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Toxins and Diseases
Alcohol Addiction/Overindulgence
Alcoholism
Abstinence is the best course for those who can't control their drinking.
Although not a cure, various supplements may help heavy drinkers overcome their craving for alcohol, support them during the taxing withdrawal period and set them on the road to recovery.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol, low cholesterol... it's all very confusing. However, did you know that you don’t need to eat foods that contain cholesterol? Your body can produce all the cholesterol it needs.
What is it?
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is part of all animal cells. It is essential for many of the body’s metabolic processes, including hormone and bile production, and to help the body use vitamin D. However, there’s no need to eat foods high in cholesterol. The body is very good at making its own cholesterol; you don’t need to help it along. In fact, too much cholesterol in your diet can lead to heart disease.
Cigarette Smoking – Quitting
New Year's resolution to quit smoking?
Unfortunately a tobacco addiction is one of the most difficult habits to overcome.
A number of natural supplements can boost your chances of success by helping you cope with cravings and reducing the anxiety that often accompanies giving up.
Read on to find out some ways to help you kick the habit!
Cigarette Smoking – Quitting
New Year's resolution to quit smoking?
Unfortunately a tobacco addiction is one of the most difficult habits to overcome. A number of natural supplements can boost your chances of success by helping you cope with cravings and reducing the anxiety that often accompanies giving up.
Read on to find out some ways to help you kick the habit!
Diabetes mellitus
About 120 000 Australians and 150 000 New Zealanders suffer from diabetes. Herbs and nutritional supplements can complement conventional medical treatment and help to prevent some of the complications of this chronic but manageable disease.
What is it?
A person with diabetes doesn't produce enough of the hormone insulin or is unable to use it effectively, which causes high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Over time, this imbalance can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, vision loss and various other complications. There are two types of diabetes. Less common is insulin dependent diabetes (type 1), which usually develops before the age of 30. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes (type 2) accounts for 90% of cases; it usually appears after the age of 40.
Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
If you haven't had gum problems yet, you probably will: three out of four adults over the age of 35 experience tender, swollen or bleeding gums at some point in their lives. But there are plenty of things you can do to relieve the pain, heal your gums and preserve your teeth.
What is it?
There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis - marked by tender, inflamed gums - occurs when bacteria in the mouth form a thin, sticky film, called plaque, that coats the teeth and gums. If ignored, plaque turns into tartar a hard mineral shell that erodes gum tissue. Over time this leads to a more serious condition known as periodontitis, which is harder to treat. In advanced periodontal disease, the gums recede, allowing bacteria to eat away at the bone anchoring the teeth.
The Safest Way to Slip Slop Slap
A consumer advocacy group has a warning for parents who think they‘reprotecting their family with sunscreen: You may be getting burned.
A study carried out by the Sunscreen Guide by Environmental WorkingGroup (EWG), a Washington-based non-profit organisation, concluded thatonly 8% out of the 500 sunscreen products they looked at were any good.
See how your sunscreen stacks up…
Infection
Our body's quick (immune) response usually stops all infections. However, sometimes this does not occur as the body's immune system is weak and not functioning as it should.
What is it?
An infection occurs when the body is unable to protect itself from micro-organisms (such as bacteria, viruses and fungi).
Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells — most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer also can occur on areas of the skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.
What is it?
There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are slow growing and highly treatable, especially if found early. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It affects deeper layers of the skin and has the greatest potential to spread to other tissues in the body.
Alzheimer's Disease
This slowly progressive brain disorder - marked by increasing memory loss and disorientation - is a heart-wrenching experience for patients and caregivers. Early treatment may help to slow down or temporarily reverse the course of this devastating illness.
What is it?
Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative brain disorder, impairs memory and mental functioning. The onset is typically very slow. Initially, Alzheimer's sufferers have short-term memory loss and difficulty in making decisions; they may forget how to perform simple tasks. Advanced stages bring loss of memory and speech, loss of bladder and bowel control, and changes in temperament, such as excessibe hostility or withdrawal. Alzheimer's disease affects about 6% or people over the age of 65, and 20% of those over 85.
Macular Degeneration
Over a third of referrals to the Royal Blind Society of Australia stem from this eye condition, the most common cause of blindness in those over the age of 50. Getting plenty of antioxidants - potent protectors of the body's cells - appears to be a key factor in preventing this disorder.
What is it?
In macular degeneration, the macula - the light-sensitive area in the centre of the retina that controls the central visual field and the ability to see colours - breaks down and impairs your eyesight. Though your peripheral vision - the ability to see the outside edges of the scene you are looking at - remains intact, the centre of your field of vision is blurry, grey or filled with a large blank spot. As a result, the condition may make it difficult or impossible to read, drive, watch television or even recognise someone's face.
Sunburn
The best advice is undoubtedly to avoid sunburn by covering up and using sunscreen. But sometimes, despite such precautions, your skin may burn. A number of healing supplements that can relieve the pain and help to prevent long-term skin damage are readily available.
What is it?
Sunburn is the reddening and inflammation of the skin's outer layers that occurs in response to overexposure to the sun. It may be mild, with some redness; moderate, with small blister; or severe, with purple skin, chills and fever. Symptoms appear gradually and may not peak until 24 hours after exposure. Sunburn is best avoided, and not just because it may hurt: it speeds up the ageing of your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer later in life.
Varicose Veins
The bulging, bluish blood vessels that can pop up on the legs are often unsightly and painful. You may be able to avoid invasive surgery by eating the right foods, making a few lifestyle changes, taking an adequate supply of vitamins and using some helpful herbs.
What is it?
Normal veins - the vessels that carry blood to the heart - contain valves that open and close to permit blood to flow in only one direction. If these valves become weak and don't fully close, blood flows backwards and collects, resulting in bulging veins. Commonly referred to as varicose veins, they almost always develop in the legs (although haemorrhoids are actually varicose veins in the anus).
Warts
They are the single most common skin complaint - and sooner or later, one in every ten people develops at least one. Many warts disappear on their own, but a variety of natural treatments can hasten healing for the millions of people who suffer from these unsightly blemishes.
What is it?
Although warts may sometimes look serious, in most cases these small skin growths are harmless. There are many different kinds, including common warts, usually found on the fingers or hands, and plantar warts, which appear on the feet. Genital warts are considered the most serious because, unlike other types of warts, they are highly contagious, and some types may increase the risk of skin, cervial or penile cancers.
