Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Why Choose Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a system and philosophy of medicine that has been around for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years. Before the advent of ‘conventional’ medicine, which uses a wide variety of drugs and surgical procedures, almost every doctor learned how to use herbs, minerals, homeopathy, and other natural methods to treat disease. Since the early 1900’s and with the discovery of ant. . .

The Importance of Nutrition and Lifestyle

The Importance of Nutrition and LifestyleEating healthy and taking care of yourself is essential to obtain optimal wellness. Most people roll their eyes or moan when confronted with these ideas, but, in reality, taking care of yourself is not as hard, time consuming, expensive, or dull as most would have you believe. In fact, once people decide to choose a healthy life, they notice more energ. . .

Low Carb and Lowfat Diets...A Scam?!

If anyone knows anything about fitness, it’s that a low fat diet is the healthiest way to avoid serious diseases, right? Maybe wrong. In many instances quality research has shown just the opposite…that a low fat diet, sometimes even a vegetarian diet, can be harmful to your health. Although vegetarian and low-fat diets have been proven to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, they have. . .

Low Salt Diet Tips for Kids and Adults

Our bodies only require a small amount of salt for proper nutrition. But the fact is that we all, including our children, consume way more salt -or rather, the sodium - than we should. Why should we care how much salt (sodium) our children consume? Too much salt (sodium) creates risk for high blood pressure and higher risk for heart attack. And, we women know salt's affect on bloating! The e. . .

Introducing Falun Dafa

I have been practicing an advanced form of qigong for almost 5 years now. The name of this practice is Falun Dafa. Have you ever heard of or seen Tai Chi? Well, Falun Dafa is similar and yet very different. It is similar in the sense that is has slow and gentle movements. It is dissimilar in the sense that it is easy to learn. There are only 5 gentle exercises to that are so simple and ea. . .

"Dieting" Toture By Another Name, It Doesn't Need To Be T...

I have tried many “diets” here in the USA and in England and to me they all felt like self inflicted torture. They were boring, tasteless, and restrictive. Like many of you I work hard, I don’t ask for much in the way of pleasures when I get home at night. The one thing that does give me enormous pleasure is eating, I love food and yes, I like the odd drink too. I was not and never have been a . . .

The truth about Smokers 'Concentration Con'

Smokers make many excuses for not quitting. One of them is the 'concentration con'. How many times have you heard a smoker say, 'I'd like to quit, but it helps me concentrate'. Maybe you've said it yourself ? In reality, smoking doesn't help concentration from a medical viewpoint. So the idea that smoking helps concentration is just a perception, or an imagined positive reason for not quitti. . .

Protein Diet - What Does It Mean For Your Body?

To really understand the impact of a protein diet, it's important to know how it affects and interacts with your body. When we speak of your muscles, glands, and organs, they are mainly made up of protein. Indeed the two major components making up our bodies are water and protein. So, why all the fuss about protein diet? There is definitely a link between enhancing muscle and protein sinc. . .

ADHD and Iron Deficiency

About 8% of children, ages 4 years and under, are deficient in iron. Between the ages of 5 and 12, the percentage rises to 13%, and then settles back to 8% in people above the age of 15. Anemia is the best-known repercussion of iron deficiency. However, even minor deficiencies in iron may weaken the immune system, affect the thyroid, and impair general physical performance. Iron deficiency . . .

ADHD and Food Allergies

Introduction There are a number of controversial areas in medicine when it comes to ADHD. Food allergy is certainly one of them. The classic allergic reaction, which is classified as the type-1 hypersensitivity reaction, can be elicited by food, but this is fairly uncommon. When we discuss food sensitivities in ADHD we are discussing a different, not well-defined, mechanism. One of the ma. . .

Is your Dog Malnourished?

Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets ... particularly with regard to the ingredients in their food. We would want the ingredients in our pets' food to be acceptable for human consumption.After all, If byproducts are not tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets' food? We're also starting . . .

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Introduction Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a psychiatric behavior disorder that is characterized by aggressiveness and a tendency to purposefully bother and irritate others. These behaviors cause significant difficulties with family and friends and at school or work. Oppositional defiant disorder is sometimes a precursor of conduct disorder. Much of the literature tends to lump the. . .

The Effectiveness of Vitamin C

We all know that vitamin C is one of the most popular health supplements which acts as a stimulant for the immune system of our body. Recent research has revealed that vitamin C could play a part in cancer prevention.Food SourcesSome of the sources of vitamin c are cabbage, cauliflower, guava, kiwi, papaya and strawberries.Who Needs Extra Vitamin C?Although all of us need vitamin c there are ot. . .

Key Elements for a Bigger Bench Press

Proper positioning on a weight bench to maximize leverage Keep the bar in line with the eyes; if you are too far towards the top of the bench it puts your shoulders in a weak position and wastes energy, and creates unsteadiness when lifting off. Firm foot contact with the floor close to the bench is Paramount! Feet on the bench, straight legs with feet lightly touching the floor is a recipe fo. . .

Weight Loss by Treadmill

Weight loss using a good Treadmill workout program has worked for many people - and it can work for you too. Treadmills can be used by virtually any age group, and by individuals of any activity level. Treadmills can help you lose weight, and maintain your weight loss. It really is a numbers game. The more time you spend doing cardiovascular exercises the more calories you are going to burn and. . .

Skin Cancer - a Reminder

We need to get alerted: skin cancer is the most popular cancer. Every year, more than 1,000,000 skin cancer cases are diagnosed and tens of thousands of skin cancer patients die in the U.S. alone. The number of skin cancer exceeds that of all other cancers combined. Among more than 1 million of skin cancer cases, 100,000 are melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer and there is no cure for it. The s. . .

Just Diagnosed With a Visually Impaired Child

Finding out that your child is blind, partially blind, or has low vision can be a scary experience. Some disorders will be discovered at birth, if the vision impairment has observable characteristics such as cataracts or congenital glaucoma, but many go undetected until the child doesn't meet certain visual milestones. Parents may start to notice that their child does not seem to make eye con. . .

Which to Use When: Ice or Heat?

Knee pain after running? Wake up with a backache? Twist an ankle? When aches, pain, strains or swelling take place due to an injury or chronic condition, what is the best course of action: ice or heat? Many people automatically assume heat will ease their discomfort. Think again!Ice and heat have opposite effects when dealing with inflammation and pain. Both are useful when applied at the. . .

Red Wine Compound May Extend Life

Good news! A recent study suggested that resveratrol, a red wine compound, may extend our life. The study was conducted on fries and worms to see if resveratrol can extend life in these creatures. Previous studies suggested that yeast life can be extended with resveratrol. It was found that worms and fires fed resveratrol live 30% longer than those that were not fed resveratrol. Fries and human. . .

4 Keys to Weight Loss

First off, let me start by saying this list is by no means exhaustive. However, if you can manage these 4 important components of a weight loss program, you will be on your way to a slimmer body.Build the FoundationMany people begin a weight loss program with their basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the amount of energy (calories) your body uses in a resting state, in the gutter. The key th. . .

Buying Home Whitening Kits like Whitestrips

Tired of stained, yellow teeth? Want to give yourself a beautiful, whiter smile? Then perhaps you have thought about at home teeth whitening kits. In January 2004, Consumer Reports wrote "Home kits do whiten teeth for far less than you'd pay for a professional treatment." Along with the above quote, Consumer Reports rated Colgate Whitestrips as "good" while Crest Simply White Night was given a. . .

Negative Calorie Foods & Weight Loss

You gain weight when your calorie intake is more than your calorie expenditure. But if this calorie equation is reversed, then it results in "negative calorie" balance in your body. In this negative calorie case, you expand more calories than you take in, resulting in a decrease in the stored calories in the form of body fat, and you experience a weight loss. About 10% of daily caloric inta. . .

Bad Breath and Gingivitis

Does this sound familiar to you? My dentist and hygienist mentioned that I had irritated gums as they cleaned my teeth. This is a symptom of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be a stepping stone to major problems in the mouth and gum line. It can lead to periodontal disease, which is a much more serious problem with the potential for actual bone loss.Halitosis (bad breath) could be related to a gingiv. . .

Keys To A Great Diet

Are you confused about how to lose weight the healthy way? Have you tried all the fad diets on the market and still are frustrated about weight loss? Do you know just how much protein is enough? Are you confused about carbs? Are you wondering why the weight won't stay off? Just what is a healthy diet? There are many aspects to a healthy weight loss program, and to help you sift through fa. . .

Control Cholesterol Naturally

Blood Cholesterol is produced by our body for several purposes. In some people it is produced more than is required by our body, especially when the diet contains saturated fats. Saturated fats in the diet force the body to make too much cholesterol. The cholesterol may become high when our diet is rich in saturated fats that are found only in animal products. Plant foods do not contain any cho. . .

We Shouldn't Have Burnt The Witches: Philosophy And Cance...

1000 years ago in Europe pre-Christian tribes originally had a Goddess culture - a matriarchy where the earth and nature and their cycles and secrets were revered. In pre-industrial societies illness was not seen as a 'random assault from outside' but as a deeply significant life event integral to the sufferer's whole being - spiritual, moral, physical and life course - past, present and future. . .

Latest Techniques Deliver Painless Hair Transplants

The recent development of improved hair transplant techniques ensures that patients can now benefit from pain-free surgery.Unlike the older techniques that could be painful and cause unsightly scarring, the Woods Technique of Follicular Relocation is minimally invasive, painless and leads to hair restoration that looks and feels completely natural.Under this technique physicians transplant only. . .

Ayurveda Can Help Stop Hair Loss

Most hair loss sufferers seek solutions from Western medicine or turn to remedies derived from local traditions. Some experts however argue that the ayurvedic system of medicine has much to offer in dealing with hair loss conditions.Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine practiced in India and Sri Lanka. It is a complete approach to health care designed to promote a way of life rather t. . .

The Main Causes Of Hair Loss In Women

When you think of hair loss it's natural to assume that it's a condition that predominantly affects men. Some experts however suggest that as many as one in four women will experience hair loss at some time in their lives. So why don't we see and hear more about it? Perhaps the answer has something to do with one or more of the following: Women are better at disguising hair loss. Women's hair l. . .

Don't Lose Hair Because Of Poor Grooming

One of the most common reasons why men and women lose their hair is due to poor cosmetic grooming. The unfortunate thing about this is the fact it is so preventable. Fortunately there are some steps you can take to put right some of the damage caused.Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's 2004 summer conference, Dr Zoe Draelos offered a number of recommendations to improve the hair c. . .

Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance?

The effectiveness of modern hair loss treatments is clear for all to see, but many people simply prefer not to use strong chemicals or non-natural substances.If you fall into this category, does this mean you'll just have to accept an ever-decreasing head of hair? The answer to this is an unequivocal NO!Many natural hair loss remedies, both traditional and contemporary, have shown their worth i. . .

Until You've Walked the Path!

From the depths of despair to the heights of hope. That is the inspiring journey traveled by author Paul Shearstone in his new book Until You've Walked The Path. Shearstone, a successful businessman, author and international keynote speaker, fought desperately to find balance and understanding as his life collapsed around him in the early '90s. Stricken suddenly with a mysterious ailment kno. . .

What Is The Role Of Minoxidil (Rogaine) In The Treatment ...

Minoxidil is one of only two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss and is the only anti-baldness drug approved for women. Originally introduced as a medicine to treat high blood pressure, it was noticed that users began to grow extra hair. It is now available without prescription as a topically applied liquid in solutions like Rogaine, but cheaper generic versions are also available. A 2% solut. . .

How Does Propecia (Finasteride) Help In The Treatment Of ...

Finasteride was initially marketed to treat prostate conditions under the name Proscar in 5mg pills. It was known to inhibit the formation of DHT, a major contributor to both prostate cancer and male pattern hair loss.Subsequent research showed that a 1mg daily dose of the same drug was sufficient to control hair loss for 83% of men after two years of treatment. Since 1998 this version has been. . .

Common Treatments For Hair Loss In Women

Much has been said and written about modern day hair loss treatments but this tends to relate almost exclusively to men. Do these same treatments offer solutions to women suffering from hair loss or is there a completely different category of remedies available? It really depends on what is causing hair loss in the first place and as the most common causes of hair loss are the same as those tha. . .

Herbal Hair Loss Remedies For External Use

In a separate article in this series we looked at some of the most popular herbal hair loss remedies for ingestion. Here we'll expand that theme to include some potentially useful herbal remedies for external use.Aloe vera - some Indian tribes of Mexico attribute their thick, healthy hair to regular use of aloe vera gel which they rub into the scalp and hair each night. Herbalists believe that . . .

Herbal Hair Loss Remedies That Offer Hope

Herbs hold an obvious appeal for many people because they support the body's natural healing mechanisms to target the cause of the problem, as opposed to merely tackling the symptoms. It would be wrong to present herbal hair loss remedies as a miracle solution for all sufferers - there is however growing evidence to support the view that some herbal remedies offer real hope to many people.Let's. . .

Coping With Male Pattern Baldness

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is by far the most common cause of hair loss amongst men and a serious problem for many women. For it to develop, three important components must come into play: A genetic predisposition for balding to occur. The presence of male hormones. Aging - enough time for the first two factors to occur.Despite the common perception, familial baldness pattern. . .

Do Traditional Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Relevance Today?

Could it be possible that our ancestors got it right with some of their traditional hair loss remedies? Folklore tells us they certainly went to great lengths to find solutions to thinning hair.Although each culture had its own approach influenced by local conditions, there seem to have been many examples of common practices. Nettles, for example, formed an important element of traditional hair. . .

Cosmetic Hair Loss Solutions

Many people suffering from hair loss prefer not to use the strong drugs and medications that currently form the best available treatment options. They may have tried a range of treatments but found they did not work or perhaps suffered unpleasant side effects. What options are left for such people, especially if they do not wish to consider surgery?There are a number of solutions available but . . .

Non-Approved Drugs That Can Help In The Treatment Of Hair...

At present only two medications have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss, namely finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine). While both of these continue to prove their worth to many patients, some individuals are disappointed with their results and seek other forms of treatment. Often they turn to drugs that have not been approved for the treatment of hair loss, but whi. . .

Top Nutritional Tips To Support Healthy Hair Growth

1. Eat adequate amounts of protein.Protein is composed of the amino acids essential for the building of new cells, including hair. Five amino acids are of particular relevance to hair growth - cystine, cysteine, methionine, arginine and lysine.Inadequate protein intake over a lengthy period can force hair into the resting phase with shedding a few months later. It is obvious then that sufficien. . .

Is There a Role For Nutrition In Treating Hair Loss?

Could something as basic as inadequate nutrition really contribute to excessive shedding of hair?Does sensible nutrition have a role to play in helping hair to regrow?The answer to both questions is yes! There is no doubt that poor nutrition and hectic lifestyles can contribute to hair loss. Modern diets can be associated with a number of nutritional deficiencies that are thought to contribute . . .

Is Citrus Aurantium really bad for your health?

Once again the “wisdom” of the FDA and the supplement hating Academia and the out of control trial lawyers - have gotten it wrong. And are doing everything they can to take away your right to take control of your own health. Here’s the problem – They are brewing up several false angles to make you believe that Citrus Aurantium is somehow dangerous to your health. Really? Are you aware that the . . .

Develop a Strategy For Dealing With Premature Hair Loss

The fact you are reading this probably indicates you have concerns about the rate of your hair loss. Baldness may sometimes be a source of amusement to those with a full head of hair, but premature hair loss at any age can be the cause of intense concern to those affected.But you can do something about this! By following the guidelines suggested in this article you will place yourself in a posi. . .

Ways to Maximize Vitamin Absorption

1. Do not refrigerate vegetables and fruits (raw and uncut) for more than two days.2. Do not go by the advertisements that show refrigeration slowing down loss of nutrients from fruit. It can't stop the process altogether and fruits certainly do not get any fresher by refrigerating them for a long time.3. Eat your fruits whole rather than cutting them into pieces. When exposed to air (oxygen), . . .

The Importance of Having an Alkaline pH in Your Body and ...

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE; WE ARE BIO ELECTRICAL ENGINESIn order to accomplish all the many millions of complex functions that occur over the course of the day, your body has to be able to communicate with itself… all the way down to the cellular level. And do you know how it does this? Through pulses of electricity. That’s right, electricity.Your body operates on an electro magnetic curre. . .

Types of Hair Loss Treatment Currently Available

The hair loss treatments outlined here cannot provide definitive cures for all hair loss conditions, but they do represent regimes that many sufferers have found useful. In other words, they are examples of potential solutions that many patients have chosen after honestly assessing the causes of their hair loss together with their expectations.This article will focus on four basic approaches:1.. . .

Empower Your Shopping Experience

Healthy living begins with healthy eating and healthy eating begins with healthy shopping... Regardless of what nutritional program you are following - whether it is low fat, no-sugar, low carbohydrate, or based on some other method - there are always healthier choices that can be made when you are shopping. Support your nutritional program week-by-week and day-by-day by ensuring that you stock. . .

What is normal about hair loss?

It is important to note that shedding of hairs is a natural process with anything from 100 to 300 hairs randomly shed each day. In this article we'll look at two distinct aspects of normal hair loss. Firstly, we'll examine what is actually involved in the hair growth cycle. Secondly, we'll assess the natural progression of hair loss over time.Hair is composed of long, twisted keratin fibers tha. . .