Tag: ARTHRITIS

Don’t Lock Your Knees! Are You standing Correctly?

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Are you standing correctly with relaxed knees?

Most people carry tension in their muscles. When you’re constantly contracting your muscles you’re also reducing the blood flow throughout the area and compresses joints, the muscles cross. Compression of the joints can lead to decreased mobility, friction, misuse of the limb, and potentially arthritis. 

One should be able to stand without clenching butt cheeks together or gripping our front thigh quadriceps muscles.Your legs must be straight in order to manage the tension. Just because the leg is straight doesn’t mean it’s locked. Your leg is “locked” when the quad muscles are contracted.

There are people who are able to hyperextend their knees, it looks like this.

There are people who stand with constant knee flexion (bent knees). It looks like this.

If the quads are relaxed, you should be able to contract your quads (notice your knee cap lift up) and return to the relaxed state.  If you can’t tell if your knee caps are lifting, more than likely your quads are already in a contracted state (this means that your patella is compressed against your femur, creating decreased mobility and friction which can lead to arthritis).

It sounds pretty simple to just relax your kneecaps, but if quad tension has become an unconscious habit for you, or if you’ve been unknowingly using your quads to keep yourself from falling over when you stand, relaxing the knees won’t be as easy as it seems.

Your four quadriceps muscles are designed to activate equally and at the same time when you straighten your lower leg, but in our culture, we’ve acquired alignment faults that leave the femur bone internally rotated and our pelvis misaligned. This changes the ability of the quadriceps to activate properly.

When your pelvis is not aligned, it changes your uses of the appropriate muscles for walking and standing, so your quads pick up the slack.

The quadriceps can get so used to staying on and being recruited for extra work that it becomes difficult to figure out how to turn them off, even when your brain is asking them too! This is where people may get a lot of spasms. 

The Powers of Licorice Root

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Licorice Root Benefits

Licorice root contains many anti-depressant compounds and is an excellent alternative to St. John’s Wort. As a herbal medicine, it has an impressive list of well-documented uses and is probably one of the most over-looked of all herbal wonders.

Hundreds of potentially healing substances have been identified in licorice as well, including compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). The herb’s key therapeutic compound, glycyrrhizin (which is 50 times sweeter than sugar) exerts numerous beneficial effects on the body, making licorice a valuable herb for treating a host of ailments. It seems to prevent the breakdown of adrenal hormones such as cortisol (the body’s primary stress-fighting adrenal hormone), making these hormones more available to the body.

It has a well-documented reputation for healing ulcers. It can lower stomach acid levels, relieve heartburn and indigestion and acts as a mild laxative.

It can also be used for irritation, inflammation, and spasm in the digestive tract. Through its beneficial action on the liver, it increases bile flow and lowers cholesterol levels.

Boosts immune system

Licorice also appears to enhance immunity by boosting levels of interferon, a key immune system chemical that fights off attacking viruses. It also contains powerful antioxidants as well as certain phytoestrogens that can perform some of the functions of the body’s natural estrogens; very helpful during the menopause. Glycyrrhizinic acid also seems to stop the growth of many bacteria and of viruses such as influenza A.

Relieves pain and stress

It has an aspirin-like action and is helpful in relieving fevers and soothing pain such as headaches. Its anti-allergenic effect is very useful for hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma. Possibly by its action on the adrenal glands, licorice has the ability to improve resistance to stress. It should be thought of during times of both physical and emotional stress, after surgery or during convalescence, or when feeling tired and run down.

Control respiratory problems and sore throat

Licorice eases congestion and coughing by helping to loosen and thin mucus in airways; this makes a cough more “productive,” bringing up phlegm and other mucous bits. Licorice also helps to relax bronchial spasms. The herb also soothes soreness in the throat and fights viruses that cause respiratory illnesses and an overproduction of mucus, such as irritating coughs, asthma and chest infections.

Lessen symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

By enhancing cortisol activity, glycyrrhizin helps to increase energy, ease stress and reduce the symptoms of ailments sensitive to cortisol levels, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromylagia.

Combat hepatitis

Licorice both protects the liver and promotes healing in this vital organ. The herb’s anti-inflammatory properties help calm hepatitis-associated liver inflammation. Licorice also fights the virus commonly responsible for hepatitis and supplies valuable antioxidant compounds that help maintain the overall health of the liver.

Treat PMS and menstrual problems

The phytoestrogens in licorice have a mild estrogenic effect, making the herb potentially useful in easing certain symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), such as irritability, bloating and breast tenderness. Although the glycyrrhizin in licorice actually inhibits the effect of the body’s own estrogens, the mild estrogenic effect produced by licorice’s phytoestrogens manages to override this inhibiting action.

Prevent heart disease

Recent studies have found that by limiting the damage from LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, licorice may discourage artery-clogging plaque formation and contribute to the healthy functioning of the heart. Research indicates that modest doses of licorice (100 mg a day) have this effect.

Latin Names

Glycyrrhiza glabra, Liquiritia Officinalis

Common Names

Chinese Licorice, Gan Cao, Kan-ts’ao, Kuo-lao, Licorice, Licorice Root, Ling-t’ung, Liquorice, Mei-ts’ao, Mi-kan, Mi-ts’ao, Sweet Licorice, Sweet Wood, Yasti Madhu

Properties

Anti-allergic, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, emollient, estrogenic (mild), expectorant, laxative, pectoral (moderate), soothing

Indicated for

Addison’s disease, allergic rhinitis, arthritis, athlete’s foot, baldness, bronchitis, bursitis, canker sores, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, chronic fatigue, colds, colitis and intestinal infections, conjunctivitis, constipation, coughs, dandruff, depression, duodenal-ulcers, emphysema, exhaustion, fibromyalgia, flu, fungal infections, gastritis, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, hay fever, heartburn, hepatitis, inflamed gallbladder, liver disease, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, spleen disorders, tendinitis, throat problems, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections, yeast infections. Reducing stomach acid and relieving heartburn and indigestion. Increasing bile flow and lowering cholesterol. Improving resistance to physical and emotional stress.

Do not confuse with licorice confectionery which contains very little, if any, licorice and is in fact flavored by anise.

Can cause water retention and raised blood pressure. Prolonged use should be avoided if you suffer from high blood pressure.

Can cause mild adrenal stimulation.

The secret in Avocado seeds

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It may be the trendiest health food around at the moment, but are you throwing away the healthiest part of your avocado?

 

 

While many are quick to just ditch the seed, it actually has more antioxidants in it than most fruit and vegetables.

 

It also has more soluble fibre than oats and most other foods, according to health experts. In fact, Avocado Seeds has 70% of the antioxidants found in the whole Avocado, and Avocado Seed Oil is also full of antioxidants, lowers cholesterol, and helps fight off disease. And studies show that Avocado Seed has more soluble fiber than oatmeal and just about any other food.

 

Studies show that Avocado Seed has more soluble fiber than oatmeal and just about any other food. Avocado Seed helps to prevent cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol and prevent strokes.

 

Avocado Seed are great for inflammation of the GI tract and diarrhea too! In fact, in South America Avocado Seeds are used for dysentery and other GI tract problems. Avocado Seeds has lots of phenolic compounds that help to prevent gastric ulcers and prevent bacterial and viral diseases.

 

Avocado Seed contains a flavonol that prevents tumor growth… in fact, studies with rats with cancer given Avocado Seed powder looks promising.

 

Avocado Seeds boost your immune system and keep you from coming down with debilitating diseases. Avocado Seeds seems to have a good anti-inflammatory ability and thus helps with arthritis and other joint diseases.

 

Avocado Seed Oil has been shown in studies to increase collagen in your skin thus helping to keep your skin looking young and wrinkle-free. Avocado Seed Oil will make your hair shiny and help get rid of a dry, dead skin.

 

How to Crack the Seed

 

 

The easiest way to get the benefits of avocado seeds is to add them to a smoothie. It won’t affect the taste and makes it a little bit richer and thicker.

 

First things first, be careful when using a knife to remove the seed from the fruit. Don’t try to pry the seed away from the fruit and let your knife slip along the seeds smooth edges!

 

TIPS: Once you have cut your avocado in half, whack the knife into the avocado seed, twist it, and then pull it from the remaining flesh. Remove the knife from the seed and using a heavy chef’s knife whack the seed hard and it should split apart. Then chop it up into smaller pieces.

 

Warning:

California Avocado Commission writes on its website that it does not recommend the consumption of the avocado pit: “The seed of an avocado contains elements that are not intended for human consumption.”

The bottom line: Until more research is done to establish if the seeds are safe to eat, and how much and how often you should eat them, stick to eating the avocado’s creamy flesh. “It’s chock-full of good fat, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber,” says Sass.

 

 

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The Powers of Ginger

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Fragrant, impactful and fiery, ginger includes a unique flavor and pizzazz to Asian-style stir fries and many vegetable and fruit dishes. Crisp ginger root is accessible year round in the produce area of your nearby market. Personally, it’s a favorite, and most used ingredient in my dishes. I also use it in teas, and with my morning juicing. 

 

Natural Remedy 

 

Ginger is a spice that has traditionally been treated as medicine in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, doses of 1-3g can reduce nausea and ease digestion quite effectively; super loading the powdered rhizome (vertical root) at 10-15g daily might increase Testosterone.

 

Health Benefits

 

Ginger is traditionally known as the stomach ache remedy. It has long been known to help alleviate gastrointestinal distress by helping relax and sooth the GI tract. In addition, it helps reduce nausea and vomiting. The anti-inflammatory compounds, gingerols, are the reason those suffering from arthritic conditions have felt some type of pain relief. To top it off, studies are now showing ginger to have anti-cancer properties and other immune-boosting and detoxification benefits. Ginger does contain numerous other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds beneficial to health such as gingerols, beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid, curcumin and salicylate. Mature ginger will have a tougher skin that will require peeling before blasting, but younger ginger (usually only found at Asian markets) can be left intact.

 

When possible, choose fresh ginger over dried to get higher levels of gingerol and its anti-inflammatory compounds. Make sure the ginger root is firm, smooth, and absent of mold. Ginger is also available in dried form as well as crystallized, candied and pickled. You may keep fresh ginger, unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or in the freezer for up to six months.

 

How to incorporate more ginger into your diet

 

Ginger pairs well with many different types of seafood, oranges, melon, pork, pumpkin and apples. When buying fresh ginger, look for a root with smooth, taut skin (no wrinkles) and a spicy aroma. Store fresh ginger in a tightly wrapped plastic bag in the refrigerator or freezer. Fresh ginger should be peeled and grated before use. In most recipes, one-eighth teaspoon of ground ginger can be substituted for one tablespoon of fresh grated ginger. Ground ginger can be found in the herbs and spices section of most grocery stores.

 

Ginger Peach Smoothie See Recipe Here

 

Add fresh ginger into your next smoothie or juiceQuick tips:

  • Add fresh or dried ginger to your next stir-fry or homemade salad dressing
  • Steep peeled fresh ginger in boiling water to make your own ginger tea
  • Use fresh or dried ginger to spice up any fish recipe
Ginger provides a variety of vitamins and minerals:
  • Carbohydrate – 17.77 g
  • Dietary Fiber – 2 g
  • Protein – 1.82 g
  • Dietary Fiber – 2 g
  • Sugars – 1.7 g
  • Sodium – 13 mg
  • Vitamin B6 – 0.16 mg
  • Calcium – 16 mg
  • Iron – 0.6 mg
  • Vitamin C – 5 mg
  • Potassium – 415 mg
  • Magnesium – 43 mg
  • Phosphorus – 34 mg
  • Zinc – 0.34 mg
  • Folate – 11 mcg
  • Riboflavin – 0.034 mg
  • Niacin – 0.75 mg
  • Iron – 0.6 mg
Figures above are per 100g of ginger.

 

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Ginger and Frozen Peach Smoothie