Health Library

by : ELIZA MARIANA

Every night we close our eyes and set off on a mysterious journey that takes us away from the physical world into a different realm. This new dimension, this special segment of reality functions according to its own rules. It has no solid borders and is often as slippery as an icy path in winter. If we try to grasp it, it runs through our fingers like water. The images are sometimes blurred and the sensations go beyond our power of expression. Yet this world has important lessons to teach us. God wouldn’t have given us the ability to dream if he hadn’t thought it was important.

When we begin our journey, we don’t know where the path is going to lead us. The diversity of dream imagery is endless, its potential enormous. The only limit is our imagination and we can never know for sure just how far it can take us. A dream can be the most fulfilling experience or it can lead to agonizing terror. Why do people’s dreams go to such extremes? Where do our nightmares come from and what can we do to stop them?Nightmares are very vivid dreams that provoke anguish and terror. The tension gradually increases until the dreamer can’t take it anymore and wakes up. Nightmares are usually accompanied by physical reactions, such as sweating, an accelerated pulse, the sensation of choking, etc. These symptoms may persist for a while after the dream ends.

The origin of the term goes back a long way in history. In the old times, people used to think bad dreams were caused by a species of demons called 'incubi', which were thought to sit on the chests of the sleepers. In Old English the name for these beings was 'mare', hence comes the word 'nightmare'.

Evidently, the modern explanation has little to do with the mischievous incubi. From a psychological point of view, nightmares are a signal that somewhere, deep inside our mind, there's something that tries to grab our attention. Our subconscious is a place we don’t normally have direct access to. However, things buried in there are constantly knocking at the gate of our conscious mind, trying to break through to the surface. When we block them, they don’t give up but seek another way to make their voice heard. Dreams are a good opportunity for them to do that.

We are, more or less, what we dream. If we are tormented by worries, fears and regrets, all these will be reflected in our dreams. Even old traumas we thought we had got rid of can come back to haunt us in our sleep. People who experience recurring nightmares usually have one or more unsolved issues in their life. These might be phobias, regrets, obsessions or traumas. Their subconscious tries to warn them by sending repeated messages, just like the alarm mechanism of an electrical device. After the issue is solved, the nightmares stop.

To clear the symptoms, one needs to treat the disease. To get rid of the unwanted effects, one needs to identify the cause and eliminate it. So don't let your nightmares scare you. Rather than seeing them as your enemies, treat them as your friends, as messengers from your subconscious. Don’t ignore them, as they will keep crying for your attention until you stop and listen to what they have to say. Their presence is a sign that it’s time to look for some answers deep inside. And as you do, keep in mind Nietzsche’s famous words, “Whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” Selengkapnya...

Allergies affect the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide on a daily basis. While allergy symptoms are generally worse during the fall and spring seasons, people with severe allergies may suffer year around.

We will discuss 10 primary causes of allergies in the home and methods you can use right now to control them or even eliminate them. Your indoor home environment is the one place you have control over and with the proper knowledge, a home can be your haven.

1. Animal dander. 1. Many people have at least one family pet of some sort. However, dogs or cats can create havoc for allergy sufferers. Dogs and cats can shed skin flakes just like humans but their skin flakes actually have an oily component to it thus making it dander. In most cases, a person with a dander allergy is sensitive to the protein of the dander and can have upper respiratory symptoms when they breathe it in or even skin rashes when exposed to it.
2. Bacteria. Bacteria is everywhere in the indoor and outdoor environment but it is bacteria particles indoors which can causes a host of upper respiratory symptoms in a person with chronic allergies. The primary breeding ground for bacteria particles is a vacuum cleaner bag. Thousands of new bacteria particles can grow everyday in a vacuum cleaner bag. A standard vacuum with a low efficient paper bag will actually circulate these new bacteria particles into the air each time the vacuum is used.
3. Dust mites. Dust mites are most definitely in the top 3 of all allergens found in the home and are also a common cause of asthma symptoms in the home. They feed on human skin flakes as well as animal dander and produce microscopic fecal matter wherever they exist. Just as animal dander, an allergy sufferer is allergic to the protein found in the fecal matter and not the dust mites themselves.
4. Foods. It is believed that most people on earth have at least one food that they are allergic to. There are literally hundreds of foods which are known to cause allergic symptoms. Food allergies are known to change and will usually get better as we age. However, persons with severe chronic allergies can have them their entire lives.
5. Fragrances. Fragrances from pesticides and perfumes are the most common of these type of allergens. A fragrance is one of the few allergens which can actually create a reaction from just the odor itself.
6. Insect stings and dead insect parts. While most people know someone who is allergic to an insect sting; most persons do not know that breathing in dead insect parts may also cause allergic symptoms. If an insect dies indoors, it will dry out and turn to particle matter in a few weeks time. These insect particles can become airborne and breathed in by an allergy sufferer. Just as other organic allergens, the protein found in the particles is what actually causes allergy reactions.
7. Latex. Latex is a natural substance made from a type of rubber tree. A latex allergy is normally found in the healthcare workplace but can be found in the home with the use of latex based kitchen gloves. Eliminating a latex allergy is as simple as disposing of all latex based products found in the home.
8. Medications. Medication allergies are normally a synergistic effect between other pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drugs. A physicians desk reference or drug manufacturer instructions should be read completely prior to taking any medications. Sometimes interactions are found out following the printing of such instructions and manufacturer web sites should be consulted on a regular basis for new interactions.
9. Molds. We have all been exposed to common molds from childhood since they are found throughout the outdoor environment. They become a problem for allergy sufferers when they invade the indoor environment and amplify on a breeding ground. Common indoor breeding grounds are air conditioning coil boxes, internally insulated supply air plenums and refrigerator drip pans.
10. Pollen. Pollen are believed to be the number one allergen in the world and is the primary cause of seasonal allergies. Some pollens can create indoor allergies when they dry out into small particles and become airborne.

You can eliminate about half of the allergens discussed above by just discontinuing their use however; allergens which are in the form of airborne particles are not so easily controlled. A true H.E.P.A. (High Efficient Particle Air) vacuum cleaner or air purifier is the only scientifically proven devices known to reduce particle allergens from the indoor air. Regular use of H.E.P.A. devices can make a dramatic improvement in allergies while at home. The H.E.P.A. filter maintains its efficiency up to five years of life. I highly recommend that you consider only the highest quality units since there are many H.E.P.A. "type" and inexpensive low-quality H.E.P.A. products on the market. Selengkapnya...

I am not sure if a good night sleep can actually help you lose weight, but it can help you in sticking to your weight loss programs and not sabotaging your efforts in losing weight. Now I am not trying to say that I am a doctor or a sleep researcher, but I am one that likes to get to the real truth behind all the hype by doing a little research and spreading the word. So you say – what does a good night sleep have to do with my weight loss efforts? A good night sleep can have many benefits to one’s health and one of these is in helping you keeping to your weight loss goals. A lack of a good night sleep can lead to better choices and staying to your diet. If you do not have a good night sleep, you will tend to retreat to sugary snacks and caffeinated beverages which can sabotage many of your weight loss progress. Also a lack of sleep has shown to create some hormone imbalances which can greatly influence our eating behavior. Now I did a lot of research on this topic, and cannot say that I follow all of the chemistry behind it, not being a doctor or a chemist; but what they all lead to in the end was that these hormone imbalances lead to cravings for food. It also can defer the feeling of being full after eating a good meal, so you will continue to eat past the point your body really needs. So Yes, a good night sleep may not directly cause you to lose weight, but it will allow you to stay on track with your weight loss program and work toward your weight loss goals. So now that we are all looking to get a good night sleep… What can we do to get a better night sleep? • Avoid watching TV before bed – it is a well known fact that the illuminating flashes of light does not allow your mind to slow down and prepare for sleep – try grabbing a good book! • Avoid any types of sugars or sugary snacks – don’t give yourself that sugary treat for being so good all day right before you go to bed. It will put your body into a blood sugar roller coaster and will lead to an un-restful night sleep • Put your work away well before bed – how are you going to settle down for sleep if you are still working over those numbers or going through that proposal in your mind and not preparing for sleep • Cut out the caffeinated drinks early in the day – you should really cut out these drinks early in the afternoon, and if you are getting a good night sleep you shouldn’t need them to make it through to the end of the day. So now you can see how a good night sleep can help you in maintaining your weight loss goals, and now how to help in getting a better night sleep – what is stopping you – stop reading this and get some sleep!
copied from amazines.com Selengkapnya...

1. Body "Building Blocks"
Amino acids are our body's building blocks. Eight of which are essential and cannot be made by the body, are found within the aloe plant! Drinking Aloe Vera gel on a regular basis allows you to help maintain your health by replenishing your body naturally with these essential amino acids! An analysis of the aloe vera plant shows that it comes closer than any other known plant to the duplication of essential amino acids.

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Aloe Vera gel has 12 natural substances that have been shown to inhibit inflammation without side effects. Aloe may also support proper joint and muscle mobility!

3. Daily Dose of Vitamins
Aloe Vera gel includes Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin!4. Daily Dose of Minerals
Some of the minerals found in the Aloe Vera gel include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc!

5. Collagen and Elastin Repair
Aloe Vera gel can add a rich supply of building materials to produce and maintain healthy skin. The skin replenishes itself every 21 to 28 days. Using the nutritional building blocks of aloe vera, the skin can utilize these nutrients daily to help combat the effects of aging!

6. Regulates Weight and Energy Levels
Aloe Vera gel naturally, and with regular use, allows the body to cleanse the digestive system! Our diets include many unwanted substances which can cause lethargy and exhaustion. Taken regularly, Aloe Vera gel ensures a greater feeling of well being, allowing energy levels to increase and helping to maintain a healthy body weight.

7. Immune Support and Function
Aloe Vera gel provides natural support for the immune system. Since the immune system works around the clock protecting the body, aloe vera, with its natural immune enhancers, gives the body a continual arsenal from which to draw.

8. Aids in Healthy Digestion
A healthy digestive tract ensures that nutrients from the foods we eat are absorbed into the blood stream. Aloe Vera gel has natural, detoxifying abilities. Drinking Aloe Vera gel regularly may improve bowel regularity and increase protein absorption, while at the same time decrease unfriendly bacteria and yeast - all done naturally! Aloe Vera gel has also demonstrated its ability to assist in soothing heartburn and other types of digestive upset!

9. Provides Rapid Soothing
Aloe Vera gel enhances fibroblast function. Fibroblasts are those remarkable little cells responsible for collagen formation. They also assist in the soothing of minor burns, cuts, scrapes and skin irritants!

10. Dental Health and Hygiene
Aloe Vera gel is extremely healthful for your mouth and gums!
By: Ghadeer Al-Essa Selengkapnya...