Thyroid Disease - a Naturopathic Answer

Thyroid disease, malfunctions of the thyroid gland, hyperthyroid (overactive) or hypothyroid (underactive) are showing signs in our population of becoming an epidemic says "The Colorado Thyroid Disease Prevalence Study". This is a trend across the board in American health, where we are seeing many common diseases moving to an epidemic stage. You name a disease and it is probably an epidemic or moving toward becoming an epidemic like thyroid disease.

Why do we have this problem? Well, as a naturopath I say look at the basics, we are violating just about every natural law in how we take care of ourselves and our environment. But for you who have thyroid disease, solving your problem is the most important priority right now. I will be frank with you; the drug industry does not have a realistic answer to your problem. Drugs can be a way to stabilize your situation temporarily but to use those drugs does not address the root of the problem only the symptoms. Through your thyroid disease, your body is saying something is wrong with the way you are living. If you only address this disease signal your body is sending you with drugs, without addressing the real cause, it will breakout again as another disease and so on.

When you give your body what it needs, the whole body begins to normalize and all your organs begin to run like they were designed to. When they do that, even genetically weak organs begin to move toward normal function. Remember it took years of abuse to develop thyroid disease, it is not going to be solved with a few good meals, you have to work with this. You will see changes just as I did. I had cancer, a genetic weakness, and many genetic problems all served up by an American life style. I really thought I led a healthy life until I was taught better by my sicknesses. If I had not changed my life, like I am asking you to do, I would be dead like my father and grandfather. As I have repeated over and over to students, "I have not drawn a sick breath since that time 18 years ago when I cured my cancer."

While you are establishing a healthy foundation for your body there are herbs, vitamins and minerals listed below that can assist you with your thyroid issues. Also I would encourage you to take up a hatha yoga routine that includes the inverted postures (simple inverted, shoulder stand, and plow poses). These powerful yoga postures are known to cleanse and stimulate the thyroid gland to balance itself while encourage a balancing of all hormones.

The kind of Ingredients you should seek for thyroid disease:

Below are listed some of many foods that can assist the body when it is suffering from this disease. Some of these foods have a reputation for their thyroid remedial power. Why is it important that the ingredients in the herbal formulas you take be from food? Why couldn't they be from chemicals? Scientists would like to think that we can treat our bodies with chemicals, that chemical medicines will cure us. But that has never happened and it never will; that is why there are always dangerous side effects. This is just plain common sense; our bodies do not recognize chemicals because they are not from nature. Below are simple natural food complexes which have been shown to be better for our internal human environment. Our forefathers and mothers have been using some of these same ingredients for thousands of years with no ill effects.

Why so many different ingredients? This is also just plain common sense as are all nature healing remedies and philosophies. Every single ingredient we are suggesting will all encourage a positive result in your body. But our bodies are uniquely individual and what will encourage dramatic healing results for you might not be as beneficial for someone else with thyroid disease. So we suggest many herbal foods combined together to create a healing synergy that will fit with each unique individual. Again this is common sense when you are given the simple answer. Chemicals can react against each other causing side effects, while foods tend to work together; we all know that.

Food Nutrients for the Thyroid:Listed below is information on different food complexes that assist the thyroid to regain balance and function. This information was compiled by Doctor Robert Thiel, N.H.D. who also holds a Ph.D. in nutrition science; he heads the research group at Doctors' Research.

Adrenal glandulars are a Food which has been used for decades by nutrition-oriented doctors when adrenal concerns are suspected. The adrenal glands help the body deal with stress, but high stress weakens the adrenal glands. Fatigue and metabolic problems are common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. It should be noted that it is well accepted that hypoadrenalism results in "increasing the frequency of hypoglycemia" as well as "hypothyroidism". Salt craving is a common symptom of hypoadrenalism; it can also be involved in hypothyroidism. The adrenal cortex produces the hormone cortisol which helps control organic metabolism and responses to stress.

Alfalfa is believed by some herbalists have a "beneficial effect on the pituitary gland", "helps in chemical imbalance", "neutralizes uric acid for arthritis", and "is useful as a Food to prevent cholesterol accumulation in the veins"; this last point is supported by several animal studies.

Brown Kelp is a Food source of trace minerals, and an excellent source of iodine. Kelp has long been used (since 3000 B.C.) to provide nutritional support for the thyroid gland. Gary Null, Ph.D., has written, "Kelp can rebalance thyroid metabolism, resulting in successful weight management and the reversal of many conditions which are caused by a thyroid imbalance, including stomach and respiratory disorders".

Burdock is believed by some to be helpful in "fortifying the immune system". It has several historical uses including helping with skin disorders "particularly when they are caused by a system imbalance. It stimulates the digestive juices and bile secretion and therefore is useful in treating anorexia nervosa and digestion and appetite problems". Some believe, in addition to helping with digestive concerns, burdock "aids the pituitary gland to help adjust hormone balance". Burdock has sometimes been recommended for thyroid health.

Carrots contain a variety of carotenoids, which is a vitamin A precursor. Low levels of vitamin A are associated with increased risk of thyroid goiters and deficiencies affect thyroid metabolism. "A decade-long Harvard study indicated that by getting 50 milligrams of carotenoids in every other day...significantly reduced the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cataracts".

Copper is a mineral which, in proper dosages, is essential to the human body. Vegetarian Thyro contains copper in a B-vitamin containing Food. Copper works with zinc in the body, and zinc without copper can lead to imbalances. Food copper is not like non-food forms such as copper chloride.

Guar gum seed is a water soluble fiber (in the form of a galactomannan), extracted from locust beans. It improves "tolerance to glucose by decreasing absorption", which makes it of value for many.

Iodine can be properly called THE THYROID mineral since the body's sole use of the mineral iodine is for the thyroid to make thyroid hormones (T1, T2, T3, & T4). The primary thyroid hormone (T1) is called monoiodotyrosine, which means it needs iodine and tyrosine. It gets converted to T2 with the addition of more iodine, then to T3 with more iodine then to T4 with even more iodine.

Irish moss, chondrus crispus, contains humic and fulvic acids (FAs) which increase the solubility of toxic metals, thus it is sometimes used to detoxify. Detoxification can be an issue with thyroid health as some believe that substances like chloride and fluoride can bind with the thyroid and interfere with iodine absorption. "Irish moss and Kelp combination is used to balance hormonal deficiency especially in the thyroid gland. It increases the metabolic rate, thyroid activity, and the detoxifying function of the body. The herbs {also} supply trace minerals... [and] is commonly used in conjunction with... the complex of B vitamins, vitamin A,... and zinc".

Liver glandulars have sometimes been recommended by nutrition-oriented practitioners for some with metabolic concerns. The liver is involved in blood sugar regulation, conversion of T4 to T3, and a variety of enzymes.

L-tyrosine an amino acid required for the production of thyroid hormones, T1, T2, T3, and T4. Tyrosine may reduce the net rate of protein breakdown in the body and appears to help with endurance. Tyrosine has an effect nerve impulse transmission and may "improve vigilance and lessen anxiety". Gary Null (Ph.D.) considers tyrosine to be a therapeutic amino acid for depression as well was an antiencephalopathic, antiparkinsonian, and an antidepressant. Women on oral contraceptives have been found to have less plasma and brain levels of tyrosine which results in a reduction in catecholamines, which affect mood. Oral consumption of tyrosine has, in some case, been shown to completely alleviate depression while increasing plasma tyrosine levels. It has also been shown to help when MAO inhibitors did not. In rat models vitamin C has enhanced the ability of tyrosine to decrease blood pressure. Interestingly, "Tyrosine has been known to normalize blood pressure whether high or low. Tyrosine is being tested by the Air Force to enhance performance under stress".

The body naturally produces tyrosine by converting it from phenylalanine. "Compared with tyrosine which has a de novo synthesis component limited by phenylalanine oxidation, most nonessential amino acids have very large de novo synthesis components because of the metabolic pathways they are involved in". This might explain why taking separate tyrosine is more helpful for many than taking other separate amino acids classified as nonessential-they can be made with much easier (with less restriction) than tyrosine can (tyrosine requires liver hydroxylation).

Pituitary glandulars have long been used by doctors. The pituitary produces the thyroid stimulating hormone which signals to the thyroid that it needs to work and make its own hormones.

Rice bran is a Food source of B vitamins, which are often used for stress and anxiety.

Scullcap (also spelled "skullcap") is a member of the mint family and is often used as a tonic for 'female weakness'. "These [tonics] are plant remedies that either strengthen or enliven a specific organ or the whole body. They are truly nature's gifts to a suffering humanity". Even the United States Pharmacopoeia has long recognized scullcap as a nervine and tonic. It also is recommended by some herbalists for thyroid concerns.

Selenium seems to support thyroid hormone production, function as part of many enzymes, have antioxidant effects, and supports cardiovascular health. Food selenium is about twice as well retained than non-food selenium.

Thyroid glandulars have long been used by doctors to nutritionally support the thyroid. The 1916 edition of the United States Pharmacopoeia states the following concerning thyroid glandulars, "exert a strong influence on the nutritive and metabolic processes, used in the treatment of myxdema, cretinism and obesity". Dr. Cass Ingram also prefers glandulars to synthetic thyroid medications when low thyroid is suspected. There are reports that many who do not test positive for clinical hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism who take thyroid glandulars have sometimes reported improvement in many symptoms associated with hyperthyroid and hypothyroid.

Watercress, nasturium officinalis is an evergreen that thrives in clear cold water. It has been written that, "Watercress is strongly alkaline due to its high potassium content...Watercress increases blood circulation and increases energy.... It increases physical endurance and stamina".

Zinc deficiency in humans can cause thyroid problems, alopecia, impotence, skin problems, immune deficiencies, increased susceptibility to infection/sore throats, night blindness, impaired taste, delayed wound healing, impaired appetite, photophobia (hypersensitivity to light), difficulty in dark adaptation, growth retardation, male infertility (low sperm counts), liver enlargement, and spleen enlargement.



References:

The Colorado Thyroid Disease Prevalence Study, Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:526-534

Gay J. Canaris, MD, MSPH; Neil R. Manowitz, PhD; Gilbert Mayor, MD; E. Chester Ridgway, MD

Paul Blake is a doctor of herbal medicine and a master herbalist. He used naturopathic medicine to treat his own case of cancer eighteen years ago. Visit Paul's website on Herbal Remedies, Natural Healing Herbs for more interesting information on improving your health, or for more information on Thyroid Herbal Remedies




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Take Two Aspirin and Call Your Grandmother

Recently I was viciously and mercilessly assaulted by the common cold. Anyone who has ever suffered this type of assault (and who hasn't) knows that the medical establishment will give you no hope of relief and no of hope for a cure. You are literally abandoned. Friends and family will offer sympathy and advice over the telephone but won't come near you for fear of contamination. You are on your own with your runny, red and sore nose, your burning raspy throat, your weeping swollen eyes, your aching muscles, your sneezing and coughing, your hot and cold chills.

And so, I give you this advice: CALL YOUR GRANDMOTHER! And if you don't have one handy, you can use mine.

The first thing my Grandmother advises is to sit down, make a hot cup of tea while you take inventory of your provisions and write a list of your needs. My Grandmother tackles every problem with a cup of hot tea first.

You need hot chicken soup by the tub full (check the following recipe to make certain you have what you need on hand to make the soup). You need tea bags by the lot. You need a good sized clove of garlic, make that two so you don't need to run out to the store again. You need rum: either dark rum or light rum---or what the heck, get both--you're sick! You need Clover Honey. You need lemons. You need Cayenne Pepper. You need Apple Cider Vinegar. You need tissues to blow your nose (not that cheap box, you need the most expensive tissues you can find so they will be big and soft and fluffy and kind to your poor runny nose). You need a bottle of Aspirin or Tylenol. You need a Mentholated Rub (Vicks). And finally, you need a hot water bottle, a warm fleecy blanket and big loose comfortable pajamas.

You need to turn off the telephone and put the television remote control where you can easily find it.

Now then, take your list of needs and put on your oldest, roomiest and most comfortable running outfit and your big old navy pea coat, put a kerchief on your head and go to the nearest store with your list. Pray that no one on the street recognizes you in your get up and try not to breath, sneeze or cough on anyone you meet.

Once home with your provisions and before you lay down take your Aspirin or Tylenol as directed on the bottle and start your chicken soup as follows (by the way, this is a very quick and easy chicken soup recipe--remember, you're sick and can't deal with anything that's complicated):

1. 2 chicken breasts halves (skinless) . Cube these into small or medium size pieces.

2. 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

3. 1 Large Celery Rib (chopped)

4. 2 Large Carrots (sliced thin)

5. 1 Clove Garlic (minced)

6. 3 Cans Low Salt Chicken Broth

7. 1 Large Onion (chopped)

8. 1 (16oz. Bag) of Frozen Mixed Veggies (actually this is optional)

9. Add Salt and Pepper to taste.

OK now, Heat the Olive Oil in a Large Dutch Oven on top of the stove. Add the chicken cubes and sauté until they are no longer pink looking. Add the chopped celery rib, the chopped onion, the minced garlic, the Bag of Frozen Mixed Veggies (if you want these) and the 3 cans of Chicken Broth.

Bring to a boil and then lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. When you feel stronger, you may want to boil some noodles and put these into the soup too.

I can do the preparation for this soup in about 5 minutes, which is an important consideration when you're head, is throbbing and you can't think straight. This recipe makes enough for about 8 to 10 servings (so buy enough stuff to make it again if necessary).

With the soup on you can change into your p.j.'s.

Now slather yourself with a mentholated rub (such as Vicks). Make sure you're wearing cotton pajamas because this is not only smelly it's also sticky. However on the plus side of this, you may be able to get one nostril opened so that you can breathe which is a very good sign.

Now put the tea kettle on and brew yourself a large pot of hot tea. You will be drinking tons. This tea brewing ceremony is important and it is a ritual that must be done just right. My Irish grandmother is very particular about brewing tea and so I offer you the following directions. You must start making your tea with cold water. Pour enough water into the kettle for at least one cup of tea. While waiting for the water to boil, warm your tea cup with hot water (from the tap is OK). You must never put the boiling water into a cold tea cup (don't ask me why, check with my grandmother--this is her rule). Use one tea bag for each cup of tea you brew. Pour the boiling water into the pre-heated tea cup and let it steep for about three to five minutes depending on your preference for weak or strong tasting tea. Now add cream and sugar to taste and sip your tea slowly letting the warmth of the tea wash over you like a soft warm blanket. (Some people prefer only sugar and lemon in their tea, but my grandmother says this isn't the Irish way but do what your prefer).

Incidentally, in my house growing up, all calamities were met with a cup of hot tea so you should keep this recipe handy for any and all emergencies as for example, your toilet is plugged up and you can't find the plunger, the school just called and told you that your kid is on probation for sneaking a peek into the girls' locker room, you forgot to pay your electric bill and service is being cut, or your beautiful college aged daughter has run off with that bum she's been dating--you get the idea.

Finally you must deal with your sore throat and cough and grandmother's fail proof cough syrup combines the juice of a lemon, a couple teaspoons of honey, cayenne pepper and water. Specifically you will need a 6 oz. Glass of warm water to which you will add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 3 Tablespoons of Clover Honey, and 1 Teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar. You will gargle with this about once every 2 to 3 hours until your sore throat feels better and your cough starts to subside. Incidentally, a couple of teaspoons of honey taken straight and swallowed helps to ease a cough and sore throat too.

Now go to bed (remember to fill your hot water bottle and place it at your feet). Keep your head elevated on pillows. Turn the television on for the monotony of it and go to sleep. Sleep will be easy since you will be aided in this by your elevated temperature and by the fact that since you cannot breath, you are oxygen deprived.

When you start coughing again (and you will since grandma's elixir will wear off in an hour or so) get up and ladle yourself some chicken soup and climb back into bed. The chicken soup must be eaten regularly throughout the day at intervals of two to three hours. The honey and apple cider mixture can be taken as necessary (as when your cough becomes a nuisance and you must get some relief or every two to three hours). Continue to take your Aspirin or Tylenol as directed on the bottle. Oh, and keep that hot water bottle at your feet hot.

In the evening, and you will do this every evening while you are in recovery, you will take a Hot Toddy to help you sleep and, if you make it right, to help you forget your misery. (Actually, you can make this Toddy whenever you feel like it, after all, you're an adult and you're sick). In our house, we brew the following Toddy: 2 to 3 oz. of light or dark rum (or more, remember you're sick and just want to get a good night's sleep), 1and a half teaspoons of sugar, 2 whole cloves of garlic, 1 slice of lemon and 6 to 8oz. of boiling water. Place a spoon in a heavy old fashion glass (or use a heat proof mug) to prevent cracking the glass when making the Toddy. Add the rum, lemon slice, sugar and garlic cloves and fill the glass/mug with the boiling water. Stir and drink and let the warmth of the drink relax you and ease away your troubles. By the way, if you want a Hot Buttered Toddy, just add 1 Tablespoon of Butter to the glass or mug before you add the boiling water. This is really soothing when your throat is aching. (The Toddy takes about 2 to 3 minutes to prepare and to make---I like to drink it slowly to savor its warmth).

Like the tea, the Hot Toddy can also be taken in any and all emergencies as when, for example, your movie pick does not get an Oscar nomination, you forgot to pick up the laundry and life's problems are just too much to bear.

You will follow the routine outlined above until you feel better (at least three days) and then you may taper off the chicken soup, the mentholated rub, the hot water bottle and the cough syrup, the Aspirin or Tylenol.

You should keep the tea and the Hot Toddy ingredients near by for the next time life slaps you down.



Maureen R. Sinclair is an American (via N.Y.C. and Lexington, KY). who currently resides in Nova Scotia, Canada. Educated as a Registered Nurse, she holds an M.S. in Psychology. Ms. Sinclair has traveled widely and has many interests. She is an accomplished artist and writer currently writing for onlinecooking.net. She may be reached at mrs3371@hotmail.com or at msinclair@onlinecooking.net.




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How to Clear Acne Fast - 5 of the Best Homemade Remedies!

Want to clear acne fast? Here are five homemade acne remedies that work as well as many medications. They are cheap, effective, and side effects free.

Home remedy #1. Try a milk mask.

The ancient Egyptian Queen Cleopatra was famous for bathing her beautiful skin in milk. The reason her milk baths worked is that milk contains lactic acid, a gentle peel that lifts and separates dead skin that blocks pores. Simply pat a little warm milk on your face and lie down for 30 minute, allowing it to dry. Wash off with warm water, patting your skin dry. Your milk mask will remove some whiteheads and stop others from forming.

Home remedy #2. Try a milk of magnesia mask.

There is no more potent source of nutrient magnesium around the house than milk of magnesia. Taking a scant teaspoon (about 3 ml) of milk of magnesia every day is not enough to cause any change in regularity, but more than enough to provide nutrient magnesium for your skin. You can also paint your face with milk of magnesia, lying down to let it dry for 30 minutes, and then washing off with warm water and patting your skin dry. The milk of magnesia mask will lift excess oils off your skin and help keep pores open.

Home remedy #3. Use honey as an antiseptic.

Honey is antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. Cosmetic surgeons are experimenting with honey as a way of keeping sutures bacteria-free after face lifts. Try dabbing a little honey on reddened pimples and leaving it on the skin overnight. You should see a reduction in redness and size of the pimple.

Home remedy #4. Humidify.

Anything you can do that increases the humidity in the air also reduces drying and tightening of acne-prone skin. Sometimes just turning down the heat in winter is enough to restore humidity to the air, or you can use a vaporizer even if you don't have a cold. Especially if you live in a very dry climate, humidifying can help prevent acne outbreaks.

Home remedy #5. Wash with soap and water.

Would you believe that soap and water actually are enough for some cases of acne? Just be sure that you don't use soaps that contain fragrances, like Irish Spring, or soap with abrasive ingredients, like Lava. Ivory is better for dryer skin and oily skin responds better to Dove.



Kevin Morgan-Rowe is the main writer of Best Acne Treatments a Acne information site that discusses ways on how to Cure all types of Acne.

For more great advice and Acne tips, be sure to visit us on the web at our homemade acne remedies page.




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Understanding Constipation

If there is one health problem all Americans have in common, it would undoubtedly have to be constipation. Yes, constipation! More than 90% of Americans are constipated. Constipation plays a major role in obesity which is an American epidemic these days.

The English medical term "constipation" derives from a Latin word constipare which means "to crowd together". Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 3rd edition, p. 298.

Constipation occurs when the stools are "crowded together" in the colon. Medically speaking, constipation is defined as: Difficulty in passing stools or an incomplete or infrequent passage of hard stools. There are many causes, both organic and functional. Among the organic causes are intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, and tumors. Functional impairment of the colon may occur in elderly or bedridden patients (persons) who fail to respond to the urge to defecate. Ibid.

The thing that should mentally stick out pertaining to constipation is "hard stools". Question: what would make the stools hard? Evidently, the stools are supposed to be soft. Soft is the opposite of the word "hard". The opposite of hard stools is soft stools. Since hard stools causes constipation, then soft stools reverses constipation. Basic mathematics (common sense)!

Now what causes the stools to become hard or hardened? Answer: diet in general and the Standard American Diet in particular which contains excessive meat (slaughtered animal flesh/carcass), dairy products (cow snot/pus/mucus), and starches (stiffening agent, glue). And not only is meat, dairy and starches the problem, but cooking and processing them (in addition to fruit and vegetables) poses the biggest problem, because cooking (killing, altering) destroys enzymes (life), especially in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and grains.

It is the enzymatic activity of living (raw) foods that causes peristalsis. Peristalsis is the wavelike muscular contractions of the alimentary canal or other tubular structures by which contents are forced onward toward the opening (rectum).

When you cook (kill, alter) food, you are killing the enzymes with heat. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures above 118°. Cooked food is DEAD FOOD! It is void of life (enzymes). If the colon is dependent upon enzymes or enzymatic activity for peristalsis, how can you expect to have a bowel movement from things lacking enzymes or enzymatic activity?

So not only is cooked food void of enzymes, it is also void of nutrition (which is the real purpose for eating food). Cooked, processed, and refined food is what makes the stools hard. Meat by far is the number one culprit causing hardening of the stools. And for my vegan and vegetarian brethren out there, cooked, processed non-meat substances also make the stools hard. Of course vegan and vegetarian products are softer on the digestive system compared to meat, but nevertheless, a cooked thing is a cooked thing, regardless of what is. It is cooking alone that does the major damage (causing constipation).

The opposite of cooked food is raw food. Actually, raw foods too are cooked, but they are cooked by the Sun (solar heat) and not synthetic heat (stoves, microwave ovens, electric ovens, etc.). Raw foods are solarized foods and therefore will transmit energy to your body, unlike cooked food which makes you tired and fatigued and weighs you down.

Raw fruits and vegetables provide natural fiber, which is greatly missing from the Standard American Diet. Fiber is great for colon health and counteracting constipation because fiber bulks up in the colon and becomes mucilaginous and sweeps the walls of the colon which is a very beneficial activity in the colon. It should be elementary that raw fruits and vegetables are the natural healing for constipation.

Meats, dairy, and starches (refined grains, i.e. pasta [paste], bread, spaghetti, cakes, cookies, donuts, etc.) sit in the colon and rot and putrefy. The worst thing you could put in your colon is meat (cooked or raw) followed by dairy products, refined grains, and complex starches. It takes 96 hours or four days for the body to partially digest meat whereas fruits and vegetables only take 4 hours to digest. Clearly the human body (after being genetically engineered by the Gods of Eden and even after the Fall of Man) was designed to consume fruits and vegetables. However, most Americans eat meat (slaughtered animal flesh) due to the taste (chemicals, salt, blood, and urine) and texture of meat and for purposes of so-called protein (although cooked meat provides 0% protein). We eat for taste today predicated upon eye appeal and addiction and not for nutritional purposes. I must state that taste is not the criterion for what is healthy, but nutritional content is. Americans are "tasting" themselves to death in order to satiate their corrupted and polluted taste buds.

I would be remiss not to mention that lack of drinking water plays a role in constipation. Water helps to soften the stools and also to keep the colon lubricated. Because water is electrical, it also stimulates peristalsis just like raw fruits and vegetables. Also, water and enzymes work together! A lot of Americans don't like drinking water. They unwisely drink more soda pop, beer, milk and artificially flavored beverages than water which their body is dependent upon for optimal health.

Constipation is characterized by hard dry stools, straining at stool, painful defecation, abdominal distention, and hemorrhoids. And obviously enough, a protruding pot belly physically denotes constipation.

If you eat three meals a day and are not defecating three times a day - you're constipated! If you are sitting on the toilet for many minutes and straining while defecating and after defecating you only see a pea or pebble sized stool at the bottom of the toilet, you're constipated.

Many infants and babies are sadly constipated today. It hurts my heart to see little babies and children constipated because they don't know how to convey this feeling/problem to the parents, usually the mother. It is such an uncomfortable feeling for them. Chemically processed baby milk formulas and cereal products are nemesis in infant and childhood constipation. Because of this sad fact, I concocted a very effective herbal extract called Children & Infant's Laxative that really gets the job done and brings relief to babies and little children. It is very gentle on the digestive system yet very effective. However, you may go through a lot of diapers after giving a baby or young child this formula (Smile).

I admonish parents (mainly mothers) to not give your baby grain (cereal) products for the first two years of life. Grains are too heavy on the digestive tract of babies. And it is my position that no sane and loving parent should or would give their precious baby synthetic formula baby milk formula. Breastfeed while you can and then prepare your own milk from water, seeds/nuts/oats/fruit (banana, coconut), maple syrup (Grade B or C) and Irish Moss or Iceland Moss or any other seaweed because seaweed is a complete food containing 100% minerals, vitamins, trace elements, and 60-70% bio-protein and is also very oxygenating.

And nowadays pregnancy and constipation goes hand in hand, but it is not natural for a pregnant woman to be constipated. The two greatest reasons for pregnancy-related constipation are poor diet and consuming pharmaceutical-grade Iron tablets or pills. I am working on a booklet/article at present (and taking my own sweet time) entitled The Perfect Pregnancy that is based upon the experiences of my ex-wife's first pregnancy with our daughter Layla and my herbal prenatal regimen I utilized.

It will address birthing positions, home birth, legal issues, diet and nutrition, constipation, exercises (breathing/stretching/Yoga), aromatherapy, eclampsia (toxicity), prevention of headaches, sciatica prevention with chiropractic help, classical music therapy, massage and reflexology, prayer and meditation and affirmations (for a safe delivery and healthy baby) and the booklet will also address counteracting infertility and impotence in addition to covering profound exercises and techniques utilizing certain sexual positions, gemstones and elixirs, magnetic pads, essential oils, Eastern mystic/spiritual music, and prayer and meditation for conceiving a Star or Stellar Child (God or Goddess) on the Fourth Density or Dimensional level upon physical arrival.

Moving on,

Constipation can be reversed or eradicated by changing or modifying your diet by cutting out or cutting back on meats, dairy products and cooked starches and eating more raw fruits and vegetables and drinking more water. Movement (physical exercise) can and will also help.

Professional colonics and/or enemas (performed at home by your self) can also help to eradicate constipation.

Prune juice and plum juice are ideal in battling constipation. When the colon is constipated, it's the equivalent of a clogging/stoppage in your sink. When your sink is clogged, you call a plumber. A plumber unclogs a drain just like plum juice unclogs your colon. In the word "plumber" we find the word "plum." Here is wisdom!

And by far, the best help and remedy for constipation is herbs. Cathartic and laxative herbs will greatly help to eradicate constipation. Herbs such as Senna (leaves/pods), Cascara Sagrada, Aloe Vera resin, Rhubarb, Mandrake, Bilwa, Glucomannan, Bibitaki, Buckthorn, and Jalap Root will stimulate and enhance peristalsis. Senna is a very powerful African herb that will greatly unclog the colon and reverse constipation. In fact, pharmaceutical-grade Ex Lax laxative now contains Senna.

Along with the herbs supra, fiber and mucilaginous herbs such as Psyllium Husks, Pamita, Fennel, Guar Gum, Acacia Gum, Oats, Irish Moss, Slippery Elm bark, and Kelp will help to eradicate constipation by constantly bulking up and sweeping the walls of the colon. Irish Moss is a very invaluable herb (sea weed, ocean herb) as it aids in the formation of stools. And unlike pharmaceutical-grade laxatives, you can't become addicted to using an herb as a laxative or for laxative purposes.

In regards to Psyllium Husks, I don't recommend taking a lot of Psyllium Husk by itself because many people have become clogged due to taking too much of it. I had this experience myself back in the late 1990s. Psyllium has a profound bulking activity and can bulk up too much in the colon making you feel constipated for hours. Therefore, I recommend taking Psylium Husk in conjunction with a seaweed (i.e. Irish Moss, Bladderwrack) and a laxative herb (i.e. Senna, Cascara Sagrada, Rhubarb).

DHERBS offers four wonderful and powerful formulas for the colon that will remedy or prevent constipation - Bowel Mover, Colon Conditioner, Sen-Fen, and Intestinal Janitor.

Bowel Mover is ideal for chronic constipation. It is a cathartic (powerful laxative). Colon Condition is a laxative. It too will help in cases of constipation but it is not as powerful as Bowel Mover. It is mainly a maintenance formula that will stimulate peristalsis, keep the colon clean, and bring out large, bulky stools (log jammers). It is also safe to take in pregnancy to rectify or prevent constipation. Sen-Fen is for immediate relief in constipation. It also brings out bulky stools and a lot of them too. Sen-Fen is compounded with Fennel seed and Psyllium Husk to prevent or balance out the natural gripping effect of Senna. Senna is so powerful that it even makes dead people's bowels move. This experiment has been tested and verified. Intestinal janitor is a fiber formula that provides natural fiber. Because it contains bulk-forming herbs, it will bulk up and keep the walls of the colon clean.

Constipation is 100% reversible/healable and there is a plethora of natural remedies and tools to assist you in overcoming the American epidemic of constipation.

Thank you for reading.

This article is compliments of http://www.DHERBS.Com and Djehuty Ma'at-Ra, the People's Herbalist.

Herbal Laxatives:

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Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism - Learn To Control Your Thyroid

Hypothyroidism is as a result of under production of thyroid hormone in the body. Thyroid hormone is produced by thyroid, which is a tiny gland situated at the base of the throat. The hormone is very important for body metabolism, a process by which foods are broken down into energy.

According to research, one major cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto's disease. Other known causes include iodine deficiency, birth defects, hereditary and inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include depression, low sex drive, abnormal or irregular menstrual cycle in women, memory loss, hair loss, constipation, weight gain, hoarse voice and chronic fatigue and weakness.

If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism or have symptoms of abnormally low thyroid production, you can control your thyroid with natural remedy. Natural treatment has been considered to be of great importance in controlling thyroid as they are very simple to use, inexpensive, readily available at most herbal stores and more importantly there are no risk of side effects.

The whole essence of hypothyroidism treatment is to supplement the thyroid hormone which is not being sufficiently produced in the body. One major source of natural thyroid hormone is from cows or pigs. You can request for this type of hormone from your doctor instead of the synthetic or artificial hormone. Other natural remedies include certain herbs such as ginger, kelp and cayenne. The herb cayenne helps to improves metabolism in the body. Other herbs include Iceland moss, Irish moss, dandelion root, calamus root and parsley root.

The main natural remedy for hypothyroidism is the food and drink that you take everyday. Ensure that you eat food that are very rich in iodine, this is a trace element needed for thyroid gland to function properly. Finally, the kidney and liver are the organs responsible for regulating the production and assimilation of thyroid hormone, therefore you must take proper care of these two organs. Cut down on foods and drinks that can adversely affect these organs.



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Is Terrorism a Global Curse -Terrorists Tangible Traits Part-4

"Real strength of terrorism lies, in the ability of an individual element to be ready to die for a perceived cause, which, he accepts as true, is threatening his belief or faith, be it religion economic disorder or otherwise"

My dear readers after debating over my OEM theory and various causes of terrorism, in this article I would discuss the individual qualities which a terrorist should have or various terrorists have exhibited in the past. I would also analyze different other traits of so called terrorists or freedom fighters behavior when they operate in disturbed areas. As I believe that it is not difficult to identify and isolate a terrorist, but it is nearly impossible to find out, as to who is a terrorist? The Government of India (GOI) is fighting a never-ending war of terrorism ever since her independence, but many countries of the world have just felt the heat of rising flames of FOTI. Latest upsurge in suicide attacks in Iraq, Pakistan and some other third world countries, where USA and her allies are involved, itself speak about the importance of the issue of debating about the Characteristics and Traits of Individual Terrorists (CTIT).

I would divide the debate in to two segments which, if analyzed and understood well, would be able to make the readers understand as to why an individual is ready to make the supreme sacrifice of his life?

In the first segment, I would deal with certain tangible factors, which one can make out and decipher after interacting with a human; and the second would be intangible traits which I would debate later. What I believe that it is the apogee of unstable state of mind due to which a human ultimately undertakes such suicidal missions. In addition, I also believe that any human can be motivated enough to undertake such operations unrelenting and sustained motivation. I have termed this hypersensitive state of Mind of Human when he is going to execute such criminal mission without repentance as "Mind's Apex Delusionary Destructive State (MADDS). If one becomes mad after MADDS, he can do whatsoever he desires.

It is, therefore, under this state of mind MADDS when an individual attacks and kills numerous innocent, armless and helpless citizens on street without showing the sign of remorse. Infact, most of the terrorists or patriotic leaders praise such attacks. As I believe that two traits are most important for a human to do anything. One, will; and second, sky high dreams, or ambition, or hallucination, or illusion, or phantasm vision and what not. One might call it by any name; but if a terrorist aspires and exhibits strong willpower, he can execute any operation and make others lives miserable as per his terms. It is this trait, which every terrorist leader concentrates and limits his choice of Suicide Attacker and Bomber (SAB), while selecting a Willing Life Sacrificer (WLS) (new word) or Death Embracer (DE). A WLS, I would not say terrorist but a Man of Individual Mission (MIM), despite knowing well that he would be blown up into hundreds of pieces, he still undertakes mission happily.

I am sure that most of you would agree with my views that one country's terrorist might be other country's Freedom Fighter and Patriots (FFP), therefore, to say that whom USA and her allies perceive as terrorists, they are truly speaking being considered as true Soldiers of Islam and Jihad (SIJ) or Freedom Fighters of that nation.

In my view, the tangible traits, like physique bearing and others are those which can be gauged, judged and evaluated to assess an individual's life graph and his behavior with in a society or an organization to prepare his behavioral pattern, but intangible traits like morale are those which can not be fathomed by anyone at any level. However, I believe that intangible traits can be shaped to reach at the zenith of illusionary and perceived achievement state of mind MADDS of MIM for the ultimate victory of their cause of resistance. Most of the MIM generally live in their own world of hallucination and illusion thinking that, after their attack, the situations would be in their favor.

What I called such State of Mind is the Trance Impulsive Mind Stimulus Syndrome (TIMSS). I also believe that until unless one reaches the apex of TIMSS situation, he can not undertake a SAB. Various video tapes of suicide attackers and MIM released so far by terrorists or so called liberation movement leaders have often revealed that the last videoed message of most of the suicide elements ultimately lead to dejection and desperation. I termed such state of mind as Trounced Resistance Disorder State of Mind (TRDSM). TRDSM is the state of mind of an individual when he losses his own capabilities of hearing, collating, sifting, analyzing, rationalizing and taking decisions, without thinking about the good or bad effects of his actions; after repeatedly getting impregnated with the prolonged and deliberated doses of religion, society, cause and the mission. His mind is so much influenced by the leaders that he cease to use own mind..

I have observed that when terrorist leaders have exhausted all other means of achieving desired publicity and propaganda, they use such MIM to kill maximum infidels for Muslims and enemy for others. Once, I have asked a religious teacher as to why he was not sending his one son out of eight siblings for Suicidal attacks. He glared at me with burning eyes but cunning smiles; and very casually replied, sir! Jihad is for the general public and not for us? Readers can well understand that as to what these lines really convey? A MIM is made to believe that his sacrifice would bring victory to the resistance movement; and he would not only go to heaven but join the God, therefore, he/she should make supreme sacrifice of his/her life.

I strongly oppose and condemn such blindfolded suicidal acts which kill hundreds of innocent citizens. I believe that if;

quote" one can not enjoy the actual heaven on the planet earth; which he can see with his own eyes, than what is the guarantee that after killing so many innocent people; he would not go to the hell; than the heaven" unquote. Anyhow, as per my interpretations, I call a person terrorist who undertakes heinous and brutal crimes such as general shooting, bombing, blasting or massacring against naïve, innocent, armless and vulnerable simple citizens who have nothing to do with any movement. The twin tower grounding in USA, Akhshardam Temple attack in Gujarat, India, peaceful praying people bombing in Mosque Peshawar in Pakistan and Iraq are all the examples of such attacks. He might be launched by any patriotic group, freedom fighter or self acclaimed protector of religion but I perceive is a terrorist attack because all the people who died were weak, feeble and unable to defend as per all the religion of world including Islam. Infact, the Prophet and the Holy Quran had gone a step farther in protecting women, children and aged even under extreme war environment; what to talk about peaceful circumstances. If such operations are launched against armed soldiers, it merit the claims; but blowing up women, children and aged moving in markets, journeying in trains and buses; and waiting at places to reach home is really an act of terrorism and must be renounced as such.

After analyzing about mental state let me share my views on the tangible traits of a MIM and the terrorist elements:

· One; Physical Bearing Appearance (PBA). The terrorist mentors while selecting an elementary member, I call them "Element" take full care. Terrorist leaders, first analyze the mission, task and methods to do; and thereafter search to enroll recruits to accomplish their mission.

· Well established liberation movements and so called terrorist groups like Al Qaida, Fateh, Hamas, Irish Republican Army (IRA), United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and many others have well coordinated core organizations to undertake various terrorist's acts. Therefore, three different types of PBA attribes are essential for different tasks such as killing, extortion, kidnapping, smuggling courier services, intelligence gatherings and military wing operation. If you review the PBA of various captured and killed terrorists, you will find that every member of such groups has different PBA.

· Readers can analyze that terrorist have enrolled and used all types of Elements. I have noted that terrorist leaders have not only recruited healthy adults but also used completely physically challenged, blind and armless Element as well. The PBA of all of them differed as per task.

· They generally used the aged, females, girls and children as couriers or to gather informations of Security Forces where as well build and masculine adults are selected for military wing.

· I suggest that there may by a different BPA of any terrorist but all terrorists have a common symptom of suspicion through PBA movement. The remedial measure I recommend to an alert soldier to look for suspicious movement. A terrorist can easily detect with different PBA just observing the movement for a day or two.

· Two; Communication and Conversation Scarceness (CCS). The most important aspect of identifying a terrorist is his fear of exposure while communicating or conversing with third person. To avoid suspicion, these Elements acts as follows:

o 1) talk less, brisk, short and fast but always in hurry;

o 2) talk to the point;

o 3) very scary to reply unwanted questions;

o 4) do not want to be friend immediately;

o 5) very polite and sober while interacting;

o 6) generally found out to be short tempered and irritating if delayed beyond a time limit;

o 7) Talk around the bush exhibiting ignorance and lack of knowledge of the area or talk like foreigner who wants help. However some of them are conversely intelligence. Other Elements, other than suicide and military wing recruits are very polite, sweet, social and cordial while talking and would often win over your heart through various talks which suits you.

o 8) Generally noted these elements avoid any discussion while traveling but if involved would always lead their conversation towards their point, religion or ideology to debate.

o 9) Often heard spitting venom against their enemy, government or challengers.

o 10) As and when an element realizes some mistake in the public place, he would immediately say sorry and would also begin to beg, plead for pardon and mercy. He can go to the extent of touching down anyone's feet to avoid drawing attention of others. My husband once informed that he had captured more than a dozen terrorists of different outfits due to this secret trait of their reaction. How, I would discuss later?

Most important remedial measure is to trained Security Forces personnel to be at various ticket booking places to detect terrorists.

· Three; Movement Activities Posture/s (MAP). It is the most important trait through which SF can nab every terrorist who ventures out of his camp. My husband has revealed that every time he went out for an operation with troops, he apprehended nearly ten to twelve terrorists, their overt and covert supporters and various other elements due to strict movement code analysis. I believe that I SF only pays attention on MAP characteristics of terrorists; they can apprehend every suspicious moving individual. I after lot of debate with my husband has jotted down the following commandments to watch such as;

o A) Suspected Element of Terrorists (SET) will always walk very fast, briskly and would seems to be nearly running;

o B) SET would often be jumping small drains, broken road patches and dirty road patches rather than crossing like a normal citizen;

o C) He would mostly seen moving his/her arms two and fro rapidly;

o D) SET would generally move with care and safety, thus, ensuring that he does not touches any one in the crowd. If by chance any one touches or he pushes someone, he would immediately plead guilty and seek forgiveness or say sorry repeatedly to avoid SF attention;

o E) Enters railway platforms, airports and bus stands just before the end of last minute scheduled time entry, and expresses his urgency through brisk walk and hand movements;

o F) Often noted seen catching or boarding trains while sliding out of platform or just before closer of doors like UK and Europe trains;

o G) Walks aimlessly away from the main crowd at a corner or uncommon place;

o H) He would walk initially some distance very fast as if someone is chasing him or SET is getting delayed; but after traversing for over 200 to 300 meters, he would just slow down for time being to look behind, act like doing something and again begin walking. I termed such walk as Toe Jumping Walk (TJW);

o J) He would minimum look back once after every 75 to 100 meters of his pacing to avoid Trail Pursuers (TP);

o K) Often seen slowing down and stopping after reaching at Selected Place of Action (SPA) and loiter aimlessly for time being;

o L) SET sometimes seen walking with slanting body to wade through crowd. One can easily detect such people in public places. A common citizen does not walk like them;

o M) I have observed yet another important walking attrib of two elements walking for a mission. They would walk one behind other with same pace and speed if moving in pair but maintaining a safe distance to avoid being captured, Good Eyes can identify and pinpoint such movements;

o N) Often in queues, SET elements continue to make movement restlessly to hurry the things. Often seen shouting at the control clerks or others to hurry up to avoid inconveniences to others but actually he exhibits sign of nervousness and fear of getting stranded even for ten minutes;

In addition to the above MAP, I would also discuss a few other common habits and signs which SET elements exhibit;

o 1) While walking continue to tighten fists and jaws repeatedly to control anger and hatred;

o 2) Most important but common, SET walking attrib (characteristic) is that he would often walk with eyes glaring and scanning all around thus making his head movement very uncommon in the crowd;

o 3) Lastly, I would say that he walks to prove innocence and urgency with least exposure to SF and TP.

o 4) The only difference when some terrorist operatives walks slow is that when a women courier and intelligence operatives work. They generally walk slow showing pregnancy or illness to gain sympathy and information or transport required arms and other material while walking; otherwise most of the SET Elements make movement as I have debated for the benefit of a common citizen and various state and international agencies.

· Apparent Exceptional Activities Traits(AEAT) In addition to the above, I would list out certain AEAT which every citizen can identify to alert various Terrorist Counteraction Think Tanks (TCTT) and SF if need be:o 1) Most of the terrorists would like to remain isolated from main crowd. They do not mingle up with people and behave as such. Though it is very common with terrorist but uncommon amongst masses and public;o 2) SET does not initiate a conversation and try to avoid if someone initiates. Infact, they often rebuke fellow passengers and order them to keep quite;o 3) mostly SET element would pretend to be reading something; but most fanatic terrorists often seen reading religious books in public or some other irrelevant books but common amongst terrorist;o 4) SET if not reading would always make believe to be sleeping to avoid attention but always look from the side corner of eyes to remain alert about any movement around him;o 5) Generally cover their face while traveling in plane, trains or buses with magazine or book thus exposing their facial identity minimum. I have observed that such Elements even partially cover their faces while checking in for boarding ;o 6) The hard core terrorists have often been found grinding teethes, tightening jaws and fists;o 7) Normally seen kicking anything lying on their way with anger and energy of success while walking;o 8) Set would normally stand and wait alongside a queue or at the corners of any queues without disturbing general public; o 9) Most of the SET Elements often seen standing a little away from their luggage at railways stations, airports and bus stands; and

o 10) SET would often exhibit conspicuous in behavior, signs of politeness, empathy and alertness.

What I believe that "the real strength of terrorism lies in the ability of an individual element to be ready to die for a perceived cause, which, he accepts as true, is threatening his belief or faith, be it religion economic disorder or otherwise" My endeavor to bring out various tangible factors would hope to educate all the

citizens, but I would cover intangible factors in next part. I have dedicated these series of article to all the innocent people who lost their lives in various conflicts without any outcome. Had we used peaceful means none of my beloved human being would have been killed. God's will prevails and nasty people would continue to create unrest and instability in and around you.



I, S Kalpna Sharma, am a freelance journalist who frequently write on various issues relating human values. My impetus of debate has been always focused on current issues which affect human beings life and social behavior. In this series I would be sharing my views on rising menace of terrorism or patriotic movements world over. As always try to bring out debates on human values, my readers support base become large.




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Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid glands, which are located on the either side of the trachea, fail to produce adequate amount of thyroid hormones called as thyroxin. These hormones are critical for the body's metabolic activities to function normally. If this gland becomes under active, then it slows down the body's metabolism thus causing harm to our health. This disease affects both men and women but women are eight times more susceptible to it.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this disorder are weight gain, loss of appetite, constipation, fatigue, cramps, depression, low blood pressure, slow pulse, intolerance towards heat and/or cold and so on. However, since these symptoms are common for other diseases as well, hypothyroidism is often misdiagnosed. But if people suffering from it are not treated early there is a lifetime probability of them developing cancer, heart diseases, and other complications.

There are several ways to treat this condition but the safest and the most effective way is natural or home remedy.

Why Natural Remedies?

Unlike prescription drugs, which normally cause side effects that can complicate the present condition, natural remedies are devoid of any side effects. It not only supplements the hormones that the body lacks, but also flushes out the toxins from the body. Natural remedies also help to restore the hormone levels in the body and the health of the thyroid gland. An important advantage of natural remedies is that by taking less medication, patients can regain health and get relief from the symptoms.

Home Remedies/ Natural Remedies

The following are some home remedies to beat the effects of this condition.

One of the important causes of underactive thyroid is iodine deficiency. Include a lot of bladderwrack, nettle, and black walnut in your diet as these have iodine in high quantity.

Herbs such as siberian ginseng, black cohosh, spirulina, irish moss, agnus castus, avena sativa are good for hypothyroid conditions. Fortunately, these herbs are now available in the form of tablets, tonic, and pills.

Regular intake of food rich in calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, terbium, neodymium, vitamin B complex, helps in supporting the health of the thyroid gland.

Primrose oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil are also very effective.

Ginger, kelp, and cayenne help to deal with inadequate weight

Low thyroid causes the metabolism to slow down. Doing highly aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, bicycling, stair-stepping and so on help to bring in more oxygen into the body. This in turn helps the metabolism to function properly.

Adhere to a diet comprising of fresh fruits, yellow and dark green leafy vegetables, sea food, shell fish, whole-wheat products, potatoes, lentils, peas, beans, cheese, eggs, carrots, and nuts as these provide the necessary nutrients.

Cut down on sugar, tea, coffee, alcohol, dairy products, refined food, white flour, biscuits, cakes, and fried food to ensure a low-calorie diet.

Avoid goitrogenic foods such as sprouts, turnips, cabbage, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, millet, and soy since these bring down the thyroid level in the body naturally.

A healthy diet, regular aerobic exercises, and a positive frame of mind can go a long way in coping with the effects of this disease. Since hypothyroidism is often misdiagnosed, it is always necessary to check for such disorders as soon as you hit 30.



Know more about - low thyroid symptoms




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