STROKE

Also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), a stroke is a life-threatening event in which part of the brain is deprived of adequate oxygen. A stroke can cause oxygen-starved brain cells to die. The condition must be treated immediately. According to the American Heart Association , stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or becomes clogged by a blood clot or other mass. This prevents oxygen and nutrients from getting to nerve cells in the affected area of the brain. These nerve cells can die within minutes, and the area of the body that they control may cease to function. This damage can be permanent, especially if the patient is not immediately treated.
There are two main types of strokes: Ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. This is usually due to a blood clot in an artery leading to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by excessive bleeding in or around the brain. It may be the result of factors such as high blood pressure , cerebral aneurysm or a head injury. In general, older adults are more likely to experience ischemic strokes, and young people are more likely to experience hemorrhagic strokes.
In some cases, people experience the symptoms of a stroke for a brief period of time. These are called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) – also sometimes referred to as “mini-strokes” – because symptoms are less severe than an acute ischemic stroke, and go away fairly quickly (within minutes, in most cases). However, TIAs may indicate a serious medical complication that may cause another, more serious stroke at some point in the future.
In recent years, rapid treatment of stroke has advanced as physicians have become better at identifying what kind of stroke is occurring and moving quickly to treat it. This has resulted in a higher survival rate, but also a higher rate of hospitalization as more people survive their strokes.
The focus of stroke therapy remains rapid treatment to re-establish blood flow to the brain – but even this carries some risk. When blood flow is restored (a process known as reperfusion) to the affected area of the brain, further damage can occur. Returning blood carries white blood cells that can block smaller blood vessels and release toxins harmful to brain cells . Nevertheless, brain cells deprived of oxygen can die within minutes, causing long–term disability. If the flow of blood is restricted for too long, death could result. Therefore, the benefits of restoring blood flow to the brain are considered by physicians to outweigh the risks.
A stroke may occur in any person, regardless of age. However, strokes are more common in adults than children. When a person under the age of 18 suffers a stroke, it is known as a pediatric stroke. Because they are rare, pediatric strokes are often not recognized and treatment may delayed. This increases the risk of brain damage. Children tend to have different risk factors for stroke than adults, such as congenital heart disease, sickle cell anemia, and other conditions and traumas. It is important that families with children who are at risk of pediatric stroke learn to recognize the signs of stroke.
Although strokes occur with roughly equal frequency in both men and women, women are more likely to die from stroke. This may be due to the fact that women are less likely than men to receive rapid medical assessment and treatment for stroke.
Female stroke victims account for more than 60 percent of the annual deaths due to stroke, according to the American Heart Association. In addition, 25 percent of women who have suffered a stroke will die within a year, and about 50 percent of female stroke survivors will die within eight years. That means that stroke claims more women’s lives than breast cancer. For every American woman who dies of breast cancer, two more die of stroke.
African-Americans have a higher risk of stroke than most other ethnic groups. The reasons for this are poorly understood. However, it is thought to be related to poverty, lack of access to adequate health-care and genetic factors.

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Blood Circulation and its effect on our health

Our Circulatory System
Our body circulatory system have 3 parts: pulmonary circulation (lungs), coronary circulation (heart), and systemic circulation (the rest). This system mainly involves the heart, the lungs and the blood vessels. The lungs provide oxygen for the heart to pump to the rest of our body. This is done through blood circulation, the blood carries the oxygen from the lungs to the heart.
The heart then pumps the blood full of oxygen to all of our body cells. Nutrients are also carried in the blood to these cells. Our body cells and tissues will die if they do not receive blood.
The blood always circulates throughout our body, in arteries, capillaries and veins. It moves in the arteries away from the heart, to other parts of the body. As the arteries gets smaller as the blood travels away from the heart, they become capillaries. It is from here that oxygen is supplied to the tissues and in turn, takes away the waste and carbon dioxide.
The returning blood circulation then enters the right side of the heart and moves on to the lungs, where carbon dioxide is deposited. It then picks up more oxygen and returns to the left side of the heart. The whole process is repeated as the heart pumps the blood again.
So, how do blood circulation affects our health? In many ways, in fact, the circulation affects the whole body and its functions, and is a basic precondition to maintain good health. Below are some cases of the effects of blood circulation.

Brain
In this circulatory system, about 20% of the blood pumped from our heart goes to the brain, which only represents 2% of our body's weight.
Good Blood Circulation gives:
• Good memory and concentration
• Good coordination of body parts
• Quick response to stimulation
Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Headache
• Feeling faint and dizziness
• Reduced or poor mental clarity - forget names easily
• Poor comprehension of figures
Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Dementia
• Short term memory loss, inability to think through problems, confusion, paranoia, bizarre behaviour
• Stroke
• Long term build up of cholesterol in the brain's blood vessels may narrow the blood vessels and hence, disrupt blood flow.
• When the blood vessels in the brain are blocked or rupture due to increased pressure, a person is said to suffer from stroke.
• Stroke victims may suffer paralysis, impaired speech, or even death.

Heart Muscles
Good Blood Circulation gives:
• Good energy and stamina
• Regular and normal heart rate
Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing difficulty is a common symptom of inadequate blood flow to the heart
• Feeling faint and dizziness
• Fatigue
• Easily feels tired when performing physical activities such as jogging
Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Angina
• Chest pains due to poor circulation to the heart
• Heart attack
• Fatty materials build up gradually in the heart's blood vessels, narrowing the path and obstructs blood flow. Eventually, this triggers a heart attack.
• Heart failure have a high risk of death, while a mild or moderate heart attack may gradually cause heart failure months or years after the heart attack.

Liver
Our liver performs many vital functions, which includes:
• Metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein
• Removal of worn-out cells, drugs and toxins
• Storage for glycogen, vitamins and minerals
• Activating Vitamin D
Good Blood Circulation gives:
• Good energy and stamina
• Few or no allergies
• Smooth and healthy skin
• Normal glucose level
Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Poor appetite and weight loss
• Itchy skin
Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Lethargy
• Jaundice

Kidneys
Our kidneys
• Eliminate excess water, urea, uric acid and other waste materials
• Regulate the blood pressure, blood pH and blood volume
• Help synthesize and secrete hormones
Good Blood Circulation gives:
• Good energy and stamina
• Little or no incidence of water retention
• Normal blood pressure and heart rate
Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Build-up of waste and water in your body
• Symptoms: Swelling of face, hands, ankles or feet
• Fatigue
• Rapid heart rate and light-headedness
Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Kidney failure

Legs/Hands
Good Blood Circulation gives:
• Warm feet and hands
• Low incidence of foot ulcer
• Quick healing of all wounds

Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Cold hands and feet, may feel numb
Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Varicose veins
• Poor healing of wounds
• Cyanosis
• Skin looks blue due to lack of oxygen supply to body parts

Reproductive Organs
Good Blood Circulation gives:
• Normal sex drive
• Hormonal balance
• Enhanced vitality
Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Low libido
Severely Unhealthy Blood Circulation gives:
• Impotency

LIVER

The liver is a vital organ in the human body and is present in vertebrates and some other animals. The liver is necessary for survival; a human can only last up to 24 hours without liver function.[citation needed] It plays a major role in metabolism and has a number of functions in the body, including glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, plasma protein synthesis, and detoxification. The liver is also the largest gland in the human body. It lies below the diaphragm in the thoracic region of the abdomen. It produces bile, an alkaline compound which aids in digestion, via the emulsification of lipids. It also performs and regulates a wide variety of high-volume biochemical reactions requiring very specialized tissues.

Anatomy
The adult human liver normally weighs between 1.4 - 1.6 kilograms (3.1 - 3.5 pounds),[4] and it is a soft, pinkish-brown, triangular organ. Averaging about the size of an American football in adults, it is both the largest internal organ and the largest gland in the human body.
It is located on the right side of the upper abdomen below the diaphragm anatomy. The liver lies to the right of the stomach and overlies the gallbladder.
Flow of blood
The splenic vein joins the inferior mesenteric vein, which then together join the superior mesenteric vein to form the hepatic portal vein, bringing venous blood from the spleen, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, so that the liver can process the nutrients and by-products of food digestion.
The hepatic veins of the blood can be from other branches such as the superior mesenteric artery.
Both the portal venules & the hepatic arterioles enter approximately one million identical lobules acini, likened to and changes in the size of chylomicrons lipoproteins of dietary origin brought about by the quantity & types of food fats.[c
Approximately 60% to 80% of the blood flow to the liver is from the portal venous system, and 1/5th of blood flow is from the hepatic artery.

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Low Cholesterol Diet

By Peter Emerson
Nowadays, cholesterol is becoming a real threat to many people. The main reason behind this is that people tend to consume more products that are rich in saturated fats, such as whole milk dairy products, poultry, and egg yolks.
Additionally, most people also rely on food chains for their daily diet or perhaps on processed foods, especially if their schedule is too hectic to accommodate home cooking. So if you are one of these people who love to eat these kinds of foods, it’s time to reassess your diet and start eating a low-cholesterol diet.
The low-cholesterol diet is a diet low in saturated fat, which helps lower your cholesterol level and protect you from various heart diseases. The foods that should be included in this diet are fat-free dairy products, lean meats, fish and shellfish, skinless poultry, and whole-grain foods. Fresh fruits and green vegetables, especially when combined with large quantities of olive oil and monostaturates, should also be included because these are rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for your body and reduce your risk for high cholesterol. In addition to these, certain foods that contain plant stanols or plant sterols such as cholesterol-lowering margarines and salad dressings can also be added to your diet to boost your body’s LDL-lowering power.
Meanwhile, foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats should only be eaten in moderation. If possible, these should not be included in your diet. Avoid liver and other organ meats, egg yolks, full-fat dairy products, high-fat processed meats, and fried foods. Limiting the intake of these foods can greatly reduce your cholesterol levels and decrease your chances of developing heart disease, as well as protect you from future heart attacks.
A simple low-cholesterol diet is a big help to you, but only if you observe and follow these guidelines regularly. Remember that your health is in your hands.

A Secret Of Anti Aging

By Stephanie Relfe B.Sc. (Sydney)

Anti aging is possible. The body is designed to heal and repair itself with the aid of proper nutrition. The body requires two vital materials to complete this - energy and raw material. These two requirements are needed to maintain the cell's proper functions. The body is made up of cells and all cells are living. All living things need food. Each cell needs the proper food to keep it strong. Cells die and replace themselves at various intervals. To understand antin-aging, understand that when a cell replaces itself it has three options that it can replace itself with:

1. A cell may replace itself with a weaker cell each time. A cell will do this if it hasn't had the right nutritional foods available to it. This process is called degeneration.

2. A cell can replace itself with the same strength cell. This means the body doesn't improve. That is, you have a chronic condition.

3. The cell is capable of replacing itself with a stronger and better cell. This will happen only if the cell has an abundance of energy and the right raw materials. This process is called regeneration. It is anti-aging.

Many of the foods that we have been told are good for us in actual fact may cause degeneration. This can be shown by muscle testing. Your kinesiologist can supply you with information on which foods to avoid to stop degeneration, and which foods to buy to aid regeneration and anti-aging.

FOODS WHICH CAN CAUSE DEGENERATION AND AGING ARE:

High levels of carbohydrate

Sugar

Milk (especially homogenized milk) and cheese

Caffeine - Including Tea, Coffee, chocolate, cola, chuppa chups

Chocolate (it contains dangerous levels of lead!)

Cigarettes

White flour

Microwaved food

Chemicals such as flouride (which is a rat poison)

Artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame / nutrasweet)

Alcohol

Processed foods

Artificial Colorings (as in Gatorade)

Additives

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Preserved meat

Moderate to high levels of meat

Meat from animals on unnatural diets (eg pork)

Margarine

Vegetable oil

Canola oil

Cotton seed oil

Olestra

Hydrogenated oils

Oil that is not cold pressed / expeller pressed (use olive oil, butter or ghee)

Deep fried foods

Chips / French fries

Puffed grains

Soy products other than soy sauce, miso and tofu (eg soy milk & soy oil)

Meat and eggs raised by `normal' methods which have many toxins and hormones.

Seafood which are garbage eaters (eg oysters)

Foods with high levels of mercury. This includes most fish, such as tuna.

Genetically Modified Food (GMOs). At present this is about 50% of all soy and corn. Even organic soy and corn can have GMOs in it unless otherwise stated.

A MAJOR cause of aging is heavy metals. Virtually all of us suffer from heavy metal toxicity.

The best way to remove heavy metals is by chelation, by I.V. or by suppository.

FOODS WHICH CAN HELP REGENERATION AND ANTI-AGING INCLUDE:

RAW nuts, seeds, soaked and sprouted grains

Fruit and vegetables especially sprouts

Green leafy vegetables

Legumes (bean and lentils - learn Indian cooking to make them interesting)

Goji Juice & Berries - Possibly the best anti-aging substance in the world.

Super Food

Seeds

Bee pollen (not for everyone-some are allergic to pollen from some areas)

Kambucha

Celtic sea salt

Spirulina

Seaweed

Wheatgrass juice

Barley greens

Aloe Vera

Antioxidants (eg vitamin C, vitamin E, pycnogenols, coenzyme Q10)

Olive oil

Evening primrose oil

MSM (organic sulphur)

Foods with omega 3 fatty acids (eg flaxseed oil) and

Foods with omega 4 & 5 fatty acids (eg evening primrose and fish oil).

Gentle sunlight (vitamin D)

Gentle exercise.

A good night's sleep every night, minimum eight hours.

In addition, frequent drinks of good water is crucial. We believe the best water is water that has been filtered by reverse osmosis. Next best would be spring water. Tap water is not as good because of the chlorine and the fluoride (although it is better than nothing). Distilled water is not as good for you - its energy has been altered. In Europe distilled water is labelled ``not for human consumption". Mineral water is not as good because the minerals are not in a form your body likes. Water that comes from the top of mountains is no good because, according to genius Victor Schauberger, it is lacking in oxygen. Many people's health problems and anti-aging would improve if they would just drink more good water!

Nutritionists like to divide food into a number of different groups. I suggest that you think about dividing food up into two food groups. One group produces acids when it is digested. The other group produces alkalies when it is digested. Our bodies are constantly producing waste products, much the same as the exhaust coming from the back of your car. Waste products are acidic. They are called toxins. Toxins cause tiredness, pain and aging. Therefore, if you want more energy and less pain and anti-aging, you need to eat less acid-producing food.

Foods that produce acids are carbohydrates and proteins. 'Foods' such as tea, coffee, softdrinks, sugar, flavourings, artificial sweetener and preserved meats are even more acidic i.e. toxic. And pollutants (such as heavy metals) and pesticides are even worse.

To neutralise an acid you need an alkali. The only foods that produce alkalis are fruit and vegetables, particularly leafy, green vegetables, such as sprouts, parsley and cabbage. That is why people should eat LOTS of fruit and especially vegetables, for anti-aging. Raw is best. And steamed is much, much better than boiled (as it retains the vitamins and minerals).

Once you begin to understand this, it is easy to see why so many people are suffering from health problems. Have a look at what people put into their shopping carts next time you are at the supermarket. (Lots of white bread, soft drinks and preserved meats). And have a look at what people have on their plate next time you are in a restaurant. Lots of carbohydrate and protein, and very few vegetables, except maybe for some lettuce.

This is not to say that we don't need protein and complex carbohydrates. We do. The key is BALANCE. We need to balance the acid-producing foods we eat with much more alkali-producing foods, especially if we suffer from symptoms such as tiredness,pain, illness, gas and skin problems.

The other thing to bear in mind is that the body has hundreds of different chemical reactions going on, for which it needs at least NINETY different things, including vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Therefore, people need more variety in their diet, to ensure that they get everything their body needs, for effective anti-aging.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not medical science or medical advice. This information is not backed up by scientific evidence. This is just for your information. This information and these products have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, disorder, pain, injury, deformity, or physical or mental condition. Individual results may vary.

About the Author : Stephanie Relfe was born in Sydney Australia. She now lives in the USA with her husband and son. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Sydney University. She is a professional kinesiologist and the webmaster of "Health, Wealth & Happiness" at www.relfe.com, a website which provides valuable natural health, mind, spirit, financial and other information unifying the whole, rather than educating a part of the whole.

Bipolar Disease

Definition
Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of excitability (mania) alternating with periods of depression. The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very abrupt.

Alternative Names
Manic depression; Bipolar affective disorder

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally and usually appears between the ages of 15 and 25. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder results from disturbances in the areas of the brain that regulate mood. During manic periods, a person with bipolar disorder may be overly impulsive and energetic, with an exaggerated sense of self. The depressed phase brings overwhelming feelings of anxiety, low self-worth, and suicidal thoughts.
There are two primary types of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder I have had at least one fully manic episode with periods of major depression. In the past, bipolar disorder I was called manic depression.
People with bipolar disorder II seldom experience full-fledged mania. Instead they experience periods of hypomania (elevated levels of energy and impulsiveness that are not as extreme as the symptoms of mania). These hypomanic periods alternate with episodes of major depression.
A mild form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymia involves periods of hypomania and mild depression, with less-severe mood swings. People with bipolar disorder II or cyclothymia may be misdiagnosed as having depression alone.

Symptoms
The manic phase may last from days to months and include the following symptoms:
• Elevated mood
o Racing thoughts
o Hyperactivity
o Increased energy
o Lack of self-control
• Inflated self-esteem (delusions of grandeur, false beliefs in special abilities)
• Over-involvement in activities
• Reckless behavior
o Spending sprees
o Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug use
o Sexual promiscuity
o Impaired judgment
• Tendency to be easily distracted
• Little need for sleep
• Easily agitated or irritated
• Poor temper control
These symptoms of mania are seen with bipolar disorder I. In people with bipolar disorder II, hypomanic episodes involve similar symptoms that are less intense.
The depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder involves very serious symptoms of major depression:
• Persistent sadness
• Fatigue or listlessness
• Sleep disturbances
o Excessive sleepiness
o Inability to sleep
• Eating disturbances
o Loss of appetite and weight loss
o Overeating and weight gain
• Loss of self-esteem
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and/or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Withdrawal from friends
• Withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyed
• Persistent thoughts of death
There is a high risk of suicide with bipolar disorder. While in either phase, patients may abuse alcohol or other substances, which can worsen the symptoms.
Sometimes there is an overlap between the two phases. Manic and depressive symptoms may occur simultaneously or in quick succession in what is called a mixed state.

Signs and tests
A diagnosis of bipolar disorder involves consideration of many factors. The health care provider may do some or all of the following:
• Observe your behavior and mood
• Obtain your medical history, including any medical problems you have and any medications you take
• Ask about your recent mood swings and how long you've experienced them
• Ask about your family medical history, particularly whether anyone has or had bipolar disorder
• Perform a thorough examination to identify or rule out physical causes for the symptoms
• Request laboratory tests to check for thyroid problems or drug levels
• Speak with your family members to discuss their observations about your behavior
Note: Use of recreational drugs may be responsible for some symptoms, though this does not rule out bipolar affective disorder. Drug abuse may itself be a symptom of bipolar disorder.

Treatment
Bipolar disorder is often treated with mood-stabilizing medications such as valproic acid, lithium, and carbamazepine. These are effective for treating both the manic and depressive phases, as well as preventing future symptoms.
Antidepressant drugs may be useful during the depressive phase IF the antidepressants are used with a mood stabilizer. Mood stabilizers are very important in people with bipolar disorder. Without a mood stabilizer, antidepressants may trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. (Keep in mind that people with bipolar disorder II may be misdiagnosed with depression only because they do not experience full-fledged mania. If these patients take antidepressants without mood stabilizers, it can trigger a manic episode.)
Anti-psychotic drugs can help a person who has lost touch with reality. Anti-anxiet drugs, such as benzodiazepines, may also help. The patient may need to stay in a hospital until his or her mood has stabilized and symptoms are under control.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat bipolar disorder. ECT is a psychiatric treatment that uses an electrical current to cause a brief seizure of the central nervous system while the patient is under anesthesia. Studies have repeatedly found that ECT is the most effective treatment for depression that is not relieved with medications.
Getting enough sleep helps keep a stable mood in some patients. Psychotherapy may be a useful option during the depressive phase. Joining a support group may be particularly helpful for bipolar disorder patients and their loved ones.

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Be Healthy With Organic Food

Today's society is vigilant towards consciousness for health and people are constantly searching for factors that are able to give them an edge for achieving to be healthy. We all know that healthy diet, constant physical activity regime, and sufficient rest have profound impact upon our entire vitality. Subsequently, there are an overwhelming number of groups who swear that organic food is extremely beneficial for the overall health of individuals.

How Are Organic Foods Produced? Produced in organic farms, these foods are grown under stern supervision and guidelines and are packaged and grown without using any pesticides, man-made fertilizers, preservatives, artificial colorings and other chemicals. Non-organic products are subjected to various chemicals, which are usually not thoroughly studied so that their effects over the consumers' body can be understood and contemplated. These chemicals may be linked to anything from some types of cancer to food allergies.

Benefits Of Consuming Organic Food One of the main advantages of consuming organic food is that these food products are not at all subjected to any unreliable substances. Dairy and meat products prepared under organic principles are also free from any form of chemicals. Non-organic agricultural farmers usually subject the livestock to various chemical supplements designed for speeding their weight and growth. Further, cows in the dairies are given chemicals for increasing their milk productivity.

As per the guidelines for organic foods, the livestock is reared without using any antibiotics or growth hormones and are not genetically modified in any way. The benefits of organic foods are that the livestock are given only organic feed which is free from chemicals and supplements.

Another advantage of consuming organic food is its friendliness to the environment. The non-organic foods are treated through chemicals, which are responsible to change the landscape and contaminate the surrounding ground and water supplies. The ground in which organic food is grown experiences no changes. Making commitment towards using organic foods will make you healthy as the benefits of organic foods lie in enjoying natural whole foods free of chemicals.

As the benefits of organic foods are long lasting and varied to the environment, the decision for going organic is responsible and a healthy one.

In several countries, the producers of organic foods need to get an organic certification so that they can advertise their food products as organic. Chemical free food products are not able to cure any existing illness but are believed to reduce the risks of intoxication of the body, thereby leading to lesser health related problems. The market of organic foods has been fast developing, as the customers are becoming increasingly health conscious and aware about the after effects of pesticides and chemical fertilizers used in crops on their health.

Virtually, everyone may agree that organic vegetables, fruits, fish and meats are preferred to non-organic foods grown with insecticides, fungicides and chemical fertilizers. At present, non-organic food growers are allowed to make use of more than 1000 chemicals upon their crops, which may heavily lead to soil erosion because of over-farming to the dangerous toxics running off into drinking water.