms, including anxiety, hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
In a clinical study of 120 women with menopausal symptoms, black cohosh was more effective in relieving hot flushes and night sweats than a common antidepressant medication. Given the results of most clinical studies, many experts conclude that black cohosh may be a safe and effective alternative for women who cannot or will not take hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. However, in a recent review of six studies, researchers concluded that the evidence does not consistently demonstrate an effect of black cohosh on menopausal symptoms.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) reports that many of the early studies were poorly designed and did not evaluate the safety and effectiveness of black cohosh beyond 6 months of use. A study in the December 2006 Annals of Internal Medicine, moreover, reported that black cohosh did not relieve hot flushes. Still, the ACOG recognizes the value of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms. Until further studies are conducted, some doctors recommend only short term (less than 6 months) use of this herb for the relief of hot flushes.
What Else Is It Used For?
According to the USA Office of Dietary Supplements, black cohosh was used in North American Indian medicine for malaise (depression), gynaecological disorders, kidney disorders, malaria, rheumatism and sore throats. It was also used for colds, cough, constipation, hives, backache and to induce lactation. In 19th-century America, black cohosh was a home remedy used for rheumatism and fever, as a diuretic and to bring on menstruation. It was extremely popular among a group of alternative practitioners who called black cohosh “macrotys” and prescribed it for rheumatism, lung conditions, neurological conditions and conditions that affected women’s reproductive organs (including menstrual problems, inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, infertility, threatened miscarriage and relief of labour pains).
According to Prescription for Nutritional Healing (Balch & Balch 2000: 90), black cohosh induces labour and aids in childbirth and morning sickness, and many herbalists recommend taking small amounts for 2 weeks before expected delivery. However, AIM does not recommend using black cohosh root products or Revitafem during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What Is The Concern And Why?
In mid-2009, an episode of Carte Blanche on MNET featured an insert entitled “Snake Oil,” which focused on Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMS) and the regulation of natural ingredients. Black cohosh was used as an example, and it was stated that black cohosh may have possible hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver) effects, and that some cases have even required liver transplants.
Dr Tomlinson of the Health Products Association stated that this issue is a “storm in a teacup,” and AIM tends to agree.
A few years ago, an Australian study reported on a single case where a woman who had apparently been taking black cohosh for a week had to undergo a liver transplant. What was NOT mentioned, however, was the fact that the woman already had acute hepatitis, and was probably going to need that liver transplant regardless! The short time between the intake of the herb and the transplant makes it highly unlikely that the black cohosh could be implicated as the cause of her liver failure. Also, it was never officially ascertained that the product the woman was taking was in fact black cohosh.
According to an article published in Forschende komplementärmedizin (a German complimentary medicine journal), the risk of black cohosh hepatoxicity is small. Every year millions of doses of black cohosh are used worldwide (800 000 packets are sold annually in Italy alone) and so far no fully documented cases of adverse liver reactions have been reported. In fact, the safety of black cohosh can be regarded as sufficiently established by the fact that clinical trials in a total of more than 2000 participants have not reported any hepatotoxic reactions. Considering the millions of women using black cohosh worldwide, the incidence of suspected liver damage is extremely low.
AIM’s Revitafem – Natural Support For The Symptoms Of Menopause
Revitafem is a combination of eight botanical ingredients that provide natural relief from the characteristic symptoms of menopause like hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and vaginal atrophy (deterioration). The recommended daily serving of 2 capsules of AIM’s Revitafem contains black cohosh root as 40 mg standardized extract 2.5% triterpene glycosides.
WATER AND ITS IMPURITIES
Water has been essential to man and nature since the beginning of time. It sustains life. It is a most remarkable non-destructive molecule. It can exist as a liquid, a vapour and a solid (ice). It can change between the three states readily and it is this ability that makes it so unique. On heating water turns to steam (vapour) and on cooling the steam returns as a condensate (water). On freezing it turns to ice and on thawing the ice it returns to water.
Refer to Fig. 1 – Water Cycle
The water the Romans of old drank is the same water we drink today. The only difference is likely to be the contaminants in it as a result of industrial pollution.
Water covers almost 70% of the earth’s surface, most of it occurs in oceans, the balance in rivers, lakes and subsurface reservoirs.
As water goes through its cycles (liquid, vapour and solid), it picks up impurities which reflect the composition of the atmosphere and that of the earth’s crust. Before reaching the ground, rainwater can dissolve gases and soluble matter and absorb insoluble matter contained in the atmosphere. This water can be saturated with dissolved oxygen, contain carbon dioxide and be contaminated with such industrial gases such as sulphur and nitrogen oxides. There has been an increase in the acidity of water due mostly to the formation of certain of these gases.
Scientists have discovered that the quality (purity) of water can be captured and be reflected by ice crystal analysis.
Picture 1 crystal formation is from a clear mountain spring water whereas picture 2 is from a municipal supply water. Notice the angles of crystal structure. In picture 1 they are at 60º and in picture 2 at 90º.
The purer the water, the closer to 60º. It is now possible to establish from high magnification photography the extent of water contamination.
High quality spring water, primarily structures angled at 60º
Poorer water quality, primarily structures angled at 90º
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) can be removed from the air by rain in which it forms a weakly acidic solution of sulfurous acid which is commonly referred to as “Acid Rain”. The acid rain results in damage to old buildings and marble statues in cities. The calcium carbonate present in the buildings and in the marble is ‘dissolved’ by the acid rain. Even more devastating are the effects of acid rain on forests and the aquatic life forms in rivers and lakes.
The pH of unpolluted rain water is usually > 6.0 but the pH has been known to drop to 2.2 above some major cities, consequently the damage to the environment and statues etc.
The reaction of water vapour and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere can form a dilute carbonic acid (H2CO3). In extreme conditions acid rain can also leach aluminium from the soil into the ground water (subsurface) as well as into lakes and rivers. Not only do small concentrations of aluminium poison fish but they also threaten the aquatic life at the bottom of the food chain. Eggs and larvae are particularly vulnerable. The aluminium leachant can also poison plants and tree roots.
Besides aluminium there are several other compounds in the earths crust which can be dissolved by water flowing over it or percolating through it. Table 1 lists the first eight elements in various compounds that account for over 98% of the composition of the earths crust. Several of these compounds (limestone, dolomite, iron and manganese) are only slightly soluble in water. However, they are solubilised by carbonic acid which forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water.
|
Composition of the |
||
| Element | % | |
| Oxygen | 46.43% | |
| Silicon | 27.77% | |
| Aluminium | 8.13% | |
| Iron | 5.12% | |
| Calcium | 3.63% | |
| Sodium | 2.85% | |
| Potassium | 2.60% | |
| Magnesium | 2.09% | |
Surface waters are usually saturated with dissolved oxygen and contain only a small concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide because the surface water is in equilibrium with air which contains approximately 21% oxygen and an average of only 0.03% carbon dioxide. In contract, subsurface waters may contain substantial amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen sulphide gases.
It is the dissolved oxygen in water that sustains aquatic life. At sea level the concentration of dissolved oxygen is approximately 14mg/ℓ (14kg per one million litres) whereas in Gauteng the concentration is approximately 8mg/ℓ (8kg per one million litres).
Acid rain is a source of concern because of the harm it causes, but for those of us living in Gauteng and also to the east and west of it, the subject of Acid mine Water (AMD) appears to be a far greater immediate threat to our environment and our water resources. Experts predict that the very poor quality water could surface in eighteen to twenty four months in parts of Johannesburg and on the East Rand. The risk is that it will cause damage to the foundations of structures and also contaminate water streams and the environment in general.
The cause of the potential crisis can be attributed to mining activities stretching back over 100 years and the subsequent closure of old worked-out shafts without there being a proper mine closure procedure implemented.
Mining activities exposed certain heavy metals such as sulphur and uranium that are locked in the earths rocks. Mine service water gets recirculated and is re-used. The water is used for dust suppression, spraying after blasting, environmental cooling of the hot underground conditions and washdown to recover the fine gold particles. The water reporting to the drains and pump chambers is usually acidic as a result of the leaching of pyrite (rich in sulphur). In recent years the operating mines practice acid water neutralisation to minimise ‘acid mine water’ discharge to the environment.
Why are people worried about it?
The reason people are worried about this water is because of the risk it may enter the source of the drinking water supplied to us by Rand Water or other recognised water providers.
The other concern even though this doesn’t go into our drinking water, it gets pumped into mines and dams that supports plants and aquatic life. The aquatic life is also hugely affected. If the water that the fish live in is contaminated the fish will also absorb the heavy metals by eating contaminated water plants and micro-organisms. The big problem comes when people end up eating these fish. The plants next to the river may also be contaminated by the water. Land or aquatic animals usually end up eating these plants. In many cases these animals serves as a food source for humans. A heavy metal such as uranium can also be transported to vegetation by water. It can either be deposited directly onto the plants or absorbed out of the ground. This isn’t a once off problem. The uranium is absorbed into the ground, which means that whatever is planted next will also absorb the uranium.
The primary human organ that is at risk with exposure to uranium are the kidneys. Long term exposure and intake of high levels of uranium may result in irreversible and progressive renal injury.
Is something being done about this?
Yes. Mines were directed to conduct a comprehensive investigation in order to determine the full extent of the radioactive contamination developing because of mining operations and provide a report to the National Nuclear Regulator. Review and update environmental monitoring plans. Provide a schedule to review and update the Public Hazard Assessment of the mine, taking into the account the leading pathways as identified through study. Restrict access to animals and the public or use of water for irrigation purposes to the identified sites, while further investigations were being carried out.
Why mining needs to continue?
Mining contributes to a large chunk of South Africa’s economy. It might not be the biggest part of our economy, but it’s one of the most consistent and it plays a big role in manufacturing and the retail trade. Normally when people think about mining, the first thing that comes to mind is jewellery like , beautiful rings, shining earrings and sparkle necklaces and diamonds.
Unfortunately all mines, platinum, coal, iron ore and gold creates the problem of “acid mine water”. But if you just take one of these like gold for example you’ll see why South Africa needs to continue mining and why it’s far more than just a symbol of riches and an object of desire.
Gold is used in many different ways that might amaze you, for example in electronics like calculators, television sets, cell phones and in computers. It’s in the motherboard of your computer. Gold is used to make the connectors in most electronic components. It’s a very good conductor of electricity. Just try to imagine life without your cell phone , or computers. These days almost everything is done with computers.
The reason why gold is used in so many products isn’t only because of its conductive properties, both copper and silver are far better conductors and much cheaper. It’s used for its resistance to corrosion. If there were a cheaper alternative people would surely use it. Gold is also used in aerospace technology because of its special properties.
Gold is used as a lubricant in space crafts. In space the radiation is much more than on earth and in a vacuum, organic lubricants are useless. It is used in the circuitry, one again because it’s a good conductor. Gold-coated polyester film is used to help to reflect infrared radiations, and to stabilize the temperature within the space craft. The visor of an astronaut’s helmet is covered with a thin coating of gold to reflect the intense solar radiation to protect their skin and eyes.
Gold can be used in treatment of certain medical conditions as well as in their diagnosis. It can be used in cancer treatment by planting very small particles of radioactive gold into the effected tissue. Gold is non-allergic and is therefore safe to use as orthodontic appliances, crowns and fillings. There is a condition known as Lagophtalmos, where the Person suffering from this is unable to close their eyes, a very small piece of gold can be planted into the upper eyelid to enable the person to close his eyes. It has also proven to be very effective in the treatment of gout.
Gold is also used in glass making, and it is also used in the windows of climate controlled buildings’ to reflect solar radiation outward and to help keep the buildings cool.
Gold has always been associated with status, and purity, which is also why gold is used for the making of religious symbols, gold can be beaten into very thin sheets that can be applied on many different surfaces.
In the picture below a Taiwanese scientists research shows that the leaves mixed with nano particles of gold and water causes chlorophyll in the leaves to produce luminescene which is claimed as researchers to be an energy-saving replacement for street lights.
Eating the seasons – Autumn
by Daniel Jardim
The food we eat and the way we prepare it is an integral part of how we experience health and vitality. In our busy modern lives it is easy to feel disconnected from nature, and we often feel bombarded with conflicting information on what constitutes a healthy diet. Older healing traditions teach us that by living in closer harmony with nature, we not only feel a greater sense of connection with our environment, but can also reap amazing physical benefits by simply modifying the way which we conduct our lives at different times of the year. The best news about it all is that when we live in harmony with the seasons we are able to work on different facets of our health one step at a time. This makes keeping our bodies healthy a manageable and ongoing process instead of feeling overwhelmed by all those changes we know we would like to make, but often just don’t quite know where to begin!
By choosing foods that nurture different aspects of ourselves at different times of the year we also learn to use ingredients available within the season. Those that are of greatest benefit are not only helpful to our bodies, but kind to our pockets too – because foods that are in season are usually a whole lot cheaper to buy. By choosing seasonal produce we can ensure that we are supporting local farmers, whilst also doing our bit to care for the environment by cutting back on ingredients imported from far-flung corners of the world. It makes a whole lot of sense to live in closer harmony with the seasons – for ourselves and our beloved planet too.
The Season of Autumn in Nature
As Summer draws to a close we see all of nature taking steps to prepare for the colder months ahead. Many trees begin to draw their vital sap inwards and downwards, shedding the leaves that were used to create nourishment in the warm Summer months. Animals too, begin to gather their resources and prepare for a time of reduced activity and careful preservation of food and heat. It is not surprising that the season has always been associated with a sense of transition from the bountiful abundance of Summer to the more sparse and frugal wintertime. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Autumn is seen as the time where we too begin to gather our vital energies and, like the leaves falling from the trees, are encouraged to let go of all those aspects of ourselves that no longer serve us. There is a great sense of the harvest taking place after the active growth of Summer, on both a physical and emotional level.
Autumn and the Metal Element
If we understand that the Autumn brings the time of harvest to our lives, it is not surprising that the element associated with the season is that of Metal. After all, what other precious substance is so carefully honed to create the tools that make the gathering of the harvest possible in the first place? From the humble sickle to the most modern of farming equipment, the metal element not only represents a very physical aspect of the gathering of grain, but also alludes to a sense of discernment – literally separating the wheat from the chaff. In TCM the metal element perfectly describes the process of sifting and sorting that takes place in our lives as we learn to hold on to what is necessary and discard what we no longer need.
The Lungs and Large Intestine
As we move deeper into our understanding of the season of Autumn it is easy to understand that the organs associated with the season, and the element of metal, are the lungs and the large intestine. With each breathe in and out we enact quite perfectly the essence of Autumn in the sense of gathering in and letting go. As an extension of that process the large intestine is responsible for capturing any remaining substances that may be useful for the body, and ensuring that all remaining wastes are eliminated from the system. It is astounding that a system such as TCM, which spans over thousands of years, developed such an intimate understanding of our bodies long before we were able to catch up on our knowledge of physiology here in the west. The season of Autumn sees us nurturing these two organs in preparation for the colder winter months, not only because of those nasty winter bugs that seem to have such an affinity for our delicate lungs, but also because the winter diet tends to be the heaviest and richest of the year and proper elimination becomes essential.
Eating for the Lungs and Large Intestine
As we see leaves falling to the ground in golden hues of yellow and orange, so too do we see an abundance of these colours in the foods that become available. Squashes and pumpkins in all shapes and sizes make their way to the Autumn dinner table. Rich in beta-carotene, these foods are perfect for protecting not only the lungs, but also the delicate membranes that line the whole of the digestive tract. White foods also come into season in the form of onions and garlic, all with well-respected protective and healing properties for the upper respiratory tract. And of course, with the harvest comes the gathering of grain – and the Autumn diet sees us moving away from lighter Summer meals to the introduction of whole grains into the diet. Not only do they sustain us in the cooler months, but provide essential soluble fibre to keep our bowels regular and toned. The flavour associated with the season is pungency and refers to all things to do with those wonderfully warming spices. Who can resist breathing in deeply when the smell of tantalising spice wafts from the kitchen? The very process of cooking with spice seems tailor-made for the lungs. Not only do they help to gently warm the body, but have numerous healing benefits for the body too. It is time to clear out your pantry and begin experimenting with new and exotic flavours – your taste buds, if anything, will thank you!
Breathe, Breathe, Breathe!
Autumn is the time to heal the body with the breath. Yogic breathing (Pranayama), Chi Kung and Meditation are all wonderfully in line with the season and the metal element. Breathing perfectly encapsulates the process of gathering and letting go and can be used to help soothe emotional discomfort arising from anxiety and grief. Deep abdominal breathing also serves to loosen the muscles associated with digestion and is a simple and inexpensive way to improve the functioning of the bowels or relieve mild constipation. By nurturing the lungs and focussing on the breathe, we embrace all that is central to the season of Autumn and learn to take time to fine tune our bodies to the subtle changes occurring in nature.
Heritage/Heriloom Vegetable seeds and their benefits
Heirloom: (noun) A valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations.
Ref: Oxford English Dictionary
An heirloom vegetable seed is exactly as the above definition states. A valuable seed, in this case which has been passed down from generation to generation. It is always Open -pollinated and therefore non-hybrid, that means that nature takes care of propagation and the process is not tampered with by humans. Time is the determining factor on whether a variety is an heirloom or not. Some schools of thought say that the heirloom variety of seed has to be more than 100 years old, others say 50 years old, and then there are those that say varieties from before 1945. There may be differing opinions on the time lines, however all agree that heirlooms are imperative to our food security.
These heirloom variety cultivars have been around in some cases for many generations, and have often been grown in the vegetable patches of families, who have single handedly maintained a specific cultivar’s survival. Seeds have travelled across the globe in hems of skirts and linings of jackets, by immigrants who wanted to bring a little of their history to their new country, enabling them to pick the same tomatoes and other familiar vegetables, that they had eaten all their lives, reminding them of “home”.
Heirloom cultivars have managed to survive through the ages, by developing their own resistance to diseases and pests, adapting to changing climates, soil types and conditions and producing well, with unbelievable flavour. Unfortunately, due to mass commercial farming, and the need for hybrid or GM (Genetically modified) seed, we run the risk of loosing many cultivars and many of them becoming extinct.
Hybridised seed, is produced by deliberately crossing different parent varieties. This results in the offspring being a product of either one of the parents or in some cases the seed being sterile. Commercial farmers, however, seek to perfect the expected production of their crop and want to ensure that there is uniformity in their appearance, that they ripen simultaneously so harvesting can be done at once which is cost effective, and that the correct breeding of the hybridization allows greater resilience to pests and diseases. This results in there being no seeds to be harvested from these crops for replanting and the farmer is then forced to purchase again from these powerful suppliers, more hybrid seeds, which maintains the status quo of the necessity of the hybrid seed production. Open pollinated varieties, on the other hand, are true to type which is that the plants are exactly like their parents, provided that they have not crossed with similar varieties grown nearby. The product of this is that they are much more flavorsome, their are many unusual varieties which provide our tables with variability in both attractiveness and nutritional value, and the most important is that the seeds can be harvested for the next season’s planting.
The home gardener is a valuable source of protection of our `heirloom varieties as they deeply appreciate the value of good nutrition, especially if they are aware of growing their food using organic principles, enabling them to give their families unsurpassed nutritious, fresh, tasty and varied food. Should the organic methods be utilized there is the invaluable contribution to the reduction of soil erosion and all types of environmental damage viz pesticides and insecticides in our air, water and unnecessarily causing the death of essential insects. These insects are bees, butterflies, moths, earthworms and also frogs and even birds. Further, the kitchen gardener is also able to stagger the harvesting of their produce, to bottle, pickle, freeze and fresh cook as and when they choose. There is great joy and unsurpassed reward in planting a small seed and watching it produce a whole bush of beans, tomatoes, etc and can provide hours of recreation for adults and children alike. There are many advantages to growing your own vegetables, not the least of which is the abovementioned, there is also the holistic luxury of relaxing in your garden while tending your plants, being physically active and mentally at ease.
The small scale farmers are able to harvest their crops and bring to market and their local communities and families, fresh valuable produce. The biggest advantage, however, to these farmers, is that they are able to collect their Heirloom seeds and conserve the seeds to be used in the next seasons and ensuing seasons crop. To the less advantaged farming population, the savings realized from this is almost incalculable.
Here follows pictures of some wonderful and unusual vegetables. In some of these cases these Heirloom varieties span centuries. Heirloom seeds provide genetic variability , ensuring our food security, and prevent genetic bottlenecking, which is caused by genetically modifying species.
Kind regards,
Linda Galvad
Sought After Seedlings
Growing your future!
Sought After Seedlings
www.soughtafterseedlings.co.za
linda@soughtafterseedlings.co.za
082 365 0050
Much appreciated!
Reduce cellulite the natural way
Cellu-lite, why such a heavy problem?
When you look at early paintings, you’ll see that the female figure was less toned, more round and broader, than the women in today’s artworks. Cellulite never used to be a problem, in fact it was considered feminine and nobody tried to get rid if it. They wanted to capture it in paintings not hide it.
Cellulite isn’t a condition that is dangerous or life threatening in any way, it’s rather something that affects your self esteem, but it can be an indication that you need to make a few lifestyle changes.
Before you can treat cellulite you need to know what it is and what causes it.
Cellulite is something that occurs mostly in women but it does happen rarely that a very small percentage of men also struggle with it, it’s normally men in an androgen-deficient state and men who is given estrogen to treat prostate cancer. The reason for this is that men’s fat configuration is different to that of a women. Women’s fat cells are stored in vertical chambers underneath the skin and connective tissue, these cells protrude a little and that’s why it’s so visible. Men’s fat cells are stored in more diagonal type compartments, so the compartments actually supports the fat cells.
You get 2 different types of cellulite, hard cellulite and soft cellulite. Soft Cellulite is only visible when the skin is compressed, and it can sometimes be sensitive, because the skin is going through changes. With hard cellulite on the other hand the dimples are always visible, but not sensitive anymore
Cellulite will usually be found on the buttocks, inner, upper and back of the thighs and the hip area. The reason for this is because the lipoprotein lipase, the enzyme that plays a role in fat distribution tends to be more concentrated in these areas. In some cases it can also be found on the stomach, back (below the shoulders), the back and inside of upper arms and on the calves and ankles.
What causes cellulite
Cellulite, also known as orange peel skin is caused by a number of contributing factors which includes the following:
Gender: Cellulite has a strong relationship with estrogen, which is why you will see it in 90% of women. Cellulite can start to appear at any time after puberty, during pregnancy and when breast feeding. Woman going through menopause and using hormone tablets will most likely also have cellulite.
Genetics: If you want to know what your chances are to get cellulite and how severe it will be, your best indication will be to take a look at your mother and grandmother.
Age: There are no specific ages when cellulite will start to develop. There can be signs of cellulite as young as 15 years old and other women only experience it after menopause. As we age the skin gets thinner, become less elastic and collagen production will decrease, which makes the skin less firm and therefore cellulite more visible. Our bodies also become less efficient in removing waist products.
Hormones: The following hormones are believed to contribute to cellulite: estrogen, insulin, thyroid hormones, prolactin, nora-adrenaline and catecholamines adrenalin.
Products: Any products containing stimulants increases your cellulite problem, it causes toxins to build up in the body. Slimming products are the worst; most of them contain stimulants, which cause toxins that the body can’t get rid of. People aren’t always aware of this, they just think that it’s an easy way to get into shape, but they don’t realize that it can actually, cause or worsen their cellulite problem.
Weight: You don’t need to be overweight to have cellulite, lots of very skinny women struggles with cellulite. This is an increased problem caused by the combination of: accumulation of toxins, poor blood and lymphatic circulation and adipose cells. Cellulite is much more visible when you are overweight.
Losing wait won’t fix the problem, because the adipose chambers (area where excess fat and toxins are stored.) won’t just disappear. The fat cells are still pushing up against the skin, so doing a quick diet will actually make it more prominent.
Poor Blood Circulation: If the blood and Lymphatic drainage isn’t working the way it should be, toxins won’t be removed out of the system.
Poor diet: Cellulite doesn’t mean that you are eating too much, you might just be eating foods that first attacks the liver .Any type of indigestible food like, fatty pork, stews, alcoholic drinks and fried foods are much more difficult to digest, this is then stored in the body.
Lack of exercise: Lack of exercise means a lack of good blood circulation, even light exercise will improve you blood circulation.
Stress: Prolonged stress causes the body to secrete adrenalin; this put’s the body in a “fight or flight mode” which in turn causes the skin to degenerate because it doesn’t receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen. This interferes with the lymphatic drainage, which can lead to cellulite build up.
Smoking: Because smoking damages the skin’s connective tissue, cellulite will be much more visible.
Reduce Cellulite
Cellulite, also known as orange peel skin can be treated.
Lifestyle: This is normally the culprit when it comes to cellulite, a healthy lifestyle is the best insurance that you have in preventing and reducing cellulite.
Diet: This does not mean that you need to go on a diet, or starve yourself, always opt for healthy food and cut down on toxins. Cut down on refined and processed foods, artificial foods that contain sweeteners, additives and chemicals, diary and high fat products, sugar and high sugar products. Eat more apples, toxins are very acidic, but apples are not, so they balance the ph of the toxins. Try to stick to organic foods. They contain pectin; it is a soluble fiber that helps with detoxification. Pears, bananas, citrus fruit, carrots and cabbage contain pectin as well.
Cellulite always looks better when the skin’s connective tissue is strong and healthy. To keep the connective tissue strong you need to eat anti-oxidant rich foods such as: strawberries, broccoli, peas, tomatoes and oranges.
Rather go for fresh fruit and raw vegetables, over processed foods are packed with additives and preservatives. Garlic and onions will help to strengthen the immune system, cleansing the blood and lymph of toxins and by doing this, taking pressure of the lymphatic system
Detox Diet: A detox diet won’t immediately take away the cellulite, but because cellulite is caused by toxins it’s not a bad idea to start with this.
Breathing: Besides the fact that we need oxygen to survive, proper breathing will help with better removal of toxins since the lungs is a big part of the removal system
Exercise: In order for your body to work properly you need good blood circulation and lymphatic circulation. Exercise won’t take away cellulite, but it will definitely improve the appearance, by improving the muscle tone and blood circulation in the area. You don’t have to exercise all day long, but any type of exercise will be beneficial to your body and health. Good posture also increases blood circulation.
Water: It’s very important to keep well hydrated. Water helps to maintain the body and help with the bodily functions, but don’t drink too much. Too much water can flush very important electrilights out of your system.
Massage: There are a lot of different massages that can reduce the appearance of cellulite; the reason why massages are effective is because it stimulates the blood circulation in that area. Improved blood circulation means improved removal of toxins
Remember your vitamins: Vit A, Vit C, Vit E and selenium has been proven to reduce cellulite.
Relaxation: Most of us don’t have lot of time to relax, but it is worth making time for it, because this is when you body regenerating itself. This is another reason why a massage can do wonders for you health and body.
Tight clothes: Don’t wear clothes that are to tight. It restricts the blood flow, and toxin won’t be removed.
Dry body brushing: This will stimulate the blood circulation and get more oxygen to the area. It will also remove the dead skin cells which will help the product to penetrate if you should choose to use a cream.
Avoid painkillers: They will only add to the toxin overload in your body.
Alternative treatments: Aromatherapy, acupuncture, massage, reflexology, meditation (stress causes adrenaline to release, this will direct the blood flow away from the skin, where you actually want it to reduce cellulite, relaxing will normalize this) and herbal medicine. At the end all of these treatments are aimed at improving blood circulation and relaxation.
Ingredients: There are a few ingredients that reduce cellulite from the outside; most of these stimulate blood circulation. Because these products are applied topically they sometimes tend to irritate the skin a bit, you might feel a burning and itching sensation which will become less and less as your skin gets used to it. The following are a few of the ingredients: Caffeine (used in most cellulite creams. It is a wonderful product when applied to the skin, but taking it in coffee, tea, chocolate and fizzy drinks can actually make cellulite worse, it directly effects the lymphatic system because it causes small blood vessels to constrict), Rosemary, Black pepper, Geranium, Fennel, and all citrus oils of which grapefruit are the most effective.
Surgical and machine treatments
Surgery is always supposed to be your last option in any situation. As with any cosmetic surgery you need to be completely fit and healthy before you can consider any procedures. Surgery is very costly, you need to consider the recovery time. There is always the chance of scarring or the cellulite may appear even worse, because treatments like liposuction only remove fat and not cellulite. The biggest risk with surgery is always infections and organ failure. Machine treatments that works with electric currents stimulates blood circulation will give a big I improvement, but it is only temporary and they are very costly. This can’t really be compared to a healthy lifestyle which will give you a lasting effect and improved health.
Quick tips
The quickest way to get rid of cellulite is to disguise it; cellulite is much harder to see on a darker/tanned skin. Nobody is telling you to go and lie in the sun and cause long term damage to the skin. But if you have a special occasion where you want to put your best foot forward, a little bit of fake tan can make a big difference……a cold shower first thing in the morning will boost your blood- and lymph circulation.
Succession planning for home businesses
Succession planning
“the process of planning for the day a business owner steps down from their leadership role”
As they say death and taxes are inevitable, but nobody needs to deal with it at the same time. For a long time you might have been trying to get your business going or already have a successful business, but now’s the best time to start thinking about the future. Most people prepare for retirement , but not everybody who’s running a home business prepares for when someone might need to take over the business. Prepared business men always has an exit plan, even though you might not think about not being an active participant in your home business yet, these plans needs to be in order in case of your death.
Succession planning is something that is definitely worth taking the time to get it sorted out. It ensures that your business continue according to your vision and can save people a lot of sadness and trouble.
Not making provision for the transition when someone needs to take over the business is one of the main reasons why family business fail after the death of the head of the business. It ensures that the succession of your business happens in an orderly manner, reduces future complications in the business, it’s the best way to provide economic well being after the business owner isn’t there anymore and it minimizes the tax liability of the person that needs to take over .
This will also help you to decide whether you want to keep the business in the family. In a family it is very difficult to decide who is going to take over the business because you have such a personal relationship with the person that might take over the business and management. Family is also the main reason for succession planning After considering your options you might decide that it will be better to sell the business in event of your death or when you decide to retire. It is better to have these questions answered as early as possible to avoid any confusion disagreements.
One of the most important reasons why people do succession planning is taxes and tax minimisation strategies. It’s important and worth it to consult an insurance or financial professional with expertise in business succession planning
Age-related Macular Degeneration
By Tracey Karele – AIM Nutritionist
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a serious, currently incurable disease and is one of the leading causes of vision loss among people aged 65 and older. The fact that AMD is virtually untreatable makes the prevention of this condition all the more important. Nutrition has been hailed as a promising means of protecting the eyes from AMD and delaying the progression of this disease.
What is AMD?
AMD occurs when the fragile centre of the retina (called the macula) deteriorates. The macula is the small area of the retina that is responsible for central vision and high visual acuity or sharpness. The macula is very important for seeing in detail, seeing in colour and seeing things that are directly in front of you.
Although AMD does not lead to total loss of sight and is not painful, it causes serious problems with central vision. This is the vision you use when you’re looking directly at something, for example when you’re reading, watching television or even driving. AMD makes your central vision progressively more distorted or blurry and, over a period of time, it may even cause a blank patch in the centre of your vision.
What AMD looks like as it progresses:
AMD symptoms can vary from person to person, but usually the initial problems involve the ability to see detail. People report problems with reading small print, and often mention a slight smudge or a small blurred area in the centre of their field of vision. Straight lines also often appear distorted or wavy. You should have your eyes tested by an optometrist if you notice any of these symptoms. He or she will examine your eyes and if they detect any changes to the macula or any cause for concern, they should then refer you to an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor) for further treatment.
There are two types of macular degeneration: atrophic (or “dry”) and exudative (or “wet”). With the latter type of AMD, the degeneration of the macula is accompanied by the haemorrhaging of the tiny blood vessels under the centre of the retina. This results in scarring and further vision loss.
There are several uncontrollable risk factors that may increase your risk of developing AMD. These include age, family history and light coloured eyes, skin and hair. Some studies suggest that women may be at a slightly higher risk for AMD than men.
The antioxidant link
The retina is highly susceptible to oxidative stress and there is mounting evidence that points to free radical damage as the cause of macular degeneration. Researchers have reported a 43% reduced incidence of macular degeneration in those consuming diets high in carotenoids (a carotenoid is an organic pigment and an antioxidant). These carotenoids have the ability to filter out damaging light rays before they can harm the macula.
Certain nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and zinc have been found to protect the eyes against AMD and subsequent vision loss. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants and are in fact the only carotenoids located inside the human eye. Lutein and its related compound zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula in particular. It is believed that this concentration of lutein helps to protect the macula from oxidative stress and high-energy light.
Various research studies have shown that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in the eye. Several studies also show that an increase in macular pigmentation decreases the risk for eye diseases such as AMD. So essentially, the more lutein you ingest, the more pigmentation occurs in the eye. The more pigmentation, the lower your chances of eye diseases like AMD.
Lutein also filters blue wavelengths from the visible-light spectrum by as much as 90%. Blue light coming from both artificial light and sunlight is believed to induce oxidative stress and possible free-radical damage to both the eyes and the skin.
Prevention is the only option
Research shows that there are preventative actions that we can take in order to minimise the risk of AMD. These include not smoking, reducing exposure to sunlight by wearing UVB/UVA protective eyewear and hats, lowering cholesterol levels and eating a healthy diet.
AIM’s LeafGreens is an antioxidant-rich blend of barley, spinach, field pea & faba bean leaves with broccoli sprouts. The spinach leaf in LeafGreens is particularly significant in that it contains nearly 5 mg of lutein per serving, making it an excellent food supplement for visual health.
GinkgoSense is another supplement which is useful in maintaining and preserving eyesight. One serving (1 capsule) of GinkgoSense contains 400 mcg lutein and 18 mcg zeaxanthin. Both the lutein and zeaxanthin found in AIM’s GinkgoSense comes from the extract of marigold petals.
Although ginkgo is beneficial to those with dry macular degeneration, it can be contraindicative to those with wet macular degeneration. (Only about 10% of patients who suffer from macular degeneration have wet AMD.)
AIM AMD Testimonial:
Cindy Faull and her husband Gus are from Cape Town and have been AIM members since 2003. Cindy recently shared their amazing story with me:
“In 1999, my husband Gus went to an optometrist for a routine checkup. The optometrist suspected that Gus had AMD in his left eye and sent him to a specialist who later confirmed this diagnosis. The doctor prescribed medicine, which Gus stopped taking after a short while. A few years later we joined AIM, and Gus began taking GinkgoSense and BarleyLife. After about a year on the AIM products, Gus went back to the same optometrist for a checkup. After checking his eyes and double checking his file, the optometrist looked a little confused and asked, “But didn’t you have AMD?” My husband answered that indeed he did, and that it had been confirmed by a specialist. To which the optometrist replied, “Well you don’t have it anymore!” To this day Gus still takes no chronic medication and there is no sign of the AMD.”
Allergies, why use natural products
Definition
An allergy is an adverse immune system reaction to a substance that would normally be considered harmless. Allergic reactions are caused by exposure to allergens. An allergen is a protein that the body judges to be foreign and dangerous. Possible allergens include specific foods, environmental toxins, pollens, molds, mites, animal dander and a host of other irritants. Once exposed to an allergen, the immune system releases specific antibodies to destroy the enemy allergen, setting in motion a complex series of events involving many biochemicals. These chemicals then produce inflammation or other symptoms of an allergy response. Allergic responses can range from mild to severe, where prompt professional medical advice may be required.
Symptoms
Before you can treat an allergy you first need to find out what you are allergic to.
An allergy can have a lot of different effects on the body, here are a few of the most common: inflamed, scratchy and red eyes, tears, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itching, breathing difficulties, flushing cheeks, runny nose, swelling, vomiting, intestinal swelling or irritation, nose bleeds, hives and stomachache.
The most serious reaction when it comes to allergies is anaphylactic shock, which could be fatal if not treated in time. Anaphylactic shock causes swelling of the larynx; this obstructs the airway and can result suffocation. This is a medical emergency and needs to be treated as soon as possible; an injection of adrenalin normally stops the reaction immediately
Allergies can be caused by a lot of different triggers
- Contact allergens – Anything that you touch, that could cause a reaction like: latex, certain plants, cleaning products, jewelry, cleaning products and cosmetic products.
- Inhalant Allergens – Any airborne chemicals products, fumes, tobacco smoke, dust mites, car and truck exhaust fumes, pet fur, and pollen from trees and wheat from grass.
- Ingestant allergens – These includes food, liquids and medications and heavy metals in water. Most food allergies are caused by: wheat, corn, milk and dairy, egg whites, tomatoes, soy, shellfish, peanuts, chocolate, additives and pesticides.
- Injectant allergens – insect bites and stings, and injected medications
These can give you an indication where to start looking at what you might be allergic to, but if you’ve got an allergy especially a food allergy it’s very important to test what you are allergic for:
Headaches : Wheat, Chocolate
Migraine : Alcoholic beverages, cheese, chocolate, nuts, wheat, citrus fruits, tomatoes, eggs and milk
Eczema : Citrus fruits, tomatoes and eggs
Hay fever : Milk, wheat, nuts, chocolate, cola drinks and sulfites
Hives : Strawberries, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate, shellfish, mangoes, pork and nuts
Asthma : Wheat and eggs
Cerebral Symptoms : Corn, wheat and soybeans.
Side effects of using conventional medical treatment and why you should rather use natural products.
Antihistamines: The symptoms will go away, for the time that you are using the product, but it might only suppress the body’s reaction to the allergen. The side effects include drowsiness.
Steroid nasal sprays: The long term effects of this product are unknown.
Decongestants: Although it reduces the congestion, it might cause a type of a rebound effect and problems with alertness and excitability, difficulty falling asleep.
Laser surgery: Surgeons remove the mucous forming nasal tissue, there aren’t any severe side effects, but surgery should always be your last option.
Desensitization shots: Also known as allergy shots,
These medications can cause side effects like: headaches, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, vision changes, stomach upsets, irritability and dry mouth, nose and eyes. These symptoms should go away once your body is used to the medication, but if it persists you should consult your doctor. If you experience any of the following you should immediately notify your doctor; breathing difficulties, ringing in ears, irregular heartbeat or pounding of heart and urinary difficulties.
As with any medication there are few precautions that need to be followed. Try to avoid any medication when pregnant or breastfeeding. Be careful with long acting antihistamines when giving it to children under 12 years. Avoid or limit alcohol intake when using any medication. If you have any of the following your doctor should be consulted before deciding on a type of medication: high blood pressure, seizures, heart disease, over active thyroid, lung problems, stomach ulcers, family history if glaucoma or an overactive thyroid.
Antihistamines and any type of medication are designed to improve your health, but it is always best to first know everything about any product before using it.
When you are using antihistamines, anything that you eat or drink can have an effect on the medication. Medication for other conditions can also interfere with the antihistamines. So it is extremely important to take your diet, health status and any other medical conditions into consideration when you decide to start using an antihistamine. Antihistamines may act differently when combined with for example if you combine it with grapefruit juice it can cause hart palpitations.
A healthy lifestyle and exercise will keep the body itself in good condition, and better able to combat allergens. Eat a variety of non-allergic fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds, nuts and non-dairy animal protein. Sometimes you need a bit of extra help, an then it’s best to choose wisely because sometimes taking one wrong medication can lead to having to take lots more medication to fix the damage.
A few natural ways to treat allergies:
Aromatherapy: Use essential oils to relieve allergic reactions.
Accuipuncture: Used to desensitize a person’s reaction against an allergen.
Diet: If you know what you are allergic to, just stay away from those products, otherwise follow a diet with non-allergic foods. The elimination diet, rotation diet and proper food combining can be followed
Enzyme-Potentiated Desensitization (EPD): is an applied immunotherapy technique that trains the immune system to be non-reactive to substances that usually provoke allergic symptoms.
Herbal Medicine: There are a very wide variety of herbs that offers relief from allergies.
Homeopathy: In some cases a minute diluted doses of the substance a person is allergic is prepared as a homeopathic solution that triggers the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Juice therapy: Fasting on juice will detoxify the body; this will enable the body to cope better with allergies.
Lifestyle: As with anything prevention is always better than cure, a healthy lifestyle is your best weapon against allergies.
Nutritional Supplementation: Vitamin C counteracts the inflammation response which is associated with hay fever and asthma. Probiotics are very helpful in minimizing allergic reactions, because they restore healthy intestinal flora in the gastrointestinal tract.
Water: It is very important for people with allergies and sensitivities to keep well hydrated. Water has healing properties and people have seen great improvements in their health and allergies, only by drinking lots of water.
.