What Causes Hemorrhoids? 8 Common Hemorrhoid Causes To Avoid
July 30, 2008
Are you one of the 4 out of 5 Americans who suffer from the painful affliction of hemorrhoids? If you don’t know what hemorrhoids are or what causes them, hemorrhoids (which can also be referred to as piles) are veins located in the rectum that have become swollen. Sometimes they can be very painful.
Hemorrhoids start from 2 different areas. There are the internal veins which become swollen and form what is called internal hemorrhoids. As these are internal, they are not seen or felt, unless they become severe. External veins can also swell to develop into external hemorrhoids. These are seen around the outside of the anus and are felt quite often.
Doesn’t sound good, right? What causes this to happen? Well, the number one culprit of hemorrhoid causes seems to be constipation. If you constantly strain while having a bowel movement, you’re putting strain on your intestinal walls as well, which leads to the veins in those walls swelling and becoming hemorrhoids.
For women, pregnancy is common cause of hemorrhoids too. Constipation usually occurs during a pregnancy, so this situation, in addition to the increased pressure of the weight of the baby on the body, can easily bring about a hemorrhoid affliction. Some soon-to-be mothers discover that hemorrhoidal pain is worse than the morning sickness infamously associated with pregnancy.
Some other hemorrhoid causes include:
- Sitting for long periods of time, especially on the toilet
- Don’t stand up for too long without sitting down for a few minutes after every hour or so of standing
- Reading while going to the bathroom, which causes you to sit longer than you should
- Lack of fiber and water, which causes stool to be hard and difficult to pass
If you’re obese, you also have a higher risk of suffering from hemorrhoids. You could also have a history of hemorrhoids in your family that increases your risk.
Caralluma Fimbriata: Move Over Hoodia!
July 29, 2008
Caralluma Fimbriata. Almost no one has even heard of it and those who have may be asking just what the heck it is. The first thought for most people is just another fad diet gimmick. But is it? Could it be pure gold in the world of weight loss? Let’s find out.
Caralluma Fimbriata is a succulent plant belonging to the cactus family. It is found mainly in India and the surrounding areas and grows wild there.
In India where it is most popular, it has been eaten by locals for hundreds of years and probably longer. The plants green follicles are most often boiled and salted before being eaten although it can be eaten raw as well. It is also made into chutney’s and used in making pickles as well.
For generations the local people found this vegetable seemed to contain certain properties when eaten. Not only did it as an appetite and diet suppressant but also seemed to quench their thirst while boosting their energy levels. Because of this it became wildly popular as both a “hunting and famine food” sustaining the people when food stuffs became scarce.
All the apparent benefits have now caught the eye of modern science and this once native plant of Indian culture is making an impressive appearance on the world dieting scene. Besides having the ability to suppress the appetite and boost endurance it also appears to be a factor in lowering blood sugar levels as well.
Researchers believe that Caralluma extracts act on the brains main hunger centers thereby reducing your feelings of being hungry. More importantly, research indicates this appetite suppression action takes place without any significant disturbances in the functions of your neurotransmitter functions unlike many of the best known appetite suppressants on the market today.
Clinical studies are also finding that one main extract of Caralluma, pregnane glycoside, is not only very effective in controlling appetite, obesity and weight gain but also is appearing as a major player in lowering your BMI, body fat, blood glucose levels and blood pressure as well. Reductions in hip and waste circumferences were noted as well.
The same studies have also concluded that there appears to be improvement in not only memory function, hearing and capillary health but also notable enhancement of the HDL/LDL blood ratio’s as well as controlling joint inflammation and others.
Surprisingly, Caralluma Fimbriata is a completely natural appetite suppressant and does not contain any artificial ingredient, chemicals or any type of preservative which more recent studies indicate can possibly interfere in the body’s natural dieting process.
There have never been any recorded instance of adverse reaction or toxicity in the extensive studies undertaken to determine it’s safety in human consumption. The fact that it has been eaten for centuries should be proof for certain of it’s benefits and long term positive effects on the human body.
Be prepared for a media avalanche as Caralluma Fimbriata becomes poised to overtake the current appetite suppression market. I fully expect this to become even more popular that the current Hoodia craze with this product being even less expensive while being far more effective.
Smart Technique Weight Loss
July 29, 2008
Weight loss via Hypnosis …Is it possible?
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to eat right AND lose weight without even trying? I’m sure it sounds like an impossible idea. But you CAN do it….with your brain! And if you think about it - it really makes perfect sense.
Ask yourself - Where do your thoughts come from? Your fears, your joys, your tears? They all come from the brain! And your brain is extremely powerful. Few people understand how powerful it really us. So, ask yourself…if you use your brain right, won’t it be a natural remedy for losing weight? And of course…the best part? Using your brain is FREE. You’ve surely heard about the power of positive thinking, and using affirmations and meditation to improve your life. And everyone knows it works…so why wouldn’t positive thinking help with weight loss? How difficult will it be to re-tool your thought patterns about foods, diet and exericise?
Try visualizing yourself. What picture do you see? An overweight person? A lazy person? One who eats too much? If that is what you see, then it’s probably what you’ll get. With just a few changes in your thought patterns, you can recreate the person you are….to the one you want to be!
And it really doesn’t take very long. Professionals have been using meditation and hypnosis techniques successfully for years. And with a lot of success. But it’s not really necessary to go to a professional. There are programs that you can download right off the internet that can walk you through the self hypnosis techniques step by step. And they’ll start to work immediately.
In fact, it may teach you about a whole other side to how powerful your mind/brain can really be. It won’t give you side effects either. That is the key! The weight loss industry prays on our mind and our fears about being overweight. It sends subtle negative messages that tell you to rely on drugs for a solution you really have control over. The hundreds of weight loss remedies mostly suggest you cannot lose weight without this herb or that fat burner. A few will mention in small print that you should change your lifestyle in addition to using their products, but let’s face it, how many people actually take the time to read the small print. With a little planning, a powerful urge to succeed in losing weight, a positive mind/brain approach to the changes you need to make and support and hard work - Weight loss via hypnosis WILL work for you.
Easy Stress Relief
July 29, 2008
Now is the only time that is important. Many people get caught up in their day to day lives and focus on the future which can bring about anxiety or stress. Stress can cause many problems such as concentration issues, lack of good judgment, negativity and lack of productivity. The best way to combat these feelings of stress is through relaxation. Relaxation plays in a key roll in leading a healthy happy life. Relaxation takes as little as ten minutes a day and can be as simple as breathing exercises, or as challenging as a kick boxing class, the choice is yours.
Work, marriage and money are just a few things which can cause stress in peoples day to day lives. Often people get so busy and think they have no time to relax. They can also be fooled into thinking that they need to do something extreme or go someplace such as going on vacation to relax. These people are mistaken, relaxation can happen at home, in the office or while driving. The key is to train the mind to relax.
Finding the best method can be the hardest challenge on your road to relaxation. First you need to decide what sorts of things you enjoy. It could be a range of things such as surfing the web, reading, meditating or walking.
Something simple like watching TV, listening to music, surfing the web and reading offer a break from regular day to day situations. Books can create a world completely different from your own as can a good movie or song. Each of these activities help your mind escape into a visually exciting place.
Meditation can help you learn to control your body’s reaction to stress through reflection and deep breathing exercises. These techniques must be learned and practiced regularly to insure maximum results. You can achieve full relaxation through ten minutes of meditation, and most people have ten minutes to spare in their busy lives.
Other people prefer to hit the gym to relax. Some like to run, walk or lift weights. Others might prefer a cycling, kick boxing or tai chi class. Running and walking burn off excessive built up energy, however not everyone wants to run a marathon. For them there are other sorts of classes which sole purpose is relaxation such as yoga. Many people choose to skip the classes and gym all together and simply walk their dogs in the park.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to relaxation is practice. It is important to have patience! Listen to your mind and body, learn what is working for you and make note of what is not. Keep yourself motivated by remembering you are on your way to a happier and healthier lifestyle, also remember how good it feels to be doing something enjoyable.
Teaching your body something new is always a challenge, however once you get the hang of it, it is like riding a bike, your body won’t forget how. It is important to find an activity which you enjoy and know you will stick with, but you must make a conscious effort to remind and train your body to relax while performing this task. It may take time, but in the end the rewards will be fantastic for your mind, body and lifestyle.
A Healthy High Fibre Diet
July 29, 2008
Your Diet, i.e. what you eat, is at the forefront of how healthy you and your family are going to be. If your diet is a concern to you it is always wise to start with a visit to your doctor. Just to have a check up and confirm with your doctor that the diet you intend to use is safe.
Designing your own diet is possible, with the right information, but be sure that you know what nutrients and vitamins are in the foods that you select. Balanced your diet, if it isn’t balanced, even if the food that you eat is considered to be healthy, too much of a good thing can still be bad for you. It is possible to take aspects of different diets and combine them.
Variety is necessary when planning a diet, if you don’t have a variety of foods you will not enjoy your diet and will find it easy to make excuses to go back to eating rubbish but even cheese and wine are good for you in moderation.
A good diet should include generous portions of fruit and vegetables, but high fibre fruit and vegetables should be prioritised. Fibre is sometimes ignored when formulating a diet. No matter what your body type, fibre is very important; also you should take into account your age, and how much you weigh. You know the old saying if you don’t eat, etc. Well they should have said, “If you don’t eat high fibre foods”, etc.
Eating high fibre fruit and vegetables, will improve your health and wellbeing. High fibre fruit and vegetables will also help get rid of toxins and waste from your system. Fibre is an important issue and it puzzles this writer as to why it is lacking in some diets?
Some high fibre products aren’t very palatable so it is hard to convince people to consume those products. Many people don’t like the taste of the supplements that are high in fibre, so they avoid them. Another cause of a low fibre intake is a lack of grains in your diet. You would be surprised what foods are high in fibre, just take a look at the label.
Do some research on the Internet, you are sure to find fruit and vegetables you love that are high in fibre. There are plenty of fruit and vegetables that are high in fibre, eat a couple of servings of fruit each day and you’ll have sufficient fibre.
The secret to maximising the fibre in fruits and vegetables that are high in fibre is to eat them raw. Many people will tell you that they eat lots of high fibre fruit and vegetables. But they cook them; this breaks down or reduces the fibre content.
So include some raw vegetables and uncooked fruit in your diet, and then you can be sure that you will be getting the fibre that you need.
Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome-Free Your Mind
July 29, 2008
Memories have a unique way of helping people. They can make you smile or laugh, you can look back on a memory and learn something new about yourself or someone else, sometimes they can make you cry. Though memories are not always happy, you can always learn something new. Often we wish we could relive certain memories everyday and enjoy them or sometimes we wish we could go back and change things. Changing a memory might seem impossible, but with today’s advancing science and other clinical practices, changing a memory does not seem so far fetched.
We all love happy memories, just thinking about them can bring a smile to your face or make you laugh. Almost all of us can think of one or two memories we will cherish forever. However there are some people want desperately to get ride of a traumatic experience, it consumes them. Bring raped, abuse, a soldier from war or something as simple as a car accident can be debilitating memories people live with east day. Sometimes these memories hinder them so much, they are unable to function in certain situations or in extreme cases in all aspects of their lives.
Post traumatic stress syndrome can make people so depressed and dysfunctional, they begin to try self medication, which is usually in the form of drug or alcohol abuse. This method only creates more problems for the person. They are trying to forget the memories and ease their pain through their addictions. But sadly, it only creates problems at their work, home or with their families which will add to their stress and anxiety levels.
Self destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse are common for people suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome. There is good new though. New treatments are being explored. One of those new treatments is hypnosis. Hypnosis or behavior modification, works with the mind in a unique way. While undergoing hypnosis, you are able to revisit the traumatic memory and learn to look at it in a different way. You learn to deal with your feelings toward the memory in a more positive way instead of letting the feelings consume you and those around you. In some cases you may even be able to forget the memory completely.
New studies in Canada are offering hope to those suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome. According to a Canadian newspaper, Ottawacitizen.com, scientists have been using a drug called Propranolol, commonly used in patients with hypertension, to treat and delete memories in people with post traumatic stress syndrome. The drug is injected to a certain part of the brain while thinking of a specific traumatic memory. Once the drug is injected, studies have shown that particular memory has been deleted or replaced. The treatment is still in the early stages or research and development and there are no concrete studies to prove this drug actually works, only suggestions. People who suffer from post traumatic stress syndrome need help now, everyday is like torture for them, and they need something that will work. Hypnosis is safe, proven to work through actual patient testimonials and is available now.
Hypnosis offers a safe, non invasive, and readily available treatment for those suffering from painful, traumatic memories. No one wants to feel like a prisoner in their own mind or have one memory control everything in their daily lives. These painful memories make everything more difficult, even if they memory it self seems trivial. There are new treatments on the horizon for people who suffer from this condition, there is no need to wait when there is something available to help you now.
Bicep Exercises for Beginners
July 29, 2008
We have made it to the third and final installment of my articles on achieving the biceps you always wanted. The most common question I am asked is what exercises are the best to get the results I want. Without delay, here are more to get you on your way.
The Preacher Curls:
This exercise is not only great for your biceps but works those forearms at the same time. You will need a preacher bench for this one. If you don?t have it, remember this the next time you are at the gym.
Sit on a preacher bench, with your upper arms resting on the pad, palms facing upwards. Have someone hand you a barbell. Lower the barbell until your arms are nearly straight ? you should be feeling a good stretch in your bicep now.
Using your biceps and moving only your forearms, curl the barbell to shoulder height. Hold for a moment to get the maximum benefit for this curl, then repeat.
Concentration Curls for Dumbbells:
This can be tough for a beginner. It isolates the bicep giving you the maximum workout (and burn!). You will use a lighter weight for this because of the isolation, but you will get the same results. Sit on the end of the bench with legs spread. Reach down between your legs and pick up the barbell. Bracing your elbow on one knee, place the opposite hand on your leg for balance. Using your bicep only, and moving just your forearm, slowly curl the dumbbell to shoulder height. Keep it there for a moment, then slowly lower to starting position, then repeat. Do this for both arms, alternating left and right.
Well, there you have it. I hope these exercises will give both beginners and more experienced lifters the results you are looking for. Hope to see you around the gym!
How To Jump Higher At The Comfort Of Your Own Homes!
July 29, 2008
“I want to dunk on my opponents and then rub it into their faces, are there any exercises to jump higher?”
I’ve heard that question more times than I care to count especially from high school kids aspiring to make it into the varsity team.
Well, I have to admit - I’m one of themthe high school newcomers who want the ladies to cheer as they show off their impressive vertical jump.
I still recall my freshman years when my fervent quest began to find these golden tips on how to jump higher. I’d like to lie and say the search was easyBUT it wasn’t.
If you’re thinking about the gym as the place to go, I’m sorry. That won’t cut it especially for people who’re almost drowning on school and office work.
Think about it - are you willing to get slap in the face from your boss or teacher because you skipped a day just to go to the gym?
I don’t know about you BUT I won’t.
This explains why tips and tricks on how to jump higher that you can use right in your room is a MUST. I’ve realized this long before, and as a solution, I compiled some brief tips and simple exercises to jump higher.
Now it’s your turn to take advantage of them.
How To Jump Higher Tip 1:
The knees and leg area take the limelight when it comes to increasing your vertical jump.
These sections - when properly exercised will endow you with the power and strength you BADLY want to get you airborne. Here’s how to do it - first, stand erect, then slowlyinch by inch, bend your knees while keeping your back tight and straight.
That should be a part of your daily training, and in no time, you’ll see visible and significant progress.
Exercises To Jump Higher Tip 2:
Want a cheap BUT surefire way to increase your vertical jump?
My advice? Grab a rope start jumping.
It’s a breeze to do and you can ‘waste’ time with it while watching that much-awaited movie in DVD, exchange niceties with friends, etc.
How To Jump Higher Tip 3:
Start eating the right kind of foods.
This is so hard for many - harder than the most strenuous physical drills known to man. I guess that ice cream and soda commercial was too tempting to resist.
Get this - without a proper diet, your exercises to jump higher would bring very little results. Go for meals that are packed with protein and calciumthey’ll strengthen your muscles and bones.
Muscle Definition: everything you need to know
July 29, 2008
Do you know what muscle definition is? Most people aren’t quite clear about it - we know when a muscle looks defined, but what makes it that way and how do you achieve it?
Definition is what is often called “ripped”. You know how you can see the outline of the muscle perfectly against the skin? That is the goal of every bodybuilder and of course everyone wouldn’t mind having a bit more muscle definition themselves. Definition is what makes muscles appear larger. And in fact, you can have a bicep which is 12 inches around and it will actually look larger than a less defined bicep which is 15 inches!
So what does “being ripped” mean? Definition consists of two things; muscle size and body fat percentage. To become defined you need to lose fat while building muscle. This is what most everyone wants to achieve by working out.
Wow! I can hear you saying “Caleb sure knows his stuff. He can surely tell me what exercises I can do to get ripped.” While I am flattered and humbled, I have to say this is the one thing I can not do for you. Why? There is no such exercise.
To get definition, or ripped if you will, you have to lose excess fat while building muscle. A lot of people get discouraged after working out for awhile when they don’t see the definition they have been trying to achieve. Variety is the spice of life and a exercise program that ignores other aspects of fitness is not the best thing for overall general health.
Basically what I recommend is a low impact, low intensity, cardio exercise, like biking or hiking. Running is hard on the knees and not recommended for anyone, especially weight lifters.
For building muscle mass, I recommend low reps with heavier weights. This builds muscle fast. You do want to be sure to use enough weight so that you can’t go any further than the planned set of reps. Weights, low impact cardio and a healthy diet combined will get you the “ripped” look we all want.
Bye for now; see you at the gym.
4 Golden Rules for a Powerful Abs Workout
July 29, 2008
When working out the last ting you’d want to do is waste your time. Too many people at the gym work on pointless and ineffective exercises that are just a waste of time and will never produce results.
Now some things you can’t do without - like a warm up. Your chances of injury are multiplied many times over when you don’t take the few minutes required to warm up. Some simple stretching and calisthenics - like squats and lunges - are fine for your warm up.
Once you’re ready to begin your abs building workout, there are four golden rules that you need to remember - whether you are designing your program, or having a trainer design it for you:
1. Stability Exercises 2. Stability with Resistance Exercises 3. Core Strengthening Exercises 4. Unbalanced Exercises
1. Stability Exercises
After you complete your warm up, stability exercises are next. These use only your body weight as resistance. You need to do these exercises intensely - don’t stop with a set number of reps. The rule is do your reps until you can’t do another one.
Stability exercises don’t need for you to use any apparatus of weights. Crunches, flutter kicks, reverse crunches and some other exercises come under this category.
2. Stability with Resistance Exercises
THe next rule is to follow immediately with mix of stability and resistance exercises. These exercises are stability exercises with weights as resistance.
Incline bench crunch, a weighted crunch or a weighted straight leg crunch are some of the examples for stability resistance exercises.
3. Core Strengthening Exercises
The next set of exercises are the core strengthening exercises. They require exact body position and execution and include complex movements.
The Plank, the Side Plank, and the Superman are some core strengthening exercises that you can do lying down. While standing up, exercises like cable torso twists, woodchoppers, and “around the world” Are good examples.
4. Unbalanced Exercises
Final rule: finish your workout with unbalanced exercises. These are the hardest part of your total routine. The idea here is to do an exercise that actually throws your body out of balance.
Get into a push-up position with your body straight, then lift one arm toward the ceiling and open your entire torso to that side. Its Very hard to do, even if you’re in great shape.
You shouldn’t and can’t do many reps of the exercises. Five or ten of each unbalanced exercise should be sufficient.
Workout is going to pay off unless you eat the right foods and build up your workouts properly.
The golden rule 5 is that your form must be absolutely perfect. Keep these 4 golden rules in mind when developing your workout routine. For building that gorgeous rock hard abs you need to design an effective workout.
