Healthy Body

Proper pH levels are essential to good health. If our blood is too acidic or too alkaline, it can trigger defense mechanisms that may compensate for the problem at hand, but could potentially cause other problems. We can protect ourselves, and possibly turn these problems around, by eating foods with the proper pH.

Acidosis occurs when our blood pH is too low. It is associated with fatigue, and it is also found in sufferers of many chronic diseases, including cancer. Here are some foods that can help raise your pH level and restore good health.
Slightly Alkaline Foods

These foods are only slightly alkaline, and can be used when your pH is only slightly low:

* Peas
* Watermelons
* Apples
* Blueberries
* Pears
* Grapes
* Onions
* Bananas
* Raspberries
* Peaches
* Tomatoes
* Oranges
* Lemons
* Apricots
* Grapefruits
* Potatoes (sweet or white)
* Strawberries
* Tangerines
Foods With Medium Alkalinity

* Cherries
* Limes
* Green Beans
* Dried Dates
* Raisins
* Avocado
* Pineapple
* Cauliflower
* Mushrooms
* Rutabagas
* Radishes
* Cucumbers
* Green Soy Beans
* Brussels Sprouts
* Beets
High Alkaline Foods

These foods have the highest alkalinity you can find in natural food sources. They can be helpful if your pH level is extremely low. If it’s not very low, consider trying some of the lower alkaline foods first.

* Broccoli
* Cabbage
* Rhubarb
* Lima Beans
* Lettuce
* Sauerkraut
* Watercress
* Chard
* Dried Beans
* Carrots
* Dried Figs
* Celery
* Molasses
* Beet Greens
* Raw Spinach
Eating foods that help raise pH levels can be beneficial to those with low energy levels. They can also help patients with a variety of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, gall stones and more. These and most other diseases are dependent on an acidic, low oxygen environment for survival.

If you are suffering from alkalosis, the foods in the above lists are best avoided until your pH is restored to normal levels. There are plenty of other healthy foods you can eat that will help lower your pH.

For initial pH level testing, it’s best to consult your doctor. He (or she) may give you a blood test called an electrolyte panel, which will tell him, among other things, the pH level of your blood. Once he has determined where your pH levels stand, you can use litmus paper to test your pH levels at home. The reason that it’s important to get an official test first is because home pH tests are not as accurate. But if used properly, they can give you a general idea of which direction your levels are moving in.

Acne is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be extremely annoying. Many of us struggled with acne in our teens, but it’s also quite common among adults.

There is much that still isn’t known about acne. But there are some factors that often contribute to its appearance. Some of them are easy to control, while others are difficult or impossible to do anything about.

Bacteria and Sebum

Bacteria and sebum are the root causes of acne. The bacteria P. acnes is found naturally in the skin, and so is sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands to moisturize the skin. Clogged pores, excess sebum, and the P. acnes bacteria can combine to cause damage to the pores, which shows itself as blackheads, whiteheads or pimples.

While it’s fairly straightforward how acne forms, the harder question is why it forms. Studies have shown some factors that contribute to the process:

Hormones

One of the most recognized factors that causes acne is hormones. This is why acne is so prevalent in the teens. With the onset of puberty comes an increase in hormones – including androgen, the male sex hormone. A number of studies have linked excess androgen to acne.

Other hormonal changes can also cause acne. For example, many women experience breakouts right before their menstrual periods or when using (or ceasing to use) hormonal birth control methods. Some women even find that pregnancy triggers acne for them.

Diet

Claims that eating chocolate and greasy foods causes acne have been around for many decades. But these have been found to be questionable at best. Studies have found, however, that dairy products seem to contribute to acne.

The reason that dairy products are a factor in acne is unclear. But some scientists believe that it is due to the hormones present in cow’s milk. Even milk from cows that do not receive hormone treatments contains some natural hormones.

Other Factors

There are many other things that are said to contribute to acne. One that women often experience is using the wrong cosmetics. Some makeup is greasy and can block pores, facilitating the formation of pimples. This problem can be avoided by using cosmetics that are marked as non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.

Skin irritation is also known to be a factor in acne. This can occur as a result of scrubbing, chafing, or squeezing existing pimples. As with the cosmetics, these things can make it easier for pores to become clogged.

There is much that is not known about acne, but there are many treatment options available today. Those who are predisposed to acne may not have the benefit of a cure, but these treatments can often greatly reduce or even eliminate breakouts altogether.

The kitchen is often one of the most complicated rooms in the house to clean. Most households have numerous cleaners just for the kitchen. These include floor cleaners, oven cleaners, dish detergent, and one or more surface cleaners. This is often not only expensive, it can also results in a lot of added chemicals in our homes.

Making our own natural cleaners can save money and avoid the hazards of cleaning the kitchen with harsh chemicals. Here are some cleaners you can make easily:

Oven

Traditional oven cleaner can be smelly and hazardous. To keep the oven from getting so messy in the first place, try sprinkling a generous amount of salt on spills right after they happen, while the oven is still hot. Once cooled, you can usually scrape the spill up easily.

For regular cleanings, a mixture of equal parts baking soda and hot water is safe and effective. This will make a paste that you can apply and let sit for one minute before scrubbing and rinsing off. For tough stains, add an equal part of salt to the mix, apply and heat the oven to 500 degrees for one hour, then let it cool and rinse off.

Dishes

If you wash dishes by hand, adding baking soda to liquid soap makes a cleaner that can be more effective and less damaging to the environment than regular dish detergent. There are also organic dish detergents available in health food stores. In the dishwasher, washing soda and borax are a good home-made alternative to traditional dishwasher detergents.

For the rinse cycle in the dishwasher, adding vinegar will keep your dishes spot-free. It’s also good for keeping the dishwasher itself clean. The rinse compartment in many dishwashers will not hold vinegar very well, so you might want to add it at the beginning of the rinse cycle.

For pots and pans that are greasy or have food stuck on them, soak in a solution of baking soda and water. Coarse salt and lemon juice work wonders on copper pans.

Drains and Garbage Disposals

Clogged drains can often be cleared by pouring a cup of baking soda and a cup of table salt down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Let that sit for ten minutes, then flush out with boiling water.

Baking soda and vinegar are also great for cleaning the disposal. Pour those ingredients down the disposal, let sit for ten minutes, then put a few ice cubes in the disposal and run it. Citrus peels or cut up citrus fruits that are going bad will freshen the disposal between cleanings.

Floors

Floors can often be cleaned with nothing more than a damp mop. If you need something more potent than water, white vinegar is effective and safe for almost any type of hard flooring. Dish detergent also does a good job.

Soy has long been used as a healthy substitute for many food ingredients. The bean has been touted for decades as a source of numerous nutrients, including protein, amino acids, calcium and fiber. And more recently, it has been discovered that soy also contains phytochemicals that boost its benefits to our health.

Soy for the Heart

Scientists have been studying soy’s benefits to the heart since 1909. Soy has been found to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, while preserving HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Soy also contains lecithin and Vitamin E, two natural antioxidants that are good for the heart.

Another heart benefit of soy is the fact that it contains the isoflavone genistein, which is thought to reduce blood clotting. This could help prevent both heart attacks and strokes. Genistein is also believed to help prevent the formation of artery plaque.

Soy Protects Against Cancer

Many types of cancer have been linked to elevated hormone levels. Excess estrogen, for example, has been associated with numerous types of cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. The isoflavones found in soy, genistein and daidzein, are being studied in relation to the prevention and treatment of these and other hormone-related cancers.

These components of soy are believed to prevent and sabotage the growth of cancer in a number of ways. They can prevent estrogen from entering cells, and they may block genes and processes that are necessary for cancer to take hold, grow and spread. Studies have also shown genistein to activate helpful genes that promote the self-destruction of cancer cells.

Soy for Healthy Bones

Calcium is one of the most important nutrients we can consume for healthy bones. Using soy as a replacement for animal foods allows us to keep calcium in our diet, as a number of soy foods are high in calcium. In addition to calcium, soy contains magnesium and boron, two nutrients that enhance the effects of calcium.

Soy Fights Hot Flashes

Hot flashes and night sweats are two of the most bothersome symptoms of the menopause. Research has shown that menopausal women who consume soy flour each day have a large reduction in symptoms such as hot flashes.

How Can I Add Soy to My Diet?

There are many foods available that contain soy. Soy milk can be used as a substitute for cow’s milk, and soy flour is a healthy substitute for wheat flour. Tofu is a popular soy-based food that can be eaten alone or used in recipes. And fresh green soybeans, known as Edamame, can be cooked and eaten alone or used in recipes.

Soy has numerous health benefits. It provides us with several essential nutrients, and studies have proven it helpful in the prevention and treatment of many ailments. Adding soy to your diet is very worthwhile, whether you are battling health problems or just want to improve your overall health.

If you go to the spice section in the grocery store, you will see many types of herbs. How many of those do you use in your cooking? Did you know that you can grow many of them in your own garden?

Herb gardens are great for cooking purposes, but they can also be home to medicinal and fragrant plants. And if all of those benefits aren’t enough, they are quite beautiful as well.

Cooking Herbs

There are many cooking herbs that you can grow in your garden. Basil, bay, dill and chives are just a few of the many delicious spices that come from easy-to-grow herbs. Most plants grow large enough to provide a bountiful harvest that you can share with friends and family.

Fresh herbs are much tastier than the store-bought ones because they haven’t sat around long enough to lose flavor. So a little bit goes a long way. Some cooking herbs are perennials, so they will come back for you to enjoy year after year.

Medicinal Herbs

Many herbs are known for their medicinal qualities. Yarrow, St. John’s wort, and hyssop are some of the most used medicinal herbs. Herbal remedies can be found for almost any common ailment, and they are less expensive and often have fewer side effects than traditional medicines.

Fragrant Herbs

Many herbs have a pleasant fragrance in addition to culinary uses and medicinal qualities. So some people grow herbs simply for their beauty and scent. Some fragrant herbs mingle well with regular flowers to add beauty and fragrance to a traditional garden.

Making Money with Herbs

Growing an herb garden can turn into a profitable business. Many herbalists dry and grind culinary herbs to sell, and some even make their own signature blends. Others grow medicinal herbs and sell them to companies that make herbal medicines, or directly to customers.

Herbs Make Great Gifts

Culinary, medicinal and fragrant herbs make thoughtful and useful gifts. You could give entire plants or cuttings so that recipients can grow their own. Or you could dry and grind culinary herbs that they can use in cooking. For a friend or family member who is sick, you could prepare an infusion or tincture and deliver it to him or her.

Another great way to present culinary or medicinal herbs is with recipes. You could print the recipe on some pretty stationery or a note card, package the other ingredients with it, and present it to someone who loves gourmet food or enjoys using home remedies.

There are many benefits of growing an herb garden. It puts the things you need for cooking and herbal remedies right at your fingertips. It allows you to use the ingredients fresh instead of buying them from the store, where it’s hard to tell how long they’ve been sitting on the shelf. And it allows you to make money from the herbs or give them as gifts. The many uses for herbs make herb gardening well worth the time spent.

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of any balanced diet. But nutrition experts also recommend eating a certain number of servings of meat and dairy products each day. It’s not surprising that many people who are considering becoming vegetarians hesitate because they fear that they will not get adequate nutrition.

The truth is that vegetarians can eat balanced diets too. It takes careful planning, but it’s not as difficult as one might imagine. The key to eating a balanced diet as a vegetarian is to know what foods give you the vitamins and nutrients that most people get from animal sources.

Calcium

Calcium is important because it strengthens our bones. Most people associate calcium with milk and cheese, but these are not the only sources of the important mineral. There are many vegetables that contain calcium.

Leafy green vegetables are one of the most popular sources of calcium among vegetarians. Broccoli and beans are also rich in calcium. Soy products provide lots of calcium as well, as do fortified fruit juices.

Lacto and ovo-lacto vegetarians can consume milk and milk products, so it’s easier for them to include calcium in their diets. But vegans can get the calcium they need for strong bones as well.

Protein

A common myth about vegetarianism is that it is extremely difficult to get enough protein. The fact is that although vegetarians usually eat less protein than those whose diet includes meats, meat-eaters often eat too much protein. Plant proteins can also be healthier, because they do not come with the large amounts of fat and cholesterol that animal proteins someetimes do.

Beans are a great source of protein for vegetarians. Grains, nuts, and seeds are also protein-rich. Even many vegetables, such as corn, provide a large amount of protein.

Vitamins

One thing that vegetarians usually get plenty of is vitamins. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with them, and many of these foods have several different vitamins in one delicious package. But there are a few vitamins that vegetarians need to take extra care to include in their diets:

- Vitamin B12 is one important vitamin that is usually obtained through meat, eggs or dairy products. Lacto and ovo-lacto vegetarians do not need to worry about getting enough B12 in their diets. Vegans, on the other hand, might want to consider taking B12 supplements.

- Vitamin D is also often lacking in vegan diets. Those who consume dairy products that are fortified with Vitamin D do not have to worry about it, but strict vegans usually don’t get much of the important nutrient. Two solutions are to get plenty of sunshine, which causes our bodies to create Vitamin D on their own, or to take Vitamin D supplements.

Eating a balanced diet is no harder for a vegetarian than it is for anyone else. Getting all of the vitamins and minerals we need requires us to eat a variety of foods, and to make sure those foods have enough of the things we need in them. By educating yourself about which foods have the nutrients that vegetarian diets often lack, and making it a point to include those in your diet, you can be a healthy vegetarian.

Walk into any grocery or drug store, and you’ll see a myriad of tooth whitening products on the toothpaste aisle. There are whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, and entire tooth whitening systems. Some of the toothpastes use natural ingredients such as baking soda, but most products use harsh chemicals that many of us would think twice about putting into our bodies.

There are home treatments that can give us whiter teeth without the questionable chemicals. Baking soda has been used to whiten teeth for years. Some people use it directly from the box, while others find baking soda toothpastes more palatable. Either way, it is well known that baking soda is a great tooth whitener.

Another treatment that has received a large amount of praise is strawberries. The strawberry has an enzyme called malic acid that has been found to be quite effective at whitening teeth. And as a bonus, it tastes better than those store-bought treatments.

How to Whiten Teeth With Strawberries and Baking Soda

There are a few ways that you can include strawberries and baking soda in your dental care regimen. One way is to simply cut a strawberry in half, rub the pulpy side on your teeth, and then brush with baking soda. But you can also make mixtures that include the two ingredients, for added convenience and effectiveness.

One popular method is to puree the strawberries and apply to the teeth with your toothbrush or a cosmetic brush. Let this remain on your teeth for five minutes, then brush with the baking soda. You could also mash up a strawberry or two with a small amount of baking soda and apply, then brush with regular toothpaste.

Things to Consider When Using Strawberries

It is very important to brush your teeth well after using any strawberry treatment. Strawberries do contain natural sugar, and leaving them on your teeth for long periods of time could cause cavities. And the very ingredient that whitens our teeth, malic acid, can be harmful if left on too long. Any type of acid could eat through our teeth’s enamel, and that also provides ample opportunity for cavities to form.

Due to the strawberry’s acid content, it’s probably a good idea not to use strawberry treatments too often even if you do brush well afterward. Once a week should be sufficient. It’s also important to continue to go to the dentist for regular cleanings.

While it is important to take some precautions when using strawberries and baking soda to whiten teeth, these natural whiteners are less expensive than commercial treatments. The strawberries loosen the hold of the stains on the teeth, while the baking soda buffs the stains away. And best of all, the danger of using chemicals on your teeth is not a concern.

There has been much controversy over the use of artificial sweeteners. Saccharin, for example, was once nearly banned, but got by with a warning label on products that contained it. It has since been declared safe by the government. Aspartame has also undergone scrutiny, and is believed to be responsible for a number of troublesome side effects.

With all of the bad press and uncertainty surrounding artificial sweeteners, it is understandable that people might be hesitant to use them. Even if we do use them ourselves, it has been recommended that we do not allow our children to consume them.

Saccharin

Saccharin was the source of heated debate in the 1970s. Studies linked the substance to an increased incidence of bladder cancer in male rats, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration attempted to impose a ban. They were convinced by the food industry, however, to allow the use of saccharin in products as long as the product bore a label saying that it contained saccharin and that saccharin may cause cancer.

In 2001, the FDA lifted the warning requirement, and now claims that saccharin does not cause cancer in humans. The American Medical Association, however, recommends a limit on the intake of saccharin in pregnant women and children. Considering all of the controversy surrounding saccharin, it is likely safer to avoid it altogether.

Aspartame

Aspartame has been linked to headaches, psychiatric disorders, low blood sugar and many other ailments. As a matter of fact, there are at least ninety-two side affects that have been associated with the use of aspartame. Most regulated drugs do not have that many reported side effects.

Unlike some other artificial sweeteners, aspartame dissolves easily and can end up in any tissue in the body. That means that it can cause problems with any tissue or organ. This is a problem for adults, and an even bigger problem in growing children, who could experience more damage than a person who is fully grown and developed.

Other Artificial Sweeteners

While saccharin and aspartame are two of the most controversial artificial sweeteners, most others have been associated with similar side effects. There has also been little testing done on them, so it’s hard to know just what problems could be associated with long-term use, especially among children.

Children Do Not Need Artificial Sweeteners

There is no practical reason for giving children artificial sweeteners. Even overweight children can benefit more from eating naturally sweet foods such as fruits. Giving these kinds of foods to our children in place of sugary sweets or foods with artificial sweeteners will allow them to develop a taste for them, thereby developing healthy habits that they can benefit from for life.

Acne treatments have come a long way over the years. Once limited to precious few options that were sometimes ineffective, acne sufferers now have numerous treatment choices. Some treatments can be obtained from the family doctor, some require a dermatologist’s expertise, and some can be purchased at your local discount store or herb shop. Here are six of the most popular acne treatments available:

1. Retin-A

Those who primarily suffer from persistent blackheads and whiteheads can often benefit from Retin-A. Retin-A is derived from Vitamin A and promotes the shedding of material that clogs pores and causes blackheads and whiteheads.

Retin-A often causes irritation and flaky skin, and it usually takes several weeks before patients can see a difference. Those using the drug are advised to use a moisturizer regularly and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

2. Antibiotics

Some doctors and dermatologists begin acne treatment with antibiotics. These are either taken orally or applied topically. The antibiotics work by decreasing the number of acne-causing bacteria in the skin and reducing the amount of fatty acids in the sebum.

The downside to antibiotics is that they can also kill the good bacteria that our bodies need to stay healthy. They are also associated with the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These problems are somewhat less prevalent with topical antibiotics than with oral ones.

3. Photodynamic Therapy

One of the newer techniques in acne treatment is photodynamic therapy, also known as blue light therapy. Previously used to treat cancer and other diseases and ailments, it has also been found to be an effective alternative to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of moderate to severe acne.

Photodynamic therapy is conducted as a series of three to five treatments, with two to four weeks between treatments. It is not usually covered by insurance.

4. Tea Tree Oil

One of the most effective home remedies for acne is tea tree oil. It is used by diluting and dabbing it directly onto acne lesions. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties, and that is thought to be the reason why it is so effective against acne.

5. Garlic

Garlic is another natural antibiotic, and it can be used in a variety of ways against acne. You can cleanse the skin with a solution of one part garlic juice to three parts garlic, rub raw garlic on lesions, or take it internally. The key is to use fresh garlic, because it loses its effectiveness a short time after it is skinned.

6. Vitamins

Vitamins are good for overall health, and they can be a powerful weapon in the fight against acne. B Vitamins are especially beneficial, because they fight acne in several different ways. Vitamins A, C, E, and the minerals chromium and zinc are also great.

There are vitamins available in health food stores specifically for acne sufferers, but the best way to get these vitamins is to include them in our diets.

There are more options for acne sufferers than ever before. Whether you prefer traditional treatments, non-drug therapy or natural remedies, acne can be treated effectively.

Keeping our pH levels in the right range is very important to our health. Even though certain parts of our bodies such as our stomachs produce acid, our blood pH should be slightly alkaline. If our blood pH levels are not alkaline enough, or if they are acidic, it is known as acidosis. Acidosis is associated with fatigue, and is often present alongside chronic diseases.

If our blood pH levels are too high, that can also cause problems. This condition is called alkalosis, and is often associated with dehydration. Here are some foods that can help lower our pH levels and promote good health when facing alkalosis:

Slightly Acidic Foods

These foods are slightly acidic. It is usually best to start with foods that do not contain too much acid, because they will prevent us from ending up on the opposite end of the spectrum.

* Fresh Corn
* Honey
* Pork Chops
* Whole Wheat Bread
* Eggs
* Bacon
* Lamb Chops
* English Walnuts
* Wheat Bran
* White Bread
* Veal
* Barley
* Turkey
* Steak
* Salmon
* Brown Rice
Foods With Medium Acidity

These foods are more acidic than the ones in the previous list. In the case of extreme alkalosis, they might provide faster relief.

* Wheat Germ
* Peanuts
* Chicken
* Peanut Butter
* Pasta
* Codfish
* Soda Crackers
* Haddock
* Shrimp
* Lobster
* Corned Beef
* Oatmeal
Highly Acidic Foods

These foods have the highest acidity you can find in natural food sources. They can be helpful if your pH level is extremely high.

* Sardines
* Sausage
* Dried Lentils
* Oysters
* Scallops
If you are suffering from acidosis, the foods in the above lists may be best avoided until your blood pH is restored to healthier levels. There lots of healthy foods with higher alkaline content you can eat that will help raise your pH.

While it is possible to test your own pH levels at home, it is best to go to a doctor for the initial diagnosis. Home pH tests use less reliable fluids such as saliva and urine, while the doctor can give you a blood pH test. Your doctor may also want to test for other problems based on the results of your pH test.

Once your doctor has determined where your pH stands, you can use litmus strips to test your pH level yourself at home. The results will be more variable, but they can give you a general idea of which direction your pH is going. From there, you can determine whether you need to include acidic or alkaline foods in your diet.